Approval marks a key step in BHP’s $10.7B-$14.7B investment plan to boost copper output amid rising global demand.
BHP Group secured an environmental permit for early-stage projects at its Escondida copper mine in Chile, valued at $1.3 billion. The approval enables sulphide leaching operations and electricity infrastructure upgrades, critical for addressing declining ore grades.
The permit is part of BHP’s broader strategy to invest $10.7 billion to $14.7 billion in Chilean operations over the coming years. The company aims to double its global copper output to over two million tonnes by the mid-2030s, driven by demand for decarbonization and data center growth.
BHP holds a 57.5% stake in Escondida, with Rio Tinto Group and Japanese consortiums owning the remainder. The expansion aligns with efforts to secure supply for AI and clean energy transitions.