UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021.

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report                     

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number: 001-09526	Commission file number: 001-31714
BHP GROUP LIMITED	BHP GROUP PLC
(ABN 49 004 028 077)	(REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)	(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA	ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)	(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
171 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA (Address of principal executive offices)	NOVA SOUTH, 160 VICTORIA STREET LONDON, SW1E 5LB UNITED KINGDOM
	(Address of principal executive offices)
STEFANIE WILKINSON BHP GROUP LIMITED 171 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE VIC 3000 AUSTRALIA TELEPHONE AUSTRALIA 1300 55 47 57 TELEPHONE INTERNATIONAL +61 3 9609 3333 FACSIMILE +61 3 9609 3015 (Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)	STEFANIE WILKINSON BHP GROUP PLC NOVA SOUTH, 160 VICTORIA STREET LONDON SW1E 5LB UNITED KINGDOM TELEPHONE +44 20 7802 4000 FACSIMILE +44 20 7802 4111 (Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered	Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
American Depositary Shares*	BHP	New York Stock Exchange	American Depositary Shares*	BBL	New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary Shares**	BHP	New York Stock Exchange	Ordinary Shares, nominal value US$0.50 each**	BBL	New York Stock Exchange

* Evidenced by American Depositary Receipts. Each American Depositary Receipt represents two ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc, as the case may be.

** Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of the applicable American Depositary Shares.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

	BHP Group Limited	BHP Group Plc
Fully Paid Ordinary Shares	2,950,251,394	2,112,071,796

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Emerging growth company	¨

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☒

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP  ¨ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting
International Accounting Standards Board  ☒ Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17  ☐    Item 18  ☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Company details and terms of reference

BHP Group Limited is registered in Australia. Registered office: 171 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. BHP Group Plc. Registration number 3196209. Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Nova South, 160 Victoria Street London SW1E 5LB United Kingdom. Each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is a member of the Group. BHP is a Dual Listed Company structure comprising BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc. The two entities continue to exist as separate companies but operate as a combined group known as BHP.

The headquarters of BHP Group Limited and the global headquarters of the combined Group are located in Melbourne, Australia. The headquarters of BHP Group Plc are located in London, United Kingdom. Both companies have identical Boards of Directors and are run by a unified management team. Throughout this publication, the Boards are referred to collectively as the Board. Shareholders in each company have equivalent economic and voting rights in the Group as a whole.

In this Annual Report, the terms ‘BHP’, the ‘Company’, the ‘Group’, ‘our business’, ‘organisation’, ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’ and ‘ourselves’ refer to BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and, except where the context otherwise requires, their respective subsidiaries included in note 30 ‘Subsidiaries’ in section 3.1.6 and in Exhibit 8.1 – List of Subsidiaries. Those terms do not include non-operated assets.

This Annual Report covers BHP’s assets (including those under exploration, projects in development or execution phases, sites and closed operations) that have been wholly owned and/or operated by BHP and that have been owned as a joint venture(1) operated by BHP (referred to in this Annual Report as ‘operated assets’ or ‘operations’) during the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Our functions are also included.

BHP also holds interests in assets that are owned as a joint venture but not operated by BHP (referred to in this Annual Report as ‘non-operated joint ventures’ or ‘non-operated assets’). Notwithstanding that this Annual Report 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.

On 17 August 2021, we announced our proposal to adopt a single company structure under BHP Group Ltd, with a primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The company would also hold a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and an ADR program listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). If implemented, eligible BHP Group Plc shareholders would receive one share in BHP Group Ltd for each BHP Group Plc share they hold. The holdings of BHP Group Ltd shareholders would not change. BHP’s dividend policy and ability to distribute fully franked dividends also would not change. Subject to final Board approval, BHP shareholders are expected to vote on unification at shareholder meetings planned for the first half of CY2022.

All references to websites in this Annual Report are intended to be inactive textual references for information only and any information contained in or accessible through any such website does not form a part of this Annual Report.

Forward-looking statements

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements, including: statements regarding trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; demand for commodities; reserves and production forecasts; plans, strategies and objectives of management; climate scenarios; approval of certain projects and consummation of certain transactions; closure or divestment of certain assets, operations or facilities (including associated costs); anticipated production or construction commencement dates; capital costs and scheduling; operating costs and supply of materials and skilled employees; anticipated productive lives of projects, mines and facilities; provisions and contingent liabilities; and tax and regulatory developments.

Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology including, but not limited to, ‘intend’, ‘aim’, ‘project’, ‘see’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘plan’, ‘objective’, ‘believe’, ‘expect’, ‘commit’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘need’, ‘must’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘continue’, ‘forecast’, ‘guidance’, ‘trend’ or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations concerning the results of assets or financial conditions, or provide other forward-looking information.

(1)  References in this Annual Report to a ‘joint venture’ are used for convenience to collectively describe assets that are not wholly owned by BHP. Such references are not intended to characterise the legal relationship between the owners of the asset.

i

Examples of forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report include, without limitation, statements describing (i) our strategy, our values and how we define our success; (ii) the emerging uses of and our expectations regarding future demand for certain commodities, in particular copper, nickel, iron ore, metallurgical coal, steel, oil and gas and potash, and our intentions, commitments or expectations with respect to our supply of certain commodities; (iii) our expectations of a competitive advantage in certain commodities, in particular in copper, nickel and potash; (iv) the perceived synergies and other benefits of the proposed transaction between BHP and Woodside; (v) our future exploration and partnerships plans and the structure of our portfolio; (vi) our outlook for long-term economic growth and other macroeconomic and industry trends; (vii) our projected and expected production levels and development projects across our portfolio of assets; (viii) our reserves; (ix) our plans for our major projects and related budget allocations; (x) our expectations and objectives with respect to decarbonisation, climate change resilience and timelines to achieve such objectives, including our Climate Transition Action Plan, Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and goals, targets and strategies to seek to reduce or support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and related perceived opportunities for BHP; (xi) the assumptions, beliefs and conclusions in our climate change-related statements and strategies, including in our Climate Change Report 2020, for example, in respect of future temperatures, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and climate-related impacts; (xii) our commitment to generating social value; (xiii) our commitments under sustainability frameworks, standards and initiatives; (xiv) our intention to improve tailings storage management; (xv) our intention to achieve certain inclusion and diversity targets; and (xvi) our intention to achieve certain targets and outcomes with respect to Indigenous peoples.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and reflect judgments, assumptions, estimates and other information available as at the date of this Annual Report and/or the date of BHP’s planning or scenario analysis processes. These statements do not represent guarantees or predictions of future financial or operational 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 Annual Report. BHP cautions against reliance on any forward-looking statements or guidance, including in light of the current economic climate and the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption arising in connection with COVID-19.

For example, our future revenues from our assets, projects or mines described in this Annual Report will be based, in part, on the market price of the minerals, metals or petroleum produced, which may vary significantly from current levels. These variations, if materially adverse, may affect the timing or the feasibility of the development of a particular project, the expansion of certain facilities or mines, or the continuation of existing assets.

Other factors that may affect the actual construction or production commencement dates, revenues, costs or production output and anticipated lives of assets, mines or facilities include: (i) our ability to profitably produce and transport the minerals, petroleum and/or metals extracted to applicable markets; (ii) the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on the market prices of the minerals, petroleum or metals we produce; (iii) activities of government authorities in the countries where we sell our products and in the countries where we are exploring or developing projects, facilities or mines, including increases in taxes; (iv) changes in environmental and other regulations; (v) the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business; (vi) political or geopolitical uncertainty; (viii) labour unrest; and (viii) other factors identified in the risk factors set out in section 1.16.

Except as required by applicable regulations or by law, BHP does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events.

Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

Emissions and energy consumption data

Due to the inherent uncertainty and limitations in measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and operational energy consumption under the calculation methodologies used in the preparation of such data, all GHG emissions and operational energy consumption data or references to GHG emissions and operational energy consumption volumes (including ratios or percentages) in this Annual Report are estimates. There may also be differences in the manner that third parties calculate or report GHG emissions or operational energy consumption data compared to BHP, which means that third party data may not be comparable to our data. For information on how we calculate our GHG emissions and operational energy consumption data, see section 4.8.

The Strategic Report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board.

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

Dated: 2 September 2021

ii

Form 20-F Cross Reference Table

Item Number		Description	Report section reference
1.		Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors	Not applicable
2.		Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable	Not applicable
3.		Key Information
	B	Capitalization and indebtedness	Not applicable
	C	Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds	Not applicable
	D	Risk factors	1.16
4.		Information on the Company
	A	History and development of the company	1.2 to 1.6, 1.8 to 1.17, 3.7, 4.3, 4.5 to 4.9, 4.10.1 to 4.10.5 and Corporate directory
	B	Business overview	1.4 to 1.6, 1.8 to 1.11, 1.17, 3.7, 4.3, 4.5 to 4.9, 4.10.3, 4.10.4, 4.10.9 and Note 1 to the Financial Statements
	C	Organizational structure	4.10.3 and Note 30 to the Financial Statements
	D	Property, plants and equipment	1.10.1 to 1.10.4, 1.11, 1.13, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 3.7, 4.3, 4.5 to 4.7 and Notes 11, 15 and 21 to the Financial Statements
4A.		Unresolved Staff Comments	None
5.		Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
	A	Operating results	1.8, 1.17 and 4.10.9
	B	Liquidity and capital resources	1.8, 3.1.4, Notes 11, 20 to 23, 34 and 39 to the Financial Statements
	C	Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.	1.10 to 1.17, 2.3.14, 3.7, 4.3, 4.6, 4.7 and Notes 11 and 15 to the Financial Statements
	D	Trend information	1.2 to 1.6, 1.13, 1.16 and 1.17
	E	Critical Accounting Estimates	IFRS is applied in the Financial Statements as issued by the IASB
6.		Directors, Senior Management and Employees
	A	Directors and senior management	2.1.1, 2.1.2 and 2.1.5
	B	Compensation	2.2
	C	Board practices	2.1.2, 2.1.9, 2.1.10, 2.1.12 and 2.2
	D	Employees	1.12, 4.8 and Note 28 to the Financial Statements
	E	Share ownership	2.2, 2.3.2, 2.3.5, 2.3.18 and Notes 16, 17 and 25 to the Financial Statements
7.		Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
	A	Major shareholders	4.10.6
	B	Related party transactions	2.2 and Notes 24 and 33 to the Financial Statements
	C	Interests of experts and counsel	Not applicable
8.		Financial Information
	A	Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information	1.15, 4.9, 4.10.7, 3.1, 3.2A and the Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 in this Annual Report
	B	Significant Changes	Note 35 to the Financial Statements
9.		The Offer and Listing
	A	Offer and listing details	4.10.2
	B	Plan of distribution	Not applicable
	C	Markets	4.10.2
	D	Selling shareholders	Not applicable
	E	Dilution	Not applicable
	F	Expenses of the issue	Not applicable
10.		Additional Information
	A	Share capital	Not applicable
	B	Memorandum and articles of association	4.10.3 and 4.10.5
	C	Material contracts	4.10.4
	D	Exchange controls	4.10.9
	E	Taxation	4.10.10
	F	Dividends and paying agents	Not applicable
	G	Statement by experts	Not applicable
	H	Documents on display	4.10.5
	I	Subsidiary information	Note 30 to the Financial Statements and Exhibit 8.1
11.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	Note 23 to the Financial Statements
12.		Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
	A	Debt Securities	Not applicable
	B	Warrants and Rights	Not applicable
	C	Other Securities	Not applicable
	D	American Depositary Shares	4.10.8 and Exhibit 2.1
13.		Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies	There have been no defaults, dividend arrearages or delinquencies
14.		Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds	There have been no material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds since our last Annual Report
15.		Controls and Procedures	2.1.10 and 3.2A
16A.		Audit committee financial expert	2.1.10
16B.		Code of Ethics	2.1.15
16C.		Principal Accountant Fees and Services	2.1.10 and Note 36 to the Financial Statements
16D.		Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees	Not applicable
16E.		Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers	2.3.2
16F.		Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant	Not applicable
16G.		Corporate Governance	2
16H.		Mine Safety Disclosure	Not applicable
16I.		Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections	Not applicable
17.		Financial Statements	Not applicable as Item 18 complied with
18.		Financial Statements	The Financial Statements begin on page F-1 in this Annual Report
19.		Exhibits	5

iii

We are BHP,

a leading global resources company

Our Purpose	Our Values
Our purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world.	Sustainability Putting health and safety first, being environmentally responsible and supporting our communities.
	Integrity Doing what is right and doing what we say we will do.
	Respect Embracing openness, trust, teamwork, diversity and relationships that are mutually beneficial.
	Performance Achieving superior business results by stretching our capabilities.
	Simplicity Focusing our efforts on the things that matter most.
	Accountability Defining and accepting responsibility and delivering on our commitments.
	We are successful when:
	•  Our people start each day with a sense of purpose and end the day with a sense of accomplishment.
	•  Our teams are inclusive and diverse.
	•  Our communities, customers and suppliers value their relationships with us and are better off for our presence.
	•  Our asset portfolio is world class and sustainably developed.
	•  Our operational discipline and financial strength enables our future growth.
	•  Our shareholders receive a superior return on their investment.
	•  Our commodities support continued economic growth and decarbonisation.

iv

Contents

1	Strategic Report	1
1.1	Our highlights	1
1.2	Chair’s review	1
1.3	Chief Executive Officer’s review	3
1.4	Our business today	4
1.5	Positioning for the future	5
1.6	Delivering value	7
1.6.1	Our business model	7
1.6.2	How we deliver value	9
1.6.3	How our choice of commodities and assets helps deliver value	11
1.7	Chief Financial Officer’s review	13
1.8	Financial review	13
1.8.1	Group overview	13
1.8.2	Key performance indicators	14
1.8.3	Financial results	16
1.8.4	Debt and sources of liquidity	18
1.9	How we manage risk	20
1.10	Our business	23
1.10.1	Locations	23
1.10.2	Minerals Australia	24
1.10.3	Minerals Americas	29
1.10.4	Petroleum	35
1.10.5	Commercial	38
1.11	Exploration	39
1.12	People and culture	41
1.13	Sustainability	46
1.13.1	Our sustainability approach	46
1.13.2	Our material sustainability issues	47
1.13.3	Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs	48
1.13.4	Safety	50
1.13.5	Health	53
1.13.6	Ethics and business conduct	55
1.13.7	Climate change and portfolio resilience	57
1.13.8	Community	64
1.13.9	Human rights	65
1.13.10	Indigenous peoples	66
1.13.11	Social investment	68
1.13.12	Environment	70
1.13.13	Water	71
1.13.14	Land and biodiversity	73
1.13.15	Tailings storage facilities	75
1.13.16	Independent limited assurance report	77
1.14	Section 172 statement	78
1.15	Samarco	81
1.16	Risk factors	82
1.16.1	Management of risks	90
1.16.2	Robust risk assessment and viability statement	97
1.17	Performance by commodity	98
1.17.1	Petroleum	98

v

1.17.2	Copper	101
1.17.3	Iron Ore	103
1.17.4	Coal	105
1.17.5	Other assets	107
1.17.6	Impact of changes to commodity prices	107
1.18	Other information	107
1.18.1	Company details and terms of reference	107
1.18.2	Forward-looking statements	107
2	Governance at BHP	108
2.1	Corporate Governance Statement	110
2.1.1	Chair’s letter	110
2.1.2	Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team	112
	Board of Directors	112
	Executive Leadership Team	115
2.1.3	BHP governance structure	116
2.1.4	Board and Committee meetings and attendance	117
2.1.5	Key Board activities during FY2021	118
2.1.6	Stakeholder engagement	120
	Shareholder engagement	120
	Workforce engagement	123
2.1.7	Director skills, experience and attributes	124
2.1.8	Board evaluation	127
2.1.9	Nomination and Governance Committee Report	127
2.1.10	Risk and Audit Committee Report	130
2.1.11	Sustainability Committee Report	137
2.1.12	Remuneration Committee Report	138
2.1.13	Risk management governance structure	139
2.1.14	Management	139
2.1.15	Our conduct	140
2.1.16	Market disclosure	140
2.1.17	Conformance with corporate governance standards	141
2.1.18	Additional UK disclosure	143
2.2	Remuneration Report	143
2.2.1	Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair	145
2.2.2	Remuneration policy report	150
	Remuneration policy for the Executive Director	150
	Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors	157
2.2.3	Annual report on remuneration	159
	Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)	159
	Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO)	171
	Remuneration for Non-executive Directors	174

vi

	Remuneration governance	176
	Other statutory disclosures	177
2.3	Directors’ Report	184
2.3.1	Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs	185
2.3.2	Share capital and buy-back programs	185
2.3.3	Results, financial instruments and going concern	186
2.3.4	Directors	186
2.3.5	Remuneration and share interests	187
2.3.6	Secretaries	188
2.3.7	Indemnities and insurance	188
2.3.8	Employee policies	188
2.3.9	Corporate governance	189
2.3.10	Dividends	189
2.3.11	Auditors	189
2.3.12	Non-audit services	189
2.3.13	Political donations	189
2.3.14	Exploration, research and development	190
2.3.15	ASIC Instrument 2016/191	190
2.3.16	Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited	190
2.3.17	Performance in relation to environmental regulation	190
2.3.18	Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information	191
3	Financial Statements	192
4	Additional Information	194
4.1	Financial information summary	194
4.2	Alternative Performance Measures	195
4.3	Information on mining operations	207
4.4	Financial Information by commodity	222
4.5	Production	228
4.6	Reserves	231
4.7	Major projects	247
4.8	Sustainability – performance data	249
4.9	Legal proceedings	264
4.10	Shareholder information	269
4.10.1	History and development	269
4.10.2	Markets	270
4.10.3	Organisational structure	271
4.10.4	Material contracts	274
4.10.5	Constitution	275
4.10.6	Share ownership	281
4.10.7	Dividends	284
4.10.8	American Depositary Receipts fees and charges	285
4.10.9	Government regulations	286
4.10.10	Taxation	290
4.10.11	Ancillary information for our shareholders	298
4.11	Glossary	299
5	Exhibits	318

vii

Section 1

Strategic Report

1.1    Our highlights

Not required for US reporting.

1.2    Chair’s review

I am pleased to provide our Annual Report for FY2021.

In a year that has seen COVID-19 continue to challenge the lives and livelihoods of so many, I am proud of the resilience and commitment our people have demonstrated to deliver an outstanding set of results in FY2021.

The strong operational performance driven by our teams across the world, combined with a diversified portfolio and disciplined approach to capital allocation, has seen the Board determine a dividend of US$3.01 per share for FY2021. This means we have returned US$15 billion to shareholders this year, and more than US$38 billion over the past three years. In a year of significant financial disruption across the globe, these results demonstrate the health of your company.

BHP is in a strong position and it is against this backdrop that we are making transformative changes.

We have announced our intention to unify BHP’s corporate structure to a single listing on the Australian Securities Exchange. Creating one BHP today positions the company to deliver on our strategy in the future. We will be more agile, efficient and flexible, while still enabling BHP shareholders around the world to support the company as they have done for decades.

We have also announced a number of strategic steps towards the future of your company, as we continue to grow our portfolio in future facing commodities. We have announced a US$5.7 billion investment in Jansen Stage 1, a top tier potash asset in Canada. BHP has also announced our intention to merge our Petroleum assets with Woodside. The resulting global top 10 independent oil and gas company will have the resilience and optionality to succeed in the energy transition.

The essential resources we produce at BHP are not only fundamental to the way we live now, they are fundamental to the way we will live in the future.

Based on the climate change scenario analysis we undertook last year, we believe that the more action the world takes to limit climate change, the better it will be for BHP.

Commodities like copper, nickel and iron ore will be essential for building the infrastructure and technology that will aid the world’s decarbonisation ambitions, and potash will help feed the world’s growing population.

Investing in future facing commodities creates great opportunities for BHP – it means our strategic goals align with our climate goals – but it also creates a challenge. The world needs to increase production of commodities that support the transition and do so ever more sustainably. BHP has made progress against our greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets and goals, but we intend to continue to challenge ourselves to reduce our own emissions, and work in partnership with our customers and suppliers to reduce emissions along the value chain.

Our response to climate change and the decarbonisation challenge is just one aspect of our broader commitment to deliver social value. Social value is the positive contribution we make to the environment and society. It goes hand in hand with financial value in our decision-making, and we believe this approach is in the long-term best interests of shareholders. We have been able to provide significant support to the communities in which we operate. This includes US$11.1 billion in taxes, royalties and other payments to governments in FY2021 – and US$84.0 billion over the past 10 years.

In FY2021, we continued to broaden our relationships with our Indigenous partners on whose land our operated assets lie. Our Cultural Heritage team has worked to ensure our operational decision-making is informed by reliable and contemporary heritage information, and any decision regarding cultural heritage is made by the most senior site leadership. We have also set out Regional Indigenous Peoples Plans that outline our commitment to agreement-making, Indigenous procurement, employment and social investment.

The delivery of the South Flank project was an important milestone for the Group in FY2021, and we would like to acknowledge the support of the Banjima people in helping us to deliver the project.

Our Board renewal process continued this year as we welcomed Xiaoqun Clever and Christine O’Reilly as independent Non-executive Directors in October 2020. We are pleased that Michelle Hinchliffe will join the BHP Board on 1 March 2022. Michelle has significant expertise in financial risk management and strong global experience, and we look forward to welcoming Michelle early next year.

We have also announced that Anita Frew and Susan Kilsby will retire from the BHP Board at the end of the 2021 Annual General Meetings. Both Anita and Susan have recently accepted Chair roles at significant international companies, and we wish them well. I thank Anita and Susan for the invaluable contribution they have made to BHP. Gary Goldberg has replaced Susan as BHP’s Senior Independent Director, and Christine O’Reilly has been appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee.

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Finally, we achieve nothing unless we do it safely. While we are pleased that it has now been over two years since the last fatality at our operated assets, we know that a commitment to health and safety requires more than this. We are committed to stamping out sexual assault and harassment at all our sites. This is a critical issue for BHP and for our industry. We have been working on this for some time, but we know we must do more to make our workplaces safe and inclusive for everyone.

I am confident the decisions we are making to build our company for the future, together with continued strong operational performance and commitment to those who rely on us, will see us continue to grow BHP and create value for our shareholders and our broader stakeholders for decades to come.

Thank you for your continued support of BHP.

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

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1.3    Chief Executive Officer’s review

Dear shareholders,

I am pleased to report that BHP performed strongly in FY2021, with no one fatally injured across BHP’s global operations, and record production and throughput in a number of businesses. We completed four major capital projects on time and on budget, a notable feat given the pandemic context, and our approach to capital allocation remained disciplined, generating strong returns for shareholders. I want to thank our employees and all those who supported us in delivering these outcomes.

Our operational and financial results provide the strong foundation upon which we have announced our investment in the Jansen Stage 1 potash project, the intended merger of BHP’s Petroleum business with Woodside Petroleum Ltd. (Woodside), and the intention to unify the BHP corporate structure under a single primary listing in Australia. These strategic steps are intended to underpin BHP’s ability to continue to grow shareholder value in the coming decades.

The future is clear. We believe that the world is going to need increasing supply of the essential commodities BHP produces in order to sustain global economic growth and in order to decarbonise the global economy. It is important for the world that this growing demand is met sustainably, and BHP is ideally positioned to do so given our portfolio of existing assets, our strong track record on sustainability and social value creation, our operating and financial discipline, and most importantly our people.

The intended unification of BHP’s corporate structure will position us even more strongly to be able to continue growing shareholder value. We will be a simpler, more efficient and more agile company. This is expected to enable us to be more competitive and to more quickly create and capitalise on opportunities to continue to grow value.

The intended merger of BHP’s Petroleum business with Woodside will create a global top 10 independent exploration and production company, with increased scale and resilience. We expect shareholders to benefit from significant synergies arising from the intended merger, and they will have greater choice in how to shape the relative commodity exposures in their own portfolios.

The decision to proceed with the Jansen Stage 1 potash project in Canada is a significant milestone for BHP. Potash is a future facing commodity that enables more efficient and sustainable farming, which will be increasingly important in feeding a growing global population and in meeting the world’s need to decarbonise. Jansen Stage 1 also opens up a new front for future growth for BHP. We will be ideally positioned to meet potential future growth in global demand for potash with Jansen Stages 2 through 4, which we anticipate will offer high returns and faster paybacks.

These decisions and intended steps are anticipated to result in around half of BHP’s revenues being derived from the future facing commodities of copper, potash and nickel by the end of this decade. We also expect the other half, comprising iron ore and higher-quality coking coal, to see upside as the world decarbonises.

BHP continues to take action on climate change. In the past year we announced a new suite of climate change related targets and goals, together with an assessment of the performance of BHP’s portfolio under different climate scenarios. The latter indicated that BHP’s overall portfolio is resilient and, in fact, many of our commodities would perform best under our Paris-aligned scenario that sees more rapid decarbonisation and an increase in average global temperature of no more than 1.5°C.

We progressed towards our operational emissions reduction targets and goal by entering into renewable power supply agreements for our Kwinana nickel refinery and Queensland Coal operations – adding to the Escondida and Spence copper mine agreements announced in FY2020.

With a focus on Scope 3 emissions, we entered into partnerships with major steel producers in China and Japan, targeting technologies to reduce emissions from steelmaking.

The combined output of these steel companies equates to around 10 per cent of reported global steel production. We also entered into a series of innovative initiatives that seek to help reduce emissions in bulk shipping.

Finally, we continue to invest in people. In FY2021, we trained more than 500 apprentices and trainees through our FutureFit Academy in Australia, and have committed to creating 2,500 new Australian apprenticeship and trainee positions over the next five years. We have continued our progress towards gender balance and female participation in our workforce increased to 29.8 per cent during the year, complementing our already gender-balanced Executive Leadership Team. Our Indigenous participation rate has also increased to 7.2 per cent in Australia and 7.5 per cent in Chile. We are leading the way in building the workforce of the future.

I hope that you can see that this has been a very good year for BHP. We have taken action to shape BHP’s future, while delivering very strong operational and financial results.

The combination of a clear strategic outlook, increasing operational excellence and greater exposure to future facing commodities is expected to enable us to deliver positive returns and grow more value for all of our stakeholders in the years ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Mike Henry

Chief Executive Officer

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1.4    Our business today

Our business

Our purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world.

Our strategy is to deliver long-term value and returns through the cycle. We aim to do this through owning a portfolio of world class assets with exposure to highly attractive commodities that benefit from the mega-trends playing out in the world around us, by operating them exceptionally well, by maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and through being industry leaders in sustainability and the creation of social value.

We are a global business with over 9,000 suppliers around the world, many of which are small to medium-sized businesses that are local to our assets.

We have approximately 80,000 employees and contractors who work in more than 17 countries around the world.

The essential resources we produce are critical for continued economic growth and decarbonisation and we are committed to supplying them more safely, responsibly and efficiently.

In FY2021, we produced:

• the commodities to create the steel that goes into the infrastructure needed for growing cities around the world, including to support the energy transition

• the copper and nickel required for electrification, such as copper-intensive electric vehicles and nickel-intensive batteries that can reduce the need for fossil fuels and support decarbonisation

• the energy that heats homes, enables transport and powers many of the household products we use every day

	Future facing commodities		Steelmaking commodities		Oil & Gas
Product	Copper	Nickel	Iron ore	Metallurgical coal*	Petroleum
FY2021 production	1,635.7 kt	89.0 kt	253.5 Mt	40.6 Mt	102.8 MMboe
Traditional usage	Wiring, power cables, cars, smartphones, televisions, laptops, air conditioners	Stainless steel, refrigerators, cookware, homeware, medical equipment	Cities, hospitals, schools, houses, bridges, trains, cars, smartphones * Metallurgical coal is also known as steelmaking coal.		Driving, air travel, heating, generating electricity, cleaning products, medical and hygiene products, roads
Emerging usage	Electrification mega trends		Supporting development and clean energy transition		Supporting mobility and modern life
	Wind turbines, electric vehicles, solar panels, battery charging, electric vehicle batteries, grid storage solutions		Wind turbines, carbon capture infrastructure and climate adaption to adjust to current or expected climate change and its effects		Low-emissions shipping, technology-related materials, pairing with renewables, and the transportation impacts of the e-commerce revolution

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1.5    Positioning for the future

Growing value and positioning for the future

In August 2021, we announced proposed changes to our portfolio and corporate structure to position BHP for the future. These portfolio and capability changes are intended to enable us to even more strongly grow long-term value by sustainably producing the commodities the world needs for continued economic growth and decarbonisation. We seek to grow value while continuing to provide climate leadership and considering social value and financial value in the decisions we make. We seek to grow value while continuing to provide climate leadership and considering social value and financial value in the decisions we make.

Jansen Stage 1 potash project – entry into a top-tier potash basin

BHP’s Board approved a US$5.7 billion investment in Jansen Stage 1 in Canada, which is aligned with our strategy of growing our exposure to future facing commodities in world class assets. The project is expected to produce 4.35 million tonnes of potash per year with initial production targeted for 2027, ramping up to full production over two years.

Jansen is located in the world’s best potash basin and is in an attractive investment jurisdiction. It opens up a new front for growth for BHP and is an expandable resource that can support a century or more of operations. Potash provides us with greater diversification by commodity, country, and customer.

Potash is a potassium-rich salt mainly used in fertiliser and potassium is an essential nutrient for plant growth.

Potash demand is underpinned by a growing global population and the requirement for more productive farming with a lower environmental footprint.

Jansen Stage 1 is expected to be low cost and one of the world’s most sustainable potash mines, designed for a low-carbon footprint and low water intensity.

Jansen Stage 1 is expected to create 3,500 jobs during peak construction and 600 jobs in ongoing operations, and opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses. Our goal is for the Jansen workforce to be gender balanced and for First Nations employees to make up 20 per cent of the team. In the first of their kind in the potash industry, we have signed Opportunity Agreements with six First Nations communities around the site.

Petroleum business merger proposal – creating a global top 10 independent energy company

BHP and Woodside have entered into a merger commitment deed to combine their respective oil and gas portfolios by an all-stock merger. The proposed merger would create a global top 10 independent energy company by production, with a global top 10 position in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, and would be the largest energy company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

With the combination of two high-quality asset portfolios, the combined business would have a high-margin oil portfolio, long-life LNG assets and the financial resilience to help supply the energy needed for global growth and development over the energy transition.

The proposed merger is subject to confirmatory due diligence, negotiation and execution of full form transaction documents, and satisfaction of conditions precedent, including shareholder, regulatory and other approvals.

The proposed merger is expected to be completed in the first half of CY2022. On completion, it is expected that Woodside would be owned approximately 52 per cent and 48 per cent by existing Woodside and BHP shareholders respectively. The Woodside shares would be immediately distributed to BHP shareholders. Woodside intends to remain listed on the ASX with listings on additional exchanges being considered.

A unified corporate structure – flexibility for the future

BHP currently operates as a Dual Listed Company with two parent entities, both holding primary listings: BHP Group Limited (BHP Ltd) in Australia and BHP Group Plc (BHP Plc) in the United Kingdom.

We are proposing to adopt a single company structure under BHP Ltd, with a primary listing on the ASX. The company would hold a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange, a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and an American Depositary Receipt program listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

We believe a simplified corporate structure would be more efficient and agile, better positioning the company for continued performance and growth. One-off unification costs are expected to range between US$400 to US$500 million.

If a unified model is implemented, eligible BHP Plc shareholders would receive one share in BHP Ltd for each BHP Plc share they hold. The holdings of BHP Ltd shareholders would not change. BHP’s dividend policy and ability to distribute fully franked dividends also would not change.

Subject to final Board approval, BHP shareholders are expected to vote on unification at shareholder meetings planned for the first half of CY2022.

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Adding to our early stage options in future facing commodities

Consistent with our strategy to secure further growth opportunities in future facing commodities, in July 2021 we made a public all-cash offer to acquire Noront Resources to gain access to a highly prospective nickel basin in an attractive region in Canada, following which Noront’s Board recommended shareholders accept BHP’s offer.

During the year, we also signed an agreement for a nickel exploration alliance with Midland Exploration in Canada and exercised an option to sign a farm-in agreement with Encounter Resources for the Elliott copper project in Australia.

Update on our non-core coal divestment process

In August 2020, we announced plans to divest our interests in BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC), New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejón to focus our coal portfolio on higher-quality metallurgical coals used in steelmaking.

In June 2021, we announced the signing of a Sale and Purchase Agreement to divest our 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón for US$294 million cash consideration. Subject to the satisfaction of customary competition and regulatory requirements, this is expected to complete in the second half of FY2022.

The process for BMC and New South Wales Energy Coal is progressing, in line with the two-year timeframe set last year. We remain open to all options and continue consultation with relevant stakeholders.

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1.6    Delivering value

1.6.1    Our business model

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1.6.2    How we deliver value

Our people

Our global workforce is the foundation of our business. Supporting our people is vital for high performance and for furthering our competitive advantage. For more information on our culture, including our aspirational target of a gender-balanced workforce and progress in FY2021, refer to section 1.12.

Social value

We are committed to creating long-term value for our shareholders and consider social value and financial value in the decisions we make. Social value is our positive contribution to society – to our people, partners, economy, environment and local communities. We know that when we consider social impacts in our decision-making and when we build respectful and mutually beneficial relationships, we create value for all of our stakeholders and in particular for our shareholders.

We consider our social value work to be successful when the societies where we operate are better off through our presence; the communities we are part of are resilient and thriving, even in the face of change; our shareholders receive a superior return on their investment; and we are a partner of choice for governments, investors, employees, communities, suppliers and customers.

Our strategic capabilities

To deliver on our strategy we need outstanding strategic capabilities in areas where we can generate maximum value.

The strategic capabilities we are focused on include:

• discovering and appraising resources

• acquiring the right assets and asset options

• defining the optimal ways to develop our resources

• optimising our use of capital

• continuous improvement and innovation

• establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial stakeholder relationships

Pursuing operational excellence

Our commitment to continuous improvement supports our pursuit of operational excellence. Our current and developing strengths include:

• the principles, practices and tools of the BHP Operating System (BOS), BHP’s way of working that makes continuous improvement part of what we do in our business every day

• the capabilities and standards housed in our technical functions, which includes Technology and our Centres of Excellence, which are designed to help deliver improved safety, productivity and sustainability outcomes

• our internal venture capital unit, BHP Ventures, which looks to invest in emerging companies with game-changing technologies and management teams to help drive innovation and provide us with a valuable portfolio of growth options

Examples in FY2021 included multi-team and cross-functional approaches to achieve:

• an increase of over 1,000 productive hours a year for the automated truck fleet at our Jimblebar iron ore operation in Western Australia

• improvements in the refining process at Olympic Dam in South Australia resulting in a copper recovery rate from scrap copper that was 25 per cent above the budgeted target for FY2021 and a record for scrap copper recovery at Olympic Dam

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Technology

Technology helps us to improve frontline safety, increase productivity, reduce cost, build capability and accelerate value creation. We are leveraging technologies such as cloud computing, cloud storage and smart analytics to enhance decision-making and advance mining technologies to automate equipment.

Highlights in FY2021 included:

• the development of an in-house machine learning tool, Trident, at Escondida that uses real-time data analytics to optimise vessel scheduling and improve the revenue per tonne from copper concentrate sales. The tool is being implemented across our other copper concentrate assets, including Spence

• the use of machine learning and optimisation techniques at our Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) rail network to refine WAIO’s rail track grinding plan, which has simultaneously resulted in significantly increased grinding compliance and a reduction in hours lost

• at our WAIO shipping facilities at Port Hedland, data scientists and mathematicians worked alongside the operations team on the ground to develop algorithms that lifted our port outflow capacity by more than 1.4 Mtpa, by helping to optimise transport routes to reduce dump times and vessel line-up

Exploration

Our exploration program is focused on copper and nickel to grow our future facing resource portfolio and replenish our resource base. It is designed to enable us to generate attractive, low-cost, value-accretive options for our business and to position BHP for the best future access to our preferred resources. We use new technology and innovation in our exploration activities.

For more information, refer to section 1.11.

Capital discipline

We use the Capital Allocation Framework (CAF) to assess the most effective and efficient way to deploy capital. This helps us to maintain safe and reliable operations, meet our social value and greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, keep our balance sheet strong, and deliver strong growth and returns to our shareholders.

We then look at what would be the most valuable risk-adjusted use for any excess capital.

We evaluate the range of investment opportunities and aim to optimise the portfolio based on our assessment of risk, returns and future optionality. We then develop a long-term capital plan and guidance for the Group.

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1.6.3    How our choice of commodities and assets helps deliver value

Our purpose is to bring together people and resources to build a better world.

Building a better world requires the decarbonisation of the global economy and the protection and improvement of the quality of life of people everywhere. The world needs sustainable industries and products, cleaner infrastructure and more of the types of jobs people aspire to. This transformation cannot happen without resources and companies like BHP that seek to produce them more safely, responsibly and efficiently.

Under our Paris-aligned 1.5°C scenario,(1) we expect demand for many of our commodities to be driven by continued growth in population and the global economy, decarbonisation and electrification. In our 1.5°C scenario, we anticipate demand for primary copper almost doubling and demand for primary nickel almost quadrupling over the next 30 years, compared to the past 30 years. We also expect demand for steel to almost double in the same period. We believe a wholesale shift away from blast furnace steelmaking, which depends on metallurgical coal, is still decades in the future.

However, we are moving to concentrate our coal portfolio on higher-grade coals used for steelmaking (metallurgical coal) that have the greatest potential upside for quality premiums as steelmakers seek to improve blast furnace utilisation and reduce emissions intensity.

Potash is expected to become vital for more efficient agricultural practices as governments and industry seek more efficient and environmentally sustainable agriculture, as well as to ease pressure on increasingly scarce land for farming.

As the shift to cleaner energy sources occurs, we expect the world will still need oil and gas to power mobility and everyday life on the pathway to decarbonisation. We see oil and gas remaining attractive in terms of their investment fundamentals for at least the next decade.

There is no easy path to achieving net zero emissions, but we believe the world has a responsibility to meet this challenge. The task of reducing emissions is more difficult in some sectors and countries, and activities that reduce or remove carbon, such as natural climate solutions or carbon capture, use and storage, will be required to offset those carbon-emitting activities that are harder to abate, such as industrial processes like steel and cement manufacturing, as the world aims for net zero emissions.

We are taking action to play our part in operating more responsibly to provide essential resources. We have been taking action on climate for decades and continue to work towards our target of reducing operational emissions by at least 30 per cent by FY2030 (from FY2020 levels(2)) and our goal of achieving net zero operational emissions by 2050.(3) We are working to support the acceleration of decarbonisation in our value chain, including in the hard to abate steelmaking sector. And we will continue to progress work to assess the potential physical impacts of climate change and what will be required to build resilience. For more information regarding our goals to reduce our emissions, refer to section 1.13.7.

Through our focus on operational and financial excellence, ever more sustainable production and use of our commodities, and the creation of broader social value, we believe BHP will play an important role in achieving a cleaner and more prosperous world, while creating greater value for our stakeholders through doing so.

(1)  Refer to our Climate Change Report 2020 for the assumptions and outputs and limitations of our 1.5°C scenario, used in our most recent portfolio analysis.

(2)  The FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on greenhouse gas emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

(3)  These positions are expressed using terms that are defined in the Glossary, including the terms ‘net zero’, ‘target’ and ‘goal’.

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Our portfolio

We are actively managing our portfolio for value creation to maximise the opportunity to yield financial returns for shareholders and to create greater value for our partners, communities and all other stakeholders. Following our Board’s approval to invest in Jansen Stage 1, the proposed merger of Petroleum and the proposed exit of our non-core coal assets, BHP will be focused on producing higher-quality iron ore and metallurgical coal for steelmaking, copper for electrification and renewable energy, nickel for batteries and potash to make food production and land use more efficient. We will also continue to create and secure further options in future facing commodities.

Iron ore: Lowest-cost iron ore majors globally,(1) with improved product quality

• Record annual production at WAIO in FY2021.

• South Flank sustaining project in Western Australia achieved first ore in May 2021 and is expected to enhance our product mix in FY2022.

• WAIO is among the world’s lowest carbon emissions intensity iron ore producers.

Metallurgical coal: World class resource with a focus on higher-quality product

• Seeking value growth by enhancing productivity and focusing on higher-grade coal with greatest potential for quality premiums.

• Implementing technology applications to improve safety and productivity.

• Renewable power purchasing agreement in September 2020 to supply up to half of the electricity needs of our Queensland Coal operations from low-emissions sources.

Copper: Growth at some of the largest(2) and most sustainable copper mines globally

• Securing more copper resources through exploration and early-stage entry options.

• Pursuing technical innovation to unlock value.

• Escondida and Spence on track for 100 per cent renewable electricity supply by the mid-2020s with four renewable power contracts to commence from FY2022.

Nickel: Options to grow from the second-largest nickel sulphide resource globally

• One of the lowest carbon emissions nickel miners in the world.

• Transitioning to new mines and focusing on higher-margin products and technical innovation.

• Seeking more resources through exploration, acquisition and early-stage options.

Potash: Developing a potash business with embedded optionality

• Approved a US$5.7bn investment in the Jansen Stage 1 potash project in the world’s best potash basin in Canada.

• Expected to be one of the world’s most sustainable potash mines, with a low carbon footprint and low water intensity.

• Goal for a gender-balanced workforce and for First Nations employees to make up around 20 per cent of the team.

Petroleum: Creation of a global top 10 independent energy company

• Proposed merger of our Petroleum business with Woodside expected to unlock synergies, value and choice for BHP shareholders.

• On completion, existing BHP shareholders would own approximately 48 per cent of the combined business.

• Combined business expected to benefit from a high-margin oil portfolio, long-life LNG assets and the financial resilience to help supply the energy needed for global growth over the energy transition.

(1)  Based on published unit costs by major iron ore producers. There may be differences in the manner that third parties calculate or report unit costs data compared to BHP, which means that third-party data may not be comparable to our data.

(2)  Based on published production figures.

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1.7    Chief Financial Officer’s review

Not required for US reporting.

1.8    Financial review

1.8.1    Group overview

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We publish our Consolidated Financial Statements in US dollars. All Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement information below has been derived from audited Financial Statements. For more information, refer to section 3.

We use various Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to reflect our underlying performance. These APMs are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS, but are derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The APMs are consistent with how management reviews financial performance of the Group with the Board and the investment community. Section 4.2, which is incorporated into the Strategic Report by reference, includes our APMs and section 4.2.1 outlines why we believe the APMs are useful and the calculation methodology. We believe these APMs provide useful information, but they should not be considered as an indication of, or as a substitute for statutory measures as an indicator of actual operating performance (such as profit or net operating cash flow) or any other measure of financial performance or position presented in accordance with IFRS, or as a measure of a company’s profitability, liquidity or financial position.

Summary of financial measures

Year ended 30 June US$M	2021		2020
Consolidated Income Statement (section 3.1.1)
Revenue		60,817		42,931
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders (Attributable profit)		11,304		7,956
Dividends per ordinary share – paid during the period (US cents)		156.0		143.0
Dividends per ordinary share – determined in respect of the period (US cents)		301.0		120.0
Basic earnings per ordinary share (US cents)		223.5		157.3
Consolidated Balance Sheet (section 3.1.3) (1)
Total assets		108,927		105,733
Net assets		55,605		52,175
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (section 3.1.4)
Net operating cash flows		27,234		15,706
Capital and exploration expenditure		7,120		7,640
Other financial information (section 4.2)
Net debt		4,121		12,044
Underlying attributable profit		17,077		9,060
Underlying EBITDA		37,379		22,071
Underlying basic earnings per share (US cents)		337.7		179.2
Underlying Return on Capital Employed (per cent)		32.5		16.9

(1)  All comparative periods have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of goodwill at Olympic Dam (included in the Copper segment) and an offsetting US$1,021 million increase in deferred tax liabilities. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ in section 3 for further information.

For more selected consolidated financial information derived from the historical audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the group, refer to section 4.1.

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1.8.2    Key performance indicators

Our key performance indicators (KPIs) enable us to measure our sustainable development and financial performance. These KPIs are used to assess performance of our people throughout the Group. For information on our approach to performance and reward, refer to section 2. For information on our overall approach to executive remuneration, including remuneration policies and remuneration outcomes, refer to section 2.

Following BHP’s sale of the Onshore US assets, the contribution of these assets to the Group’s results is presented in this Annual Report as Discontinued operations. To enable more meaningful comparisons with prior year disclosures and in some cases to comply with applicable statutory requirements, the data in section 1.8.2, except for Underlying EBITDA, has been presented to include Onshore US assets. Footnotes to tables and infographics indicate whether data presented in section 1.8.2 is inclusive or exclusive of Onshore US. Details of the contribution of the Onshore US assets to the Group’s results are disclosed in note 29 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 3.

(1)  Includes data for Continuing and Discontinued operations for the financial years being reported.

(2)  Excludes data from Discontinued operations for the financial years being reported.

(3)  For more information on APMs, refer to section 4.2.

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Reconciling our financial results to our key performance indicators

Profit

Earnings

Cash

Returns

US$M

US$M

US$M

US$M

Measure:

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

13,451

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

13,451

Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations

27,234

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

13,451

Made up of:

Profit after taxation

Profit after taxation

Cash generated by the Group’s consolidated operations, after dividends received, interest, proceeds and settlements of cash management related instruments, taxation and royalty-related taxation. It excludes cash flows relating to investing and financing activities.

Profit after taxation

Adjusted for:

Exceptional items before taxation

4,470

Exceptional items before taxation

4,470

Exceptional items after taxation

5,797

Tax effect of exceptional items

1,327

Tax effect of exceptional items

1,327

Net finance costs excluding exceptional items

1,220

Exceptional items after tax attributable to non-controlling interests

(24

)

Depreciation and amortisation excluding exceptional items

6,824

Income tax benefit on net finance costs

(337

)

Impairments of property,

plant and equipment,

Profit after taxation

Exceptional items

financial assets and

excluding net finance

attributable to BHP

intangibles excluding

costs and exceptional

shareholders

5,773

exceptional items

264

items

20,131

Profit after taxation attributable to non-controlling interests

(2,147

)

Net finance costs excluding exceptional items

1,220

Net Assets at the beginning of period

52,175

Taxation expense excluding exceptional items

9,823

Net Debt at the beginning of period

12,044

Capital employed at the beginning of period

64,219

Net Assets at the end of period

55,605

Net Debt at the end of period

4,121

Capital employed at the end of period

59,726

Average capital employed

61,973

To reach our KPIs

Underlying attributable profit

17,077

Underlying EBITDA

37,379

Net operating cash flows

27,234

Underlying Return on Capital Employed

32.5%

Why do we use it?

Underlying attributable profit allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items and is also the basis on which our dividend payout ratio policy is applied.

Underlying EBITDA is used to help assess current operational profitability excluding the impacts of sunk costs (i.e. depreciation from initial investment). It is a measure that management uses internally to assess the performance of the Group’s segments and make decisions on the allocation of resources.

Net operating cash flows provide insights into how we are managing costs and increasing productivity across BHP.

Underlying Return on Capital Employed is an indicator of the Group’s capital efficiency. It is provided on an underlying basis to allow comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.

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1.8.3    Financial results

The following table provides more information on the revenue and expenses of the Group in FY2021:

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M			2019 US$M
Continuing operations
Revenue (1)		60,817			42,931			44,288
Other income		510			777			393
Expenses excluding net finance costs		(34,500	)		(28,775	)		(28,022	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		(921	)		(512	)		(546	)
Profit from operations		25,906			14,421			16,113
Net finance costs		(1,305	)		(911	)		(1,064	)
Total taxation expense		(11,150	)		(4,774	)		(5,529	)
Profit after taxation from Continuing operations		13,451			8,736			9,520
Discontinued operations
Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations		–			–			(335	)
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations		13,451			8,736			9,185
Attributable to non-controlling interests		2,147			780			879
Attributable to BHP shareholders		11,304			7,956			8,306

(1)  Includes the sale of third-party products.

Profit after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders increased from a profit of US$8.0 billion in FY2020 to a profit of US$11.3 billion in FY2021. Attributable profit of US$11.3 billion in FY2021 includes an exceptional loss of US$5.8 billion (after tax), compared to an attributable profit of US$8.0 billion, including an exceptional loss of US$1.1 billion (after tax) in the prior period. The FY2021 exceptional loss mainly relates to impairment charges recognised in relation to the Group’s energy coal and Potash assets as well as the Samarco dam failure. For more information on Exceptional items, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.

Revenue of US$60.8 billion increased by US$17.9 billion, or 42 per cent, from FY2020. This increase was primarily attributable to higher average realised prices for iron ore, copper, nickel, oil, natural gas and thermal coal, partially offset by lower average realised prices for metallurgical coal and LNG. Record volumes achieved at WAIO, along with the highest annual production at Olympic Dam since our acquisition in 2005, were more than offset by the impacts of expected grade declines at Escondida and Spence, natural field decline in Petroleum and adverse weather events. For information on our average realised prices and production of our commodities, refer to section 1.17.

Total expenses excluding net finance costs of US$34.5 billion increased by US$5.7 billion, or 20 per cent, from FY2020. This includes a US$2.0 billion increase of net impairment charges recognised against the Group’s Potash assets of US$1.3 billion and at NSWEC of US$1.1 billion recognised in FY2021 compared to US$0.4 billion at Cerro Colorado in FY2020. The increase also included higher price linked costs of US$0.9 billion reflecting higher royalties due to higher realised prices for iron ore and US$0.5 billion of higher third party concentrate purchase costs. Depreciation and amortisation expense increased by US$0.7 billion reflecting a decrease in estimated remaining reserves at Bass Strait due to underperformance of the reservoir in the Turrum field and lower overall condensate and natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery from the Bass Strait gas fields and higher depreciation at WAIO due to a change in Yandi’s life of mine. This was combined with higher foreign exchange losses of US$1.6 billion reflecting the impact of the stronger Australian dollar and Chilean peso against the US dollar on our cost base.

Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses of US$(0.9) billion in FY2021, increased by US$0.4 billion from FY2020. The increase was primarily due to unfavourable foreign exchange impacts in relation to the Samarco dam failure provision of US$0.5 billion combined with a US$0.5 billion impairment charge at Cerrejón, partially offset by higher current year profits from Antamina of US$0.4 billion primarily due to higher prices. Further information on the total impact of the Samarco dam failure provision and impairment charges connected with equity accounted investments, can be found at note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3 and note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ in section 3 respectively.

Net finance costs of US$1.3 billion increased by US$0.4 billion, or 43 per cent, from FY2020. This was primarily attributable to premiums of US$395 million paid as part of the value accretive multi-currency hybrid debt repurchase programs completed during the year. For more information on net finance costs, refer to section 1.8.4 and note 22 ‘Net finance costs’ in section 3.

Total taxation expense of US$11.2 billion increased by US$6.4 billion from FY2020. The increase was primarily due to significantly higher profits and higher withholding tax on dividends, mostly driven by higher commodity prices. For more information on income tax expense, refer to note 6 ‘Income tax expense’ in section 3.

16

Principal factors that affect Underlying EBITDA

The following table and commentary describes the impact of the principal factors(1) that affected Underlying EBITDA for FY2021 compared with FY2020:

	US$M
Underlying EBITDA for year ended 30 June 2020		22,071
Net price impact:
Change in sales prices		16,965		Higher average realised prices for iron ore, copper, nickel, oil, natural gas and thermal coal, partially offset by lower average realised prices for metallurgical coal and LNG.
Price-linked costs		(870	)	Increased royalties reflect higher realised prices for iron ore and higher third party concentrate purchase costs reflect higher nickel prices, partially offset by lower royalties for petroleum and metallurgical coal.
		16,095
Change in volumes		(312	)	Record volumes at WAIO with strong performance across the supply chain, were offset by natural field decline at Petroleum. The expected lower grades at Escondida and Spence more than offset Escondida concentrator throughput maintained at record levels, the new stream of concentrate production from the Spence Growth Option that came online in December 2020 and highest annual copper production achieved at Olympic Dam since our acquisition in 2005. Lower volumes due to adverse weather impacts in the Gulf of Mexico (Petroleum) and NSWEC, combined with dragline maintenance and higher strip ratios at BMC. This was partially offset by the acquisition of the additional 28 per cent working interest at Shenzi and increased volumes at Nickel West following resource transition and major quadrennial maintenance shutdowns in the prior period.
Change in controllable cash costs:
Operating cash costs		(34	)	Higher inventory drawdowns at Olympic Dam due to stronger mill and smelter performance and at Nickel West as volumes increased following planned maintenance shutdowns in the prior period and additional costs associated with the ramp-up of South Flank. This was largely offset by strong cost performance supported by cost reduction initiatives across our assets, lower technology costs and a gain from the optimised outcome from renegotiation of cancelled power contracts at Escondida and Spence.
Exploration and business development		109		Lower exploration expenses due to lower seismic activity in Petroleum.
		75
Change in other costs:
Exchange rates		(1,588	)	Impact of the stronger Australian dollar and Chilean peso against the US dollar.
Inflation		(286	)	Impact of inflation on the Group’s cost base.
Fuel and energy		223		Predominantly lower diesel prices at our minerals assets.
Non-Cash		282		Lower deferred stripping depletion at Escondida in line with planned development phase of the mines.
One-off items		(122	)	Volume loss across our operations due to COVID-19 restrictions, predominantly at our copper operations in Chile.
		(1,491	)
Asset sales		17
Ceased and sold operations		242		Reflects the divestment of Neptune and a decrease in costs related to the closure and rehabilitation provision for closed mines of US$311 million compared with the prior year.
Other items		682		Other includes higher average realised sales prices received by Antamina.
Underlying EBITDA for year ended 30 June 2021		37,379

(1)  For information on the method of calculation of the principal factors that affect Underlying EBITDA, refer to section 4.2.2.

