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Quarterly Activities Report

17th Oct 2024 07:00

RNS Number : 5104I
BHP Group Limited
17 October 2024
 

17 October 2024

Operational review for the quarter ended 30 September 2024

Strong operational performance with increased copper, iron ore and coal production.

"BHP had a strong start to the 2025 financial year, with production up across all major commodities for the quarter. Copper production was up 4% due to higher grade and recoveries at Escondida, and WAIO production was up 3% as we unlocked capacity by completing the debottlenecking work at the port.

We are also seeing signs of stabilisation in our steelmaking coal business with production up 20% in the quarter, excluding the recently divested Blackwater and Daunia mines.

We added to our copper growth prospects in the quarter, announcing a proposed 50/50 joint venture in Argentina with Lundin Mining to advance what we consider to be one of the most significant global copper discoveries in decades.

In Canada, our Jansen Stage 1 potash project is 58% complete after a productive summer period with first production scheduled in around two years.

China has announced a series of monetary easing policies in an effort to support economic growth, and has indicated more significant fiscal stimulus is on the horizon. Upcoming stimulus is likely to focus on relieving local debt, stabilising the property market and bolstering business confidence."

Mike Henry

BHP Chief Executive Officer

Summary

Operational excellence

Social value

On track to meet FY25 production guidance

Climate Transition Action Plan

Strong operational performance with copper production increasing 4% driven by higher concentrator feed grades and recoveries at Escondida. Production at WAIO increased 2% following commissioning of the Port Debottlenecking Project (PDP1) and completion of the South Flank ramp up.

We released our second Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) which lays out our climate strategy and GHG emissions goals and targets, and provides an in depth view of our plans and how we're progressing against them. The CTAP will be put to a shareholder advisory vote at our upcoming AGM on 30 October 2024. We also announced collaborations with India's JSW Steel and Carbon Clean and Steel Authority of India to support decarbonisation technology in steelmaking.

Portfolio

Outlook

Increased exposure to copper

Copper outlook supports growth pipeline

In July, we agreed to jointly acquire Filo Corp. with Lundin Mining through a Canadian plan of arrangement. In September, the Filo Corp shareholders approved the plan of arrangement. We also agreed to form a 50/50 joint venture with Lundin Mining to consolidate and advance the Filo del Sol and Josemaria copper projects. We expect the transaction to complete in Q3 FY25, subject to regulatory approvals.

We published our outlook for the copper market, including copper demand, copper supply and long-term copper pricing. We expect copper demand to grow by 70% by 2050, as a result of traditional economic growth, electrification and the energy transition, and digital infrastructure (including data centres). We will be hosting an investor site visit to our Chilean copper assets in November 2024 to outline our attractive organic copper growth pipeline in the region.

Production

Quarter performance

Production guidance

Q1 FY25

v Q4 FY24

v Q1 FY24

Current FY25guidance

Copper (kt)

 476.3

(6%)

4%

1,845 - 2,045

Escondida (kt)

304.2

(2%)

11%

1,180 - 1,300

Unchanged

Pampa Norte (kt)i

60.1

(9%)

(23%)i

240 - 270i

Unchanged

Copper South Australia (kt)

73.4

(18%)

2%

310 - 340

Unchanged

Antamina (kt)

36.3

(5%)

12%

115 - 135

Unchanged

Carajás (kt)

2.3

10%

10%

-

-

Iron ore (Mt)

 64.6

(7%)

2%

255 - 265.5

WAIO (Mt)

 63.4

(7%)

2%

250 - 260

Unchanged

WAIO (100% basis) (Mt)

 71.6

(7%)

3%

282 - 294

Unchanged

Samarco (Mt)

1.3

23%

4%

5 - 5.5

Unchanged

Steelmaking coal - BMA (Mt)

4.5

(8%)

(19%)ii

16.5 - 19

BMA (100% basis) (Mt)

9.0

(8%)

(19%)ii

33 - 38

Unchanged

Energy coal - NSWEC (Mt)

3.7

(2%)

2%

13 - 15

Unchanged

Nickel - Western Australia Nickel (kt)

19.6

(15%)

(3%)

-

-

i Q1 FY24 includes 9.5 kt from Cerro Colorado which entered care and maintenance in December 2023. Excluding these volumes, Q1 FY25 production decreased 13%. Production guidance for FY25 is for Spence only. Refer to production and sales report and copper for further information.

ii Q1 FY24 production includes 1.8 Mt (3.7 Mt on a 100% basis) from Blackwater and Daunia mines which were divested on 2 April 2024. Excluding these volumes, Q1 FY25 production increased 20%. Refer to production and sales report and steelmaking coal for further information.

 

Further information in Appendix 1

Detailed production and sales information for all operations in Appendix 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Segment and asset performance | FY25 YTD v FY24 YTD

Copper

Production

476 kt Up 4%

Q1 FY24 457 kt

FY25e 1,845 - 2,045 kt

 

Average realised price

US$4.24/lb Up 17%

Q1 FY24 US$3.63/lb

 

 

Total copper production increased 4% to 476 kt. Copper production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 1,845 and 2,045 kt.

Escondida 304 kt Up 11% (100% basis)

Increased production primarily due to a higher concentrator feed grade of 1.00% (Q1 FY24: 0.85%) and higher recoveries as mining progressed into areas of higher-grade ore as planned. This was partially offset by planned lower cathode production, as the integration of the FullSaL project continued. The project remains on track for first production later in FY25.

