6-K 1 d139968d6k.htm FORM 6-K Form 6-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

July 20, 2021

 

 

 

BHP GROUP LIMITED

(ABN 49 004 028 077)

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

 

171 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE,

VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

BHP GROUP PLC

(REG. NO. 3196209)

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

ENGLAND AND WALES

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

 

NOVA SOUTH, 160 VICTORIA STREET

LONDON, SW1E 5LB

UNITED KINGDOM

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:  ☒ Form 20-F    ☐ Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:  ☐ Yes    ☒ No

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):    n/a

 

 

 


NEWS RELEASE    LOGO

 

Release Time        

   IMMEDIATE

Date

   20 July 2021

Release Number

   09/21

BHP OPERATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

Note: All guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19 during the 2022 financial year.

 

 

Record production was achieved at Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) and Goonyella. Olympic Dam achieved both the highest annual copper production since the acquisition by BHP in 2005 and the highest gold production ever for the operation. Escondida maintained average concentrator throughput at record levels despite a challenging operating environment in Chile as a result of impacts from COVID-19.

 

 

Petroleum production for the 2021 financial year was slightly above guidance. Full year production guidance for copper, iron ore, metallurgical coal and nickel were delivered, as was revised guidance for energy coal.

 

 

Full year unit cost guidance(1) expected to be achieved for WAIO, Escondida and Queensland Coal (based on exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.70 and USD/CLP 769). Petroleum unit costs are expected to be slightly better than guidance. New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) unit costs are expected to be marginally above guidance.

 

 

During the year, we successfully achieved first production at four major development projects, all of which were delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget. The South Flank iron ore project in Western Australia and the Ruby oil and gas project in Trinidad and Tobago both achieved first production in May 2021. The Atlantis Phase 3 petroleum project and the Spence Growth Option copper project achieved first production in the first half of the 2021 financial year.

 

 

In exploration, we have continued to add to our early stage options in future facing commodities throughout the year, with the signing of an agreement for a nickel exploration alliance in Canada and of a farm-in agreement for the Elliott copper project in Australia. At Oak Dam in South Australia, next stage resource definition drilling to inform future design commenced in May 2021.

 

 

The financial results for the second half of the 2021 financial year are expected to reflect certain items as summarised in the table on page 3.

 

Production

   FY21
(vs FY20)
    Jun Q21
(vs Mar Q21)
    

Jun Q21 vs Mar Q21 commentary

Petroleum (MMboe)

    
102.8
(6
 
%) 
   
27.0
6
 
   Increased volumes due to higher seasonal demand at Bass Strait and improved uptime at Atlantis.

Copper (kt)

    
1,635.7
(5
 
%) 
   
403.0
3
 
   Higher volumes as a result of the ongoing ramp up of concentrate production at Spence following first production at the Spence Growth Option in December 2020.

Iron ore (Mt)

    
253.5
2
 
   
65.2
9
 
   Increased volumes at WAIO reflects record quarterly production at Mining Area C, which included first ore from South Flank in May 2021, and continued strong operational performance enabled by improved supply chain reliability.

Metallurgical coal (Mt)

    
40.6
(1
 
%) 
   
11.8
23
 
   Higher volumes at Queensland Coal reflects a strong underlying operational performance, including record quarterly production at Goonyella and BMA, following significant wet weather impacts in the prior period.

Energy coal (Mt)

    
19.3
(17
 
%) 
   
6.3
31
 
   Higher volumes at NSWEC due to record wash plant performance and lower strip ratios, and significant weather impacts in the prior period.

Nickel (kt)

    
89.0
11
 
   
22.4
10
 
   Higher volumes due to planned maintenance undertaken in the prior period.

Group copper equivalent production for the 2021 financial year was broadly in line with the prior year. Group copper equivalent production for the 2022 financial year is expected to be in line with the 2021 financial year despite continued impacts from a reduction in operational workforces in our Chilean copper assets in response to COVID-19 and petroleum natural field decline.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    1


Summary

BHP Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry:

“BHP safely delivered another year of excellent operational performance and its second consecutive financial year with zero fatalities at our operated assets. We set several production records and brought on four major projects safely, on schedule and on budget.

This strong performance is a reflection of the capability and commitment of our employees and contractors, the strength of our systems and the support of our business partners.

We achieved production records at our Western Australia Iron Ore operations and the Goonyella Riverside metallurgical coal mine in Queensland. We maintained all-time high concentrator throughput at our Escondida copper mine in Chile. Olympic Dam in South Australia had its highest annual copper production since BHP acquired the asset in 2005, and its best-ever gold production.

South Flank, the largest and one of the most technically-advanced iron ore mines in Australia, began production in May and will boost the overall quality of BHP’s iron ore product suite. In the same month, the Ruby project in Trinidad and Tobago started production. Atlantis Phase 3 in the Gulf of Mexico and the Spence expansion in Chile began production in the first half of the year.

BHP is in great shape. Our operations are performing well, we continue our track record of disciplined capital allocation, and our portfolio is positively leveraged to the megatrends of decarbonisation, electrification and population growth.”

Operational performance

Production and guidance are summarised below.

Note: All guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19 during the 2022 financial year.

 

Production

   FY21      Jun
Q21
     FY21
vs
FY20
    Jun Q21
vs
Jun Q20
    Jun Q21
vs
Mar Q21
    FY22
guidance
     FY22e
vs
FY21
 

Petroleum (MMboe)

     102.8        27.0        (6 %)      2     6     99 - 106        (4%) - 3%  

Copper (kt)

     1,635.7        403.0        (5 %)      (3 %)      3     1,590 - 1,760        (3%) - 8%  

Escondida (kt)

     1,068.2        246.7        (10 %)      (16 %)      (1 %)      1,000 - 1,080        (6%) - 1%  

Pampa Norte (kt)

     218.2        69.4        (10 %)      27     33     330 - 370        51% - 70%  

Olympic Dam (kt)

     205.3        50.8        20     7     (8 %)      140 - 170        (32%) - (17%)  

Antamina (kt)

     144.0        36.1        16     103     4     120 - 140        (17%) - (3%)  

Iron ore (Mt)

     253.5        65.2        2     (2 %)      9     249 - 259        (2%) - 2%  

WAIO (Mt)

     251.6        64.2        1     (4 %)      9     246 - 255        (2%) - 1%  

WAIO (100% basis) (Mt)

     284.1        72.8        1     (4 %)      9     278 - 288        (2%) - 1%  

Samarco (Mt)

     1.9        1.0        100     100     17     3 - 4        55% - 106%  

Metallurgical coal (Mt)

     40.6        11.8        (1 %)      2     23     39 - 44        (4%) - 8%  

Queensland Coal (100% basis) (Mt)

     72.5        21.1        0     2     22     70 - 78        (3%) - 8%  

Energy coal (Mt)(i)

     19.3        6.3        (17 %)      11     31     13 - 15        (33%) - (22%)  

NSWEC (Mt)

     14.3        4.5        (11 %)      (8 %)      51     13 - 15        (9%) - 5%  

Cerrejón (Mt)(i)

     5.0        1.8        (30 %)      133     (1 %)      n/a        n/a  

Nickel (kt)

     89.0        22.4        11     (6 %)      10     85 - 95        (4%) - 7%  

 

(i)

We will no longer provide production guidance for Cerrejón reflecting the announced divestment of our interest in June 2021 and volumes will be reported separately from 1 July 2021 until transaction completion.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    2


Summary of disclosures

BHP expects its financial results for the second half of the 2021 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 the financial results on 17 August 2021. Accordingly the information is subject to update.

