UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

October 18, 2023

 

 

BHP GROUP LIMITED

(ABN 49 004 028 077)

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

171 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE,

VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: ☒ Form 20-F ☐ Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: ☐ Yes ☒ No

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):  n/a

 

 

 


 

LOGO          18 October 2023

Operational review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

We remain on track to deliver full year production and unit cost guidance at all assets.

First quarter operational performance was highlighted by a 11% uplift in copper production from the previous year. After completing a typically busy quarter of planned maintenance particularly at our Australian assets, we are on track to achieve full year production and unit cost guidance. BMA in particular was impacted by planned maintenance, an extended longwall move and low opening inventory following drawdowns in the prior year.

Jansen Stage 1 in Canada is approximately one-third complete after a productive summer. In South Australia, we saw strong operational performance in the first full quarter of production for the new province, as we bring our copper assets together and progress further exploration drilling.

 

   Mike Henry
   BHP Chief Executive Officer

Summary

 

  
   

Operational performance

  

Social value

On track to deliver production guidance

  

Operational decarbonisation

FY24 production guidance remains unchanged. Copper production increased 11%, including record quarterly production at Spence. BMA production was lower due to maintenance, an extended longwall move and low inventory. We also executed major planned maintenance across our Australian business.   

BMA entered into a new renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) which is expected to provide half the forecasted electricity demand of BMA’s operations over five years from January 2026; and we signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Toyota to reduce GHG emissions from light vehicles in Australia.

 

   

Large, long-life, low-cost assets

  

Growth

3 Bt of iron ore shipped to China

  

Progress in copper and potash provinces

In September, BHP recognised the shipment of 3 Bt of high-quality iron ore to China. Since its initial investment over 30 years ago to the end of FY23, WAIO has delivered 15% average annual returns and, over the past decade, has increased production by >50% and lowered costs by >30%.    We saw strong underlying operational performance in the first full quarter of production from the newly-integrated Copper South Australia, while our Jansen Stage 1 project remains on budget and on track to deliver first production by the end of CY26 (32% complete).

 

           
 Production    Q1 FY24      FY24 YTD v
FY23 YTD
     Q1 FY24 v
Q4 FY23
     Current FY24
guidance
       
           

Copper (kt)

     457.0        11%        (4%)        1,720 – 1,910          

Escondida (kt)

     273.3        8%        (7%)        1,080 – 1,180       Unchanged  

Pampa Norte (kt)

     78.3        11%        14%        210 – 250 i       Unchanged  

Copper South Australia (kt)ii

     71.7        44%        (6%)        310 – 340       Unchanged  

Antamina (kt)

     32.5        (12%)        (11%)        120 – 140       Unchanged  

Carajás (kt)ii

     1.2        -        (25%)        -       -  
           

Iron ore (Mt)

     63.2        (3%)        (3%)        254 – 264.5          

WAIO (Mt)

     62.0        (3%)        (3%)        250 – 260       Unchanged  

WAIO (100% basis) (Mt)

     69.4        (4%)        (4%)        282 – 294       Unchanged  

Samarco (Mt)

     1.2        7%        1%        4 – 4.5       Unchanged  
           

Metallurgical coal – BMA (Mt)

     5.6        (16%)        (34%)        28 – 31          

BMA (100% basis) (Mt)

     11.2        (16%)        (34%)        56 – 62       Unchanged  
           

Energy coal – NSWEC (Mt)

     3.6        38%        (24%)        13 – 15       Unchanged  

Nickel – Nickel West (kt)

     20.2        (2%)        (8%)        77 – 87       Unchanged  

 

i

Production guidance for FY24 is for Spence only and excludes Cerro Colorado which is now expected to produce ~11 kt, up from previous guidance of ~9 kt, as it transitions to closure by 31 December 2023.

 

ii

Q4 FY23 production volumes for the operations acquired from OZL are for the period of 1 May to 30 June 2023.


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

Segment and asset performance | FY24 YTD v FY23 YTD

 

Copper

 

  

Production

 

457.0 kt LOGO 11%

 

Q1 FY23 410.1 kt

 

FY24e 1,720 – 1,910 kt

 

Average realised price1,2

 

US$3.63/lb LOGO 4%

 

H2 FY23 US$3.80/lb

  

Total copper production increased by 11% to 457 kt. Guidance for FY24 remains unchanged at between 1,720 and 1,910 kt.

 

Escondida 273 kt LOGO 8% (100% basis)

 

Increased production was primarily due to higher concentrator feed grade of 0.85%, compared to 0.83% in the September 2022 quarter. Concentrator feed grade is expected to be between 0.85% and 0.90% during FY24. Guidance for FY24 remains unchanged at between 1,080 and 1,180 kt, with production expected to be weighted towards the second half of the year.

 

Escondida successfully completed negotiations for a new collective agreement with the Union N°2 of Supervisors, effective for 36 months from 1 October 2023.

 

Pampa Norte 78 kt LOGO 11%

 

  

Production at Spence increased 19% to a quarterly record of 69 kt, largely as a result of improved concentrator performance and recoveries. The concentrator plant modifications, which commenced in August 2022, are now expected to be completed in FY24. Guidance for Spence remains unchanged at between 210 and 250 kt for FY24, subject to the remediation of the previously identified anomalies in the Spence Tailings Storage Facility.