17

Cash flow

The following table provides a summary of the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement contained in section 3.1.4:

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M			2019 US$M
Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations		27,234			15,706			17,397
Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations		–			–			474
Net operating cash flows		27,234			15,706			17,871
Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations		(7,845	)		(7,616	)		(7,377	)
Net investing cash flows from Discontinued operations		–			–			(443	)
Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash		–			–			10,427
Net investing cash flows		(7,845	)		(7,616	)		2,607
Net financing cash flows from Continuing operations		(17,922	)		(9,752	)		(20,515	)
Net financing cash flows from Discontinued operations		–			–			(13	)
Net financing cash flows		(17,922	)		(9,752	)		(20,528	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1,467			(1,662	)		(10,477	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing operations		1,467			(1,662	)		(10,495	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations		–			–			18

Net operating cash inflows of US$27.2 billion increased by US$11.5 billion. This reflects stronger iron ore and copper commodity prices and strong operational performance across the Group’s portfolio partially offset by the impacts of a stronger Australian dollar and Chilean peso against the US dollar, lower grades at Escondida and Spence, natural field decline at Petroleum and adverse weather events.

Net investing cash outflows of US$7.8 billion increased by US$0.2 billion. This reflects the investment in an additional 28 per cent working interest in Shenzi from Hess Corporation of US$0.5 billion, increasing our share from 44 per cent to 72 per cent; partially offset by lower purchases of property plant and equipment of US$0.3 billion as the Group commissioned SGO and South Flank in FY2021.

For more information and a breakdown of capital and exploration expenditure on a commodity basis, refer to section 1.17.

Net financing cash outflows of US$17.9 billion increased by US$8.2 billion. This reflects the higher repayment of interest bearing liabilities of US$6.0 billion mainly due to bond repayments on maturity of US$3.5 billion and early repurchase of hybrid bonds of US$3.4 billion. This was combined with higher dividends paid in FY2021 of US$1.0 billion reflecting the record half year dividend and higher dividends paid to non-controlling interests of US$1.1 billion driven by higher profits achieved at Escondida.

For more information, refer to section 1.8.4 and note 20 ‘Net debt’ in section 3.

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 32.5 per cent increased by 15.6 percentage points (FY2020: 16.9 per cent) reflecting the significant increase in profit after taxation excluding net finance costs and exceptional items of US$9.5 billion. The Underlying ROCE in FY2021 includes US$12.1 billion of Assets under Construction (average of ending balances for FY2021 of US$10.4 billion and FY2020 of US$13.8 billion) including major projects in Potash and Mad Dog Phase Two, that are not yet producing their planned contribution to earnings.

For more information on Assets under Construction refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 3.

The comparisons for the year ended 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2019 in connection with Financial results, Principal factors that affect Underlying EBITDA and Cash flow have been omitted from this Form 20-F and can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2020, filed on 22 September 2020.

1.8.4    Debt and sources of liquidity

Our policies on debt and liquidity management have the following objectives:

• a strong balance sheet through the cycle

• diversification of funding sources

• maintain borrowings and excess cash predominantly in US dollars

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Interest bearing liabilities, net debt and gearing

At the end of FY2021, Interest bearing liabilities were US$21.0 billion (FY2020: US$27.0 billion) and Cash and cash equivalents were US$15.2 billion (FY2020: US$13.4 billion). This resulted in Net debt(1) of US$4.1 billion, which represented a decrease of US$7.9 billion compared with the net debt position at 30 June 2020. This was primarily due to the significant operating cash flow generated from strong financial and operational performance, and the favourable commodity price environment experienced during the year. Gearing, which is the ratio of Net debt to Net debt plus Net assets, was 6.9 per cent at 30 June 2021, compared with 18.8 per cent at 30 June 2020.

During FY2021, two multi-currency hybrid debt repurchase programs were completed (US$1.7 billion on 17 September 2020 and US$1.1 billion on 23 November 2020) and were funded from surplus cash. The Group also redeemed US$1.0 billion of 6.250 per cent hybrid notes on 19 October 2020, US$0.3 billion of 6.750 per cent hybrid notes on 30 December 2020 (the balance following the repurchase programs), and €1.25 billion of 4.750 per cent hybrid notes on 22 April 2021 using surplus cash.

At the subsidiary level, Escondida borrowed US$550 million to refinance maturing long-term debt during FY2021.

Funding sources

No new Group-level debt was issued in FY2021 and debt that matured during the year was not refinanced. These actions enhanced BHP’s capital structure and extended BHP’s average debt maturity.

Our Group-level borrowing facilities are not subject to financial covenants. Certain specific financing facilities in relation to specific assets are the subject of financial covenants that vary from facility to facility, as is considered normal for such facilities. In addition to the Group’s uncommitted debt issuance programs, we hold the following committed standby facility:

	Facility available 2021 US$M		Drawn 2021 US$M		Undrawn 2021 US$M		Facility available 2020 US$M		Drawn 2020 US$M		Undrawn 2020 US$M
Revolving credit facility(2)		5,500		–		5,500		5,500		–		5,500
Total financing facility		5,500		–		5,500		5,500		–		5,500

(1)  We use APMs to reflect our underlying financial performance. Refer to section 4.2 for a discussion on the APMs we use. For the definition and method of calculation of APMs, refer to section 4.2.1. For the composition of net debt, refer to note 20 ‘Net debt’ in section 3.

(2)  During the year we completed a one-year extension of the facility which is now due to mature on 10 October 2025. The committed US$5.5 billion revolving credit facility operates as a back-stop to the Group’s uncommitted commercial paper program. The combined amount drawn under the facility or as commercial paper will not exceed US$5.5 billion. As at 30 June 2021, US$ nil commercial paper was drawn (FY2020: US$ nil), therefore US$5.5 billion of committed facility was available to use (FY2020: US$5.5 billion). A commitment fee is payable on the undrawn balance and an interest rate comprising an interbank rate plus a margin applies to any drawn balance. The agreed margins are typical for a credit facility extended to a company with BHP’s credit rating.

For more information on the maturity profile of our debt obligations and details of our standby and support agreements, refer to note 20 ‘Net debt’ in section 3. Information in relation to our material off-balance sheet arrangements, principally contingent liabilities, commitments for capital expenditure and commitments under leases at 30 June 2021 is provided in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’, note 21 ‘Leases’ and note 34 ‘Contingent liabilities’ in section 3.

In our opinion, working capital is sufficient for our present requirements. Our Moody’s credit rating has remained at A2/P-1 outlook stable (long-term/short-term) throughout FY2021. Moody’s affirmed its credit rating on 31 May 2021. Our Standard & Poor’s rating changed from A/A-1 outlook stable (long-term/short-term) to A/A-1 CreditWatch negative (long-term/short-term) on 23 August 2021. Credit ratings are forward-looking opinions on credit risk. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit ratings express the opinion of each agency on the ability and willingness of BHP to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by an assigning rating agency. Any rating should be evaluated independently of any other information.

19

The following table expands on the net debt, to provide more information on the cash and non-cash movements in FY2021:

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M					2020 US$M
Net debt at the beginning of the financial year				(12,044	)				(9,446	)
Net operating cash flows		27,234					15,706
Net investing cash flows		(7,845	)				(7,616	)
Free cash flow				19,389					8,090
Carrying value of interest bearing liability repayments		7,433					1,533
Net settlements of interest bearing liabilities and debt related instruments		(7,424	)				(1,984	)
Dividends paid		(7,901	)				(6,876	)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests		(2,127	)				(1,043	)
Other financing activities(1)		(234	)				(143	)
Other cash movements				(10,253	)				(8,513	)
Fair value adjustment on debt (including debt related instruments)(2)		58					88
Foreign exchange impacts on cash (including cash management related instruments)		(1	)				(26	)
IFRS 16 leases taken on at 1 July 2019		–					(1,778	)
Lease additions		(1,079	)				(363	)
Others		(191	)				(96	)
Non-cash movements				(1,213	)				(2,175	)
Net debt at the end of the financial year				(4,121	)				(12,044	)

(1)  Other financing activities mainly comprises purchases of shares by Employee Share Option Plan trusts of US$234 million (FY2020: US$143 million).

(2)  The Group hedges against the volatility in both exchange and interest rates on debt, and also exchange on cash, with associated movements in derivatives reported in Other financial assets/liabilities as effective hedged derivatives (cross currency and interest rate swaps), in accordance with accounting standards. For more information, refer to note 23 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 3.

Dividends

Our dividend policy provides for a minimum 50 per cent payout of Underlying attributable profit at every reporting period. The minimum dividend payment for the second half of FY2021 was US cents 109 per share. Recognising the importance of cash returns to shareholders, the Board determined to pay an additional amount of US cents 91 per share, taking the final dividend to US cents 200 per share (US$10.1 billion). Total dividends of US$15.2 billion (US$3.01 per share) have been determined for FY2021, including an additional amount of US$6.7 billion above the minimum payout policy. These returns are covered by total free cash flow of US$19.4 billion in FY2021.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2019 has been omitted from this Form 20-F and can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2020, filed on 22 September 2020.

1.9    How we manage risk

Risk management helps us to protect and create value, and is central to achieving our purpose and strategic objectives. Our Risk Framework has four pillars: risk strategy, risk governance, risk process and risk intelligence.

Risk strategy

Risk classification

We classify all risks to which BHP is exposed using our Group Risk Architecture. This is a tool designed to identify, analyse, monitor and report risk, which provides a platform to understand and manage risks. Similar risks are considered together in groups and categories. This gives the Board and management visibility over the aggregate exposure to risks on a Group-wide basis and supports performance monitoring and reporting against BHP’s risk appetite.

Risk appetite

BHP’s Risk Appetite Statement is approved by the Board and is a foundational element of our Risk Framework. It provides guidance to management on the amount and type of risk we seek to take in pursuing our objectives.

Key risk indicators

Key risk indicators (KRIs) are set by management to help monitor performance against our risk appetite. They also support decision-making by providing management with information about financial and non-financial risk exposure at a Group level. Each KRI has a target, or optimal level of risk we seek to take, as well as upper and lower limits. Where either limit is exceeded, management will review potential causes to understand if BHP may be taking too little or too much risk and to identify whether further action is required.

20

Risk culture

Our risk management approach is underpinned by a risk culture that supports decision-making in accordance with BHP’s values, objectives and risk appetite. We use a common foundation across BHP to build the tools and capabilities required to enable us to understand, monitor and manage our risk culture. These include tailored cultural assessments, Group-wide risk culture dashboards and the inclusion of behavioural auditing in our internal audit plan.

Strategic business decisions

Strategic business decisions and the pursuit of our strategic objectives can inform, create or affect risks to which BHP is exposed. These risks may represent opportunities as well as threats. Our Risk Appetite Statement and KRIs assist in determining whether a proposed course of action is within BHP’s risk appetite.

Our focus when managing risks associated with strategic business decisions is to enable the pursuit of high-reward strategies. Therefore, as well as having controls designed to protect BHP from threats, we seek to implement controls to enhance and/or increase the likelihood of opportunities being realised. For example, we might establish additional governance, oversight or reporting to help ensure new initiatives remain on track.

Risk governance

Three lines model

BHP uses the ‘three lines model’ of risk governance and management to define the role of different teams across the organisation in managing risk. This approach sets clear accountabilities for risk management and provides appropriate ‘checks and balances’ to support us in protecting and growing value.

The first line is provided by our frontline staff, operational management and people in functional roles – anyone who makes decisions, deploys resources or contributes to an outcome is responsible for identifying and managing the associated risks.

The Risk team and other second-line functions are responsible for providing expertise, support, monitoring and challenge on risk-related matters, including by defining Group-wide minimum standards.

The third line, our Internal Audit and Advisory team, is responsible for providing independent and objective assurance over the control environment (governance, risk management and internal controls) to the Board and Executive Leadership Team. Additional assurance may also be provided by external providers, such as our External Auditor.

BHP Board and Committees

The Board reviews and monitors the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of financial and non-financial risk management and internal control. The broad range of skills, experience and knowledge of the Board assists in providing a diverse view on risk management. The Risk and Audit Committee (RAC) and Sustainability Committee assist the Board by reviewing and considering BHP’s risk profile (covering operational, strategic and emerging risks) on a biannual basis.

For more information, refer to sections 2.1.7, 2.1.10 and 2.1.11.

Performance against risk appetite is monitored and reported to the RAC, as well as the Sustainability Committee for HSEC matters, enabling the Board to challenge and hold management to account where necessary.

Second-line risk-based reviews are undertaken to provide greater oversight and enhance our understanding and management of the Group’s most significant risks, with outcomes reported to management, the RAC and Sustainability Committee. These outcomes may be used to develop remediation plans, adjust BHP’s Risk Appetite Statement or KRIs, enhance our Risk Framework or inform strategic decisions.

Additional information on risk management and internal controls is shared between the Board, the RAC and, for HSEC matters, the Sustainability Committee, and is provided by the Business Risk and Audit Committees (covering each business region), management committees, our Internal Audit and Advisory team and our External Auditor. For more information, refer to section 2.1.

21

Risk process

Our Risk Framework requires identification and management of risks (both threats and opportunities) to be embedded in business activities through the following process:

• Risk identification – threats and opportunities are identified and each is assigned an owner, or accountable individual.

• Risk assessments – risks are assessed using appropriate and internationally recognised techniques to determine their potential impacts and likelihood, prioritise them and inform risk treatment options.

• Risk treatment – controls are implemented to prevent, reduce or mitigate threats, and enable or enhance opportunities.

• Monitoring and review – risks and controls are reviewed periodically and on an ad hoc basis (including where there are high-potential events or changes in the external environment) to evaluate performance.

Our Risk Framework includes requirements and guidance on the tools and process to manage current and emerging risks.

Current risks

Current risks are risks that could impact BHP today or in the near future, and comprise current operational risks (risks that have their origin inside BHP or occur as a result of our activities) and current strategic risks (risks that may enhance or impede the achievement of our strategic objectives).

Current risks include material and non-material risks (as defined by our Risk Framework). The materiality of a current risk is determined by estimating the maximum foreseeable loss (MFL) if that risk was to materialise. The MFL is the estimated impact to BHP in a worst-case scenario without regard to probability and assuming all risk controls, including insurance and hedging contracts, are ineffective.

Our principal risks are described in section 1.16.

Our focus for current risks is to prevent their occurrence or minimise their impact should they occur, but we also consider how to maximise possible benefits that might be associated with strategic risks (as described in the ‘Risk strategy’ section). Current material risks are required to be evaluated once a year at a minimum to determine whether our exposure to the risk is within our risk appetite.

Emerging risks

Emerging risks are newly developing or changing risks that are highly uncertain and difficult to quantify. They are generally driven by external influences and often cannot be prevented.

BHP maintains a ‘watch list’ of emerging themes that provides an evolving view of the changing external environment and how it might impact our business. We use the watch list to support the identification and management of emerging risks, as well as to inform and test our corporate strategy.

Once identified, our focus for emerging risks is on structured monitoring of the external environment, advocacy efforts to reduce the likelihood of the threats manifesting and identifying options to increase our resilience to these threats.

Risk intelligence

The Risk team provides the Board and senior management with insights on trends and aggregate exposure for our most significant risks, as well as performance against risk appetite. Risk reports may also provide an update on the Risk Framework, overview of (and material changes in) the risk profile and updates on emerging risk themes and risk culture. They are supported by an opinion from the Chief Risk Officer (or other relevant individual).

We maintain a risk insights dashboard designed to provide current, data-driven and actionable risk intelligence to our people at all levels of the business to support decision-making. This tool empowers the business to manage risks more effectively, with increased accuracy and transparency.

The Board also receives reports from other teams to support its robust assessment of BHP’s emerging and principal risks, including internal audit reports, ethics and compliance reports and the Chief Executive Officer’s report.

For information on our principal risks, robust risk assessment and viability statement, refer to section 1.16.

22

1.10    Our business

1.10.1    Locations

23

1.10.2    Minerals Australia

Minerals Australia includes operated assets in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, focused on iron ore, metallurgical coal, copper, nickel and energy coal. The commodities produced by our Minerals Australia assets are transported by rail to port and exported to our global customers.

Copper

Olympic Dam

Overview

Located in South Australia, Olympic Dam (BHP ownership: 100 per cent) is one of the world’s most significant deposits of copper, gold, silver and uranium. It comprises underground and surface operations, and is a fully integrated processing facility from ore to metal.

Ore mined underground is hauled by an automated train system to crushing, storage and ore hoisting facilities or trucked directly to the surface.

Olympic Dam has a fully integrated metallurgical complex with a grinding and concentrating circuit, a hydrometallurgical plant incorporating solvent extraction circuits for copper and uranium, a copper smelter, a copper refinery, including an electro-refinery and an electrowinning-refinery, and a recovery circuit for precious metals.

Key developments in FY2021

Copper production increased by 20 per cent to 205 kilotonnes (kt) (172 kt in FY2020), reflecting improved smelter performance and strong underground mine performance. This was the highest annual copper production since Olympic Dam was acquired in 2005. Record gold production of 146 thousand troy ounces (koz) was also achieved.

The short-term focus remains on completing the multi-year asset integrity program designed to improve the reliability of operations, which is on track heading into a planned major smelter maintenance campaign in FY2022. A new refinery crane commenced operation in FY2021 to improve stability and reliability at the electro-refinery. At Oak Dam, next stage resource definition drilling commenced in May 2021 to inform resource characterisation and potential development pathways.

24

Iron ore

Western Australia Iron Ore

Overview

Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) is an integrated system of four processing hubs and six open-cut mines in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia, connected by more than 1,000 kilometres of rail infrastructure and port facilities.

WAIO’s Pilbara reserve base is relatively concentrated, allowing development through integrated mining hubs connected to the mines and satellite orebodies by conveyors or spur lines. This approach seeks to maximise the value of installed infrastructure by using the same processing plant and rail infrastructure for several orebodies.

Ore is crushed, beneficiated (where necessary) and blended at the processing hubs – Mt Newman operations, Yandi, Mining Area C and Jimblebar – to create lump and fines products that are transported along the Port Hedland–Mt Newman rail line to the Finucane Island and Nelson Point port facilities at Port Hedland.

There are four main WAIO joint ventures (JVs): Mt Newman, Yandi, Mt Goldsworthy (which includes the new South Flank mining hub) and Jimblebar. BHP’s interest in each is 85 per cent, with Mitsui and ITOCHU owning the remaining 15 per cent. The joint ventures are unincorporated, except Jimblebar.

BHP, Mitsui, ITOCHU and POSCO are also participants in the POSMAC JV. BHP’s interest in POSMAC is 65 per cent. The ore from the POSMAC JV is sold to the main joint ventures.

All ore is transported on the Mt Newman JV and Mt Goldsworthy JV rail lines. The Nelson Point port facility is owned by the Mt Newman JV and the Finucane Island facility is owned by the Mt Goldsworthy JV. WAIO’s current licensed export capacity is 290 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).

Key developments in FY2021

WAIO production increased by 1 per cent to a record 252 million tonnes (Mt) (248 Mt in FY2020), or 284 Mt on a 100 per cent basis (281 Mt in FY2020), reflecting record production at Jimblebar and Mining Area C, which included first ore from South Flank in May 2021. This was achieved despite significant wet weather impacts, temporary rail labour shortages due to COVID-19 related border restrictions and the planned tie-in activity to integrate South Flank with the Mining Area C processing hub. Strong operational performance across the supply chain reflected continued improvements in car dumper performance and reliability, and improved train cycle times.

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

South Flank is scheduled to ramp up to full production capacity of 80 Mtpa (100 per cent basis) over three years. South Flank’s high-quality ore is expected to 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. South Flank iron ore will be transported (eight to 16 kilometres) by overland conveyors to the Mining Area C processing hub.

25

Metallurgical coal

Queensland Coal

Overview

Queensland Coal comprises the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) (BHP ownership: 50 per cent) and BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) (BHP ownership: 80 per cent) assets in the Bowen Basin, Queensland. It has access to infrastructure in the Bowen Basin, including a modern, multi-user rail network and its own coal-loading terminal at Hay Point, near Mackay. Queensland Coal also has contracted capacity at three other multi-user port facilities – the Port of Gladstone (RG Tanna Coal Terminal), Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and North Queensland Export Terminal (formerly known as Abbot Point Coal Terminal).

BMA operates seven metallurgical coal mines – Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Daunia, Peak Downs, Saraji, Blackwater and Caval Ridge. With the exception of the Broadmeadow underground longwall operation, BMA’s mines are open cut. BMA also owns and operates the Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay.

BMC owns and operates two open-cut metallurgical coal mines – South Walker Creek and Poitrel.

Key developments in FY2021

Queensland Coal’s metallurgical coal production was 41 Mt (41 Mt in FY2020), reflecting strong operational performance, including record production at Goonyella and record tonnes from Broadmeadow, but offset by operational delays due to significant wet weather impacts and planned wash plant maintenance at Saraji and Caval Ridge. 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.

The divestment process for our interests in BMC that was announced in August 2020 is progressing, in line with the two-year timeframe we set last year. We remain open to all options and continue consultation with relevant stakeholders.

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Energy coal

New South Wales Energy Coal

Overview

New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) (BHP ownership: 100 per cent) comprises the Mt Arthur Coal open-cut energy coal mine in the Hunter Valley. It has access to infrastructure in the Hunter Region, including a multi-user rail network and coal loading terminal access at the Port of Newcastle through Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (28 per cent owned by BHP) and Port Waratah Coal Services.

Key developments in FY2021

NSWEC production decreased by 11 per cent to 14 Mt (16 Mt in FY2020) reflecting operational delays due to significant weather impacts and higher strip ratios, as well as lower volumes due to an increased proportion of washed coal. This was due to our strategy to focus on higher-quality products in response to increased price premiums for these products, and reduced port capacity following damage to a shiploader at the Newcastle port in November 2020. The shiploader returned to operation in July 2021.

The divestment process for NSWEC that was announced in August 2020 is progressing, in line with the two-year timeframe we set last year. We remain open to all options and continue consultation with relevant stakeholders.

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Nickel

Nickel West

Overview

Nickel West (BHP ownership: 100 per cent) is a fully integrated nickel business located in Western Australia, with three streams of concentrate. It comprises open-cut and underground mines, concentrators, a smelter and refinery.

Disseminated sulphide ore is mined at the Mt Keith open-pit operation and crushed and processed onsite to produce nickel concentrate. Nickel sulphide ore is mined at the Cliffs and Leinster underground mines and Rocky’s Reward open-pit mine and processed through a concentrator and dryer at Leinster. A concentrator plant in Kambalda processes ore and concentrate purchased from third parties.

The three streams feed the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter, which uses a flash furnace to produce nickel matte. The Kwinana nickel refinery then turns this into nickel powder and briquettes.

Key developments in FY2021

Nickel West production increased by 11 per cent to 89 kt (80 kt in FY2020) reflecting strong performances from the Mt Keith Satellite mine (Yakabindie) and Venus underground mine (part of the Leinster underground mine complex) which reached full production.

Construction of a nickel sulphate plant at the Kwinana nickel refinery is in the final stages of commissioning, with first production expected in the September 2021 quarter. The plant is expected to produce at least 100 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of nickel sulphate for the lithium-ion battery industry.

A power purchase agreement with Southern Cross Energy for Nickel West’s Goldfields-based operations was extended to 2038, adding flexibility for renewable power generation. Nickel West also entered into a renewable power purchasing agreement to supply up to 50 per cent of the power for its Kwinana refinery operations from Merredin Solar Farm. These two agreements are expected to improve BHP’s position as one of the lowest-carbon nickel miners in the world. Nickel West is constructing a 38-megawatt solar farm and battery energy storage system for its Mt Keith and Leinster operations.

Nickel West completed the acquisition of the Honeymoon Well development project and the remaining 50 per cent interest in the Albion Downs North and Jericho exploration joint ventures, located about 50 kilometres from Mt Keith.

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1.10.3    Minerals Americas

The Minerals Americas asset group includes projects, operated assets and non-operated joint ventures in Canada, Chile, Peru, the United States, Colombia and Brazil.

Our operated copper assets in the Americas, Escondida and Pampa Norte, are open-cut mines that produce copper concentrate and copper cathodes. The non-operated assets in the Minerals Americas portfolio are open-cut mines that produce copper (Antamina), iron ore (Samarco) and energy coal (Cerrejón). The commodities produced by our Minerals Americas assets are transported to port by pipeline, rail or road and exported to customers around the world.

In FY2021, our Chilean assets operated with a substantial reduction in their operational workforces due to preventative measures implemented to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. We expect the operating environment across our Chilean assets to remain challenging, with reductions in our on-site workforce expected to continue in FY2022.

Copper

Escondida

Overview

Escondida (BHP ownership: 57.5 per cent) is a leading producer of copper concentrate and cathodes located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

Escondida’s two pits feed three concentrator plants, as well as two leaching operations (oxide and sulphide).

Key developments in FY2021

Escondida copper production decreased by 10 per cent to 1,068 kt (1,185 kt in FY2020), as continued strong concentrator throughput of 371 kilotonnes per day (ktpd), at record levels was more than offset by the impact of lower concentrator feed grade and lower cathode production, due to reduced operational workforce associated with COVID-19 restrictions.

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Pampa Norte

Overview

Pampa Norte (BHP ownership: 100 per cent) consists of two assets in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile – Spence and Cerro Colorado.

Spence produces copper cathodes and, since December 2020, copper concentrate.

Cerro Colorado produces copper cathodes. Its current environmental licence expires at the end of CY2023.

Key developments in FY2021

Pampa Norte copper production decreased by 10 per cent to 218 kt (243 kt in FY2020) 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 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Spence Growth Option (SGO) produced first copper concentrate in December 2020 and is in the process of ramping-up to full capacity.

Potash

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Jansen Potash Project

Overview

The Jansen Potash Project (BHP ownership: 100 per cent) is located about 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon, Canada.

Jansen’s large resource provides the opportunity to develop it in stages, with Jansen Stage 1 (Jansen S1) expected to produce approximately 4.35 Mt of potash per annum on completion, and sequenced brownfield expansions of up to 12 Mtpa (approximately 4 Mtpa per stage).

BHP holds mineral leases covering around 9,600 square kilometres in the Saskatchewan potash basin.

Key developments in FY2021

The focus was on installing watertight steel and concrete final liners in the production and service shafts, and continuing the installation of essential surface infrastructure and utilities, with current scope of work 93 per cent complete at the end of FY2021.

On 17 August 2021, BHP approved US$5.7 billion (C$7.5 billion) in capital expenditure for the Jansen S1 potash project in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Jansen S1 includes the design, engineering and construction of an underground potash mine and surface infrastructure including a processing facility, a product storage building, and a continuous automated rail loading system. Jansen S1 product will be shipped to export markets through Westshore, in Delta, British Columbia and the project includes funding for the required port infrastructure.

First ore is targeted in CY2027, with construction expected to take approximately six years, followed by a ramp-up period of two years.

Non-operated minerals joint ventures

Copper

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Antamina

Overview

Antamina (BHP ownership: 33.75 per cent) is a large, low-cost copper and zinc mine in north central Peru with by-products including molybdenum and silver. Antamina owns integrated pipeline and port facilities and is operated independently by Compañía Minera Antamina S.A.

Key developments in FY2021

Antamina copper production increased by 16 per cent to 144 kt (125 kt in FY2020) and zinc increased by 64 per cent to 145 kt due to higher concentrator throughput and higher zinc grades. During FY2021, Antamina continued with a strong focus on developing improvement opportunities to maintain productivity and progressing on its modified environmental impact assessment for its life extension project from CY2028 to CY2036, which includes extension of current approved tailings capacity, additional waste dumps and new pit design.

Resolution Copper

Overview

Resolution Copper (BHP ownership: 45 per cent), located in the US state of Arizona, is operated by Rio Tinto (55 per cent ownership interest). Resolution Copper is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in the world and has the potential to become the largest copper producer in North America. The Resolution Copper deposit lies more than 1,600 metres beneath the surface.

Key developments in FY2021

In FY2021, Resolution progressed its prefeasibility study and safely completed the shaft No. 9 work (November 2020). The shaft No. 9 project involved deepening the historic shaft from its original depth at 1,460 metres below the surface to a final depth of 2,086 metres and linking it with the existing No. 10 shaft via development activities underground.

The Resolution Copper project is subject to a federal permitting process in the US (the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)). The Forest Service published the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on 15 January 2021. On 1 March 2021, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed the Forest Service to rescind the FEIS. BHP supports meaningful consultation with local communities and Native American Tribes as Resolution continues to study the project. For more information, refer to section 1.13.10.

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Energy coal

Cerrejón

Overview

Cerrejón (BHP ownership: 33.33 per cent) owns, operates and markets (through an independent company) one of the world’s largest open-cut energy coal mines, located in the La Guajira province of Colombia. Cerrejón owns integrated rail and port facilities.

Key developments in FY2021

Cerrejón production declined by 30 per cent to approximately 5 Mt (7 Mt in FY2020). This was mainly due to a 91-day strike and subsequent delays to the restart of production as well as the impact of a reduced operational workforce associated with COVID-19 restrictions.

Cerrejón maintained its focus on higher-quality products and maintained lower operational costs through the implementation of a transformation program, which allowed it to remain cash flow positive despite the volume decline.

In June 2021, BHP entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Glencore to divest our 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón for US$294 million cash consideration. The transaction has an effective economic date of 31 December 2020. The purchase price is subject to adjustments at transaction completion, which may include an adjustment for any dividends paid by Cerrejón to BHP during the period from signing to completion. Subject to the satisfaction of competition and regulatory requirements, we expect completion to occur in the first half of CY2022.

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Iron ore

Samarco

Overview

Samarco (BHP ownership: 50 per cent) comprises a mine and three concentrators located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, four pellet plants and a port located in Anchieta in the state of Espírito Santo. Three 400-kilometre pipelines connect the mine site to the pelletising facilities.

Samarco is operated independently by Samarco Mineração S.A. Samarco’s main product is iron ore pellets. Pellets are independently marketed by Samarco and sold to customers around the world.

Key developments in FY2021

Having met the licensing requirements, Samarco restarted iron ore pellet production at one concentrator in December 2020 and produced 1.9 Mt of iron ore pellets in FY2021.

For more information on the Fundão dam failure, refer to section 1.15.

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1.10.4    Petroleum

Our Petroleum unit comprises conventional oil and gas assets located in the US Gulf of Mexico, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria and Mexico, and appraisal and exploration options in Trinidad and Tobago, central and western US Gulf of Mexico, eastern Canada and Barbados. The crude oil and condensate, gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) produced by our Petroleum assets are sold on the international spot market or domestic market.

On 17 August 2021, BHP and Woodside entered into a merger commitment deed to combine their respective oil and gas portfolios by an all-stock merger. The merger is subject to confirmatory due diligence, negotiation and execution of full form transaction documents, and satisfaction of conditions precedent including shareholder, regulatory and other approvals.

United States

Gulf of Mexico

Overview

Our producing fields include our operated asset Shenzi (BHP ownership: 72 per cent) and our non-operated assets, Atlantis (BHP ownership: 44 per cent) and Mad Dog (BHP ownership: 23.9 per cent). They are located between 155 and 210 kilometres offshore from the US state of Louisiana.

We also own 25 per cent and 22 per cent respectively of the companies that own and operate the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline.

These pipelines transport oil and gas from the Green Canyon area, where our fields are located, to connecting pipelines that transport product onshore.

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Key developments for FY2021

• The Atlantis Phase 3 project, a new subsea production system that ties back to the Atlantis facility, achieved first production in July 2020. Atlantis Phase 3 is expected to have the capacity to produce up to 38,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day.

• On 6 November 2020, BHP finalised a membership interest purchase and sale agreement with Hess Corporation to acquire an additional 28 per cent working interest in Shenzi for US$480 million, which brings our working interest to 72 per cent.

• 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 CY2022.

• On 20 May 2021, BHP finalised a purchase and sale agreement with EnVen Energy Ventures, LLC to divest our interest in and operation of Neptune.

• On 5 August 2021, the Board approved the funding to develop the Shenzi North Project, a two-well subsea tie-in to the Shenzi platform. First production is targeted in CY2024.

Australia

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Overview

We operate Macedon (BHP ownership: 71.43 per cent) which is an offshore gas field located around 75 kilometres west of Onslow, Western Australia and an onshore gas processing facility located around 17 kilometres southwest of Onslow. The operation produces gas from four subsea wells, with gas piped onshore to the processing plant.

We operate Pyrenees (BHP ownership: 39.99–71.43 per cent), which is a floating production, storage and off-take facility, located about 23 kilometres off Northwest Cape, Western Australia. The facility produces oil from six offshore fields.

We have a 32.5–50 per cent non-operated interest in Bass Strait, which is a collection of offshore installations and onshore processing facilities producing oil and gas. It is located between 25 and 80 kilometres off the southeastern coast of Australia and onshore Victoria. Gas is piped from offshore fields to the onshore Longford processing facility for processing with liquefied petroleum gas transported to market by pipeline, road tanker or ship and ethane by pipeline.

We have a 12.5–16.67 per cent non-operated interest in the North West Shelf project, which comprises offshore oil and gas fields, with onshore gas processing infrastructure to produce oil, LNG, condensate, LPG and domestic gas. The offshore facilities are located about 125 kilometres northwest of Dampier in Western Australia. Gas is piped from offshore platforms to the onshore Karratha Gas Plant for processing, with LNG and all liquefied products exported to market by ship, and domestic gas transported by pipeline.

Key developments in FY2021

In December 2020, BHP and the North West Shelf joint venture partners executed fully termed gas processing agreements for processing third-party gas from the Pluto and Waitsia projects through the North West Shelf facilities, extending the life of the asset.

The Bass Strait West Barracouta gas project achieved first production in April 2021.

Rest of world

Overview

BHP operates Ruby (BHP ownership: 68.46 per cent) and Greater Angostura (BHP ownership: 45 per cent interest in a production sharing contract) fields, which form part of our Trinidad and Tobago operations – an integrated oil and gas development consisting of two fields located between 40 and 45 kilometres offshore east of Trinidad.

BHP has a non-operated interest in an onshore integrated development, the Rhourde Ouled Djemma (ROD) Integrated Development (BHP ownership: 28.85 per cent effective interest), that produces oil and is located 900 kilometres southeast of Algiers. It comprises six satellite oil fields that pump oil back to a dedicated processing train.

Key developments in FY2021

Ruby achieved first oil production in May 2021 ahead of schedule and on budget. Drilling and completion of the remaining wells at Ruby is ongoing with subsequent wells expected to be placed into production in CY2021 and project completion expected in the first half of CY2022.

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1.10.5    Commercial

BHP’s Commercial function seeks to maximise commercial value across our end-to-end supply chain and provides improved service levels to our assets and customers through subject-matter expertise, simplified processes and the centralisation of standardised activities.

The function is organised around the following core activities in our value chain, supported by business partnering, credit and market risk management, and strategy and planning activities.

Sales and Marketing

Connects BHP’s resources to market through commercial expertise, sales and operations planning, customer insights and proactive risk management. It presents a single face to markets across multiple assets, with a view to realising maximum value for our products and supporting sustainability initiatives in our downstream supply chain.

Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence

Manages BHP’s enterprise-wide maritime transportation strategy and the chartering of ocean freight to meet BHP’s inbound and outbound transportation needs. It focuses on supply chain excellence and sourcing sustainable, cost-efficient marine freight. We seek to mitigate supply chain risk by vetting the safety performance of the ships loading BHP cargo.

Procurement

Purchases the goods and services used by our projects, assets and functions globally. Procurement works to help optimise equipment performance, reduce operating costs, improve working capital and create social value. It manages supply chain risk, fosters supplier innovation and develops sustainable relationships with global suppliers and local businesses in the communities where we operate.

Warehousing, Inventory, Logistics and Property

Designs and operates our inbound supply chain networks for the delivery and warehousing of spare parts, operating supplies and consumables, and designs and operates our office workspaces globally.

Market Analysis and Economics

Develops BHP’s proprietary view on the outlook for commodity demand and prices, as well as our input costs, the world economy, climate change and financial markets. The team works with our Procurement, Maritime, and Sales and Marketing sub-functions to help optimise end-to-end commercial value, and with the Portfolio Strategy and Development and External Affairs functions to identify and respond to long-run strategic changes in our operating environment.

Global Business Services

Global Business Services (GBS) unites common shared services across the Group into a single operation with capabilities focused on transaction efficiency, process intelligence and automation. GBS manages end-to-end functional processes designed to deliver continuous process improvement and a better customer experience.

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1.11    Exploration

Our exploration program is focused on copper and nickel to replenish our resource base and enhance our portfolio. The purpose is to generate attractive, low-cost, value-accretive options by leveraging our competitive strengths. For the first time, the Petroleum and Metals teams partnered together on a Joint Global Endowment study to explore future growth opportunities and global, yet-to-find volume and metal accumulations through the use of data analytics and augmented intelligence. The study is expected to create a competitive advantage and position BHP for future access to new search spaces.

Following exploration results in previous drilling phases, which confirmed mineralised intercepts of copper with associated gold, uranium and silver, in May 2021 the Oak Dam copper discovery in South Australia commenced the next stage of definition drilling to inform future design of the deposit. Elsewhere during the year, we continued to seek, secure and test concessions in regions such as Ecuador, south-western United States, South Australia, Chile and Peru. Greenfield nickel exploration activities were initiated in Western Australia and we started to look beyond Australia for new nickel opportunities through a partnership in Canada.

Exploration in FY2021

Metals (copper, nickel)

The Metals Exploration teams are focused on identifying and gaining access to new search spaces to test the best targets capable of delivering large, high-quality, Tier 1 deposits and maintaining research and technology activities aligned with our exploration strategy. Despite the slowdown and restrictions on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the field teams were active in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, the United States and Australia. These activities involved early stage reconnaissance work through target definition and drill testing. With the addition of nickel to the exploration portfolio, the sphere of work expanded into Western Australia, where BHP holds a significant land position and drill programs are scheduled pending appropriate clearances. Metals Exploration also extended its partnership with Midland Exploration, a Canadian company with interests in copper and nickel projects in northern Québec in Canada, to generate nickel targets in Québec, including the completion of a regional airborne electromagnetic survey. We initiated a global assessment of new nickel opportunities to further strengthen the pipeline.

Technology collaboration and research partnerships are key to our metals exploration strategy. In particular, we are focused on developing and deploying technologies that will allow us to get to the ‘Next 400’ (that is below the first 400 metres of the Earth’s surface). Similarly, we are conducting research in collaboration with university groups to determine controls on high-grade mineralisation and undertaking programs in Chile and the United States to further our own exploration effort under cover. These two elements are intended to allow us to continue to be successful in discovery within the areas where we operate that are often incorrectly considered mature.

Our business partnerships continue to deliver encouraging results as we continued to add to our early stage options in future facing commodities. During FY2021, we advanced our earn-in with Luminex in Ecuador, undertaking drilling at our Tarqui project. Elsewhere in Ecuador, we maintained a 13.6 per cent ownership in SolGold plc, the majority owner and operator of the Alpala porphyry copper-gold project. We also own a 5 per cent interest in Midland Exploration Inc., a mineral exploration company in Canada. In Mexico, the team continued the financial agreement with Riverside Resources, which exposes BHP to new search spaces and exploration opportunities. In Australia, we committed to a partnership with Encounter Resources to explore for sediment-hosted copper deposits in the Northern Territory of Australia.

In addition, on 27 July 2021, we entered into a definitive Support Agreement with Noront Resources (Noront) to extend the Company an all-cash takeover offer. The Noront Board of Directors has unanimously recommended the offer to Noront shareholders. Noront owns the Eagles Nest nickel-copper deposit in the James Bay Lowlands, Ontario, in an area highly prospective for nickel known as the Ring of Fire.

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Petroleum

In FY2021, Petroleum continued to add to and mature the exploration potential of our portfolio.

In the US Gulf of Mexico, we expanded our acreage positions through lease sale participation. In July 2020, the regulator awarded BHP two blocks(1) in Green Canyon, central Gulf of Mexico and three blocks(2) in the western Gulf of Mexico. We additionally progressed our partnering strategy in the Gulf of Mexico through lease exchange agreements with Chevron, expanding our portfolio in the central Gulf of Mexico.

In Mexico, we commenced an Ocean Bottom Node seismic acquisition over the Trion field in November 2020, as part of our ongoing evaluation and analysis. The survey was completed in the March 2021 quarter. The results will be incorporated into the current evaluation of the Trion opportunity. In addition, we received formal approval for a 124-day extension for the evaluation and exploration periods through 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2022 respectively, because of the suspension of activities in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we drilled the Broadside-1 exploration well on Block 3, which fully satisfied the remaining drilling obligations on the Southern exploration licenses. The Broadside-1 well reached the main reservoir on 22 October 2020 and did not encounter hydrocarbons. The well was a dry hole and was plugged and abandoned on 8 November 2020. The Southern licenses expired in June 2021, and BHP elected to participate in a Market Development Phase (MDP) for Block 5 to retain the acreage around the LeClerc and Victoria discoveries. The proposed MDP is pending regulatory approval. The Transocean drilling rig arrived on location and commenced drilling of two Calypso gas appraisal wells for our northern licenses in July 2021.

In Australia, BHP participated in a multi-client 3D seismic acquisition in the Gippsland Basin that was completed in September 2020. Analysis will continue through FY2022 and will inform us of the prospectivity in this area.

Exploration and appraisal wells drilled, or in the process of drilling, during the year included:

Well	Location	Target	BHP equity	Spud date	Water depth	Total well depth	Status
Broadside-1	Trinidad and Tobago Block 3	Oil	65% (BHP operator)	20 August 2020	2,019 m	7,064 m	Dry hole; plugged and abandoned

(1)  Leases were awarded in blocks: GC80 and GC123.

(2) Leases were awarded in blocks: AC36, AC80 and AC81.

Exploration expenditure

Our resource assessment exploration expenditure increased by 5 per cent in FY2021 to US$138 million, while our greenfield expenditure increased by 23 per cent to US$54 million. Expenditure on resources assessment and greenfield exploration over the last three financial years is set out below.

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M		2020 US$M		2019 US$M
Greenfield exploration		54		44		62
Resources assessment		138		132		126
Total metals exploration and assessment		192		176		188

Petroleum exploration and appraisal

Petroleum exploration expenditure for FY2021 was US$322 million, of which US$296 million was expensed. Expenditure on petroleum exploration over the last three financial years is set out below.

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M		2020 US$M		2019 US$M
Petroleum exploration		322		564		685

Our petroleum exploration program prioritised drilling commitments for development wells and strategic partnering in FY2021. A US$540 million exploration program is planned for FY2022 as we progress testing of our future growth opportunities and evaluate potential new basins for future entries.

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Exploration expense

Exploration expense represents that portion of exploration expenditure that is not capitalised in accordance with our accounting policies, as set out in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 3.

Exploration expense for each segment over the last three financial years is set out below.

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M		2020 US$M		2019 US$M
Exploration expense
Petroleum (1)		382		394		409
Copper		53		54		62
Iron Ore		55		47		41
Coal		7		9		15
Group and unallocated items (2)		19		13		10
Total Group		516		517		537

(1)  Includes US$86 million (FY2020: US$ nil; FY2019: US$21 million) exploration expense previously capitalised, written off as impaired.

(2)  Group and unallocated items includes functions, other unallocated operations, including Potash, Nickel West and legacy assets (previously disclosed as closed mines in the Petroleum reportable segment), and consolidation adjustments.

1.12    People and culture

We aim to recruit and retain the best people ensuring we deliver our strategy and run our operations safely and productively.

Around 80,000 employees and contractors work for us globally; they are the foundation of our business. We create and promote an inclusive and diverse environment where the safety and wellbeing of our people is the highest priority. To enable our people to perform at their best, we continue to invest in technology and innovative ways to manage risk, streamline processes and improve productivity. We also offer competitive remuneration that rewards expertise and invest in the development of our people to build capability and improve performance.

Developing our capabilities and an enabled culture

To drive continuous improvement, we respect people’s differences and encourage self-accountability, a hunger to learn and a commercial mindset.

One of the ways we achieve this is by applying the BHP Operating System (BOS) practices to help build leader capability. BOS is a way of leading and working that focuses on the safety of our people, value for our customers and a mindset of zero waste. In FY2021, we continued to train our leaders through BOS learning academies to improve operational capability and culture.

We also deploy a simplified Engagement and Perception Survey (EPS) three times a year. After each EPS, leaders are accountable for identifying actions to address improvement areas, as shaped by employee feedback, in the following 90 days. With a strong response rate (81 per cent) and overall engagement scores of 84 per cent, two to three percentage points under top decile of global organisation benchmarks provided by Qualtrics, we believe our overall workforce feels supported and engaged.

In 2018, we created a new business unit, Operations Services, to provide maintenance and production services across our Minerals Australia assets. Operations Services employs its people on a permanent basis and supports skill building through a structured coaching and in-field training program designed to enable the workforce to deliver consistent equipment operation and maintenance that balances safety, maximum productivity and equipment reliability. As at 30 June 2021, Operations Services employed more than 3,700 employees and is expected to continue to grow.

As part of a new national training program to help bolster Australia’s skills base and create new career pathways into the mining sector, the BHP FutureFit Academy (FFA) provides a pathway to join Operations Services through either an accredited maintenance traineeship or a trade apprenticeship. Once trained and qualified, employees move to a job at one of our Australian operations. In FY2021, the FFA trained more than 500 apprentices and trainees as the first cohort graduated (163 graduates in FY2021). For more information on BHP’s FutureFit Academy see our case study at bhp.com/people.

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Inclusion and diversity

An inclusive and diverse workforce promotes safety, productivity and wellbeing, and underpins our ability to attract new employees. We employ, develop and promote based on people’s strengths and do not tolerate any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, exclusion or victimisation. Our systems, processes and practices are designed to support fair treatment for all of our people. In July 2020, we published our Inclusion and Diversity Statement confirming our vision, commitment and contributions to inclusion and diversity.

Our employees are encouraged to celebrate diversity and to speak up if they encounter behaviours inconsistent with our values and expectations. To help mitigate gender pay disparities, we have taken steps to reduce potential bias in recruitment and conduct an annual gender pay review, the results of which are reported to the BHP Remuneration Committee.

Respect is one of Our Charter values and is fundamental to building stronger teams and being an inclusive and diverse workplace. For some people, this has not been their experience of working at BHP. We are determined to address this.

For information on our approach to addressing workplace sexual harassment, refer to section 1.13.4.

Our ambition to achieve a more diverse and inclusive workplace is focused on four areas:

• embedding flexibility in the way we work

• encouraging and working with our supply chain partners to support our commitment to inclusion and diversity

• uncovering and taking steps to mitigate potential bias in our behaviours, systems, policies and processes

• ensuring our brand and workplaces are attractive to a diverse range of people

Gender balance(1)

In 2016 we publicly announced our aspiration to achieve gender balance within our employee workforce globally by the end of FY2025. At the end of FY2021 we had 5,257 more female employees than reported in 2016. In FY2021, we increased the representation of women working at BHP by 2.7 per cent. Overall, women represent 29.8 per cent of our employee workforce including employees on extended absence such as parental leave. The Executive Leadership Team is confident of achieving 40 per cent female representation by the end of FY2025, meeting the definition of gender balance used by entities such as the International Labour Organization and HESTA, which consider balance to be a minimum of 40 per cent women and 40 per cent men.

The percentage of employees newly hired to work for BHP in FY2021 was 52.1 per cent male and 47.9 per cent female. This is a marked increase on our FY2015 baseline for our aspirational goal, which was 10.4 per cent female.

We also improved our representation of women in leadership by 2.8 percentage points compared to FY2020, with 25.2 per cent female leaders as at the end of FY2021.

To further accelerate female representation in FY2021, we worked to:

• improve employment messaging to target diverse audiences about why they should work for BHP

• progress market mapping to proactively target people or groups of people not actively looking to work for BHP or our industry

• broaden our employment and brand reach across social, digital and traditional media channels

• enhance our workforce development and retention through coaching and support materials for leaders

• develop a Ways of Working Framework to guide employees and leaders to ‘Work where you get great outcomes’

• implement mentoring and support networks for women

(1) Based on a ‘point in time’ snapshot of employees as at 30 June 2021, as used in internal management reporting for the purposes of monitoring progress against our goals. This does not include contractors. For the first time this includes employees on extended absence (660 at 30 June 2021), who were previously not included in the active headcount.

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The table below shows the gender composition of our employees, senior leaders and the Board over the last three financial years.

	2021		2020		2019
Female employees (1)		11,868		8,072		6,874
Male employees (1)		27,953		23,517		22,052
Female senior employees (2)(3)		90		67		70
Male senior employees (2)(3)		189		185		227
Female Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members (2)		5		4		4
Male Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members (2)		5		6		7
Female Board members (2)		4		3		4
Male Board members (2)		8		9		7

(1)  FY2021 employee numbers based on actual numbers at BHP operated location as at 30 June 2021, not 10-month averages. FY2020 and FY2019 are based on the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for a 10-month period from July to April which is then used to calculate a weighted average for the year to 30 June and adjusted based on BHP ownership. Data includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) for the financial years being reported.

(2)  Based on actual numbers as at 30 June 2021, not 10-month averages.

(3)  For the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006, we are required to show information for ‘senior managers’, which are defined to include both senior leaders and any persons who are directors of any subsidiary company, even if they are not senior leaders. In FY2021, there were 297 senior leaders at BHP. There are 18 Directors of subsidiary companies who are not senior leaders, comprising 14 men and 4 women. Therefore, for UK law purposes, the total number of senior managers was 203 men and 94 women (31.6 per cent women) in FY2021.

Indigenous employment

Indigenous peoples are critical partners and stakeholders for many of BHP’s operations around the world. BHP recognises, as part of our Global Indigenous Peoples Strategy, that we can contribute to the economic empowerment of Indigenous peoples through providing opportunities for employment, training, procurement and supporting Indigenous enterprises. Pre-employment training, employment, career development and retention of Indigenous employees are key to this.

We have set targets to achieve Indigenous employment of 8 per cent in our Australian workforce by the end of FY2025, 10 per cent in our workforce in Chile by the end of FY2026 and 20 per cent in our Potash workforce in Canada by the end of FY2027.

Indigenous employment within our employee and contractor workforce(1) as at 30 June 2021 was 7.2 per cent in Australia, 7.5 per cent at our operations in Chile and 13.7 per cent at our Jansen Potash Project in Canada.

LGBT+ inclusion

Our LGBT+ ally employee inclusion group, Jasper, was established in 2017 as a natural extension of our inclusion and diversity aspirations and to reflect Our Charter value of respect. The membership base of LGBT+ employees and allies has grown substantially with eight regional chapters globally.

In February 2021, we launched our Gender Affirmation Policy and leader toolkit outlining how we will support employees affirming their gender.

Flexible working

Our focus on flexible working over the past few years assisted our office-based workers to adapt to remote working requirements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We expect to maintain a hybrid working model for employees based in corporate offices, allowing office and home-based working arrangements, while requiring 30 to 50 per cent of their work to be based in the office (excluding times when COVID-19-related workplace restrictions are in place) depending on the nature of their work.

We also understand many site-based employees are in roles that by their very nature cannot be performed remotely. We will continue to seek to provide flexible working through part-time and job-share arrangements, flexible rosters and career breaks.