 

Description

   H2 FY21 impact
US$M(i)
    Classification(ii)  

Unit costs for WAIO, Escondida and Queensland Coal are expected to be in line with full year guidance (at guidance exchange rates), with Escondida tracking towards the low end of guidance and WAIO tracking towards the upper end of guidance

 

Note: stronger Australian dollar and Chilean peso than guidance rates in the period(iii)

       Operating costs  
Petroleum unit costs are expected to be slightly better than full year guidance driven by higher than expected volumes        i Operating costs  
NSWEC unit costs are expected to be marginally above full year guidance largely as a result of lower volumes due to significant weather impacts and an increased proportion of washed coal in response to widening price quality differentials, consistent with our strategy to focus on higher quality products        h Operating costs  
Increase in closure and rehabilitation provision for closed mines (reported in group and unallocated, approximately 75 per cent of the increase) and closed sites at Petroleum and WAIO      375 – 425       h Operating costs  
Business development and evaluation expense for Petroleum      90      
Development and
evaluation expense
 
 
Exploration expense (including petroleum and minerals exploration programs)      430       Exploration expense  
Higher depreciation and amortisation mainly at Yandi (due to a decrease in life of mine) and Bass Strait (due to a decrease in estimated reserves)      450 – 500      
h Depreciation, amortisation
and impairments
 
 
The Group’s adjusted effective tax rate for FY21 is expected to be within the guidance range of 32 to 37 per cent        Taxation expense  
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests      ~1,400       h Financing cash outflow  
Impairment charge related to the announced divestment of Cerrejón (after tax)      ~85       h Exceptional item charge  
Costs directly attributable to COVID-19 (after tax)(iv)      150 – 200       h Exceptional item charge  
Financial impact on BHP Brasil of the Samarco dam failure      Refer footnote (v)      h Exceptional item charge  

 

(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.

(iii)

Average exchange rates for FY21 of AUD/USD 0.75 (guidance rate AUD/USD 0.70) and USD/CLP 746 (guidance rate USD/CLP 769).

(iv)

Relates to additional costs incurred at our operated assets for the increased provision of health and hygiene services and the impacts of maintaining social distancing requirements. For example, additional accommodation and cleaning costs at the Spence Growth Option project and additional port costs at WAIO due to quarantine restrictions.

(v)

Financial impact is the subject of ongoing work and is not yet finalised.

Major development projects

During the year, we successfully achieved first production at four major development projects, all of which were delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.

The Atlantis Phase 3 petroleum project and the Spence Growth Option copper project achieved first production in the first half of the 2021 financial year.

During the June 2021 quarter, the South Flank iron ore sustaining project in Western Australia and the Ruby oil and gas project in Trinidad and Tobago achieved first production. Given this, South Flank and Ruby project progress will not be reported in future Operational Reviews.

At the end of the 2021 financial year, BHP had two major projects under development in petroleum (Mad Dog Phase 2) and potash (Jansen mine shafts), with both of these tracking to plan.

The Jansen Stage 1 project in Canada remains on track for a go or no-go decision in the next two months.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    3


Corporate update

On 28 June 2021, BHP announced that it had signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Glencore to divest its 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón, a non-operated energy coal joint venture in Colombia, for US$294 million cash consideration. Subject to the satisfaction of customary competition and regulatory requirements, we expect completion to occur in the second half of the 2022 financial year. The transaction has an effective economic date of 31 December 2020. The purchase price is subject to adjustments at transaction completion, including for any dividends paid by Cerrejón to BHP during the period from signing to completion. A further impairment charge related to Cerrejón of approximately US$85 million post tax will be recognised as an exceptional item in the financial results for the second half of the 2021 financial year. For the 2021 financial year, BHP will continue to report Cerrejón, including the impairment charge, in its Income Statement within profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments. It will continue to be reported within our Coal segment and asset tables. On the Balance Sheet, it will be reclassified as an asset held for sale. Beyond the 2021 financial year, BHP expects the sale of Cerrejón to complete with no net impact on BHP’s Income Statement and, as a result, we would no longer report it in our Coal segment or asset tables.

The broader carrying value assessment of the Group’s assets is ongoing with a particular focus on Jansen and NSWEC, and will be finalised in conjunction with the release of the financial results on 17 August 2021.

On 9 April 2021, Samarco announced that it filed for judicial reorganisation (JR) with the Commercial Courts of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil (JR Court). On 12 April 2021, the JR Court accepted the case and appointed four judicial administrators. On 5 July 2021, the judicial administrators filed a revised list of creditors with the JR Court, which kept shareholders’ claims as listed by Samarco, with the Renova Foundation not listed as a creditor. This excludes the Renova Foundation’s funding and programs from the JR. The revised list of creditors is not final as it is still open to discussion before the JR court. The JR is a means for Samarco to restructure its financial debts in order to establish a sustainable independent financial position for Samarco to continue to rebuild its operations safely and meet its Renova Foundation obligations. Samarco’s filing follows unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a debt restructure with financial creditors and multiple legal actions filed by those creditors which threaten Samarco’s operations. Samarco’s operations will continue during the JR and restructure process. The JR does not 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 that remediation and compensation.

In addition, negotiations are ongoing with State and Federal Prosecutors and certain other Brazilian public authorities on the review of the Framework Agreement. The Framework Agreement was entered into between Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil and the relevant Brazilian authorities in March 2016 and established Foundation Renova to develop and implement environmental and socio-economic programs to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the Samarco dam failure.

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 17 August 2021. Any financial impacts will continue to be treated as an exceptional item.

We have continued to take action to support the reduction of value chain greenhouse gas emissions. On 21 April 2021, we announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation to become one of the founding members of the Maritime Decarbonisation Centre to be set up in Singapore. The Maritime Decarbonisation Centre will be a focal point for the global maritime industry’s efforts in both decarbonisation and innovation, bringing together experts and the industry, including start-ups to develop technologies and co-create innovative solutions. BHP is the only resources company that is part of the alliance.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    4


Average realised prices

The average realised prices achieved for our major commodities are summarised below.