  

Production at Cerro Colorado was 26% lower at 9 kt as it transitions towards closure by the end of December 2023. Production for H1 FY24 is now expected to be ~11 kt, up from a previous estimate of ~9 kt.

   Copper South Australia 72 kt LOGO 44%
  

Production increased due to the additional 23 kt from Prominent Hill and Carrapateena. Pleasingly, integration of the Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena assets has gone well, with strong operational performance and continued focus on safe and reliable production, in particular at Olympic Dam (record material mined since FY15) and Carrapateena (record development metres achieved in September). Planned maintenance was completed across the province. In addition, we upgraded a conveyor at Carrapateena, ahead of the planned commissioning of Crusher 2 in Q3 FY24. Olympic Dam also delivered record gold production (for the second time in three quarters) and gold sales in the quarter.

  

Production guidance remains unchanged at between 310 and 340 kt for FY24.

  

Exploration drilling continued beneath the Olympic Dam ore body with eight active drill rigs and at Oak Dam with 10 operating drill rigs.

   Other copper
  

Antamina copper production decreased by 12% to 33 kt reflecting planned lower copper feed grades. Zinc production was 9% higher at 36 kt, reflecting higher grades. Copper guidance of 120 to 140 kt and zinc guidance of between 85 and 105 kt remains unchanged for FY24.

  

Carajás produced 1.2 kt of copper and 0.8 troy koz of gold. Operations were suspended in August due to a geotechnical event, and are expected to recommence in Q2 FY24.

 

2


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

Iron ore

 

Production

 

63.2 Mt LOGO 3%

 

Q1 FY23 65.1 Mt

 

FY24e 254 – 264.5 Mt

 

Average realised price1

 

US$98.04/wmt LOGO 2%

 

H2 FY23 US$99.88/wmt

 

  

Total iron ore production decreased by 3% to 63 Mt. Guidance for FY24 remains unchanged at between 254 and 264.5 Mt.

 

WAIO 62 Mt LOGO 3% | 69 Mt (100% basis)

 

Production was lower due to tie-in activity for the Rail Technology Programme (RTP1), the ongoing ramp up and maintenance at the Central Pilbara hub (South Flank and Mining Area C), and the timing of track renewal maintenance.

 

South Flank remains on track to ramp up to full production capacity of 80 Mtpa (100% basis) by the end of FY24. The planned tie-in of the Port Debottlenecking Project (PDP1) continues to progress and remains on track to be completed in CY24.

 

Guidance for FY24 remains unchanged at between 250 and 260 Mt (282 and 294 Mt on a 100% basis). We are building inventory at the mines while we complete planned maintenance and with South Flank continuing to ramp up, volumes are expected to be weighted to the second half.

 

Samarco 1.2 Mt LOGO 7% | 2.5 Mt (100% basis)

 

Production increased as a result of higher concentrator throughput. Guidance for FY24 remains unchanged at between 4 and 4.5 Mt.

 

Coal

 

Metallurgical coal

 

  

Production

 

5.6 Mt LOGO 16%

 

Q1 FY23 6.7 Mt

 

FY24e 28 – 31 Mt

 

Average realised price1

 

US$237.07/t LOGO 13%

 

H2 FY23 US$273.08/t

  

BMA 5.6 Mt LOGO 16% | 11.2 Mt (100% basis)

 

Lower production was due to planned wash plant maintenance at Goonyella, mining in higher strip ratio areas, an extended longwall move at Broadmeadow, and a stoppage at Peak Downs. This was partially offset by strong underlying truck productivity and favourable weather conditions. BMA also opened the period with low inventory levels compared with an inventory drawdown in the prior year due to wet weather.

 

Guidance for FY24 remains unchanged at between 28 and 31 Mt (56 and 62 Mt on a 100% basis). Planned wash plant maintenance at Peak Downs and Caval Ridge and the ramp up of Broadmeadow from the longwall move will continue into Q2. Once completed, we expect underlying operating performance to deliver increased production in the second half.

 

In February 2023, we announced our intention to pursue options to divest the Daunia and Blackwater mines together with our joint venture partner Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. BHP confirms that Whitehaven Coal has been selected as the preferred bidder in the divestment process.

Energy coal

 

  

Production

 

3.6 Mt LOGO 38%

 

Q1 FY23 2.6 Mt

 

FY24e 13 – 15 Mt

 

Average realised price1,3

 

US$125.66/t LOGO 20%

 

H2 FY23 US$157.21/t

 

  

NSWEC 3.6 Mt LOGO 38%

 

Production increased due to favourable weather conditions and eased labour constraints, which enabled record annualised truck hours for the quarter. This was partially offset by planned wash plant maintenance completed in August.

 

Guidance for FY24 remains unchanged at between 13 and 15 Mt.

 

On 6 September 2023, the NSW Government announced a 2.6% point increase in coal royalties (from 8.2% to 10.8% for open cut mines), which will become effective from 1 July 2024, coinciding with the end of the legislated period for the domestic reservation policy.

 

We have submitted a consent modification to mine beyond FY26 to closure in FY30, and will take into consideration the increase to NSW royalties in the plans for closure.

