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BHP Group Limited
BHP Group Limited
ABN 49 004 028 077
Registered in Australia
Registered Office: Level 18, 171
Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Share code: BHG
ISIN: AU000000BHP4
Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 19 July 2022
Release Number 24/22
BHP OPERATIONAL REVIEW
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022
Note: All guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19 during the 2023 financial year.
We continue to deliver safe and reliable production. We remained fatality free during the year and have
delivered record sales volumes from Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO), allowing us to fully capitalise
on the opportunity presented by high iron ore prices.
Full year production guidance for iron ore and energy coal were achieved, as were revised guidance for
copper and metallurgical coal. Full year nickel production was lower than revised guidance due to a
smelter outage in the June 2022 quarter.
Full year unit cost guidance1 is expected to be achieved for WAIO and Escondida. New South Wales
Energy Coal (NSWEC) unit costs are expected to be towards the bottom end of revised guidance, which
was updated to reflect a targeted increase in the proportion of higher quality energy coal to capture
more value from record high prices. BMA unit costs are expected to be marginally above revised
guidance for Queensland Coal primarily due to the impact of the divestment of BMC.
The Jansen shaft project was completed in the June 2022 quarter. Jansen Stage 1 is tracking to plan,
with activities progressing at the port and at the Jansen site. We are working to bring forward Jansen
Stage 1 first production into 2026 and are assessing options to accelerate Jansen Stage 2.
The divestment of BHP’s 80% interest in BMC to Stanmore and the merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio
with Woodside Energy were completed during the June 2022 quarter.
BHP announced that it will retain NSWEC in its portfolio and seek relevant approvals to enable mining
beyond the current mining consent that expires in 2026, towards a cessation of mining in 2030.
The financial results for the second half of the 2022 financial year are expected to reflect certain items
as summarised in the table on page 3.
Production FY22 Jun Q22 Jun Q22 vs Mar Q22 commentary
(vs FY21) (vs Mar Q22)
Copper (kt) 1,573.5 461.8 Higher volumes at Escondida due to increased grade and concentrator throughput,
(4%) 25% at Spence due to improved leaching performance and at Olympic Dam following major
smelter maintenance campaign impacts in the prior period.
Iron ore (Mt) 253.2 64.2 Higher volumes at WAIO reflecting record production from the Mining Area C hub with
0% 8% the continued ramp up of South Flank and improved supply chain performance.
Metallurgical coal (Mt)2 29.1 8.2 Higher volumes driven by improved truck productivity, partially offset by heavy rainfall
(9%) 3% in the quarter.
Energy coal (Mt)3 13.7 3.9 Higher volumes due to less wet weather and reduced COVID-19 related labour
(4%) 52% impacts.
Nickel (kt) 76.8 18.8 Higher volumes due to reduced COVID-19 labour impacts, offset by an unplanned
(14%) 1% smelter outage.
Group copper equivalent production for the 2022 financial year decreased by 4%4 mainly due to lower copper and coal volumes.
Group copper equivalent production for the 2023 financial year is expected to increase by approximately 4% from the
2022 financial year.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 1
Summary
BHP Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry:
“BHP produced a strong fourth quarter to cap off a year of significant progress. Our performance for the year has been
underpinned by safe, reliable operations and firm demand for our commodities. We completed another year fatality free
and we are unwavering in our effort to improve safety, and this includes addressing sexual assault and harassment,
racism and bullying.
We delivered record full-year sales volumes at our iron ore business in Western Australia as a result of reliable
operational performance and the South Flank project which continued to ramp up. In copper, Escondida in Chile had
record material mined and near-record concentrator throughput, while Olympic Dam in South Australia performed
strongly in the fourth quarter after planned smelter maintenance.
Queensland metallurgical coal delivered strong underlying performance for the quarter in the face of significant wet
weather. BHP is assessing the impacts on BMA economic reserves and mine lives as a result of the increase in coal
royalties by the Queensland Government. The near tripling of top end royalties has worsened what was already one of
the world’s highest coal royalty regimes, threatening investment and jobs in the state.
Our US$5.7 billion Jansen potash project in Canada is tracking to plan and we are working to bring first production
forward to 2026. Also during the year, we merged our petroleum business with Woodside, completed the sales of BMC
and Cerrejón, and decided to retain New South Wales Energy Coal until the cessation of mining in 2030 subject to
relevant approvals. We also unified our corporate structure, and added to our global options in copper and nickel.
Broader market volatility continues and we expect the lag effect of inflationary pressures to continue through the
2023 financial year, along with labour market tightness and supply chain constraints. Over the year ahead, China is
expected to contribute positively to growth as stimulus policies take effect, however, the continuing conflict in the
Ukraine, the unfolding energy crisis in Europe and policy tightening globally is expected to result in an overall slowing
of global growth. Our strong focus on safety, operational reliability, cost control and social value will help us navigate
these challenges and continue to deliver for all of our stakeholders.”
Operational performance
Production and guidance are summarised below.
Note: All guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19 during the 2023 financial year.
