Highlights

  • BHP’s copper production rose 4% in Q1 FY26, supported by record concentrator throughput at Escondida.
  • WAIO achieved record first-quarter material mined and a 5% increase in lump sales.
  • The company refinanced its USD 5.5 billion revolving credit facility.

BHP Group Limited (ASX:BHP) has released its operational review for the quarter ended 30 September 2025, outlining production performance across its major commodities and progress on strategic initiatives. The company reported steady results in copper and steelmaking coal while advancing maintenance schedules and growth projects across its global operations.​

Copper Output Supported by Escondida Performance

Copper production for the quarter rose 4% to 493.6 thousand tonnes, primarily driven by record concentrator throughput at Escondida, which produced 328.9 thousand tonnes — up 8% from the same period last year. Output declines at Spence (down 24%) and Copper South Australia (down 21%) due to lower grades and planned maintenance partly offset these gains. Copper SA delivered 72.6 thousand tonnes, while Spence produced 55.8 thousand tonnes.

Iron Ore and Coal Production Influenced by Maintenance

Iron ore output declined 9% from the previous quarter to 64.1 million tonnes, as Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) completed significant planned maintenance, including the rebuild of Car Dumper 3. WAIO contributed 62 million tonnes and achieved record first-quarter material mined, while Samarco supplied 2.1 million tonnes, a 6% quarterly increase and 64% higher year-on-year. The Car Dumper 3 rebuild was completed ahead of schedule by about 8%.

Steelmaking coal production dropped 5% to 4.9 million tonnes due to mine sequencing and higher strip ratios, partly offset by better mining performance at Broadmeadow. Energy coal output declined 13% to 3.5 million tonnes, impacted by annual wash plant maintenance and reduced bypass coal. Production guidance for FY26 remains unchanged across all commodities.​

Capital Management and Sustainability Initiatives

BHP undertook several financing measures during the quarter to strengthen its balance sheet, issuing EUR 1.4 billion and USD 1.5 billion in bonds across four tranches, and refinancing its USD 5.5 billion revolving credit facility. Additionally, Copper South Australia signed its largest renewable electricity supply agreement to support ongoing decarbonisation and operational sustainability goals.