 

Average realised prices(i)

   Jun H21      Dec H20      FY21      FY20      FY21
vs
FY20
    Jun H21
vs
Jun H20
    Jun H21
vs
Dec H20
 

Oil (crude and condensate) (US$/bbl)

     63.05        41.40        52.56        49.53        6     68     52

Natural gas (US$/Mscf)(ii)

     4.86        3.83        4.34        4.04        8     29     27

LNG (US$/Mscf)

     7.04        4.45        5.63        7.26        (22 %)      2     58

Copper (US$/lb)

     4.34        3.32        3.81        2.50        52     82     31

Iron ore (US$/wmt, FOB)

     158.17        103.78        130.56        77.36        69     106     52

Metallurgical coal (US$/t)

     114.81        97.61        106.64        130.97        (19 %)      (5 %)      18

Hard coking coal (US$/t)(iii)

     118.54        106.30        112.72        143.65        (22 %)      (11 %)      12

Weak coking coal (US$/t)(iii)

     104.40        73.17        89.62        92.59        (3 %)      24     43

Thermal coal (US$/t)(iv)

     70.83        44.35        58.42        57.10        2     27     60

Nickel metal (US$/t)

     17,537        15,140        16,250        13,860        17     41     16

 

(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)

Includes internal sales.

(iii)

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.

(iv)

Export sales only; excludes Cerrejón. Includes thermal coal sales from metallurgical coal mines.

The large majority of oil sales were linked to West Texas intermediate (WTI) or Brent based indices, with differentials applied for quality, locational and transportation costs. 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 were based on an average moisture rate of 7.3 per cent. The large majority of metallurgical coal and energy coal exports were linked to index pricing for the month of shipment or sold 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 2021, the Group had 323 kt of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$4.25 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined in the 2022 financial year. In addition, 304 kt of copper sales from the 2020 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current period. The provisional pricing and finalisation adjustments will increase Underlying EBITDA(2) by US$47 million in the 2021 financial year and are included in the average realised copper price in the above table.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    5


Petroleum

Production

 

     FY21      Jun Q21      FY21
vs
FY20
    Jun Q21
vs
Jun Q20
    Jun Q21
vs
Mar Q21
 

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (MMboe)

     46.0        12.2        (6 %)      7     5

Natural gas (bcf)

     340.6        88.6        (5 %)      (1 %)      7

Total petroleum production (MMboe)

     102.8        27.0        (6 %)      2     6

Petroleum – Total petroleum production decreased by six per cent to 103 MMboe, with volumes slightly above the top end of our guidance range. Production is expected to be between 99 and 106 MMboe in the 2022 financial year, reflecting a full year of the additional 28 per cent working interest acquired in Shenzi, increased production at Shenzi from infill wells and increased volumes from Ruby following first production in May 2021, offset by natural field decline across the portfolio.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids production decreased by six per cent to 46 MMboe due to natural field decline across the portfolio, a highly active hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico in the first half of the year and downtime at Atlantis, with tie-in activity in the first half of the year and unplanned downtime in the March 2021 quarter. These impacts were partially offset by the earlier than scheduled achievement of first production from the Atlantis Phase 3 project in July 2020 and the additional working interest acquired in Shenzi, completed on 6 November 2020.

Natural gas production decreased by five per cent to 341 bcf, reflecting planned shutdowns at Angostura related to the Ruby tie-in, lower gas demand at Bass Strait and natural field decline across the portfolio. The decline was partially offset by improved reliability at Bass Strait and higher domestic gas sales at Macedon.

Projects

 

Project and
ownership

   Capital
expenditure
US$M
     Initial
production
target date
    

Capacity

  

Progress

Ruby

(Trinidad & Tobago)

68.46%

(operator)

     283        H1 CY21      Five production wells tied back into existing operated processing facilities, with capacity to produce up to 16,000 gross barrels of oil per day and 80 million gross standard cubic feet of natural gas per day.    First production achieved in May 2021, ahead of schedule and on budget. The drilling and completion activities of the remaining wells will continue to be progressed as part of the planned asset activities.

Mad Dog Phase 2

(US Gulf of Mexico)

23.9%

(non-operator)

     2,154        Mid-CY22      New floating production facility with the capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross barrels of crude oil per day.    On schedule and budget. The overall project is 93% complete.

The Bass Strait West Barracouta project achieved first production in April 2021, on schedule and budget.

In May 2021, we completed a transaction with EnVen Energy Ventures, LLC to transfer our 35 per cent ownership interest in the operated Neptune field in the Gulf of Mexico.

In the June 2021 quarter, drilling commenced on the second Shenzi infill well. Drilling of the first Shenzi infill well took place in March 2021, with production expected from both infill wells in the 2022 financial year. The successful acquisition of an increased working interest in Shenzi in November 2020 realises further value from the continued Shenzi development.

The Mad Dog Phase 2 project achieved a major milestone in April 2021 as the semi-submersible floating production platform, Argos, arrived in the US from South Korea. First production from Mad Dog Phase 2 is expected in the middle of the 2022 calendar year.

Petroleum exploration

No exploration and appraisal wells were drilled during the June 2021 quarter.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the Transocean drilling rig (Development Driller III) arrived on location in our Northern licences in June 2021 and is preparing to commence drilling of two Calypso gas appraisal wells in July 2021.

Petroleum exploration expenditure for the 2021 financial year was US$322 million, of which US$296 million was expensed. Our exploration spend for the full year is lower than guidance due to changes in appraisal well phasing from the June 2021 quarter to the September 2021 quarter.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    6


Copper

Production

 

     FY21      Jun Q21      FY21
vs
FY20
    Jun Q21
vs
Jun Q20
    Jun Q21
vs
Mar Q21
 

Copper (kt)

     1,635.7        403.0        (5 %)      (3 %)      3

Zinc (t)

     145,089        35,483        64     158     7

Uranium (t)

     3,267        614        (11 %)      (40 %)      (26 %) 

Copper – Total copper production decreased by five per cent to 1,636 kt. Production for the 2022 financial year is expected to be between 1,590 and 1,760 kt.

For the 2021 financial year, our Chilean assets operated with a substantial reduction in their operational workforces as a result of the preventative measures we implemented to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In the June 2021 quarter, escalating COVID-19 infections in Chile led to increased pressures on Chile’s health system, which resulted in strict quarantine measures and border restrictions. We expect the operating environment for our Chilean assets to remain challenging, with reductions in our on-site workforce forecast to continue in the 2022 financial year.