FY22 Jun Q22 Jun Q22
Jun vs vs vs FY23 FY23e
Productioni FY22 Q22 FY21 Jun Q21 Mar Q22 guidance vs FY22
Copper (kt) 1,573.5 461.8 (4%) 15% 25% 1,635 – 1,825 4% – 16%
Escondida (kt) 1,004.0 289.3 (6%) 17% 28% 1,080 – 1,180 8% – 18%
Pampa Norte (kt) 281.2 77.2 29% 11% 13% 240 – 290 (15%) – 3%
Olympic Dam (kt) 138.4 55.7 (33%) 10% 43% 195 – 215 41% – 55%
Antamina (kt) 149.9 39.6 4% 10% 10% 120 – 140 (20%) – (7%)
Iron ore (Mt) 253.2 64.2 0% (2%) 8% 249 – 260 (2%) – 3%
WAIO (Mt) 249.2 63.2 (1%) (2%) 8% 246 – 256 (1%) – 3%
WAIO (100% basis) (Mt) 282.8 71.7 0% (2%) 7% 278 – 290 (2%) – 3%
Samarco (Mt) 4.1 1.0 110% (2%) 1% 3–4 (26%) – (2%)
Metallurgical coal - BMA (Mt) 29.1 8.2 (9%) (12%) 3% 29 – 32 0% – 10%
Metallurgical coal - BMA (100% basis) (Mt) 58.3 16.4 (9%) (12%) 3% 58 – 64 0% – 10%
Energy coal – NSWEC (Mt) 13.7 3.9 (4%) (13%) 52% 13 – 15 (5%) – 9%
Nickel (kt) 76.8 18.8 (14%) (16%) 1% 80 – 90 4% – 17%
i Excludes BMC and Petroleum production. The divestment of BHP's 80 per cent interest in BMC to Stanmore Resources Limited and the
merger of BHP's oil and gas portfolio with Woodside Energy Group Limited were completed on 3 May 2022 and 1 June 2022 respectively.
Production data for these assets are below in the production and sales report.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 2
Summary of disclosures
BHP expects its financial results for the second half of the 2022 financial year to reflect certain items as summarised
in the table below. The table does not provide a comprehensive list of all items impacting the period. The financial
statements are the subject of ongoing work that will not be finalised until the release of BHP’s financial results on
16 August 2022. Accordingly the information in the table below contains preliminary information that is subject to update
and finalisation.
H2 FY22
impact
Description US$Mi Classificationii
Unit costs for WAIO, Escondida and NSWEC are expected to be in line with full year - Operating costs
guidance (at guidance exchange rates), with NSWEC tracking towards the bottom end of
revised guidance
Note: weaker Australian dollar and Chilean peso than guidance rates in the periodiii
Unit costs for BMA are expected to be marginally above full year revised guidance for - ↑ Operating costs
Queensland Coal, due to the impact of the divestment of BMC, and higher diesel and
electricity prices (at guidance exchange rates)
Note: weaker Australian dollar than guidance rates in the periodiii
Impairment charge related to an increase in closure and rehabilitation provision at Cerro 400 – 450 ↑ Operating costs
Colorado due to additional work required to re-profile waste dumps for closure and an
increase in scope for the closure activities
Exploration expense (minerals exploration programs) 119 Exploration expense
The Group’s adjusted effective tax rate for the full year is expected to be within the guidance - Taxation expense
range of 30 to 35 per cent
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 1,250 – 1,300 ↑ Financing cash outflow
Gain on sale of BHP’s 80 per cent interest in BMC (after tax) 825 – 875 ↑ Exceptional item gain
Net proceeds received from the sale of BHP’s 80 per cent interest in BMC
iv
~1,250 ↑ Investing cash inflow
Transaction costs related to Unification (after tax) ~430 ↑ Exceptional item charge
v
Financial impact on BHP Brasil of the Samarco dam failure Refer footnote Exceptional item
Discontinued operations
Gain on merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio (after tax) 8,000 – 8,300 ↑ Exceptional item gain
Net cash payment to Woodside at completion of the merger and cash left in the BHP ~1,100 ↑ Investing cash outflow
Petroleum bank accounts to fund ongoing operationsvi
i Numbers are not tax effected, unless otherwise noted.
ii There will be a corresponding balance sheet, cash flow and/or income statement impact as relevant, unless otherwise noted.
iii Average exchange rates for FY22 of AUD/USD 0.73 (guidance rate AUD/USD 0.78) and USD/CLP 811 (guidance rate USD/CLP 727).
iv Net of cash remaining in BMC on completion of US$63 million.
v Financial impact is the subject of ongoing work and is not yet finalised. See corporate update section for further information on Samarco.
vi As part of completion, BHP made a net cash payment of US$0.7 billion to Woodside. The net payment to Woodside is subject to a customary
post-completion review which may result in an adjustment to the amount paid. In addition, US$0.4 billion in cash was left in the BHP
Petroleum bank accounts.
Major development projects
In June 2022, we completed the US$2.97 billion Jansen mine shafts project.
At the end of the 2022 financial year, BHP had one major project under development, the US$5.7 billion Jansen
Stage 1 project, which is tracking to plan.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 3
Average realised prices
The average realised prices achieved for our major commodities are summarised below.