A new collective agreement with Union N°1 of Operators and Maintainers was signed and became effective for 36 months from 2 August 2024. The associated industrial action did not have a material impact on production during the quarter as a result of mitigating actions taken by management, including mine resequencing and prioritisation of ore movement.

During Q1 FY25, one access ramp into the PL1 high grade mining area was impacted by geotechnical instability. We utilised alternative access ramps and completed stabilisation works, and as a result no material production impacts are expected.

Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 1,180 and 1,300 kt, weighted to the second half. Concentrator feed grade for FY25 is expected to remain above 0.90%.

Pampa Norte 60 kt Down 23%

Spence production decreased 13% as expected, as a result of lower cathode production in line with an expected decline in stacked feed grade and planned quarterly maintenance at the concentrator. Concentrator feed grade and recoveries are in line with prior periods.

Production guidance for Spence remains unchanged at between 240 and 270 kt for FY25.

Cerro Colorado remains in temporary care and maintenance (having contributed 9.5 kt in Q1 FY24).

Copper South Australia 73 kt Up 2%

Higher production primarily driven by strong underlying operational performance, particularly at Carrapateena following the commissioning of Crusher 2 in Q3 FY24 which has enabled higher productivity from the sub-level cave and resulted in an increase in ore mined and milled. We also completed planned major maintenance at Olympic Dam on the hoist and underground materials handling system, and annual planned maintenance at the refinery. Production was lower at Prominent Hill due to minor pit geotechnical instability and ventilation constraints which impacted trucking capacity and ore mined, both of which have since been rectified.

Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 310 and 340 kt, weighted to the second half.

Other copper

At Antamina, copper production increased 12% to 36 kt as a result of higher ore grade and recoveries, partially offset by planned lower concentrator throughput. Zinc production was 46% lower at 19 kt, as a result of planned lower feed grades. FY25 copper production guidance of between 115 and 135 kt and zinc production guidance of between 90 and 110 kt remain unchanged.

Carajás produced 2.3 kt of copper and 1.7 troy koz of gold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Iron ore

Production

65 Mt Up 2%

Q1 FY24 63 Mt

FY25e 255 - 265.5 Mt

 

Average realised price

US$80.10/wmt Down 18%

Q1 FY24 US$98.04/wmt

 

 

 

Iron ore production increased 2% to 65 Mt. Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 255 and 265.5 Mt.

WAIO 63.4 Mt Up 2% | 71.6 Mt (100% basis)

Production increased as a result of strong supply chain performance with increased capacity unlocked by PDP1. Higher volumes were delivered from the Central Pilbara hub (South Flank and Mining Area C) following the completion of South Flank ramp up in FY24. We continue to progress the multi-year Rail Technology Program (RTP1), with tie-in activity increasing in FY25.

Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 250 and 260 Mt (282 and 294 Mt on a 100% basis).

Samarco 1.3 Mt Up 4% | 2.6 Mt (100% basis)]

Production increased due to early resumption of Pelletizing Plant No. 4 enabling improved performance. Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 5 and 5.5 Mt. The second concentrator at Samarco is expected to come online during Q3 FY25, which will increase production capacity to ~16 Mtpa of pellets (100% basis) once fully ramped up, which is expected to be by the end of FY26.

BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale have been engaging in negotiations with the Brazilian State and Federal Governments and other public entities to seek a settlement of obligations under the Framework Agreement, the Federal Public Prosecution Office Claim, and other claims by government entities relating to the Samarco dam failure. Those negotiations are ongoing.

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group (UK) Limited are defendants to a group action claim in the English High Court, brought by over 600,000 claimants seeking damages in relation to the Fundão Dam failure in 2015. The liability hearing for the group action will begin on 21 October 2024.

Coal

Steelmaking coal

Production

4.5 Mt Down 19%

Q1 FY24 5.6 Mt

FY25e 16.5 - 19 Mt

 

Average realised price

US$214.86/t Down 9%

Q1 FY24 US$237.07/t  

BMA 4.5 Mt Down 19% | 9 Mt (100% basis)

Production increased 20% (excluding 1.8 Mt from Blackwater and Daunia in Q1 FY24), due to increased stripping enabled by improved truck productivity as well as Q1 FY24 being impacted by the extended longwall move at Broadmeadow. We maintain our focus on restoring value chain stability, with an increase in raw coal inventory, which will continue into CY26.

During the quarter we completed planned maintenance at Goonyella Riverside and Hay Point Coal Terminal, and commenced a longwall move at Broadmeadow.

Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 16.5 and 19 Mt (33 and 38 Mt on a 100% basis).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Energy coal

Production

3.7 Mt Up 2%

Q1 FY24 3.6 Mt

FY25e 13 - 15 Mt

 

Average realised price

US$124.32/t Down 1%

Q1 FY24 US$125.66/t

NSWEC 3.7 Mt Up 2%

Production increased 2%, including a higher proportion of washed coal in line with our strategy of prioritising higher quality coals. This was enabled by a drawdown of inventory to offset the impacts of reduced truck availability and unfavourable weather conditions.

Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 13 and 15 Mt. 

The modification to extend mining consent to 30 June 2030 is currently being assessed by the NSW Government with an outcome anticipated in Q3 FY25.

Group & Unallocated

Nickel

Production

19.6 kt Down 3%

Q1 FY24 20.2 kt

 

Average realised price

US$16,359/t Down 20%

Q1 FY24 US$20,354/t

Western Australia Nickel 19.6 kt Down 3%

Production decreased as we commenced the temporary suspension of operations at Nickel West. Operations will be suspended from October 2024 and handover activities will be completed by December 2024. We continue to support the workforce through this transition period and have made redeployment offers to a large portion of our frontline employees.