Escondida copper production decreased by 10 per cent to 1,068 kt as continued strong concentrator throughput of 371 ktpd, at record levels, was more than offset by the impact of expected lower concentrator feed grade and lower cathode production. This was slightly above the upper end of our increased guidance range as a result of improved maintenance practices and strong mine equipment performance. Concentrator throughput continued to be prioritised over cathode production in the June 2021 quarter as part of an effort to offset the impact of the reduced operational workforce. Production of between 1,000 and 1,080 kt is expected for the 2022 financial year and reflects a continuing need to catch up on mine development due to reduced material movement in the 2021 financial year, as well as uncertainty around COVID-19 impacts. Decline in the copper grade of concentrator feed in the 2022 financial year is expected to be approximately two per cent. Guidance of an annual average of 1.2 Mt of copper production over the next five years remains unchanged, with production expected to be weighted towards the latter years.

On 1 April 2021, Escondida successfully completed negotiations for a new collective agreement that applies to the Intermel Union of Operators and Maintainers, effective for 24 months from 1 April 2021. Escondida’s collective agreement with Union No1 of Operators and Maintainers expires on 1 August 2021 and negotiations commenced in June 2021.

Pampa Norte copper production decreased by 10 per cent to 218 kt largely due to a decline in stacking feed grade at Spence of 11 per cent , planned maintenance at Spence and the impact of a reduced operational workforce as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. This was slightly lower than guidance due to continued COVID-19 related impacts on the ramp-up of the Spence Growth Option (SGO). Production for the 2022 financial year is expected to increase by more than 50 per cent to between 330 and 370 kt, reflecting the continued ramp-up of SGO, partially offset by a forecast decline in stacking feed grade at Pampa Norte of approximately nine per cent. The ramp-up to full production capacity at SGO is still expected to take approximately 12 months from first production in December 2020, following which Spence is forecast to average 300 ktpa of production (including cathodes) over the first four years of operation.

On 10 June 2021, Spence successfully completed negotiations for a new collective agreement that applies to the Union of Operators and Maintainers, effective for 36 months from 1 June 2021.

On 7 June 2021, we completed negotiations for an extension of the current agreement with the Specialists and Supervisors Union of BHP Chile (comprising mainly employees from the Centre of Integrated Operations in Santiago that services Escondida and Spence), effective for 18 months from 1 June 2021.

Olympic Dam copper production increased by 20 per cent to 205 kt, the highest annual production achieved since our acquisition in 2005, reflecting improved smelter stability and strong underground mine performance. Olympic Dam also achieved record gold production of 146 koz. Commissioning of the refinery crane is now complete. Production for the 2022 financial year is expected to decrease to between 140 and 170 kt as a result of the planned major smelter maintenance campaign and subsequent ramp up planned between August 2021 and February 2022.

Antamina copper production increased 16 per cent to 144 kt and zinc production increased 64 per cent to a record 145 kt, reflecting both higher copper and zinc head grades. Copper production of between 120 and 140 kt, and zinc production of between 115 and 130 kt is expected for the 2022 financial year.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    7


Iron Ore

Production

 

     FY21      Jun Q21      FY21
vs
FY20
    Jun Q21
vs
Jun Q20
    Jun Q21
vs
Mar Q21
 

Iron ore production (kt)

     253,534        65,245        2     (2 %)      9

Iron ore – Total iron ore production increased by two per cent to 254 Mt. Production of between 249 and 259 Mt is expected in the 2022 financial year.

WAIO production increased by one per cent to a record 252 Mt (284 Mt on a 100 per cent basis), reflecting record production at Jimblebar and Mining Area C, which included first ore from South Flank in May 2021. This was achieved despite significant weather impacts, temporary rail labour shortages due to COVID-19 related border restrictions and the planned Mining Area C and South Flank major tie-in activity. Strong operational performance across the supply chain reflected continued improvements in car dumper performance and reliability, and train cycle times.

Yandi resource has commenced its end-of-life ramp-down as South Flank ramps up, and is expected to continue to provide supply chain flexibility with a lower level of production to continue for a few years.

Production of between 246 and 255 Mt (278 and 288 Mt on a 100 per cent basis) is expected for the 2022 financial year as WAIO continues to focus on incremental volume growth through productivity improvements. We continue with our program to further improve port reliability and this includes a major maintenance campaign on car dumper one planned for the September 2021 quarter.

Samarco production was 1.9 Mt following the recommencement of iron ore pellet production at one concentrator in December 2020. Production of between 3 and 4 Mt (BHP share) is expected for the 2022 financial year. Production capacity of approximately 8 Mtpa (100 per cent basis) is expected to be reached in the second half of the 2022 financial year.

Projects

 

Project and ownership

   Capital
expenditure
US$M
    

Initial
production
target date

  

Capacity

  

Progress

South Flank

(Australia)

85%

     3,061      Mid-CY21    Sustaining iron ore mine to replace production from the 80 Mtpa (100 per cent basis) Yandi mine.    First production achieved in May 2021, on schedule and on budget.

South Flank will ramp up to full production capacity of 80 Mtpa (100 per cent basis) over three years. South Flank’s high quality ore will increase WAIO’s average iron ore grade from 61 to 62 per cent, and the overall proportion of lump from 25 to between 30 and 33 per cent, once fully ramped up.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    8


Coal

Production

 

     FY21      Jun Q21      FY21
vs
FY20
    Jun Q21
vs
Jun Q20
    Jun Q21
vs
Mar Q21
 

Metallurgical coal (kt)

     40,625        11,823        (1 %)      2     23

Energy coal (kt)

     19,290        6,276        (17 %)      11     31

Metallurgical coal – Metallurgical coal production decreased by one per cent to 41 Mt (73 Mt on a 100 per cent basis), in line with original guidance. Production is expected to be between 39 and 44 Mt (70 and 78 Mt on a 100 per cent basis) in the 2022 financial year as we expect restrictions on coal imports into China to remain for a number of years. Production is expected to be weighted to the second half of the year due to planned wash plant maintenance in the first half of the year.

At Queensland Coal, strong underlying operational performance, including record production at Goonyella facilitated by record tonnes from Broadmeadow mine, was offset by significant wet weather impacts across most operations earlier in the year, as well as planned wash plant maintenance at Saraji and Caval Ridge in the first half of the year. At South Walker Creek, despite record stripping, production decreased as a result of higher strip ratios due to ongoing impacts from geotechnical constraints and lower yields.

Energy coal – Energy coal production decreased by 17 per cent to 19 Mt. Production is expected to decrease to between 13 and 15 Mt in the 2022 financial year, reflecting the announced divestment of our interest in Cerrejón in June 2021 and that Cerrejón volumes will now be separately reported from 1 July 2021 until transaction completion.