FY22 Jun H22 Jun H22
vs vs vs
Average realised pricesi Jun H22 Dec H21 FY22 FY21 FY21 Jun H21 Dec H21
Copper (US$/lb) 4.02 4.31 4.16 3.81 9% (7%) (7%)
Iron ore (US$/wmt, FOB) 112.65 113.54 113.10 130.56 (13%) (29%) (1%)
Metallurgical coal (US$/t) 423.82 259.71 347.10 106.64 225% 269% 63%
Hard coking coal (US$/t)ii 437.60 278.60 366.82 112.72 225% 269% 57%
ii
Weak coking coal (US$/t) 382.56 218.65 296.51 89.62 231% 266% 75%
iii
Thermal coal (US$/t) 302.60 137.68 216.78 58.42 271% 327% 120%
Nickel metal (US$/t) 27,399 19,651 23,275 16,250 43% 56% 39%
i Based on provisional, unaudited estimates. Prices exclude sales from equity accounted investments, third party product and internal sales,
and represent the weighted average of various sales terms (for example: FOB, CIF and CFR), unless otherwise noted. Includes the impact
of provisional pricing and finalisation adjustments.
ii Hard coking coal (HCC) refers generally to those metallurgical coals with a Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) of 35 and above, which
includes coals across the spectrum from Premium Coking to Semi Hard Coking coals, while weak coking coal (WCC) refers generally to
those metallurgical coals with a CSR below 35.
iii Includes thermal coal sales from metallurgical coal mines.
The large majority of iron ore shipments were linked to index pricing for the month of shipment, with price differentials
predominantly a reflection of market fundamentals and product quality. Iron ore sales for the June 2022 half year
were based on an average moisture rate of 6.9 per cent. The large majority of metallurgical coal and energy coal
exports were linked to index pricing for the month of scheduled shipment or priced on the spot market at fixed or
index-linked prices, with price differentials reflecting product quality. The majority of copper cathodes sales were
linked to index price for quotation periods one month after month of shipment, and three to four months after month
of shipment for copper concentrates sales with price differentials applied for location and treatment costs.
At 30 June 2022, the Group had 354 kt of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price
of US$3.75 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined in the 2023 financial year. In addition, 323 kt
of copper sales from the 2021 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current financial year.
The provisional pricing and finalisation adjustments will decrease Underlying EBITDA by US$473 million in the
2022 financial year and are included in the average realised copper price in the above table.
Corporate update
Portfolio
In April 2022, we signed a letter of intent with a consortium led by the Global Maritime forum to assess the
development of an iron ore Green Corridor between Australia and East Asia. Green Corridors are specific shipping
routes where the economics, infrastructure and logistics of zero or near-zero emission shipping are more feasible
and where deployment can be supported by targeted policy and industry action. The new consortium will facilitate a
robust public-private dialogue to investigate conditions that need to be in place to mobilise demand and to feasibly
scale zero or near-zero- greenhouse gas emission shipping on the corridor.
On 3 May 2022, BHP completed the sale of its 80 per cent interest in BMC to Stanmore Resources Limited. Stanmore
Resources paid US$1.1 billion cash consideration at completion plus a preliminary completion adjustment of
approximately US$200 million for working capital. US$100 million cash remains payable to BHP on 3 November
2022 with potential for an additional amount of up to US$150 million in a price-linked earnout payable to BHP in the
2024 calendar year. The total cash consideration for the transaction could be up to US$1.35 billion plus the final
completion adjustment amount. The Group expects to recognise a net gain on sale of between US$825 million and
US$875 million post-tax as an exceptional item in the 2022 financial year.
On 1 June 2022, the merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio with Woodside was completed. BHP paid a fully franked
in specie dividend and distributed Woodside shares to eligible BHP shareholders. The implied value of the in specie
dividend was approximately US$19.6 billion or US$3.86 per BHP share. The sale of the Woodside shares of ineligible
overseas shareholders and BHP shareholders that elected to participate in the sale facility, was completed and the
proceeds have been distributed to participating shareholders. As part of completion, BHP made a net cash payment
of approximately US$0.7 billion to Woodside. The net payment to Woodside is subject to a customary post-
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 4
completion review which may result in an adjustment to the amount paid. The Group expects to recognise a net gain
on the merger of between US$8.0 billion and US$8.3 billion post-tax as an exceptional item in the 2022 financial
year5.
On 16 June 2022, BHP announced that we will retain New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) in our portfolio, seek
the relevant approvals to continue mining beyond its current mining consent that expires in 2026 and proceed with a
managed process to cease mining at the asset by the end of the 2030 financial year. A trade sale process for NSWEC
was conducted however the process did not result in a viable offer. Assessment of the resource economics,
geotechnical profile and future investment requirements determined that continued mining in the near term and
moving to closure in 2030 provides the optimal financial outcome when compared to alternate options. Continuation
of mining to the end of the 2030 financial year will afford eight years to work with our people, state and federal
governments and local communities in the Hunter Valley region on a transition approach that supports long-term
community sustainability.
Samarco
Samarco’s Judicial Reorganisation process is continuing in the Commercial Courts of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas
Gerais. The Judicial Reorganisation is a process for Samarco to restructure its financial debts in order to establish a
sustainable independent financial position that would allow Samarco to, among other things, continue its operations
safely and meet its Renova Foundation obligations. BHP Brasil will continue to support Samarco in this process. The
Judicial Reorganisation is not expected to affect Samarco’s obligation or commitment to make full redress for the
2015 Fundão dam failure, and it does not impact Renova Foundation’s ability to undertake remediation and
compensation works.