(1)  Based on a ‘point in time’ snapshot of employees and labour hire contractors as at 30 June 2021.

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Employee relations

Our four key focus areas for employee relations are:

• ensuring we comply with legal obligations and regional labour regulations

• negotiating where there are requirements to collectively bargain

• closing out agreements with our workforce in South America and Australia, with no lost time due to industrial action, to the extent possible

• creating solid relations with our workforce based on a culture of trust and cooperation

During FY2021, Minerals Americas participated in seven collective bargaining processes, which were important to enable our business objectives in relation to financial performance, organisational capabilities, culture change and behaviour management.

Escondida signed three collective bargaining agreements: with the supervisors’ union for 36 months (1 October 2020 to 30 September 2023), the Intermel (Operators and Maintainers) union for 24 months (1 April 2021 to 31 March 2023) and Union No. 1 (Operators and Maintainers) for 36 months (2 August 2021 to 1 August 2024). Spence signed two 36-month collective bargaining agreements: with the supervisors’ union (1 December 2020 to 30 November 2023) and the Operator and Maintainers union (1 June 2021 to 31 May 2024). Cerro Colorado executed two collective agreements: one with the supervisors’ union for 36 months (1 June 2021 to 31 May 2024) and with the Operators and Maintainers union for 36 months (1 September 2021 to 31 August 2024).

The Specialists and Supervisors Union for BHP Chile Inc. invoked article 342 of the Chilean Labor Code, under which employees had their current entitlements under existing collective agreement preserved for the next 18 months (June 2021 to December 2022). In the collective bargaining between BHP Chile Inc. and the Specialists and Supervisors Union, there were 13 days of legal strike action (27 May 2021 to 8 June 2021). Contingency plans were put in place to hand over management of the control rooms back to the operations and planned maintenance activities were undertaken ahead of time, resulting in no operational downtime due to this strike.

Impacts and challenges from COVID-19 related to our people

The impact of COVID-19 and the resulting measures taken by governments within Australia to control its spread, resulted in changes to working patterns for our employees and contractors. In Australia and Chile, there was an increase in unplanned absenteeism due to COVID-19 restrictions. As a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, we implemented a range of employee measures across our business to reduce the number of workers required onsite, such as remote working arrangements, increased health and safety requirements, vaccination campaigns and hybrid working.

With state border closures restricting the mobilisation of employees and contractors to our operating sites in Australia, changes to rosters and hours of work were made to ensure operational requirements for essential work were met. There has also been a further extension of flexible work options for employees and contractors in Australia in response to government-imposed lockdowns preventing them from attending their normal place of work. These flexible work options included staggered start times, working from home and reduced working hours. Our contractor workforce was reduced after the Spence Growth Option (SGO) transitioned to the operation.

For information on the impact of COVID-19 to our workforce, refer to section 1.13.5.

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Our people policies

Our Charter is the foundation of the work we do at BHP. It describes our purpose, our values, how we measure our success, who we are, what we do and what we stand for.

Our Code of Conduct demonstrates how to practically apply the commitments and values set out in Our Charter and reflects many of the standards and procedures we apply throughout BHP.

Through these documents, we make it clear that discrimination on any basis is not acceptable and we give full and fair consideration to applications for employment received from all candidates, having regard to their particular aptitudes and abilities. In instances where employees require support for a disability, we work with them to identify roles that meet their skills, experience and capability, and offer retraining where required.

Our Human Rights Policy Statement outlines our commitment to respecting human rights, which includes rights related to workplace health, safety and labour. We commit to operating in a manner consistent with the terms of the International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

The Our Requirements standards outline the mandatory minimum standards we expect of those who work for or on behalf of BHP. Some of those standards relate to people activities, such as recruitment and talent retention.

Our all-employee share purchase plan, Shareplus, is available to all permanent full-time and part-time employees and those on fixed-term contracts, except where local regulations limit operation of the scheme. In these instances, alternative arrangements are in place.

More information on people is available at bhp.com/people.

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1.13    Sustainability

1.13.1    Our sustainability approach

Our commitment to sustainability starts with our purpose – to bring people and resources together to build a better world. Our products support global development and many aspects of modern life, and we expect many will play an essential role as the world decarbonises.

We also understand there will be times when we must make difficult choices involving trade-offs, some of which may lead to differences of opinion and concern among some stakeholders. While we seek to gain and maintain the support of all our stakeholders, we also respect the right of every stakeholder to disagree with a decision or choice we may make.

There may be adverse impacts in the production and use of our products, and while our aim is to avoid them, the nature of our activities and products means this will not always be possible. We seek to minimise and mitigate these impacts where we can and look for ways to contribute to the long-term health of society and the natural environment.

We view our management of sustainability as core to our efforts to generate social value including:

• putting the health and safety of our people first

• being environmentally responsible

• respecting human rights

• supporting the communities where we operate

We recognise sustainability is integral to the work we do at BHP. We believe it leads to higher performance by making us more productive and safe. Our approach to sustainability is defined by Our Charter and governed through the Our Requirements standards. These standards describe our mandatory minimum performance requirements and provide the foundation to develop and implement management systems at our operated assets.

Across the Group, we embed sustainability performance measures through our public five-year sustainability targets. Achieving these targets and working towards our goals aligns with our commitments to the Paris Agreement goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). It also drives improvement in our sustainability performance. Our current five-year public sustainability targets conclude at the end of FY2022, and we are developing new targets. We have already set a climate change target to reduce operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2 from our operated assets) by at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels(1) by FY2030. Our long-term goal is to achieve net zero(2) operational emissions by 2050.(3)

We commit to several sustainability frameworks, standards and initiatives and disclose data according to their requirements. Our sustainability reporting, including on our website is prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards comprehensive-level reporting,(4) the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Sustainable Development Framework, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Metals and Mining standard. It also serves as our United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Communication on Progress on implementation of the UNGC Ten Principles and support for its broader development objectives.

BHP’s Board oversees our approach to sustainability. The Board’s Sustainability Committee has oversight of health, safety, environmental and community (HSEC) matters and assists the Board with governance and monitoring. For more information about the Sustainability Committee and its work, refer to section 2.1.11.

There is a growing number of sustainability standards we commit to voluntarily or as part of our memberships. In FY2021, we completed a number of self-assessments across different operated assets for the ICMM Mining Principles and associated performance expectations. In October 2020, BHP signed a letter of commitment to the CopperMark(5) assurance process for our copper producing assets (Olympic Dam, Escondida and Spence) and completed self-assessments as part of this commitment.

(1)  The FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on greenhouse gas emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

(2)  Net zero includes the use of carbon offsets as required.

(3)  These positions are expressed using terms that are defined in the Glossary, including the terms ‘net zero’, ‘target’ and ‘goal’.

(4)  Our GRI Content Index is available at bhp.com/FY21ESGStandardsDatabook

(5)  https://www.bhp.com/media-and-insights/news-releases/2020/11/bhp-commits-to-copper-mark/.

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1.13.2    Our material sustainability issues

Sustainability materiality assessment

Each year we identify the sustainability issues most material to our business and stakeholders. We use this assessment to help inform our sustainability strategies and to ensure the sustainability disclosures in our Annual Report include the issues of most interest to our business and stakeholders in line with the GRI Standards Reporting Principles.

The materiality assessment considers internal and external stakeholder perspectives and the economic, social, environmental and cultural impacts of our activities. We identified over 30 material sustainability issues as part of our materiality assessment in FY2021. Of those, the issues shown below and disclosed in this Annual Report were identified as the most material issues to BHP and our stakeholders. The below table also covers our requirements under the UK Companies Act 2006.(1)

More information about our materiality assessment is available at bhp.com/materialityassessment

Material sustainability issues

(1)  We comply with the Non-financial Reporting Directive requirements and therefore report sustainability matters from sections 414CA and 414CB of the UK Companies Act 2006.

This table sets out where relevant information is located in this Annual Report.

(2) Although these standards are for internal use, we have made the HSEC-related elements of several of the Our Requirements standards and related documents publicly available at bhp.com.

(3)  For further information on BHP’s principal risks, refer to section 1.16.

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1.13.3    Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs

Our five-year sustainability targets and FY2021 performance.

People	Target	FY2021 result		Year-on-year
	Zero work-related fatalities	Workplace fatalities	0	FY2017(1) FY2018 FY2019(2) FY2020 FY2021	1 2 1 0 0
	Year-on-year improvement of total recordable injury frequency(3) (TRIF) per million hours worked	Total recordable injury frequency decreased by 11 per cent compared to FY2020		FY2017(4) FY2018(4) FY2019(5) FY2020 FY2021	4.2 4.4 4.7 4.2 3.7
	50 per cent reduction in the number of workers potentially exposed(6) to our most material exposures of diesel particulate matter, respirable silica and coal mine dust compared to our FY2017(7) baseline by FY2022	Occupational exposures 70 per cent reduction compared to FY2017 baseline		Adjusted FY2017 baseline FY2018 FY2019(8) FY2020 FY2021(9)	4,266 3,032 2,192 1,744 1,280
Society	Zero significant community events(10)	FY2021	0	FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021	0 0 0 0 0
	Not less than 1 per cent of pre-tax profits(11) invested in community programs that contribute to the quality of life in the communities where we operate and support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals	Social investment spend                      US$174.8 million(12)		FY2017(13) FY2018 FY2019(14) FY2020 FY2021	US$80.2 million US$77.1 million US$93.5 million US$149.6 million US$174.8 million
	By FY2022, implement our Indigenous Peoples Strategy across all our operated assets through the development of Regional Indigenous Peoples Plans	Regional Indigenous Peoples Plans being implemented across Australia (Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)) and North and South America
Environment	Zero significant environmental events(10)	FY2021	0	FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021	0 0 0 0 0
	Reduce FY2022 withdrawal of fresh water(15) by 15 per cent from FY2017 levels	Freshwater withdrawal reduction from FY2017 baseline(16)	27%	Adjusted FY2017 baseline(16) FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021	156,120 ML 140,515 ML 155,570 ML 126,997 ML 113,444 ML
	By FY2022, improve marine and terrestrial biodiversity outcomes by developing a framework to evaluate and verify the benefits of our actions, in collaboration with others	Progressed framework development, including pilots and approaches to data validation in collaboration with others. On track to deliver by end of FY2022		Year-on-year progress on development of framework to evaluate and verify the benefits of our actions

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(1)  FY2018 and FY2019 data includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets to 28 February 2019).

(2) FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

(3)  The sum of (fatalities + lost-time cases + restricted work cases + medical treatment cases) multiplied by 1 million/actual hours worked by our employees and contractors. Stated in units of per million hours worked. We adopt the US Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses.

(4)  FY2017 and FY2018 TRIF data includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(5)  FY2019 TRIF data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

(6)  For exposures exceeding our FY2017 baseline occupational exposure limits discounting the use of personal protective equipment, where required. The baseline exposure profile (as at 30 June 2017) is derived through a combination of quantitative exposure measurements and qualitative assessments undertaken by specialist occupational hygienists consistent with best practice as defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

(7)  New FY2017 baseline due to the removal of 98 exposures attributed to the Onshore US assets.

(8)  Data excludes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(9)  As of FY2021, the Occupational Exposure Limit for Coal was reduced to 1.5 mg/m3 compared to 2.0 mg/m3 in previous years.

(10)  A significant event resulting from BHP operated activities is one with an actual severity rating of four or above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum performance requirements for risk management.

(11)  Our voluntary social investment is calculated as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit.

(12)  Expenditure includes BHP’s equity share for operated and non-operated joint ventures, and comprises cash, administrative costs, including costs to facilitate the operation of the BHP Foundation.

(13)  FY2017 and FY2018 social investment figures includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(14)  FY2019 social investment figure includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018 and Continuing operations.

(15)  Where ‘withdrawal’ is defined as water withdrawn and intended for use (in accordance with ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’, ICMM (2017)).

‘Fresh water’ is defined as waters other than seawater, wastewater from third parties and hypersaline groundwater. Freshwater withdrawal also excludes entrained water that would not be available for other uses. These exclusions have been made to align with the target’s intent to reduce the use of freshwater sources subject to competition from other users or the environment.

(16)  The FY2017 baseline data has been adjusted to account for: the materiality of the strike affecting water withdrawals at Escondida in FY2017 and improvements to water balance methodologies at WAIO, BMA and BMC and exclusion of hypersaline, wastewater, entrainment, supplies from desalination and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) in FY2019 and FY2020.

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1.13.4    Safety

Our highest priority is the safety of our workforce and the communities where we operate.

Our safety performance

In FY2021, we continued to focus on strong safety performance:

• no fatalities at our operated assets

• a decrease of 17 per cent in high-potential injury frequency rate from FY2020. The highest number of events with potential for one or more fatalities were related to vehicle and mobile equipment accidents. High-potential injury trends will remain a primary focus to assess progress against our most important safety objective, eliminating fatalities

• a decrease in total recordable injury frequency (TRIF) of 11 per cent from FY2020. The highest number of injuries are related to slips, trips and falls for both employees and contractors

• an increase in field leadership activities, which occurred at a sustainable frequency rate of 9,400 activities per million hours worked with over 1,573,000 activities completed in the period and over 44,000 employees and contractors participating in the program at least once. Scheduled activities compared to non-scheduled activities increased by 72 per cent from FY2020 and coaching increased by 5 per cent

• we took a number of significant steps to improve our controls to address sexual assault and sexual harassment, however we have further to go to fully stop this behaviour from occurring across BHP

• no safety fines were received at our operated assets in FY2021

Performance data – workforce health and safety for FY2021(1)

High-potential injury events(2)

Year ended 30 June	2021		2020		2019
High-potential injury events		33		42		50

	Employees		Contractors
High-potential injury frequency (3)		0.02		0.05

Total recordable injury frequency

Year ended 30 June	2021		2020		2019
Total recordable injury frequency (4)		3.7		4.2		4.7

	Employees		Contractors
Total recordable injury frequency (3)		0.67		0.80

(1)  FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations. Due to the lag nature of incident reporting and subsequent verification, final results may vary post reporting. Prior year data has not been adjusted.

(2)  High-potential injury includes injuries with fatality potential. The basis of calculation revised in FY2020 from event count to injury count as part of a safety reporting methodology improvement.

(3) Employee and contractor frequency per 200,000 hours worked.

(4)  Combined employee and contractor frequency per 1 million hours worked.

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Our results were achieved through a sustained focus on improving our management of risk through new and existing programs including:

• Fatality Elimination Program

• Integrated Contractor Management Program

• Field Leadership Program

Fatality Elimination Program

In FY2021, we introduced our Fatality Elimination Program to enable a step change towards our goal of no fatalities across our business.

Fatality elimination is not a new priority for us. We have been seeking to improve our safety performance over a number of years and more recently, have considerably reduced high potential injuries. However, there is more to do and we are taking additional steps to systematise a common set of controls. In FY2021, the Fatality Elimination Program:

• engaged subject matter experts and mining, equipment, technology and services (METS) organisations to provide control solutions to our top 10 safety risks

• identified over 60 recommended controls for our top 10 safety risks, including new controls and material improvements to existing controls

• conducted assessments at our operated assets and relevant functions against the recommended controls to determine the actions that need to be taken

• established a global project team to prioritise and deliver a global five-year fatality elimination roadmap

• commenced planning to update the Our Requirements for Safety Standard and coordinate a selection of control and human performance improvement initiatives in FY2022

Integrated Contractor Management Program

Our Integrated Contractor Management Program is designed to make it safer and easier for our contractors to work with us. Introduced in FY2020, the program is focused on building long-term mutually beneficial relationships with our contractors, integrating and simplifying processes and systems, and creating an inclusive, respectful and caring workforce culture.

In 2021, we launched our new global contractor performance standard, establishing global requirements for how we work with contractors (including subcontractors and consultants). This replaced existing local frameworks and provides a standardised way of working with contractors to drive best practice. To embed the standard, a number of initiatives and tools have been developed:

• Our Scope of Work Library is an online resource containing best practice examples for different types of contractor engagements. This assists our contractor partners to better understand the work required at our sites, enabling them to assign contractors with the right skills and competencies to perform the work.

• To assist in defining the minimum requirements for key roles, governance and process routines, we introduced an operational tiering model. The model factors in work scope, operational safety risks and contract arrangements to inform the robustness of process requirements, including key performance indicators.

• We developed a specific contractor perception survey to ensure we receive contractor feedback on our culture and their experience working at BHP.

• We developed systems to support the contractor management process to improve supervision and training of contractors across our operated assets. A pilot was conducted at one of our Australian operated assets to ensure the system was fit-for-purpose before broader implementation.

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Field Leadership Program

Leaders spending time in the field is vital to maintaining safe operations. Our global Field Leadership Program involves leaders engaging with workers in the field to drive a common approach to improving health, safety and environment (HSE) performance. These engagements are used to verify critical safety controls are in place, being applied and are effective in reducing the risk of fatalities.

The program encourages the workforce to provide feedback to their leaders about safety and to look out for the safety of themselves and their colleagues.

In FY2021 we:

• increased supervisor time in the field through BOS and reduced the large spans of control that some supervisors had over their teams

• continued to improve the quality of field leadership activities by increasing coaching and delivery of field leadership engagements at our operated assets

• focused on ensuring our leaders were proactively scheduling Fatality Elimination Program activities and executing them to plan to ensure adequate verification of all fatality risks across our operated assets

• developed a global, standardised field leadership procedure designed to increase the effectiveness of field leadership activities by reducing variances in practices across the business

• conducted field leadership on COVID-19 controls, which increased our understanding of control application and effectiveness by engaging our workforce for direct feedback

• introduced sexual harassment field leadership activities, which provided information on progress and areas for improvement in this space

Sexual assault and sexual harassment

Our position on sexual assault and sexual harassment is clear. This conduct is completely unacceptable, contrary to our values and unlawful. Over a number of years, we have taken action to prevent sexual harassment including through education, encouraging reporting and security measures. While we have made important progress, this continues to be an issue at BHP and, as long as it does, we must and will do more and we continue to focus and invest in preventing this behaviour.

In 2018, we formally defined sexual assault and sexual harassment as a health and safety risk. As part of the risk assessment processes, we engaged experts in health and safety, harassment and inclusion and diversity. We introduced a range of controls including security measures such as on-site security guards, additional CCTV, increased security patrols in public areas and improved lighting, with a further AU$300 million for planned improvements to occur in FY2022. We have also introduced trauma informed emergency response, victim-centric investigations and a dedicated support service that provides end-to-end assistance and advice to anyone impacted by sexual assault and sexual harassment. We are committed to the full implementation of all requisite controls in FY2022, and have tied completion of actions to executive and employee remuneration. We also recognise that we can improve the coordination of our work to address this issue and have set up a project management office for this purpose.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment are risks for BHP and the industry, and we are working with others in the industry to address these risks, as we have done with other health and safety matters. We participated in the Minerals Council of Australia Taskforce that developed and released an industry statement and Code of Conduct aimed at eradicating sexual assault and sexual harassment from our industry. We also made a submission to the Inquiry in Western Australia into sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry to contribute to the industry addressing this issue which can be found at BHP Submission – A Inquiry in relation to Sexual Harassment in FIFO mining industry.pdf (parliament.wa.gov.au).

For information on reported cases, refer to section 1.13.6.

More information on safety is available at bhp.com/safety.

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1.13.5    Health

We are committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees and contractors.

We set clear mandatory minimum standards to identify and assess health risks, manage their impact and monitor the health of our people.

Occupational illness

The reported incidence of occupational illness(1) for employees in FY2021 was 308 which was 4.36 per million hours worked, representing a minor increase compared to FY2020 which was 4.30 per million hours worked.

(1)  The data for FY2017 and FY2018 includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018 and Continuing operations.

(2)  Occupational illnesses excludes COVID-19 related data.

(3)  Due to the lag nature of incident reporting and subsequent verification, final results may vary post reporting. Prior year data has not been adjusted.

(4)  Due to regulatory regimes and limited access to data, we do not have full oversight of the incidence of contractor noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases.

For our contractor workforce, the reported incidence of occupational illness was 180 which was 1.87 per million hours worked, an increase of 31 per cent compared with FY2020. Due to regulatory regimes and limited access to data, we do not have full oversight of the incidence of contractor noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases.

(1)  An illness that occurs as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure.

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Musculoskeletal illness accounts for the majority of our reported occupational illnesses. These are conditions impacting the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues caused by repetitive work-related stress or strain or exposure over time. Musculoskeletal illness does not include disorders caused by slips, trips, falls or similar incidents.

The main change in the incidence of occupational illness in FY2021 as compared to FY2020 was an increase in the rate of employee cases of NIHL reported by our operated assets in South America. This was due to an increase in testing for noise induced hearing loss this year because of a suspension of testing activities due to COVID-19 impacts last year.

Our occupational illness data excludes cases of COVID-19 among our employees and contractors. In settings of high levels of community transmission and with an evolving understanding of the epidemiological criteria for infection and emerging COVID-19 variants with evidence of increased transmission, it is difficult to conclude, with reasonable certainty, that a person was infected because of work-related activities or exposure. For information on our response to COVID-19, refer to the ‘COVID-19’ section below.

Occupational exposures

Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for our most material exposures are set according to the latest scientific evidence, which for a number of agents, such as diesel particulate matter (DPM), resulted in lower limits than the then regulatory requirements. Where exposures potentially exceed regulatory limits or our stricter limits, respiratory protective equipment is required.

For our most material exposures to DPM, silica and coal mine dust, we have a five-year target to achieve, by FY2022, a 50 per cent reduction in the number of workers potentially exposed(1) as compared to our 30 June 2017 baseline exposure profile(2)(3). In FY2016, we committed to applying an OEL of 0.03 mg/m3 for DPM and in FY2017, we committed to applying OELs of 1.5 mg/m3 for respirable coal mine dust by 1 July 2020 and 0.05 mg/m3 for silica by 1 July 2021. Exposure data in this Annual Report is based on these limits and in all cases discounts the effect of personal protective equipment.

In FY2021, material exposures overall reduced by 70 per cent compared to the adjusted FY2017 baseline which is better than our FY2020 target. This includes a reduction of 29 per cent compared to FY2020 in the number of workers potentially exposed to silica in excess of our OEL and this reduction was largely due to reduction in exposures by our Minerals Americas operated assets where there was a 35 per cent reduction compared to the previous year.

In addition, work to control exposure to DPM at Nickel West and Olympic Dam resulted in a 12 per cent reduction compared to FY2020 in the number of workers potentially exposed to DPM. No potential exposures in excess of our OEL for respirable coal mine dust were reported in FY2020; however, in FY2021 we have identified a workgroup as being potentially exposed in excess of our OEL at one of our coal operated assets. We are committed to reducing this potential exposure to below the OEL in the next reporting period.

Coal mine dust lung disease

In FY2021, there were four coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD)(4) claims accepted, which consisted of two current workers and two former workers at our BMA asset.

Mental health

The mental health of our people continues to be a focus. In FY2021, good progress was made with implementing our Group-wide Mental Health Framework to raise awareness of mental wellbeing, reduce stigma and increase the capacity of our leaders to recognise and support individuals experiencing mental illness. We also became a founding member of the Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health, which seeks to advance progress across the globe by committing senior leaders to a pledge to create mentally healthy workplaces.

To support the proactive management of mental wellbeing and give our workforce the tools and skills they need to build resilience and positive mental health, we provide and promote the Employee Assistance Program, our mental health toolkit, Thrive, education and awareness campaigns (including stigma reduction) and the BHP Resilience Program.

In May 2021, we held our inaugural Mental Health month, with the aim of increasing mental wellbeing in the communities where we operate and encouraging everyone to support and look out for one another. We also continue to support global mental health campaigns, including World Mental Health Day, R U OK? Day and Movember.

We plan to progress our efforts in FY2022 by addressing psychosocial hazards in the workplace using a risk management approach to further support better workplace mental health.

(1)  For exposures exceeding our FY2017 occupational exposure limits discounting the use of personal protective equipment, where required.

(2)  The baseline exposure profile is derived through a combination of quantitative exposure measurements and qualitative assessments undertaken by specialist occupational hygienists consistent with best practice as defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

(3)  The baseline has been adjusted to exclude Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(4)  CMDLD is the name given to the lung diseases related to exposure to coal mine dust and includes coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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COVID-19

Throughout FY2021, we continued to navigate the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic and prioritise the health and safety of our people and workplaces. This included the removal of vulnerable workers from the workplace and an increase in testing regimes in site-based workforce during periods of high community transmissions.

Across BHP’s global workforce,(1) we estimated there were as many as 5,000 confirmed(2) COVID-19 cases including three deaths, with around 1,100 of those cases potentially infectious while at work(3) (figures for persons potentially infectious while at work are included irrespective of where infection may have occurred). We recognise the significant impact COVID-19 has had on the daily lives of our people and the communities where we operate and we offer our deep sympathies to the families of our colleagues who tragically were amongst the many people who have lost their lives to COVID-19. Almost all confirmed cases were from people in our Minerals Americas workforce.

We conduct COVID-19 tests as part of our workplace entry screening, which includes mainly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and a small percentage of antigen testing. In FY2021, we conducted 27,261 tests in our Petroleum operated assets and 440,000 tests in our Minerals Americas operated assets and identified 248 and 2,277 confirmed cases respectively. This included symptomatic and asymptomatic cases that may not have been identified otherwise.

Our support extended to areas impacted by high community transmissions and reduced local medical capabilities. This included establishing telehealth services, in-home PCR testing, emergency ambulance support, mental wellness support and provision of medical support (e.g. procurement of oxygen concentrators in India) to support ill workers and their family members.

More information on health including a case study on how we supported our people and the communities where we operate through COVID-19 is available at bhp.com/health.

1.13.6    Ethics and business conduct

Our conduct

Our Code of Conduct (Our Code)(4) brings our values to life so we can make the right choices every day. It applies to everyone who works for us or on our behalf. To ensure everyone understands how Our Code applies and the standards of behaviour we expect, annual training is mandatory for all employees and contractors. There are also consequences for breaching Our Code and we encourage people to speak up where a decision or action is not in line with Our Code or Our Charter.

Our Code is available in five languages and accessible at bhp.com.

EthicsPoint is our confidential reporting tool that is accessible to all, including external stakeholders and the public, to report conduct that may be unethical, illegal or inconsistent with Our Code.

In 2021, 4,162 reports were received into EthicsPoint (of these 3,541 were classified as business conduct concerns,(5) representing an increase of 52 per cent from FY2020. This increase coincides with enhanced training on Our Code and efforts to increase awareness of the requirement for line leaders to log all concerns relating to Our Code in EthicsPoint. Of the reports received, 42 per cent were made anonymously,(6) compared with 53 per cent in FY2020, a reduction from FY2020, which may indicate that reporters have greater confidence in the EthicsPoint process. Of the total reports received, 38 per cent contained one or more substantiated allegations.(7)

(1)  Employees and contractors engaged by BHP.

(2)  A person with a laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test methodology, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms.

(3)  Potentially infectious while at work is defined as being in one of BHP’s managed locations (including camps and offices) within 48 hours before onset of symptoms and/or while symptomatic. Figures for persons potentially infectious while at work are included irrespective of where infection may have occurred.

(4)  https://www.bhp.com/our-approach/our-company/our-code-of-conduct/.

(5)  Some EthicsPoint reports are enquiries, or are not related to business conduct concerns, or are a duplicate of an existing report

(6)  This excludes reports not containing a business conduct concern, and excludes reports logged by leaders on behalf of others.

(7)  The calculation is based on reports received and completed in FY2021, containing one or more substantiated allegations.

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Transparency and accountability

We understand the connection between:

• the disclosures we make about the taxes and royalties we pay to governments, which enable the public to see what we have paid

• transparency of the contracts we have with governments which allows comparison of our actual payments against what is required to be paid

We support initiatives by governments of the countries where we operate to publicly disclose the content of our licences or contracts for the development and production of oil, gas or minerals that form the basis of our payments to government, as outlined in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard. Other key initiatives include our work in partnership with Transparency International, our representation on the Board of the EITI, our support for ultimate beneficial ownership transparency, our financial support for and Steering Committee membership of the Bribery Prevention Network (in Australia) and our funding of the BHP Foundation, including its Natural Resource Governance Global Program. We believe these transparency initiatives will reduce corruption risk and improve our ability to operate and compete for resources.

Anti-corruption

We are determined to play a significant role in the global fight against corruption in the resources industry. Our Charter and Our Code provide the framework for our anti-corruption compliance program.

All activities that potentially involve higher risks of exposure to corruption require review or approval by our Ethics and Compliance function. This function has a mandate to design and govern our compliance frameworks for key compliance risks, including anti-bribery and corruption. The function is independent of our assets and regions, and reports to the Chief Legal Governance and External Affairs Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer reports quarterly to the Risk and Audit Committee on ethics and compliance issues and meets at least annually with the Committee Chair.

Our Ethics and Compliance function also participates in all risk assessments in respect of operated assets or functions that are considered to carry material anti-corruption risks. In FY2021, the Ethics and Compliance team provided input into 41 risk assessments.

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As part of our commitment to anti-corruption, we prohibit authorising, offering, giving or promising anything of value directly or indirectly to a government official to influence official action, or to anyone to encourage them to perform their work disloyally or otherwise improperly. We also prohibit facilitation payments, which are payments to government officials for routine government actions. Our people must take care that third parties acting on our behalf do not violate anti-corruption laws. Disciplinary action, including dismissal or termination of contractual relationships, may follow from a breach of these requirements.

We regularly review our anti-corruption compliance program to ensure it meets the requirements of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, the Australian Criminal Code and the applicable laws and regulatory developments of all places where we do business. These laws are consistent with the standards of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. Recognising the challenges posed to normal ways of working by COVID-19, in FY2021 we increased the frequency of our compliance monitoring to support the timely identification of activities that could potentially present an enhanced compliance risk. By regularly calibrating our compliance processes, we work to ensure optimal resource allocation to areas presenting the highest corruption risks to our business. Our efforts are complementary to the BHP Foundation’s global partnership with Transparency International, which is supporting governments to identify and address corruption risks in mining licencing processes.

Anti-corruption training is provided to all employees and contractors as part of mandatory annual training on Our Code. In FY2021, additional risk-based anti-corruption training was also undertaken by 3,879 employees and contractors, as well as employees of certain of our business partners and community partners.

More information on ethics and business conduct is available at bhp.com/ethics.

1.13.7    Climate change and portfolio resilience

We believe the world must pursue the Paris Agreement goals with increased levels of national and global ambition to limit the impacts of climate change. Providing access to affordable and clean energy and other products is essential to meet sustainable development goals. At BHP, we advocate for effective actions in line with the Paris Agreement goals while recognising the challenge of achieving these goals is of global scale and historic complexity.

In September 2021, BHP published its Climate Transition Action Plan 2021, which sets out our strategic approach to our goal to reduce operational GHG emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2 from our operated assets) to net zero(1) by 2050, and our enhanced Scope 3 position for GHG emissions in our value chain. The Plan, together with more information on our climate commitments, actions and performance, including our Climate Change Report 2020, is available at bhp.com/climate.

Governance and management

Climate change is a material governance and strategic issue for us. Our Board is actively engaged in the governance of climate change issues, including our strategic approach and performance against our commitments, supported by the Sustainability Committee and the Risk and Audit Committee (for more information, refer to section 2.1).

Below the level of the Board, key management decisions are made by the CEO and management, in accordance with their delegated authority. Management has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of our climate change strategy and execution of that strategy is overseen by the Climate Change Steering Committee. BHP has a dedicated Climate Change Team that is responsible for advising the Executive Leadership Team. The team collaborates with BHP’s functions and asset teams, external partners and industry to develop practical climate change solutions, designed to preserve and unlock long-term value for BHP. It regularly prepares information and advice for the Executive Leadership Team, Sustainability Committee, Risk and Audit Committee and the Board on climate-related strategy, risks and performance against climate-related metrics. It also monitors key indicators and signposts against our appetite for climate change-related risks (both threats and opportunities).

Addressing climate risks

BHP applies a single, Group-wide approach to the management of risk, known as the Risk Framework. When new and emerging risks are identified, each is assigned an owner in the part of the business where the risk occurs. Risks are assessed to determine their potential impacts and likelihood, enable prioritisation and determine risk treatment options. We then implement controls designed to prevent, reduce or mitigate downside risks and increase the likelihood of opportunities being realised. Risks and controls are reviewed periodically and on an ad-hoc basis to evaluate performance of the controls against the risks.

(1)  Net zero includes the use of carbon offsets as required.

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Climate-related risks can be grouped in two categories: transition risk and physical risk.

Transition risks arise from policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market and other societal responses to the challenges posed by climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy. For more information on BHP’s exposure to and management of transition risks, refer to section 1.16.

Physical risks refer to acute risks that are event-driven, including increased severity of extreme weather events, and chronic risks resulting from longer-term changes in climate patterns. For more information on BHP’s exposure to and management of physical risks, refer to ‘Adaptation to physical risks’ below in this section and to section 1.16.

Adaptation to physical risks

BHP’s vision for adapting to the physical risks of climate change is to take a proactive and collaborative approach to building the climate resilience of our operated assets, investments, portfolio, supply chain, communities and ecosystems, to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for our stakeholders.

In FY2021, following external benchmarking and internal engagement, we finalised our updated Adaptation Strategy as set out below.

The focus in FY2021 was on enhancing governance structures, developing a more consistent and comprehensive approach to the use of climate data, and improving how we integrate physical climate risk within the existing risk management process in order to identify and resource priority actions. In FY2022, we intend to build these priority actions into planning and capital allocation processes, and continue to analyse identified risks in more detail. This will provide the basis from which we can develop our ability to report on specific material physical risks and their potential financial impacts (including material expenditure on climate change adaptation) in later years.

Portfolio analysis and capital alignment

The world must undergo multiple transitions arising from commitments to reduce GHG emissions. These transitions are complex, multi-faceted and could reasonably be expected to manifest in unique ways across different regions, reflecting heterogeneous local conditions. However, we believe that together they comprise a global transition to a lower-carbon economy that can mitigate the impacts of climate change. We see steps towards these transitions in the emergence of electric mobility and the rapid cost declines of renewable power generation. Global accords such as the Paris Agreement and subsequent government commitments suggest these transitions are likely to accelerate.

The Paris Agreement has set an ambition to pursue efforts to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, which will require aggressive action to reduce GHG emissions. Abatement commensurate with limiting temperature increases to 1.5°C would reduce the potential physical impact of climate change on our assets, our employees, our communities and our markets, and potentially generate significant value for our portfolio.

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In the BHP Climate Change Report 2020,(1) we described the impact on our business of four divergent scenarios(2) across a range of temperature outcomes, including our Paris-aligned 1.5°C scenario.(3) Our most recent portfolio analysis indicated that under our 1.5°C scenario, the world would need around twice as much steel and copper, and four times as much nickel in the next 30 years as it did in the last 30. Potash demand, required for higher agricultural yields due to land use competition, also grows under that scenario.

Today’s signposts do not yet indicate that the appropriate measures are in place to drive decarbonisation at the pace or scale required to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. However, as governments, institutions, companies and society increasingly focus on addressing climate change, the potential for a non-linear transition and the subsequent impact on opportunities and risk increases.

We intend to systematically integrate one or more Paris-aligned scenarios (including 1.5°C scenarios) into our strategy and capital prioritisation processes beginning in FY2022. This will enhance our current approach, in which our 1.5°C scenario is used to inform and test strategic portfolio decisions. See the BHP Climate Transition Action Plan 2021 at bhp.com/climate for more information.

Operational greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption

Our long-term goal is to achieve net zero(4) operational GHG emissions by 2050. We have also set a medium-term target to reduce operational GHG emissions by at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels(5) by FY2030.(6) This reflects our commitment to decarbonising BHP’s operations and a recognition that we have a part to play in accelerating the global pathway to decarbonisation.

We are also working to achieve our short-term target for FY2022 to maintain our total operational GHG emissions at or below FY2017 levels(7) while continuing to grow our business.

Our operational GHG emissions are measured against our target performance based on an operational control, market-based methodology.

Building on our Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) trials at Olympic Dam and Queensland Coal, we have commenced LEV trials at Nickel West using onboard battery power. This trial is anticipated to reduce noise, heat and diesel particulate matter, as well as consumption of fossil fuel. We have increased the renewable component of our energy consumption in FY2021 due to the start of the renewable power purchasing agreement at Queensland Coal.

(1)  bhp.com/climate

(2)  Scenarios highlight critical elements of assumed future states and draw attention to the key factors that may drive future developments. They are hypothetical constructs, not forecasts, predictions or sensitivity analyses. As they are a tool to enhance critical strategic thinking, a key feature of scenarios is they should challenge conventional wisdom about the future. In a world of uncertainty, scenarios are intended to explore alternatives that may significantly alter the basis for ‘business as usual’ assumptions. There are inherent limitations with scenario analysis and it is difficult to predict which, if any, of the scenarios might eventuate. Scenarios do not constitute definitive outcomes for us. Scenario analysis relies on assumptions that may or may not be, or prove to be, correct and may or may not eventuate, and scenarios may be impacted by additional factors to the assumptions disclosed.

(3)  This scenario aligns with the Paris Agreement goals and requires steep global annual GHG emissions reductions, sustained for decades, to stay within a 1.5°C carbon budget. Refer to the BHP Climate Change Report 2020 available at bhp.com for information about the assumptions, outputs and limitations of our 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario. 1.5°C is above pre-industrial levels.

(4)  Net zero includes the use of carbon offsets as required.

(5)  FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on GHG emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

(6)  These positions are expressed using terms that are defined in the Glossary, including the terms ‘net zero’, ‘target’ and ‘goal’.

(7)  FY2017 will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on GHG emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

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Progress on decarbonisation

In FY2021:

• We signed a renewable power purchasing agreement (PPA) to supply up to 50 per cent of our electricity needs at the Nickel West Kwinana Refinery from the Merredin Solar Farm.

• We secured firm renewable electricity via a PPA to meet half of the electricity needs across Queensland Coal mines from low-emissions sources.

• We continued to implement power purchase agreements for renewable electricity commencing from FY2022 at our Chilean copper operated assets, Escondida and Spence, which are on track to reach net zero Scope 2 GHG emissions by the mid-2020s.

These agreements are intended to help meet our FY2022 and FY2030 operational GHG emissions targets. We regularly monitor our forecasted GHG emissions to check we are on track.

In FY2021, we partnered with Rio Tinto and Vale to launch the ‘Charge on Innovation Challenge’, a mining truck electrification initiative, facilitated by Austmine. The initiative aims to develop innovative charging infrastructure in parallel with the development of battery-electric trucks.

In August 2021, BHP became a founding member of Komatsu’s GHG Alliance, which aims to develop commercially viable zero-GHG emissions haul trucks. BHP will provide engineering and technical resources to Komatsu, enabling BHP’s real-time access to technology in development and giving Komatsu the opportunity to draw on BHP’s mining expertise to accelerate its path to market. Also in August 2021, BHP and TransAlta announced plans to build two solar farms and a battery storage system to help power the Mt Keith and Leinster operations at Nickel West.

In FY2022, we intend to look for further opportunities to collaborate with original equipment manufacturers, source renewable electricity for our Australian operated assets and progress studies for diesel displacement at our operated assets.

Value chain emissions

We recognise the importance of supporting efforts to reduce emissions in our value chain. In 2020, BHP set Scope 3 emissions goals for 2030 for processing of our steelmaking products and maritime transportation of our products, supported by an action plan and aligned to a long-term vision to support the economy-wide transition necessary to meet the Paris Agreement goals by working with customers and suppliers to achieve sectoral decarbonisation. Those goals are to:

Support industry to develop technologies and pathways capable of 30 per cent emissions intensity reduction in integrated steelmaking, with widespread adoption expected post 2030;

Support 40 per cent emissions intensity reduction of BHP-chartered shipping of our products.

In our Climate Transition Action Plan 2021, we are building on these medium-term goals. Our position reflects the challenges and opportunities in line with our strategy for increasing long-term portfolio exposure towards future facing commodities. Our recent proposed portfolio changes(1) are aligned with our strategic approach to manage risk and maximise value. While these decisions were not made for the purpose of setting a future Scope 3 position, upon completion, the changes would lower our total Scope 3 emissions inventory.

As we shape our portfolio for the future, we are announcing our enhanced Scope 3 position.(2)

While we cannot ensure the outcome alone, for our reshaped portfolio,(3) we are pursuing the long-term goal of net zero(4) Scope 3 GHG emissions by 2050 to support the transition that the world must make. To progress towards this goal:

• we are targeting net zero for the operational GHG emissions of our direct suppliers(5) and the emissions from maritime transport of our products; and

• recognising the particular challenge of a net zero pathway for customers’ processing of our products,(6) which is dependent on the development and downstream deployment of solutions and supportive policy, we cannot set a target, but will continue to partner with customers and others to accelerate the transition to carbon neutral(7) steelmaking and other downstream processes. We will also support the value chain by pursuing carbon neutral production of our future facing commodities, such as copper, nickel and potash, to provide the essential building blocks of a net zero transition.

(1)  On 17 August 2021, BHP announced it had entered into a merger commitment deed with Woodside to combine their respective oil and gas portfolios by an all-stock merger. Completion of the merger is subject to confirmatory due diligence, negotiation and execution of full form transaction documents, and satisfaction of conditions precedent including shareholder, regulatory and other approvals, and expected to occur in the second quarter of the 2022 calendar year, with an effective date of 1 July 2021. For more information, refer to the Joint Announcement ‘Woodside and BHP to create a global energy company’ by Woodside and BHP dated 17 August 2021, available at bhp.com/investor-centre. On 28 June 2021, BHP announced its agreement with Glencore to divest its 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón, a non-operated energy coal joint venture in Colombia, with an effective economic date of 31 December 2020. Completion is subject to the satisfaction of customary competition and regulatory requirements and expected to occur in the first half of the 2022 calendar year.

(2)  This position is expressed using terms that are defined in the Glossary, including the terms ‘net zero’, ‘target’ and ‘goal’.

(3)  Subject to completion of both of the divestment of our oil and gas business and the sale of our interest in Cerrejón.

(4)  Net zero includes the use of carbon offsets as required.

(5)  ‘Operational GHG emissions of our direct suppliers’ means the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of our direct suppliers included in BHP’s Scope 3 emissions reporting categories of purchased goods and services (including capital goods), fuel and energy related activities, business travel, and employee commuting.

(6)  In line with our reporting methodology for Scope 3 emissions, we define ‘processing of our products’ as emissions resulting from our customers’ processing of our products comprising iron ore and metallurgical coal (steelmaking materials) and copper (assumed to be processed into copper wire for end use).

(7)  Carbon neutral includes all those GHG emissions as defined for BHP reporting purposes.

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We have therefore set these Scope 3 targets:(1)

• We will target net zero(2) by 2050 for the operational GHG emissions of our direct suppliers,(3) subject to the widespread availability of carbon neutral(4) goods and services to meet our requirements.

• We will target net zero(5) by 2050 for GHG emissions from all shipping(6) of our products,(7) subject to the widespread availability of carbon-neutral(8) solutions including low/zero-emission technology on board suitable ships and low/zero-emission marine fuels.

Action on our value chain GHG emissions goals in FY2021

Steelmaking

In FY2021, BHP signed memoranda of understanding for partnerships with three of our customers, China Baowu, JFE and HBIS, to invest up to a total of US$65 million in research and development of steel decarbonisation pathways. We also established a research program with the University of Newcastle in Australia to study raw material properties in low-carbon iron and steelmaking. Additionally, BHP Ventures is strategically investing in a range of emerging companies, including some focused on low- or no-carbon steelmaking.

In FY2022, we intend to progress research and development and develop plans for operational testing and trials under the three steelmaking partnerships. We also plan to explore new steelmaking partnerships to jointly study low-carbon steelmaking technologies.

Maritime

In FY2021, BHP committed to becoming one of the founding members of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation. The Centre is to be set up in Singapore and act as a focal point for the global maritime industry’s efforts in decarbonisation and innovation. In April 2021, we participated in the first marine biofuel trial involving an ocean-going vessel bunkering in Singapore in collaboration with Oldendorff Carriers and GoodFuels, and supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. BHP also issued and awarded the world’s first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carrier vessel tender in FY2021, with the aim of significantly reducing GHG emissions per voyage. In FY2022, we intend to begin to integrate the use of LNG-fuelled bulk carriers into our maritime operations and assess the suitability of a range of routes for LNG or bio-fuelled bulk carriers. We are also developing a sustainability analytics platform to analyse the operational energy efficiency and emissions of BHP-chartered vessels. This will enable more energy-efficient vessel selection, as well as more targeted emissions reduction insights and actions that can be pursued with our shipping partners.

(1)  These targets are referable to a FY2020 baseline year, which will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on emissions at the time of the transaction, and to reflect progressive refinement of the Scope 3 emissions reporting methodology. The targets’ boundaries may in some cases differ from required reporting boundaries. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

(2)  Net zero includes the use of carbon offsets as required.

(3)  ‘Operational GHG emissions of our direct suppliers’ means the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of our direct suppliers included in BHP’s Scope 3 reporting categories of purchased goods and services (including capital goods), fuel and energy related activities, business travel, and employee commuting.

(4)  Carbon neutral includes all those greenhouse gas emissions as defined for BHP reporting purposes.

(5)  Net zero includes the use of carbon offsets as required.

(6)  BHP-chartered and third party-chartered shipping.

(7)  Target excludes maritime transportation of products purchased by BHP.

(8)  Carbon neutral includes all those greenhouse gas emissions as defined for BHP reporting purposes.

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Investing in decarbonisation

In FY2020, we announced a commitment of at least US$400 million to invest in GHG emissions reduction across our operated assets and value chain over the five-year life of our Climate Investment Program. In FY2021, we spent US$29 million under this program, targeting operational, maritime, steelmaking and BHP Ventures investments, and committed to spend significantly more, including up to US$65 million over coming years towards partnerships with our customers in the steel sector.

We estimate potential spend of between US$100 and US$200 million per year over the next five years in support of operational decarbonisation at our operated assets. This estimate has been included in existing capital guidance. Going forward, as our climate response is further integrated into business-as-usual planning, our spending on climate initiatives is expected to become increasingly indistinguishable from normal business spending.

We assess and rank each decarbonisation project across our operated assets through our Capital Allocation Framework, where our decarbonisation commitments rank alongside maintenance capital in the hierarchy of our capital allocation. Through our studies and investment governance process, we seek to optimise the risk and reward proposition for these projects to allocate capital and optimise decarbonisation at a portfolio level. We have developed an internal marginal abatement cost curve designed to support the allocation of capital towards the most economically efficient and effective decarbonisation projects.

We include regional carbon price forecasts in our assessment of all projects in the Capital Allocation Framework. In recognition that explicit carbon pricing regimes in many instances do not fully reflect the implicit regulatory risk and value of carbon across our value chain, we are developing additional qualitative and quantitative metrics to better capture the future cost and value of GHG emissions abatement to inform corporate strategy and core business decisions.

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Carbon offsets

BHP’s approach to carbon offsetting is to prioritise emission reduction projects at our operated assets, with investments in external carbon offset projects considered complementary to this ‘structural abatement’. We work with others to promote the development of carbon market mechanisms, particularly for natural climate solutions.

Although we prioritise our internal emission reduction projects, we acknowledge a role for high-quality offsets in a temporary or transitional capacity while abatement options are being studied, as well as for ‘hard to abate’ emissions with limited or no current technological solutions.

In FY2021, we retired 0.3 million carbon offsets in the form of verified carbon units. The offsets were sourced from high-quality projects, such as the Cordillera Azul National Park REDD+ Project and the Kasigau Corridor REDD Project,(1) representing additional, permanent and otherwise unclaimed emission reductions from activities designed to avoid contributing to social or environmental harms. For more information on how BHP manages offsets, refer to bhp.com/offsets-2021.

Natural climate solutions

Investing in natural ecosystems is a cost-effective and immediately available solution to mitigate climate change that often provides sustainability co-benefits, such as biodiversity conservation, improved water quality or support for local communities. We work to support the development of market mechanisms that channel private sector finance into projects that increase carbon storage or avoid GHG emissions through conservation, restoration and improved management of terrestrial landscapes, wetlands and coastal and marine ecosystems (e.g. mangroves, tidal marshes, seagrasses and seaweed, generally referred to as ‘blue’ carbon ecosystems). We focus on project support, governance, knowledge and innovation, and market stimulation for carbon credits generated by these projects.

For more information, see bhp.com/climate.

Just transition

There are communities around the world that rely on mining certain commodities, which therefore risk being disproportionately impacted by the transition to a low-carbon economy. Solutions will require a multi-stakeholder approach including the local community, investors and financiers, government at all levels and, of course, resource companies such as BHP.

In FY2022, we plan to develop our approach to ‘Just Transition’ taking into consideration the evolving Climate Action 100+ Net Zero Company Benchmark (NZCB).

Engagement and disclosure

Achieving the Paris Agreement goals will require supportive policy across jurisdictions globally. The policy-making process is complex and change is unlikely to be smooth or linear. We believe BHP can best support policy development by ensuring we meet our own climate commitments, continuing to make the case for the economic opportunities arising from the energy transition, and focusing on those policy areas where we are likely to have the greatest ability to influence change. We engage on policy matters directly with government and through our membership of industry associations and issue-specific coalitions and initiatives.

Our Global Climate Policy Standards clarify how our policy positions on climate change should be reflected in our own advocacy and that of associations to which we belong, globally. Over the past five years, BHP has introduced a range of measures to strengthen the Company’s governance of its member associations and their climate change advocacy. Further information on our approach to industry associations can be found at bhp.com/our-approach/operating-with-integrity/industry-associations-bhps-approach/.

BHP was one of the first companies to align its climate-related disclosures with the recommendations of the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). In FY2021, we published our Climate Change Report 2020, and also participated in the CA100+ NZCB, which assesses the world’s largest corporate GHG emitters on their progress in the transition to the net zero future.

In September 2021, we published the BHP Climate Transition Action Plan 2021, which sets out the steps BHP intends to take with the goal of reducing GHG emissions to net zero within our own operations by 2050 and pursuing net zero across our value chain. As responding to climate change is an integral part of our strategy and operations, our TCFD-aligned disclosures and information in support of our NZCB assessment can be found throughout this Annual Report, in our BHP Climate Change Report 2020 and at bhp.com. A navigator showing where to find relevant information in relation to the TCFD recommendations is available at bhp.com.

(1)  REDD and REDD+ are UN programs for reducing GHG emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

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1.13.8    Community

Making a positive contribution to the communities where we operate

To make a positive contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of the communities where we operate requires long-term partnerships based on respect, honesty, transparency and trust. Our actions and approach to community engagement, social investment, cultural heritage, working with Indigenous peoples and human rights practices are governed by Our Code.

We understand our activities have potential social, cultural, environmental and human rights impacts. We assess those impacts and consider external factors such as changing socio-political and economic content and societal expectations and community concerns.

To gain a deeper understanding of the context in which we operate, our operated assets are required to conduct periodic social research activities. We seek to implement and conduct these planned activities in a culturally sensitive and socially inclusive manner which can include social baseline analysis, social impact and opportunity assessments, human rights impact assessments, stakeholder mapping and community perception surveys. Through these activities, we seek to better understand social and reputational impacts, threats and opportunities and make more informed decisions.

We provide a range of opportunities for communities to express their views, experiences, concerns and complaints. The Our Requirements for Community standard requires all operated assets to have culturally appropriate complaint and grievance mechanisms in place which are accessible to all stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples. To further strengthen these mechanisms, we have established globally consistent principles aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to be applied across each of our operated assets.

In FY2021:

• Community perception research was conducted at 11 of our operated assets providing an aggregated view of local community perceptions and a valuable input into asset planning.

• All of our operated assets had a stakeholder engagement plan in place and conducted regular stakeholder engagement activities, including one-on-one meetings, dialogue tables (multi-issue, multi-stakeholder), consultation groups (issue based), written communications and open days.

• The primary concerns of community members, as reported to our operated assets, largely related to community support (including economic contribution, capacity building, resilience and social inclusion), environmental sustainability and a desire for more communications or engagement from BHP.

• Complaints and grievance mechanisms were in place across all our operated assets.

• 103 community complaints (four classified as grievances(1)) were received globally across our operated assets. While this was a 10 per cent decrease in community complaints compared to FY2020, we are revising our approach to reporting to ensure we capture and record all concerns, complaints and grievances received through our community engagement channels.

• No significant community incidents were recorded, meeting our five-year public target of no significant community events between FY2017 and FY2022.(2)

• No artisanal or small-scale mining on or adjacent to our operations was reported.