NSWEC production decreased by 11 per cent to 14 Mt despite increased stripping. This decrease reflects significant weather impacts and higher strip ratios, as well as lower volumes due to an increased proportion of washed coal in response to widening price quality differentials, consistent with our strategy to focus on higher quality products, and reduced port capacity following damage to a shiploader at the Newcastle port in November 2020. The shiploader is expected to be back in operation during the September 2021 quarter. Production is expected to be between 13 and 15 Mt in the 2022 financial year reflecting a continued focus on higher quality products.

Cerrejón production decreased by 30 per cent to 5 Mt mainly as a result of a 91-day strike in the first half of the year and subsequent delays to the restart of production, as well as the impact of a reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19 restrictions. On 28 June 2021, BHP announced it had signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Glencore to divest its 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón. The transaction has an effective economic date of 31 December 2020. Subject to the satisfaction of customary competition and regulatory requirements, we expect completion to occur in the second half of the 2022 financial year.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    9


Other

Nickel production

 

     FY21      Jun Q21      FY21
vs
FY20
    Jun Q21
vs
Jun Q20
    Jun Q21
vs
Mar Q21
 

Nickel (kt)

     89.0        22.4        11     (6 %)      10

Nickel – Nickel West production increased by 11 per cent to 89 kt reflecting strong performance from the new mines and improved operational stability following major quadrennial maintenance shutdowns in the prior year. Production is expected to be between 85 and 95 kt in the 2022 financial year, with planned maintenance in the September 2021 quarter. First production from the Nickel Sulphate plant expected in the September 2021 quarter.

Potash – Final negotiations on the port solution are progressing. The Jansen Stage 1 project in Canada remains on track for a go or no-go decision in the next two months.

Potash project

 

Project and
ownership

   Investment
US$M
    

Scope

  

Progress

Jansen Potash

(Canada)

100%

     2,972      Investment to finish the excavation and lining of the production and service shafts, and to continue the installation of essential surface infrastructure and utilities.    The project is 93% complete.

Minerals exploration

Minerals exploration expenditure for the 2021 financial year was US$192 million, of which US$134 million was expensed. Greenfield minerals exploration is predominantly focused on advancing copper targets in Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Canada, Australia and the south-west United States, and nickel targets are being advanced in Canada and Australia.

We have continued to add to our early stage options in future facing commodities throughout the year. We have a signed agreement for a nickel exploration alliance with Midland Exploration in Canada (August 2020) and we have exercised our option to sign a farm-in agreement with Encounter Resources for the Elliott copper project in Australia (May 2021).

Drilling for copper targets is underway in Chile, Ecuador, Peru and the United States, while further drilling is anticipated for copper and nickel in Australia during the 2021 calendar year. At Oak Dam in South Australia, next stage resource definition drilling to inform future design commenced in May 2021.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    10


Variance analysis relates to the relative performance of BHP and/or its operations during the 2021 financial year compared with the 2020 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 based on 2021 financial year average realised prices.

The following footnotes apply to this Operational Review:

 

(1)

2021 financial year unit cost guidance: Petroleum US$11-12/boe, Escondida US$0.95-1.10/lb, WAIO US$13-14/t, Queensland Coal US$74-78/t and NSWEC US$55-59/t; based on exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.70 and USD/CLP 769.

(2)

Underlying EBITDA is used to help assess current operational profitability excluding the impacts of sunk costs (i.e. depreciation from initial investment). Underlying EBITDA is earnings before net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments, taxation expense, discontinued operations and exceptional items. Underlying EBITDA includes BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments and taxation expense/(benefit).

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, BHP Group plc and, except where the context otherwise requires, their respective subsidiaries as defined in note 29 ‘Subsidiaries’ in section 5.1 of BHP’s 30 June 2020 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, Cerrejón, Samarco, Atlantis, Mad Dog, Bass Strait and North West Shelf. 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 2021    11


Further information on BHP can be found at: bhp.com

Authorised for lodgement by:

Stephanie Wilkinson

Group Company Secretary

 

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BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    12


Production summary

 

           Quarter ended      Year to date  
   BHP
interest
    Jun
2020
     Sep
2020
     Dec
2020
     Mar
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2020
 

Petroleum (1)

                      

Petroleum

                      

Production

                      

Crude oil, condensate and NGL (Mboe)

       11,355        11,507        10,729        11,601        12,205        46,042        48,863  

Natural gas (bcf)

       89.8        90.9        78.5        82.6        88.6        340.6        359.6  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (Mboe)

       26,322        26,657        23,812        25,368        26,972        102,809        108,796  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Copper (2)

                      

Copper

                      

Payable metal in concentrate (kt)

                      

Escondida (3)

     57.5     228.5        236.7        236.7        202.7        195.6        871.7        925.9  

Pampa Norte (4)

     100.0     —          —          0.7        5.6        21.1        27.4        —    

Antamina

     33.8     17.8        34.6        38.6        34.7        36.1        144.0        124.5  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       246.3        271.3        276.0        243.0        252.8        1,043.1        1,050.4  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cathode (kt)

                      

Escondida (3)

     57.5     65.5        47.9        50.9        46.6        51.1        196.5        259.4  

Pampa Norte (4)

     100     54.5        42.5        53.6        46.4        48.3        190.8        242.7  

Olympic Dam

     100     47.6        51.5        47.6        55.4        50.8        205.3        171.6  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       167.6        141.9        152.1        148.4        150.2        592.6        673.7  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                      
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total copper (kt)

       413.9        413.2        428.1        391.4        403.0        1,635.7        1,724.1  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Lead

                      

Payable metal in concentrate (t)

                      

Antamina

     33.8     262        690        993        468        381        2,532        1,671  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       262        690        993        468        381        2,532        1,671  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Zinc

                      

Payable metal in concentrate (t)

                      

Antamina

     33.8     13,736        34,398        41,909        33,299        35,483        145,089        88,462  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       13,736        34,398        41,909        33,299        35,483        145,089        88,462  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gold

                      

Payable metal in concentrate (troy oz)

                      

Escondida (3)

     57.5     43,422        42,332        47,789        37,954        38,893        166,968        177,422  

Olympic Dam (refined gold)

     100     34,150        36,608        23,837        37,075        48,478        145,998        145,972  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       77,572        78,940        71,626        75,029        87,371        312,966        323,394  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Silver

                      

Payable metal in concentrate (troy koz)

                      

Escondida (3)

     57.5     1,599        1,580        1,627        1,318        1,234        5,759        6,413  

Antamina

     33.8     626        1,326        1,767        1,463        1,409        5,965        4,116  

Olympic Dam (refined silver)

     100     295        157        193        275        185        810        984  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       2,520        3,063        3,587        3,056        2,828        12,534        11,513  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Uranium

                      

Payable metal in concentrate (t)

                      

Olympic Dam

     100     1,016        874        945        834        614        3,267        3,678  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       1,016        874        945        834        614        3,267        3,678  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Molybdenum