Separately, negotiations are also ongoing with State and Federal Prosecutors and other Brazilian public authorities
on the review of the Framework Agreement6, seeking a definitive and substantive settlement of Brazilian claims
relating to the dam failure.
On 8 July 2022, the United Kingdom (UK) Court of Appeal decided to allow the group action in the UK against BHP
seeking compensation on behalf of individuals, municipalities, private businesses and indigenous peoples in Brazil
to continue in the UK. The judgment overturns the earlier decision of the High Court that dismissed the group action.
BHP has sought permission to appeal the judgment to the UK Supreme Court. The judgment is not a decision in
relation to the merits of the claims made in the group action. It is concerned with the preliminary question of whether
the group action can continue against BHP in the United Kingdom.
The impact of this decision and recent legal decisions in Brazil on the Group’s Samarco provision is currently being
assessed.
We will provide an update to the ongoing potential financial impacts on BHP Brasil of the Samarco dam failure with
the release of the financial results on 16 August 2022. Any financial impacts will continue to be treated as an
exceptional item.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 5
Copper
Production
FY22 Jun Q22 Jun Q22
vs vs vs
FY22 Jun Q22 FY21 Jun Q21 Mar Q22
Copper (kt) 1,573.5 461.8 (4%) 15% 25%
Zinc (t) 123,200 27,576 (15%) (22%) (16%)
Uranium (t) 2,375 776 (27%) 26% (1%)
Copper – Total copper production decreased by four per cent to 1,574 kt. Production for the 2023 financial year is
expected to be between 1,635 and 1,825 kt.
Escondida copper production decreased by six per cent to 1,004 kt primarily due to higher than expected concentrator
feed grade decline of four per cent, public road blockades affecting access to site for both workers and supplies, and
the impact of a reduced operational workforce from COVID-19. Despite these challenges, Escondida achieved record
material mined for the 2022 financial year and near record concentrator throughput of 367 ktpd. Production is
expected to increase to between 1,080 and 1,180 kt for the 2023 financial year and reflects an expected increase in
concentrator feed grade compared to the 2022 financial year. Medium term guidance of 1.2 Mtpa of copper production
on average over the next five years remains unchanged, with production expected to be weighted towards the latter
years.
Pampa Norte copper production increased by 29 per cent to 281 kt reflecting the ramp up of the Spence Growth
Option (SGO), partially offset by the impact of lower cathode production as a result of a 14 per cent decline in Pampa
Norte stacking feed grade. Production for the 2023 financial year is expected to be between 240 and 290 kt. This
reflects a forecast decline in stacking feed grade at Pampa Norte, the commencement of plant design modifications
at SGO and the continued transition towards the planned closure of Cerro Colorado at the end of the 2023 calendar
year.
Olympic Dam copper production decreased by 33 per cent to 138 kt as a result of the major smelter maintenance
campaign (SCM21), which included COVID-19 impacts on the availability of workforce and was subsequently
completed in January 2022. Near record production in the June 2022 quarter followed the successful ramp up of the
smelter to full capacity in April 2022. Average copper grade of 2.14 per cent was achieved in the 2022 financial year
as the majority of material mined is from the Southern Mine Area. Production for the 2023 financial year is expected
to increase to between 195 and 215 kt.
Antamina copper production increased by four per cent to 150 kt, reflecting higher copper head grades. Zinc
production decreased by 15 per cent to 123 kt reflecting lower zinc head grades. Copper production of between
120 and 140 kt, and zinc production of between 115 and 135 kt is expected for the 2023 financial year.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 6
Iron Ore
Production
FY22 Jun Q22 Jun Q22
vs vs vs
FY22 Jun Q22 FY21 Jun Q21 Mar Q22
Iron ore production (kt) 253,247 64,162 0% (2%) 8%
Iron ore – Total iron ore production was in line with the prior period at 253 Mt. Production for the 2023 financial year
is expected to be between 249 and 260 Mt.
WAIO production of 249 Mt (283 Mt on a 100 per cent basis) was in line with the prior period, reflecting continued
strong supply chain performance and favourable weather compared to the prior period, offset by the impacts of
temporary labour constraints relating to COVID-19, planned track renewal works in the March 2022 quarter and the
planned major maintenance on the Jimblebar train load out and car dumper one in the first half. Our preventative
maintenance programs continue to underpin the strength of the WAIO supply chain, delivering increased car dumper,
reclaimer and ship loader availability year on year and enabling record sales volumes of 284 Mt (100 per cent basis).
South Flank ramp up to full production capacity of 80 Mtpa (100 per cent basis) is ahead of schedule with an average
rate of 67 Mtpa achieved in the June 2022 quarter contributing to record production from the Mining Area C (MAC)
hub and record lump sales.
WAIO production for the 2023 financial year is expected to be between 246 and 256 Mt (278 and 290 Mt on a 100 per
cent basis) reflecting the tie-in of the port debottlenecking project (PDP1) and the continued ramp up of South Flank.