As part of our commitment to respecting human rights, we recognise water access, sanitation and hygiene as fundamental human rights and acknowledge traditional, spiritual and cultural connections to water. Engaging with communities on water challenges is a component of our water stewardship work outlined in our Water Stewardship Position Statement. In FY2021, we sought to strengthen our engagement with stakeholders on water-related threats and opportunities at the community and catchment levels through the commencement of Water Resource Situation Analysis projects, to identify the shared water challenges and collective action opportunities across the catchment.

More information on community is available at bhp.com/community.

(1)  An event or community complaint relating to an adverse impact/event that has escalated to the point where a third-party intervention or adjudication is required to resolve it.

(2)  A significant event resulting from BHP operated activities is one with an actual severity rating of four or above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum performance requirements for risk management.

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1.13.9    Human rights

We are committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, and operating in a way that is consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the UNGC Ten Principles.

Our commitments are implemented through Our Charter values, Our Code of Conduct, the Human Rights Policy Statement (HRPS) and the Our Requirements standards. We seek to meet those commitments through policies and processes, due diligence activities, training and by monitoring activities that may have human rights impacts.

BHP’s HRPS sets out our expectations of our people, business partners and other relevant parties to respect human rights. In FY2021, our annual review of the HRPS identified two areas in which stakeholders are seeking greater transparency and a more explicit commitment:

• labour rights, specifically to operate consistently with the terms of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, including the four core labour standards

• human rights requirements of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management

The HRPS was updated to reflect these commitments and has been endorsed by relevant members of our Executive Leadership Team. It is available at bhp.com.

In FY2021:

• A total of 610 employees completed human rights training,(1) including teams across Corporate Affairs and Commercial functions. The training is publicly available at bhp.com.

• Our human rights impact assessment (HRIA) pilot project was finalised resulting in a globally consistent methodology for HRIAs to be applied across our operated assets.

• HRIAs were conducted by an external consultant across Minerals Australia and Minerals Americas, with self-assessments conducted at each of these operated assets. A HRIA was also conducted for the Jansen Potash Project in Canada. The Our Requirements standards require operated assets to complete a HRIA at least every three years and review whenever there are changes that may affect the impact profile.

• No resettlements or physical or economic displacement of families or communities occurred as a result of the activities of our operated assets.

In Australia, the most salient human rights related risks reported in the HRIA include sexual assault and sexual harassment, mental health, and fair and equitable treatment (for example, discrimination, inclusion and diversity and equal pay for equal work). These findings align with responses to existing risks currently managed across our business through measures including the introduction of a sexual assault and sexual harassment support line, our ongoing focus on mental health and our commitment to inclusion and diversity. Human rights related risks to communities, including those related to the environment, Indigenous peoples and access to remedy, were also identified. The most salient human rights related risks reported in the HRIA for Chile were access to remedy for employees and contractors, fair and equitable treatment, occupational health and safety, access to remedy for communities where we operate, water and the impacts of COVID-19. Additional human rights risks relating to security, cumulative impacts on communities and working conditions were identified across our operated assets in Chile.

The outcomes of the HRIA pilot are expected to strengthen our approach to managing and monitoring human rights related risks. In FY2022, our operated assets and functions intend to use a risk-based approach to determine when a HRIA needs to be reviewed or conducted. Results of the HRIAs are also expected to be better integrated into our existing risk assessment processes to enhance our understanding of the full spectrum of identified risks, and where required, develop additional controls. Social value assessments are intended to include HRIA results to ensure our operated assets have a deep understanding of their operating context and external environment as inputs into their business planning.

(1)  The number of employees trained has been annualised using data from a 10-month period, July to April, to determine a total for the year.

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During FY2021, we reviewed the risk of an actual or perceived failure to prevent or mitigate an adverse human rights impact linked to our supply chain (directly or indirectly), including maritime activities. We continued to focus on embedding and building the maturity of our supply chain due diligence program taking a risk-based approach to assessing potential human rights breaches by our suppliers, including extended due diligence for high or very high risk suppliers based on our initial risk rating processes.

In FY2021, we started to align our supply chain due diligence with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance on Conflict-Affected and High Risk Areas. This work is to be completed by the end of FY2022 with an update on alignment activities planned for inclusion in our FY2022 Modern Slavery Statement.

Modern slavery

Our Modern Slavery Statement FY2021, prepared under the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) and the Australian Modern Slavery Act (2018), is available at bhp.com.

More information on our approach to human rights is available at bhp.com/humanrights.

1.13.10    Indigenous peoples

We respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and acknowledge their right to maintain their culture, identity, traditions and customs. We also recognise the significant contribution Indigenous peoples make to national and international economic prosperity brought about by mining.

Many of our operated assets around the world are located on or near the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples. We believe this establishes a fundamental relationship with Indigenous peoples who are critical partners and, in many jurisdictions, rights-holders under law. As global events of the past 18 months have reinforced, the continued success of BHP and the industry more broadly is dependent on having strong and trusting relationships with Indigenous peoples.

In FY2021, we established a new global Indigenous Engagement team to lead Indigenous engagement, agreement-making and advocacy to enhance our focus on our engagement with Indigenous peoples. We also continued our focus on cultural heritage management practices. Our Cultural Heritage team has enhanced our systems and processes to ensure operational decision-making is informed by the most up to date heritage information. This program of work commenced with enhancements to Western Australia Iron Ore’s cultural heritage databases and information systems, enabling us to better integrate cultural heritage considerations into our mine planning processes. As a result, we can better understand and engage with Traditional Owners on cultural heritage sites that may be impacted by our activities earlier in the planning process. A staged rollout across Minerals Australia will continue in FY2022, with relevant lessons to be applied beyond Australia.

We further strengthened our engagement with Traditional Owners and other representative Indigenous bodies during the year. This includes the introduction of a set of Principles on Cultural Heritage in Australia agreed with the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance. The Principles are jointly developed to guide and inform BHP’s approach to Indigenous cultural heritage in Australia. The Principles represent an important, further contribution to BHP’s commitments in relation to Indigenous peoples, agreement-making and cultural heritage and will apply in addition to the existing requirements in relation to Indigenous engagement and cultural heritage set out in BHP’s agreements with Traditional Owners.

Beyond cultural heritage engagement, we implement Regional Indigenous Peoples Plans, which set expectations for our relationships with Indigenous peoples across our operated assets. We believe we are well positioned to bring economic participation opportunities to Indigenous communities where we operate and through these plans, we articulate our approach to agreement-making, Indigenous procurement, employment and social investment, which are core components of our Indigenous Peoples Strategy.

Our efforts are complementary to the BHP Foundation’s global programs supporting Indigenous peoples. These include the landmark ‘10 Deserts’ project in Australia that has enabled and supported Indigenous land management activities across 35 per cent of the Australian landmass, and similar projects supporting Indigenous peoples’ participation in the management and protection of traditional lands in the Boreal Forest of Canada and the Peruvian Amazon.

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Minerals Australia

There has been broad support and wide-ranging community efforts to further strengthen the laws, policies and practices regulating how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage values are managed in Australia.

We participated in the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia’s inquiry into matters relevant to the Juukan Gorge events in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The Committee’s Terms of Reference include considering the effectiveness and adequacy of state and federal laws in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage in each jurisdiction. In December 2020, the Committee released its Interim Report with recommendations calling for stronger cultural heritage protection legislation and noting the Western Australian Government is in the process of progressing heritage law reform.

Consultation with Aboriginal people, industry representatives, heritage professionals and the broader community on Western Australia’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill 2020 (WA) concluded in FY2021. The passage of new legislation remains subject to parliamentary processes.

A Heritage Advisory Council comprising Banjima Elders and senior BHP representatives has been established to provide input into mine planning at South Flank. The Council has convened on several occasions and is a vital forum for ongoing high-level dialogue on important cultural heritage and related matters. This Council and corresponding forums seek to enable a critical exchange for appropriate understanding and management of cultural heritage so concerns can be raised and addressed.

In January 2021, as part of routine monitoring at Mining Area C in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, we identified a rock fall at a registered Banjima heritage site. Since that time, we have been working closely with the Banjima community, via an independent investigation conducted by a team of external experts, to understand how the rock fall occurred. The key findings of the investigation will be released publicly. We continue to be committed to working in partnership with the Banjima community to responsibly manage heritage and further strengthen our processes as we learn from this event.

Upholding our commitment to Australian Indigenous peoples requires Group-wide awareness and commitment. In FY2021:

• We developed an Australian Indigenous Cultural Respect Framework, including developing a package of additional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training and awareness sessions targeted at our leaders and employees, which is intended to be delivered in partnership with Traditional Owner groups where possible. Elements of the framework were delivered in FY2021, with further rollouts scheduled for FY2022.

• We provided a submission to the Australian Government’s Indigenous Voice co-design consultation process outlining support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a greater voice on the laws, policies and services that impact them, their communities and their lives. This submission is consistent with our broader support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Uluru Statement calls for meaningful structural reforms designed to enable a new relationship between First Nations and the Australian nation based on justice and self-determination.

• BMC and the Barada Barna people negotiated an Indigenous Land Use Agreement to provide BMC with consents for past, current and future acts associated with the South Walker Creek mine and deliver a comprehensive benefits package for immediate and intergenerational benefits to the Barada Barna people. In conjunction, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan was agreed, providing for the protection and appropriate management of Aboriginal cultural heritage at the mine. Further work is underway with the Widi people in relation to shared country at South Walker Creek.

In FY2021, Minerals Australia saw a 17 per cent increase, to A$114.6 million, in our direct spend with Indigenous businesses across our operated assets as compared to FY2020 levels. Of this A$48.4 million was with BHP Considered Traditional Owner Businesses.(1) Compared to FY2020 levels, we also increased the number of Indigenous businesses we directly procure from by 35 per cent.

(1)  Suppliers that have any ownership by a Traditional Owner(s) from one of the language groups in which BHP operates or as defined in an Indigenous Land Use Agreement or other formal agreement, providing a minimum overall Indigenous ownership of 50 per cent exists.

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Minerals Americas

In line with our Indigenous Peoples Plan for South America, we seek to work closely with the communities where we operate to make a positive contribution, including through key agreement-making with local communities. We reviewed our cultural heritage risks in FY2021 and are continuing work to improve our processes for the management of cultural heritage across all our activities and supporting the work being undertaken by our non-operated joint ventures where we have the opportunity to do so. We established a permanent Minerals Americas Indigenous Engagement team to enhance our work and have sought to use our Indigenous peoples global working group to better ensure alignment and sharing of leading practices.

In Chile, our operated asset Escondida, the Attorney General’s Office, the Peine Atacamanian Indigenous community and the Council of Atacamanian Peoples recently entered into an agreement to improve the environmental sustainability of the Salar de Punta Negra following the settlement of a legal claim. For more information, refer to section 1.13.13.

During FY2021, we refreshed most of our Opportunity Agreements with our Jansen Potash Project Indigenous partners in Canada. In December 2020, we signed our first Opportunity Agreement with the George Gordon First Nation. The refresh of two remaining Opportunity Agreements is expected to be completed in FY2022.

Non-operated joint ventures – Resolution

Resolution Copper Mining is jointly owned by Rio Tinto (55 per cent) and BHP (45 per cent) and managed by Rio Tinto. In January 2021, the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published, part of an independent governmental, social and environmental assessment and licensing process led by the United States Forest Service (USFS) under the National Environmental Policy Act. In March 2021, the US Department of Agriculture directed the USFS to rescind the FEIS.

We recognise the Resolution Copper project area includes sites of cultural significance for Native American Tribes and their members. Resolution Copper Mining has indicated it intends to continue to engage in the regulatory processes determined by the United States Government and has publicly stated its commitment to ongoing engagement with Native American Tribes. Resolution Copper is working to seek consent before any decision is made on the development of the project, consistent with the ICMM Position Statement on Indigenous Peoples and Mining.(1) We are monitoring and supporting Resolution Copper Mining’s engagement with Native American Tribes through ongoing good-faith dialogue.

Our funding decisions in relation to Resolution Copper will be contingent upon the project satisfying commercial considerations and alignment with our values, policies and practices concerning the rights of Indigenous peoples.

More information on Indigenous peoples is available at bhp.com/indigenous.

1.13.11    Social investment

Social investment is a tool in our overall approach to create social value and contribute to the resilience of communities and the environment, in line with our broader business priorities. Our long-standing commitment is to invest not less than 1 per cent of pre-tax profits(2) in voluntary social and environmental initiatives.

In FY2021, our voluntary social investment totalled US$174.84 million, an increase of 17 per cent compared with FY2020. This investment consisted of US$100.41 million in direct community development and environmental projects and donations, US$7.96 million equity share to non-operated joint venture social investment programs and a US$50 million donation to the BHP Foundation and US$2.08 million under the Matched Giving Program. Administrative costs(3) to facilitate direct social investment activities totalled US$12.53 million and US$1.86 million supported the operations of the BHP Foundation. The BHP Foundation is a charitable organisation established and funded by BHP that addresses some of the world’s most critical sustainable development challenges relevant to the resources sector. The Foundation partners with NGO’s and international institutions to drive systemic change. For example, its partnership with the NGO Open Contracting Partnership has led to reforms in public procurement in Colombia resulting in improved school meals for 700,000 children; and in Chile where open contracting reforms contributed to a reduction in the cost of medicines, improved citizen access to affordable healthcare and resulted in government savings of an estimated US$9 million. More information is available at bhp.com/foundation.

(1)  http://www.icmm.com/en-gb/about-us/member-requirements/position-statements/indigenous-peoples.

(2)  Our voluntary social investment is calculated as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit.

(3)  The direct costs associated with implementing social investment activities, including labour, travel, research and development, communications and costs to facilitate the operation of the BHP Foundation.

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Social Investment Framework
Theme	Aim	FY2021
Future of work	We aim to enhance human capability and social inclusion through education and vocational training and skills development.	•   Through our support, approximately 19,000 people completed education or training courses in digital, technology, leadership and/or problem-solving initiatives. Over 9,750 of these participants were Indigenous people and 6,187 were female. •   313 education institutions aligned course content to business needs in order to better prepare participants for future work readiness. •   1,559 participants found paid employment following completion of their training.
Future of environment	We aim to contribute to environmental resilience through biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, water stewardship and climate change mitigation and adaptation.	•   We made 29 investments in nature-based solutions. •   Contributed to improved management of approximately 13 million hectares. •   75 scientific or thought leadership papers or specific knowledge sharing events were supported.
Future of communities	We aim to contribute to the understanding, development and sustainable use of resources to support communities to be more adaptive and resilient.	•   836 organisations enhanced internal capability to support efficient and sustainable communities. •   505 organisations planned or delivered initiatives that increase/improve infrastructure, use of technology and/or use of resources that enhance community resilience, including 68 initiatives specific to Indigenous peoples.

In March 2020, we established the Vital Resources Fund (VRF) with a commitment of A$50 million to support response and recovery efforts associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, the funds have been invested to address immediate community need, support remote Indigenous communities and complement government investment as well as supporting the pandemic recovery phase to meet emerging needs and impacts across the key areas of employment and training, technology and wellbeing. Over 850,000 people have so far directly benefited from the donations and more than one-third of funding was invested specifically to support Indigenous communities.

More information on the VRF, including a case study and other initiatives to support communities where we operate that are experiencing the impact of COVID-19, is available at bhp.com.

Supporting local economic growth

To support the growth of local communities we aim to source and promote locally available products and services as an important part of our external expenditure. Our operated assets develop local procurement plans designed to identify opportunities for local suppliers, including small businesses, to deliver capacity building and employment.

In FY2021, 13 per cent of our external expenditure of US$16.9 billion was with local suppliers with an additional 83 per cent of our expenditure made within the regions where we operate, while 4 per cent was from suppliers external to the home country of operation. Of the US$16.9 billion paid to more than 9,000 suppliers across the globe, US$2.1 billion was paid to local suppliers in the communities where we operate.

Our expenditure with local suppliers in FY2021 was primarily in Chile (17 per cent), Australia (12 per cent), the United States (8 per cent) and Trinidad and Tobago (1 per cent). These percentages are of our total external expenditure.

More information on social investment is available at bhp.com/socialinvestment.

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1.13.12    Environment

We are committed to minimising our adverse environmental impacts. Our operations and growth strategy depend on obtaining and maintaining the right to access environmental resources. However, with growing pressure on, and competition for these resources, and with climate change amplifying certain sensitivities of our natural systems, our environmental performance and management of our environmental impacts on the communities where we operate are critical to creating social value.

At every stage in the life cycle of our operated assets, we seek to avoid, minimise and mitigate our adverse environmental impacts in line with our defined risk appetite. We recognise our activities have an environmental footprint and commit to making voluntary contributions to support environmental resilience across the regions where we operate. Our Group-wide approach to environmental management is set out in the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard and our mandatory minimum performance requirements for risk management. These standards have been designed taking account of the ISO management system requirements, including ISO14001 for Environmental Management, and set the basis for how we manage risk, including realising opportunities, to achieve our environmental objectives.

The Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard requires us to take an integrated, risk-based approach to managing any actual or reasonably foreseeable operational impacts (direct, indirect and cumulative) on land, biodiversity, water and air. This includes establishing and implementing environmental risk monitoring and review practices throughout our business planning and project evaluation cycles. In addition to the broader environment-specific components, the standard includes climate change related requirements for our operated assets.

To support continuous improvement, each of our operated assets is required to have an Environmental Management System (EMS) that aligns with ISO14001 standards and set target environmental outcomes for land, biodiversity, air and water resources that are consistent with the assessed risks and potential impacts. Target environmental outcomes are included in the life of asset plan and approved by the relevant Asset President or equivalent. We verify our EMS by ISO14001 certification (for sites currently holding ISO14001 certification) or through our internal assurance processes.

More information on our environmental approach, the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard, and our environmental management and governance processes is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

Contributing to a resilient environment

Biodiversity is essential to maintain healthy ecosystems and the clean air, water and productive landscapes and seascapes we all need to survive and thrive. We are seeing an increasing societal focus on the urgent need to reverse current trends in biodiversity loss, and as a global resources company, we acknowledge we have a role to play in contributing to environmental resilience. We do this through our social investment strategy and our work with strategic partners and communities.

Our work with strategic partners, including Conservation International, and local communities is focused on contributing to enduring environmental and social benefits through biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, water stewardship and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Our preference is to invest in projects that contribute to cultural, economic and community benefits in addition to environmental resilience. Since FY2011, we have invested more than US$85 million in environmental resilience initiatives.

More information on the environment and our environmental projects is available at bhp.com/environment.

Our focus on environmental resilience is complementary to the work of the BHP Foundation.

More information is available at bhp.com/foundation.

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1.13.13    Water

Access to safe, clean water is a basic human right and essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Water is also integral to what we do and we cannot operate without it. In FY2017, we adopted a Water Stewardship Strategy to improve our management of water, increase transparency and contribute to the resolution of shared water challenges. Our Water Stewardship Position Statement was developed in FY2019 and outlines our 2030 vision.

More information is available at bhp.com/water.

We recognise our responsibility to effectively manage our interactions with and minimise our adverse impacts on water resources. Effective water stewardship begins within our operations. We use water in a number of ways, including but not limited to: extracting it for ore processing and to access ore; dust suppression; processing mine tailings; providing drinking water and sanitation facilities; and using marine water for desalination. By improving water management and stewardship within our operations, we can more credibly collaborate with others to find solutions for water challenges and opportunities, including water scarcity or high variability in water supply. We work to identify and assess opportunities to reduce stress on water resources as a result of our operations and implement actions where appropriate.

Key opportunities identified during FY2020 and FY2021 included working with stakeholders to identify shared water challenges through Water Resource Situation Analysis (WRSAs) and ongoing engagements and adoption of new water technologies. The outcomes of the WRSAs will be publicly available to support continued collaboration between stakeholders who share the same water resources we use in our operations.

During FY2021, we focused on better understanding our catchment-level risks, developing long-term water strategies at our operated assets and setting performance standards for operational water related risk. We also commenced a pilot program focused on catchment-level WRSAs to inform development of new public context-based water targets for our operated assets.

We have made progress on our current public target for water. In FY2017, we announced a five-year water target of reducing FY2022 freshwater withdrawal(1) by 15 per cent from FY2017 levels(2) across our operated assets. In FY2021, freshwater withdrawal decreased by 11 per cent (113,444 megalitres compared to 126,997 megalitres in FY2020). Our FY2021 result also represents a 27 per cent reduction on the adjusted FY2017 baseline, exceeding our 15 per cent reduction target. Progress on the target is primarily due to ongoing reduction of groundwater withdrawal over the last five years, and from the cessation of groundwater withdrawal for operational water consumption from the Salar Punta Negra and Monturaqui aquifers at Escondida in December. We remain on track to sustain reductions and meet the 15 per cent reduction target by the end of FY2022.

Our global freshwater withdrawals from FY2017 to FY2021 are shown in the chart below.

(1)  Where ‘withdrawal’ is defined as water withdrawn and intended for use (in accordance with ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’, ICMM (2017)). ‘Fresh water’ is defined as waters other than seawater, wastewater from third parties and hypersaline groundwater. Freshwater withdrawal also excludes entrained water that would not be available for other uses. These exclusions have been made to align with the target’s intent to reduce the use of freshwater sources of potential value to other users or the environment.

(2)  The FY2017 baseline data has been adjusted to account for: the materiality of the strike affecting water withdrawals at Escondida in FY2017 and improvements to water balance methodologies at WAIO, BMA and BMC and exclusion of hypersaline, wastewater, entrainment, supplies from desalination and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) in FY2019 and FY2020.

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All water performance data presented in this Annual Report is from operated assets during FY2021. We report on the water metrics, risks and management, as described in section 4.8, in the ICMM ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’ (ICMM guidance), and the Minerals Council of Australia’s Water Accounting Framework (WAF). Generally, these align with the reporting requirements documented in the GRI Standards and the CEO Water Mandate. Currently, water withdrawal data reported is considered to be at a high accuracy level based on WAF determination. This is predominately driven by a high degree of accurately measured water withdrawal quantity data at our Escondida desalination facility which represents just over half of our water withdrawal volumes. For more information about water accounting, including accuracy levels with respect to our discharge volumes and water data quality, refer to bhp.com/water.

In FY2021, we began to report on water volumes for those operated assets classed by the WWF Water Risk Filter(1) as being located in high or extremely high water stress areas. The disclosure of water data in high-stress areas is required by numerous reporting frameworks, including the draft updated ICMM guidance.

BHP has a commitment to contribute to improved mining sector water reporting through strengthened ICMM guidance, aligned with GRI requirements. In FY2021 we collated information on change in water storage as described in the revised ICMM Water Reporting Guidance and used it to support further assessment of the validity of assumptions underpinning asset water models and water balances. Water modelling contains a degree of uncertainty due to inclusion of estimates and assumptions. The collation of information to inform reporting of change in water storage has identified areas for improvement in the estimated and simulated data within the water models as currently used at our Coal assets. We intend to undertake work during FY2022 to assess underlying assumptions in an effort to improve the water modelling at those assets, as well as further maturing the measurement of changes in water storage across the Group. For this reason, we have not included change in water storage data in our reporting for FY2021.

We seek to minimise our withdrawal of high-quality fresh water. Seawater continues to be our largest source of water withdrawal, representing more than half of total withdrawals, predominantly for desalination at Escondida and use of seawater in our Petroleum operated assets. Groundwater is our most significant freshwater source, at close to one-quarter of total water withdrawals. In FY2021, approximately 80 per cent of our water withdrawals consisted of water classified as low quality. The definitions for water quality types are provided in section 4.11.4 and a detailed description is available in section 2.4 of the WAF.

(1)  https://waterriskfilter.panda.org/.

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Beyond our operational activities, we have committed to engaging across communities, government, business and civil society with the aim of catalysing actions to improve water governance, increase recognition of water’s diverse values and advance sustainable solutions. We continue to collaborate with the CEO Water Mandate to support harmonisation of water accounting standards as part of our commitment to strengthen transparency and collaboration across all sectors for improved water governance.

In the context of an environmental damage lawsuit in relation to the Salar de Punta Negra (SPN), Escondida, the Attorney General Office, the Indigenous Community of Peine and the Council of Atacamanian Peoples reached an environmental agreement that considers the implementation of a long-term environmental management plan, as well as a series of compensation and repair measures. A participatory governance arrangement, comprising representatives of all the involved parties, will work together for the implementation of the plan. Escondida stopped extracting water in SPN in 2017 and then completely ceased the use of groundwater from the SPN and Monturaqui Andean aquifers in December 2019 (with small quantities of groundwater extracted for pit dewatering to allow safe mining). We remain on track to sustain reductions and meet the 15 per cent reduction target by the end of FY2022.

Following a court ruling regarding Cerro Colorado’s main environmental licence in January 2021, the Chilean Environmental Authority is re-evaluating the licence conditions permitting Cerro Colorado to extract water from the Lagunillas aquifer, and is carrying out a consultation process with an Indigenous community to assess potential environmental impacts.

In August 2021 an individual commenced a legal action through the First Environmental Court of Antofagasta (Court) that alleges Cerro Colorado’s water extraction from the Lagunillas aquifer has caused damage to the Lagunillas aquifer, the Huantija lagoon, and nearby wetlands. The Court granted an injunction requiring Cerro Colorado to suspend water extraction from the Lagunillas aquifer commencing on 1 October 2021 for a period of 90 days which may be extended. Cerro Colorado is evaluating its legal and operational options.

For more information on our approach to water stewardship, progress against our water strategy, water performance in FY2021 and case studies on activities we are taking to progress towards meeting our water stewardship vision, refer to bhp.com/water.

1.13.14    Land and biodiversity

The nature of our activities means we have a significant responsibility for land and biodiversity management. We own or manage more than 8 million hectares of land and sea; however, only 2 per cent is disturbed (physical or chemical alteration that substantially disrupts the pre-existing habitats and land cover) for our operational activities.

At each of our operated assets, we look to manage threats and realise opportunities to achieve our environmental objectives. We apply the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, mitigate, rehabilitate and, where appropriate, apply compensatory measures) to any potential or residual adverse impacts on marine or terrestrial ecosystems.

We respect legally designated protected areas and commit to avoiding areas or activities where we consider the environmental risk is outside our risk appetite. As part of our commitments:

• We do not explore or extract resources within the boundaries of World Heritage listed properties.

• We do not explore or extract resources adjacent to World Heritage listed properties, unless the proposed activity is compatible with the outstanding universal values for which the World Heritage property is listed.

• We do not explore or extract resources within or adjacent to the boundaries of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Protected Areas Categories I to IV, unless a plan is implemented that meets regulatory requirements, takes into account stakeholder expectations and contributes to the values for which the protected area is listed.

• We do not operate where there is a risk of direct impacts to ecosystems that could result in the extinction of an IUCN Red List Threatened Species in the wild.

• We do not dispose of mined waste rock or tailings into a river or marine environment.

Our operated assets are required to have plans and processes that reflect local biodiversity risks and regulatory requirements. In FY2021, we prepared internal guidance on biodiversity-related elements of the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard to support more consistent interpretation and application of those standards at our operated assets. We have a five-year target to improve marine and terrestrial biodiversity outcomes by developing a framework by the end of FY2022. This will enable us to better monitor the impacts of our activities on biodiversity and to avoid, reduce and offset adverse impacts in a coordinated way.

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Development of the framework started in FY2018 and we are progressing this work with Conservation International and Proteus, a voluntary partnership between the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP WCMC) and 12 extractive industry companies. During FY2021, we assessed all our operated assets using an early stage methodology developed by UNEP WCMC and developed a prototype scorecard based on this methodology to test and refine how we track biodiversity status and trends at our operated assets. The framework will be used to track achievement of our long-term biodiversity goal: that by FY2030, we will have made a measurable contribution to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in all regions where we operate in line with UNSDGs 14 and 15.

More information on our approach to biodiversity and land management and current performance, including operated assets owned, leased, managed in or adjacent to protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas is available at bhp.com/biodiversity.

Closure

We recognise the potentially significant social, environmental and financial risks associated with future closure of our operations. We seek to integrate closure into our planning, decision-making and operations through the entire life cycle of our operated assets.

As a global leader in the development of natural resources, we have a responsibility to demonstrate a planned and purposeful approach to closure through the life cycle of our operated assets. This process requires the consideration of risks, threats and opportunities for the communities and environment in which we operate, as well as our workforce and shareholder value. It drives towards optimised closure outcomes for our sites by balancing our values, obligations, safety, costs and the expectations of external stakeholders to enable an outcome that involves one or a combination of alternative land uses, ongoing management, relinquishment or responsible divestment.

Each of our operations (whether projects, producing, in care and maintenance or a closed site) must have a closure management plan, documenting the implementation of the closure management process. This process includes collating relevant knowledge and data, undertaking risk and opportunity assessments, framing and comparing alternative closure options, and selecting the optimised closure outcomes. Closure management plans are required to be supported by stakeholder engagement across the life cycle of the site, and should balance business and stakeholder needs while meeting the following objectives:

• comply with legal requirements and obligations, and our mandatory minimum performance requirements for closure

• achieve safe and stable outcomes and meet approved environment outcomes

• manage pre and post-closure risks (including opportunities)

• progressively reduce obligations, including progressive closure of the area disturbed by our operational footprint

• manage and optimise closure costs

Closure management plans are also required to include long-term monitoring to verify any controls implemented to manage closure risks and seek to realise opportunities throughout the life of our operations, including closure and post-closure, are effective, and that performance standards are achieved and maintained after operations cease.

Progressive closure of areas no longer required for operational purposes is included in our closure management plans and integrated into operational plans. Our closure management plans are regularly reviewed to reflect updated asset planning and include current knowledge obtained from onsite experience, locally, across our business and globally across the industry.

Information about our financial provision related to closure and rehabilitation liabilities is available in note 15 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’ in section 3.

We report annually on the status of land disturbance and rehabilitation.

More information on our approach to closure is available at bhp.com/sustainability/closure.

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1.13.15    Tailings storage facilities

Ensuring the integrity of our tailings storage facilities (TSFs) is a primary focus across our business. Our aspiration is to achieve zero harm from tailings and we will continue to work with others and share our progress in an effort to make this a reality.

In 2015, after the tragic failure of the Fundão dam at Samarco BHP initiated a Dam Risk Review to assess the management of major TSFs. The catastrophic failure of the Brumadinho dam at Vale’s operation in Brazil in January 2019 further strengthened our resolve to reduce tailings failure risk. For information about the Samarco tragedy and our progress with the response, refer to section 1.15.

In CY2019 we created a Tailings Taskforce (TTF) team reporting to the Executive Leadership Team and the Board’s Sustainability Committee. The TTF, accountable for accelerating our short-, medium- and long-term strategies and embedding leading practice, was integrated into the Resource Centre of Excellence at the end of FY2021 to create a permanent Tailings Excellence team.

Governance

In FY2021, we further strengthened the governance and assurance of our operated TSFs. We updated our mandatory minimum performance requirements for the effective management of TSF failure risks, aligning our internal requirements to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). This is intended to ensure our technical TSF and cross-functional guidance is consistent with the GISTM and the requirements are embedded across the business. Our focus is on gap assessments against the GISTM, completing corporate, asset and TSF-level evaluations to inform our implementation planning towards conformance within the timelines outlined by the ICMM. A BHP Tailings Storage Facility Policy Statement has been published on our website, outlining our Board of Directors’ commitment to the safe management of TSFs, emergency preparedness and response, recovery in the event of a failure and transparency. We also defined our Accountable Executive (AE) positions, who are direct reports of the BHP Chief Executive Officer and answerable to the BHP Board’s Sustainability Committee in conformance with GISTM requirements. The AE roles include an AE accountable for the companywide TSF governance framework, and AEs accountable for the safety of TSFs, tasked with avoiding or minimising the potential environmental and social impacts of a TSF failure, tailings management training and emergency preparedness and response. Their responsibilities will include having regular communication with TSF operational and technical employees.

In FY2021, we continued to progress work on TSF failure risk management. We completed the independent reviews of TSF failure risks across our operations with findings incorporated into risk remediation plans. These reviews partner leading industry experts with our technical leads to review and enhance our global tailings governance framework. The process is in addition to other governance activities, including Dam Safety Reviews, Independent Tailings Review Boards and project specific Independent Peer Reviews. Key risk indicators (KRIs) set by management help to monitor the performance in dam integrity and design, overtopping/flood management and emergency response planning. These KRIs have been updated to align to the GISTM.

We engaged in a partnership with Rio Tinto and the University of Western Australia to support the Future Tails Initiative, focused on training, education, research and best-practice guides in the tailings management space. This is a major step towards supporting safe stewardship of TSFs for the industry and we intend to continue this collaboration to build capacity and knowledge within the industry.

Strategy

Our short-term strategy continues to focus on improving KRI performance in line with defined targets. We are completing studies at all our operated assets focused on reducing and mitigating potential downstream impacts particularly to populations at risk (PAR). Most assets have completed these studies resulting in a diverse range of options to reduce the PAR exposure at our TSF sites or mitigate TSF failure risk. In some cases, we have elected to proactively eliminate the risk of catastrophic failure. For example, we have relocated a TSF at a Legacy Asset (an operated asset, or part thereof, located in the Americas that is in the closure phase) site in Miami, Arizona, to a nearby depression on the interior of the mine site which is expected to eliminate the risk of failure to people in the potential impact zone.

Our medium- and long-term strategies focus on the development of technologies to improve tailings management storage, which we believe are important in our aspiration of zero harm from tailings. Asset-specific strategies have been developed for all of our operated and legacy assets and seek long-term alternative tailings solutions. In addition, while our non-operated joint ventures (NOJVs) are independently controlled and have their own operating and management standards, we encourage NOJVs to consider long-term alternative tailings solutions as an option in asset planning.

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Transparency

We fully support the GISTM and are working towards implementation at our sites. We have prioritised and actioned a phased disclosure approach to support our journey towards conformance, starting with an update to our previously published Church of England Disclosure. We have contributed to improvements in tailings storage management across the mining industry, including through the ICMM Tailings Working Group. We are participants in other tailings working groups globally, including those associated with the Canadian Dam Association, Australian National Committee on Large Dams, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Minerals Council of Australia, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, and Fundación Chile. We have continued to participate in the Investor Mining and Tailings Safety Initiative, an investor-led engagement convening institutional investors active in extractive industries, including major asset owners and asset managers.

Operated and non-operated tailings portfolio

The classifications described in this Annual Report align to the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) classification system. It is important to note the TSF classification is one element of TSF risk management, but does not represent risk itself. It reflects the modelled, hypothetical most significant possible failure and consequences without controls. It does not reflect the current physical stability of the TSF and it is possible for TSF classifications to change over time, for example, following changes to the operating context of a dam. As such, this data represents the status of the portfolio as at 30 June 2021. The TSF classification informs the design, surveillance and review components of risk management. Therefore, TSFs with a higher-level classification will have more rigorous requirements than TSFs that have a lower level of classification.

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In total, there are 72 TSFs(1) at our operated assets, 29 of which are of upstream design. Of the 72 operated facilities, three are classified as extreme and a further 17 classified as very high. Fourteen of our operated facilities are active. A substantial portion of our inactive portfolio (58) at our assets is due largely to the number of historic tailings facilities associated with our North American legacy assets portfolio. Further detail of the risk reduction work underway for high consequence classification facilities is provided above in the Strategy and Governance sections and online in our case studies.

There are 12 TSFs at our non-operated joint ventures, which are all located in the Americas. The four active tailings facilities are located in Antamina in Peru, which is of downstream construction, Patilla Norte Pit, an in-pit TSF and two TSFs at Samarco in Brazil, Alegria Sul TSF, which is co-mingled dry stack, and Alegria Sul Pit, an in-pit TSF. In addition, there are eight inactive facilities. These comprise of two upstream facilities at Samarco (Germano) in Brazil being decommissioned following the February 2019 rulings by the Brazilian Government on upstream dams in Brazil; three upstream inactive facilities and one inactive modified centreline facility at Resolution Copper in the United States; one downstream inactive facility at Bullmoose in Canada and one inactive downstream facility, Cantor TSF, at Cerrejón in Colombia.

(1)  The number of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) is based on the definition agreed to by the ICMM Tailings Advisory Group at the original time of submission and expanded to align with the TSF definition established in the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM). An increase of five TSFs is reported since our Church of England submission in 2019 due to the updated BHP definition of TSF to align with the GISTM. We keep this definition under review.

(2)  The Island Copper tailing facility originally disclosed in our Church of England submission in 2019 for the purposes of transparency has been removed as it is not a dam nor considered a TSF under the GISTM definition of a TSF. Tailings at Island Copper were deposited in the ocean under an approved license and environmental impact assessment. This historic practice ceased in the 1990s. We have since committed not to dispose of mine waste rock or tailings in river or marine environments. We continue to conduct environmental effects monitoring.

(3)  The following classifications aligned to the CDA classification system. It is important to note that the classification is based on the modelled, hypothetical most significant failure mode and consequences possible without controls, and not on the current physical stability of the dam.

(4)  For the purposes of this chart, ANCOLD and other classifications have been converted to their CDA equivalent.

(5)  Hamburgo TSF at Escondida is an inactive facility where tailings were deposited into a natural depression. Hamburgo TSF is not considered a dam and is, therefore, not subject to CDA classification, the assessment to determine the GISTM classification will be completed in CY2021.

(6)  SP1/2 and SP3 TSF at NSWEC are inactive facilities which have been assessed to have no credible failure modes and are therefore shown as not having a CDA classification.

(7)  Seven TSFs are currently under assessment to determine their consequence classification.

(8)  “Other” includes dams with a raising method that combines upstream, downstream and centreline or are of in-pit design.

(9)  “Inactive” includes facilities not in operational use, under reclamation, reclaimed, closed and/or in post-closure care and maintenance.

More information on our management of TSFs and global governance strategy is available at bhp.com/tailings.

1.13.16    Independent Assurance Report to the Management and Directors of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc (BHP)

Not required for US reporting.

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1.14    Section 172 statement

We are committed to continuing to deliver strong value to shareholders and to growing value for other stakeholders who depend on and support BHP. We believe this focus will be a long-term source of competitive advantage. Our Directors communicate with stakeholder groups to understand their interests and priorities through various channels, including via direct engagement and delegated committees and forums.

The UK Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006) sets out a number of general duties that directors owe to the company, including the duty to promote the success of the company, while having regard to the factors, including stakeholder factors, set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) of the CA 2006. Our Section 172 Statement sets out at a high-level how the Board considers the interests of a range of stakeholders in its discussions, decision-making and implementation of BHP’s strategy and purpose.

In addition, the Board considers the likely consequences of decisions in the long term and the importance of maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct. For more information on the Board’s decision-making process, refer to section 2.1.3.

Workforce

The Board uses a range of formal and informal communication channels and reporting methods to understand the views of the workforce. Key focus areas include health, safety and wellbeing matters, opportunities for career development and progression, as well as the Group’s culture and purpose. For more information, refer to sections 1.12 and 2.1.6.

How we engage and communicate

• Direct engagement – Directors hear from employees up to several levels below the CEO, at Board and Board Committee meetings, and at virtual and physical site visits. Issues raised by employees in these sessions have included the impact of COVID-19 in relation to mental health and fatigue management (due to quarantine requirements), views on the effectiveness of health and safety initiatives, and engagement activities with local communities.

• Webcasts – webcasts are used by the CEO to deliver key messages to the workforce on topics such as financial results, strategy, health and safety performance, confirming our zero tolerance for sexual assault and sexual harassment and our COVID-19 response; as well as for live Q&A and town hall sessions with members of management.

• Engagement and Perception Survey (EPS) and Culture Dashboard – these results provide insight to the Board on our culture and areas of focus, including where we are lagging in certain measures. The EPS survey was redesigned in FY2021 to include more targeted questions and a new survey platform to provide leaders with greater insight into the key metrics related to Safety, Engagement and Enablement, which were identified as critical foundations for our performance culture. For more information, refer to section 1.12.

• EthicsPoint – our 24-hour speak-up helpline enables employees and other stakeholders to raise matters of concern. This helps to ensure Board oversight of culture and management response to any alleged serious conduct contrary to Our Charter and Our Code of Conduct. For more information on EthicsPoint, refer to section 2.1.15.

Impact of our engagement on decision-making, strategy and purpose

• Inclusion and diversity – the Board considers and discusses progress against agreed inclusion and diversity objectives and endorses inclusion and diversity scorecard KPIs. For more information, refer to section 2.1.9.

• Culture and capability – the Board considers the capabilities and culture required for the effective execution of our strategy. These considerations are reflected in organisational structure decisions (including the design of our Executive Leadership Team, for example, the two new roles of Chief Technical Officer and the Chief Development Officer); as well as training, development and succession planning.

• Mental and physical health and wellbeing – feedback from the workforce is taken into consideration as part of health and wellbeing initiatives, such as the measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for people on-site and those working from home. Consistent with our focus on mental health within our business and recognising the particular challenges faced by the resources industry, BHP was a founding member of the Global Business Initiative for Workplace Mental Health. For more information, refer to section 1.13.5.

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Community and government

We recognise mutually beneficial relationships with communities and governments are crucial to our strategy and building social value. Key focus areas include the Group’s economic and social contribution, Indigenous relations and our approach to sustainability and environmental matters. For more information, refer to section 1.13.

How we engage and communicate

• Forum on Corporate Responsibility (FCR) – the Sustainability Committee and other members of the Board meet with members of the FCR, which comprises civil society leaders in various fields of sustainability, to discuss FCR members’ views on societal trends and how these may influence BHP’s emerging risks.

• EthicsPoint – our 24-hour speak-up helpline can also be used by external stakeholders to raise matters of concern.

• Cultural heritage practices – the Board and Sustainability Committee receive updates on BHP’s cultural heritage management, including in relation to actions to enhance our systems, processes and capability. The Chair and CEO also engaged directly with the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance. We are focused on continuing to develop our relationships with Traditional Owners, for example, in September 2020, we further strengthened our 20-year partnership with the Banjima people in Western Australia through the establishment of the South Flank Heritage Advisory Council. This is intended to ensure ongoing high-level dialogue between us on important cultural heritage and other matters.

Impact of our engagement on decision-making, strategy and purpose

• Relationships with Traditional Owners in Australia – in FY2021, we established a new global Indigenous Engagement team to lead Indigenous engagement, agreement-making and advocacy to enhance our focus on our engagement with Indigenous peoples. For more information on the improvements to our systems and processes to reflect engagement with Traditional Owners, refer to section 1.13.10.

• First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance – BHP and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance jointly designed a set of shared principles, which reaffirm BHP’s commitment to Free, Prior and Informed Consent in agreement-making. For more information, refer to section 1.13.10.

• Social value – we are embedding the consideration of social value creation across BHP, including in relevant Group targets, policies and investment decision-making processes, as well as in planning cycles for our operated assets.

• Social investment commitment – this is aligned with our broader business priorities and supports projects and provides donations with the primary purpose of contributing to the resilience of the communities and environment where we have a presence. For more information, refer to section 1.13.11.

• Climate policy and other ESG issues – the Board takes into account community and expert external views, including the FCR, in considering climate policy and other ESG issues.

Investors

Part of the Board’s commitment to high-quality governance is expressed through the approach BHP takes to engaging and communicating with our investors. Key focus areas include the Group’s overall strategy, capital allocation, social value and our financial and operational performance. For more information, refer to section 2.1.6.

How we engage and communicate

• Investor meetings – we engage regularly with investors on key areas of market interest, including heritage protection, industry associations and climate matters and feedback from these meetings is shared with the Board.

• Question and answer sessions – these sessions provide shareholders the opportunity to ask BHP leaders about the topics most important to them with answers webcast via BHP’s website.

• Review of investor perspectives – the Board receives regular feedback on investor perceptions and opinions, including through independent survey results and associated analysis.

• Annual General Meetings (AGMs) – all Board members attended the 2020 BHP Group Limited AGM virtually to engage directly with shareholders. A virtual forum for BHP Group Plc shareholders was also held as an opportunity to hear from the Chair and CEO, and to ask questions via a live text facility.

• Industry associations – we engaged with investors to discuss their views on industry associations in advance of and subsequent to the 2020 AGMs. For more information, refer to section 2.1.6.

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Impact of our engagement on decision-making, strategy and purpose

• Consideration of ESG issues – given investor interest in ESG issues, including related financial threats and opportunities the Board considers these during its strategy sessions when assessing our portfolio positions, including opportunities to create more options in future facing commodities.

• Portfolio considerations – creating and securing more options in future facing commodities remains a priority in order to strengthen our portfolio and protect and grow value over the long term. In FY2021, this included our intention to exit from our energy coal assets and non-core metallurgical coal assets, and the agreement to sell our stake in Colombian energy coal mine Cerrejón. For more information, refer to section 1.5.

• Industry associations – investor feedback has been a key input to BHP’s reforms announced in August 2020 and the active role BHP plays in shaping the policy advocacy of industry associations in which it participates.

Suppliers and customers

We seek to build authentic, collaborative relationships with our local, regional and global suppliers and customers to create shared value. We see respecting human rights as critical for our ability to contribute meaningful and ongoing social value to our stakeholders. We expect businesses we work with to respect human rights throughout the value chain. Key focus areas include the Group’s supply chain management and our approach to procurement and sales. For more information, refer to section 1.13.9.

How we engage and communicate

• Supply chain human rights – the Sustainability Committee considers BHP’s approach to policy developments in and management of human rights. The Board and Sustainability Committee review our approach to managing human rights risks in the supply chain through the discussion and approval of our annual Modern Slavery Statement. For more information, refer to section 1.13.9.

• Climate change – we are engaging with our customers and progressively with our suppliers, on opportunities to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions. For more information, refer to section 1.13.7.

Impact of our engagement on decision-making, strategy and purpose

• Emissions reduction partnerships – we established emissions reduction partnerships with three major steelmakers in China and Japan whose combined output equates to around 10 per cent of global steel production.

• Payment terms – from 1 July 2021, BHP implemented seven-day payment terms for all small, local and Indigenous businesses across our global operations. The move followed positive feedback on quicker payment terms implemented by BHP for several months in CY2020 as a temporary COVID-19 support measure.

Environment

The Board and its Committees consider a range of environmental matters throughout the year, including detailed discussions relating to climate change, biodiversity, water, tailings storage facilities, rehabilitation and closure. For more information, refer to section 1.13.12.

How we engage and communicate

• Climate change – our purpose and our strategy provide a clear direction for our climate change strategy. The Board and its relevant Committees consider climate change, including the external landscape in relation to climate risks and expectations, progress against BHP’s climate change commitments and our climate risk exposure. For more information, refer to section 1.13.7.

• Health, safety, environment and community (HSEC) targets – the Sustainability Committee receives updates on how we are performing against our public HSEC targets and longer-term goals, including in relation to water and biodiversity. For more information, refer to sections 1.13.4 and 2.1.11.

• Environmental performance – the Sustainability Committee considers reports from the HSE Officer covering environmental performance at every meeting and reports to the Board on its discussions.

Impact of our engagement on decision-making, strategy and purpose

• Climate change commitments – the Board approved commitments, including setting a medium-term target for operational (Scope 1 and Scope 2) emissions, Scope 3 emissions goals and the link between emissions performance and executive remuneration. The Board considered stakeholder feedback and views as part of its decision-making process.

• Capital allocation – in addressing our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as with all capital investments, we assess and rank each decarbonisation project through the rigour of our Capital Allocation Framework. Achieving our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction targets and goal ranks alongside maintenance capital in the hierarchy of our decisions.

• Renewable power contracts – in keeping with our target to reduce operational emissions by at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels(1) by FY2030 and our long-term goal to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2050, we established renewable power contracts for our coal operations in Queensland and nickel operations in Western Australia.

(1)  FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on GHG emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

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1.15    Samarco

The Fundão dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Fundão tailings dam operated by Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) failed. Samarco is a non-operated joint venture (NOJV) owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale), with each having a 50 per cent shareholding.

A significant volume of tailings (39.2 million cubic metres) resulting from the iron ore beneficiation process was released. Tragically, 19 people died – five community members and 14 people who were working on the dam. The communities of Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu de Baixo were flooded and other communities and the environment downstream in the Rio Doce basin were also affected.

In December 2020, Samarco restarted its operations at a reduced production level. For information on Samarco’s restart and its operations, refer to section 1.10.3.

Our response and support for Fundação Renova

BHP Brasil has been and remains fully committed to supporting the extensive ongoing remediation and compensation efforts of the Fundação Renova in Brazil.

The Framework Agreement entered into between Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil and the relevant Brazilian authorities in March 2016 established Fundação Renova, a not-for-profit, private foundation that is implementing 42 remediation and compensatory programs. BHP Brasil provides support to Fundação Renova, including through representation on the foundation’s governance structures.

BHP Brasil has provided US$1.6 billion(1) to fund Framework Agreement programs when Samarco has been unable to do so.

Fundação Renova

Resettlement

One of Fundação Renova’s priorities is the resettlement of the communities of Bento Rodrigues, Paracatu de Baixo and Gesteira. This involves ongoing engagement and consultation with a large number of stakeholders, including the affected community members, their technical advisers, state prosecutors, municipal leaders, regulators and other interested parties.

The resettlement process for Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu de Baixo involves designing new towns on land that has been chosen by the communities, to be as close as possible to the previous layout, attending to the wishes and needs of the families and communities, while also meeting permitting requirements.

In Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu de Baixo, the implementation of precautionary measures in response to COVID-19, including a suspension of works between March and June 2020, as well as increases to the technical scope for resettlement of the communities and permitting delays have impacted the timeline for completion.

Resettlement works resumed from mid-June 2020 and are continuing with a reduced workforce. Currently, there is no schedule to return to full workforce capacity given COVID-19 restrictions. At Bento Rodrigues, the construction of the public school, healthcare facilities and public infrastructure has been completed and the construction of housing is continuing to progress. At Paracatu, infrastructure works and the construction of some public buildings (such as the public school) were completed and the first houses are underway.

In addition to the community resettlements, some families from the rural area chose to rebuild their houses on their previous property. Some other families have chosen not to join the resettlement of their previous community and Fundação Renova is assisting them to purchase properties.

At Gesteira, Fundação Renova offered the families a payment solution in which they would be able to purchase property through a ‘letter of credit’. Most families of Gesteira have chosen this option and the agreements are being ratified by the 12th Federal Court.

Updates on the progress of Fundação Renova’s resettlement program are available at fundacaorenova.org/en/repair-data/resettlement-and-infrastructure.

(1)  USD amount is calculated based on actual transactional (historical) exchange rates related to Renova funding.

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Compensation and financial assistance

Fundação Renova continues to provide fair compensation to people impacted by the dam failure.

Compensation and financial assistance of approximately R$4.7 billion (approximately US$1.1 billion (1)) has been paid to support approximately 336,000 people affected by the dam failure up until 30 June 2021.

More than 10,500 general damages claims have been resolved and more than 270,000 people have been paid a total of approximately R$280 million (approximately US$65 million(1)) for temporary water interruption. The general damages component includes loss of life, injury, property damage, business impacts, loss of income and moral damages. Fundação Renova continues to provide financial assistance cards and other income support to those whose livelihoods continue to be impacted by the dam failure, including fisherfolk whose activities are affected by fishing restrictions.

In addition, approximately R$1.6 billion (approximately US$300 million(1)) was paid to more than 17,000 people under the court-mandated simplified indemnity system (known as the ‘Novel’ system), which is designed to provide compensation for informal workers who have had difficulty proving the damages they suffered, such as cart drivers, sand miners, artisanal miners and street vendors.

Updates on the progress of the compensation program are available at fundacaorenova.org/en/repair-data/indemnities-and-productive-resumption.

Other socio-economic programs

Fundação Renova continues to implement a wide range of socio-economic programs in addition to the resettlement and compensation programs. These programs cover health and infrastructure projects in the Rio Doce basin, promotion of economic development in the impacted communities and sewage treatment facilities to improve the water quality in the Rio Doce.

Environmental remediation

Since December 2019, the riverbanks and floodplains have been vegetated, river margins stabilised and in general, water quality and sediment qualities have returned to historic levels. Long-term remediation work is continuing to re-establish agriculture and native vegetation.

A ban on fishing activities along the coast of Espírito Santo and a precautionary conservation restriction preventing fishing for native fish species in the Rio Doce in Minas Gerais remain in place. Fundação Renova continues to support the recovery of habitats and aquatic ecology and engage with the authorities with the goal of lifting the restrictions.

Legal proceedings

BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and BHP Brasil are involved in legal proceedings relating to the Samarco dam failure. For more information on the significant legal proceedings involving BHP, refer to section 4.9.

