BHP Group's Copper Output Falls in Q1 on Grade Declines, Weather, Maintenance

07:18 PM EDT, 10/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- BHP Group (BHP) said on Monday that copper production fell 19% from a year earlier in the three months through September, on planned grade declines, scheduled maintenance, severe weather in Chile, safety stoppages, and a conveyor failure at Carrapateena. BHP mined 400,700 tons of copper in the quarter, while iron ore output was steady at 66.5 million tons. Western Australia Iron Ore set records at both its mines and port, while BMA and NSW Energy Coal produced more than a year earlier. Copper prices were about 50% higher than a year ago, BHP said. Two employees died at the company's Escondida and Peak Downs operations, and investigations are underway. BHP said Stage 1 of its Jansen potash project is 87% complete and on track for first production in mid-2027.