Samarco production of 4.1 Mt (BHP share) reflected the ramp up of production to capacity, following the
recommencement of iron ore pellet production at one concentrator in December 2020. Production for the
2023 financial year is expected to be between 3 and 4 Mt (BHP share).
Coal
Production
FY22 Jun Q22 Jun Q22
vs vs vs
FY22 Jun Q22 FY21 Jun Q21 Mar Q22
2
Metallurgical coal (kt) 29,142 8,183 (9%) (12%) 3%
3
Energy coal (kt) 13,701 3,919 (4%) (13%) 52%
Metallurgical coal – BMA production decreased by nine per cent to 29 Mt (58 Mt on a 100 per cent basis). Significant
wet weather impacts across most BMA operations and labour constraints, including COVID-19 related absenteeism
which impacted stripping and mine productivity, more than offset record production at the Broadmeadow mine.
Following the automation of Daunia’s truck fleet in November 2021, the automation of Goonyella’s pre-strip truck
fleet was completed in March 2022 with the Goonyella coal truck fleet expected to be fully autonomous by the end
of the December 2022 quarter. Production for the 2023 financial year is expected to be between 29 and 32 Mt (58 and
64 Mt on a 100 per cent basis). A long wall move at Broadmeadow mine is scheduled for the September 2022 quarter.
The divestment of our interest in BMC was completed on 3 May 2022 and BMC volumes are no longer included in
metallurgical coal volumes.
Following the announcement of the change to the Queensland royalty regime from 1 July 2022, we will assess the
impact on production, jobs and the communities of Central Queensland. At spot metallurgical coal prices7, the
effective pre-tax royalty rate has increased by approximately 7 percentage points to 19 per cent. This further cost
pressure will discourage investment, operational growth, job creation and local business spending across the state.
The new tax damages Queensland’s reputation as a stable place to invest, and will make it harder for the state to
compete against other global jurisdictions in attracting major new investments that would deliver longer term value
to communities and the state economy.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 7
Energy coal – NSWEC production decreased by four per cent to 14 Mt, reflecting lower volumes due to an increased
proportion of washed coal to capitalise on higher margins for higher quality coals, COVID-19 related labour
constraints which impacted stripping performance and mine productivity, and wet weather. Higher quality coals now
make up almost 90 per cent of sales compared to approximately 60 per cent of sales in the prior year. Production for
the 2023 financial year is expected to be between 13 and 15 Mt reflecting a continued focus on higher quality coals.
Other
Nickel production
FY22 Jun Q22 Jun Q22
vs vs vs
FY22 Jun Q22 FY21 Jun Q21 Mar Q22
Nickel (kt) 76.8 18.8 (14%) (16%) 1%
Nickel – Nickel West production decreased by 14 per cent to 77 kt due to the significant impacts of COVID-19 related
labour absenteeism and workforce shortages, and unplanned downtime at the oxygen plant leading to a 15 day
smelter outage in the June 2022 quarter. Production for the 2023 financial year is expected to be between 80 and
90 kt, weighted to the second half of the year due to planned smelter maintenance in the first half.
Potash – Our major potash project under development is tracking to plan.
Projects
Project and Capital Initial Capacity Progress
ownership expenditure production
US$M target date
Jansen Potash 2,972 CY27 Investment to finish the excavation and lining of 100% complete. This project
(Canada) the production and service shafts, and to continue will not be reported in the
100% the installation of essential surface infrastructure projects section of future
and utilities. Operational Reviews.
Jansen Stage 1 5,723 CY27 Design, engineering and construction of an Approved in August 2021,
(Canada) underground potash mine and surface project is 8% complete
100% infrastructure, with capacity to produce 4.35 Mtpa.
Minerals exploration
Total minerals exploration expenditure for 2022 financial year was US$256 million, of which US$199 million was
expensed.
Work continues on existing exploration projects, joint ventures and farm-in agreements, as well as leveraging
technology to both look deeper in mature exploration jurisdictions and delineate new high potential search spaces
globally. Greenfield minerals exploration is being undertaken on advancing copper targets in Chile, Ecuador, Mexico,
Peru, Canada, Australia and the south-west United States. Nickel targets are also being advanced in Canada and
Australia.
We continued to progress our early stage options in future facing commodities throughout the year. Work continued
on the farm-in agreement executed in October 2021 for the early-stage Elliott copper project covering 7,200 km 2 in
the Northern Territory, Australia, and in April 2022 we agreed to fund a nickel exploration program in Nunavik,
Quebec, as part of our strategic alliance with Midland Exploration8.
At Oak Dam in South Australia, BHP is continuing next stage resource definition drilling with six drill rigs.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 8
Variance analysis relates to the relative performance of BHP and/or its operations during the 2022 financial year compared with the 2021 financial year, unless
otherwise noted. Production volumes, sales volumes and capital and exploration expenditure from subsidiaries are reported on a 100 per cent basis; production and
sales volumes from equity accounted investments and other operations are reported on a proportionate consolidation basis. Numbers presented may not add up
precisely to the totals provided due to rounding. Copper equivalent production is based on 2022 financial year average realised prices.
