BHP, the world’s largest mining company by market capitalisation, boosted copper production during its fiscal first half as it raced to meet demand for the metal used in key technology ranging from electric vehicles to power grids.
The Australian miner produced 10 per cent more copper in the six months to December 31, compared with the previous year, largely driven by strong performance at its Escondida operations in northern Chile, where production rose 22 per cent to a decade high, the company said on Tuesday.
Growth in Chile help offset a downturn at BHP’s South Australia copper mines, where electrical storms and power outages hit operations.