We expect costs to remain elevated during the transition to suspension in the first half and we plan to invest ~US$300 m per annum beginning in January 2025 to preserve optionality for a potential restart.

No production guidance has been provided for FY25.

Quarterly performance | Q1 FY25 v Q4 FY24

Copper

Iron ore

476 kt Down 6%

Q4 FY24 505 kt

Lower production due to planned maintenance, in particular across Copper SA, lower concentrator throughput and production across leaching at Escondida due to mine sequencing, and planned lower grades at Spence.

65 Mt Down 7%

Q4 FY24 69 Mt

Lower production at WAIO as a result of planned equipment maintenance and increased RTP1 tie-in activity.

Steelmaking coal

Energy coal

4.5 Mt Down 8%

Q4 FY24 4.9 Mt

 

Lower production as a result of the ramp down and commencement of the longwall move at Broadmeadow in Q1 FY25, and higher yield and lower strip ratio in the prior quarter as a result of mine sequencing.

3.7 Mt Down 2%

Q4 FY24 3.8 Mt

Slightly lower production due to operational challenges from truck availability and wet weather, partially offset by a drawdown of inventory.

Nickel

19.6 kt Down 15%

Q4 FY24 23.0 kt

Lower production as transition of operations to temporary suspension commenced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Appendix 1

Average realised pricesi

Quarter

Q1 FY25

v Q4 FY24

v Q1 FY24

Copper (US$/lb)ii

4.24

(7%)

17%

Iron ore (US$/wmt, FOB)

80.10

(12%)

(18%)

Steelmaking coal (US$/t)iii

214.86

(12%)

(9%)

Thermal coal (US$/t)iv

124.32

1%

(1%)

Nickel metal (US$/t)v

16,359

(11%)

(20%)

i Based on provisional, unaudited estimates. Prices exclude sales from equity accounted investments, third party product and internal sales, and represent the weighted average of various sales terms (for example: FOB, CIF and CFR), unless otherwise noted. Includes the impact of provisional pricing and finalisation adjustments.

ii Sales from Carrapateena and Prominent Hill acquired through the purchase of OZL are included from Q4 FY24.

iii From FY25, steelmaking coal refers to hard coking coal which is generally those steelmaking coals with a Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) of 35 and above, and includes coals across the spectrum from Premium Coking to Semi Hard Coking coals. Comparative periods include impacts from weak coking coal, which refers generally to those steelmaking coals with a CSR below 35, which were sold by Blackwater and Daunia mines, divested on 2 April 2024.

iv Export sales only. Includes thermal coal sales from steelmaking coal mines.

v Relates to refined nickel metal only, excludes intermediate products and nickel sulphate.

Current year unit cost guidance

Current

Unit cost

FY25 guidancei

Escondida (US$/lb)

1.30 - 1.60

Unchanged

Spence (US$/lb)

2.00 - 2.30

Unchanged

Copper South Australia (US$/lb)

1.30 - 1.80ii

Unchanged

WAIO (US$/t)

18.00 - 19.50

Unchanged

BMA (US$/t)

112 - 124

Unchanged

i FY25 unit cost guidance is based on exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.66 and USD/CLP 842.

Ii Calculated using the following assumptions for by-products: gold US$2,000/oz, and uranium US$80/lb

Medium term guidancei

Production

Unit cost

guidance

guidanceii

Escondidaiii

900 - 1,000 ktpa

US$1.50 - 1.80/lb

Spence

~250 ktpa

US$2.05 - 2.35/lb

WAIO (100% basis)

>305 Mtpa

BMA (100% basis)

43 - 45 Mtpa

i Medium term refers to a five year time horizon unless otherwise noted.

ii Unit cost guidance is based on exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.66 and USD/CLP 842.

iii Medium term refers to FY27 onwards. Production for FY25 and FY26 are expected to average between 1,200 and 1,300 kt.

Major projects

Commodity

Project and ownership

Project scope / capacity

CapitalexpenditureUS$M

Firstproductiontarget date

Progress

Potash

Jansen Stage 1(Canada)100%

Design, engineering and construction of an underground potash mine and surface infrastructure, with capacity to produce 4.15 Mtpa.

5,723

End-CY26

Project is 58% complete

Potash

Jansen Stage 2(Canada)100%

Development of additional mining districts, completion of the second shaft hoist infrastructure, expansion of processing facilities and addition of rail cars to facilitate production of an incremental 4.36 Mtpa.

4,859

FY29

Project is 4% complete

The operating expenditure related to Potash for FY25 is expected to be ~US$300 m.

Exploration

Minerals exploration and evaluation expenditure was US$104 m for Q1 FY25 (Q1 FY24: US$105 m) of which US$91 m was expensed (Q1 FY24: US$93 m).

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Appendix 2

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

17 October 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHP OPERATIONAL REVIEWFOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production and sales summary (Excel version)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.bhp.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Production

 

Sales

Quarter ended

Year to date

 

Quarter ended

Year to date

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

 

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

 

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

Group production and sales summary

 

 

By commodity

 

 

 

Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise noted.

Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.

