BHP Reports Higher Copper and Iron Ore Production in December Quarter

21 Jan 2025 CW Team

BHP Group, the world’s largest listed miner, reported increased production for the December quarter, with iron ore output inching up and copper production surging 17%. The gains were driven by operational efficiencies and richer ore quality at its key sites.

Iron ore production at the South Flank operations in Western Australia reached 73.1 million metric tonne, slightly up from 72.7 million tonnein the same quarter last year and in line with the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of 72.8 million tonne.

Copper output rose sharply to 510,700 tonne, attributed to improved processing and richer ore quality at the Escondida mine in Chile. The company remains bullish on copper’s long-term demand, projecting a global deficit of 10 million metric tons within a decade. BHP has committed at least $11 billion for further development at Escondida and other Chilean projects.

BHP maintained its iron ore production forecast for Western Australia at 282-294 million tonne and expects output at the higher end of this range. It also anticipates achieving the upper half of its guidance for 2025 at its BMA operations in Central Queensland, the New South Wales Energy Coal division, and the Samarco joint venture in Brazil.

Mike Henry, CEO expressed confidence in continuing strong performance into the second half of FY25, citing tight cost controls and expectations of higher production across multiple assets.

Shares of BHP rose 1% to A$40.67 in early trade, outperforming the broader mining index, which gained 0.5%.

The company expects its net debt to reach around $15 billion by the end of FY25, nearing the top end of its target range. This increase is largely due to provisions related to the 2015 Samarco dam collapse in Brazil.

(ET)

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..