 

 

3


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

Group & Unallocated
Nickel  
Production   Nickel West 20.2 kt LOGO 2%

20.2 kt LOGO 2%

 

Q1 FY23 20.7 kt

  Production decreased marginally in line with higher stripping activity at Mt Keith mining operations.
FY24e 77 – 87 kt   Guidance remains unchanged at between 77 and 87 kt for FY24. The refinery shutdown planned for October 2023 will now largely be completed in February 2024, and as a result production is expected to be relatively flat across the remainder of the year.

Average realised price1

 

 
US$20,354/t  LOGO 14%  
H2 FY23 US$23,652/t  

Quarterly performance | Q1 FY24 v Q4 FY23

 

 

Copper

 

     

 

Iron ore

 

   

457.0 kt LOGO 4%

 

Q4 FY23 476.2 kt

 

Strong underlying operational performance, including record quarterly production at Spence, was offset by planned maintenance across Copper South Australia and lower concentrator and stacking grades at Escondida.

 

 

63.2 Mt LOGO 3%

 

Q4 FY23 65.3 Mt

 

Lower production at WAIO as a result of planned equipment maintenance and the ongoing ramp-up of the Central Pilbara hub, partially offset by favourable weather following Tropical Cyclone Ilsa in the prior quarter.

 

 

Metallurgical coal

 

 

 

Energy coal

 

5.6 Mt LOGO 34%

 

Q4 FY23 8.5 Mt

 

The low opening inventory position following drawdowns in Q4 FY23, along with planned wash plant maintenance at Blackwater and Goonyella, a higher strip ratio, a longer than planned longwall move at Broadmeadow and an unexpected stoppage at Peak Downs resulted in lower volumes at BMA.

 

 

3.6 Mt LOGO 24%

 

Q4 FY23 4.8 Mt

  Lower volumes at NSWEC reflected planned wash plant maintenance, and a focus on additional stripping volumes which resulted in higher strip ratios.

 

Nickel

           

 

20.2 kt LOGO 8%

 

Q4 FY23 22.0 kt

 

 

Lower volumes in line with higher stripping activity at Mt Keith in the quarter.

   

 

 

LOGO

 

  

 

Further information in Appendix 1

 

Detailed production and sales information for all operations in Appendix 2

The following footnotes apply to this Operational Review:

 

1

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.

 

2

Does not include sales from assets acquired through the purchase of OZL.

 

3

Export sales only. Includes thermal coal sales from metallurgical coal mines.

 

4


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

Appendix 1

Average realised prices1

 

        Q1 FY24        H2 FY23       

Q1 FY24 v

H2 FY23

 

 Copper (US$/lb)2

       3.63          3.80          (4%)  

 Iron ore (US$/wmt, FOB)

       98.04          99.88          (2%)  

 Metallurgical coal (US$/t)

       237.07          273.08          (13%)  

Hard coking coal (US$/t)3

       242.52          276.22          (12%)  

Weak coking coal (US$/t)3

       190.74          250.38          (24%)  

 Thermal coal (US$/t)4

       125.66          157.21          (20%)  

 Nickel metal (US$/t)

       20,354          23,652          (14%)  

 

1

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.

 

2

Does not include sales from assets acquired through the purchase of OZL.

 

3

Hard coking coal (HCC) refers generally to those metallurgical coals with a Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) of 35 and above, which includes coals across the spectrum from Premium Coking to Semi Hard Coking coals, while weak coking coal (WCC) refers generally to those metallurgical coals with a CSR below 35.

 

4

Export sales only. Includes thermal coal sales from metallurgical coal mines.

Current year unit cost guidance

 

       

Current

 

FY24 guidance1

           

 Escondida unit cost (US$/lb)2

       1.40 – 1.70          Unchanged  

 Spence unit cost (US$/lb)

       2.00 – 2.30          Unchanged  

 WAIO unit cost (US$/t)

       17.40 – 18.90          Unchanged  

 BMA unit cost (US$/t)

       95 – 105          Unchanged  

 

1

FY24 unit cost guidance is based on exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.67 and USD/CLP 810.

 

2

Escondida unit costs for FY24 onwards exclude revenue-based government royalties.

Medium term guidance

 

       

Production

 

guidance

    

Unit cost

 

guidance1

 

 Escondida2

       1,200 – 1,300 kt        US$1.30 – $1.60/lb3  

 Spence4

       ~250 kt           

 WAIO (100% basis)

       >305 Mt        <US$17/t  

 

1

Medium term unit cost guidance is based on exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.67 and USD/CLP 810.

 

2

Medium term refers to FY25 and FY26.

 

3

Escondida unit costs for FY24 onwards exclude revenue-based government royalties.

 

4

Average of 250 ktpa over five years on the basis that remediation of the previously identified TSF anomalies does not impact operations.

Major projects

 

 Commodity    Project and ownership   Project scope / capacity    Capital
expenditure
US$M
     First
production
target date
     Progress  

 Potash

   Jansen Stage 1
(Canada)
100%
  Design, engineering and construction of an underground potash mine and surface infrastructure, with capacity to produce 4.35 Mtpa.      5,723        End-CY26       

Project is 32%

complete

 

 

Exploration

Minerals exploration and evaluation expenditure was US$105 m for Q1 FY24, of which US$93 m was expensed.