1.16    Risk factors

Our principal risks are described below and may occur as a result of our activities globally, including in connection with our operated and non-operated assets, third parties engaged by BHP or through our value chain. Our principal risks, individually or collectively, could threaten our viability, strategy, business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity and reputation. They could also materially and adversely affect the health and safety of our people or members of the public, the environment, the communities in which we or our third-party partners operate, or the interests of our stakeholders leading to litigation (including class actions) or a loss of stakeholder and/or investor confidence. References to ‘financial performance’ includes our financial condition and liquidity, including due to decreased profitability or increased operating costs, capital spend, remediation costs or contingent liabilities. While the risks described in this section represent our principal risks, BHP is also exposed to other risks that are not described in this section.

While we implement preventative and/or mitigating controls designed to reduce the likelihood of a threat from occurring and minimise the impacts if it does, these may not be effective.

Key changes to our principal risks in FY2021 are the introduction of risks associated with inadequate business resilience and adopting technologies. The way in which we articulate our other principal risks has also changed since our FY2020 Annual Report. For example, risks associated with operational events have been consolidated into a single risk factor rather than being discussed across two risk factors. We have also disaggregated and combined elements of principal risks. For example, risks associated with third-party performance are embedded throughout our principal risks and climate change risks have been separated to provide a greater focus on transition risks, while risks associated with the potential physical impacts of climate change are addressed alongside other business resilience risks (as well as across other relevant principal risks). We have also simplified the presentation of our principal risks. These changes are designed to provide greater accessibility and value to stakeholders in understanding our principal risks.

With the exception of risks associated with operational events, exposure to all of our principal risks increased in FY2021. These increases were largely driven by uncertainties in the external environment, such as the continuing global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened geopolitical tensions and societal and stakeholder expectations of business (including in relation to social, environmental and climate-related risks), and increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks against companies in the resources industry and governments.

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OPERATIONAL EVENTS

Risks associated with operational events in connection with our activities globally, resulting in significant adverse impacts on our people, communities, the environment or our business.

Why is this important to BHP?

We engage in activities that have the potential to cause harm to our people and assets, and/or communities and the environment, including serious injuries, illness and fatalities, loss of infrastructure, amenities and livelihood and damage to sites of cultural significance. An operational event at our operated or non-operated assets or through our value chain could also cause damage or disruptions to our assets and operations, impact our financial performance, result in litigation or class actions and cause long-term damage to our licence to operate and reputation. The potential physical impacts of climate change could increase the likelihood and/or severity of risks associated with operational events. Impacts of operational events may also be amplified if we fail to respond in a way that is consistent with our corporate values and stakeholder expectations.

Examples of potential threats

•   An offshore well blow out, including at one of our assets in the US Gulf of Mexico, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago or Algeria, or at one of our appraisal and exploration options in Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Western and Central Gulf of Mexico or Australia.

•   Failure of a water or tailings storage facility, such as the tragic failure of the Fundão dam at Samarco in 2015 or a failure at one of our facilities in Australia, Chile, Colombia, Peru, the United States, Canada or Brazil.

•   Unplanned fire events or explosions (on the surface and underground).

•   Geotechnical stability events (such as an unexpected and large fall of ground at our underground or open pit mines, or potential interaction between our mining activities and community infrastructure or natural systems), including at our underground mines in Australia, the United States and Canada.

•   Air, land (road and rail) and marine transportation events (such as aircraft crashes or vessel collisions, groundings or hydrocarbon release) that occur while transporting people, supplies or products to exploration, operation or customer locations, which include remote and environmentally sensitive areas in Australia, South America, Asia and the United States.

•   Critical infrastructure or hazardous materials containment failures, other occupational or process safety events, or workplace exposures.

•   Operational events experienced by third parties, which may result in unavailability of shared critical infrastructure (such as railway lines or ports) or transportation routes (such as the Port Hedland channel in Western Australia).

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ACCESSING KEY MARKETS

Risks associated with market concentration and our ability to sell and deliver products into existing and future key markets, impacting our economic efficiency.

Why is this important to BHP?

We rely on the sale and delivery of the commodities we produce to customers around the world. Changes to laws, international trade arrangements, contractual terms or other requirements and/or geopolitical developments could result in physical, logistical or other disruptions to our operations in, or the sale or delivery of our commodities to, key markets. These disruptions could affect sales volumes or prices obtained for our products, adversely impacting our financial performance, results of operations and growth prospects.

Examples of potential threats

•   Government actions, including economic sanctions, tariffs or other trade restrictions, imposed by or on countries where we operate or into which we sell or deliver our products may prevent BHP from trading or make it more difficult for BHP to trade in key markets. For example, China has imposed import restrictions and tariffs on some Australian exports, including energy and metallurgical coal. The imposition of further tariffs or other restrictions on any of our other products could adversely affect our financial performance.

•   Physical disruptions to the delivery of our products to customers in key markets including due to the disruption of shipping routes, closure or blockage of ports or land logistics (road or rail) or military conflict. In some cases, physical disruptions may be driven or intensified by weather, climate variability or climate change.

•   Legal or regulatory changes (such as royalties or taxes, port or import restrictions or customs requirements, shipping/maritime regulatory changes, restrictions on movements or imposition of quarantines, or changing environmental restrictions or regulations, including measures with respect to carbon-intensive imports) and commercial changes (such as changes to the standards and requirements of customers) may adversely impact our ability to sell or deliver, or realise full market value for, our products.

•   Failure to maintain strong relationships with customers, or changes to customer demands for our products (such as vertical integration), may reduce our market share or adversely impact our financial performance.

•   Increasing geopolitical tensions may adversely affect our strategic and business planning decisions and/or increase the time it takes us to manage our access to key markets, particularly if we fail to detect or anticipate deviations in the geopolitical environment in a timely manner.

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OPTIMISING PORTFOLIO RETURNS AND MANAGING COMMODITY PRICE MOVEMENTS

Risks associated with our ability to position our asset portfolio to generate returns and value for shareholders (including securing growth options in future facing commodities) and to manage adverse impacts of short- and long-term movements in commodity prices.

Why is this important to BHP?

We take decisions and actions in pursuit of our strategy to optimise our asset portfolio and to secure and create growth options in future facing commodities (such as copper, nickel and potash). A strategy that does not support BHP’s objectives and/or ill-timed execution of our strategy (including as a result of not having sector-leading capabilities) or other circumstances, may lead to a loss of value that impacts our ability to deliver returns to shareholders and fund our investment and expansion opportunities. It may also result in our asset portfolio being less resilient to fluctuations in commodity prices, which are determined by or linked to prices in world markets. In the short term, this may reduce our cash flow, ability to access capital and our dividends. A failure to optimise our asset portfolio for structural movements in commodity prices over the long term may result in asset impairments and could adversely affect the results of our operations, our financial performance, and returns to investors.

Examples of potential threats

•   Failure to optimise our portfolio through effective and efficient acquisitions, exploration, large project delivery, mergers, divestments or expansion of existing assets.

•   Failure to identify potential changes in commodity attractiveness and missed entry or commodity exit opportunities, resulting in decreased return on capital spend for, or overpayment to acquire or invest in, new assets or projects, stranded assets or reduced divestment proceeds.

•   Failure to achieve expected commercial objectives from assets or investments, such as cost savings, sales revenues or operational performance (including as a result of inaccurate commodity price assumptions or resources and reserves estimates), may result in returns that are lower than anticipated and loss of value (such as that experienced with US shale).

•   Renegotiation or nullification of permits, increased royalties, or expropriation or nationalisation of our assets, or other legal, regulatory, political, judicial or fiscal or monetary policy instability may adversely impact our ability to achieve expected commercial objectives from assets or investments, access reserves, develop, maintain or operate our assets, or otherwise optimise our portfolio.

•   Inability to predict long-term trends in the supply, demand and price of commodities and optimise our asset portfolio accordingly may restrict our ability to generate long-term returns from the portfolio.

•   Commodity prices have historically been and may continue to be subject to significant volatility, including due to global economic and geopolitical factors, industrial activity, commodity supply and demand (including inventory levels), technological change, product substitution, tariffs and exchange rate fluctuations. Our usual policy and practice is to sell our products at prevailing market prices and as such fluctuations in commodity prices may affect our financial performance. For example, a US$1 per tonne decline in the average iron ore price and US$1 per barrel decline in the average oil price would have an estimated impact on FY2021 profit after taxation of US$163 million and US$24 million, respectively. Long-term price volatility or sustained low prices may adversely impact our financial performance as we do not generally have the ability to offset costs through price increases.

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SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Risks associated with significant impacts of our operations on and contributions to communities and environments throughout the life cycle of our assets and across our value chain.

Why is this important to BHP?

The long-term viability of our business is closely connected to the wellbeing of the communities and environments where we have a presence. At any stage of the asset life cycle, our activities and operations may have or be seen to have significant adverse impacts on communities and environments. In these circumstances, we may fail to meet the evolving expectations of our stakeholders (including investors, governments, employees, suppliers, customers and community members) whose support is needed to realise our strategy and purpose. This could lead to loss of stakeholder support or regulatory approvals, increased taxes and regulation, enforcement action, litigation or class actions, or otherwise impact our licence to operate and adversely affect our reputation, ability to attract and retain talent, operational continuity and financial performance.

Examples of potential threats

•   Engaging in or being associated with activities (including through our non-operated joint ventures and value chain) that have or are perceived to have individual or cumulative adverse impacts on the environment, biodiversity and land management, water access and management, human rights or cultural heritage.

•   Failing to meet stakeholder expectations in connection with our legal and regulatory obligations, relationships with Indigenous peoples, community wellbeing and the way we invest in communities.

•   Political, regulatory and judicial developments (such as constitutional reform in Chile that could result in adjustments to water and other resource rights, or the Dasgupta Review in the United Kingdom that could result in government actions that impact the management of biodiversity and ecosystems) or changing stakeholder expectations could result in more stringent operating requirements on our business. For example, changes to regulations or stakeholder expectations may delay the timing or increase costs associated with closure and rehabilitation of assets, or expose BHP to unanticipated environmental or other legacy liabilities.

•   Failing to identify and manage potential physical climate change risks to communities, biodiversity and ecosystems. For example, changes to species habitat or distribution as a result of sustained higher temperatures could result in land access restrictions or litigation, or limit our access to new opportunities.

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LOW-CARBON TRANSITION

Risks associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Why is this important to BHP?

Transition risks arise from policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market and other societal responses to the challenges posed by climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy. As a world-leading resources company, BHP is exposed to a range of transition risks that could affect the execution of our strategy or our operational efficiency, asset values and growth options, resulting in a material adverse impact on our financial performance, share price or reputation, including litigation. The complex and pervasive nature of climate change means transition risks are interconnected with and may amplify our other principal risks. Additionally, the inherent uncertainty of potential societal responses to climate change may create a systemic risk to the global economy.

Examples of potential threats

•   Introduction or improvement of low-carbon technologies or changes in customer preference for products that support the transition to a low-carbon economy may decrease demand for some of our products (which may be abrupt or unanticipated), increase our costs or decrease the availability of key inputs to production. For example:

•  ‘Green steel’ technologies may reduce demand for our metallurgical coal or iron ore, or electric vehicle penetration may reduce demand for our petroleum products.

•  Implementing low-carbon processes or new investments to respond to market demand for products that support a low-carbon economy (such as potential capital spend at our Jansen Potash Project to deliver fertiliser products or at our Nickel West asset to supply the battery market) may increase operating or development costs.

•   Failure to address investor concerns on the potential impact of climate change on and from BHP’s portfolio and operations may result in reduced investor confidence and/or investor actions seeking to influence BHP’s climate strategy.

•   Social concerns around climate change may result in investors divesting our securities, pressure on BHP to divest or close remaining fossil fuel assets and on financial institutions not to provide financing for our fossil fuel assets, or otherwise adversely impact our ability to optimise our portfolio.

•   Perceived or actual misalignment of the resources industry’s or BHP’s climate actions (goals, targets and performance) with societal and investor expectations, or a failure to deliver our climate actions, may result in damage to our reputation, climate-related litigation (including class actions) or give rise to other adverse regulatory, legal or market responses.

•   Changes in laws, regulations, policies, obligations, government actions, and our ability to anticipate and respond to such changes (which may be abrupt or unanticipated), including emission targets, restrictive licencing, carbon taxes, border adjustments or the addition or removal of subsidies, may give rise to adverse regulatory, legal or market responses.

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ADOPTING TECHNOLOGIES AND MAINTAINING DIGITAL SECURITY

Risks associated with adopting and implementing new technologies, and maintaining the effectiveness of our existing digital landscape (including cyber defences) across our value chain.

Why is this important to BHP?

Our business and operational processes across our value chain are dependent on the effective application of technology, which we use as a lever to deliver on our current and future operational, financial and social objectives. This exposes BHP to risks originating from adopting or implementing new technologies, or failing to take appropriate action to position BHP for the digital future, which may impact the capabilities we require, the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations and our ability to compete effectively. We may also fail to maintain the effectiveness of our existing and future digital landscape, including cyber defences, exposing us to technology availability, reliability and cybersecurity risks. These could lead to operational events, commercial disruption (such as an inability to process or ship our products), corruption or loss of system data, a misappropriation or loss of funds, unintended disclosure of commercial or personal information, enforcement action or litigation. An inability to adequately implement new technology, or any sustained disruption to our existing technology, may also adversely affect our licence to operate, reputation, results of operations and financial performance. As we continue to leverage technology to improve productivity and safety, we expect the importance of safe, secure and reliable technology to our business will continue to grow.

Examples of potential threats

•   Failure to achieve efficiencies through our investment in technologies, or to keep pace with advancements in technology, resulting in an inability to access systems or digital infrastructure required to support our operations or customers’ and other stakeholders’ evolving expectations. For example, delays, costs and failures to achieve efficiencies arising from difficulties in integrating new technologies with existing technologies, or from failures of new technology to perform as expected.

•   Failing to identify, access and secure necessary infrastructure and key inputs (including electricity, internet bandwidth, data, software, licences or other rights in intellectual property, hardware and talent) to support new technology innovations and advanced technologies may adversely affect our ability to operate or adopt those technologies. This includes artificial intelligence and machine learning, process automation, robotics, data analytics, cloud computing, smart devices and remote working. For example, adopting new technology to reduce emissions through the use of alternative energy sources may require new infrastructure (such as at our mines and ports), and effective implementation of new digital technologies will be heavily dependent on access to relevant data.

•   Failure or outage of our existing or future information and operating technology systems.

•   Cyber events or attacks (including ransomware, state-sponsored and other cyberattacks) on our existing or future information and operating technology systems, including on third-party partners and suppliers (such as our cloud service providers). For example, a cyberattack on our autonomous systems for haulage and drilling may reduce operational productivity and/or adversely impact safety.

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ETHICAL MISCONDUCT

Risks associated with actual or alleged deviation from societal or business expectations of ethical behaviour (including breaches of laws or regulations) and wider or cumulative organisational cultural failings, resulting in significant reputational impacts.

Why is this important to BHP?

The conduct of BHP or our people or third-party partners could result in an actual or alleged deviation from expectations of ethical behaviour or breaches of laws and regulations. This may include fraud, corruption, anti-competitive behaviour, money laundering, breaching trade or financial sanctions, market manipulation, privacy breaches, ethical misconduct and wider organisational cultural failings. A failure to act ethically or legally may result in negative publicity (including on social media), investigations, public inquiries, regulatory enforcement action (including fines), litigation or other civil or criminal proceedings, or increased regulation. It could also threaten the validity of our tenements or permits, or adversely impact our reputation, results of operations, financial performance or share price. Impacts may be amplified if our senior leaders fail to uphold BHP’s values or address actual or alleged misconduct in a way that is consistent with societal and stakeholder expectations, and our workplace culture may also be eroded, adversely affecting our ability to attract and retain talent. Ethical misconduct risks and impacts are heightened by the complex and continuously evolving legal and regulatory frameworks that apply to the jurisdictions where we operate and potentially conflicting obligations under different national laws.

Examples of potential threats

•   Failing to prevent breaches of international standards, laws, regulations or other legal, regulatory, ethical, environmental, governance or compliance obligations, such as external misstatements, inaccurate financial or operational reporting or a breach of our continuous disclosure obligations.

•   Corruption (particularly in high-risk or less economically developed jurisdictions), market conduct or anti-competitive behaviour, including in relation to our joint venture operations.

•   Failing to comply with trade or financial sanctions (which are subject to rapid change and may potentially result in conflicting obligations), health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, native title and other land right or tax or royalty obligations.

•   Failing to protect our people from harm (including to mental and physical health) due to the misconduct of others that takes place in connection with their work, such as discrimination or sexual harassment and assault.

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INADEQUATE BUSINESS RESILIENCE

Risks associated with unanticipated or unforeseeable adverse events and a failure of planning and preparedness to respond to, manage and recover from adverse events (including potential physical impacts of climate change).

Why is this important to BHP?

In addition to the threats described in our other risk factors, our business could experience unanticipated, unforeseeable or other adverse events (internal or external) that could harm our people, disrupt our operations or value chain, or damage our assets or corporate offices, including our non-operated assets over which BHP has less control. A failure to identify or understand exposure, adequately prepare for these events (including maintaining business continuity plans) or build wider organisational resilience may inhibit our (or our third-party partners’) ability to respond and recover in an effective and efficient manner. This could cause material adverse impacts on our business, such as reduced ability to access resources, markets and the operational or other inputs required by our business, reduced production or sales of commodities, or increased regulation, which could adversely impact our financial performance, share price or reputation, and could lead to litigation or class actions.

Examples of potential threats

•   Geopolitical, global economic, regional or local developments or adverse events, such as social unrest, strikes, work stoppages, labour disruptions, social activism, terrorism, bomb threats, economic slowdown, acts of war or other significant disruptions in areas where we operate or have interests (for example, in FY2020, stoppages associated with social unrest in Chile impacted copper production at Escondida).

•   Natural events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclones, fires, solar flares and pandemics (for example, earthquakes may affect the Andes region in South America where we undertake exploration activities and have operated and non-operated assets).

•   Potential physical impacts of climate change, such as acute risks that are event-driven (including increased severity of extreme weather events) and chronic risks resulting from longer-term changes in climate patterns. Hazards and impacts may include changes in precipitation patterns, water shortages, rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, prolonged extreme temperatures and increased drought, fire and tidal flooding.

•   Failure by suppliers, contractors or joint venture partners to perform existing contracts or obligations (including due to insolvency), such as construction of large projects or supply of key inputs to our business (for example, consumables for our mining equipment).

•   Failure of our risk management or other processes (including controls) to prepare for or manage any of the risks discussed in this ‘Risk factors’ section may inhibit our (or our third-party partners’) ability to manage any resulting adverse events and may disrupt our operations or adversely impact our financial performance or reputation.

1.16.1    Management of risks

Each of our principal risks may present opportunities as well as threats. We take risk for strategic reward in the pursuit of our strategy and purpose, including to grow our asset portfolio and develop the right capabilities for the future of our business. Potential opportunities associated with each of our principal risks are described below, along with the key controls to manage them. These controls are not exhaustive and many Group-wide controls (such as Our Code of Conduct, Risk Framework, mandatory minimum performance requirements for risk management, health, safety and other matters, dedicated non-operated joint venture teams and our Contractor Management Framework) help to support effective and efficient management of all risks in line with our risk appetite.

Operational events

Risks associated with operational events in connection with our activities globally, resulting in significant adverse impacts on our people, communities, the environment or our business.

Examples of potential opportunities

• Our focus on safety and the welfare of our people, communities and the environment may increase workforce and other stakeholder confidence, enhancing our ability to attract and retain talent and access (or lower the cost of) capital.

• Collaborating with industry peers and relevant organisations on minimum standards (such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management and Large Open Pit Project guidelines on open-pit mining design and management) supports improvements to wider industry management of operational risks and may also identify opportunities to improve our own practices.

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Key management actions

• Planning, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining and monitoring surface and underground mines, water and tailings storage facilities, wells and other infrastructure and equipment in a manner designed to maintain structural integrity, prevent incidents and protect our people, assets, communities, the environment and other stakeholders.

• Specifying minimum requirements and technical specifications, such as for transportation (including high-occupancy vehicles, aircraft and their operators), and compliance with operating specifications, industry codes and other relevant standards, including BHP’s mandatory minimum performance requirements.

• Defining key accountable roles, such as a dam owner (an internal BHP individual who is accountable for maintaining effective governance and integrity of each tailings storage facility), and providing training and qualifications for our people.

• Inspections, reviews, audits and other assurance activities, such as independent dam safety reviews and geotechnical review boards.

• Maintaining evacuation routes, supporting equipment, continuity plans and crisis and emergency response plans.

• Incorporating future climate projections into operational event risks through ongoing assessment of potential physical climate change risks.

FY2021 insights

While our overall exposure to risks associated with operational events remained relatively stable in FY2021, our risk profile has adapted to changes in our operating context. For example, a greater focus on exploration has increased our use of helicopters to conduct geophysical surveys and transport personnel. We have also had to adapt the way we transport people to and from work due to the COVID-19 pandemic (for example, more buses have been scheduled due to social distancing requirements).

Further information

• Section 1.13.4 Safety

• Section 1.13.15 Tailings storage facilities

• Section 1.15 Samarco

• bhp.com/sustainability

Accessing key markets

Risks associated with market concentration and our ability to sell and deliver products into existing and future key markets, impacting our economic efficiency.

Examples of potential opportunities

• Monitoring macroeconomic, geopolitical and policy developments and trends may reveal new markets or identify opportunities to strengthen secondary markets for existing products.

• Leveraging the opportunity to create value by developing strategic partnerships and strong, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers.

• Building a deep understanding of the geopolitical risks faced by BHP and their potential impacts on our business could enhance our strategy, business planning and response, providing a potential competitive advantage.

• Identifying the potential for weather, climate variability or climate change to disrupt delivery of products and implementing management measures may increase the resilience of our operations and supply chain.

• Signal monitoring and building relationships with and understanding the perspectives of influential stakeholders may improve our ability to understand, respond to and manage any impacts from policy changes (such as trade policies).

Key management actions

• Monitoring and assessing our ability to access key markets, and maintaining sales plans, product placement and business resilience strategies and relationships with relevant stakeholders (such as the Chinese, United States and Australian Governments, and our customers in China and elsewhere).

• Maintaining response plans for various scenarios (including physical disruptions of logistics) to mitigate disruptions to our ability to access key markets.

• Monitoring geopolitical and macroeconomic developments and trends, including through signal monitoring and our enterprise-level watch list of emerging themes, to provide an early indication of events that could impact our ability to access key markets.

• Identifying weather and/or climate-related vulnerabilities and implementing controls to mitigate disruptions to our ability to physically access key markets.

• Diversification of our asset and commodity portfolio, such as our ongoing investment in potash through the Jansen Potash Project, to reduce exposure to market concentration risks.

FY2021 insights

Exposure to risks associated with our access to key markets increased in FY2021 as a result of tensions between Australia, the United States and China, and import restrictions and tariffs imposed by China on some Australian exports (including energy and metallurgical coal). Although our influence over these aspects of our external environment is limited, adjustments to our portfolio may reduce exposure to market concentration risk in the longer term.

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Further information

• Section 4.10.2 Shareholder information – Markets

Optimising portfolio returns and managing commodity price movements

Risks associated with our ability to position our asset portfolio to generate returns and value for shareholders (including securing growth options in future facing commodities) and to manage adverse impacts of short- and long-term movements in commodity prices.

Examples of potential opportunities

• Acquisition of new resources in future facing commodities may strengthen our portfolio and protect and grow value over the long term.

• Ability to predict long-term commodity demand, supply and price trends may lead to BHP being able to identify and acquire new future facing commodities and assets ahead of our competitors or exit from declining commodities in a timely manner, strengthening our portfolio and leading to long-term portfolio returns.

• BHP may be perceived as a welcome and valued or preferred partner for the development of new resource opportunities, enabling us to secure new assets or exploration opportunities to create long-term optionality in the portfolio.

Key management actions

• Strategies, processes and frameworks to grow and protect our portfolio and to assist in delivering ongoing returns to shareholders include:

• our exploration and business development programs, which focus on replenishing our resource base and enhancing our portfolio (including creating and securing more options in future facing commodities)

• our long-term strategic outlook and ongoing strategic processes to assess our competitive advantage and enable the identification of threats to or opportunities for our portfolio through forecasting and scenario modelling

• monitoring signals to interpret external events and trends, and designing commodity strategies and price protocols that are reviewed by management and the Board

• our Capital Allocation Framework, corporate planning processes, investment approval processes and annual reviews (including resilience testing) of portfolio valuations

• our balance sheet and liquidity framework, which is designed to maintain a robust balance sheet with sufficient liquidity and access to diverse sources of funding

• Pursuing a considered approach to new country entry, including development of capability to operate in higher-risk jurisdictions, in order to support portfolio opportunities in new jurisdictions.

• Further developing BHP’s social value proposition to position BHP as a preferred partner for the development of resource opportunities in line with the expectations of local communities, host governments and other global stakeholders.

• Managing commodity price exposure through the diversity of commodities, markets, geographies and currencies provided by our portfolio, as well as our financial risk management practices in relation to our commercial activities.

FY2021 insights

Our exposure to risks associated with optimising our portfolio and managing commodity price movements increased in FY2021 as a result of volatility and uncertainty across global economies, including due to the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We announced the sale of Cerrejón in June 2021 as part of our intention to consolidate our portfolio of coal assets to higher-quality metallurgical coal, and remain open to all options for BMC and NSWEC. Heightened societal expectations regarding the use of coal will continue to be a portfolio consideration. On 17 August 2021, we also announced our intention to merge our Petroleum assets with Woodside,(1) which is designed to unlock synergies and increase value and choice for BHP’s shareholders.

Further information

• Section 1.5 Positioning for future

• Section 1.17 Performance by commodity

• Note 23 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 3

(1)  On 17 August 2021, BHP announced it had entered into a merger commitment deed with Woodside to combine their respective oil and gas portfolios by an all-stock merger. Completion of the merger is subject to confirmatory due diligence, negotiation and execution of full form transaction documents, and satisfaction of conditions precedent including shareholder, regulatory and other approvals, and expected to occur in the second quarter of CY2022.

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Significant social or environmental impacts

Risks associated with significant impacts of our operations on and contributions to communities and environments throughout the life cycle of our assets and across our value chain.

Examples of potential opportunities

• Our support for responsible stewardship of natural resources may enhance the resilience of environments and communities to potential threats (including the potential physical impacts of climate change).

• Strong social performance, including sustainable mining and a focus on the wellbeing of communities, could generate competitive advantage in the jurisdictions where we operate.

• Our global social value strategy may improve stakeholder relations, build community trust and increase investor confidence and demand for our commodities.

• Greater clarity, transparency and standards associated with regulatory regimes that support and protect communities and the environment may increase requirements across our sector, generating competitive advantage for companies that have already invested in social performance.

Key management actions

• Our Requirements for Community and Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standards provide requirements and practices that are designed to strengthen our social, human rights and environmental performance. Our Human Rights Policy Statement, Water Stewardship Position Statement, Climate Change Position Statement and Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement set out our commitments and approach to these matters.

• Engaging in regular, open and honest dialogue with stakeholders to better understand their expectations, concerns and interests, and undertaking research to better understand stakeholder perceptions.

• Building social value into our decision-making process, along with financial considerations.

• Building stakeholder trust and contributing to environmental and community resilience, including through collaborating on shared challenges (such as climate change and water stewardship), enhanced external reporting of our operated assets’ potential impacts on biodiversity and maximising the value of social investments through our social investment strategy.

• Conducting regular research and impact assessments for operated assets to better understand the social, environmental, human rights and economic context. This supports us to identify and analyse stakeholder, community and human rights impacts, including modern slavery risks and emerging issues. We also complete due diligence screening on suppliers through our Ethical Supply Chain and Transparency program.

• Integrating closure into our planning, decision-making and other activities through the life cycle of our operated assets, as set out in our mandatory minimum performance requirements for closure.

FY2021 insights

Our exposure to risks with potentially significant social or environmental impacts increased in FY2021 due to environmental, political and regulatory developments, and increasing societal expectations, including of regulators and other stakeholders on Indigenous peoples’ rights and potential impacts of our operations throughout the asset life cycle. We believe the nexus between water, climate change, biodiversity and society is becoming increasingly clear as a driver of social expectations.

Further information

• Section 1.12 People and culture

• Section 1.13.8 Community

• Section 1.13.10 Indigenous peoples

• Section 1.13.11 Social investment

• Section 1.13.12 Environment

• Section 1.13.13 Water

• Section 1.13.14 Land and biodiversity

• bhp.com/sustainability

Low-carbon transition

Risks associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Examples of potential opportunities

• Our copper, nickel, iron ore and metallurgical coal provide essential building blocks for renewable power generation and electric vehicles, and can play an important part in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

• Our potash fertiliser options can promote more efficient and more profitable agriculture and alleviate the increased competition for arable land.

• Increased collaboration with customers and original equipment manufacturers, such as BHP’s partnerships with each of China Baowu, JFE and HBIS for research and development of steel decarbonisation pathways, can provide opportunities for development of new products and markets.

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Key management actions

• Establishing public views and commitments on, and mandatory minimum performance requirements for managing, climate change threats and opportunities, which are set out in our Climate Change Position Statement, our Climate Change Report 2020, our Climate Transition Action Plan 2021 and the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard.

• Using climate-related scenarios, themes and signposts (such as monitoring policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market and other societal developments) to evaluate the resilience of our portfolio and inform our strategy.

• Considering transition risks (including carbon prices) when making capital expenditure decisions or allocating capital through our Capital Allocation Framework, supporting the prioritisation of capital and investment approval processes.

• Seeking to mitigate our exposure to risks arising from policy and regulation in our operating jurisdictions and markets by reducing our operational emissions and taking a product stewardship approach to emissions in our value chain.

• Advocating for the introduction of an effective, long-term policy framework that can deliver a measured transition to a low-carbon economy.

FY2021 insights

Our exposure to transition risks increased in FY2021 due primarily to political developments – with the Biden administration renewing the United States’ focus on climate and net zero goals set by China, Japan and the European Union – and greater investor and other stakeholder interest in understanding how climate change might impact our strategy and portfolio. Stakeholder expectations of BHP regarding disclosure of climate change-related information have grown accordingly (for example, Climate Action 100+ requested information from BHP to conduct its first net zero company benchmark in FY2021). Actions by investors and proxy advisers seeking to hold companies accountable for their climate strategies also accelerated during FY2021. We anticipate these and potentially other factors will continue to affect transition risks in FY2022, following publication in August 2021 of the first part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report, Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. However, our recent proposed portfolio changes would, subject to their completion, reduce our exposure to certain transition risks.

Further information

• Section 1.5 Positioning for future

• Section 1.13.7 Climate change and portfolio resilience

• BHP Climate Change Report 2020

• BHP Climate Transition Action Plan 2021

• bhp.com/climate

Adopting technologies and maintaining digital security

Risks associated with adopting and implementing new technologies, and maintaining the effectiveness of our existing digital landscape (including cyber defences) across our value chain.

Examples of potential opportunities

• Application of digital solutions across our operations and value chain may unlock greater productivity and safety performance. For example, using predictive analytics to enable operations to identify asset condition and efficiencies may improve safety, production and equipment availability, and reduce maintenance and other costs.

• Technology solutions to reduce emissions may support BHP and our suppliers and customers in achieving climate action targets. For example, BHP is collaborating with other miners and suppliers to develop new technology to electrify haul trucks.

• Developing and applying artificial intelligence in mine planning, remote operation and advanced robotic technologies may identify or provide access to previously unknown or inaccessible deposits and development of end-to-end autonomous mining systems.

• Using digital simulations and predictive trend modelling may enable us to optimise the deployment of new technologies, such as automation and electrification, support early identification of process variances and faults, and support the marketing of our products to customers.

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Key management actions

• Our assets, functions and projects are responsible for managing localised or project-specific exposure to technology risks. Enterprise-level risks that are specific to technology, such as those that pose a greater threat to our wider business and strategic opportunities, are generally managed by our global Technology team and other relevant stakeholders to support delivery of our technology strategy.

• We collaborate with industry and research partners to develop technological solutions.

• Our Technology Risk Committee oversees the management and improvement of technology risks and controls, and supports the embedment of a sustainable risk culture in our Technology team.

• We employ a number of measures designed to protect against, detect and respond to cyber events or attacks, including BHP’s mandatory minimum performance requirements for technology and cybersecurity, cybersecurity performance requirements for suppliers, cybersecurity strategy and resilience programs, an enterprise security framework and cybersecurity standards, cybersecurity awareness plans and training, security assessments and monitoring, restricted physical access to hardware and crisis management plans.

FY2021 insights

Risks associated with technology and the pace of technological innovation continue to evolve rapidly. The Group’s exposure to technology risks increased in FY2021 due primarily to an increase in the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks against companies in the resources industry and governments. BHP continues to leverage technology to deliver value while taking actions to manage associated risks and strengthening cyber capabilities. During FY2021, we implemented programs to enable rapid technology development, improve operational performance and to create new analytic capabilities.

Further information

• Section 1.6.2 How we deliver value – Technology

Ethical misconduct

Risks associated with actual or alleged deviation from societal or business expectations of ethical behaviour (including breaches of laws or regulations) and wider or cumulative organisational cultural failings, resulting in significant reputational impacts.

Examples of potential opportunities

• Our capability to manage ethical misconduct risks may expand portfolio growth options by providing greater assurance that we can operate legally and ethically in high-risk jurisdictions.

• Managing ethical risks in line with societal and stakeholder expectations may distinguish BHP from competitors and enhance our ability to raise capital, attract and retain talent, obtain permits, partner with external organisations or suppliers, or market our products to customers.

Key management actions

• Setting the ‘tone from the top’ through Our Charter, which is central to our business and describes our purpose, values and how we measure success.

• Implementing internal policies, standards, systems and processes for governance and compliance to support an appropriate culture at BHP, including:

• Our Code of Conduct and BHP’s mandatory minimum performance requirements for business conduct, market disclosure and other matters

• training on Our Code of Conduct and in relation to anti-corruption, market conduct and competition

• ring fencing protocols to separate potentially competitive businesses within BHP

• governance and compliance processes, including classification of sensitive transactions, as well as accounting, procurement and other internal controls, and tailored monitoring of control effectiveness

• oversight and engagement with high-risk areas by our Ethics and Compliance function, Internal Audit and Advisory team and the Disclosure Committee

• review and endorsement by our Ethics and Compliance function of the highest-risk transactions, such as gifts and hospitality, engagement of third parties, community donations and sponsorships above defined thresholds

• automated counterparty and transaction screening against lists of entities subject to trade sanctions

• our EthicsPoint anonymous reporting service, supported by an ethics and investigations framework and central investigations team

• Continuing to enforce Our Code of Conduct via appropriate investigations and responses including disciplinary action, in addition to deployment of appropriate safety controls to prevent harm.

FY2021 insights

Our exposure to ethical misconduct risks increased in FY2021, including due to continued exploration of potential growth options in high-risk or less economically developed jurisdictions and escalating trade sanctions or equivalent measures (in particular, among China and Australia and the United States). Societal expectations have also increased – stakeholder dissatisfaction in response to other companies’ executive misconduct and failures to uphold corporate or societal values demonstrate the importance of implementing and maintaining effective preventative controls and responding to inappropriate conduct in a timely manner.

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Further information

• Our Charter and Our Code of Conduct

• Section 2.1.15 Our conduct – EthicsPoint

• Section 2.1 Corporate Governance Statement

• Section 1.13.5 Health – Sexual assault and sexual harassment

• Section 1.13.6 Ethics and business conduct

Inadequate business resilience

Risks associated with unanticipated or unforeseeable adverse events and a failure of planning and preparedness to respond to, manage and recover from adverse events (including potential physical impacts of climate change).

Examples of potential opportunities

• Risk identification and management supports proactive, focused and prioritised deployment of resources to reduce exposure to adverse events. It may be used to inform priorities and strategies across BHP, supporting a proportionate and cost-effective response, which could provide a competitive advantage at a regional or global level.

• Building wider organisational resilience may help us to mitigate the impacts of unforeseeable adverse events. For example, processes may be redesigned to enhance resilience to adverse events, such as pandemics.

• Adapting to climate change across our operations and value chain could position BHP as a supplier of choice and provide competitive advantage (for example, by fulfilling our commitment to security of supply). Support for climate vulnerable communities and ecosystems may also improve our social value proposition.

Key management actions

• Implementing Group-wide controls to enhance business resilience, including BHP’s mandatory minimum performance requirements for security, crisis and emergency management and business continuity plans.

• Monitoring our current state of readiness (preparedness, redundancy and resilience), including through scenario analysis, to respond to and recover from adverse events to support organisational capability in our operations, functions and senior management to effectively and efficiently respond to events should they materialise.

• Monitoring the external environment, including political and economic factors through signal monitoring, our geopolitical monitoring and public policy frameworks and our enterprise-level watch list of emerging themes, to support early identification of policy changes or adverse events for which we may need to increase preparedness.

• Identifying security threats that could directly or indirectly impact our operations and people in countries of interest to BHP. For example, a review of BHP’s global security program was undertaken in FY2021 to better understand our security position and identify potential improvements.

• Implementing our Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, including requiring operated assets and functions to identify and progressively assess potential physical climate change risks (including to our value chain) and build climate change adaptation into their plans, activities and investments.

FY2021 insights

Our exposure to risks associated with inadequate business resilience grew in FY2021 due to the increasing frequency and scale of crisis events, such as extreme temperatures and weather events being experienced globally and the continuing global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the impacts on BHP have been relatively minor to date, sustained or increased geopolitical tensions, the pandemic and nationalist sentiment may exacerbate the drivers of conflict, instability and unrest, including existing inequality within and between nations. This could increase the likelihood of more significant events that can have a greater impact on our business, such as social unrest and conflict (including war and terrorism).

Further information

• bhp.com/climate

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1.16.2    Robust risk assessment and viability statement

The Board has carried out a robust assessment of BHP’s emerging and principal risks, including those that could result in events or circumstances that might threaten BHP’s business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity and reputation.

The Board has assessed the prospects of BHP over the next three years, taking into account our current position and principal risks.

The Board believes a three-year viability assessment period is appropriate for the following reasons. BHP has a two-year budget, a five-year plan and a longer-term life of asset outlook. As highlighted in the ‘Risk factors’ section, there is considerable uncertainty in the external environment (which has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic), including due to political and policy uncertainty, evolving stakeholder expectations (for example, in relation to the environment, climate change and human rights), civil unrest or reform in some countries in which we operate, continued market volatility and geopolitical tensions that could affect our ability to access key markets. This could lead to changes to our regulatory environment and stakeholder expectations of our business, increase the risk of commodity price volatility and also affect the longer-term supply, demand and price of our commodities. These factors result in variability in plans and budgets. A three-year period strikes an appropriate balance between long and short-term influences on performance.

The viability assessment took into account, among other things:

•   BHP’s commodity price protocols   •   the latest funding and liquidity update   •   the long-dated maturity profile of BHP’s debt and the maximum debt maturing in any one year   •   the flexibility in BHP’s capital and exploration expenditure programs under the Capital Allocation Framework   •   the reserve life of BHP’s minerals assets and the reserves-to-production life of BHP’s oil and gas assets •   the Group-level material risk profile (including climate-related risks) and the mitigating actions available should particular risks materialise   •   any actual and further anticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on BHP’s two-year budget and five-year plan

The Board’s assessment also took into account reverse stress testing of the Group’s balance sheet to determine the additional levels of debt it could support on forecast commodity prices, as well as the cyclical low price case used in monthly balance sheet stress testing. Results were compared against assessed financial impacts for all material risks recorded on the Group’s risk profile, enabling the Board to consider the resilience of the balance sheet in the context of identified threats.

In addition, the balance sheet was stress tested against three hypothetical scenarios. Each scenario modelled two or three hypothetical events, based on our principal risks, occurring simultaneously towards the start of FY2022. Scenarios were designed without regard to the effectiveness of preventative controls and reflect market, operational, and a combination of market and operational risks. The simultaneous occurrence of all four events was not considered plausible. Further details are set out in the table below.

		Scenario
Principal risk	Hypothetical event	A	B	C
Operational events	Offshore well blow out involving a drilling rig that we operate in the US Gulf of Mexico		•	•
	Catastrophic failure of a tailings storage facility at an operated asset in Australia		•
Accessing key markets	Temporary physical or logistical disruption of access to key markets preventing the sale or delivery of commodities to Asia	•		•
Optimising portfolio returns and managing commodity price movements	Low commodity price environment for two years, commencing at the start of the second half of FY2022, followed by a gradual recovery by the end of the first half of FY2026	•		•

A number of our other principal risks may have impacts that are embedded in these scenarios. For example, a cyber event or attack may lead to an operational event, while responses of governments and other stakeholders to a pandemic may result in an economic slowdown and low commodity price environment. For further information on our principal risks, see the ‘Risk factors’ section.

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While scenario modelling was undertaken for the duration of BHP’s five-year plan, confidence is higher in the first three years. Stress testing demonstrated the Group’s balance sheet was put under the greatest stress by Scenario C, which reflects both market and operational risks, with net debt expected to increase to approximately US$48 billion over FY2022 to FY2024 (assuming dividends would be suspended in accordance with our Capital Allocation Framework). In such circumstances, the Board considered that the Group would have a number of further mitigating actions available to it which would be expected to allow the Group to limit net debt to approximately US$30 billion over that period, including deferral of discretionary capital expenditure and divestment of certain assets. BHP would also have access to US$5.5 billion of credit through its revolving credit facility. These mitigating actions would be expected to be sufficient to support minimum investment-grade credit ratings over FY2022 to FY2024.

For the purposes of stress testing, the Board made certain key assumptions regarding management of the portfolio, the alignment of production, capital expenditure and operating expenditure with five-year plan forecasts and the alignment of prices with the cyclical low price case used in monthly balance sheet stress testing.

In making this viability statement, the Board was also mindful of other relevant factors, including key risk indicator performance, monthly balance sheet stress testing against the cyclical low price case, the assessment of the Group’s portfolio against scenarios as part of BHP’s strategy and corporate planning processes, a Board-level risk identification session to help identify key uncertainties facing the Group, and the proposed changes to the Group’s portfolio which are currently expected to complete in FY2022.(1)

Taking account of these matters (including the assumptions) and our current position and principal risks, the Board has a reasonable expectation that BHP will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the next three years.

1.17    Performance by commodity

Management believes the following information presented by commodity provides a meaningful indication of the underlying financial and operating performance of the assets, including equity accounted investments, of each reportable segment. Information relating to assets that are accounted for as equity accounted investments is shown to reflect BHP’s share, unless otherwise noted, to provide insight into the drivers of these assets.

For the purposes of this financial information, segments are reported on a statutory basis in accordance with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. The tables for each commodity include an ‘adjustment for equity accounted investments’ to reconcile the equity accounted results to the statutory segment results.

For a reconciliation of alternative performance measures to their respective IFRS measure and an explanation as to the use of Underlying EBITDA in assessing our performance, refer to section 4.2. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 4.2.1. For more information as to the statutory determination of our reportable segments, refer to note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 3.

Unit costs(2) is one of the financial measures used to monitor the performance of our individual assets and is included in the analysis of each reportable segment.

1.17.1    Petroleum

Detailed below is financial and operating information for Petroleum comparing FY2021 to FY2020. For more detailed financial information on our Petroleum assets, refer to section 4.4.1.

Year ended 30 June US$M	2021		2020
Revenue		3,946		4,070
Underlying EBITDA		2,300		2,207
Net operating assets		7,964		8,247
Capital expenditure		994		909
Total petroleum production (Mmboe)		103		109
Average realised prices
Oil (crude and condensate) (US$/bbl)		52.56		49.53
Natural gas (US$/Mscf)		4.34		4.04
LNG (US$/Mscf)		5.63		7.26

Key drivers of Petroleum’s financial results

Price overview

Trends in each of the major markets are outlined below.

Crude oil

Our average realised sales price for crude oil for FY2021 was US$52.56 per barrel (FY2020: US$49.53 per barrel). Brent crude oil prices steadily increased through FY2021, rising from around US$40/bbl at the beginning of FY2021 to around US$75/bbl at the close. A recovery in business activity and mobility as economies reduced COVID-19 controls has supported oil demand. Supply side curtailments from OPEC+ and capital restraint from US operators have supported oil inventories to rebalance globally. Demand is expected to continue its recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels in FY2022. The rate at which currently curtailed supply is expected to come back on-stream is uncertain. Longer term, we believe oil will remain attractive, even under a plausible low price case, for a considerable time to come.

(1)  Refer to section 1.5 Positioning for the future, Petroleum business merger proposal and Update on our non-core coal divestment process.

(2)  For more information on Alternative Performance Measures, refer to section 4.2.

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Liquefied natural gas

Our average realised sales price for LNG for FY2021 was US$5.63 per Mcf (FY2020: US$7.26 per Mcf). The Japan-Korea Marker (JKM) price for LNG performed strongly in FY2021, hitting an all-time high in January 2021 supported by cold weather, recovery in China, high European gas prices, unplanned outages and less incremental supply coming online. Longer term, we expect the commodity to offer a combination of systematic base decline and an attractive demand trajectory, with new supply likely to be required to balance the market in the middle of this decade, or slightly later. However, gas resource is currently abundant and liquefaction infrastructure comes with large upfront costs and extended pay backs. Within global gas, LNG is expected to gain share. Against this backdrop, LNG assets advantaged by their proximity to existing infrastructure or customers, or both, in addition to being at the lower end of the emissions intensity curve, are expected to remain attractive.

Production

Total Petroleum production for FY2021 decreased by 6 per cent to 103 MMboe.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids production decreased by 6 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 5 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.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2021, FY2020 and FY2019, refer to section 4.5.

Financial results

Petroleum revenue for FY2021 decreased by US$0.1 billion to US$3.9 billion reflecting lower production offset by higher average realised prices.

Underlying EBITDA for Petroleum increased by US$0.1 billion to US$2.3 billion. Price impacts, net of price-linked costs, increased

Underlying EBITDA by US$0.3 billion but were partially offset by the impacts of lower production of US$0.2 billion. Controllable cash costs decreased by US$43 million reflecting lower maintenance activity at our Australian assets due to COVID-19 restrictions and lower exploration seismic activity. This was partially offset by higher workover activity at Atlantis, restructuring costs related to improving future competitiveness and increased business development activity in Mexico due to Trion progressing into pre-feasibility.

Petroleum unit costs increased by 11 per cent to US$10.83 per barrel of oil equivalent due to lower volumes and unfavourable exchange rate movements, partially offset by a reduction in price-linked costs. The calculation of petroleum unit costs is set out in the table below:

Petroleum unit costs (US$M)	FY2021			FY2020
Revenue		3,946			4,070
Underlying EBITDA		2,300			2,207
Gross costs		1,646			1,863
Less: exploration expense		296			394
Less: freight		107			110
Less: development and evaluation		196			166
Less: other (1)		(68	)		131
Net costs		1,115			1,062
Production (MMboe, equity share)		103			109
Cost per Boe (US$) (2)(3)		10.83			9.74

(1)  Other includes non-cash profit on sales of assets, inventory movements, foreign exchange, provision for onerous lease contracts and the impact from revaluation of embedded derivatives in the Trinidad and Tobago gas contract.

(2)  FY2021 based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.75.

(3)  FY2021 excludes COVID-19 related costs of US$0.27 per barrel of oil equivalent that are reported as exceptional items.

Delivery commitments

We have delivery commitments of natural gas and LNG of approximately 1.1 billion Mcf through 2031 and Crude commitments of 9 million barrels through 2024. We have sufficient proved reserves and production capacity to fulfil these delivery commitments.

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We have obligation commitments of US$41 million for contracted capacity on transportation pipelines and gathering systems through FY2025, on which we are the shipper. The agreements have annual escalation clauses.

Other information

Drilling

The number of wells in the process of drilling and/or completion as of 30 June 2021 was as follows:

Exploratory wells

Development wells

Total

Gross

Net (1)

Gross

Net (1)

Gross

Net (1)

Australia

–

–

–

–

–

–

United States

–

–

27

9

27

9

Other (2)

–

–

5

3

5

3

Total

–

–

32

12

32

12

(1)  Represents our share of the gross well count.

(2)  Other is comprised of Trinidad and Tobago.

Petroleum

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2021, which is presented on a cash basis within this section, was US$994 million (FY2020: US$909 million). While the majority of the expenditure in FY2021 was incurred by operating partners at our Australian and Gulf of Mexico non-operated assets, we also incurred capital expenditure at our operated Australian, Gulf of Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago assets.

Australia

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2021 was US$197 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

• Scarborough gas field development

• North West Shelf: Greater Western Flank 3 and Lambert Deep subsea tie back development, Karratha Gas Plant refurbishment projects and facility integrity projects

• Bass Strait: West Barracouta subsea tie back development

Gulf of Mexico

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2021 was US$599 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

• Atlantis: execution of approved development on Atlantis Phase 3 Project and Brownfield subsea tie back to existing Atlantis facility in Gulf of Mexico

• Mad Dog: execution phase of Phase 2 development

• Shenzi: Drilling of Shenzi North and ongoing infill drilling

Trinidad and Tobago

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2021 was US$152 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

• Ruby: execution of approved development of Block 3a resources in the Ruby and Delaware reservoirs

Outlook

Production is expected to be between 99 and 106 MMboe in FY2022, 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.

Unit costs in FY2022 are expected to be between US$11 and US$12 per barrel (based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.78) reflecting the expected impact of an increase in exchange rate and expected higher price-linked costs. In the medium term, we expect an increase in unit costs to be maintained at less than US$13 per barrel (based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.78) primarily as a result of expected natural field decline.

Petroleum capital and exploration expenditure of approximately US$2.3 billion is planned in FY2022.

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On 17 August 2021, the Group announced the proposed merger of our Petroleum assets with Woodside. On completion of the proposed transaction, BHP’s oil and gas business would merge with Woodside, and Woodside would issue new shares to be distributed to BHP shareholders, at which time it is expected that Woodside would be owned 52 per cent and 48 per cent by existing Woodside and BHP shareholders, respectively. The merger, which has a proposed effective date of 1 July 2021, is subject to confirmatory due diligence, negotiation and execution of full form transaction documents, and satisfaction of conditions precedent including shareholder, regulatory and other approvals. The Group continues to assess the full financial reporting impacts of the proposed merger. However, the preliminary terms of the merger did not provide an indicator of impairment for our Petroleum assets at 30 June 2021. The merger is expected to be completed during the first half of CY2022, at which time, we would derecognise the carrying value of our Petroleum assets, which at 30 June 2021 included, but was not limited to, property plant and equipment and closure and rehabilitation provisions of approximately US$11.9 billion and US$3.9 billion, respectively. The outlook for our expected production, unit costs and capital and exploration expenditure in FY2022 does not take into account the proposed merger with Woodside.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2019 has been omitted from this Form 20-F and can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2020, filed on 22 September 2020.

1.17.2    Copper

Detailed below is financial and operating information for our Copper assets comparing FY2021 to FY2020. For more detailed financial information on our Copper assets, refer to section 4.4.2.

Year ended 30 June US$M	2021		2020
Revenue		15,726		10,666
Underlying EBITDA		8,489		4,347
Net operating assets		26,928		25,357
Capital expenditure		2,180		2,434
Total copper production (kt)		1,636		1,724
Average realised prices
Copper (US$/lb)		3.81		2.50

Key drivers of Copper’s financial results

Price overview

Our average realised sales price for FY2021 was US$3.81 per pound (FY2020: US$2.50 per pound). Copper rode a wave of investor optimism for much of FY2021, hitting an all-time high in May. We believe mine supply and scrap collection will both need to rise to meet demand growth in the medium term. Longer term, traditional end-use demand is expected to be solid, while broad exposure to the electrification mega-trend offers attractive upside. Prices are expected to rise compared to historical averages in the long term due to grade decline, resource depletion, increased input costs, water constraints, rising ESG standards, and a scarcity of high-quality future development opportunities after a poor decade for industry-wide exploration. Regulatory risk is an emerging theme across the industry.

Production

Total Copper production for FY2021 decreased by 5 per cent to 1,636 kt.

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 as a result of a reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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 partially offset by the new stream of concentrate production from the Spence Growth Option that came online in December 2020.

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.

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.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2021, FY2020 and FY2019, refer to section 4.5.

