BHP operational review for quarter ended 30 September 2026

Safety

The deaths of two colleagues at Escondida and Peak Downs are acknowledged as a profound loss. Investigations are underway and the company says it will continue strengthening controls to pursue a fatality‑free business.

Production and operations

Copper production was lower in the first quarter, reflecting planned grade declines and scheduled maintenance, alongside temporary disruptions from severe weather in Chile, stops for safety and a conveyor failure at Carrapateena.

Bulk commodities delivered a strong start to FY27 through a maintenance‑intensive quarter. WAIO set records at both the mine and port, while BMA and NSW Energy Coal delivered higher production than the same period last year.

Growth projects

BHP says it is building the next phase of growth in copper and potash, strengthening its copper portfolio by funding the Escondida New Concentrator, growing the resource base and long‑term production potential at Copper South Australia, and expanding its copper pipeline across the Americas.

Jansen is rapidly taking shape; Stage 1 is 87% complete and on track for first production in mid‑2027, bringing a new commodity into the portfolio.

Market outlook

Global markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty and elevated energy and freight costs, but demand for commodities is described as resilient, supported by industrialisation and urbanisation in China and India and by investment in data centres and enabling infrastructure. Copper prices were around 50% higher than a year earlier, which the company says supported earnings, particularly in copper.