                      

Payable metal in concentrate (t)

                      

Antamina

     33.8     243        284        192        276        111        863        1,666  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       243        284        192        276        111        863        1,666  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    13


Production summary

 

                                                      
           Quarter ended      Year to date  
   BHP
interest
    Jun
2020
     Sep
2020
     Dec
2020
     Mar
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2020
 

Iron Ore

                      

Iron Ore

                      

Production (kt) (5)

                      

Newman

     85     17,110        16,410        17,637        14,614        14,560        63,221        65,641  

Area C Joint Venture

     85     13,973        11,889        11,567        13,010        15,920        52,386        51,499  

Yandi Joint Venture

     85     19,087        17,666        16,413        16,112        18,405        68,596        69,262  

Jimblebar (6)

     85     16,559        20,075        16,740        15,241        15,337        67,393        61,754  

Wheelarra

     85     —          —          —          —          —          —          3  

Samarco

     50     —          —          37        878        1,023        1,938        —    
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       66,729        66,040        62,394        59,855        65,245        253,534        248,159  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Coal

                      

Metallurgical coal

                      

Production (kt) (7)

                      

BMA

     50     9,078        7,365        7,539        7,727        9,253        31,884        31,575  

BHP Mitsui Coal (8)

     80     2,536        2,325        1,983        1,863        2,570        8,741        9,543  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       11,614        9,690        9,522        9,590        11,823        40,625        41,118  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Energy coal

                      

Production (kt)

                      

NSW Energy Coal

     100     4,887        3,624        3,229        2,981        4,492        14,326        16,052  

Cerrejón

     33.3     767        1,038        347        1,795        1,784        4,964        7,115  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       5,654        4,662        3,576        4,776        6,276        19,290        23,167  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

                      

Nickel

                      

Saleable production (kt)

                      

Nickel West (9)

     100     23.9        22.2        24.0        20.4        22.4        89.0        80.1  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       23.9        22.2        24.0        20.4        22.4        89.0        80.1  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cobalt

                      

Saleable production (t)

                      

Nickel West

     100%       312        238        236        273        241        988        775  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       312        238        236        273        241        988        775  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

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.

(2)

Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(3)

Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 57.5%.

(4)

Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

(5)

Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(6)

Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 85%.

(7)

Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

(8)

Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 80%.

(9)

Production restated to include other nickel by-products.

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 2021    14


Production and sales report

 

                                                     
          Quarter ended      Year to date  
        Jun
2020
     Sep
2020
     Dec
2020
     Mar
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2020
 

Petroleum (1)

                       

Bass Strait

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      1,231        1,305        1,003        859        1,205        4,372        4,993  

NGL

   (Mboe)      1,493        1,660        1,057        1,035        1,563        5,315        5,666  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      28.1        34.1        23.4        22.7        32.8        113.0        110.9  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      7,408        8,648        5,960        5,677        8,235        28,520        29,149  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

North West Shelf

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      1,260        1,215        1,180        1,183        933        4,511        5,239  

NGL

   (Mboe)      203        162        165        188        177        692        796  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      35.2        29.6        30.4        31.1        26.5        117.6        135.2  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      7,334        6,310        6,412        6,554        5,527        24,803        28,569  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pyrenees

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      971        837        826        679        690        3,032        3,801  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      971        837        826        679        690        3,032        3,801  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Australia (2)

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      1        1        1        1        —          3        11  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      11.9        12.7        12.6        12.4        12.6        50.3        46.5  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      1,987        2,118        2,101        2,068        2,100        8,387        7,770  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Atlantis (3)

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      2,223        2,421        2,385        2,590        3,117        10,513        11,276  

NGL

   (Mboe)      54        154        147        171        218        690        669  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      1.1        1.2        1.1        1.4        1.6        5.3        5.6  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      2,456        2,775        2,715        2,994        3,602        12,086        12,880  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mad Dog (3)

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      1,297        1,211        930        1,209        1,099        4,449        4,867  

NGL

   (Mboe)      33        48        38        57        77        220        189  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      0.3        0.2        0.1        0.2        0.2        0.7        0.9  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      1,374        1,292        985        1,299        1,209        4,785        5,195  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shenzi (3) (4)

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      1,584        1,395        1,764        2,328        2,023        7,510        6,245  

NGL

   (Mboe)      40        71        87        130        87        375        298  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      0.4        0.3        0.3        0.4        0.1        1.1        1.2  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      1,686        1,516        1,901        2,525        2,127        8,069        6,740  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trinidad/Tobago

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      72        102        96        139        236        573        510  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      12.8        12.8        10.5        14.4        14.7        52.4        58.9  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      2,201        2,235        1,846        2,539        2,686        9,306        10,319  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Americas (3) (5)

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      198        212        190        187        104        693        957  

NGL

   (Mboe)      5        2        11        —          8        21        33  

Natural gas

   (bcf)      —          —          0.1        —          0.1        0.2        0.4  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      209        214        218        187        129        748        1,059  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Algeria

                       

Crude oil and condensate

   (Mboe)      690        711        849        845        668        3,073        3,313  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total petroleum products

   (Mboe)      690        711        849        845        668        3,073        3,313  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    15


Production and sales report

            Quarter ended      Year to date  
            Jun
2020
     Sep
2020
     Dec
2020
     Mar
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2020
 

Petroleum (1)

                       

Total production

                       

Crude oil and condensate

     (Mboe)        9,527        9,410        9,224        10,020        10,075        38,729        41,212  

NGL

     (Mboe)        1,828        2,097        1,505        1,581        2,130        7,313        7,651  

Natural gas

     (bcf)        89.8        90.9        78.5        82.6        88.6        340.6        359.6  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     (Mboe)        26,322        26,657        23,812        25,368        26,972        102,809        108,796  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Total boe conversions are based on 6 bcf of natural gas equals 1,000 Mboe. Negative production figures represent finalisation adjustments.

(2)

Other Australia includes Minerva and Macedon. Minerva ceased production in September 2019.

(3)

Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.

(4)

BHP completed the acquisition of an additional 28% working interest in Shenzi on 6 November 2020, taking its total working interest to 72%.

(5)

Other Americas includes Neptune, Genesis and Overriding Royalty Interest.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    16


Production and sales report

 

           Quarter ended     Year to date  
           Jun
2020
    Sep
2020
    Dec
2020
    Mar
2021
    Jun
2021
    Jun
2021
    Jun
2020
 

Copper

                

Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.