The following footnotes apply to this Operational Review:
1 2022 financial year unit cost guidance: Escondida US$1.20-1.40/lb, WAIO US$17.50-18.50/t, Queensland Coal US$85-94/t (which includes BMA of US$88-
96/t; divestment of BMC was completed on 3 May 2022), and NSWEC US$76-81/t; based on exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.78 and USD/CLP 727.
2 BHP completed the sale of BMC on 3 May 2022. The transaction has an effective economic date of 3 May 2022 and volumes have been reported separately in
the production and sales report.
3 BHP completed the sale of its 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón on 11 January 2022. The transaction has an effective economic date of 31 December 2020 and
volumes have been reported separately in the production and sales report.
4 Excludes production from Cerrejón (divestment completed 11 January 2022), BMC (divestment completed 3 May 2022) and Petroleum (merger completed 1
June 2022).
5 The net gain on merger will be included as an exceptional item in profit after taxation from discontinued operations in the financial statements.
6 The Framework Agreement was entered into between Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil and the relevant Brazilian authorities in March 2016 and established the
Renova Foundation to develop and implement environmental and socio-economic programs to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the
Samarco dam failure.
7 PLV FOB spot price of US$243.50/t as at 13 July 2022. Source: Platts.
8 BHP signed an agreement for a nickel exploration alliance with Midland Exploration in August 2020.
The following abbreviations may have been used throughout this report: barrels (bbl); billion cubic feet (bcf); cost and freight (CFR); cost, insurance and freight (CIF);
dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); free on board (FOB); grams per tonne (g/t); kilograms per tonne (kg/t); kilometre (km); metre (m); million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe);
million barrels of oil per day (MMbpd); million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); pounds (lb); thousand
barrels of oil equivalent (Mboe); thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (Mboe/d); thousand ounces (koz); thousand standard cubic feet (Mscf); thousand tonnes
(kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); thousand tonnes per day (ktpd); tonnes (t); and wet metric tonnes (wmt).
In this release, the terms ‘BHP’, the ‘Group’, ‘BHP Group’, ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’ and ourselves’ are used to refer to BHP Group Limited and, except where the context
otherwise requires, the respective subsidiaries as defined in note 30 ‘Subsidiaries’ in section 3.1 of BHP’s 30 June 2021 Annual Report and Form 20-F. Those terms
do not include non-operated assets. Notwithstanding that this release may include production, financial and other information from non-operated assets, non-operated
assets are not included in the BHP Group and, as a result, statements regarding our operations, assets and values apply only to our operated assets unless stated
otherwise. Our non-operated assets include Antamina and Samarco. BHP Group cautions against undue reliance on any forward-looking statement or guidance in
this release, particularly in light of the current economic climate and significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption arising in connection with COVID-19. These forward
looking statements are based on information available as at the date of this release and are not guarantees or predictions of future performance and involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed
in the statements contained in this release.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 9
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BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 10
Production summary
Quarter ended Year to date
BHP Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Jun Jun
interest 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2021
Jun-21 Sep-21 Dec-21 Mar-22 Jun-22
Copper 1
Copper
Payable metal in concentrate (kt)
Escondida 2 57.5% 195.6 194.7 196.2 178.2 233.5 802.6 871.7
Pampa Norte 3 100.0% 21.1 26.4 24.2 32.4 28.2 111.2 27.4
Antamina 33.8% 36.1 35.8 38.4 36.1 39.6 149.9 144.0
Total 252.8 256.9 258.8 246.7 301.3 1,063.7 1,043.1
Cathode (kt)
Escondida 2 57.5% 51.1 49.0 48.4 48.2 55.8 201.4 196.5
Pampa Norte 3 100% 48.3 41.1 44.1 35.8 49.0 170.0 190.8
Olympic Dam 100% 50.8 29.5 14.2 39.0 55.7 138.4 205.3
Total 150.2 119.6 106.7 123.0 160.5 509.8 592.6
Total copper (kt) 403.0 376.5 365.5 369.7 461.8 1,573.5 1,635.7
Lead
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Antamina 33.8% 381 378 277 282 181 1,118 2,532
Total 381 378 277 282 181 1,118 2,532
Zinc
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Antamina 33.8% 35,483 33,289 29,603 32,732 27,576 123,200 145,089
Total 35,483 33,289 29,603 32,732 27,576 123,200 145,089
Gold
Payable metal in concentrate (troy oz)
Escondida 2 57.5% 38,893 41,962 42,937 36,303 45,770 166,972 166,968
Pampa Norte 3 100% 4,728 6,967 5,776 7,929 8,198 28,870 4,728
Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100% 48,478 26,277 37,805 29,355 26,080 119,517 145,998
