BHP lifts copper guidance after record half-year output

The BHP Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is in focus today after the miner reported record copper and iron ore production for the half-year ended 31 December 2025, with copper volumes flat at 984 kt and group copper production guidance lifted for FY26.

What did BHP report?

• Group copper production steady at 984 kt; FY26 copper guidance upgraded to 1,900–2,000 kt (from 1,800–2,000 kt)
• Escondida copper operation achieved record concentrator throughput; FY26 guidance now 1,200–1,275 kt (up from 1,150–1,250 kt)
• Iron ore production rose 2% to 134 Mt, with WAIO recording all-time high shipments
• Steelmaking coal up 2% to 9.2 Mt; energy coal up 10% to 8.1 Mt
• Copper prices rose 32% to US$5.28/lb; iron ore prices up 4% to US$84.71/wmt
• Unit cost guidance unchanged across most assets; net debt expected at US$14–15 billion

What else do investors need to know?

BHP has announced an innovative US$2 billion infrastructure transaction with Global Infrastructure Partners for WAIO’s power network, freeing up capital while retaining operational control. The Jansen potash project in Canada remains on track for production in mid-2027, positioning BHP for growth in future-facing commodities.

China’s commodity demand stayed resilient, though momentum eased in the second half. India is emerging as a major driver of growth, particularly in steel and copper. Meanwhile, BHP’s copper growth pipeline is advancing, including progress at the Vicuña project in Argentina and environmental approvals for Escondida’s expansion in Chile.

What did BHP management say?

BHP Chief Executive Officer Mike Henry said:

BHP delivered another half of very strong performance with operational records at our copper and iron ore assets. This was achieved safely and in a positive commodity price environment, with copper prices up 32% and iron ore prices 4% higher year on year. We have increased FY26 group copper production guidance off the back of stronger delivery across our assets… BHP enters the second half of FY26 with strong operating momentum. We’re investing for the decade ahead, with a significant copper growth pipeline and a pathway to ~2 Mt of attributable copper production in the 2030s.

What’s next for BHP?

Looking ahead, BHP is focused on delivering growth in copper and iron ore while maintaining disciplined cost control. Major projects like Jansen Stage 1 are progressing, and further investments support BHP’s ambition to grow copper output to 2 million tonnes in the next decade.

Management highlighted ongoing strategies to strengthen the balance sheet, decarbonise operations—such as the rollout of battery-electric equipment in the Pilbara—and capitalise on favourable commodity trends worldwide. Investors can expect updates on growth projects and further guidance when the final FY26 results are published.

BHP share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the BHP share price has climbed 21%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post BHP lifts copper guidance after record half-year output appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.