Copper

Payable metal in concentrate

kt

317.3

308.7

339.1

370.5

361.0

361.0

317.3

14%

298.0

316.5

281.6

378.8

429.3

429.3

298.0

44%

Escondida

kt

221.3

207.7

239.2

258.5

264.8

264.8

221.3

20%

209.5

211.7

204.0

261.3

310.8

310.8

209.5

48%

Pampa Norte

kt

38.8

32.6

39.5

39.4

35.7

35.7

38.8

(8)%

31.3

34.9

26.9

49.3

44.0

44.0

31.3

41%

Copper South Australia

kt

23.5

27.4

23.3

32.1

21.8

21.8

23.5

(7)%

22.2

31.6

17.1

28.0

30.4

30.4

22.2

37%

Antamina

kt

32.5

39.2

33.9

38.3

36.3

36.3

32.5

12%

32.8

38.3

31.3

37.4

39.6

39.6

32.8

21%

Carajás

kt

1.2

1.8

3.2

2.2

2.4

2.4

1.2

100%

2.2

-

2.3

2.8

4.5

4.5

2.2

105%

Cathode

kt

139.7

128.7

126.8

134.4

115.4

115.4

139.7

(17)%

131.9

137.6

120.1

142.3

110.7

110.7

131.9

(16)%

Escondida

kt

52.0

46.9

49.0

50.7

39.4

39.4

52.0

(24)%

49.2

52.2

44.3

54.6

37.6

37.6

49.2

(24)%

Pampa Norte

kt

39.5

27.2

22.1

26.5

24.4

24.4

39.5

(38)%

36.6

31.1

22.1

26.5

24.1

24.1

36.6

(34)%

Copper South Australia

kt

48.2

54.6

55.7

57.2

51.6

51.6

48.2

7%

46.1

54.3

53.7

61.2

49.0

49.0

46.1

6%

Total

kt

457.0

437.4

465.9

504.9

476.4

476.4

457.0

4%

429.9

454.1

401.7

521.1

540.0

540.0

429.9

26%

Lead

Payable metal in concentrate

t

96

105

-

131

21

21

96

(78)%

154

91

108

9

125

125

154

(19)%

Antamina

t

96

105

-

131

21

21

96

(78)%

154

91

108

9

125

125

154

(19)%

Zinc

Payable metal in concentrate

t

35,669

33,475

18,409

15,839

19,374

19,374

35,669

(46)%

33,912

37,092

17,559

14,118

19,609

19,609

33,912

(42)%

Antamina

t

35,669

33,475

18,409

15,839

19,374

19,374

35,669

(46)%

33,912

37,092

17,559

14,118

19,609

19,609

33,912

(42)%

Gold

Payable metal in concentrate

troy oz

89,024

94,794

79,284

100,113

85,779

85,779

89,024

(4)%

87,703

98,969

70,493

92,433

99,138

99,138

87,703

13%

Escondida

troy oz

48,063

48,633

38,955

45,410

46,963

46,963

48,063

(2)%

48,063

48,633

38,955

45,410

46,963

46,963

48,063

(2)%

Pampa Norte

troy oz

3,931

2,854

1,819

4,676

4,043

4,043

3,931

3%

3,931

2,854

1,819

4,676

4,043

4,043

3,931

3%

Copper South Australia

troy oz

36,228

42,051

36,427

48,355

32,928

32,928

36,228

(9)%

34,176

47,482

28,136

40,507

44,761

44,761

34,176

31%

Carajás

troy oz

802

1,256

2,083

1,672

1,845

1,845

802

130%

1,533

-

1,583

1,840

3,371

3,371

1,533

120%

Refined gold

troy oz

53,028

55,828

49,128

49,139

37,385

37,385

53,028

(29)%

54,036

55,349

41,710

52,687

40,326

40,326

54,036

(25)%

Copper South Australia

troy oz

53,028

55,828

49,128

49,139

37,385

37,385

53,028

(29)%

54,036

55,349

41,710

52,687

40,326

40,326

54,036

(25)%

Total

troy oz

142,052

150,622

128,412

149,252

123,164

123,164

142,052

(13)%

141,739

154,318

112,203

145,120

139,464

139,464

141,739

(2)%

Silver

Payable metal in concentrate

troy koz

2,582

3,074

2,620

3,317

3,150

3,150

2,582

22%

2,527

2,938

2,431

3,137

3,126

3,126

2,527

24%

Escondida

troy koz

1,168

1,401

1,328

1,549

1,546

1,546

1,168

32%

1,168

1,401

1,328

1,549

1,546

1,546

1,168

32%

Pampa Norte

troy koz

356

388

327

583

503

503

356

41%

356

388

327

583

503

503

356

41%

Copper South Australia

troy koz

260

310

252

312

223

223

260

(14)%

258

364

189

311

295

295

258

14%

Antamina

troy koz

798

975

713

873

878

878

798

10%

745

785

587

694

782

782

745

5%

Refined silver

troy koz

261

221

248

265

206

206

261

(21)%

219

222

188

329

202

202

219

(8)%

Copper South Australia

troy koz

261

221

248

265

206

206

261

(21)%

219

222

188

329

202

202

219

(8)%

Total

troy koz

2,843

3,295

2,868

3,582

3,356

3,356

2,843

18%

2,746

3,160

2,619

3,466

3,328

6,454

5,273

22%

Uranium

Payable metal in concentrate

t

825

986

863

929

672

672

825

(19)%

481

895

394

1,554

677

677

481

41%

Copper South Australia

t

825

986

863

929

672

672

825

(19)%

481

895

394

1,554

677

677

481

41%

Molybdenum

Payable metal in concentrate

t

612

481

824

699

1,084

1,084

612

77%

564

468

677

678

862

862

564

53%

Pampa Norte

t

329

145

203

117

182

182

329

(45)%

303

162

219

134

181

181

303

(40)%

Antamina

t

283

336

621

582

902

902

283

219%

261

306

458

544

681

681

261

161%

Iron ore

Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO)

