Solid operational performance in copper, iron ore and energy coal.
BHP, Media Release, 18 April 2024
We have released our BHP Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2024.
BHP Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry:
“We remain on track to meet copper, iron ore and energy coal production for the year. Copper volumes have increased by 10 per cent reflecting strong performance and additional tonnes from Copper South Australia, record year-to-date performance from Spence, and improved grades and production at Escondida.
“Western Australia Iron Ore, the lowest cost iron ore producer globally, delivered another consistent period of production despite heavy rainfall. We continue to invest in improvements to our rail and port operations, which are essential for growth in the medium term to 305 million tonnes per annum and beyond.
“At our BMA metallurgical coal operations in Queensland, significant wet weather including the impact of two tropical cyclones and operational challenges impacted production and unit costs, and we have revised guidance for the year. We successfully completed the sale of the Blackwater and Daunia mines on 2 April for a total of up to US$4.1 bn (100 per cent).
“In Canada, the Jansen Stage 1 project remains ahead of its initial schedule and is now 44 per cent complete. In Western Australia, we expect to announce a decision on the future of our nickel business in the coming months, where efforts to optimise operations and preserve value are underway.”
