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Copper

Critical to the energy transition

Why is copper critical

As the world moves towards a lower carbon future, copper will be even more essential for use in the technology and infrastructure needed for the energy transition, such as electric cars and renewable energy sources like wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage.
3xElectric vehicles use around three times as much copper as petrol-based cars.
90kgThe average Australian home contains 90kg of copper.
1.8mtIn the 2024 financial year, our copper production was over 1.8 million tonnes. This is enough to make over 450,000 wind turbines.

“Because mining operations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, BHP has committed to a wind and battery agreement to partly power our Australian copper mine at Olympic Dam.”

Copper site

Learn more about our wind and battery agreement with Neoen.

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Steps we are taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our production of copper

electric truck on a mine site at olympic dam
Exciting electric equipment trial underway at Olympic Dam.

We’ve contracted a new fleet of electric equipment on site at Olympic Dam!
man with back to camera in mining uniform looking at a mine site
New wind and battery project in South Australia.

BHP has signed a renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Neoen, which is expected to meet half of Olympic Dam’s electricity needs from FY2026, based on current forecast demand, and allow Olympic Dam to record a net zero emission position for the contracted volume of supply.
Employee and copper
BHP awarded the Copper Mark for Olympic Dam.

BHP’s Chilean operations Escondida and Spence, and Olympic Dam in Australia, have been awarded the Copper Mark recognising responsible production practices after an independent assurance process.

Find out more about copper in detail here

Iron ore is also critical to the energy transition.

Find out more about iron ore’s critical role in making steel used in the infrastructure needed for the energy transition.

Find out more