BHP’s Copper SA business has partnered with Australian company Aurizon to deliver an integrated rail, road, and port logistics solution through four contracts valued at approximately A$1.5 billion, supporting its copper operations in South Australia over the next decade.

Under the arrangements, the transport of copper concentrate and cathode from BHP’s Olympic Dam, Carrapateena, and Prominent Hill mines, as well as other inbound freight, will shift to rail between Pimba and Port Adelaide.

South Australian business Symons Clark Logistics, already a trusted BHP transport partner, has been sub-contracted by Aurizon to deliver the road transport component between Pimba and the mine sites.

Reflecting a notable operational synergy resulting from the OZ Minerals transaction, this marks the most transformative shift in Copper SA’s logistics since the asset’s creation, poised to unlock substantial long-term value for South Australia’s globally recognised copper province.

The major shift to an integrated rail, road, and port logistics solution will effectively replace an estimated 13 million kilometres of truck movements annually – removing more than 11,000 truck movements from South Australian roads per year.

This shift will deliver meaningful improvements in road safety, ease regional congestion, and significantly reduce emissions across the state.

Global copper demand is forecast to increase by around 70 per cent by 2050, driven by ongoing growth in traditional copper uses such as house construction and household appliances, the global transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy, and growth in data centres.

Anna Wiley, BHP Asset President Copper SA

“This is Copper SA’s most significant logistics arrangement since the asset’s formation. The shift to more rail transport will improve road safety, lower emissions, create local business opportunities, and deliver significant synergies for our business.”

“By value, BHP’s copper cathode is South Australia’s largest single export. This partnership forms a critical link between our operations in the state’s far north and our path to market at the Port of Adelaide. It’s about delivering South Australian resources to the world.”

“Global demand for copper is rising fast and, with two-thirds of Australia’s high-quality copper resources, South Australia is uniquely positioned to meet it.”

“BHP is moving at pace to progress new projects, investments and studies – building the foundations for long-term growth and value through Copper SA.”

Andrew Harding, CEO Aurizon

“Aurizon is thrilled to partner with BHP Copper SA on this integrated rail, road and port logistics package, and to support over the next decade, one of the Australia’s most significant resource operations.”

“We have been able to leverage our significant capability and existing footprint in South Australia to deliver a solution that puts the majority of freight onto rail, which in turns drives down transport emissions and delivers benefits for the broader community.”

“As Australia’s largest rail freight business, we see a big growth opportunity in South Australia especially with future-facing commodities such as copper that play such a critical role in the global energy transition.”

Deputy Premier the Hon Susan Close MP

“South Australia is host to around 70 per cent of Australia’s copper resource, and BHP is well positioned to help maximise this opportunity.”

“The partnership BHP has announced today is a consolidated intermodal transport solution, which will reduce congestion on regional roads, and demonstrates their long-term commitment to realising a Tier One copper province that could play a significant role in meeting the predicted surge in international demand for copper required by the global energy transition.