 

Escondida, Chile (1)

                

Material mined

     (kt)       75,062       83,357       97,274       95,978       104,043       380,652       383,413  

Sulphide ore milled

     (kt)       34,755       34,733       36,303       32,654       31,903       135,593       135,810  

Average concentrator head grade

     (%)       0.81     0.85     0.83     0.78     0.77     0.81     0.84

Production ex mill

     (kt)       236.8       243.9       246.1       207.8       202.8       900.6       957.9  

Production

                

Payable copper

     (kt)       228.5       236.7       236.7       202.7       195.6       871.7       925.9  

Copper cathode (EW)

     (kt)       65.5       47.9       50.9       46.6       51.1       196.5       259.4  

- Oxide leach

     (kt)       26.8       15.3       18.0       16.1       14.5       63.9       106.3  

- Sulphide leach

     (kt)       38.7       32.6       32.9       30.5       36.6       132.6       153.1  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper

     (kt)       294.0       284.6       287.6       249.3       246.7       1,068.2       1,185.3  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Payable gold concentrate

     (troy oz)       43,422       42,332       47,789       37,954       38,893       166,968       177,422  

Payable silver concentrate

     (troy koz)       1,599       1,580       1,627       1,318       1,234       5,759       6,413  

Sales

                

Payable copper

     (kt)       221.0       237.1       244.3       196.9       194.1       872.4       903.5  

Copper cathode (EW)

     (kt)       72.1       46.5       47.7       49.6       49.6       193.4       260.9  

Payable gold concentrate

     (troy oz)       43,422       42,332       47,789       37,954       38,893       166,968       177,422  

Payable silver concentrate

     (troy koz)       1,599       1,580       1,627       1,318       1,234       5,759       6,413  

(1)   Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 57.5%.

    

Pampa Norte, Chile

                

Cerro Colorado

                

Material mined

     (kt)       15,734       12,618       6,750       6,153       5,498       31,019       67,617  

Ore milled

     (kt)       4,553       4,036       3,562       3,283       3,702       14,583       18,131  

Average copper grade

     (%)       0.60     0.66     0.58     0.58     0.58     0.60     0.56

Production

                

Copper cathode (EW)

     (kt)       16.9       15.8       15.8       13.9       14.7       60.2       67.5  

Sales

                

Copper cathode (EW)

     (kt)       18.7       14.6       16.6       13.2       15.4       59.8       67.3  

Spence

                

Material mined

     (kt)       24,082       18,260       18,485       19,195       21,262       77,202       91,558  

Ore milled (1)

     (kt)       2,829       4,408       6,809       8,007       9,538       28,762       18,788  

Average copper grade (2)

     (%)       0.95     1.10     0.76     0.62     0.67     0.74     0.91

Production

                

Payable copper

     (kt)       —         —         0.7       5.6       21.1       27.4       —    

Copper cathode (EW)

     (kt)       37.6       26.7       37.8       32.5       33.6       130.6       175.2  

Sales

                

Payable copper

     (kt)       —         —         —         1.8       20.8       22.6       —    

Copper cathode (EW)

     (kt)       41.0       24.1       40.9       30.7       34.1       129.8       176.8  

 

(1)

June 2021 quarter comprised of concentrator throughput of 4,929 kt and cathode throughput of 4,609 kt. June 2021 year to date comprised of concentrator throughput of 8,607 kt and cathode throughput of 20,155 kt.

(2)

June 2021 quarter weighted average of concentrate grade of 0.63% and cathode grade of 0.72%. June 2021 year to date weighted average of concentrate grade of 0.59% and cathode grade of 0.81%.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    17


Production and sales report

 

           Quarter ended     Year to date  
           Jun
2020
    Sep
2020
    Dec
2020
    Mar
2021
    Jun
2021
    Jun
2021
    Jun
2020
 

Copper (continued)

                

Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.

 

             

Antamina, Peru

                

Material mined (100%)

     (kt)       13,975       45,458       57,029       53,762       63,393       219,642       189,370  

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

     (kt)       6,736       13,202       14,083       12,651       13,466       53,402       46,400  

Average head grades

                

- Copper

     (%)       0.91     0.94     0.97     0.94     0.93     0.95     0.94

- Zinc

     (%)       1.02     1.30     1.30     1.16     1.24     1.25     0.92

Production

                

Payable copper

     (kt)       17.8       34.6       38.6       34.7       36.1       144.0       124.5  

Payable zinc

     (t)       13,736       34,398       41,909       33,299       35,483       145,089       88,462  

Payable silver

     (troy koz)       626       1,326       1,767       1,463       1,409       5,965       4,116  

Payable lead

     (t)       262       690       993       468       381       2,532       1,671  

Payable molybdenum

     (t)       243       284       192       276       111       863       1,666  

Sales

                

Payable copper

     (kt)       18.2       33.8       40.7       31.7       37.3       143.5       125.7  

Payable zinc

     (t)       11,680       32,769       45,109       34,141       32,044       144,063       86,691  

Payable silver

     (troy koz)       581       1,310       1,728       1,342       1,540       5,920       3,746  

Payable lead

     (t)       188       748       945       689       556       2,938       1,615  

Payable molybdenum

     (t)       223       392       352       192       268       1,204       1,327  

Olympic Dam, Australia

                

Material mined (1)

     (kt)       1,963       2,203       2,379       1,979       2,143       8,704       8,707  

Ore milled

     (kt)       2,454       2,443       2,377       2,238       2,429       9,487       8,985  

Average copper grade

     (%)       2.13     2.03     2.01     2.02     1.95     2.00     2.27

Average uranium grade

     (kg/t)       0.60       0.53       0.60       0.61       0.56       0.57       0.66  

Production

                

Copper cathode (ER and EW)

     (kt)       47.6       51.5       47.6       55.4       50.8       205.3       171.6  

Payable uranium

     (t)       1,016       874       945       834       614       3,267       3,678  

Refined gold

     (troy oz)       34,150       36,608       23,837       37,075       48,478       145,998       145,972  

Refined silver

     (troy koz)       295       157       193       275       185       810       984  

Sales

                

Copper cathode (ER and EW)

     (kt)       48.5       49.5       46.6       55.6       52.7       204.4       171.0  

Payable uranium

     (t)       1,293       859       999       779       907       3,544       3,411  

Refined gold

     (troy oz)       37,743       36,054       21,390       38,852       47,300       143,596       151,279  

Refined silver

     (troy koz)       270       222       165       242       245       874       981  

 

(1)

Material mined refers to underground ore mined, subsequently hoisted or trucked to surface.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    18


Production and sales report

 

          Quarter ended      Year to date  
          Jun
2020
     Sep
2020
     Dec
2020
     Mar
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2020
 

Iron Ore

                       

Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis.

