This is why copper is necessary for the everyday economy

Core Insights - BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is acquiring a 49% stake in BHP's iron ore power network in Western Australia for $2 billion, aimed at freeing up capital for BHP to invest in new projects, particularly in copper and potash [2][3] Company Developments - BHP's CEO Mike Henry emphasized the importance of capital allocation and the need to secure better multiples for redeployment into higher-returning growth opportunities [3] - The company is focusing on copper as a key growth commodity, expecting demand to grow by 70% over the next 25 years, with a 30% growth in their copper business over the past three years [5][6] - BHP is the world's largest copper producer and has four major copper growth projects, including the Resolution project in Arizona, which could supply 25% of the US's copper demand for decades [6] Market Trends - The demand for copper is driven by its essential role in powering the economy and the energy transition, particularly in data centers [5] - Potash is becoming increasingly important due to its role in fertilizer production, especially in light of geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains [9][12] - BHP is investing $12 billion in developing its potash project in Jansen, Saskatchewan, which is expected to supply about 10% of the world's potash by 2027 [11][12] Regulatory Environment - The US administration is taking measures to stimulate investment in mining, particularly for potash, which is currently exempt from certain tariffs [14][16] - BHP is monitoring potential tariffs on copper but remains optimistic about its copper business's future demand [17]