kt

62,004

64,460

60,299

68,173

63,363

63,363

62,004

2%

64,180

62,606

61,868

67,323

63,408

63,408

64,180

(1)%

Samarco

kt

1,231

1,302

1,174

1,041

1,285

1,285

1,231

4%

1,136

1,329

1,258

1,043

1,002

1,002

1,136

(12)%

Total

kt

63,235

65,762

61,473

69,214

64,648

64,648

63,235

2%

65,316

63,935

63,126

68,366

64,410

64,410

65,316

(1)%

Steelmaking coal¹

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)

kt

5,601

5,717

6,035

4,922

4,515

4,515

5,601

(19)%

5,325

5,706

6,359

4,904

4,273

4,273

5,325

(20)%

Energy coal

NSW Energy Coal (NSWEC)

kt

3,613

3,855

4,149

3,751

3,675

3,675

3,613

2%

3,307

4,250

3,932

3,678

3,951

3,951

3,307

19%

Nickel

Western Australia Nickel

kt

20.2

19.6

18.8

23.0

19.6

19.6

20.2

(3)%

18.9

20.0

18.8

23.2

19.9

19.9

18.9

5%

Cobalt

Western Australia Nickel

t

192

182

179

181

294

294

192

53%

192

110

179

181

294

294

192

53%

1 Includes BMA thermal coal sales.

6

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Production

Sales

Quarter ended

Year to date

Quarter ended

Year to date

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

Production and sales

By asset

Copper

Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise noted.

Escondida, Chile¹

BHP interest 57.5%

Material mined

kt

87,462

95,168

103,872

102,752

100,416

100,416

87,462

15%

Concentrator throughput

kt

33,332

34,752

31,653

34,377

32,488

32,488

33,332

(3)%

Average copper grade - concentrator

%

0.85%

0.78%

0.92%

0.99%

1.00%

1.00%

0.85%

18%

Production ex mill

kt

225.7

217.6

238.6

279.5

269.9

269.9

225.7

20%

Payable copper

kt

221.3

207.7

239.2

258.5

264.8

264.8

221.3

20%

209.5

211.7

204.0

261.3

310.8

310.8

209.5

48%

Copper cathode (EW)

kt

52.0

46.9

49.0

50.7

39.4

39.4

52.0

(24)%

49.2

52.2

44.3

54.6

37.6

37.6

49.2

(24)%

 Oxide leach

kt

17.5

17.0

14.4

13.8

7.8

7.8

17.5

(55)%

 Sulphide leach

kt

34.5

29.9

34.6

36.9

31.6

31.6

34.5

(8)%

Total copper

kt

273.3

254.6

288.2

309.2

304.2

304.2

273.3

11%

258.7

263.9

248.3

315.9

348.4

348.4

258.7

35%

Payable gold concentrate

troy oz

48,063

48,633

38,955

45,410

46,963

46,963

48,063

(2)%

48,063

48,633

38,955

45,410

46,963

46,963

48,063

(2)%

Payable silver concentrate

troy koz

1,168

1,401

1,328

1,549

1,546

1,546

1,168

32%

1,168

1,401

1,328

1,549

1,546

1,546

1,168

32%

1 Shown on a 100% basis.

 

Pampa Norte, Chile

BHP interest 100%

Copper

Payable metal in concentrate

kt

38.8

32.6

39.5

39.4

35.7

35.7

38.8

(8)%

31.3

34.9

26.9

49.3

44.0

44.0

31.3

41%

Cathode

kt

39.5

27.2

22.1

26.5

24.4

24.4

39.5

(38)%

36.6

31.1

22.1

26.5

24.1

24.1

36.6

(34)%

Total copper

kt

78.3

59.8

61.6

65.9

60.1

60.1

78.3

(23)%

67.9

66.0

49.0

75.8

68.1

68.1

67.9

0%

Gold

troy oz

3,931

2,854

1,819

4,676

4,043

4,043

3,931

3%

3,931

2,854

1,819

4,676

4,043

4,043

3,931

3%

Silver

troy koz

356

388

327

583

503

503

356

41%

356

388

327

583

503

503

356

41%

Molybdenum

t

329

145

203

117

182

182

329

(45)%

303

162

219

134

181

181

303

(40)%

Cerro Colorado¹

Material mined

kt

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Ore stacked

kt

154

-

-

-

-

-

154

(100)%

Average copper grade - stacked

%

0.58%

-

-

-

-

-

0.58%

(100)%

Copper cathode (EW)

kt

9.5

1.6

-

-

-

-

9.5

(100)%

8.8

3.7

-

-

-

-

8.8

(100)%

Spence

Material mined

kt

27,654

25,973

15,968

19,951

23,260

23,260

27,654

(16)%

Ore stacked

kt

5,113

4,744

6,008

5,926

4,928

4,928

5,113

(4)%

Average copper grade - stacked

%

0.60%

0.59%

0.56%

0.54%

0.73%

0.73%

0.60%

22%

Concentrator throughput

kt

8,473

7,151

8,055

7,766

7,547

7,547

8,473

(11)%

Average copper grade - concentrator

%

0.64%

0.65%

0.64%

0.70%

0.64%

0.64%

0.64%

0%

Payable copper

kt

38.8

32.6

39.5

39.4

35.7

35.7

38.8

(8)%

31.3

34.9

26.9

49.3

44.0

44.0

31.3

41%

Copper cathode (EW)

