BHP CEO Mike Henry: Expect copper demand to grow by up to 70% by 2050

Core Viewpoint - The copper industry is experiencing a significant demand surge driven by factors such as population growth, economic expansion, and the energy transition, with expectations of demand growth up to 70% by 2050 [3] Group 1: Copper Demand and Supply - The demand for copper is being fueled by traditional growth drivers and new sectors like AI data centers and electric vehicles, leading to a compounding effect on demand [3] - BHP, as the world's largest copper producer, is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand due to its scale and resources [3][8] - The company is optimistic about its growth options, particularly a project in Arizona that could supply 25% of the US's copper demand for decades [4] Group 2: Project Development and Challenges - The Resolution Mine project in Arizona has faced court challenges but is progressing, with hopes for resolution soon to enable significant investment decisions [5][6] - The permitting process in the US is a major challenge for new mining projects, and BHP is advocating for policy reforms to expedite this process [9][11] Group 3: Government Involvement and Policy - The US government is taking measures to secure critical mineral supply chains, including potential equity stakes in smaller mining companies, which BHP views as a complex but necessary approach [10][14] - BHP believes that while it can operate independently, government support is crucial for addressing the supply chain challenges in the mining sector [12][14] Group 4: Global Market Dynamics - China's economic growth remains strong, with expectations to meet a 5% growth target, sustaining demand for metals like copper and iron ore [18][19] - BHP does not focus on gold as a primary growth area but benefits from gold as a byproduct of copper production, which enhances overall revenue [20][21] Group 5: Future Investments - BHP is investing upwards of $12 billion in Canada to become one of the world's largest potash producers by 2027, indicating a strategic diversification in its growth commodities [22]