 

5


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

Appendix 2

 

            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  
            2022     2022     2023     2023     2023           2023     2022     %                 2022     2022     2023     2023     2023           2023     2022     %  

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     268.8       276.0       262.4       310.7       317.3         317.3       268.8       18%           260.3       272.7       268.4       323.1       298.0         298.0       260.3       14%  
  Escondida   kt     203.1       208.3       200.8       220.5       221.3         221.3       203.1       9%           196.7       216.0       197.3       220.3       209.5         209.5       196.7       7%  
  Pampa Norte   kt     28.6       32.5       32.0       32.2       38.8         38.8       28.6       36%           26.0       22.0       38.7       38.6       31.3         31.3       26.0       20%  
  Copper South Australia   kt                             19.9       23.5             23.5                                                   27.6       22.2             22.2                  
  Antamina   kt     37.1       35.2       29.6       36.5       32.5         32.5       37.1       (12)%           37.6       34.7       32.4       34.5       32.8         32.8       37.6       (13)%  
  Carajás   kt                             1.6       1.2         1.2                                                   2.1       2.2         2.2                  
  Cathode   kt     141.3       148.3       143.5       165.5       139.7         139.7       141.3       (1)%           134.2       155.9       130.3       179.9       131.9         131.9       134.2       (2)%  
  Escondida   kt     49.6       49.7       50.8       72.5       52.0         52.0       49.6       5%           45.9       53.5       43.8       78.0       49.2         49.2       45.9       7%  
  Pampa Norte   kt     42.0       44.2       41.0       36.3       39.5         39.5       42.0       (6)%                   42.4       45.6       36.0       42.4       36.6         36.6       42.4       (14)%  
  Copper South Australia   kt     49.7       54.4       51.7       56.7       48.2         48.2       49.7       (3)%           45.9       56.8       50.5       59.5       46.1         46.1       45.9       0%  
    Total   kt     410.1       424.3       405.9       476.2       457.0         457.0       410.1       11%           394.5       428.6       398.7       503.0       429.9         429.9       394.5       9%  

Lead

  Payable metal in concentrate   t     228       114       169       146       96         96       228       (58)%           130       91       181       143       154         154       130       18%  
    Antamina   t     228       114       169       146       96         96       228       (58)%           130       91       181       143       154         154       130       18%  

Zinc

  Payable metal in concentrate   t     32,685       29,929       23,612       38,822       35,669         35,669       32,685       9%           33,820       29,127       25,851       37,629       33,912         33,912       33,820       0%  
    Antamina   t     32,685       29,929       23,612       38,822       35,669         35,669       32,685       9%           33,820       29,127       25,851       37,629       33,912         33,912       33,820       0%  

Gold

  Payable metal in concentrate   troy oz     43,757       52,277       57,106       96,655       89,024         89,024       43,757       103%           43,757       52,277       57,106       108,552       87,703         87,703       43,757       100%  
  Escondida   troy oz     38,236       48,402       48,954       53,503       48,063         48,063       38,236       26%           38,236       48,402       48,954       53,503       48,063         48,063       38,236       26%  
  Pampa Norte   troy oz     5,521       3,875       8,152       9,263       3,931         3,931       5,521       (29)%           5,521       3,875       8,152       9,263       3,931         3,931       5,521       (29)%  
  Copper South Australia   troy oz                             32,736       36,228         36,228                                                   44,098       34,176         34,176                  
  Carajás   troy oz                             1,153       802         802                                                   1,688       1,533         1,533                  
  Refined gold   troy oz     47,184       43,280       49,086       46,479       53,028         53,028       47,184       12%           49,542       41,900       47,300       49,182       54,036         54,036       49,542       9%  
  Copper South Australia   troy oz     47,184       43,280       49,086       46,479       53,028         53,028       47,184       12%           49,542       41,900       47,300       49,182       54,036         54,036       49,542       9%  
    Total   troy oz     90,941       95,557       106,192       143,134       142,052         142,052       90,941       56%           93,299       94,177       104,406       157,734       141,739         141,739       93,299       52%  

Silver

  Payable metal in concentrate   troy koz     2,652       2,678       2,556       2,592       2,582         2,582       2,652       (3)%           2,477       2,605       2,523       2,409       2,527         2,527       2,477       2%  
  Escondida   troy koz     1,210       1,510       1,346       1,008       1,168         1,168       1,210       (3)%           1,210       1,510       1,346       1,008       1,168         1,168       1,210       (3)%  
  Pampa Norte   troy koz     252       245       409       412       356         356       252       41%           252       245       409       412       356         356       252       41%  
  Copper South Australia   troy koz                             201       260         260                                                   242       258         258                  
  Antamina   troy koz     1,190       923       801       971       798         798       1,190       (33)%           1,015       850       768       747       745         745       1,015       (27)%  
  Refined silver   troy koz     295       261       277       256       261         261       295       (12)%           320       233       307       270       219         219       320       (32)%  
  Copper South Australia   troy koz     295       261       277       256       261         261       295       (12)%           320       233       307       270       219         219       320       (32)%  
    Total   troy koz     2,947       2,939       2,833       2,848       2,843         2,843       2,947       (4)%           2,797       2,838       2,830       2,679       2,746         5,273       5,274       0%  

Uranium

  Payable metal in concentrate   t     817       943       833       813       825         825       817       1%           272       1,127       683       1,275       481         481       272       77%  
    Copper South Australia   t     817       943       833       813       825         825       817       1%           272       1,127       683       1,275       481         481       272       77%  

