BHP Group PLC (BHP) reported growth in copper production and weaker iron output in the second quarter of its financial year, but improved its full-year guidance for both metals amid high current prices.
The FTSE 100-listed miner revealed copper output of 428.1kt in the three months to end-December, up 4% on the preceding quarter although down 6% on the same period last year.
READ: Is the copper price headed for a soggy second half?
Some 62.4mln tonnes (mT) of iron ore was produced in the quarter, down 6% on the preceding three months but up 3% year-on-year.
Looking to the full year, iron ore guidance has been increased to 245-255 Mt as a result of the restart of the Samarco mine in Brazil in December.
Copper guidance was narrowed to 1,510-1,645 kt, from 1,480-1,645tkt amid a strong performance at Escondida in Chile.
Energy coal guidance was reduced following a 91-day miners strike at Cerrejón in Colombia, while guidance was unchanged for petroleum and metallurgical coal.
Chief executive Mike Henry said the half year had seen a “strong safety and operational performance”, including record production at Western Australia Iron Ore.
He added: “Our major development projects in iron ore, petroleum and potash are progressing well. We continue to build on our strong foundations, increasing future-facing options in copper and nickel through exploration, partnerships and acquisitions.”