kt

30.0

25.6

22.1

26.5

24.4

24.4

30.0

(19)%

27.8

27.4

22.1

26.5

24.1

24.1

27.8

(13)%

Total copper

kt

68.8

58.2

61.6

65.9

60.1

60.1

68.8

(13)%

59.1

62.3

49.0

75.8

68.1

68.1

59.1

15%

Payable gold concentrate

troy oz

3,931

2,854

1,819

4,676

4,043

4,043

3,931

3%

3,931

2,854

1,819

4,676

4,043

4,043

3,931

3%

Payable silver concentrate

troy koz

356

388

327

583

503

503

356

41%

356

388

327

583

503

503

356

41%

Payable molybdenum

t

329

145

203

117

182

182

329

(45)%

303

162

219

134

181

181

303

(40)%

1 Cerro Colorado entered temporary care and maintenance in December 2023.

7

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Production

Sales

Quarter ended

Year to date

Quarter ended

Year to date

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

Copper (continued)

Copper South Australia, Australia

BHP interest 100%

Copper

Payable metal in concentrate

kt

26.2

30.6

27.4

34.7

27.9

27.9

26.2

6%

22.2

31.6

17.1

28.0

30.4

30.4

22.2

37%

Cathode

kt

48.2

54.6

55.7

57.2

51.6

51.6

48.2

7%

46.1

54.3

53.7

61.2

49.0

49.0

46.1

6%

Total copper

kt

74.4

85.2

83.1

91.9

79.5

79.5

74.4

7%

68.3

85.9

70.8

89.2

79.4

79.4

68.3

16%

Payable metal in concentrate transfer to Olympic Dam¹

kt

(2.7)

(3.2)

(4.1)

(2.6)

(6.1)

(6.1)

(2.7)

126%

Net copper

kt

71.7

82

79

89.3

73.4

73.4

71.7

2%

Gold

Payable metal in concentrate

troy oz

41,424

48,051

43,209

52,045

46,452

46,452

41,424

12%

34,176

47,482

28,136

40,507

44,761

44,761

34,176

31%

Refined gold

troy oz

53,028

55,828

49,128

49,139

37,385

37,385

53,028

(29)%

54,036

55,349

41,710

52,687

40,326

40,326

54,036

(25)%

Total gold

troy oz

94,452

103,879

92,337

101,184

83,837

83,837

94,452

(11)%

88,212

102,831

69,846

93,194

85,087

85,087

88,212

(4)%

Payable metal in concentrate transfer to Olympic Dam¹

troy oz

(5,196)

(6,000)

(6,782)

(3,690)

(13,524)

(13,524)

(5,196)

160%

Net gold

troy oz

89,256

97,879

85,555

97,494

70,313

70,313

89,256

(21)%

Silver

Payable metal in concentrate

troy koz

271

323

282

333

254

254

271

(6)%

258

364

189

311

295

295

258

14%

Refined silver

troy koz

261

221

248

265

206

206

261

(21)%

219

222

188

329

202

202

219

(8)%

Total silver

troy koz

532

544

530

598

460

460

532

(14)%

477

586

377

640

497

497

477

4%

Payable metal in concentrate transfer to Olympic Dam¹

troy koz

(11)

(13)

(30)

(21)

(31)

(31)

(11)

182%

Net silver

troy koz

521

531

500

577

429

429

521

(18)%

Uranium

t

825

986

863

929

672

672

825

(19)%

481

895

394

1,554

677

677

481

41%

Olympic Dam

Material mined

kt

2,655

2,537

2,747

2,815

2,734

2,734

2,655

3%

Ore milled

kt

2,596

2,634

2,511

2,912

2,617

2,617

2,596

1%

Average copper grade

%

1.96%

2.12%

1.96%

2.00%

1.99%

1.99%

1.96%

2%

Average uranium grade

kg/t

0.56

0.62

0.57

0.58

0.60

0.60

0.56

7%

Copper cathode (ER and EW)

