BHP delivered a fantastic set of results with record copper production, resilient iron ore prices, records from Escondido and Olympic Dam, and a strong dividend. The new CEO remains positive and plans to accelerate productivity and technology deployment.
Copper has huge demand because it is core to the digital revolution and electrification. Demand is expected to rise from around 35 million tons to nearly 50 million tons by 2050, requiring the industry to add about 10 million tons of new production over the next decade. BHP plans to lift its copper production by 50% over five years.
BHP is investing heavily in potash because urbanization and depletion of potassium in soil through farming support significantly higher long-term demand. Potash demand is expected to rise from 75,000 tons to 100,000 tons by 2050.
Steel has been resilient and is holding up better than forecasters predicted. China has produced about one billion tons of steel for seven years and that trend is expected to hold, while India's GDP growth around 7% per annum should drive further steel demand growth. China is shifting from infrastructure and residential construction toward higher-end manufactured goods and exports.