Molybdenum

  Payable metal in concentrate   t     296       564       636       666       612         612       296       107%           275       514       789       594       564         564       275       105%  
  Pampa Norte   t     34       216       407       333       329         329       34       868%           25       216       492       367       303         303       25       1,112%  
    Antamina   t     262       348       229       333       283         283       262       8%           250       298       297       227       261         261       250       4%  

Iron ore

  Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO)   kt     63,925       65,807       58,725       64,074       62,004         62,004       63,925       (3)%           62,257       64,496       59,204       62,926       64,180         64,180       62,257       3%  
  Samarco   kt     1,148       1,095       1,048       1,221       1,231         1,231       1,148       7%           1,146       1,097       1,111       1,160       1,136         1,136       1,146       (1)%  
    Total   kt     65,073       66,902       59,773       65,295       63,235         63,235       65,073       (3)%           63,403       65,593       60,315       64,086       65,316         65,316       63,403       3%  

Metallurgical coal¹

  BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)   kt     6,662       6,952       6,929       8,477       5,601         5,601       6,662       (16)%           6,482       7,027       6,186       8,876       5,325         5,325       6,482       (18)%  

Energy coal

  NSW Energy Coal (NSWEC)   kt     2,622       2,851       3,934       4,765       3,613         3,613       2,622       38%           2,441       2,862       3,667       4,894       3,307         3,307       2,441       35%  

Nickel

  Nickel West   kt     20.7       17.7       19.6       22.0       20.2         20.2       20.7       (2)%           20.7       18.4       19.6       23.4       18.9         18.9       20.7       (9)%  

Cobalt

  Nickel West   t     238       93       175       246       192         192       238       (19)%           238       93       175       246       192         192       238       (19)%  

1 Includes BMA thermal coal sales. 

 

6


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

           

 

Production

 

       

 

Sales

 

 
            Quarter ended         Year to date             Quarter ended         Year to date  
           

Sep

2022

   

Dec

2022

   

Mar

2023

   

Jun

2023

   

Sep

2023

      Sep
2023
   

Sep

2022

   

Var

%

            Sep
2022
   

Dec

2022

    Mar
2023
    Jun
2023
    Sep
2023
      Sep
2023
   

Sep

2022

   

Var

%

 

Production and Sales

                                         

By Asset

                                         

Copper

                                         
 

Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise noted.

                                         

Escondida, Chile¹

  BHP interest 57.5%

 

                                     
  Material mined   kt     110,248       101,987       106,170       95,451       87,462         87,462       110,248       (21)%                        
  Concentrator throughput   kt     32,894       33,911       33,309       30,750       33,332         33,332       32,894       1%                        
  Average copper grade - concentrator   %     0.83%       0.76%       0.78%       0.93%       0.85%         0.85%       0.83%       2%                        
  Production ex mill   kt     214.6       212.8       210.0       228.9       225.7         225.7       214.6       5%                                                                        
  Payable copper   kt     203.1       208.3       200.8       220.5       221.3         221.3       203.1       9%           196.7       216.0       197.3       220.3       209.5         209.5       196.7       7%  
  Copper cathode (EW)   kt     49.6       49.7       50.8       72.5       52.0         52.0       49.6       5%           45.9       53.5       43.8       78.0       49.2         49.2       45.9       7%  
  Oxide leach   kt     15.2       17.6       14.7       29.3       17.5         17.5       15.2       15%                        
  Sulphide leach   kt     34.4       32.1       36.1       43.2       34.5         34.5       34.4       0%                        
  Total copper   kt     252.7       258.0       251.6       293.0       273.3         273.3       252.7       8%           242.6       269.5       241.1       298.3       258.7         258.7       242.6       7%  
  Payable gold concentrate   troy oz     38,236       48,402       48,954       53,503       48,063         48,063       38,236       26%           38,236       48,402       48,954       53,503       48,063         48,063       38,236       26%  
    Payable silver concentrate   troy koz     1,210       1,510       1,346       1,008       1,168         1,168       1,210       (3)%           1,210       1,510       1,346       1,008       1,168         1,168       1,210       (3)%  

1 Shown on a 100% basis.

                                         

Pampa Norte, Chile

  BHP interest 100%

 

                                     

Copper

  Payable metal in concentrate   kt     28.6       32.5       32.0       32.2       38.8         38.8       28.6       36%           26.0       22.0       38.7       38.6       31.3         31.3       26.0       20%  
  Cathode   kt     42.0       44.2       41.0       36.3       39.5         39.5       42.0       (6)%           42.4       45.6       36.0       42.4       36.6         36.6       42.4       (14)%  
    Total copper   kt     70.6       76.7       73.0       68.5       78.3         78.3       70.6       11%           68.4       67.6       74.7       81.0       67.9         67.9       68.4       (1)%  

Gold

      troy oz     5,521       3,875       8,152       9,263       3,931         3,931       5,521       (29)%           5,521       3,875       8,152       9,263       3,931         3,931       5,521       (29)%  

Silver

      troy koz     252       245       409       412       356         356       252       41%           252       245       409       412       356         356       252       41%  

Molybdenum

      t     34       216       407       333       329         329       34       868%           25       216       492       367       303         303       25       1,112%  
                                                                                                                         