kt

48.2

54.6

55.7

57.2

51.6

51.6

48.2

7%

46.1

54.3

53.7

61.2

49.0

49.0

46.1

6%

Refined gold

troy oz

53,028

55,828

49,128

49,139

37,385

37,385

53,028

(29)%

54,036

55,349

41,710

52,687

40,326

40,326

54,036

(25)%

Refined silver

troy koz

261

221

248

265

206

206

261

(21)%

219

222

188

329

202

202

219

(8)%

Payable uranium

t

825

986

863

929

672

672

825

(19)%

481

895

394

1,554

677

677

481

41%

Prominent Hill²

Material mined

kt

1,110

1,125

1,094

1,175

927

927

1,110

(16)%

Ore milled

kt

1,652

1,800

1,473

1,815

1,559

1,559

1,652

(6)%

Average copper grade

%

0.85%

0.83%

0.86%

0.94%

0.73%

0.73%

0.85%

(14)%

Concentrate produced

kt

23.8

23.6

22.3

28.4

19.6

19.6

23.8

(18)%

Payable copper

kt

12.1

12.9

10.9

14.6

9.5

9.5

12.1

(21)%

8.4

10.6

6.5

7.3

10.9

10.9

8.4

30%

Payable gold concentrate

troy oz

22,031

25,779

21,019

25,357

20,976

20,976

22,031

(5)%

15,524

20,045

14,644

12,955

18,719

18,719

15,524

21%

Payable silver concentrate

troy koz

63

65

62

90

63

63

63

0%

53

59

38

48

73

73

53

38%

Carrapateena²

Material mined

kt

1,201

1,310

1,232

1,486

1,470

1,470

1,201

22%

Ore milled

kt

1,230

1,307

1,226

1,450

1,446

1,446

1,230

18%

Average copper grade

%

1.29%

1.52%

1.52%

1.57%

1.45%

1.45%

1.29%

12%

Concentrate produced

kt

37.6

49.2

45.9

62.0

59.2

59.2

37.6

57%

Payable copper

kt

14.1

17.7

16.5

20.1

18.4

18.4

14.1

30%

13.8

21.0

10.6

20.7

19.5

19.5

13.8

41%

Payable gold concentrate

troy oz

19,393

22,272

22,190

26,688

25,476

25,476

19,393

31%

18,652

27,437

13,492

27,552

26,042

26,042

18,652

40%

Payable silver concentrate

troy koz

208

258

220

243

191

191

208

(8)%

205

305

151

263

222

222

205

8%

1 Excludes prior year production previously reported and transferred during the period.

8

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Production

Sales

Quarter ended

Year to date

Quarter ended

Year to date

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

Copper (continued)

Antamina, Peru

BHP interest 33.75%

Material mined

kt

63,310

61,539

56,233

62,481

64,094

64,094

63,310

1%

Concentrator throughput

kt

14,246

14,824

14,312

14,534

13,096

13,096

14,246

(8)%

Average head grade - copper

%

0.83%

0.90%

0.83%

0.91%

0.91%

0.91%

0.83%

10%

Average head grade - zinc

%

1.17%

1.03%

0.68%

0.68%

0.67%

0.67%

1.17%

(43)%

Payable copper

kt

32.5

39.2

33.9

38.3

36.3

36.3

32.5

12%

32.8

38.3

31.3

37.4

39.6

39.6

32.8

21%

Payable zinc

t

35,669

33,475

18,409

15,839

19,374

19,374

35,669

(46)%

33,912

37,092

17,559

14,118

19,609

19,609

33,912

(42)%

Payable silver

troy koz

798

975

713

873

878

878

798

10%

745

785

587

694

782

782

745

5%

Payable lead

t

96

105

-

131

21

21

96

(78)%

154

91

108

9

125

125

154

(19)%

Payable molybdenum

t

283

336

621

582

902

902

283

219%

261

306

458

544

681

681

261

161%

Carajás, Brazil¹

BHP interest 100%

Material mined

kt

74

115

163

134

180

180

74

143%

Ore milled

kt

70

119

163

135

161

161

70

130%

Average copper grade

%

1.91%

1.69%

2.07%

1.68%

1.61%

1.61%

1.91%

(16)%

Production ex mill

kt

5.2

7.6

12.9

8.8

9.9

9.9

5.2

90%

Payable copper

kt

1.2

1.8

3.2

2.2

2.4

2.4

1.2

100%

2.2

-

2.3

2.8

4.5

4.5

2.2

105%

Payable gold concentrate

troy oz

802

1,256

2,083

1,672

1,845

1,845

802

130%

1,533

-

1,583

1,840

3,371

3,371

1,533

120%

 

Iron ore

Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis.

WAIO, Australia

BHP interest 85%

Newman Joint Venture

kt

13,234

15,468

15,032

14,368

13,358

13,358

13,234

1%

Area C Joint Venture

kt

25,804

26,074

24,920

29,070

28,839

28,839

25,804

12%

Yandi Joint Venture

kt

3,150

4,978

4,434

5,293

4,440

4,440

3,150

41%

Jimblebar¹

kt

19,816

17,940

15,913

19,442

16,726

16,726

19,816

(16)%

Total

kt

62,004

64,460

60,299

68,173

63,363

63,363

62,004

2%

Total (100%)

kt

69,448

72,670

68,131

76,773

71,593

71,593

69,448

3%

Lump

kt

20,969

19,176

19,175

20,260

19,377

19,377

20,969

(8)%

Fines

kt

43,211

43,430

42,693

47,063

44,031

44,031

43,211

2%

Total

kt

64,180

62,606

61,868

67,323

63,408

63,408

64,180

(1)%

Total (100%)

kt

71,748

70,340

69,775

75,898

71,543

71,543

71,748

0%

 

1 Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 85%.

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

Production

Sales

Quarter ended

Year to date

Quarter ended

Year to date

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

Sep

Sep

Sep

Var

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

2023

2023

2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

%

Samarco, Brazil

BHP interest 50%

Total

kt

1,231

1,302

1,174

1,041

1,285

1,285

1,231

4%

1,136

1,329

1,258

1,043

1,002

1,002

1,136

(12)%

Coal

Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product.

BMA, Australia

BHP interest 50%

Blackwater¹

kt

1,295

1,182

1,070

25

-

-

1,295

(100)%

Goonyella

kt

827

1,736

1,824

2,047

1,359

1,359

827

64%

Peak Downs

kt

1,121

846

1,012

1,238

1,249

1,249

1,121

11%

Saraji

kt

1,010

701

759

817

940

940

1,010

(7)%

Daunia¹

kt

545

431

524

13

-

-

545

(100)%

Caval Ridge

kt

803

821

846

782

967

967

803

20%

Total2

kt

5,601

5,717

6,035

4,922

4,515

4,515

5,601

(19)%

Total (100%)

kt

11,202

11,434

12,070

9,844

9,030

9,030

11,202

(19)%

Coking coal

kt

4,497

4,756

5,410

4,862

4,273

4,273

4,497

(5)%

Weak coking coal

kt

529

752

927

42

-

-

529

(100)%

Thermal coal

kt

299

198

22

-

-

-

299

(100)%

Total

kt

5,325

5,706

6,359

4,904

4,273

4,273

5,325

(20)%

Total (100%)

kt

10,650

11,412

12,718

9,808

8,546

8,546

10,650

(20)%

1 Production and sales included contribution from Blackwater and Daunia mines until their divestment on 2 April 2024.

2 Production figures include some thermal coal.

 