Total 92,099 75,206 86,518 73,587 80,048 315,359 317,694
Silver
Payable metal in concentrate (troy koz)
Escondida 2 57.5% 1,234 1,291 1,462 1,270 1,311 5,334 5,759
Pampa Norte 3 100% 214 273 215 261 262 1,011 214
Antamina 33.8% 1,409 1,367 1,308 1,191 1,212 5,078 5,965
Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100% 185 191 258 149 145 743 810
Total 3,042 3,122 3,243 2,871 2,930 12,166 12,748
Uranium
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Olympic Dam 100% 614 531 287 781 776 2,375 3,267
Total 614 531 287 781 776 2,375 3,267
Molybdenum
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Pampa Norte 3 100% - - - - 71 71 -
Antamina 33.8% 111 142 217 190 249 798 863
Total 111 142 217 190 320 869 863
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 11
Production summary
Quarter ended Year to date
BHP Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Jun Jun
interest 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2021
Iron Ore
Iron Ore
Production (kt) 4
Newman 85% 14,560 16,461 14,577 11,940 14,063 57,041 63,221
Area C Joint Venture 85% 15,920 18,947 22,911 24,888 27,685 94,431 52,386
Yandi Joint Venture 85% 18,405 11,834 12,261 8,418 6,409 38,922 68,596
Jimblebar 5 85% 15,337 15,009 15,324 13,444 15,005 58,782 67,393
Samarco 50% 1,023 1,048 1,029 994 1,000 4,071 1,938
Total 65,245 63,299 66,102 59,684 64,162 253,247 253,534
Coal
Metallurgical coal
Production (kt) 6
BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) 50% 9,253 6,715 6,300 7,944 8,183 29,142 31,884
Total 9,253 6,715 6,300 7,944 8,183 29,142 31,884
Production (kt) 6
BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) 7 8 80% 2,570 2,135 2,518 2,618 651 7,922 8,741
Total 2,570 2,135 2,518 2,618 651 7,922 8,741
Energy coal
Production (kt)
NSW Energy Coal 100% 4,492 4,238 2,967 2,577 3,919 13,701 14,326
Total 4,492 4,238 2,967 2,577 3,919 13,701 14,326
Production (kt)
Cerrejón 9 33.3% 1,784 2,060 2,176 - - 4,236 4,964
Total 1,784 2,060 2,176 - - 4,236 4,964
Other
Nickel
Saleable production (kt)
Nickel West 100% 22.4 17.8 21.5 18.7 18.8 76.8 89.0
Total 22.4 17.8 21.5 18.7 18.8 76.8 89.0
Cobalt
Saleable production (t)
Nickel West 100% 241 177 220 125 110 632 988
Total 241 177 220 125 110 632 988
Discontinued operations
Petroleum 10 11
Production
Crude oil, condensate and NGL (Mboe) 12,205 12,751 12,345 11,367 7,057 43,520 46,042
Natural gas (bcf) 88.6 88.4 80.1 75.9 58.8 303.2 340.6
Total (Mboe) 26,972 27,484 25,695 24,017 16,857 94,053 102,809
1 Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
2 Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 57.5%.
3 Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.
4 Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.
5 Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 85%.
6 Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures may include some thermal coal.
7 Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 80%.
8 BHP completed the sale of its 80 per cent interest in BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) on 3 May 2022. Production reported until 30 April 2022.
9 BHP completed the sale of its 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón on 11 January 2022. Production reported until 31 December 2021.
10 The merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio with Woodside was completed on 1 June 2022. Production reported until 31 May 2022.
11 LPG and ethane are reported as natural gas liquids (NGL). Product-specific conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels of oil
equivalent (boe). Total boe conversions are based on 6 bcf of natural gas equals 1,000 Mboe.
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 12
Production and sales report
Quarter ended Year to date
Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Jun Jun
2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2021
Copper
Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida, Chile 1
Material mined (kt) 104,043 113,874 117,284 107,676 115,409 454,243 380,652
Concentrator throughput (kt) 31,903 33,528 35,787 30,235 34,318 133,868 135,593
Average copper grade - concentrator (%) 0.77% 0.73% 0.71% 0.80% 0.88% 0.78% 0.81%
Production ex mill (kt) 202.8 201.2 203.6 191.5 239.5 835.8 900.6
Production
Payable copper (kt) 195.6 194.7 196.2 178.2 233.5 802.6 871.7
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 51.1 49.0 48.4 48.2 55.8 201.4 196.5
- Oxide leach (kt) 14.5 14.8 13.1 12.2 17.5 57.6 63.9
- Sulphide leach (kt) 36.6 34.2 35.3 36.0 38.3 143.8 132.6
Total copper (kt) 246.7 243.7 244.6 226.4 289.3 1,004.0 1,068.2
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 38,893 41,962 42,937 36,303 45,770 166,972 166,968
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,234 1,291 1,462 1,270 1,311 5,334 5,759
Sales
Payable copper (kt) 194.1 190.5 200.2 177.0 230.4 798.1 872.4
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 49.6 46.7 49.7 47.2 58.9 202.5 193.4
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 38,893 41,962 42,937 36,303 45,770 166,972 166,968
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,234 1,291 1,462 1,270 1,311 5,334 5,759
1 Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 57.5%.