Cerro Colorado

                                           
  Material mined   kt     3,179       583       172       145       -         -       3,179       (100)%                        
  Ore stacked   kt     4,373       4,119       3,567       3,928       154         154       4,373       (96)%                        
  Average copper grade - stacked   %     0.54%       0.56%       0.57%       0.53%       0.58%         0.58%       0.54%       7%                                                                        
  Copper cathode (EW)   kt     12.8       12.2       12.0       12.2       9.5         9.5       12.8       (26)%           13.3       12.2       10.9       14.1       8.8         8.8       13.3       (34)%  
                                                                                                                         

Spence

                                           
  Material mined   kt     26,956       26,980       24,858       25,622       27,654         27,654       26,956       3%                        
  Ore stacked   kt     5,577       5,155       4,947       5,625       5,113         5,113       5,577       (8)%                        
  Average copper grade - stacked   %     0.70%       0.66%       0.60%       0.58%       0.60%         0.60%       0.70%       (14)%                        
  Concentrator throughput   kt     6,433       7,602       7,290       6,927       8,473         8,473       6,433       32%                        
  Average copper grade - concentrator   %     0.63%       0.60%       0.61%       0.61%       0.64%         0.64%       0.63%       2%                                                                        
  Payable copper   kt     28.6       32.5       32.0       32.2       38.8         38.8       28.6       36%           26.0       22.0       38.7       38.6       31.3         31.3       26.0       20%  
  Copper cathode (EW)   kt     29.2       32.0       29.0       24.1       30.0         30.0       29.2       3%           29.1       33.4       25.1       28.3       27.8         27.8       29.1       (4)%  
  Total copper   kt     57.8       64.5       61.0       56.3       68.8         68.8       57.8       19%           55.1       55.4       63.8       66.9       59.1         59.1       55.1       7%  
  Payable gold concentrate   troy oz     5,521       3,875       8,152       9,263       3,931         3,931       5,521       (29)%           5,521       3,875       8,152       9,263       3,931         3,931       5,521       (29)%  
  Payable silver concentrate   troy koz     252       245       409       412       356         356       252       41%           252       245       409       412       356         356       252       41%  
    Payable molybdenum   t     34       216       407       333       329         329       34       868%           25       216       492       367       303         303       25       1,112%  

 

7


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

             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  
             2022     2022     2023     2023     2023           2023     2022     %                 2022     2022     2023     2023     2023           2023     2022     %  

Copper (continued)

                                         

Copper South Australia, Australia

  BHP interest 100%

 

                                     

Copper

   Payable metal in concentrate   kt                             19.9       26.2         26.2                                                   27.6       22.2         22.2                  
   Cathode   kt     49.7       54.4       51.7       56.7       48.2         48.2       49.7       (3)%           45.9       56.8       50.5       59.5       46.1         46.1       45.9       0%  
   Total copper   kt     49.7       54.4       51.7       76.6       74.4         74.4       49.7       50%           45.9       56.8       50.5       87.1       68.3         68.3       45.9       49%  
   Payable metal in concentrate transfer to Olympic Dam¹   kt                                     (2.7)             (2.7)                                                    
     Net copper   kt     49.7       54.4       51.7       76.6       71.7         71.7       49.7       44%                                                                        

Gold

   Payable metal in concentrate   troy oz                             32,736       41,424         41,424                                                   44,098       34,176         34,176                  
   Refined gold   troy oz     47,184       43,280       49,086       46,479       53,028         53,028       47,184       12%           49,542       41,900       47,300       49,182       54,036         54,036       49,542       9%  
   Total gold   troy oz     47,184       43,280       49,086       79,215       94,452         94,452       47,184       100%           49,542       41,900       47,300       93,280       88,212         88,212       49,542       78%  
   Payable metal in concentrate transfer to Olympic Dam¹   troy oz                                     (5,196)         (5,196)                                        
     Net gold   troy oz     47,184       43,280       49,086       79,215       89,256         89,256       47,184       89%                                                                        

Silver

   Payable metal in concentrate   troy koz                             201       271         271                                                   242       258         258                  
   Refined silver   troy koz     295       261       277       256       261         261       295       (12)%           320       233       307       270       219         219       320       (32)%  
   Total silver   troy koz     295       261       277       457       532         532       295       80%           320       233       307       512       477         477       320       49%  
   Payable metal in concentrate transfer to Olympic Dam¹   troy koz                                     (11)         (11)                                        
     Net silver   troy koz     295       261       277       457       521         521       295       77%                                                                        

Uranium

       t     817       943       833       813       825         825       817       1%           272       1,127       683       1,275       481         481       272       77%  
                                            

Olympic Dam

                                            
   Material mined   kt     2,412       2,264       2,317       2,356       2,639         2,639       2,412       9%                        
   Ore milled   kt     2,570       2,687       2,433       2,755       2,596         2,596       2,570       1%                        
   Average copper grade   %     2.13%       2.08%       1.95%       2.00%       1.96%         1.96%       2.13%       (8)%                        
   Average uranium grade   kg/t     0.58       0.58       0.59       0.55       0.56         0.56       0.58       (3)%                                                                        
   Copper cathode (ER and EW)   kt     49.7       54.4       51.7       56.7       48.2         48.2       49.7       (3)%           45.9       56.8       50.5       59.5       46.1         46.1       45.9       0%  
   Refined gold   troy oz     47,184       43,280       49,086       46,479       53,028         53,028       47,184       12%           49,542       41,900       47,300       49,182       54,036         54,036       49,542       9%  
   Refined silver   troy koz     295       261       277       256       261         261       295       (12)%           320       233       307       270       219         219       320       (32)%  
   Payable uranium   t     817       943       833       813       825         825       817       1%           272       1,127       683       1,275       481         481       272       77%  
                                            

