As populations and the transition to renewable energy continue to grow, BHP is confident in its ability to supply the metals and minerals the world will need.
BHP chief executive officer Mike Henry said the Big Australian is well-positioned to leverage its strong balance sheet, technical know-how and sustainable business practices into the future.
“BHP reported a strong financial performance for the half-year (ending December 31, 2024), underpinned by safe and reliable operations and rigorous cost control,” he said.
“The group’s industry-leading margins and robust cash flow enabled the board to determine an interim dividend of $US0.50 per share – a total of $US2.5 billion.”
Henry said the result demonstrates BHP’s operational resilience and ability to perform through the cycle.
“The demand for BHP products remains strong despite global economic and trade uncertainties, with early signs of recovery in China, resilient economic performance in the US and strong growth in India,” he said.
Other highlights from the half-year included BHP’s high potential injury frequency rate declining by approximately 54 per cent, with zero high potential injuries recorded in the second quarter of the 2024–25 financial year.
Copper equivalent production was up 5.3 per cent, while group copper production increased by 10 per cent, driven by a 22 per cent increase at Escondida in Chile.
“The trajectory of the world population growing from eight billion today to 10 billion in 2050, with more people living in cities, together with the energy transition and the growth of data centres and AI (artificial intelligence), will compound the need for more metals and minerals,” Henry said.