BHP produced over 2M tonnes of copper in FY25, marking a 28% increase over three years, a rally that is “spurring strong financials, major investments and sustainability progress.”
A recent article in Carbon Credits outlines how BHP is not only doubling down on copper given global demand to help fuel clean energy and electric vehicles, but is using its profits to invest in sustainability too. This includes:
Strategic Investments in Copper
BHP aims to cut operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% from FY20 levels by FY30, and reach net zero by 2050. Achievements so far include:
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- Escondida Expansion (Chile): $2B investment to boost output by 22%, targeting nearly 1M tonnes annually, using advanced technology and sustainable practices.
- Copper South Australia: Potential to double production and includes a 158,000-hectare conservation project.
Sustainability and Decarbonisation
BHP aims to cut operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% from FY20 levels by FY30, and reach net zero by 2050. Achievements so far include:
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- Emissions are already 36% below FY20 levels (adjusted).
- Shipping emissions intensity is 44% lower than the 2008 baseline.
Innovations
BHP is exploring technological innovations to advance sustainable performance, including:
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- NeoSmelt Electric Smelting Furnace pilot at feasibility stage.
- Advancements in steel decarbonisation, low-carbon shipping (ammonia, wind-assist, biofuels), and electric mining equipment.
- At least $4B planned for decarbonisation in the 2030s.
- Partnerships to reduce truck movements and boost Indigenous procurement by 40%.
Technology and Innovation
- BHP uses advanced techniques like ore sorting, precision mining, and water management to extract more copper from lower-grade ores.
- These innovations increase output, reduce environmental impact, and reinforce BHP’s reliability as a global supplier.
Full Carbon Credits article: https://carboncredits.com/bhp-mines-2-million-tonnes-of-copper-in-fy25-boosting-ev-and-renewable-growth/