Prominent Hill²

                                            
   Material mined   kt                             661       1,110         1,110                                        
   Ore milled   kt                             1,228       1,652         1,652                                        
   Average copper grade   %                             0.77%       0.85%         0.85%                                        
   Production ex mill   kt                             16.3       23.8         23.8                                                                                        
   Payable copper   kt                             8.2       12.1         12.1                                                   15.7       8.4         8.4                  
   Payable gold concentrate   troy oz                             17,432       22,031         22,031                                                   28,856       15,524         15,524                  
   Payable silver concentrate   troy koz                             44       63         63                                                   87       53         53                  
                                            

Carrapateena²

                                            
   Material mined   kt                             880       969         969                                        
   Ore milled   kt                             856       1,230         1,230                                        
   Average copper grade   %                             1.52%       1.29%         1.29%                                        
   Production ex mill   kt                             30.1       37.6         37.6                                                                                        
   Payable copper   kt                             11.7       14.1         14.1                                                   11.9       13.8         13.8                  
   Payable gold concentrate   troy oz                             15,304       19,393         19,393                                                   15,242       18,652         18,652                  
     Payable silver concentrate   troy koz                             157       208         208                                                   155       205         205                  

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

2 Production and sales included from 1 May 2023, following the acquisition of OZL on 2 May 2023.

 

8


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

             Production              Sales  
             Quarter ended          Year to date              Quarter ended          Year to date  
             Sep
2022
     Dec
2022
     Mar
2023
     Jun
2023
    

Sep

2023

        

Sep

2023

     Sep
2022
     Var
%
             Sep
2022
     Dec
2022
     Mar
2023
     Jun
2023
     Sep
2023
         Sep
2023
     Sep
2022
     Var
%
 

Copper (continued)

                                                         
 

Antamina, Peru

 

BHP interest 33.75%

 

      
 

Material mined

 

kt

     63,865        68,750        57,939        62,894        63,310          63,310        63,865        (1)%                                
  Concentrator throughput  

kt

     13,858        14,272        12,349        13,897        14,246          14,246        13,858        3%                                
  Average head grade - copper  

%

     0.93%        0.86%        0.88%        0.88%        0.83%          0.83%        0.93%        (11)%                                
  Average head grade - zinc  

%

     1.09%        0.99%        1.06%        1.25%        1.17%          1.17%        1.09%        7%                                                                                
  Payable copper  

kt

     37.1        35.2        29.6        36.5        32.5          32.5        37.1        (12)%            37.6        34.7        32.4        34.5        32.8          32.8        37.6        (13)%  
  Payable zinc  

t

     32,685        29,929        23,612        38,822        35,669          35,669        32,685        9%            33,820        29,127        25,851        37,629        33,912          33,912        33,820        0%  
  Payable silver  

troy koz

     1,190        923        801        971        798          798        1,190        (33)%            1,015        850        768        747        745          745        1,015        (27)%  
  Payable lead  

t

     228        114        169        146        96          96        228        (58)%            130        91        181        143        154          154        130        18%  
    Payable molybdenum  

t

     262        348        229        333        283          283        262        8%            250        298        297        227        261          261        250        4%  
                                                           
 

Carajás, Brazil¹

 

BHP interest 100%

 

      
  Material mined  

kt

                                103        74          74                                                  
  Ore milled  

kt

                                100        70          70                                                  
  Average copper grade  

%

                                1.71%        1.91%          1.91%                                                  
  Production ex mill  

kt

                                6.6        5.2          5.2                                                                                                  
  Payable copper  

kt

                                1.6        1.2          1.2                                                         2.1        2.2          2.2                    
    Payable gold concentrate  

troy oz

                                1,153        802          802                                                         1,688        1,533          1,533                    

1 Production and sales included from 1 May 2023, following the acquisition of OZL on 2 May 2023.

 

                             
                             
                             

Iron Ore

                                                         

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

 

                             
 

WAIO, Australia

 

BHP interest 85%

 

      
  Newman  

kt

     14,053        16,172        11,925        14,795        13,234          13,234        14,053        (6)%                                
  Area C Joint Venture  

kt

     26,971        26,302        25,284        28,818        25,804          25,804        26,971        (4)%                                
  Yandi Joint Venture  

kt

     5,497        5,613        4,941        5,359        3,150          3,150        5,497        (43)%                                
  Jimblebar¹  

kt

     17,404        17,720        16,575        15,102        19,816          19,816        17,404        14%                                
  Total  

kt

     63,925        65,807        58,725        64,074        62,004          62,004        63,925        (3)%                                
  Total (100%)  

kt

     72,135        74,292        66,163        72,717        69,448          69,448        72,135        (4)%                                                                                
  Lump  

kt

                                   19,561        20,375        18,021        20,022        20,969          20,969        19,561        7%  
  Fines  

kt

                                   42,696        44,121        41,183        42,904        43,211          43,211        42,696        1%  
  Total  

kt

                                   62,257        64,496        59,204        62,926        64,180          64,180        62,257        3%  
    Total (100%)  

kt

                                                                                   70,276        72,688        66,580        71,172        71,748          71,748        70,276        2%  