 

                 

Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia

                       

Production

                       

Newman

   (kt)      17,110        16,410        17,637        14,614        14,560        63,221        65,641  

Area C Joint Venture

   (kt)      13,973        11,889        11,567        13,010        15,920        52,386        51,499  

Yandi Joint Venture

   (kt)      19,087        17,666        16,413        16,112        18,405        68,596        69,262  

Jimblebar (1)

   (kt)      16,559        20,075        16,740        15,241        15,337        67,393        61,754  

Wheelarra

   (kt)      —          —          —          —          —          —          3  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production

   (kt)      66,729        66,040        62,357        58,977        64,222        251,596        248,159  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production (100%)

   (kt)      75,589        74,152        70,407        66,695        72,848        284,102        281,058  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sales

                       

Lump

   (kt)      17,252        17,056        16,703        15,593        16,410        65,762        63,636  

Fines

   (kt)      50,904        48,390        46,124        42,939        48,837        186,290        186,962  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (kt)      68,156        65,446        62,827        58,532        65,247        252,052        250,598  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total sales (100%)

   (kt)      77,048        73,355        70,772        66,032        73,712        283,871        283,259  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(1)   Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 85%.

    

Samarco, Brazil (1)

                       

Production

   (kt)      —          —          37        878        1,023        1,938        —    

Sales

   (kt)      —          —          —          646        1,052        1,698        —    

 

(1)

Samarco commenced iron ore pellet production in December 2020 after meeting the licencing requirements to restart operations at the Germano complex in Minas Gerais and Ubu complex in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    19


Production and sales report

 

          Quarter ended      Year to date  
          Jun
2020
     Sep
2020
     Dec
2020
     Mar
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2020
 

Coal

                       

Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product.

                    

Queensland Coal, Australia

                       

Production (1)

                       

BMA

                       

Blackwater

   (kt)      1,703        1,184        1,737        1,416        1,887        6,224        5,545  

Goonyella

   (kt)      2,651        2,312        2,152        2,232        2,752        9,448        8,765  

Peak Downs

   (kt)      1,635        1,487        1,213        1,595        1,597        5,892        5,783  

Saraji

   (kt)      1,399        817        1,043        1,238        1,391        4,489        4,963  

Daunia

   (kt)      588        490        464        496        478        1,928        2,170  

Caval Ridge

   (kt)      1,102        1,075        930        750        1,148        3,903        4,349  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total BMA

   (kt)      9,078        7,365        7,539        7,727        9,253        31,884        31,575  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total BMA (100%)

   (kt)      18,156        14,730        15,078        15,454        18,506        63,768        63,150  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

BHP Mitsui Coal (2)

                       

South Walker Creek

   (kt)      1,264        1,238        1,118        1,031        1,500        4,887        5,415  

Poitrel

   (kt)      1,272        1,087        865        832        1,070        3,854        4,128  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total BHP Mitsui Coal

   (kt)      2,536        2,325        1,983        1,863        2,570        8,741        9,543  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Queensland Coal

   (kt)      11,614        9,690        9,522        9,590        11,823        40,625        41,118  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Queensland Coal (100%)

   (kt)      20,692        17,055        17,061        17,317        21,076        72,509        72,693  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sales

                       

BMA

                       

Coking coal

   (kt)      7,547        6,187        6,531        6,752        7,801        27,271        27,701  

Weak coking coal

   (kt)      1,040        977        936        1,038        1,069        4,020        3,289  

Thermal coal

   (kt)      183        58        3        206        400        667        531  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total BMA

   (kt)      8,770        7,222        7,470        7,996        9,270        31,958        31,521  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total BMA (100%)

   (kt)      17,540        14,444        14,940        15,992        18,540        63,916        63,041  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

BHP Mitsui Coal (2)

                       

Coking coal

   (kt)      778        671        604        357        535        2,167        2,782  

Weak coking coal

   (kt)      1,756        1,545        1,518        1,404        2,027        6,494        6,783  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total BHP Mitsui Coal

   (kt)      2,534        2,216        2,122        1,761        2,562        8,661        9,565  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Queensland Coal

   (kt)      11,304        9,438        9,592        9,757        11,832        40,619        41,086  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Queensland Coal (100%)

   (kt)      20,074        16,660        17,062        17,753        21,102        72,577        72,606  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(1)   Production figures include some thermal coal.

(2)   Shown on a 100% basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 80%.

    

    

NSW Energy Coal, Australia

                       

Production

   (kt)      4,887        3,624        3,229        2,981        4,492        14,326        16,052  

Sales

                       

Export thermal coal

   (kt)      4,871        3,168        3,940        2,827        4,691        14,626        15,301  

Inland thermal coal (1)

   (kt)      —          —          —          —          —          —          567  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (kt)      4,871        3,168        3,940        2,827        4,691        14,626        15,868  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(1)   The domestic sales contract ended in the September 2019 quarter.

    

Cerrejón, Colombia

                       

Production

   (kt)      767        1,038        347        1,795        1,784        4,964        7,115  

Sales thermal coal - export

   (kt)      1,143        994        370        1,746        1,619        4,729        7,501  

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    20


Production and sales report

 

          Quarter ended      Year to date  
          Jun
2020
     Sep
2020
     Dec
2020
     Mar
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2021
     Jun
2020
 

Other

                       

Nickel production is reported on the basis of saleable product

                    

Nickel West, Australia

                       

Mt Keith

                       

Nickel concentrate

   (kt)      60.2        64.4        55.7        54.1        50.4        224.6        178.2  

Average nickel grade

   (%)      16.5        15.8        14.7        13.3        13.3        14.4        16.9  

Leinster

                       

Nickel concentrate

   (kt)      72.0        66.2        72.8        71.5        71.4        281.9        253.6  

Average nickel grade

   (%)      10.2        9.0        9.5        10.2        10.5        9.8        9.7  

Saleable production

                       

Refined nickel (1) (2)

   (kt)      20.5        17.3        20.4        15.2        17.1        70.0        65.6  

Intermediates and nickel by-products (1) (3)

   (kt)      3.4        4.9        3.6        5.2        5.3        19.0        14.5  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nickel (1)

   (kt)      23.9        22.2        24.0        20.4        22.4        89.0        80.1  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cobalt by-products

   (t)      312        238        236        273        241        988        775  

Sales

                       

Refined nickel (1) (2)

   (kt)      19.7        17.1        20.9        15.0        17.8        70.8        64.1  

Intermediates and nickel by-products (1) (3)

   (kt)      4.2        4.6        2.6        5.9        4.0        17.1        15.5  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nickel (1)

   (kt)      23.9        21.7        23.5        20.9        21.8        87.9        79.6  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cobalt by-products

   (t)      312        238        237        273        241        989        787  

 

(1)

Production and sales restated to include other nickel by-products.

(2)

High quality refined nickel metal, including briquettes and powder.

(3)

Nickel contained in matte and by-product streams.

 

 

BHP Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2021    21


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

      BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc
Date: July 20, 2021     By:  

/s/ Stefanie Wilkinson

    Name:   Stefanie Wilkinson
    Title:   Group Company Secretary