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Financial results

Copper revenue increased by US$5.1 billion to US$15.7 billion in FY2021 due to higher average realised Copper prices offset by lower production.

Underlying EBITDA for Copper increased by US$4.1 billion to US$8.5 billion. Price impacts, net of price-linked costs, increased Underlying EBITDA by US$4.3 billion. Lower volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$258 million.

Controllable cash costs increased by US$106 million, due to higher inventory drawdowns at Olympic Dam, from stronger mill and smelter performance compared to the prior period, and at Escondida to offset lower material mined during the period due to a reduced operational workforce. This was partially offset by strong cost performance at Escondida, a US$99 million gain from the optimised outcome from renegotiation of cancelled power contracts at Escondida and Spence, and favourable leach pad inventory movements at Escondida and Spence.

Non-cash costs decreased by US$273 million due to lower deferred stripping depletion at Escondida, reflecting the planned development phase of the mines. Inflation and foreign exchange rate negatively impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$514 million which was offset by increased equity accounted investment profits attributable to Antamina of US$411 million.

Unit costs at Escondida decreased by 1 per cent to US$1.00 per pound, reflecting continued strong concentrator throughput, at record levels, as well as lower deferred stripping costs and higher by-product credits. This also reflects a one-off gain from the optimisation of a settlement outcome for the cancellation of power contracts as part of a shift towards 100 per cent renewable energy at Escondida. The strong unit cost result was achieved despite the impact of unfavourable exchange rate movements, a 4 per cent decline in copper concentrate feed grade and lower cathode volumes as a result of a reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19 restrictions. The calculation of Escondida unit costs is set out in the table below:

Escondida unit costs (US$M)	FY2021		FY2020
Revenue		9,470		6,719
Underlying EBITDA		6,483		3,535
Gross costs		2,987		3,184
Less: by-product credits		478		407
Less: freight		162		178
Net costs		2,347		2,599
Sales (kt)		1,066		1,164
Sales (Mlb)		2,350		2,567
Cost per pound (US$) (1)(2)(3)		1.00		1.01

(1)  FY2021 based on average exchange rates of USD/CLP 746.

(2)  FY2021 excludes COVID-19-related costs of US$0.03 per pound that are reported as exceptional items.

(3)  FY2021 includes a (one off) gain from the optimised outcome from renegotiation of cancelled power contracts of US$0.04 per pound.

Outlook

We expect the operating environment across our Chilean assets to remain challenging, with reductions in our on-site workforce expected to continue in FY2022.

Total Copper production of between 1,590 and 1,760 kt is expected in FY2022. Escondida production of between 1,000 and 1,080 kt is expected in FY2022, reflecting a continuing need to catch up on mine development due to reduced material movement in FY2021, as well as uncertainty around COVID-19 impacts. Decline in the copper grade of concentrator feed in FY2022 is expected to be approximately 2 per cent. Production at Pampa Norte is expected to increase by more than 50 per cent to be between 330 and 370 kt in FY2022, reflecting the continued ramp-up of the Spence Growth Option (SGO), partially offset by an expected decline in stacking feed grade at Pampa Norte of approximately 9 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 currently planned to average 300 ktpa of production (including cathodes) over the first four years of operation. At Olympic Dam, production is expected to be between 140 and 170 kt in FY2022 as a result of the planned major smelter maintenance campaign and subsequent ramp-up planned between August 2021 and February 2022.

Antamina Copper production is expected between 120 and 140 kt in FY2022.

Escondida unit costs in FY2022 are expected to be between US$1.20 and US$1.40 per pound (based on an average exchange rate of USD/CLP 727) reflecting expected lower by-product credits, expected higher costs associated with an approximately 20 per cent increase in material mined required to catch up on mine development due to reduced material movement in FY2021 and study costs to increase optionality at Escondida longer term. This also reflects the inclusion of COVID-19 costs (treated as an exceptional item in FY2021) and a further decline in concentrator feed grade of approximately 2 per cent. In the medium term, unit cost guidance remains unchanged at less than US$1.10 per pound (based on an exchange rate of USD/CLP 727).

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2019 has been omitted from this Form 20-F and can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2020, filed on 22 September 2020.

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1.17.3    Iron Ore

Detailed below is financial and operating information for our Iron Ore assets comparing FY2021 to FY2020. For more detailed financial information on our Iron Ore assets, refer to section 4.4.3.

Year ended 30 June US$M	2021		2020
Revenue		34,475		20,797
Underlying EBITDA		26,278		14,554
Net operating assets		18,663		18,400
Capital expenditure		2,188		2,328
Total iron ore production (Mt)		254		248
Average realised prices
Iron ore (US$/wmt, FOB)		130.56		77.36

Key drivers of Iron Ore’s financial results

Price overview

Iron Ore’s average realised sales price for FY2021 was US$130.56 per wet metric tonne (wmt) (FY2020: US$77.36 per wmt). Iron ore prices were elevated throughout FY2021, hitting record highs in the second half. Forces contributing to price gains included strong Chinese pig iron production, a rapid recovery in global markets excluding China and a shortage of branded fines products as some iron ore mining companies have been producing towards their lower end of guidance. Medium term, we believe China’s demand for iron ore is expected to be lower than it is today as crude steel production plateaus and the scrap-to-steel ratio rises. In the long term, we believe prices are expected to be determined by high cost production, on a value-in-use adjusted basis, from Australia or Brazil. Quality differentiation is expected to remain a factor in determining iron ore prices as steelmakers prefer high-quality raw materials for higher productivity and lower-emissions intensity.

Production

Total Iron Ore production increased by 2 per cent to 254 Mt.

WAIO production increased by 1 per cent to a record 252 Mt (284 Mt on a 100% basis) reflecting record production at Jimblebar and Mining Area C, which included first ore from South Flank in May 2021. This was combined with strong operational performance across the supply chain reflecting continued improvements in car dumper performance and reliability, and improved train cycle times. 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 to integrate South Flank with the Mining Area C processing hub.

Samarco production was 1.9 Mt following the recommencement of iron ore pellet production at one concentrator in December 2020. For more information on individual asset production in FY2021, FY2020 and FY2019, refer to section 4.5.

Financial results

Total Iron Ore revenue increased by US$13.7 billion to US$34.5 billion in FY2021 reflecting higher average realised prices and production.

Underlying EBITDA for Iron Ore increased by US$11.7 billion to US$26.3 billion including favourable price impacts, net of price-linked costs, of US$12.1 billion. Higher volumes increased Underlying EBITDA by US$148 million. This was partially offset by unfavourable foreign exchange impacts of US$416 million.

Other items such as inflation and one-off items negatively impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$63 million.

WAIO unit costs increased by 17 per cent to US$14.82 per tonne due to the impact of a 12 per cent stronger Australian dollar, higher third-party royalties related to higher iron ore prices, incremental costs relating to the ramp-up of South Flank and higher labour costs relating to increased planned maintenance partially offset by record production and continued production improvements across the supply chain. The calculation of WAIO unit costs is set out in the table below:

WAIO unit costs (US$M)	FY2021		FY2020
Revenue		34,337		20,663
Underlying EBITDA		26,270		14,508
Gross costs		8,067		6,155
Less: freight		1,755		1,459
Less: royalties		2,577		1,531
Net costs		3,735		3,165
Sales (kt, equity share)		252,052		250,598
Cost per tonne (US$) (1)(2)		14.82		12.63

(1)  FY2021 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.75.

(2)  FY2021 excludes COVID-19 related costs of US$0.51 per tonne (including US$0.25 per tonne relating to operations and US$0.26 per tonne of demurrage) that are reported as exceptional items. An additional US$0.12 per tonne relating to capital projects is also reported as an exceptional item.

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Outlook

WAIO production of between 246 and 255 Mt, or between 278 and 288 Mt on a 100 per cent basis, is expected in FY2022 as WAIO looks 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. The Yandi resource has commenced its end-of-life ramp-down as South Flank ramps up, and this is expected to continue to provide supply chain flexibility with a lower level of production to continue for a few years.

Samarco production of between 3 and 4 Mt (BHP share) is expected in FY2022.

WAIO unit costs in FY2022 are expected to be between US$17.50 and US$18.50 per tonne reflecting updated guidance exchange rates (based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.78), expected costs associated with the ramp-up of South Flank and ramp-down of Yandi, and elevated third-party royalties. This also reflects the inclusion of COVID-19 costs (treated as an exceptional item in FY2021). In the medium term, unit costs have been revised to less than US$16 per tonne predominately reflecting a number of uncontrollable factors including updated guidance exchange rates (based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.78), expected higher third-party royalties and forecast higher diesel prices.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2019 has been omitted from this Form 20-F and can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2020, filed on 22 September 2020.

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1.17.4    Coal

Detailed below is financial and operating information for our Coal assets comparing FY2021 to FY2020. For more detailed financial information on our Coal assets, refer to section 4.4.4.

Year ended 30 June US$M	2021		2020
Revenue		5,154		6,242
Underlying EBITDA		288		1,632
Net operating assets		7,512		9,509
Capital expenditure		579		603
Total metallurgical coal production (Mt)		41		41
Total energy coal production (Mt)		19		23
Average realised prices
Metallurgical coal (US$/t)		106.64		130.97
Hard coking coal (HCC) (US$/t)		112.72		143.65
Weak coking coal (WCC) (US$/t)		89.62		92.59
Thermal coal (US$/t)		58.42		57.10

Key drivers of Coal’s financial results

Price overview

Metallurgical coal

Our average realised sales price for FY2021 was US$112.72 per tonne for hard coking coal (HCC) (FY2020: US$143.65 per tonne) and US$89.62 per tonne for weak coking coal (WCC) (FY2020: US$92.59 per tonne). Metallurgical coal prices faced by Australian producers in the free-on-board (FOB) market were weak for most of FY2021. A spike in uncertainty regarding China’s import policy on Australia origin coals distorted the usual trade flows and had a key influence on the market. Demand outside China has been promising supported by strong recovery in the steel sector. Prices rebounded sharply towards the end of FY2021, on multi-regional supply disruptions and trade flow rebalancing. Going forward, while trade flow from Australia into China is inhibited, the metallurgical coal industry could face an uncertain and challenging period ahead. Over time, premium quality coking coals are expected to be particularly advantaged given the drive by steelmakers to improve blast furnace productivity, partly to reduce emissions intensity. We believe a wholesale shift away from blast furnace steelmaking, which requires metallurgical coal, is still decades in the future given the high cost of conversion and operation associated with alternative steelmaking technologies.

Energy coal

Our average realised sales price for FY2021 was US$58.42 per tonne (FY2020: US$57.10 per tonne). The Newcastle 6,000 kcal/kg price reached its high for the financial year in June 2021 amid strong demand and disrupted supply. Newcastle 5,500 kcal/kg coal found demand in India and North Asia given import restrictions into China. Longer term, our base case is that total primary energy derived from coal (power and non-power) is expected to modestly grow at a compound rate slower than that of global population growth. Under deep decarbonisation scenarios, demand is expected to decline in absolute terms.

Production

Metallurgical coal production decreased by 1 per cent to 41 Mt (73 Mt on a 100 per cent basis). At Queensland Coal strong operational performance, including record production at Goonyella facilitated by record tonnes from Broadmeadow mine, was offset by significant 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 production decreased by 17 per cent to 19 Mt. 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. 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.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2021, FY2020 and FY2019, refer to section 4.5.

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Financial results

Coal revenue decreased by US$1.1 billion to US$5.2 billion in FY2021 due to lower average realised prices and production.

Underlying EBITDA for Coal decreased by US$1.3 billion to US$288 million including lower price impacts, net of price-linked costs, of US$0.7 billion. Lower volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$168 million. Controllable cash costs increased by US$102 million driven by increased maintenance costs at Queensland Coal (earth moving equipment maintenance and shiploader maintenance at Hay Point port) as well as increased stripping volumes, which was partially offset by cost reduction initiatives at both Queensland Coal and NSWEC.

Other items including lower fuel and energy prices favourably impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$93 million, but were more than offset by US$512 million of foreign exchange losses.

Queensland Coal unit costs increased by 21 per cent to US$82 per tonne, due to the impact of a 12 per cent stronger Australian dollar, higher planned maintenance in the first half of the year, shiploader maintenance at Hay Point, and lower yields and increased stripping volumes at Poitrel and South Walker Creek. This was partially offset by lower fuel and energy costs, driven by lower diesel prices, and cost reduction initiatives.

NSWEC unit costs increased by 14 per cent to US$64 per tonne, due to the impact of a stronger Australian dollar and lower volumes as a result of significant weather impacts, higher strip ratios, an increased proportion of washed coal in response to widening price quality differentials and reduced port capacity following damage to a shiploader at the Newcastle port in November 2020. This was partially offset by lower fuel and energy costs, driven by lower diesel prices, as well as cost reduction initiatives.

The calculation of Queensland Coal’s and NSWEC’s unit costs is set out in the table below:

	Queensland Coal unit costs				NSWEC unit costs
US$M	FY2021		FY2020		FY2021			FY2020
Revenue		4,315		5,357		839			886
Underlying EBITDA		593		1,935		(169	)		(79	)
Gross costs		3,722		3,422		1,008			965
Less: freight		69		147		–			–
Less: royalties		330		498		66			68
Net costs		3,323		2,777		942			897
Sales (kt, equity share)		40,619		41,086		14,626			15,868
Cost per tonne (US$) (1)(2)		81.81		67.59		64.41			56.53

(1)  FY2021 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.75.

(2)  FY2021 excludes COVID-19 related costs of US$0.91 per tonne and US$0.40 per tonne that are reported as exceptional items relating to Queensland Coal and NSWEC respectively.

Outlook

Metallurgical coal production is expected to be between 39 and 44 Mt, or 70 and 78 Mt on a 100 per cent basis, in FY2022, 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. Energy coal production is expected to be between 13 and 15 Mt in FY2022, 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.

Queensland Coal unit costs are expected to be between US$80 and US$90 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.78) in FY2022 as a result of expected higher diesel prices, with mine plan optimisation and efficiency uplifts expected to largely offset increased stripping requirements. We remain focused on cost reduction and productivity initiatives, however given the ongoing uncertainty regarding restrictions on coal imports into China we are unable to provide medium-term volume and unit cost guidance.

NSWEC unit costs are expected to be between US$62 and US$70 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.78) in FY2022 reflecting a continued focus on higher quality products, mine plan optimisation, productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2019 has been omitted from this Form 20-F and can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2020, filed on 22 September 2020.

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1.17.5    Other assets

Detailed below is an analysis of Other assets’ financial and operating performance comparing FY2021 to FY2020. For more detailed financial information on our Other assets, refer to section 4.4.5.

Nickel West

Key drivers of Nickel West’s financial results

Price overview

Our average realised sales price for FY2021 was US$16,250 per tonne (FY2020: US$13,860 per tonne). The average nickel price in FY2021 was 16 per cent higher than FY2020, benefitting from positive investor sentiment amidst a strong, geographically diverse rebound in end-use demand. An announcement by a major nickel producer during the period that it intends to convert some nickel pig iron to nickel matte in Indonesia, thereby making it suitable for use in the battery supply chain, led to a brief correction in March. Prices subsequently rebounded supported by strong demand, multi-region supply disruptions and falling London Metal Exchange stocks. Longer term, we believe that nickel will be a substantial beneficiary of the global electrification mega-trend and that nickel sulphides will be particularly attractive. This is due to their relatively lower cost of production of battery-suitable class-1 nickel than for laterites, and the favourable position of integrated sulphide operations on the emission intensity curve.

Production

Nickel West production in FY2021 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.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2021, FY2020 and FY2019, refer to section 4.5.

Financial results

Higher production combined with higher average realised sales prices resulted in revenue increasing by US$356 million to US$1.5 billion in FY2021.

Underlying EBITDA for Nickel West increased by US$296 million to US$259 million in FY2021 reflecting higher prices and volumes, and lower maintenance costs following the major quadrennial shutdowns in the prior year, as well as lower contractor costs following the transition and ramp-up of new mines. This was partially offset by unfavourable exchange rate movements and the adverse impacts of the stronger nickel price on third-party concentrate purchase costs.

Potash

Potash recorded an Underlying EBITDA loss of US$167 million in FY2021, and a loss of US$127 million in FY2020.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2019 has been omitted from this Form 20-F and can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2020, filed on 22 September 2020.

1.17.6    Impact of changes to commodity prices

The prices we obtain for our products are a key driver of value for BHP. Fluctuations in these commodity prices affect our results, including cash flows and asset values. The estimated impact of changes in commodity prices in FY2021 on our key financial measures is set out below.

	Impact on profit after taxation from Continuing operations (US$M)		Impact on Underlying EBITDA (US$M)
US$1/bbl on oil price		24		35
US¢1/lb on copper price		23		33
US$1/t on iron ore price		163		233
US$1/t on metallurgical coal price		24		35
US$1/t on energy coal price		9		13
US¢1/lb on nickel price		1		1

1.18    Other information

1.18.1    Company details and terms of reference

Refer to page i for further information.

1.18.2    Forward-looking statements

Refer to page i for further information.

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Section 2

Governance at BHP

In this section:

2.1	Corporate Governance Statement	110
2.1.1	Chair’s letter	110
2.1.2	Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team	112
	Board of Directors	112
	Executive Leadership Team	115
2.1.3	BHP governance structure	116
2.1.4	Board and Committee meetings and attendance	117
2.1.5	Key Board activities during FY2021	118
2.1.6	Stakeholder engagement	120
	Shareholder engagement	120
	Workforce engagement	123
2.1.7	Director skills, experience and attributes	124
2.1.8	Board evaluation	127
2.1.9	Nomination and Governance Committee Report	127
2.1.10	Risk and Audit Committee Report	130
2.1.11	Sustainability Committee Report	137
2.1.12	Remuneration Committee Report	138
2.1.13	Risk management governance structure	139
2.1.14	Management	139
2.1.15	Our conduct	140
2.1.16	Market disclosure	140
2.1.17	Conformance with corporate governance standards	141
2.1.18	Additional UK disclosure	143
2.2	Remuneration Report	143
2.2.1	Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair	145

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2.2.2	Remuneration policy report	150
	Remuneration policy for the Executive Director	150
	Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors	157
2.2.3	Annual report on remuneration	159
	Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)	159
	Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO)	171
	Remuneration for Non-executive Directors	174
	Remuneration governance	176
	Other statutory disclosures	177
2.3	Directors’ Report	184
2.3.1	Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs	185
2.3.2	Share capital and buy-back programs	185
2.3.3	Results, financial instruments and going concern	186
2.3.4	Directors	186
2.3.5	Remuneration and share interests	187
2.3.6	Secretaries	188
2.3.7	Indemnities and insurance	188
2.3.8	Employee policies	188
2.3.9	Corporate governance	189
2.3.10	Dividends	189
2.3.11	Auditors	189
2.3.12	Non-audit services	189
2.3.13	Political donations	189
2.3.14	Exploration, research and development	190
2.3.15	ASIC Instrument 2016/191	190
2.3.16	Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited	190
2.3.17	Performance in relation to environmental regulation	190
2.3.18	Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information	191

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2.1    Corporate Governance Statement

2.1.1     Chair’s letter

  ‘This year BHP achieved some outstanding results, underpinned by strong operational performance and disciplined capital allocation. For the second consecutive year, there were no fatalities at our operated assets. We also created more value for shareholders and continued to contribute to the communities and partners who support our work.’   Ken MacKenzie   Chair  

Dear Shareholder,

This year BHP achieved some outstanding results, underpinned by strong operational performance and disciplined capital allocation. For the second consecutive year, there were no fatalities at our operated assets. We also created more value for shareholders and continued to contribute to the communities and partners who support our work.

Strategy and portfolio

Our purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world. Our objective is to deliver sustainable long-term value and returns. We do this by owning a portfolio of world-class assets in attractive commodities, operating them exceptionally well, maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and being leaders in sustainability and creating social value.

We are proactively positioning the company for the future with a portfolio and capabilities that will enable us to grow long-term value – the commodities we supply are essential to the world now and in the future. We recently announced an investment of US$5.7 billion in the Jansen Stage 1 potash project in Canada, which opens up a new growth front for BHP. We also announced our intention to merge BHP’s Petroleum business with Woodside to create a top 10 independent oil and gas company with the capability to support the world’s energy needs through the energy transition.

As well as positioning our portfolio for future growth, we have also announced our intention to move from a Dual Listed Company with two parent entities, to a single company structure under BHP Ltd with a primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange. We believe unification will make BHP more efficient and agile, and better position the company for continued performance and growth.

Culture and capability

Successful delivery of our strategy relies on workforce capability and a strong culture. We believe that supporting our people’s wellbeing, creating and promoting an inclusive and diverse environment for our people to work, and keeping them safe in the workplace is critically important. It is core to our values. In FY2021, this has taken on an even greater emphasis as our workforce and their families and communities have adapted to new ways of working as a result of the pandemic.

This year we have created a simpler Engagement and Perception Survey that runs in 100-day culture improvement cycles. The Board regularly reviews the results of these surveys and any actions that are taken as a result. We also continue to invest in our leaders and in new talent, through programs like our BHP Operating System learning academies, Operations Services and the FutureFit Academies which have seen us recruit hundreds of new apprentices and trainees into our operations in Australia.

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Board composition

In FY2021, we continued to renew our Board through our structured Board succession process. The Board regularly assesses its current skills and expected requirements for the future and uses that analysis to establish clear succession plans. In October 2020, Christine O’Reilly and Xiaoqun Clever were appointed to the Board as independent Non-executive Directors.

Xiaoqun Clever has more than 20 years’ experience in technology with a focus on software engineering, data and analytics, cyber security and digitalisation. She held various roles with SAP SE, Ringier AG and ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE. She currently serves on the boards of Capgemini SE, Infineon Technologies AG and Amadeus IT Group SA.

Christine O’Reilly has more than 30 years’ experience in finance, public policy and transformational strategy. She held various roles with GasNet Australia Group and Colonial First State Global Asset Management. She currently serves on the boards of Stockland Limited, Medibank Private Limited, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, and will join the board of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited from November 2021.

We have also announced the appointment of Michelle Hinchliffe as an independent Non-executive Director from 1 March 2022. Ms Hinchliffe has over 30 years’ experience in KPMG’s financial services division and has spent time as a partner and member of the Board of KPMG’s Australian and UK practices. She is currently the UK Chair of Audit for KPMG and will retire from KPMG prior to her appointment.

Susan Kilsby and Anita Frew will retire as BHP Directors at the end of the 2021 Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Susan was appointed as Chair of Fortune Brands in January 2021 and Anita has joined the board of Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc and will become Chair from 1 October 2021. Both directors have stepped down due to the time commitments associated with these new chair roles. I would like to acknowledge and thank both Susan and Anita for their counsel and contribution to BHP and the Board.

We are continuing our renewal process and will look to add a further independent director in 2022.

Shareholder engagement

We are committed to communicating with our shareholders and hearing your views on the company’s performance. We do this through our AGMs, shareholder forums and investor meetings where we engage with investors on key areas of market interest.

Shareholders also have the opportunity to ask questions directly of the Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry, through shareholder question and answer sessions webcast through BHP’s website.

The Board also engages with investors and considers their perspectives, including through independent survey results, and regularly seeks feedback from other external stakeholders, such as the Forum on Corporate Responsibility, to ensure it is considering all perspectives and effecting positive change.

Conclusion

I am proud that BHP’s people and operations have been resilient, and continued to create value for our shareholders, communities, customers, suppliers and partners.

I look forward to our upcoming AGMs and to engaging with as many shareholders as I can, institutional and retail, throughout the year to hear your views and feedback.

On behalf of the Board, thank you for your continued support.

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

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2.1.2     Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team

Board of Directors

	Committee Chair		Committee member		Risk and Audit
	Nomination and Governance		Remuneration		Sustainability

	Ken MacKenzie BEng, FIEA, FAICD, 57 Independent Non-executive Director since September 2016. Chair since 1 September 2017.		Mike Henry BSc (Chemistry), 55 Non-independent Director since January 2020. Chief Executive Officer since 1 January 2020.
Mr MacKenzie has extensive global and executive experience and a deeply strategic approach, with a focus on operational excellence, capital discipline and the creation of long-term shareholder value. Ken has insight and understanding in relation to organisational culture, the external environment, and emerging issues related to the creation of social value. Ken was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Amcor Limited, a global packaging company with operations in over 40 countries, from 2005 until 2015. During his 23-year career with Amcor, Ken gained extensive experience across all of Amcor’s major business segments in developed and emerging markets in the Americas, Australia, Asia and Europe. Ken currently sits on the Advisory Board of American Securities Capital Partners LLC (since January 2016) and is a part-time advisor at Barrenjoey (since April 2021).		Mr Henry has over 30 years’ experience in the global mining and petroleum industry, spanning operational, commercial, safety, technology and marketing roles. Mike joined BHP in 2003, initially in business development and then in marketing and trading of a range of mineral and petroleum commodities based in The Hague, where he was also accountable for BHP’s ocean freight operations. He went on to hold various positions in BHP, including President Operations Minerals Australia, President Coal, President HSE, Marketing and Technology, and Chief Marketing Officer. Mike was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2020 and has been a member of the Executive Leadership Team since 2011. Prior to joining BHP, Mike worked in the resources industry in Canada, Japan and Australia.
	Terry Bowen BAcct, FCPA, MAICD, 54 Independent Non-executive Director since October 2017.		Malcolm Broomhead AO, MBA, BE, FAICD, 69 Independent Non-executive Director since March 2010.
Mr Bowen has significant executive experience across a range of diversified industries. He has deep financial expertise, and extensive experience in capital allocation discipline, commodity value chains and strategy. Terry was formerly Managing Partner and Head of Operations at BGH Capital and an Executive Director and Finance Director of Wesfarmers Limited. Prior to this, Terry held various senior executive roles within Wesfarmers, including as Finance Director of Coles, Managing Director of Industrial and Safety and Finance Director of Wesfarmers Landmark. Terry is also a former Director of Gresham Partners and past President of the National Executive of the Group of 100 Inc. Terry is currently Chair of the Operations Group at BGH Capital, and a Director of Transurban Group (since February 2020), Navitas Pty Limited and West Coast Eagles Football Club.		Mr Broomhead has extensive experience as a non-executive director of global organisations, and as a chief executive of large global industrial and mining companies. Malcolm has a broad strategic perspective and understanding of the long-term cyclical nature of the resources industry and commodity value chains, with proven health, safety and environment, and capital allocation performance. Malcolm was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Orica Limited from 2001 until September 2005. Prior to joining Orica, he held a number of senior positions at North Limited, including Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and, prior to that, held senior management positions with Halcrow (UK), MIM Holdings, Peko Wallsend and Industrial Equity. Malcolm is currently Chair of Orica Limited (since January 2016, having served on the board since December 2015). He is also a Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (since July 2014).

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	Xiaoqun Clever Diploma in Computer Science and International Marketing, MBA, 51 Independent Non-executive Director since October 2020.		Ian Cockerill MSc (Mining and Mineral Engineering), BSc (Hons.) (Geology), AMP – Oxford Templeton College, 67 Independent Non-executive Director since April 2019.
Ms Clever has over 20 years’ experience in technology with a focus on software engineering, data and analytics, cybersecurity and digitalisation. Xiaoqun was formerly Chief Technology Officer of Ringier AG and ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE. Xiaoqun previously held various roles with SAP SE from 1997 to 2013, including Chief Operating Officer of Technology and Innovation. Xiaoqun was formerly a member of the Supervisory Board of Allianz Elementar Versicherungs and Lebensversicherungs AG (from January 2015 to August 2020). She is currently a Non-executive Director of Capgemini SE (since May 2019) and Amadeus IT Group SA (since June 2020) and on the Supervisory Board of Infineon Technologies AG (since February 2020). She is also a member of the Administrative Board of Cornelsen Group (since October 2019) and the Advisory Board of Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions e.V. (since June 2019). Xiaoqun is also the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LuxNova Suisse GmbH (since April 2018).		Mr Cockerill has extensive global mining operational, project and executive experience having initially trained as a geologist. Ian previously served as Chair of BlackRock World Mining Trust plc (from 2016 to May 2019, having served on the board since September 2013), Lead Independent Director of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd (from 2012 to June 2019, having served on the board since August 2011), and a Non-executive Director of Orica Limited (from July 2010 to August 2019) and Endeavour Mining Corporation (from September 2013 to March 2019). Ian was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American Coal and Chief Executive Officer and President of Gold Fields Limited, and a senior executive with AngloGold Ashanti and Anglo American Group. He is currently the Chair of Polymetal International plc (since April 2019) and a Non-executive Director of I-Pulse Inc (since September 2010). Ian is a Director of the Leadership for Conservation in Africa and is the Chair of Conservation 360, a Botswanan conservation NGO dealing with anti-poaching initiatives.
	Anita Frew BA (Hons), MRes, Hon. D.Sc, 64 Independent Non-executive Director since September 2015.		Gary Goldberg BS (Mining Engineering), MBA, 62 Independent Non-executive Director since February 2020. Senior Independent Director of BHP Group Plc since December 2020.
Ms Frew has an extensive breadth of non-executive experience in diverse industries, including chemicals, engineering, industrial and finance. In particular, Anita has valuable insight and experience in the creation of value, organisational change, mergers and acquisitions, financial and non-financial risk, and health, safety and environment. Anita was previously the Deputy Chair (from December 2014 to May 2020), Senior Independent Director (from May 2017 to December 2019) and Non-executive Director (from 2010 to May 2020) of Lloyds Banking Group plc. She also previously held the roles of Chair of Victrex Plc and Senior Independent Director of Aberdeen Asset Management Plc and IMI Plc. Anita is currently the Chair of Croda International Plc (since September 2015, having joined the Board in March 2015). She is a Non-executive Director (since 1 July 2021) and Chair designate (commencing from 1 October 2021) of Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc.		Mr Goldberg has over 35 years of global executive experience, including deep experience in mining, strategy, risk, commodity value chain, capital allocation discipline and public policy. Gary served as the Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest gold producers, Newmont Corporation, from 2013 until October 2019. Prior to joining Newmont, Gary was President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto Minerals, and served in executive leadership roles in Rio Tinto’s coal, gold, copper and industrial minerals businesses. Gary previously served as Vice Chair of the World Gold Council, Treasurer of the International Council on Mining and Metals, and Chair of the National Mining Association in the United States. Gary also has non-executive director experience, having previously served on the board of Port Waratah Coal Services Limited and Rio Tinto Zimbabwe.

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	Susan Kilsby MBA, BA, 62 Independent Non-executive Director since April 2019.		John Mogford BEng, 68 Independent Non-executive Director since October 2017.
Ms Kilsby has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, and finance and strategy, having held several roles in global investment banking. From 1996 to 2014, Susan held senior executive roles at Credit Suisse, including as a Senior Advisor, and Chair of EMEA Mergers and Acquisitions. Susan also has non-executive director experience across multiple industries. She was previously the Chair of Shire plc (from 2014 to January 2019, having served on the board since September 2011) and the Senior Independent Director at BBA Aviation plc (from 2016 to 2019, having served on the Board from April 2012). Susan is currently the Senior Independent Director of Diageo plc (since October 2019 having served on the board since April 2018), Chair of Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc (since January 2021 having served on the board since July 2015) and a Non-executive Director of Unilever plc (since August 2019) and NHS England (since January 2021).		Mr Mogford has significant global executive experience, including in oil and gas, capital allocation discipline, commodity value chains and health, safety and environment. John has also held roles as a non-executive director on a number of boards. John spent the majority of his career in various leadership, technical and operational roles at BP Plc. He was the Managing Director and an Operating Partner of First Reserve, a large global energy focused private equity firm, from 2009 until 2015, during which he served on the boards of First Reserve’s investee companies, including as Chair of Amromco Energy LLC and White Rose Energy Ventures LLP. John retired from the boards of Weir Group Plc and one of First Reserve’s portfolio companies, DOF Subsea AS, in 2018. John is currently a Non-executive Director of ERM Worldwide Group Limited (since 2015).
	Christine O’Reilly BBus, 60 Independent Non-executive Director since October 2020.		Dion Weisler BASc (Computing), Honorary Doctor of Laws, 54 Independent Non-executive Director since June 2020.
Ms O’Reilly has extensive experience in both executive and non-executive roles with deep financial and public policy expertise, as well as valuable experience in large-scale capital projects and transformational strategy. She has over 30 years’ executive experience in the financial and infrastructure sectors, including as the Chief Executive Officer of the GasNet Australia Group and as Co-Head of Unlisted Infrastructure Investments at Colonial First State Global Asset Management. Christine served as a Non-executive Director of Transurban Group (from April 2012 to October 2020), CSL Limited (from February 2011 to October 2020) and Energy Australia Holdings Limited (from September 2012 to August 2018). Christine is currently a Non-executive Director of Stockland Limited (since August 2018), Medibank Private Limited (since March 2014) and Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute (since June 2013), and will join the board of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited from November 2021.		Mr Weisler has extensive global executive experience, including in chief executive officer and operational roles. In particular, Dion has valuable transformation and commercial experience in the global information technology sector, a focus on capital discipline, as well as perspectives on current and emerging ESG issues. Dion served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of HP Inc. from 2015 to 2019, and continued as a Director and Senior Executive Adviser until May 2020. Dion previously held a number of senior executive roles at Lenovo Group Limited. Prior to this, Dion was General Manager Conferencing and Collaboration at Telstra Corporation, and held various positions at Acer Inc., including as Managing Director, Acer UK. Dion is currently a Non-executive Director of Intel Corporation (since June 2020) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (since March 2017).
	Stefanie Wilkinson BA, LLB (Hons), LLM, 43 Group Company Secretary since March 2021. Ms Wilkinson was appointed Group Company Secretary effective March 2021. Prior to joining BHP, Stefanie was a Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, a firm she was with for 15 years, specialising in corporate law and governance for listed companies. Earlier in her career, Stefanie was a solicitor at Allen & Overy in the Middle East. Stefanie is a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

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Executive Leadership Team

	Athalie Williams, Chief People Officer (BA (Hons), FAHRI, 51) Ms Williams joined BHP in 2007 and was appointed Chief People Officer in January 2015. Athalie is responsible for delivering innovative people and culture strategies, programs and policies for the Group globally, and ensuring BHP has the right people and capabilities to deliver its strategy. Prior to joining BHP, Athalie was the General Manager Cultural Transformation at NAB and an organisation strategy adviser with Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting).
	Caroline Cox, Chief Legal, Governance and External Affairs Officer (BA (Hons), MA, LLB, BCL, 51) Ms Cox was appointed Chief Legal, Governance and External Affairs Officer in November 2020. Caroline joined BHP in 2014 as Vice President Legal and was appointed Group General Counsel in 2016 and Group General Counsel & Company Secretary from March 2019. Prior to joining BHP, Caroline was a Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, a firm she was with for 11 years, specialising in cross-border transactions, disputes and regulatory investigations.
	David Lamont, Chief Financial Officer (BComm, CA, 56) Mr Lamont was appointed Chief Financial Officer in December 2020. Prior to joining BHP David was the Chief Financial Officer of ASX-listed global biotech company CSL Limited. He has also held the positions of CFO and Executive Director at Minerals and Metals Group and has previously served as CFO at OZ Minerals Limited, PaperlinX Limited and Incitec Limited. David held senior roles at BHP between 2001 and 2006, including as CFO of its Carbon Steel Materials and Energy Coal businesses.
	Edgar Basto, President Minerals Australia (BSc, Metallurgy, 54) Mr Basto joined BHP in 1989 and was appointed President Minerals Australia in July 2020. Edgar is responsible for BHP’s iron ore and nickel operations in Western Australia, metallurgical and energy coal in Queensland and New South Wales, and copper in South Australia. Edgar has held key leadership roles across a range of commodities, including as Asset President of Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) from March 2016 and Asset President Escondida (Chile) from 2009.
	Geraldine Slattery, President Petroleum (BSc, Physics, MSc, International Management (Oil & Gas), 52) Ms Slattery joined BHP in 1994 and was appointed President Operations, Petroleum in March 2019. Geraldine has more than 25 years of experience with BHP, most recently as Asset President Conventional and prior to that in several senior operational and business leadership roles across the Petroleum business in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.
	Johan van Jaarsveld, Chief Development Officer (B.Eng (Chem), MCom, Applied Finance, PhD (Eng), Extractive Metallurgy, 49) Mr van Jaarsveld joined BHP in 2016 and was appointed Chief Development Officer in September 2020. Johan is responsible for strategy, acquisitions and divestments, securing early-stage growth options in future facing commodities, ventures and innovation. Prior to joining BHP, Johan held executive positions in resources and finance, including at Barrick Gold Corporation, Goldman Sachs and The Blackstone Group.
	Laura Tyler, Chief Technical Officer (BSc (Geology (Hons)), MSc (Mining Engineering), 54) Ms Tyler joined BHP in 2004 and was appointed Chief Technical Officer in September 2020. Laura has 17 years of experience with BHP, most recently as Chief Geoscientist and Asset President of Olympic Dam. Prior to joining BHP, Laura worked for Western Mining Corporation, Newcrest Mining and Mount Isa Mines in various technical and operational roles.
	Ragnar Udd, President Minerals Americas (BAppSc (Mining Engineering), MEng, MBA, 49) Mr Udd joined BHP in 1997 and was appointed President Minerals Americas in November 2020. Ragnar has held a number of senior leadership positions across BHP in operations, logistics, projects and technology, including most recently as Acting Chief Technology Officer and Asset President of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
	Vandita Pant, Chief Commercial Officer (BCom (Hons), MBA, Business Administration, 51) Ms Pant joined BHP in 2016 and was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in July 2019. Her global accountabilities include Marketing, Procurement, Maritime, Logistics, Global Business Services, and developing BHP’s views on global commodities markets. Prior to this role, she was Group Treasurer and Head of Europe. Prior to joining BHP, Vandita held a wide range of executive roles with ABN Amro and Royal Bank of Scotland and has lived and worked in India, Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom.

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2.1.3     BHP governance structure

The Board currently has 12 members. The Directors of BHP, along with their profiles, are listed in section 2.1.2.

The Board believes there is an appropriate combination of Executive and Non-executive Directors to promote shareholder interests and govern BHP effectively. The Board has fewer Executive Directors than is common for UK-listed companies, but its composition is considered appropriate for the Dual Listed Company structure and is in line with Australian-listed company practice.

The Board has extensive access to members of senior management who frequently attend Board meetings. Management makes presentations and engages in discussions with Directors, answers questions and provides input and perspective on their areas of responsibility. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is accountable to the Board for the authority that is delegated to the CEO and for the performance of the Group. The CEO works in a constructive partnership with the Board and is required to report regularly to the Board on progress. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) also attends all Board meetings. The Board, led by the Chair, also holds discussions in the absence of management at each Board meeting.

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board and ensuring it operates to the highest governance standards. In particular, the Chair facilitates constructive Board relations and the effective contribution of all Non-executive Directors.

The Group Company Secretary is accountable to the Board and advises the Chair and, through the Chair, the Board and individual Directors on all matters of governance process.

The role of the Board, as set out in the Board Governance Document, is to represent shareholders and promote and protect the interests of BHP in the short and long term. The Board considers the interests of the Group’s shareholders as a whole and the interests of other relevant stakeholders.

The Board Governance Document is a statement of the practices and processes the Board has adopted to fulfil its responsibilities. It includes the processes the Board has implemented to undertake its own tasks and activities; the matters it has reserved for its own consideration and decision-making; the authority it has delegated to the CEO, including the limits on the way the CEO can execute that authority; and guidance on the relationship between the Board and the CEO.

The matters reserved for the Board include:

• CEO appointment and determination of the terms of the appointment

• approval of the appointment of Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members, and material changes to the organisational structure involving direct reports to the CEO

• strategy, annual budgets, balance sheet management and funding strategy

• determination of commitments, capital and non-capital items, acquisitions and divestments above specified limits

• performance assessment of the CEO and the Group

• approving the Group’s values, Our Code of Conduct, purpose and risk appetite

• management of Board composition, processes and performance

• determination and adoption of documents (including the publication of reports and statements to shareholders) that are required by the Group’s constitutional documents, statute or by other external regulation

The Board Governance Document is available at bhp.com/governance.

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The Board has established Committees to assist it in exercising its authority, including monitoring the performance of BHP to gain assurance that progress is being made towards our purpose within the limits imposed by the Board. These Committees include the Risk and Audit Committee, the Nomination and Governance Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Sustainability Committee. Each of these permanent Committees has terms of reference under which authority is delegated by the Board. These are available at bhp.com/governance. Reports from these Committees are set out at sections 2.1.9 to 2.1.12.

2.1.4     Board and Committee meetings and attendance

The Board meets as often as required. During FY2021, the Board met 12 times. The normal schedule, which includes Board meetings in the United Kingdom and in another global office location, was disrupted due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During FY2021, all Board meetings were held virtually. An additional ad hoc meeting was held in FY2021.

Members of the ELT and other members of senior management attend meetings of the Board by invitation, with the CFO attending each meeting.

Each Board Committee provides a standing invitation for any Non-executive Director to attend Committee meetings (rather than just limiting attendance to Committee members). Committee agendas and papers are provided to all Directors to ensure they are aware of matters to be considered.

Board and Board Committee attendance in FY2021

Board

Risk and Audit Committee

Nomination and Governance Committee

Remuneration Committee

Sustainability Committee

Terry Bowen

12/12

11/11

4/4

(1)

Malcolm Broomhead

12/12

6/6

5/5

Xiaoqun Clever (2)

8/8

7/7

Ian Cockerill

12/12

11/11

5/5

Anita Frew

12/12

11/11

6/6

Gary Goldberg

12/12

2/2

(3)

6/6

5/5

Mike Henry

12/12

Susan Kilsby

11/12

(4)

4/4

(5)

6/6

(5)

Ken MacKenzie

12/12

6/6

Lindsay Maxsted (6)

4/4

4/4

John Mogford

12/12

4/4

(7)

5/5

Christine O’Reilly (8)

8/8

7/7

2/2

3/3

(5)

Shriti Vadera (9)

4.5/4.5

(9)

2/2

2/3

(10)

Dion Weisler

12/12

6/6

Table indicates the number of scheduled and ad hoc meetings attended and held during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or Committee.

(1)  Terry Bowen became a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee on 2 December 2020.

(2)  Xiaoqun Clever became a member of the Board and the Risk and Audit Committee on 1 October 2020.

(3)  Gary Goldberg became a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee on 1 March 2021.

(4)  Susan Kilsby was unable to attend the Board meeting on 5 May 2021 as the meeting time was rescheduled and Susan had a pre-existing Board commitment. Susan provided detailed comments to the Chair in advance of the meeting.

(5)  Susan Kilsby ceased being a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee on 1 March 2021, and was replaced as Chair of the Remuneration Committee by Christine O’Reilly effective 1 March 2021.

(6)  Lindsay Maxsted retired as a member of the Board and the Risk and Audit Committee on 4 September 2020.

(7)  John Mogford became a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee on 2 December 2020.

(8)  Christine O’Reilly became a member of the Board, the Risk and Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee on 12 October 2020, and a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee on 1 March 2021.

(9)  Shriti Vadera retired as a member of the Board, the Nomination and Governance Committee and the Remuneration Committee on 15 October 2020. The October Board meeting was held over two days on 13 and 16 October, and Shriti attended the first session prior to her retirement.

(10) Shriti Vadera was unable to attend the Remuneration Committee meeting on 23 September 2020 due to pre-existing Board commitments. Shriti provided detailed comments to the Chair of the Committee ahead of the meeting.

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2.1.5     Key Board activities during FY2021

Key matters considered by the Board during FY2021 are outlined below.

Chair’s matters	Board composition, succession planning, performance and culture	•   CEO and ELT succession •   Committee succession •   Board composition and succession •   Board evaluation •   Director training and development •   Corporate governance updates •   Employee indemnification policy
Strategic matters	Capital allocation (Capital Allocation Framework, capital prioritisation and development outcomes)	•   Dividend policy and dividend recommendations •   Capital prioritisation and portfolio development options •   Capital execution watch list •   Capital allocation for pathways to net zero and other social value projects
	Funding (annual budgets, balance sheet management, liquidity management)	•   Finance and business performance reports •   Two-year budget •   Funding updates
	Portfolio and strategy (Group scenarios, commodity and asset review, growth options, approving commitments, capital and non-capital items and acquisitions and divestments above a specified threshold, and geopolitical and macro-environmental impacts)	•   Growth projects and transactions •   Commodity strategies •   Dual Listed Company structure •   Strategic roadmap •   Risk Appetite Statement •   Climate change – approval of commitments and updates on progress against commitments •   Climate change – external landscape and risk exposure •   Equity alternatives •   New world trends post COVID-19 pandemic •   COVID-19 updates, including safety measures, wellbeing steps, workforce planning and community support •   Samarco strategy, funding and communications •   Strategic options for Petroleum •   Acquisition of additional interest in Shenzi •   Jansen Potash Project •   Trion project and Mexico country risk update •   Commodity price protocols •   China strategy •   Chile country update •   Economic and geopolitical landscape •   Nickel West power purchase agreement •   Innovation and technology update •   Minerals exploration briefing
	People, culture, social value and other significant items	•   Culture and capability, including capability deep dives •   Culture dashboard and Engagement and Perception Survey (EPS) results, including actions that will be taken based on the findings •   Inclusion and diversity update •   Sexual assault and sexual harassment •   Payroll review •   Cultural heritage review, including in relation to Project Resolution •   Shareholder requisitioned resolutions

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Monitoring and assurance matters Includes matters and/or documents required by the Group’s constitutional documents, statute or by other external regulation •   Investor relations reports, including investor perception survey results   •   CEO reports, including updates on safety and sustainability, financial and operational performance, external affairs, markets, people and projects   •   Risk review session   •   Non-financial risk management   •   Tailings Storage Facility Policy   •   Approval of the CEO’s remuneration   •   Review and approval of half-year and full-year financial results   •   Review and approval of the Annual Reporting suite and Climate Change Report   •   Virtual site visits and site visit reports   •   Director evaluations

Policies and procedures

During FY2021, we transitioned to full compliance with the fourth edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (ASX Fourth Edition) published by the ASX Corporate Governance Council.

We implemented new arrangements in line with the ASX Fourth Edition and reviewed them to ensure they remained in line with the 2018 edition of the UK Corporate Governance Code (UK Code).

In line with the ASX Fourth Edition, BHP also disclosed its Periodic Disclosure – Disclosure Controls policy, which sets out our process to verify the integrity of the periodic corporate reports we release to the market, including those that are not audited or reviewed by the external auditor (refer to section 2.1.16).

ELT succession

A critical component of succession at the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) level and below is the existence of a robust senior leadership program that operates across multiple organisational levels to build, develop, renew, recruit and promote our leaders. The Board is actively engaged and oversees the development of the senior leadership team.

On 1 December 2020, David Lamont’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) took effect. Peter Beaven continued as CFO until 30 November 2020 to provide ongoing leadership through to David’s commencement, and supported David with handover into early CY2021.

In August 2020, the Board approved new roles and appointments on the ELT. Ragnar Udd became President Minerals Americas, effective 1 November 2020, replacing Daniel Malchuk. Daniel continued in the role until that time and left BHP at the end of CY2020. Laura Tyler commenced in the new role of Chief Technical Officer on 1 September 2020. This role is an expansion of her previous position on the ELT as Chief Geoscientist. She relinquished her role as Asset President Olympic Dam. Caroline Cox became Chief Legal, Governance and External Affairs Officer, effective 1 November 2020, replacing Geoff Healy. Geoff continued in the role until that time and left BHP at the end of CY2020. Johan van Jaarsveld commenced in the new role of Chief Development Officer on 1 September 2020.

Culture

The delivery of our strategy is predicated on our culture and capability. The Board, supported by the Committees, considers a range of qualitative and quantitative information in relation to culture at BHP and monitors and assesses culture on an ongoing basis for alignment with our strategy, purpose and values. Board and Committee papers include workforce planning in the context of COVID-19, EPS results, inclusion and diversity update, Risk and Audit Committee report-outs on Our Code of Conduct investigations, the culture and capability required to execute our strategy, and culture as a part of asset reviews. Recognising our culture cannot be measured using a single number or index, a culture dashboard was developed in FY2021 to provide the Board with an additional tool to monitor our culture. The dashboard includes simple measures to provide key signposts on the health of our culture. This data combined with the EPS results provides the Board with insight on safety, engagement and enablement. The culture dashboard will be further developed over the next year to provide insight into the execution of our strategy.

Directors also gain insights into culture through direct engagement with a cross-section of the workforce where they can gain direct feedback on a range of issues, including COVID-19 impacts, diversity, health, safety, environment and community (HSEC) topics and social value. For more information, refer to sections 1.14, 2.1.6 and 1.12.

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Climate change

Climate change is a material governance and strategic issue and is routinely on the Board agenda, including as part of strategy discussions, portfolio reviews and investment decisions, risk management oversight and monitoring, and performance against our commitments. The Sustainability Committee assists the Board in overseeing the Group’s climate change performance and governance responsibilities. The Risk and Audit Committee and Sustainability Committee assist the Board with the oversight of climate-related risk management, although the Board retains overall accountability for BHP’s risk profile. Below the level of the Board, key management decisions are made by the CEO and management, in accordance with their delegated authority.

Following discussion by the ELT and Sustainability Committee, in August 2020 the Board approved our medium-term target, Scope 3 emissions goals and the strengthening of links between executive remuneration and climate change performance measures.

For information regarding our approach to climate change and sustainability, refer to sections 1.13.7 and 1.13.1.

2.1.6     Stakeholder engagement

There are multiple ways the views of stakeholders, beyond shareholders, are brought to the Board and its Committees. For example, HSEC updates, site visits (physical and virtual where necessary) involving engagement with community members and government, and engagement with the Forum on Corporate Responsibility. In addition, the Risk and Audit Committee receives reports on engagement with regulators. It also receives reports on material litigation and disputes with third parties and complaints raised through the speak-up hotline, EthicsPoint, which allows our workforce to raise concerns in confidence. The strategic framework, focus on social value, our purpose and Risk Appetite Statement reflect the significance of external stakeholders in decision-making.

The Annual Report includes additional information on our stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, how we have elicited the views of stakeholders and the outcomes of our engagements with stakeholders, in particular in relation to the Board’s decision-making. For more information, refer to sections 1.12, 1.13 and 1.14.

Shareholder engagement

Part of the Board’s commitment to high-quality governance is expressed through the approach BHP takes to engaging and communicating with our shareholders. As part of our investor relations program to facilitate effective two-way communication with investors, the Board uses formal and informal communication channels to understand and take into account the views of shareholders. BHP provides information about itself and its governance to investors via its website at bhp.com.

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Investor engagement in FY2021

Method of engagement	FY2021 activity
Chair investor meetings The Chair regularly meets with investors to discuss Board priorities and seek shareholder feedback.	Virtual meetings were held in July 2020 between the Chair and investors in Australia, the US, the UK and mainland Europe, with additional meetings held in June 2021. The Chair also held a UK Virtual Shareholder Forum with the CEO in September 2020 to allow shareholders to ask questions in advance of the AGMs. This was arranged after consultation with the UK Shareholders’ Association and ShareSoc.
Live webcasts and Q&A sessions Provides a forum to update shareholders on results or other key announcements.	Annual and half-year results, as well as key announcements are webcast and the materials are made available on our website. The CEO held a shareholder question and answer session in August 2020 via webcast in relation to BHP’s FY2020 performance.
Presentations and briefings Presentation materials are set out on the BHP website.	Presentations delivered relating to our climate change strategy in September 2020, cultural heritage in October 2020, decarbonising steel in November 2020 and tailings storage facilities in June 2021.
Direct engagement Provides a conduit to enable the Board and its Committees to be up to date with investor expectations and continuously improve the governance processes of BHP. We also engage with other capital providers, for example, through meetings with bondholders.	The CEO, CFO, senior management and Investor Relations team held virtual meetings with investors worldwide, including: Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, the UK and the US. Topics covered include corporate governance and ESG matters, strategy, finance and operating performance. We engaged with investors on cultural heritage issues, including the withdrawn shareholder resolution and our updated approach. This included a number of presentations and investor one-on-one meetings through the first half of FY2021 to set out the detail of our approach to cultural heritage both in the Pilbara and worldwide. We engaged regularly with the Climate Action 100+ lead investors and the broader investor group of the CA100+ on a range of decarbonisation and emissions related topics. We also engaged with the Transparency Pathway Initiative and FTSE Russell about their methodologies relating to the transition and approach to mined commodities. The CEO had a series of meetings with the CEOs and chief investment officers of major investors globally to discuss a range of topics including decarbonisation and the criticality of minerals and metals to the transition. In addition, we engaged with a range of ESG data providers about their methodologies and responded to enquiries on topics including cultural heritage, industry associations, thermal coal, decarbonisation, Scope 3 emissions, diversity and inclusion, tailings dams, Samarco, non-operated joint ventures, biodiversity, water stewardship and COVID-19. The Risk and Audit Committee considered and oversaw management work in relation to a letter from the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) setting out ‘investor expectations for Paris-aligned accounts’. The Remuneration Committee also engages with investors on remuneration-related matters. The Chair of the Remuneration Committee wrote an open letter to shareholders and proxy advisers in September 2020, summarising key aspects of BHP’s FY2020 remuneration outcomes and welcoming investor feedback. This letter was published on BHP’s website.
Annual General Meetings Our AGMs provide an opportunity for all investors to question and engage with the Board.	Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the BHP Group Limited AGM for FY2020 was held as a virtual meeting and the BHP Group Plc AGM for FY2020 was held as a closed meeting. A virtual forum for BHP Group Plc shareholders was held in September 2020 to provide an opportunity to hear from the Chair and CEO and to ask questions via a live text facility. BHP Group Plc shareholders were also invited to attend the BHP Group Limited AGM virtually. Information on our AGMs is available at bhp.com/meetings.