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

 

                             
                                        
 

Samarco, Brazil

 

BHP interest 50%

 

      
    Total  

kt

     1,148        1,095     

 

1,048

 

     1,221        1,231          1,231        1,148        7%            1,146        1,097        1,111        1,160        1,136          1,136        1,146        (1)%  

 

9


BHP | Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

             Production              Sales  
             Quarter ended          Year to date              Quarter ended          Year to date  
             Sep
2022
     Dec
2022
     Mar
2023
     Jun
2023
    

Sep

2023

        

Sep

2023

     Sep
2022
     Var
%
             Sep
2022
     Dec
2022
     Mar
2023
     Jun
2023
     Sep
2023
         Sep
2023
     Sep
2022
     Var
%
 

Coal

                                                           
 

Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product.

 

 

                             

BMA, Australia

  BHP interest 50%

 

            
 
  Blackwater   kt      1,283        1,160        1,107        1,505        1,295          1,295        1,283        1%                                
 
  Goonyella   kt      1,780        1,997        2,185        2,348        827          827        1,780        (54)%                                
 
  Peak Downs   kt      1,325        1,480        1,251        1,424        1,121          1,121        1,325        (15)%                                
 
  Saraji   kt      1,020        1,243        1,007        1,326        1,010          1,010        1,020        (1)%                                
 
  Daunia   kt      324        441        607        617        545          545        324        68%                                
 
  Caval Ridge   kt      930        631        772        1,257        803          803        930        (14)%                                
 
  Total¹   kt      6,662        6,952        6,929        8,477        5,601          5,601        6,662        (16)%                                
 
  Total (100%)   kt      13,324        13,904        13,858        16,954        11,202          11,202        13,324        (16)%                                                                                
 
  Coking coal   kt                                    5,615        5,872        5,372        7,448        4,497          4,497        5,615        (20)%  
 
  Weak coking coal   kt                                    600        727        710        1,064        529          529        600        (12)%  
 
  Thermal coal   kt                                    267        428        104        364        299          299        267        12%  
 
  Total   kt                                    6,482        7,027        6,186        8,876        5,325          5,325        6,482        (18)%  
 
    Total (100%)   kt                                                                                    12,964        14,054        12,372        17,752        10,650          10,650        12,964        (18)%  
 

1 Production figures include some thermal coal.

 

 

                             
 

NSWEC, Australia

  BHP interest 100%

 

            
 
  Export   kt                                    2,441        2,862        3,667        4,693        3,087          3,087        2,441        26%  
 
  Domestic¹   kt                                             201        220          220        
 
    Total   kt      2,622        2,851        3,934        4,765        3,613          3,613        2,622        38%            2,441        2,862        3,667        4,894        3,307          3,307        2,441        35%  
 

1 Domestic sales are 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.

 

                             
 

Nickel West, Australia

  BHP interest 100%

 

            
 

Mt Keith

  Nickel concentrate   kt      42.6        39.6        38.8        44.5        42.7          42.7        42.6        0%                                
 
    Average nickel grade   %      17.0        15.5        16.5        16.2        16.7          16.7        17.0        (2)%                                
 

Leinster

  Nickel concentrate   kt      66.8        47.9        68.4        71.1        66.0          66.0        66.8        (1)%                                
 
    Average nickel grade   %      9.9        9.4        8.6        8.5        8.1          8.1        9.9        (18)%                                                                                
 
  Refined nickel¹   kt      17.5        10.8        13.2        13.1        13.8          13.8        17.5        (21)%            18.1        10.2        13.0        13.1        13.2          13.2        18.1        (27)%  
 
  Nickel sulphate²   kt      1.2        0.4        0.9        0.7        0.9          0.9        1.2        (25)%            0.8        0.5        0.9        0.8        0.8          0.8        0.8        0%  
 
  Intermediates and nickel by-products³   kt      2.0        6.5        5.5        8.2        5.5          5.5        2.0        175%            1.8        7.7        5.7        9.5        4.9          4.9        1.8        172%  
 
  Total nickel   kt      20.7        17.7        19.6        22.0        20.2          20.2        20.7        (2)%            20.7        18.4        19.6        23.4        18.9          18.9        20.7        (9)%  
 
    Cobalt by-products   t       238        93        175        246        192          192        238        (19)%            238        93        175        246        192          192        238        (19)%  

 

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 quarter ended 30 September 2023

 

Variance analysis relates to the relative performance of BHP and/or its operations during the three months ended September 2023 compared with the three months ended September 2022, 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.

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 tonne (g/t); high-potential injury (HPI); kilograms per tonne (kg/t); kilometre (km); million ounces per annum (Mozpa); million pounds (Mlb); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); OZ Minerals Limited (OZL); 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 30 June 2023 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

 

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11


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

      BHP Group Limited
Date: October 18, 2023     By:  

/s/ Stefanie Wilkinson

    Name:   Stefanie Wilkinson
    Title:   Group Company Secretary

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