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined (kt) 5,498 5,378 4,782 3,516 3,604 17,280 31,019
Ore stacked (kt) 3,702 3,566 4,029 3,181 4,259 15,035 14,583
Average copper grade - stacked (%) 0.58% 0.60% 0.62% 0.53% 0.55% 0.58% 0.60%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 14.7 13.4 15.3 11.6 14.7 55.0 60.2
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 15.4 12.1 16.0 10.5 16.2 54.8 59.8
Spence
Material mined (kt) 21,262 21,154 24,025 24,040 26,749 95,968 77,202
Ore stacked (kt) 4,609 5,258 5,071 5,055 5,099 20,483 20,155
Average copper grade - stacked (%) 0.72% 0.64% 0.66% 0.67% 0.66% 0.66% 0.81%
Concentrator throughput (kt) 4,929 5,786 6,234 6,512 6,311 24,843 8,607
Average copper grade - concentrator (%) 0.63% 0.65% 0.60% 0.65% 0.66% 0.64% 0.59%
Production
Payable copper (kt) 21.1 26.4 24.2 32.4 28.2 111.2 27.4
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 33.6 27.7 28.8 24.2 34.3 115.0 130.6
Total copper (kt) 54.7 54.1 53.0 56.6 62.5 226.2 158.0
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 4,728 6,967 5,776 7,929 8,198 28,870 4,728
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 214 273 215 261 262 1,011 214
Payable molybdenum (t) - - - - 71 71 -
Sales
Payable copper (kt) 20.8 28.4 24.9 28.1 28.1 109.5 22.6
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 34.1 27.7 31.2 20.2 35.4 114.5 129.8
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 4,728.0 6,967.0 5,776.0 7,929.0 8,198 28,870 4,728
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 214.0 273.0 215.0 261.0 262 1,011 214
Payable molybdenum (t) - - - - 25 25 -
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 13
Production and sales report
Quarter ended Year to date
Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Jun Jun
2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2021
Copper (continued)
Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%) (kt) 63,393 66,581 58,179 58,118 64,026 246,904 219,642
Concentrator throughput (100%) (kt) 13,466 13,219 13,011 13,135 13,131 52,496 53,402
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 0.93% 0.97% 1.00% 0.94% 1.02% 0.98% 0.95%
- Zinc (%) 1.24% 1.16% 1.11% 1.13% 1.05% 1.11% 1.25%
Production
Payable copper (kt) 36.1 35.8 38.4 36.1 39.6 149.9 144.0
Payable zinc (t) 35,483 33,289 29,603 32,732 27,576 123,200 145,089
Payable silver (troy koz) 1,409 1,367 1,308 1,191 1,212 5,078 5,965
Payable lead (t) 381 378 277 282 181 1,118 2,532
Payable molybdenum (t) 111 142 217 190 249 798 863
Sales
Payable copper (kt) 37.3 32.7 41.9 32.9 40.7 148.2 143.5
Payable zinc (t) 32,044 32,635 32,513 29,920 30,847 125,915 144,063
Payable silver (troy koz) 1,540 1,103 1,405 1,078 1,230 4,816 5,920
Payable lead (t) 556 232 344 269 363 1,208 2,938
Payable molybdenum (t) 268 86 170 199 205 660 1,204
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined 1 (kt) 2,143 1,935 1,998 2,424 2,477 8,834 8,704
Ore milled (kt) 2,429 2,024 1,105 2,122 2,436 7,687 9,487
Average copper grade (%) 1.95% 2.03% 2.17% 2.21% 2.15% 2.14% 2.00%
Average uranium grade (kg/t) 0.56 0.55 0.55 0.62 0.56 0.57 0.57
Production
Copper cathode (ER and EW) (kt) 50.8 29.5 14.2 39.0 55.7 138.4 205.3
Payable uranium (t) 614 531 287 781 776 2,375 3,267
Refined gold (troy oz) 48,478 26,277 37,805 29,355 26,080 119,517 145,998
Refined silver (troy koz) 185 191 258 149 145 743 810
Sales
Copper cathode (ER and EW) (kt) 52.7 29.1 17.9 36.3 55.8 139.1 204.4
Payable uranium (t) 1,179 536 541 236 1,031 2,344 3,816
Refined gold (troy oz) 47,300 24,654 38,768 30,935 24,622 118,979 143,596
Refined silver (troy koz) 245 126 290 182 87 685 874
1 Material mined refers to underground ore mined, subsequently hoisted or trucked to surface.
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 14
Production and sales report
Quarter ended Year to date
Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Jun Jun
2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2021
Iron Ore
Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia
Production
Newman (kt) 14,560 16,461 14,577 11,940 14,063 57,041 63,221
Area C Joint Venture (kt) 15,920 18,947 22,911 24,888 27,685 94,431 52,386
Yandi Joint Venture (kt) 18,405 11,834 12,261 8,418 6,409 38,922 68,596
Jimblebar 1 (kt) 15,337 15,009 15,324 13,444 15,005 58,782 67,393
Total production (kt) 64,222 62,251 65,073 58,690 63,162 249,176 251,596
Total production (100%) (kt) 72,848 70,587 73,852 66,674 71,660 282,773 284,102
Sales
Lump (kt) 16,410 17,546 17,827 16,966 20,006 72,345 65,762
Fines (kt) 48,837 45,039 46,809 42,187 44,308 178,343 186,290
Total (kt) 65,247 62,585 64,636 59,153 64,314 250,688 252,052
Total sales (100%) (kt) 73,712 70,815 73,222 67,110 72,796 283,943 283,871
1 Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 85%.
Samarco, Brazil
Production (kt) 1,023 1,048 1,029 994 1,000 4,071 1,938
Sales (kt) 1,052 1,111 950 943 991 3,995 1,698
BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2022 15
Production and sales report
Quarter ended Year to date
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