We encourage shareholders to make their views known to us. Shareholders can contact us at any time through our Investor Relations team, with contact details available at bhp.com. In addition, shareholders can communicate with us and our registrar electronically.

We facilitate and encourage shareholder participation at our AGMs. These meetings provide an update for shareholders on our performance and offer an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions and vote. Before an AGM, shareholders are provided with all material information in BHP’s possession relevant to their decision on whether or not to elect or re-elect a Director.

Proceedings at shareholder meetings are webcast live from our website. Copies of the speeches delivered by the Chair and CEO at the AGMs are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website. A summary of proceedings and the outcome of voting on the items of business are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website as soon as they are available. The External Auditor will also be available to answer questions at the AGMs.

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At our AGMs in 2020, resolution 25 (a shareholder-requisitioned resolution to suspend memberships of industry associations that are involved in COVID-19-related advocacy that is inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement) received the support of 22 per cent of votes cast.

The key messages received from engagement with shareholders include:

• an emphasis that BHP constructively influence its trade associations to further enhance the global energy transition

• ensuring the COVID-19 pandemic was not used (or seen to be used) as a rationale by associations to impede progress on alignment with the Paris Agreement goals and that the economic recovery measures being considered present a unique opportunity to accelerate clean energy innovation

• enhancing transparency on the alignment between the policy positions held by BHP and those of industry associations of which BHP is a member is important but not sufficient. If an industry association is advocating for policy changes inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement, companies must take tangible action to drive consistency

We are confident our existing processes, combined with the reforms outlined below, provide strengthened oversight over industry association advocacy and will help ensure our commitment to responsible and constructive advocacy is shared by the associations of which we are a member.

Prior to the 2020 AGMs, BHP announced a series of industry association reforms, including a new set of Global Climate Policy Standards (applicable to BHP in its direct advocacy and also to the associations of which we are a member) and disclosure enhancements, such as publishing a list of material association memberships (including membership fees) on our website. Since the AGMs, BHP has continued to work to implement the reforms announced in August 2020. This has included:

• working with the minerals sector associations of which BHP is a member in Australia (i.e. the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and the various state-based minerals sector associations) to develop and agree an advocacy protocol. This protocol delineates the policy areas on which the associations will advocate, having regard to their jurisdictional responsibilities

• working with the key associations of which BHP is a member in Australia (i.e. the MCA, the various state-based minerals sector associations, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) and the Business Council of Australia (BCA)) to develop plans outlining their expected advocacy priorities and activities for the coming year. These plans are now available on the websites of the respective associations or will soon be available pending board approval by the relevant associations

• implementing BHP’s new model of disclosing material departures from our Global Climate Policy Standards in ‘real time’ on the BHP website

BHP has also played an active role in shaping the policy advocacy of its industry associations. This has included working with other members to:

• change the American Petroleum Institute’s position on methane regulation and carbon pricing

• update the APPEA’s climate change policy principles (which now call for Australia to achieve net zero emissions by 2050)

• enable the BCA to provide in-principle support for the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 that was introduced before the Australian Parliament in November 2020

We will be conducting our next industry association review in CY2022. Consistent with BHP’s culture of continuous improvement, we will work to strengthen the review process. More information on our approach to industry associations is available at bhp.com.

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Workforce engagement

Our global workforce is the foundation of our business and we believe supporting the wellbeing of our people and promoting an inclusive and diverse culture are vital for maintaining a competitive advantage. The Board considers effective workforce engagement a key element of its governance and oversight role.

The Board has arrangements in place for managing workforce engagement. The Board and its Committees receive information related to the workforce through a range of channels, including direct engagement at Board and Committee meetings and site visits, the Employee Perception Survey (EPS) findings, culture dashboard insights, gender pay gap reports and updates from the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief People Officer.

Alongside section 1.14, the table below further describes the ways the Board engaged with our workforce in FY2021 and how workforce considerations impacted key decisions.

Having reviewed these workforce engagement arrangements in FY2021, the Board considers these arrangements to be effective as they enable the Board to hear first-hand from a cross-section of the workforce and to engage with them interactively (e.g. during site visits and Board and Committee meetings), with the opportunity to consider the feedback received in subsequent Board discussions.

Engagement practice	Description
Site visits	Directors participated in site visits (many of these were virtual in FY2021 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions) to engage directly with a cross-section of the workforce. These engagements deliberately included a cross-section of staff in various regions and provide insight into matters that are front of mind for Directors and the workforce. For more information, refer to section 2.1.9.
Board and Committee meetings	Directors hear from employees, up to several levels below the CEO, at each Board and Committee meeting. Topics raised by employees include the health and safety of our people, culture, ethics and compliance, workforce relations, sexual assault and sexual harassment, response to COVID-19, our purpose, social value, conduct concerns and diversity.
EthicsPoint	Members of our workforce are able to raise matters of concern through our 24-hour speak-up helpline, EthicsPoint (refer to sections 1.13.6 and 2.1.15). This helps to ensure Board oversight of culture and management response to serious conduct contrary to Our Charter and Our Code of Conduct.
Employee survey results and culture dashboard	Metrics from the EPS and culture dashboard provide Directors with insight into our culture and areas of focus, including where we are lagging in certain measures. The EPS was redesigned in FY2021 to include more targeted questions and a new survey platform to provide leaders with greater insight into the key metrics related to safety, engagement and enablement, which were identified as critical foundations for our performance culture. The culture dashboard was also developed in FY2021 to provide key signposts on the health of our culture.
Management engagement through webcasts, Q&A sessions and emails	Management regularly engages with the workforce through a range of formal and informal channels, including webcasts, live Q&A sessions and emails from the CEO and other ELT members. Live Q&A sessions were particularly helpful in providing an opportunity for employees to ask questions of our leaders and receive responses in real time.

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2.1.7     Director skills, experience and attributes

Overarching statement of Board requirements

The BHP Board will be diverse in terms of gender, nationality, geography, age, personal strengths and social and ethnic backgrounds. The Board will comprise Directors who have proven past performance and the level of business, executive and non-executive experience required to:

• provide the breadth and depth of understanding necessary to effectively create long-term shareholder value

• protect and promote the interests of BHP and its social licence to operate

• ensure the talent, capability and culture of BHP to support the long-term delivery of our strategy

Attributes and commitment to role

All Directors are expected to comply with Our Code of Conduct, act with integrity, lead by example and promote the desired culture.

The Board believes each Non-executive Director has demonstrated the attributes of sufficient time to undertake the responsibilities of the role; honesty and integrity; and a preparedness to question, challenge and critique throughout the year through their participation in Board meetings, as well as the other activities that they have undertaken in their roles.

In accordance with provision 15 of the UK Code, during FY2021 the Board considered Ken MacKenzie’s appointment as a part-time adviser at Barrenjoey and approved it on the basis that it did not consider it adversely impacted his role or commitment to BHP. In particular, the Board noted it was not an executive role and Mr MacKenzie committed to the Board that BHP would remain Mr MacKenzie’s number one priority. It was also agreed that Barrenjoey will not advise BHP and that Mr MacKenzie himself will not advise on transactions or advise BHP competitors or our significant customers or suppliers.

Skills matrix

The Board skills matrix identifies the skills and experience the Board needs for the next period of BHP’s development, considering BHP’s circumstances and the changing external environment as referred to above.

The Board collectively possesses all the skills and experience set out in the skills matrix, and each Director satisfies the Board requirements and attributes discussed above. For more information on the individual skills and attributes of the Directors, refer to section 2.1.2.

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Skills and experience	Board
Total Directors		12
Mining		4
Senior executive who has deep operating or technical mining experience with a large company operating in multiple countries; successfully optimised and led a suite of large, global, complex operating assets that have delivered consistent and sustaining levels of high performance (related to cost, returns and throughput); successfully led exploration projects with proven results and performance; delivered large capital projects that have been successful in terms of performance and returns; and a proven record in terms of health, safety and environmental performance and results.
Oil and gas Senior executive who has deep technical and operational oil and gas experience with a large company operating in multiple countries; successfully led production operations that have delivered consistent and sustaining levels of high performance (related to cost, returns and throughput); successfully led exploration projects with proven results and performance; delivered large capital projects that have been successful in terms of performance and returns; and a proven record in terms of health, safety and environmental performance and results.		2
Global experience Global experience working in multiple geographies over an extended period of time, including a deep understanding of and experience with global markets, and the macro-political and economic environment.		10
Strategy Experience in enterprise-wide strategy development and implementation in industries with long cycles, and developing and leading business transformation strategies.		11
Risk Experience and deep understanding of systemic risk and monitoring risk management frameworks and controls, and the ability to identify key emerging and existing risks to the organisation.		12
Commodity value chain expertise End-to-end value or commodity chain experience – understanding of consumers, marketing demand drivers (including specific geographic markets) and other aspects of commodity chain development.		8
Financial expertise Extensive relevant experience in financial regulation and the capability to evaluate financial statements and understand key financial drivers of the business, bringing a deep understanding of corporate finance, internal financial controls and experience probing the adequacy of financial and risk controls.		12(1)
Relevant public policy expertise Extensive experience specifically and explicitly focused on public policy or regulatory matters, including ESG (in particular climate change) and community issues, social responsibility and transformation, and economic issues.		5
Health, safety, environment and community Extensive experience with complex workplace health, safety, environmental and community risks and frameworks.		10
Technology Recent experience and expertise with the development, selection and implementation of leading and business transforming technology and innovation, and responding to digital disruption.		5
Capital allocation and cost efficiency Extensive direct experience gained through a senior executive role in capital allocation discipline, cost efficiency and cash flow, with proven long-term performance.		11

(1) Twelve Directors meet the criteria of financial expertise outlined above. The Risk and Audit Committee Report contains details of how its members meet the relevant legal and regulatory requirements in relation to financial experience.

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Board skills and experience: Climate change

Board members bring experience from a range of sectors, including resources, energy, finance, technology and public policy. The Board also seeks the input of management and other independent advisers. This equips them to consider potential implications of climate change on BHP and its operational capacity, as well as understand the nature of the debate and the international policy response as it develops. In addition, there is a deep understanding of systemic risk and the potential impacts on our portfolio.

The Board has taken measures designed to ensure its decisions are informed by climate change science and expert advisers. The Board seeks the input of management (including Dr Fiona Wild, our Vice President Sustainability and Climate Change) and other independent advisers. In addition, our Forum on Corporate Responsibility (which includes Don Henry, former CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation and Changhua Wu, former Greater China Director, the Climate Group) advises operational management teams and engages with the Sustainability Committee and the Board as appropriate.

For more information, refer to section 1.13.7.

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2.1.8    Board evaluation

The Board is committed to transparency in assessing the performance of Directors. The Board conducts regular evaluations of its performance, the performance of its Committees, the Group Chair, Directors and the governance processes that support the Board’s work.

The evaluation considers the balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge of the Group and the Board, its diversity, including gender diversity, and how the Board works together as a unit.

An evaluation was conducted during the year in accordance with this process. More information is provided below.

Director review

In FY2021, an assessment was conducted of Directors’ performance with the assistance of an external service provider (Lintstock). Lintstock does not have any other connection with the Group or individual Directors.

The assessment of Directors focused on the contribution of each Director to the work of the Board and its Committees, and the expectations of Directors as set out in BHP’s governance framework. In addition, the assessment focused on how each Director contributes to Board cohesion and effective relationships with fellow Directors, commits the time required to fulfil their role and effectively performs their responsibilities. Directors were asked to comment on areas where their fellow Directors contribute the greatest value and on potential areas for development. With the introduction of virtual Board and Committee meetings (as a consequence of COVID-19 health and safety protocols), the assessment also focused on the effectiveness of the Board’s virtual interactions.

Lintstock provided feedback received to the Chair, which was then discussed with Directors. Feedback relating to the Chair was discussed with the Chair by the Senior Independent Director. As a result of these outcomes, the review supported the Board’s decision to endorse those Directors standing for re-election.

Committee assessments

Following an assessment of its work, each Committee concluded that it had met its terms of reference in FY2021.

External Board review

The Board conducted an external evaluation in FY2019 using Consilium Board Review, which considered Board, Committee and Chair effectiveness, and assessed the Directors’ contributions. The review was concluded in FY2020 and the Nomination and Governance Committee considered the status of implementation of the review findings in FY2021.

In accordance with the UK Code, the Board intends to conduct an external Board review in FY2022.

2.1.9    Nomination and Governance Committee Report

Role and focus

The Nomination and Governance Committee oversees and monitors renewal and succession planning, Board and Director performance evaluation, Director training and development, and advises and makes recommendations on the Group’s governance practices.

More information on the role and responsibilities of the Nomination and Governance Committee can be found in its terms of reference, which are available at bhp.com/governance.

Committee activities in FY2021 included:

Succession planning processes

• Implementation of the skills and experience matrix

• Identification of suitable Non-executive Director candidates

• Board and Committee succession

• Partnering with search firms regarding candidate searches

Evaluation and training

• Board evaluation and Director development

• 2021 training and development program

• Director induction

Corporate governance practices

• Independence of Non-executive Directors

• Authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflict

• Crisis management

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Policy on inclusion and diversity

The Board and management believe diversity is required to meet our purpose and strategy, which is outlined in section 1.4. Diversity is key to ensuring the Board and its Committees have the right blend of perspectives so that the Board oversees BHP effectively for shareholders. In FY2021, we adopted an Inclusion and Diversity Position Statement, which sets out our diversity policy in relation to the Board, senior management and our workforce, and our priorities to accelerate the development of a more inclusive work environment and enhanced overall workplace diversity. The Inclusion and Diversity Position Statement is available at bhp.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion/our-approach/ and is summarised in section 1.12.

As described in our Inclusion and Diversity Position Statement, our aspiration is to achieve gender balance on our Board, among our senior executives and across our workforce by CY2025. Our aspiration includes a fixed target of maintaining the level of Board diversity above 33 per cent, which we achieved last year and we continue to maintain. We therefore satisfy the guidance of having at least 30 per cent of Directors of each gender in accordance with the ASX Fourth Edition and the target set by the Hampton-Alexander Review in the United Kingdom for all FTSE 100 Boards to have at least 33 per cent female representation by the end of CY2020.

We also welcome the final Parker Report into ethnic diversity of UK boards and continue to seek additional ethnic diversity on our Board and throughout BHP. Our Board meets the target of having ‘at least one Director of colour by 2021’ as recommended by the Parker Review.

In accordance with the UK Code, our gender diversity among senior management (defined as the ELT plus the Company Secretary and their direct reports) was 36 per cent.

Part of the Board’s role continues to be to consider and approve BHP’s measurable objectives for workforce diversity each financial year and to oversee our progress in achieving those objectives. For more information, including our progress against our FY2021 measurable objectives and our employee profile more generally, refer to section 1.12.

Board appointments and succession planning

When considering new appointments, the Board’s Nomination and Governance Committee takes the following approach:

Step 1: Rigorous approach	BHP adopts a structured and rigorous approach to Board succession planning and oversees the development of a diverse pipeline. Succession plans consider both unforeseen departures as well as the orderly replacement of current members of the Board. When considering succession planning and a diverse pipeline of talent, the Nomination and Governance Committee considers Board diversity, size, tenure and the skills, experience and attributes needed to effectively govern and manage risk within BHP.
Step 2: Continuous approach	This process is continuous and for Non-executive Directors planning is based on a nine-year tenure as a guide, allowing the Board to ensure the right balance on the Board between experience and fresh perspectives. It also ensures the Board continues to be fit-for-purpose and evolves to take account of the changing external environment and BHP’s circumstances. It also prepares pipelines for Nomination and Governance Committee membership, considering relevant skills and requirements.
Step 3: Role description	When considering new appointments to the Board, the Nomination and Governance Committee oversees the preparation of a role description, which includes the criteria and attributes described in the Board Governance Document and section 2.1.7.
Step 4: Selection and appointment of search firm	The role description is provided to an external search firm retained to conduct a global search based on the Board’s criteria.
Step 5: Board interviews	The shortlisted candidates are considered by the Nomination and Governance Committee and interviewed by the Chair initially. Meetings for selected candidates are held with each Board member ahead of the Board deciding whether to appoint the candidate.
Step 6: Committee recommendation	The Nomination and Governance Committee recommends the Board appoint the preferred candidate.
Step 7: Background checks	The Board, with the assistance of external consultants, conducts appropriate background and reference checks.
Step 8: Letter of appointment	The Board has adopted a letter of appointment that contains the terms on which Non-executive Directors will be appointed, including the basis upon which they will be indemnified by the Group. The letter of appointment defines the role of Directors, including the expectations in terms of independence, participation, time commitment and continuous improvement. Written agreements are in place for all Non-executive Directors.

A copy of the terms of appointment for Non-executive Directors is available at bhp.com/governance.

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Senior management succession

A robust senior management succession process is also conducted to ensure pipeline stability for critical roles. A talent deep dive is conducted by the Board at least once a year to evaluate these pipelines, including the diversity of the pipeline.

Senior management succession is viewed from a five-year perspective that considers the readiness of successors across time horizons, contexts and future capability demands. Select Board members are involved in the interview process for executive-level appointments one level below the CEO, and occasionally for roles two levels below the CEO. Appropriate checks are undertaken before appointing a member of the ELT. BHP has a written agreement with each ELT member setting out the terms of their appointment. For more information about CEO and ELT succession, refer to sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.5.

External recruitment specialists

The Committee retained the services of external recruitment specialists. Russell Reynolds and MWM Consulting assisted with Non-executive Director candidate searches during FY2021. These recruitment specialists do not have any connection with the Group or any Director.

Director induction, training and development

Upon appointment, each new Non-executive Director undertakes an induction program tailored to their needs.

Following the induction program, Non-executive Directors participate in continuous improvement activities (training and development program), which are overseen by the Nomination and Governance Committee. The training and development program covers matters of a business nature, including environmental, social and governance matters and provides updates on BHP’s assets, commodities, geographies and markets. Programs are designed and periodically reviewed to maximise effectiveness, and the results of Director performance evaluations are incorporated into these programs.

Training and development in FY2021

Area	Purpose	FY2021 activity
Briefings and development sessions	Provide each Director with a deeper understanding of the activities, environment, key issues and direction of the assets, along with HSEC and public policy considerations.	•   Strategy day with the ELT •   Strategy presentation from external presenter •   Climate change sessions •   Briefing on ESG issues from senior investor representative •   Innovation and Technology
Site visits	Briefings on the assets, operations and other relevant issues and meetings with key personnel. During FY2021, a number of site visits were held virtually due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but where possible, some Directors also participated in physical site visits.	•   Olympic Dam •   Legacy assets •   Pilbara •   Jansen Potash Project •   Petroleum Offshore •   Nickel West •   Western Australia Iron Ore

Throughout the year, the Chair discusses development areas with each Director. Board Committees review and agree their needs for more briefings. The benefit of this approach is that induction and learning opportunities can be tailored to Directors’ Committee memberships, as well as the Board’s specific areas of focus. This approach also ensures a coordinated process on succession planning, Board renewal, training and development and Committee composition. These processes are all relevant to the Nomination and Governance Committee’s role in identifying appropriate Non-executive Director candidates.

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Independence

The Board is committed to ensuring a majority of Directors are independent.

The Board has adopted a policy that it uses to determine the independence of its Directors. This determination is carried out upon appointment, annually and at any other time where the change in circumstances of a Director warrant reconsideration. The Board confirms that it considers all of the current Non-executive Directors, including the Chair, to be independent of management and free from any business relationship or other circumstance that could materially interfere with the exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement.

A copy of the policy on Independence of Directors is available at bhp.com/governance.

Tenure

At the end of FY2021, Malcolm Broomhead, who was appointed in March 2010, had served on the Board for more than nine years. In light of the retirement of both Susan Kilsby and Anita Frew at the end of the 2021 AGMs, the Board has requested that Mr Broomhead seek re-election at the 2021 AGMs for a further year. Mr Broomhead would step down from the Sustainability Committee and Nomination and Governance Committee following the AGMs but remain on the Board. The Board supports Mr Broomhead’s re-election given his extensive knowledge of BHP and the mining and resources sector and the proposed corporate transaction that the Group is undertaking at this time. The Board does not believe his tenure interferes with his ability to act in the best interests of BHP. The Board believes he continues to demonstrate strong independence of character and judgement, and has not formed associations with management (or others) that might compromise his ability to exercise independent judgement or act in the best interests of the Group. The Board has been undergoing a process of renewal and, recognising the importance of continuity on the Board and Mr Broomhead’s expertise, considers his continued service to be in the best interests of shareholders.

Relationships and associations

Some of the Directors hold or have previously held positions in companies that BHP has commercial relationships with. Those positions and companies are listed in the Director profiles in section 2.1.2 and in past Annual Reports. The Board has assessed the relationships between the Group and the companies in which our Directors hold or held positions and has concluded that the relationships do not interfere with the Directors’ exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement or their ability to act in the best interests of BHP.

For example, Mr Broomhead was a Director of Orica Limited (a company BHP has commercial dealings with) during FY2021, and Mr Cockerill was also a Director of Orica until August 2019. Orica provides commercial explosives, blasting systems and mineral processing chemicals and services to the mining and resources industry, among others. Mr Cockerill was appointed to the Orica Board in 2010 (prior to his appointment to the BHP Board) and Mr Broomhead was appointed to the Orica Board in 2016 (after his appointment to the BHP Board). At the time of Mr Broomhead’s appointment to the Board of Orica, and at the time of Mr Cockerill’s appointment to the Board of BHP, the BHP Board assessed the relationship between BHP and Orica and determined (and remains satisfied) that Mr Broomhead and Mr Cockerill were (and Mr Broomhead remains during FY2021) able to apply objective, unfettered and independent judgement and to act in the best interests of BHP.

Conflicts of interest

BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association allow the Directors to authorise conflicts and potential conflicts where appropriate. A procedure operates to ensure the disclosure of conflicts and for the consideration and, if appropriate, the authorisation of those conflicts by non-conflicted Directors. The Nomination and Governance Committee supports the Board in this process by reviewing requests from Directors for authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflict and making recommendations to the Board. It also regularly reviews any situations of actual or potential conflict that have previously been authorised by the Board and makes recommendations on whether the authorisation remains appropriate. In addition, in accordance with Australian law, if a situation arises for consideration where a Director has a material personal interest, the affected Director takes no part in decision-making unless authorised by non-interested Directors. Provisions for Directors’ interests are set out in the Constitution of BHP Group Limited.

2.1.10     Risk and Audit Committee Report

Role and focus

The Risk and Audit Committee (RAC) oversees and monitors financial reporting, other periodic reporting, external and internal audit, capital management, and risk (including effectiveness of the systems of risk management and internal control).

More information on the role and responsibilities of the Risk and Audit Committee can be found in its terms of reference, which are available at bhp.com/governance.

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UK committee membership requirements

The Board is satisfied that Terry Bowen meets the criteria for recent and relevant financial experience as outlined in the UK Code, the competence in accounting and auditing as required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the audit committee financial expert requirements under the US Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. In addition, he is the Board’s nominated ‘audit committee financial expert’ for the purposes of the US Securities and Exchange Commission Rules.

The Board is satisfied that the members of the Committee as a whole have competence relevant to the mining sector for the purposes of the FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. The Board is also satisfied that the Committee meets the independence criteria under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. For information on Committee members’ qualifications, which include competence relevant to the mining sector, refer to section 2.1.2.

Committee activities in FY2021 included:

Integrity of Financial Statements and funding matters

• Accounting matters for consideration, materiality limits, half-year and full-year results

• Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) compliance

• Financial governance procedures

• Funding, loans and guarantees updates

External auditor and integrity of the audit process

• External audit report

• Management and external auditor closed sessions

• Audit plan, review of performance and quality of service

• External auditor independence and non-audit services

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management

• Material risk reports and consideration of approach to emerging risks

• Group risk profile and monitoring performance against risk appetite through key risk indicators

• Internal audit reports, annual internal audit plan and review of performance of the Internal Audit and Advisory team

• Ethics and Investigations reports including on sexual harassment, compliance reports, and grievance and investigation processes

Risks of climate change and its potential impacts on measurement in the financial statements

• Climate change financial statement disclosures

• Climate change considerations in key judgements and estimates

• Consistency between narrative reporting on climate risks with the accounting assumptions

Other governance matters

• Samarco dam failure provision, closure and rehabilitation provision

• Disputes and litigation updates

• Closure, rehabilitation and reserves updates

Fair, balanced and understandable

The RAC confirmed its view to the Board that BHP’s 2021 Annual Report taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable. For the Board’s statement on the Annual Report, refer to the Directors’ Report in section 2.3.

In making this assessment, the RAC considers the substantial governance framework that is in place for the Annual Report. This includes management representation letters, certifications, RAC oversight of the Financial Statements and other financial governance procedures focused on the financial section of the Annual Report, together with verification procedures for the narrative reporting section of the Annual Report.

Integrity of Financial Statements

The RAC assists the Board in assuring the integrity of the Financial Statements. The RAC evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board about the appropriateness of accounting policies and practices, areas of judgement, compliance with accounting standards, stock exchange and legal requirements and the results of the external audit.

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CEO and CFO assurance

For the FY2021 full year and half year, the CEO and CFO have certified that in their opinion, BHP’s financial records have been properly maintained and the FY2021 Financial Statements present a true and fair view of our financial condition and operating results and are in accordance with accounting standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

The CEO and CFO have also certified to the Board that this opinion was formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control and the system is operating efficiently and effectively. The RAC considered these certifications when recommending the Financial Statements to the Board for approval.

Significant issues

In addition to the Group’s key judgements and estimates disclosed throughout the FY2021 Financial Statements, the Committee also considered the following significant issues relating to financial reporting:

Divestment of interests in certain of the Group’s assets

The Committee examined management’s review of impairment triggers and potential impairment charges for certain of the Group’s assets that were subject to divestment processes throughout the year. While the processes were underway, prior to receipt of bids, considerations were consistent with the approach to the Group’s other long-term assets as presented below.

The Committee concurred with management’s conclusion on significant impairments recognised in relation to New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejón, including associated deferred tax assets.

The Committee also reviewed other potential Financial Statements impacts, including classification and disclosure as assets held for sale and Discontinued operations.

Conclusions from these reviews are reflected in notes 3 ‘Exceptional items’, 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ and 31 ‘Investments accounted for using the equity method’ in section 3.

Carrying value of other long-term assets

The assessment of carrying values of long-term assets uses a number of significant judgements and estimates.

The Committee examined management’s review of impairment triggers and potential impairment charges or reversals for the Group’s cash generating units.

Specific consideration was given to market conditions for the Group’s commodities, including the impacts of climate change, along with key assumptions underpinning asset valuations. Assumptions include the most recent short, medium and long-term price forecasts, expected production volumes and updated development plans, operating and capital costs, discount rates and other market indicators of fair value.

The Committee concurred with management’s conclusion on the significant impairment recognised in relation to the Group’s Potash assets, including associated deferred tax assets, and that no impairment reversals were appropriate.

The results of the Olympic Dam impairment assessment were reviewed and the Committee concurred with management that no impairment was required.

Conclusions from these reviews are reflected in note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ in section 3.

Climate change in financial reporting

While the Group’s understanding of evolving climate risks continues to develop, the potential financial implications, along with appropriate disclosure, are an area of focus for the Committee.

The Committee was informed of and acknowledged global trends, including increased disclosure within financial statements and more broadly. Specifically, the Committee considered a request from the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) for Paris-aligned financial statements and disclosure of material climate risks and the potential impacts to financial statements.

The Committee considered financial statement disclosures and how the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments and climate change scenarios, including those aligned with the Paris Agreement goals, are reflected in the Group’s key judgements and estimates used in the preparation of the Group’s FY2021 finance statements. This included consideration of portfolio impacts, demand for the Group’s commodities and associated price outlooks, costs of decarbonisation and Scope 3 emissions considerations. Specific focus was also given to the potential impact on impairment assessments and the expected timing and cost of closure activities.

The Committee reviewed the approach proposed by management to provide additional disclosure in relation to the potential financial statement impacts of climate change, including under a Paris-aligned 1.5°C scenario.

The Committee, recognising the evolving nature of climate change risks and responses, concluded that climate change has been appropriately considered by management in key judgements and estimates and concurred with the disclosures proposed by management.

For more information, refer to the Basis of Preparation in section 3 and the Climate change risk factor in section 1.16.

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Samarco dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Samarco Mineração S.A (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil experienced a tailings dam failure that resulted in a release of mine tailings, flooding the community of Bento Rodrigues and impacting other communities downstream. Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Brasil and Vale S.A.

BHP Brasil’s 50 per cent interest in Samarco is accounted for as an equity accounted joint venture investment.

Samarco’s provisions and contingent liabilities

The Committee reviewed updates to matters relating to the Samarco dam failure, including developments on existing and new legal proceedings, judicial reorganisation and changes to the estimated costs of remediation and compensation.

BHP Brasil’s loss from Equity Accounted Investments includes impairments arising from working capital funding provided to Samarco and revisions to the Samarco dam failure and Germano decommissioning provisions during the year ended 30 June 2021.

Potential direct financial impacts to BHP Brasil

The Committee considered:

• changes to the estimated cost of remediation and compensatory programs under the Framework Agreement

• developments in existing and new legal proceedings, including judicial reorganisation, on the provision related to the Samarco dam failure and related disclosures

• the provisions recognised and contingent liabilities disclosed by BHP Brasil or other BHP entities

Based on currently available information, the Committee concluded that the accounting for the equity investment in Samarco, the provision recognised by BHP Brasil (including the decommissioning of the Germano tailings dam complex) and contingent liabilities disclosed in the Group’s Financial Statements are appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ in section 3.

Closure and rehabilitation provisions

Determining the closure and rehabilitation provision is a complex area requiring significant judgement and estimates, particularly given the timing and quantum of future costs, the unique nature of each site and the long timescales involved.

The Committee considered the various changes in estimates for closure and rehabilitation provisions recognised during the year, including a reduction to the discount rates applied.

Specific consideration was given to ongoing and recently completed study, survey and characterisation activity, changes to current cost estimates and the expected timing of closure activities. The Committee concluded that the assumptions and inputs for closure and rehabilitation cost estimates were reasonable and the related provisions recorded were appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 15 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’ in section 3.

Impact of amended accounting standards and changes to accounting policies

The Group implemented the IFRS Interpretations Committee agenda decision ‘Income Taxes – Multiple tax consequences of recovering an asset’ on a retrospective basis. The Committee reviewed management’s analysis of the accounting outcomes, including the recognition of goodwill relating to Olympic Dam.

In addition, the Committee considered and approved the early adoption, for FY2021, of further amendments to certain accounting standards relating to interest rate benchmark reforms.

For more information, refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ in section 3.

Impact of COVID-19

The Committee considered the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the Group’s FY2021 financial reporting, including the recognition and disclosure of costs incurred by the Group that are directly attributable to COVID-19.

The Committee concluded that the disclosure of costs directly attributable to COVID-19 was appropriate. For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.

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United Kingdom (UK) Financial Reporting Council (FRC) reviews

Audit Quality Review of the audit of the Company’s 2019 Financial Statements

During 2020, the Audit Quality Review Team (AQRT) from the UK FRC undertook a review of KPMG LLP’s (KPMG) audit of BHP Group Plc’s financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2019. KPMG were the auditors of BHP Group prior to Ernst & Young (EY). There were no key findings arising from the AQRT’s review. The review findings, which were not considered to be significant, were discussed with KPMG. The company made EY aware of the actions that KPMG had proposed to implement had they still been the auditors of the company and if similar circumstances were to prevail.

Review of BHP Group’s Annual Report and Accounts

The UK FRC carried out a review of the Group’s published Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2020. This review considered compliance with reporting requirements and, given the inherent limitations of the review, provided no assurance that the Annual Report and Accounts were correct in all material respects. There were no exchanges of substantive correspondence as a result of this review and the FRC confirmed, based on the review performed, it had no questions or queries that it wished to raise.

External Auditor

The RAC manages the relationship with the External Auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the independence and reappointment of the External Auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other terms of engagement and makes a recommendation to the Board.

Audit tender and transition

BHP confirms that during FY2021, it was in compliance with the provisions of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Consistent with the UK and EU requirements in regard to audit firm tender and rotation, the Committee conducted an audit tender process during FY2017 to appoint a new external auditor to replace KPMG, resulting in the appointment of EY in 2019.

Evaluation of External Auditor and external audit process

The RAC evaluates the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor and the quality and effectiveness of the external audit arrangements. As part of this evaluation, the RAC considers specified criteria, including delivering value to shareholders and BHP, and also assesses the adequacy of the external audit process with emphasis on quality, effectiveness and performance. It does so through a range of means, including:

• the Committee considers the External Audit Plan, in particular to gain assurance that it is tailored to reflect changes in circumstances from the prior year

• throughout the year, the Committee meets with the audit partners, particularly the lead Australian and UK audit engagement partners, without management present

• following the completion of the audit, the Committee considers the quality of the External Auditor’s performance drawing on survey results. The survey is based on a two-way feedback model where the BHP and EY teams assess each other against a range of criteria. The criteria against which the BHP team evaluates EY’s performance include ethics and integrity, insight, service quality, communication, reporting and responsiveness

• reviewing the terms of engagement of the External Auditor

• discussing with the audit engagement partners the skills and experience of the broader audit team

• reviewing audit quality inspection reports on EY published by the UK Financial Reporting Council in considering the effectiveness of the audit

In addition, the RAC reviews the integrity, independence and objectivity of the External Auditor and assesses whether there is any element of the relationship that impairs or appears to impair the External Auditor’s judgement or independence. The External Auditor also certifies its independence to the RAC.

Non-audit services

Although the External Auditor does provide some non-audit services, the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor are safeguarded through restrictions on the provision of these services with some services prohibited from being undertaken.

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Pre-approved services

The RAC has adopted a policy entitled ‘Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor’ covering the RAC’s pre-approval policies and procedures to maintain the independence of the External Auditor, which reflects the requirements for External Auditors contained in the Ethical Standards published by the UK Financial Reporting Council.

The categories of ‘pre-approved’ services are:

• Audit services – work that constitutes the agreed scope of the statutory audit and includes the statutory audits of BHP and its entities (including interim reviews). This category also includes work that is reasonably related to the performance of an audit or review and is a logical extension of the audit or review scope. The RAC monitors the audit services engagements and if necessary, approves any changes in terms and conditions resulting from changes in audit scope, Group structure or other relevant events.

• Audit-related and other assurance services – work that is outside the scope of the statutory audit but is consistent with the role of the external statutory auditor, is of an assurance or compliance nature, is work the External Auditor must or is best placed to undertake and is permissible under the relevant applicable standard.

Activities outside the scope of the categories above are not ‘pre-approved’ and must be approved by the RAC prior to engagement, regardless of the dollar value involved. In addition, any engagement for other services with a value over US$100,000, even if listed as a ‘pre-approved’ service, requires the approval of the RAC.

All engagements for other services whether ‘pre-approved’ or not and regardless of the dollar value involved are reported quarterly to the RAC. While not prohibited by BHP’s policy, any proposed non-audit engagement of the External Auditor relating to internal control (such as a review of internal controls) requires specific prior approval from the RAC. With the exception of the external audit of BHP’s Financial Statements, any engagement identified that contains an internal control-related element is not considered to be pre-approved. In addition, while the categories of ‘pre-approved’ services include a list of certain pre-approved services, the use of the External Auditor to perform these services will always be subject to our overriding governance practices as articulated in the policy.

In addition, the RAC did not approve any services during the year ended 30 June 2021 pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of SEC Regulation S-X (provision of services other than audit).

Fees paid to BHP’s external auditor during FY2021 for audit and other services were US$15.5 million, of which 77 per cent comprised audit fees (including in relation to SOX matters), 11 per cent for audit-related fees and 12 per cent for all other fees. No fees were paid in relation to tax services. Details of the fees paid are set out in note 36 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 3.

Our policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor is available at bhp.com/governance.

Business Risk and Audit Committees

Business Risk and Audit Committees (Business RACs), covering each asset group, assist management in providing the information to enable the RAC to fulfil its responsibilities. They are management committees and perform an important monitoring function in the governance of BHP. Meetings take place annually as part of our financial governance framework.

As management committees, the appropriate member of the ELT participates, but the Committee is chaired by a member of the RAC. Each Committee also includes the Group Financial Controller, the Chief Risk Officer and the Group Assurance Officer.

Significant operational and risk matters raised at Business RAC meetings are reported to the RAC by management.

Risk function

The Risk function’s role is to create and maintain the Group’s Risk Framework, and to support, verify, oversee and provide insight on the effective application of the Risk Framework for all risks, including strategic, operational and emerging risks.

The RAC assists the Board with the oversight of risk management, although the Board retains accountability for BHP’s risk profile. In addition, the Board requires the CEO to implement a system of control for identifying and managing risk. The Directors, through the RAC, review the systems that have been established, regularly review the effectiveness of those systems and monitor that necessary actions have been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified from that review. The RAC regularly reports to the Board to enable the Board to review our Risk Framework at least annually to confirm that the Risk Framework continues to be sound and that BHP is operating with regard to the risk appetite set by the Board. A review was undertaken during FY2021, resulting in refinements to BHP’s Risk Framework. For more information, refer to section 1.9.

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Internal Audit

The Internal Audit function is carried out by the Internal Audit and Advisory team (IAA). IAA provides assurance on whether risk management, internal control and governance processes are adequate and functioning. The Internal Audit function is independent of the External Auditor. The RAC evaluates and, if thought fit, approves the terms of reference of IAA, the staffing levels and its scope of work to ensure it is appropriate in light of the key risks we face. It also reviews and approves the annual internal audit plan and monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the internal audit activities.

The RAC approves the appointment and dismissal of the Group Assurance Officer and assesses their performance, independence and objectivity. During FY2021, the Group Assurance Officer reported directly to the RAC, and functional oversight of IAA was provided by the Chief Legal, Governance and External Affairs Officer.

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management (RAC and Board)

In delegating authority to the CEO, the Board has established CEO limits, outlined in the Board Governance Document. Limits on the CEO’s authority require the CEO to ensure there is a system of control in place for identifying and managing risk in BHP. Through the RAC, the Directors regularly review these systems for their effectiveness. These reviews include assessing whether processes continue to meet evolving external governance requirements.

The RAC oversees and reviews the internal controls and risk management systems (including procedures, processes and systems for, among other things, budgeting and forecasting, provisions, financial controls, financial reporting and reporting of reserves, compliance, preventing fraud and serious breaches of business conduct and whistle-blowing procedures, protecting information and data systems, and operational effectiveness of the Business RAC structures). Any material breaches of Our Code of Conduct, including breaches of our anti-bribery and corruption requirements, as well as any material incidents reported under our ‘speaking up with confidence’ requirements are reported quarterly to the RAC by the Chief Compliance Officer. These reports are then communicated to the Board through the report-out process.

During FY2021, management presented an assessment of the material risks facing BHP and the level of effectiveness of risk management over the material business risks. The reviews were overseen by the RAC, with findings and recommendations reported to the Board. In addition to considering key risks facing BHP, the Board assessed the effectiveness of internal controls over key risks identified through the work of the Board Committees.

Having carried out a review during FY2021, the Board is satisfied with the effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems.

Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, the effectiveness of BHP’s internal control over financial reporting was evaluated based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Controls – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as at 30 June 2021. There were no material weaknesses in BHP’s internal controls over financial reporting identified by management as at 30 June 2021.

BHP has engaged our independent registered public accounting firm, EY, to issue an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting for inclusion in the Financial Statements section of the Annual Report and the Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during FY2021 that materially affected or were reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. This included COVID-19, which only had a minor impact on internal controls over financial reporting in relation to the number and nature of controls that were impacted.

During FY2021, the RAC reviewed our compliance with the obligations imposed by SOX, including evaluating and documenting internal controls as required by section 404 of SOX.

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Management’s assessment of disclosure controls and procedures

Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as at 30 June 2021. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the material financial and non-financial information required to be disclosed by BHP, including in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarised and reported on a timely basis. This information is accumulated and communicated to BHP’s management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation, management (including the CEO and CFO) concluded that, as at 30 June 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing that reasonable assurance.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

In the design and evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, management was required to apply its judgement in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

2.1.11    Sustainability Committee Report

Role and focus

The Sustainability Committee oversees and monitors material HSEC matters, including the adequacy of the Group’s HSEC Framework and HSEC Management Systems, and the Group’s HSEC reporting and performance. This includes consideration of existing HSEC issues, such as climate, safety and Indigenous and human rights, as well as emerging areas of HSEC risk for the Group.

More information on the role and responsibilities of the Sustainability Committee can be found in its terms of reference, which are available at bhp.com/governance.

HSEC Framework

The Group’s HSEC Framework consists of:

• the Sustainability Committee, which is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the adequacy of the Group’s HSEC Framework and HSEC Management Systems (among other things)

• the Board Governance Document, which establishes the remit of the Board and delegates authority to the CEO, including in respect of the HSEC Management Systems

• the HSEC Management Systems, established by management in accordance with the CEO’s delegated authority. The HSEC Management Systems provide the processes, resources, structures and performance standards for the identification, management and reporting of HSEC risks and the investigation of any HSEC incidents

• a robust and independent internal audit process overseen by the RAC, in accordance with its terms of reference

• independent advice on HSEC matters, which may be requested by the Board and its Committees where deemed necessary in order to meet their respective obligations

Our approach to sustainability is reflected in Our Charter, which defines our values, purpose and how we measure success, and in our sustainability performance targets, which define our public commitments to HSEC. HSEC considerations are also taken into account in employee and executive remuneration. For more information, refer to Sustainability in section 1.13 and section 2.2.

Committee activities in FY2021 included:

Assurance and adequacy of HSEC Framework and HSEC Management Systems

• Key HSEC risks, including tailings storage facility failure, climate change related risks, fatalities, aviation and underground fire or explosion

• Asset deep dives providing updates on key HSEC matters and HSEC performance

• Audit planning and reporting on HSEC risks and processes

• Review of the HSE function and Group HSE Officer

Compliance and reporting

• Compliance with HSEC legal and regulatory requirements and updates on key legal and regulatory changes

• Sustainability reporting, including consideration of processes for preparation and assurance provided by EY

• Modern Slavery Statement

• Social value metrics

Performance

• Performance of BHP on HSEC matters, including cultural heritage, community relations, emissions targets, closure and rehabilitation, biodiversity, and human rights

• Monitoring against the FY2018–FY2022 HSEC performance targets and goals

• Performance outcomes under the HSEC performance targets and setting targets for FY2021

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Other governance matters

• Training and development of Committee members

• Updates to the Committee’s terms of reference

Members of the Sustainability Committee also participated in several site visits during FY2021. Where not limited by COVID-19 travel restrictions, these were in-person site visits, but otherwise were attended virtually. During these site visits, Committee members received briefings on HSEC matters and the management of material HSEC risks, and met with key personnel. These visits offer access to a diverse cross-section of the workforce from frontline through to the leadership team, including, where possible, risk and control owners.

For information on the key areas of focus for the Committee, management and the HSE and Community functions, refer to section 1.13.

Sustainability disclosures

The Sustainability Committee oversees the preparation and presentation of sustainability disclosures by management. This year, BHP has again included material sustainability content in this Annual Report. The Sustainability Committee reviewed and recommended to the Board the approval of these disclosures in section 1.12 and 1.13, along with the FY2021 Modern Slavery Statement. These disclosures identify our targets for HSEC matters and our performance against those targets. Our targets rely on fact-based measurement and quality data, and reflect a desire to move BHP to a position of industry leadership.

Our sustainability reporting, including additional case studies and a databook of key ESG and sustainability data is available at bhp.com.

For information on our material exposure to environmental and social risks and how we manage or intend to manage those risks, refer to sections 1.9 and 1.16.

2.1.12    Remuneration Committee Report

Role and focus

The Remuneration Committee oversees and monitors remuneration policy and practices (including the adoption of incentive plans and levels of reward for the CEO and other ELT members), compliance with applicable requirements associated with remuneration matters and the review, at least annually, of remuneration by gender.

More information on the role and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee can be found in its terms of reference, which are available at bhp.com/governance.

UK committee membership requirements

Christine O’Reilly was appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 1 March 2021. She served on the Committee from her appointment to the Board in October 2020, which provided an appropriate transition to become Chair. She has relevant skills and experience, including her former appointment as a member of the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee of CSL Limited. She therefore satisfies the position in the UK Code that the incoming Chair should have served on a remuneration committee for at least 12 months.

Committee activities in FY2021 included:

Remuneration of the ELT and the Board

• Remuneration of the CEO, other ELT members and the Group Company Secretary

• Remuneration arrangements for new ELT members

• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remuneration

• Performance measures, performance levels and incentive award outcomes

• Long-Term Incentive Plan sector peer group review

• Chair fees

Other remuneration matters

• Workforce remuneration, policies, practices and engagement

• Remuneration by gender

• Annual remuneration report

• Shareholder engagement

• Corporate Governance Code provisions compliance

• Shareplus enrolment update

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Other

• Induction, training and development program

• Board Committee procedures, including closed sessions

• Update of the Committee terms of reference

The Sustainability Committee and the RAC assist the Remuneration Committee in determining appropriate HSEC and financial metrics, respectively, to be included in senior executive scorecards and in assessing performance against those measures.

For more information on the Committee’s work, refer to the Remuneration Report in section 2.2.

2.1.13    Risk management governance structure

Identifying and managing risk are central to achieving our purpose. For information on our approach to risk and risk governance, including the role of the BHP Board and its Committees, refer to section 1.9.

2.1.14    Management

Below the level of the Board, key management decisions are made by the CEO, the ELT, management committees and members of management who have delegated authority.

Management committees consider BHP’s risks and controls. Strategic risks (threats and opportunities) arising from changes in our business environment are regularly reviewed by the ELT and discussed by the Board.

Performance evaluation for executives

The performance of executives and other senior employees is reviewed on an annual basis. For the members of the ELT, this review includes their contribution, engagement and interaction at Board level. The annual performance review process considers the performance of executives against criteria designed to capture ‘what’ is achieved and ‘how’ it is achieved. All performance assessments of executives include how effective they have been in undertaking their role; what they have achieved against their specified key performance indicators; how they match up to the behaviours prescribed in our leadership model; and how those behaviours align with Our Charter values.

A performance evaluation was conducted for all members of the ELT during FY2021. For the CEO, the performance evaluation was led by the Chair of the Board on behalf of all the Non-executive Directors, and was discussed with the Remuneration Committee.

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2.1.15     Our conduct

Our Code of Conduct and Our Charter

Our Code of Conduct (Our Code) is based on Our Charter values. Our Code sets out standards of behaviour for our people and includes our policies on speaking up, anti-bribery and corruption.

Our Code and Our Charter are accessible to all our people and external stakeholders at bhp.com.

BHP’s EthicsPoint

We have mechanisms in place for anyone to raise a query about Our Code, or make a report if they feel Our Code has been breached.

EthicsPoint is our system for reporting misconduct and can be used by employees, contractors and external stakeholders, including members of the public to raise concerns about misconduct that has either happened to them or they have witnessed. Reports can be raised in EthicsPoint directly, via an employee or contractor’s line leader or via the 24-hour, multilingual call service. Reporters of misconduct can choose to raise their concern anonymously.

Reports received are assigned by the Ethics Team to an investigator, line leader or team for investigation or resolution as appropriate, in accordance with internal policy and process documents. The reporting and investigations processes are transparent and summary information is accessible to all BHP employees via BHP’s intranet.

All reports received in EthicsPoint are reviewed and categorised by the Ethics Team. Once categorised, reports are assigned in accordance with internal policy and processes to an investigator, line leader or appropriate team for resolution. The processes for reporting and investigation are transparent and BHP employees and contractors can access this information via BHP’s intranet. External stakeholders can access this via the BHP website.

Reports raised via EthicsPoint provide valuable insight into culture and organisational learning. All significant Code of Conduct matters and key trends from investigations are reported to the RAC. These are then reported to the Board as part of its report-out as set out in section 2.1.5. The most serious breaches of Our Code are also reported to the Integrity Working Group, which is accountable for oversight of the operational effectiveness of the Investigations Framework, including oversight of investigations completed by the Central Investigations team. The Integrity Working Group is chaired by the Chief Compliance Officer and comprises of a number of senior leaders across BHP.

2.1.16     Market disclosure

We have disclosure controls in place for periodic disclosures, including the Operational Review, our results announcements, debt investor documents (such as the prospectus for the Euro or Australian Medium Term Notes) and Annual Report documents, which must comply with relevant regulatory requirements.

More information about these verification processes can be found in the Periodic Disclosure – Disclosure Controls document available at bhp.com.

To safeguard the effective dissemination of information, we have developed mandatory minimum performance requirements for market disclosure, which outline how we identify and distribute information to shareholders and market participants and sets out the role of the Disclosure Committee in managing compliance with market disclosure obligations. In addition, where an announcement is determined to be material by the Disclosure Committee, the Board receives a copy promptly after it has been made. Where BHP gives a new and substantive investor or analyst presentation, it releases a copy of the presentation materials on the ASX Market Announcements Platform ahead of the presentation.

In response to COVID-19, we have introduced extra monitoring and disclosure controls. These have included: increasing the regularity and breadth of information gathered from management (including the Finance, Supply, Marketing, Legal, and Operational teams); more regular updates to the Disclosure Committee; and more regular discussions with UBS (our corporate broker in the UK), as well as our Investor Relations team. This enables BHP to assess the materiality of developments and stay across market expectations, dynamics and emerging best practice.

A copy of the market disclosure and communications document is available at bhp.com/governance.

Copies of announcements to the stock exchanges on which BHP is listed, investor briefings, Financial Statements, the Annual Report and other relevant information can be found at bhp.com. To receive email alerts of news releases, subscribe at bhp.com.

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2.1.17     Conformance with corporate governance standards

Our compliance with the governance standards in our home jurisdictions of Australia and the United Kingdom, and with the governance requirements that apply to us as a result of our New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing and our registration with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States is summarised in this Corporate Governance Statement, the Remuneration Report, the Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements.

The UK Code (available at frc.org.uk) and the ASX Principles and Recommendations (available at asx.com.au) require the Board to consider the application of the relevant corporate governance principles, while recognising departures from those principles are appropriate in some circumstances. The Board considers that during FY2021 it applied the Principles and complied with the provisions set out in the 2018 edition of the UK Code and complied with the ASX Fourth Edition, with no exceptions.

Our Appendix 4G, which summarises our compliance with the ASX Fourth Edition is available at bhp.com/governance.

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are registrants with the SEC in the United States. Each company is classified as a foreign private issuer and each has American Depositary Shares listed on the NYSE.

We have reviewed the governance requirements applicable to foreign private issuers under SOX, including the rules promulgated by the SEC and the rules of the NYSE, and are satisfied that we comply with those requirements.

Under NYSE rules, foreign private issuers such as BHP are required to disclose any significant ways our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under the NYSE corporate governance standards. After a comparison of our corporate governance practices with the requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE-Listed Company Manual followed by US companies, a significant difference was identified:

• Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act requires NYSE-listed companies to ensure their audit committees are directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the External Auditor unless the company’s governing law or documents or other home country legal requirements require or permit shareholders to ultimately vote on or approve these matters. While the RAC is directly responsible for remuneration and oversight of the External Auditor, the ultimate responsibility for appointment and retention of the External Auditor rests with our shareholders, in accordance with UK law and our constitutional documents. However, the RAC does make recommendations to the Board on these matters, which are reported to shareholders.