NSWEC, Australia

BHP interest 100%

Export

kt

3,087

3,942

3,558

3,254

3,416

3,416

3,087

11%

Domestic¹

kt

220

308

374

424

535

535

220

143%

Total

kt

3,613

3,855

4,149

3,751

3,675

3,675

3,613

2%

3,307

4,250

3,932

3,678

3,951

3,951

3,307

19%

1 Domestic sales in FY24 were made under the NSW Government Coal Market Price Emergency (Directions for Coal Mines) Notice 2023.

 

Other

Nickel production is reported on the basis of saleable product.

Western Australia Nickel, Australia

BHP interest 100%

Mt Keith

Nickel concentrate

kt

42.7

43.8

32.4

42.6

35.9

35.9

42.7

(16)%

Average nickel grade

%

16.7

16.8

15.2

17.8

17.1

17.1

16.7

2%

Leinster

Nickel concentrate

kt

66.0

63.4

60.3

76.6

72.5

72.5

66.0

10%

Average nickel grade

%

8.1

8.0

7.8

9.0

8.8

8.8

8.1

9%

Refined nickel¹

kt

13.8

12.6

8.8

14.7

12.1

12.1

13.8

(12)%

13.2

13.0

8.6

14.8

13.5

13.5

13.2

2%

Nickel sulphate²

kt

0.9

0.7

1.0

1.6

0.3

0.3

0.9

(67)%

0.8

0.7

0.8

1.5

0.6

0.6

0.8

(25)%

Intermediates and nickel by-products³

kt

5.5

6.3

9.0

6.7

7.2

7.2

5.5

31%

4.9

6.3

9.4

6.9

5.8

5.8

4.9

18%

Total nickel

kt

20.2

19.6

18.8

23.0

19.6

19.6

20.2

(3)%

18.9

20.0

18.8

23.2

19.9

19.9

18.9

5%

Cobalt by-products

t

192

182

179

181

294

294

192

53%

192

110

179

181

294

294

192

53%

1 High quality refined nickel metal, including briquettes and powder.

2 Nickel sulphate crystals produced from nickel powder.

3 Nickel contained in matte and by-product streams.

10

 

BHP | Operational review for the year ended 30 September 2024

 

 

Variance analysis relates to the relative performance of BHP and/or its operations during the three months ended September 2024 compared with the three

months ended September 2023, unless otherwise noted. Production volumes, sales volumes and capital and exploration expenditure from subsidiaries are reported on a 100% basis; production and sales volumes from equity accounted investments and other operations are reported on a proportionate consolidation basis. Numbers presented may not add up precisely to the totals provided due to rounding. Medium term refers to a five-year horizon, unless otherwise noted.

The following abbreviations may have been used throughout this report: billion tonnes (Bt); cost and freight (CFR); cost, insurance and freight (CIF), carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); free on board (FOB); giga litres (GL); greenhouse gas (GHG); grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3), grams per tonne (g/t); high-potential injury (HPI); kilograms per tonne (kg/t); kilometre (km); million ounces per annum (Mozpa); metres (m), million pounds (Mlb); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); OZ Minerals Limited (OZL); part per million (ppm), pounds (lb); thousand ounces (koz); thousand ounces per annum (kozpa); thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); thousand tonnes per day (ktpd); tonnes (t); total recordable injury frequency (TRIF); wet metric tonnes (wmt); and year to date (YTD).

In this release, the terms 'BHP', the 'Group', 'BHP Group', 'we', 'us', 'our' and 'ourselves' are used to refer to BHP Group Limited and, except where the context otherwise requires, our subsidiaries. Refer to Note 30 - Subsidiaries of the Financial Statements in BHP's 2024 Annual Report for a list of our significant subsidiaries. Those terms do not include non-operated assets. Notwithstanding that this release may include production, financial and other information from non-operated assets, non-operated assets are not included in the BHP Group and, as a result, statements regarding our operations, assets and values apply only to our operated assets unless stated otherwise. Our non-operated assets include Antamina and Samarco. BHP Group cautions against undue reliance on any forward-looking statement or guidance in this release. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as at the date of this release and are not guarantees or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this release.

 

 

 

Further information on BHP can be found at bhp.com

 

Authorised for lodgement by:

Stefanie Wilkinson

Group Company Secretary

Media Relations

 

Email: [email protected]

Investor Relations

 

Email: [email protected]

Australia and Asia

 

Josie Brophy

Mobile: +61 417 622 839

 

Europe, Middle East and Africa

 

Gabrielle Notley

Mobile: +61 411 071 715

 

North America

 

Megan Hjulfors

Mobile: +1 403 605 2314

 

Latin America

 

Renata Fernandez

Mobile: +56 9 8229 5357

Australia and Asia

 

John-Paul Santamaria

Mobile: +61 499 006 018

 

Europe, Middle East and Africa

 

James Bell

Tel: +44 20 7802 7144 Mobile: +44 7961 636 432

 

Americas

 

Monica Nettleton

Mobile: +1 416 518 6293

BHP Group Limited ABN 49 004 028 077

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Registered in Australia

Registered Office: Level 18, 171 Collins Street

Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia

Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015

BHP Group is headquartered in Australia

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11

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