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Compliance with the UK Code This table describes how BHP has applied the Principles of the UK Code
Board leadership and our purpose •   Long-term sustainable success – we believe we put the long-term sustainable success of BHP at the centre of what we do (sections 1.6 and 1.14). •   Purpose, values, strategy and culture – we renewed our purpose in FY2019 to better capture the aspirations of all our stakeholders (sections 1.6, 1.14, 1.13, 2.1.5 and 2.1.7). •   Performance measurement and control framework (section 4.8). •   Responsibilities to shareholders and stakeholders (sections 1.14, 1.12 and 2.1.6). •   Workforce policies and practices (sections 1.6.2, 1.14, 1.12 and 2.1.6).	Composition, succession and evaluation •   Appointments and succession planning – we have a rigorous process in place for Board appointments and to consider succession having regard to diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds and personal strengths (section 2.1.9). •   Skills matrix – we have an appropriate mix of skills, experience and knowledge on the Board and in 2018 revised our skills matrix (section 2.1.7). Section 2.1.9 provides information on tenure and Board renewal. •   Director review – reviews are undertaken on the contribution of each Director to the work of the Board and its Committees, the expectations of Directors as specified in BHP’s governance framework and the performance of Directors. The review confirmed that each Director continues to contribute effectively (section 2.1.8).
Division of responsibilities •   Chair of the Board – the Chair leads the Board and is responsible for its effectiveness and the effective contribution from all Non-executive Directors (section 2.1.3). •   Board composition – the Board operates effectively with the appropriate balance of executives and non-executives and believes the roles of the Chair and the CEO should be separated (section 2.1.3). •   Non-executive Directors have sufficient time to meet their responsibilities – when we appoint new Directors we ensure they have sufficient time to undertake their responsibilities and are able to offer challenge, strategic guidance and specialist advice (sections 2.1.2 and 2.1.7). •   Time and resources – the Board ensures it has the necessary time, resources, policies and processes in place as part of its evaluation process (sections 2.1.3 and 2.1.8).	Audit Risk and Internal Control •   Internal and external audit independence – we understand the importance of ensuring these lines of defence remain independent (section 2.1.10). •   Fair balanced and understandable – the Board presents a fair balanced and understandable assessment of BHP’s position and prospects (section 2.1.10). •   Management and oversight of risk – our risk and control environment is monitored and overseen by the Risk and Audit Committee. The Board, Risk and Audit Committee, and Sustainability Committee considered emerging and principal risk during the year (sections 1.9, 2.1.5, 2.1.10 and 2.1.11).
	Remuneration •   Policies and practices – remuneration is designed to support our strategy and long-term sustainable success (section 2.2). •   Formal and transparent procedure – we have formal and transparent procedures in place, and routinely engage with investors for their feedback (section 2.2 and ‘Shareholder engagement’ in section 2.1.6). •   Use of discretion – we have used discretion to adjust the formulaic remuneration outcomes (section 2.2).

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2.1.18     Additional UK disclosure

The information specified in the UK FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, DTR 7.2.6, is located elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Directors’ Report in section 2.3 provides cross-references to where the information is located.

This Corporate Governance Statement was current and approved by the Board on 2 September 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

2 September 2021

2.2     Remuneration Report

In this section

This Remuneration Report describes the remuneration policies, practices, outcomes and governance for the KMP of BHP.

BHP’s DLC structure means that we are subject to remuneration disclosure requirements in the United Kingdom and Australia. This results in some complexity in our disclosures, as there are some key differences in the requirements and the information that must be disclosed. For example, UK requirements give shareholders the right to a binding vote on the remuneration policy every three years and as a result, the remuneration policy needs to be described in a separate section in the Remuneration Report. Our remuneration policy is set out in section 2.2.2. In Australia, BHP is required to make certain disclosures for KMP as defined by the Australian Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and IFRS.

The UK requirements focus on the remuneration of Executive and Non-executive Directors. At BHP, this is our Board, including the CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. In contrast, the Australian requirements focus on the remuneration of KMP, defined as those who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group directly or indirectly. KMP includes the Board, as well as certain members of our senior executive team.

After due consideration, the Committee has determined the KMP for FY2021 comprised the following roles: all Non-executive Directors, the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the President Minerals Australia, the President Minerals Americas, and the President Petroleum.

The following individuals have held their positions and were KMP for the whole of FY2021, unless stated otherwise:

• Mike Henry, CEO and Executive Director

• Edgar Basto, President Minerals Australia

• Peter Beaven, Chief Financial Officer (to 30 November 2020)

• David Lamont, Chief Financial Officer (from 1 December 2020)

• Daniel Malchuk, President Minerals Americas (to 31 October 2020)

• Geraldine Slattery, President Petroleum

• Ragnar Udd, President Minerals Americas (from 1 November 2020)

• Non-executive Directors - see ‘Remuneration for Non-executive Directors’ in section 2.2.3 for details of the Non-executive Directors, including dates of appointment or cessation (where relevant)

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Contents
2.2.1	Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair	145
2.2.2	Remuneration policy report	150
	Remuneration policy for the Executive Director	150
	Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors	157
2.2.3	Annual report on remuneration	159
	Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)	159
	Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO)	171
	Remuneration for Non-executive Directors	174
	Remuneration governance	176
	Other statutory disclosures	177

Abbreviation	Item
AGM	Annual General Meeting
CDP	Cash and Deferred Plan
CEO	Chief Executive Officer
DEP	Dividend Equivalent Payment
DLC	Dual Listed Company
ELT	Executive Leadership Team
GHG	Greenhouse Gas
HSEC	Health, Safety, Environment and Community
IFRS	International Financial Reporting Standards
KMP	Key Management Personnel
KPI	Key Performance Indicator
LTIP	Long-Term Incentive Plan
MAP	Management Award Plan
MSR	Minimum Shareholding Requirement
ROCE	Return on Capital Employed
STIP	Short-Term Incentive Plan
TSR	Total Shareholder Return

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2.2.1     Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair

‘The Committee believes the remuneration outcomes for FY2021 are aligned with BHP’s performance and the experience of shareholders, and are also fair in terms of the wider context of global circumstances.’

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to introduce BHP’s Remuneration Report for the financial year to 30 June 2021, my first as Chair of BHP’s Remuneration Committee. During FY2021, the Committee continued its focus on achieving remuneration outcomes that fairly reflect the performance of BHP and the contribution of our employees, and which are aligned to the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders.

During FY2021, COVID-19 has remained a significant source of uncertainty across the world. While the emergence and deployment of successful vaccines is reason for optimism, the pandemic continues to have widespread impacts on lives, society and the global economy. In the face of this, BHP employees have operated in line with our purpose and values, working effectively to keep the business performing strongly, and keeping each other safe.

Our approach

Our Charter sets out our values, placing health and safety first, upon which the Remuneration Committee places great weight in the determination of performance-based remuneration outcomes for BHP executives. Our Charter also sets out our purpose, our strategy and how we measure success. The Committee is guided by Our Charter and aims to support our executives in taking a long-term approach to decision-making in order to build a sustainable and value-adding business.

The Committee is focused on having and applying a remuneration policy and approach that supports the Group’s strategy and enables us to attract, retain and motivate the executives in different geographies critical to delivering the best outcomes for all BHP stakeholders. In addition, as BHP is a global organisation, the Committee is cognisant of the need to navigate the priorities and expectations of multiple jurisdictions.

Our policy and approach to remuneration remains unchanged; however, we continue to strive for simplification in our programs. We were pleased to again receive strong support for our remuneration policy at the 2020 AGMs, with over 95 per cent voting ‘for’ the Remuneration Report, and, on average, over 96 per cent support over the past five years. The Committee and the Board continue to incorporate shareholder feedback into our deliberations on pay to ensure it supports BHP’s strategy.

Remuneration policy

FY2021 represents the second year of application of the revised remuneration policy, which was approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs with almost 94 per cent of votes in favour. We believe the policy is serving stakeholders well. The key changes approved in 2019 for the CEO, which took effect from 1 July 2019, were:

• a change in the balance of incentive arrangements comprising:

• a significantly reduced LTIP grant size of 200 per cent of base salary (on a face value basis), down from 400 per cent

• a rebalancing to a CDP award with a longer term focus than the former STIP. The CDP outcome is delivered one-third as a cash award, with two-thirds delivered in equity, as two-year and five-year deferred share awards each of equivalent value to the cash award. This aligns participants’ incentive remuneration with performance over the short, medium and long-term

• this rebalancing from LTIP to CDP reduced the leverage in the overall pay arrangements resulting in a 12 per cent reduction in the maximum remuneration for a year

• a significant reduction in the pension contribution rate to 10 per cent of base salary, down from 25 per cent (noting the estimated workforce average is approximately 11.5 per cent of base salary). As a result of this change, fixed remuneration for the CEO role was reduced by 12 per cent and overall target remuneration reduced by 4 per cent

• the introduction of a two-year post-retirement shareholding requirement for the CEO

A consequence of the transition to the revised remuneration policy is that the FY2021 single total figure of remuneration for the CEO under UK requirements requires disclosure of the total amount of the CDP award earned during FY2021 (i.e. irrespective that some elements of the CDP award are deferred and five-year deferred shares were not a feature of the former STIP), together with the full amount of the pre-existing LTIP award vesting at the end of FY2021, which was granted in 2016 when the CEO was President Operations, Minerals Australia (i.e. when the LTIP award size was double the current grant size). This legacy consequence of remuneration policy transition will continue each year through to FY2024.

The Committee strives to implement the remuneration policy in a considered way. We test the CEO’s remuneration against CEO roles in other global companies of similar complexity, size, reach and industry. The remuneration also reflects the CEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience. This detailed benchmarking ensures BHP’s executive remuneration packages are competitive enough to attract and retain talented executives, without being excessive. External benchmarking shows the CEO’s target remuneration package is below the average for similar global companies. Importantly, a significant portion of the CEO’s target remuneration package can only be realised as actual remuneration if performance targets are met.

In addition, the CEO’s remuneration is deliberately tied to the performance of the business, with the majority of the remuneration package intended to be delivered in BHP equity, not cash. The CEO also has a minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary, which continues for two years post-retirement. This aligns the CEO to the experience of BHP’s shareholders.

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Business performance

Given the strong link at BHP between executive remuneration and performance, I am pleased to be able to report BHP has performed strongly across a wide range of areas in FY2021.

Our people have continued their focus on safety. Our global safety improvement programs are progressing well and our safety leading indicators have continued a strong positive trend underpinning the current safety performance. We have now had over two and a half years without a fatality at our operated assets and we continue to focus on fostering a culture of respect and ensuring our workplace is safe at all times.

We have delivered strong underlying operational performance during the year, with record volumes achieved at Western Australia Iron Ore, Goonyella and Olympic Dam, and Escondida maintained average concentrator throughput at record levels. We successfully achieved first production at four major development projects: South Flank, Spence Growth Option, Atlantis Phase 3 and Ruby, all of which were delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget. We have also progressed significant strategic initiatives during FY2021, including preparing for the investment in Jansen Stage 1, pursuing a merger of our Petroleum business with Woodside, and unifying our corporate structure.

We have made strong progress on actions required to meet our commitments to reduce operational GHG emissions. We have established significant renewable power supply agreements for our Kwinana nickel refinery, Queensland Coal operations, and Escondida and Spence copper mines. We have established emissions reduction partnerships with three major steelmakers in China and Japan whose combined output equates to around 10 per cent of global steel production. In shipping, we have also taken a number of actions to help reduce emissions in our value chain: awarded the world’s first liquified natural gas fuelled bulk carriers contract and took part in a successful marine biofuel trial.

With respect to COVID-19, we remain vigilant and will continue with social distancing and hygiene practices, and other additional protocols as appropriate to protect our workforce and communities. Our Australian operations have effectively managed the rapidly changing environment relating to interstate travel and border access. In Chile, the operating environment is expected to continue to be challenging. The Remuneration Committee is proud of the way BHP’s employees have continued to collaborate to solve problems and support each other and their communities.

Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, in FY2021 BHP has again not needed to furlough any employees without pay, did not seek any government assistance, and did not raise additional equity. In addition, BHP’s strong, safe operational performance through this year, together with strong profitability, enabled the Board to announce record dividends for FY2021. This continues the delivery of strong and consistent returns to shareholders.

Activities of the Committee

I would like to thank all members of the Remuneration Committee for their contributions during the past year. In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to my predecessor as Chair, Susan Kilsby, who has provided strong leadership and guidance during her term, as BHP navigated one of the most tumultuous periods in our history.

A key element of the Committee’s work during the year was the remuneration implications of changes to the BHP ELT, with a number of appointments and departures taking place. David Lamont, Edgar Basto and Ragnar Udd join Mike Henry and Geraldine Slattery as Executive KMP for the purposes of this Remuneration Report, and Peter Beaven and Daniel Malchuk departed BHP having been Executive KMP during FY2021. Information on remuneration arrangements for David, Edgar and Ragnar and the departure arrangements for Peter and Daniel is set out in ‘Arrangements for KMP leaving and joining the Group’ and ‘Executive KMP remuneration table’ in section 2.2.3.

Other key decisions and activities of the Committee during FY2021 included:

• considering remuneration for members of the ELT and the Group Company Secretary

• setting targets for and reviewing outcomes against performance measures and conditions of relevant incentive plans, including the Committee considering its discretion over FY2021 plan outcomes

• reviewing the fee for the BHP Chair, which remains unchanged

• commencing early preparations for the re-approval of the remuneration policy at the 2022 AGMs

• reviewing and adopting changes and improvements flowing from regulatory requirements and guidance, which in turn helps us improve our processes and approaches

• engaging with shareholders and other key stakeholders

• undertaking regular reviews of workforce engagement, workforce remuneration and related policies, remuneration by gender and the annual Shareplus enrolment

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FY2021 CDP

The scorecard against which Mike Henry’s annual performance as BHP’s CEO is assessed comprises stretching performance measures, including HSEC, financial and individual performance elements. For FY2021, the Remuneration Committee has assessed the CEO’s performance and determined a CDP outcome of 115 per cent, against the target of 100 per cent (and the maximum of 150 per cent).

These outcomes took into account BHP’s strong HSEC performance during the year, with no fatalities recorded, and good progress against our Fatality Elimination Program. We also saw positive progress against our climate change targets, which were expanded and strengthened for FY2021 from prior years, and our progress in the management of priority tailings storage facilities was pleasing.

As previously mentioned, Our Charter sets out our values, placing health and safety first, upon which the Remuneration Committee places great weight in determining performance-based remuneration outcomes for BHP executives. Good progress has been made at BHP through significant efforts since 2018 to address sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace, and completion of work to implement controls has been incorporated into the FY2022 CDP HSEC scorecard. The Committee considers that the efforts to address the risk of sexual assault and sexual harassment could have been further accelerated through stronger coordination of work streams and integrated planning. Accordingly, the Committee has exercised its discretion to make a downwards adjustment to the HSEC outcome of the CDP scorecard by 10 per cent from an initial 33 per cent to a final outcome of 30 per cent out of a target of 25 per cent. This downwards adjustment was applied to the CEO and all other ELT members.

Financial and operating performance was strong, even after fully eliminating the very positive impacts of commodity prices during the year, particularly for iron ore. Accordingly, performance was better than the stretching targets set at the commencement of the year.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact BHP, society and the global economy, the Group maintained continuity of operations while keeping employees healthy and safe. Despite this, as occurred in FY2020, there were costs and other impacts of COVID-19 to BHP’s financial results for FY2021. The direct costs have been recorded as an exceptional item in the Financial Statements, as they were in FY2020. Nevertheless, the Committee concluded that, to the extent the COVID-19 related costs were higher than those included in the approved budget, they should flow through to the financial measures for CDP scorecard purposes, thereby reducing the remuneration outcome for executives from what they would have otherwise been. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDP outcome for the financial measure was 60 per cent out of a target of 50 per cent.

The Committee also considered Mike’s performance against his individual objectives. These included projects and initiatives in respect of performance (material improvement in the system that supports exceptional performance), social value (long-term growth in value and returns for all stakeholders), people (right people, right skills, coming together in the right way to support exceptional performance) and portfolio (progress on our strategic objectives to create a winning portfolio and set BHP up for the next 20 years). The Committee considered Mike’s performance against his individual objectives to be in line with the target of 25 per cent.

While the CEO’s CDP scorecard outcome was determined at 115 per cent of target, the CDP scorecard outcomes for other Executive KMP were also on average ahead of target. Likewise, the short-term incentive pool applicable to the majority of BHP employees below the ELT level was above target. These outcomes were considered appropriate and due recognition, given the excellent performance across BHP’s whole workforce in the face of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, where strong safety performance and operational continuity were achieved during FY2021.

2016 LTIP award

The vesting outcome for the 2016 LTIP award against the relative TSR performance conditions was 100 per cent. BHP outperformed both the sector peer group and the MSCI World Index significantly. This 100 per cent level of vesting is aligned with the projected vesting outcome communicated to shareholders in the 2019 Remuneration Report at the time of the changes to our remuneration policy, which were approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, and is set out in the chart below.

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As shareholders will recall, one of the key elements of our revised remuneration policy was to reduce the weighting of future LTIP grants as part of the overall CEO remuneration package; however, pre-existing grants would stay on foot and their vesting would be determined with existing service and performance conditions.

The Committee is conscious that the granting of the 2016 LTIP awards and the early part of the five-year performance period coincided with a period of lower share prices, driven in part by the Samarco dam failure having occurred on 5 November 2015.

At the time of the grant of the 2016 LTIP award, the Committee sought to ensure the Samarco dam failure did not result in an inappropriate LTIP award size due to the lower share price, and reduced the number of awards by 26 per cent from that which would have resulted from the standard grant size calculation. The Committee has reviewed this approach and concluded it was appropriate. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee noted the positive feedback received from shareholders and other investor groups in 2016 on the approach adopted.

Having considered the LTIP grant size, the Committee undertook a further exercise to satisfy itself that the TSR performance, which formulaically would result in 100 per cent vesting, had not been inappropriately enhanced by the starting position of the performance period being lower as a consequence of a fall in share price following the Samarco dam failure. This analysis included estimating and removing the impact of the dam failure from the start of the performance period (i.e. removing the impact this would have otherwise had on the TSR outcome due to the lower starting position), reducing the TSR outcome for estimated payments in relation to the Samarco dam failure that may take place beyond the end of the performance period and examining the construct of the comparator group against which TSR performance is measured.

While this analysis uses inputs and assumptions that are theoretical, the Committee concluded the analysis was sufficiently robust to provide confidence that the underlying TSR performance was sufficient to support the formulaic vesting of the 2016 LTIP award at 100 per cent.

The Committee notes the value of the vested 2016 LTIP award is higher than the value of the award at the time it was granted. With the share price having risen appreciably during the five-year period and strong dividends, 36 per cent of the value realised is the value at grant time and 64 per cent of the value realised is due to share price appreciation and dividends. This value increment due to share price appreciation and dividends is consistent with the experience of shareholders over the period.

Consistent with prior practice, the Board and Committee has also conducted a holistic review of business performance over the five years since grant to ensure this level of vesting was appropriate. More information on the 2016 LTIP vesting outcome, including the five-year holistic business review covering HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct, is included in ‘LTIP performance outcomes’ and ‘Overarching discretion and vesting underpin’ in section 2.2.3.

More information on the overall remuneration outcomes for the CEO for the year, and how the outcomes are aligned to performance during FY2021, is provided in ‘Single total figure of remuneration’ in section 2.2.3. Having considered the overall remuneration outcomes for the CEO carefully, as set out above and in section 2.2.3, the Committee concluded it was a fair reflection of performance and the experience of shareholders, and the application of any downwards discretion was not warranted. As at the date of this Report, the CEO’s BHP shareholding is in excess of his minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary.

FY2022 remuneration

For FY2022, the Committee determined that the CEO’s base salary remains unchanged at US$1.700 million per annum, as it was at the time of his appointment at the beginning of 2020. In addition, the other components of his total target remuneration (pension contributions, benefits, CDP and LTIP) also remain unchanged. A summary of the CEO’s arrangements for FY2022 is set out below.

The Committee has also reviewed the base salaries and total target remuneration packages for other Executive KMP and determined there would be no changes to base salaries in September 2021, and other aspects of their remuneration arrangements would also remain unchanged.

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Remuneration outcomes for the Chair and Non-executive Directors

Fees for the Chair and Non-executive Directors are reviewed annually and are benchmarked against peer companies. No changes to the Chair’s fee will be made for FY2022. This follows a review in 2017, where a decision was made to reduce the Chair’s annual fee by approximately 8 per cent from US$0.960 million to US$0.880 million with effect from 1 July 2017, which followed an earlier reduction, effective 1 July 2015, of approximately 13 per cent from US$1.100 million to US$0.960 million.

Base fee levels for Non-executive Directors will also remain unchanged, after they were also reduced effective 1 July 2015 by approximately 6 per cent, from US$0.170 million to US$0.160 million per annum. Prior to the above reductions in fee levels for the Chair and Non-executive Directors, their fees had remained unchanged since 2011.

Summary

It is with much pleasure that I note the strong performance by BHP across a wide range of areas during FY2021. We deliberately align our executive remuneration outcomes to performance – in particular, in our incentive plans where executives’ variable remuneration will reflect circumstances where shareholders have been rewarded very well, as delivered this year and measured in share price and dividend performance. As such, the remuneration outcomes for our executives in FY2021 reflect BHP’s strong performance, even after favourable commodity price movements for the year are backed out in full under the CDP. Given our need to attract, retain and motivate the executives critical to delivering the best outcomes for all BHP stakeholders, this is an especially pleasing result this year for all concerned, after recent years where the variable pay outcomes have been at the lower end for our executive team.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact this year, not only for BHP, but also for many other companies, governments, employees, families and communities across the world, I note the ongoing challenges. On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, I would like to recognise the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of our employees. Through their steadfast commitment, they have remained safe and healthy, continued to support their communities, and enabled BHP to generate strong results for all stakeholders.

The Committee believes the remuneration outcomes for FY2021 are aligned with BHP’s performance and the experience of shareholders, and are also fair in terms of the wider context of global circumstances. We are confident shareholders will recognise this as a continuation of our long-held approach. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with and the support of BHP’s shareholders, and I very much look forward to meeting shareholders face-to-face when we are able to do so. As always, we welcome your feedback and comments on any aspect of this Report.

Christine O’Reilly

Chair, Remuneration Committee

2 September 2021

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2.2.2     Remuneration policy report

BHP has an overarching remuneration policy that guides the Remuneration Committee’s decisions. Under UK legislation, shareholders have the opportunity to vote on our remuneration policy every three years, with binding effect in regard to the Directors (including the CEO). Under Australian legislation, shareholders also have the opportunity to vote on our remuneration policy in conjunction with the broader Remuneration Report each year at the AGMs as it applies to all KMP under a non-binding advisory vote. Our remuneration policy, which was approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, has not changed and is repeated below.

Remuneration policy for the Executive Director

This section only refers to the remuneration policy for our CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. If any other executive were to be appointed an Executive Director, this remuneration policy would apply to that new role.

Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component.

Remuneration component and link to strategy	Operation and performance framework	Maximum (1)
Base salary A competitive base salary is paid in order to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO, and to provide appropriate remuneration for this important role in the Group.	•  Base salary, denominated in US dollars, is broadly aligned with salaries for comparable roles in global companies of similar global complexity, size, reach and industry, and reflects the CEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience. •  Base salary is reviewed annually with effect from 1 September. Reviews are informed, but not led, by benchmarking to comparable roles (as above), changes in responsibility and general economic conditions. Substantial weight is also given to the general base salary increases for employees. •  Base salary is not subject to separate performance conditions.	8% increase per annum (annualised) or inflation if higher in Australia.
Pension contributions (2) Provides a market-competitive level of post-employment benefits provided to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.	•  Pension contributions are benchmarked to comparable roles in global companies and have been determined after considering the pension contributions provided to the wider workforce. •  A choice of funding vehicles is offered, including a defined contribution plan, an unfunded retirement savings plan, an international retirement plan or a self-managed superannuation fund. Alternatively, a cash payment may be provided in lieu.	A pension contribution rate of 10% of base salary applies.
Benefits Provides personal insurances, relocation benefits and tax assistance where BHP’s structure gives rise to tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions, and a market-competitive level of benefits to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.	•  Benefits may be provided, as determined by the Committee, and currently include costs of private family health insurance, death and disability insurance, car parking and personal tax return preparation in the required countries where BHP has requested the CEO relocate internationally, or where BHP’s DLC structure requires personal tax returns in multiple jurisdictions. •  Costs associated with business-related travel for the CEO’s spouse/partner, including for Board meetings, may be covered. Where these costs are deemed to be taxable benefits for the CEO, BHP may reimburse the CEO for these tax costs. •  The CEO is eligible to participate in Shareplus, BHP’s all-employee share purchase plan. •  A relocation allowance and assistance is provided only where a change of location is made at BHP’s request. The Group’s mobility policies generally provide for ‘one-off’ payments with no material trailing entitlements.	Benefits as determined by the Committee but to a limit not exceeding 10% of base salary and (if applicable) a one-off taxable relocation allowance up to US$700,000.

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Remuneration component and link to strategy	Operation and performance framework	Maximum (1)
CDP The purpose of the CDP is to encourage and focus the CEO’s efforts on the delivery of the Group’s strategic priorities for the relevant financial year to deliver short, medium and long-term success, and to motivate the CEO to strive to achieve stretch performance objectives. The performance measures for each year are chosen on the basis that they are expected to have a significant short, medium and long-term impact on the success of the Group. Delivery of two-thirds of CDP awards in deferred shares encourages a longer-term focus aligned to that of shareholders.	Setting performance measures and targets •  The Committee sets a balanced scorecard of short, medium and long-term elements including HSEC, financial and individual performance measures, with targets and relative weightings at the beginning of the financial year in order to appropriately motivate the CEO to achieve outperformance that contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Group and shareholder wealth creation. •  Specific financial measures will constitute the largest weighting and are derived from the annual budget as approved by the Board for the relevant financial year. •  Appropriate HSEC measures that are consistent with the Group’s long-term five-year public HSEC targets, and their weightings, are determined by the Remuneration Committee with the assistance of the Sustainability Committee. •  Individual measures are an important element of effective performance management, and are a combination of quantitative and qualitative targets. They are aligned with medium and long-term strategy aspirations that are intended to drive long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders. •  For HSEC and for individual measures the target is ordinarily expressed in narrative form and will be disclosed near the beginning of the performance period. However, the target for each financial measure will be disclosed retrospectively. In the rare instances where this may not be prudent on grounds of commercial sensitivity, we will seek to explain why and give an indication of when the target may be disclosed. •  Should any other performance measures be added at the discretion of the Committee, we will determine the timing of disclosure of the relevant target with due consideration of commercial sensitivity. Assessment of performance •  At the conclusion of the financial year, the CEO’s achievement against each measure is assessed by the Remuneration Committee and the Board, with guidance provided by other relevant Board Committees in respect of HSEC and other measures, and a CDP award determined. If performance is below the threshold level for any measure, no CDP award will be provided in respect of that portion of the CDP award opportunity. •  The Board believes this method of assessment is transparent, rigorous and balanced, and provides an appropriate, objective and comprehensive assessment of performance. •  In the event that the Remuneration Committee does not consider the outcome that would otherwise apply to be a true reflection of the performance of the Group or should it consider that individual performance or other circumstances makes this an inappropriate outcome, it retains the discretion to not provide all or a part of any CDP award. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended award outcomes.	Maximum award A cash award of 120% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively. Target performance A cash award of 80% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for target performance on all measures. Threshold performance A cash award of 40% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for threshold performance on all measures. Minimum award Zero.

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Remuneration component and link to strategy	Operation and performance framework	Maximum (1)
	Delivery of award •  CDP awards are provided under the CDP as cash and two awards of deferred shares, each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively. •  The awards of deferred shares comprise rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future at the end of the deferral periods. Before the awards vest (or are exercised), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee also has a discretion to settle CDP awards in cash. Underpin, malus and clawback •  To ensure any vesting of five-year deferred shares under the CDP is underpinned by satisfactory performance post-grant, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year vesting period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct. •   Both cash and deferred share CDP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described in ‘Malus and clawback’ in this section 2.2.2.
LTIP The purpose of the LTIP is to focus the CEO’s efforts on the achievement of sustainable long-term value creation and success of the Group (including appropriate management of business risks). It also encourages retention through long-term share exposure for the CEO over the five-year performance period (consistent with the long-term nature of resources), and aligns the long-term interests of the CEO and shareholders. The LTIP aligns the CEO’s reward with sustained shareholder wealth creation in excess of that of relevant comparator group(s), through the relative TSR performance condition.	Relative TSR performance condition •   The LTIP award is conditional on achieving five-year relative TSR(3) performance conditions as set out below. •   The relevant comparator group(s) and the weighting between relevant comparator group(s) will be determined by the Committee in relation to each LTIP grant. Level of performance required for vesting •   Vesting of the award is dependent on BHP’s TSR relative to the TSR of relevant comparator group(s) over a five-year performance period. •   25% of the award will vest where BHP’s TSR is equal to the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s), as measured over the performance period. Where TSR is below the median, awards will not vest. •   Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s) up to a nominated level of TSR outperformance (4) over the relevant comparator group(s), as determined by the Committee, above which 100% of the award will vest. •   Where the TSR performance condition is not met, there is no retesting and awards will lapse. The Committee also retains discretion to lapse any portion or all of the award where it considers the vesting outcome is not appropriate given Group or individual performance. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended outcomes.	Maximum award Face value of 200% of base salary.(6)

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Remuneration component and link to strategy	Operation and performance framework	Maximum (1)
Relative TSR has been chosen as an appropriate measure as it allows for an objective external assessment over a sustained period on a basis that is familiar to shareholders.	Further performance measures •   The Committee may add further performance conditions, in which case the vesting of a portion of any LTIP award may instead be linked to performance against the new condition(s). However, the Committee expects that in the event of introducing an additional performance condition(s), the weighting on relative TSR would remain the majority weighting. Delivery of award •   LTIP awards are provided under the LTIP approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGMs. When considering the value of the award to be provided, the Committee primarily considers the face value of the award, and also considers its fair value which includes consideration of the performance conditions.(5) •   LTIP awards consist of rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future if the performance and service conditions are met. Before vesting (or exercise), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee has a discretion to settle LTIP awards in cash. Underpin, malus and clawback •   If the specified performance conditions are satisfied in part or in full, to ensure any vesting of LTIP awards is underpinned by satisfactory performance through the performance period, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year performance period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct. •   LTIP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described in ‘Malus and clawback’ in this section 2.2.2.

(1) UK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase that is annualised it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the regulations.

(2) Pension contributions maximum column wording has been updated to reflect the leadership transition of Executive Director and CEO on 1 January 2020 and the current application of policy with respect to pension contribution rate for Mike Henry. The FY2019 remuneration report policy table wording reflected the application of Andrew Mackenzie’s contribution rate: ‘For the existing CEO, the current pension contribution rate of 25 per cent of base salary will reduce as follows: 25 per cent of base salary to 30 June 2020; 20 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2020; 15 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2021; 10 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards. For a new appointment, the pension contribution rate will be 10 per cent of base salary immediately.’

(3) BHP’s TSR is a weighted average of the TSRs of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

(4) Maximum vesting is determined with reference to a position against each comparator group.

(5) Fair value is calculated by the Committee’s independent adviser and is different to fair value used for IFRS disclosures (which do not take into account forfeiture conditions on the awards). It reflects outcomes weighted by probability, taking into account the difficulty of achieving the performance conditions and the correlation between these and share price appreciation, together with other factors, including volatility and forfeiture risks. The current fair value is 41 per cent of the face value of an award, which may change should the Committee vary elements (such as adding a performance measure or altering the level of relative TSR outperformance).

(6) In order to ensure there was a fair transitional outcome for participants, the LTIP grant made in late CY2019 was based on 400 per cent face value basis in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2017, with potential vesting five years later in mid-CY2024. The first five-year deferred shares that result from performance under the CDP for FY2020 were granted in late CY2020 and will first vest five years later in mid-CY2025. The LTIP grant in late CY2020 was made on the reduced 200 per cent face value basis, with potential vesting five years later in mid-CY2025.

The Remuneration Committee’s discretion in respect of each remuneration component applies up to the maximum shown in the table above. Any remuneration elements awarded or granted under the previous remuneration policies approved by shareholders in 2014 and 2017, but which have not yet vested or been awarded or paid, shall continue to be capable of vesting, awarded or payment made on their existing terms.

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Malus and clawback

The CDP, STIP and LTIP rule provisions allow the Committee to reduce or clawback awards in the following circumstances:

• the participant acting fraudulently or dishonestly or being in material breach of their obligations to the Group

• where BHP becomes aware of a material misstatement or omission in the Financial Statements of a Group company or the Group

• any circumstances occur that the Committee determines in good faith to have resulted in an unfair benefit to the participant

These malus and clawback provisions apply whether or not awards are made in the form of cash or equity, whether or not the equity has vested, and whether or not employment is ongoing.

Potential remuneration outcomes

The Remuneration Committee recognises market forces necessarily influence remuneration practices and it strongly believes the fundamental driver of remuneration outcomes should be business performance. It also believes overall remuneration should be fair to the individual, such that remuneration levels accurately reflect the CEO’s responsibilities and contributions, and align with the expectations of our shareholders, while considering the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce.

The amount of remuneration actually received each year depends on the achievement of superior business and individual performance generating sustained shareholder value. Before deciding on the final incentive outcomes for the CEO, the Committee first considers the achievement against the pre-determined performance conditions. The Committee then applies its overarching discretion on the basis of what it considers to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced. When the CEO was appointed in January 2020 the Board advised him the Committee would exercise its discretion on the basis of what it considered to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced.

In this way, the Committee believes it can set a remuneration level for the CEO that is sufficient to incentivise him and is also fair to him and commensurate with shareholder expectations and prevailing market conditions.

The diagram below provides the scenario for the potential total remuneration of the CEO at different levels of performance.

Minimum: consists of fixed remuneration, which comprises base salary (US$1.700 million), pension contributions (10 per cent of base salary) and other benefits (notional 10 per cent of base salary).

Target: consists of fixed remuneration, target CDP (a cash award of 80 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively) and target LTIP. The LTIP target value is based on the fair value of the award, which is 41 per cent of the face value of 200 per cent of base salary. The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards.

Maximum: consists of fixed remuneration, maximum CDP (a cash award of 120 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively), and maximum LTIP (face value of 200 per cent of base salary). The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards. All other things being equal, if the share price at vesting of LTIP awards was 50 per cent higher than the share price at grant, then the total maximum value would be US$13.260 million.

The maximum opportunity represented above is the most that could potentially be paid of each remuneration component, as required by UK regulations. It does not reflect any intention by the Group to award that amount. The Remuneration Committee reviews relevant benchmarking data and industry practices, and believes the maximum remuneration opportunity is appropriate.

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Approach to recruitment and promotion remuneration

The remuneration policy as set out in ‘Components of remuneration’ in this section 2.2.2 will apply to the remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited or promoted CEO, or for another Executive Director should one be appointed. A market-competitive level of base salary will be provided. The pension contributions, benefits and variable pay will be in accordance with the remuneration policy table in ‘Components of remuneration’ in this section 2.2.2.

For external appointments, the Remuneration Committee may determine that it is appropriate to provide additional cash and/or equity components to replace any remuneration forfeited or not received from a former employer. It is anticipated any foregone equity awards would be replaced by equity. The value of the replacement remuneration would not be any greater than the fair value of the awards foregone or not received (as determined by the Committee’s independent adviser). The Committee would determine appropriate service conditions and performance conditions within BHP’s framework, taking into account the conditions attached to the foregone awards. The Committee is mindful of limiting such payments and not providing any more compensation than is necessary. For any internal CEO (or another Executive Director) appointment, any entitlements provided under former arrangements will be honoured according to their existing terms.

Service contracts and policy on loss of office

The terms of employment for the CEO are formalised in his employment contract. Key terms of the current contract and relevant payments on loss of office are shown below. If a new CEO or another Executive Director was appointed, similar contractual terms would apply, other than where the Remuneration Committee determines that different terms should apply for reasons specific to the individual or circumstances.

The CEO’s current contract has no fixed term. It can be terminated by BHP on 12 months’ notice. BHP can terminate the contract immediately by paying base salary plus pension contributions for the notice period. The CEO must give 12 months’ notice for voluntary resignation(1). The table below sets out the basis on which payments on loss of office may be made.

Leaving reason (2)(3)
	Voluntary resignation	Termination for cause	Death, serious injury, illness, disability or total and permanent disablement	Cessation of employment as agreed with the Board (4)
Base salary	•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.	•  No payment will be made.	•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.	•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.
Pension contributions	•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.	•  No contributions will be provided.	•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.	•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.
Benefits	•  May continue to be provided during the notice period. •  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid. •  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP. •  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will lapse.	•  No benefits will be provided. •  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid. •  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP. •  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will lapse.	•  May continue to be provided for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease. •  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid. •  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP. •  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will vest in full.	•  May continue to be provided for year in which employment ceases. •  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid. •  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP. •  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will vest in full.

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Leaving reason (2)(3)
	Voluntary resignation	Termination for cause	Death, serious injury, illness, disability or total and permanent disablement	Cessation of employment as agreed with the Board (4)
CDP/STIP – cash and deferred shares Where the CEO leaves either during or after the end of the financial year, but before an award is provided.	•  No cash award will be paid. •  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse. •  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse. •  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.	•  No cash award will be paid. •  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse. •  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse. •  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.	•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year. •  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will vest in full and, where applicable become exercisable. •  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period. •  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.	•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year. •  Unvested two-year CDP/STIP deferred shares and a pro rata portion (based on the proportion of the vesting period served) of unvested five-year CDP deferred shares continue to be held on the existing terms for the deferral period before vesting (subject to Committee discretion to lapse some or all of the award). •  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee. •  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

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Leaving reason(2)(3)
	Voluntary resignation	Termination for cause	Death, serious injury, illness, disability or total and permanent disablement	Cessation of employment as agreed with the Board (4)
LTIP – unvested and vested but unexercised awards	•  Unvested awards will lapse. •  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee. •  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.	•  Unvested awards will lapse. •  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee. •  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.	•  Unvested awards will vest in full. •  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for remaining exercise period. •  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.	•  A pro rata portion of unvested awards (based on the proportion of the performance period served) will continue to be held subject to the LTIP rules and terms of grant. The balance will lapse. •  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee. •  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

(1) Notice period for voluntary resignation updated to reflect the terms of the new Executive Director and CEO employment contract effective on 1 January 2020.

(2) If the Committee deems it necessary, BHP may enter into agreements with a CEO, which may include the settlement of liabilities in return for payment(s), including reimbursement of legal fees subject to appropriate conditions; or to enter into new arrangements with the departing CEO (for example, entering into consultancy arrangements).

(3) In the event of a change in control event (for example, takeover, compromise or arrangement, winding up of the Group) as defined in the CDP, STIP and LTIP rules:

• base salary, pension contributions and benefits will be paid until the date of the change of control event

• in relation to the CDP and STIP: the Committee may determine that a cash payment be made in respect of performance during the current financial year and all unvested two-year deferred shares would vest in full and, in relation to the CDP, all unvested five-year deferred shares would vest pro rata (based on the proportion of the vesting period served up to the date of the change of control event)

• the Committee may determine unvested LTIP awards will either (i) be prorated (based on the proportion of the performance period served up to the date of the change of control event) and vest to the extent the Committee determines appropriate (with reference to performance against the performance condition up to the date of the change of control event and expectations regarding future performance) or (ii) be lapsed if the Committee determines the holders will participate in an acceptable alternative employee equity plan as a term of the change of control event

(4)  Defined as occurring when a participant leaves BHP due to forced early retirement, retrenchment or redundancy, termination by mutual agreement or retirement with the agreement of the Group, or such other circumstances that do not constitute resignation or termination for cause.

Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors

Our Non-executive Directors are paid in line with the UK Corporate Governance Code (2018 edition) and the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition).

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Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component

Remuneration component and link to strategy	Operation and performance framework	Maximum (1)
Fees Competitive base fees are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals, and to provide appropriate remuneration for the role undertaken. Committee fees are provided to recognise the additional responsibilities, time and commitment required.	•  The Chair is paid a single fee for all responsibilities. •  Non-executive Directors are paid a base fee and relevant committee membership fees. •  Committee Chairs and the Senior Independent Director are paid an additional fee to reflect their extra responsibilities. •  All fee levels are reviewed annually and any changes are effective from 1 July. •  Fees are set at a competitive level based on benchmarks and advice provided by external advisers. Fee levels reflect the size and complexity of the Group, the multi-jurisdictional environment arising from the DLC structure, the multiple stock exchange listings and the geographies in which the Group operates. The economic environment and the financial performance of the Group are taken into account. Consideration is also given to salary reviews across the rest of the Group. •  Where the payment of pension contributions is required by law, these contributions are deducted from the Director’s overall fee entitlements.	8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on a per fee basis.
Benefits Competitive benefits are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals and adequately remunerate them for the role undertaken, including the considerable travel burden.	•  Travel allowances are paid on a per-trip basis reflecting the considerable travel burden imposed on members of the Board as a consequence of the global nature of the organisation and apply when a Director needs to travel internationally to attend a Board meeting or site visits at our multiple geographic locations. •  As a consequence of the DLC structure, Non-executive Directors are required to prepare personal tax returns in Australia and the UK, regardless of whether they reside in one or neither of those countries. They are accordingly reimbursed for the costs of personal tax return preparation in whichever of the UK and/or Australia is not their place of residence (including payment of the tax cost associated with the provision of the benefit).	8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on a per-trip basis. Up to a limit not exceeding 20% of fees.
Variable pay (CDP and LTIP)	•  Non-executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any CDP or LTIP award arrangements.
Payments on early termination	•  There are no provisions in any of the Non-executive Directors’ appointment arrangements for compensation payable on early termination of their directorship.

(1)  UK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase that is annualised, it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the regulations.

Approach to recruitment remuneration

The ongoing remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited Non-executive Director will reflect the remuneration policy in place for other Non-executive Directors, comprising fees and benefits as set out in the table above. No variable remuneration (CDP and LTIP award arrangements) will be provided to newly recruited Non-executive Directors.

Letters of appointment and policy on loss of office

The standard letter of appointment for Non-executive Directors is available on our website. The Board has adopted a policy consistent with the UK Corporate Governance Code, under which all Non-executive Directors must seek re-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. As such, no Non-executive Directors seeking re-election have an unexpired term in their letter of appointment. A Non-executive Director may resign on reasonable notice. No payments are made to Non-executive Directors on loss of office.

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How remuneration policy is set

The Remuneration Committee sets the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. The Committee is briefed on and considers prevailing market conditions, the competitive environment and the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce. The Committee takes into account the annual base salary increases for our employee population when determining any change in the CEO’s base salary. Salary increases in Australia, where the CEO is located, are particularly relevant as they reflect the local economic conditions.

The principles that underpin the remuneration policy for the CEO are the same as those that apply to other employees, although the CEO’s arrangements have a greater emphasis on and a higher proportion of remuneration in the form of performance-related variable pay. Similarly, the performance measures used to determine variable pay outcomes for the CEO and all other employees are linked to the delivery of our strategy and behaviours that are aligned to the values in Our Charter.

Although BHP does not consult directly with employees on CEO and other Executive KMP remuneration, the Group conducts regular employee engagement surveys that give employees an opportunity to provide feedback on a wide range of employee matters. Further, many employees are ordinary shareholders through our all-employee share purchase plan, Shareplus, and therefore have the opportunity to vote on AGM resolutions. In addition, in line with changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Remuneration Committee is considering additional means of engaging with the workforce to explain how executive remuneration aligns with wider Group pay policy.

As part of the Board’s commitment to good governance, the Committee also considers shareholder views, together with those of the wider community, when setting the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. We are committed to engaging and communicating with shareholders regularly and, as our shareholders are spread across the globe, we are proactive with our engagement on remuneration and governance matters with institutional shareholders and investor representative organisations. Feedback from shareholders and investors is shared with and used as input into decision-making by the Board and Remuneration Committee in respect of our remuneration policy and its application. The Committee considers that this approach provides a robust mechanism to ensure Directors are aware of matters raised, have a good understanding of current shareholder views and can formulate policy and make decisions as appropriate. We encourage shareholders to always make their views known to us by directly contacting our Investor Relations team (contact details available at bhp.com).

2.2.3    Annual report on remuneration

This section of the Report shows the impact of the remuneration policy in FY2021 and how remuneration outcomes are linked to actual performance.

Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)

Single total figure of remuneration

This section shows a single total figure of remuneration as prescribed under UK requirements. It is a measure of actual remuneration received, rather than a figure calculated in accordance with IFRS (which is detailed in note 24 ‘Employee share ownership plan’ in section 3.1). The components of remuneration are detailed in the remuneration policy table in section 2.2.2.

US$(’000)			Base salary		Benefits (1)		Pension (2)		Total fixed		CDP (3)		LTIP (4)		Total variable		Single total figure
Mike Henry	FY2021			1,700		20		170		1,890		4,692		7,939		12,631		14,521
	FY2020	(5)		850		6		85		941		1,959		3,169		5,128		6,069
Andrew Mackenzie	FY2020	(5)		850		55		213		1,118		1,306		–		1,306		2,424

(1)  Includes private family health insurance, spouse business-related travel, car parking and personal tax return preparation in required countries.

(2)  Mike Henry’s FY2021 and FY2020 pension contributions were made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 10 per cent of base salary which applied for a new Executive Director appointment). Pension contributions for Andrew Mackenzie in FY2020 (until the date he ceased as CEO and Executive Director) were also made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 25 per cent of base salary). Pension contributions for both were made into an international retirement plan.

(3)  FY2021 CDP award is provided one-third in cash and two-thirds in deferred equity (on the terms of the CDP) as shown in the table below. No discretion was applied to STIP awards when determining vesting of awards in FY2021 or FY2020.

(4)  Mike Henry’s LTIP award value for FY2021 is based on the full award he received in 2016 when he was President Operations, Minerals Australia (prior to becoming, and with no proration applied for time as, CEO and Executive Director). The value is based on 100 per cent of the award vesting, including a DEP amount of US$1.291 million paid in shares. The value delivered through share price appreciation between the date of grant and the vesting date as prescribed under UK requirements was US$3.800 million. Mike Henry’s LTIP award value for FY2020 is based on the full award he received in 2015 when he was President Coal (prior to becoming, and with no proration applied for time as, CEO and Executive Director). The value is based on 48 per cent of the award vesting, including a DEP amount of US$0.548 million paid in shares. The value delivered through share price appreciation between the date of grant and the vesting date was US$0.774 million.

(5) For Mike Henry, the single total figure of remuneration is calculated on the basis of his appointment on 1 January 2020. There have been no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contributions since that date. For Andrew Mackenzie, the single total figure of remuneration is calculated on the basis of his period as CEO and Executive Director up until 31 December 2019. There were no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contributions prior to the date of his cessation as CEO and Executive Director.

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A consequence of the transition to the revised remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs which took effect from 1 July 2019, is that the FY2021 single total figure of remuneration for Mike Henry requires disclosure of the full amount of the CDP award earned during FY2021 (i.e. irrespective that some elements of the CDP award are deferred and five-year deferred shares were not a feature of the former STIP) together with the full amount of the pre-existing LTIP award vesting at the end of FY2021 which was granted in 2016 (i.e. when the LTIP award size was double the current grant size). Had the current approved remuneration policy been in place when Mike’s 2016 LTIP grant was made, the reported LTIP value for FY2021 would have been US$3.970 million (instead of US$7.939 million in the table above) and the reported single total figure of remuneration for FY2021 would have been US$10.552 million (instead of US$14.521 million in the table above).

Changes from prior year outcomes of CDP/STIP and LTIP are set out below.

		CDP	LTIP
Mike Henry	FY2021	CDP awarded for FY2021 performance. One-third was provided in cash in September 2021, one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2024, and one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2027.	Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2021, 100% of Mike’s 192,360 awards from the 2016 LTIP (granted to him when he was President Operations, Minerals Australia before he was appointed CEO and Executive Director) have vested. The value of the vested awards is inclusive of a DEP, which is paid in shares.
	FY2020	CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. One-third was provided in cash in September 2020, one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2023, and one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2026.	Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2020, 48% of Mike’s 192,360 awards from the 2015 LTIP (granted to him when he was President Coal before he was appointed CEO and Executive Director) vested, and the remaining awards lapsed. The value of the vested awards is inclusive of a DEP, which is paid in shares.
Andrew Mackenzie	FY2020	Prorated CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. Two-thirds of the award was paid in cash in September 2020 covering the cash and two-year deferred equity portion. Nothing has been or will be granted or paid in respect of the remaining one-third of the award i.e. the five-year deferred equity portion.	Details of Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award (which vested after Andrew retired from BHP) are set out in section 3.3.24 of the 2020 Annual Report.

FY2021 CDP performance outcomes

The Board and Remuneration Committee assessed the CEO’s CDP outcome in light of the Group’s performance in FY2021, taking into account the CEO’s performance against the KPIs in his CDP scorecard. Having recorded strong safety, operational and financial performance in FY2021 (after fully eliminating the very positive impacts of commodity prices during the year, particularly for iron ore), when assessing performance against the targets set at the commencement of the year the Board and Committee determined the CDP outcome for the CEO for FY2021 at 115 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which represents an outcome of 77 per cent against maximum). The Board and Committee believe this outcome is appropriately aligned with the shareholder experience and the interests of the Group’s other stakeholders.

The CEO’s CDP scorecard outcomes for FY2021 are summarised in the following tables, including a narrative description of each performance measure and the CEO’s level of achievement, as determined by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board. The level of performance for each measure is determined based on a range of threshold (the minimum necessary to qualify for any reward outcome), target (where the performance requirements are met), and maximum (where the performance requirements are significantly exceeded).

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Summary of outcomes for the CEO

HSEC

The HSEC targets for the CEO are aligned to the Group’s suite of HSEC five-year public targets as set out in section 1.13. As it has done for several years, the Remuneration Committee seeks guidance each year from the Sustainability Committee when assessing HSEC performance against scorecard targets. The Remuneration Committee has taken a holistic view of Group performance in critical areas, including any matters outside the scorecard targets that the Sustainability Committee considers relevant.

The performance commentary below is provided against the HSEC scorecard targets, which were updated in FY2021 as a consequence of our commitment to clarify and strengthen the links between climate change and executive remuneration. This resulted in a weighting for climate change of 10 per cent under the CDP, which compares to around 4 per cent allocated to climate change in the prior STIP. The targets were set on the basis of operated assets only.

HSEC measures	Scorecard targets	Performance against scorecard targets	Measure outcome
Significant events	No significant (actual level 4) health, safety (including fatalities), environment or community events during the year.	•  There were no fatalities or other significant HSEC events during FY2021 at operated assets. •  In addition, for a maximum outcome to be awarded, strong progress was required on the development and implementation of BHP’s Fatality Elimination Program in all regions, and this was largely achieved for FY2021.	Close to maximum.
Climate change	Steps in place to achieve reported GHG emissions in FY2022 at FY2017 level. Decarbonisation plans developed in line with pathways to net zero and incorporated into the capital allocation plan process. Two partnerships formalised with strategic customers in the steel sector.	•  For FY2021, we improved on our operational GHG emissions target of 17.0Mt, with an actual result of 16.2Mt. •  All operated assets completed the development of decarbonisation plans which were incorporated in the capital allocation process. The new renewable power purchase agreements at Escondida and Spence, both in Chile, remain on track for first power supply in the first half of FY2022. In addition, in FY2021 we also entered into renewable power purchase agreements for Queensland Coal and Kwinana nickel refinery in Australia. •  During the year, memorandums of understanding were signed with China Baowu (China), JFE Steel Corporation (Japan) and HBIS Limited (China) to partner on emissions intensity reduction in integrated steelmaking. We have significantly progressed developing a Phase 1 research and development agreement with China Baowu (which we anticipate will be signed in FY2022) and significant work is also being undertaken in collaboration with our partners to convert the remaining two memorandums of understanding into executed definitive contracts.	Slightly above target.
Management of priority Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs)	All priority TSFs are assessed based on key risk indicator data, and are either within appetite or continued operation outside appetite is approved with remediation progressing to plan.	•  All priority TSFs are now either within appetite based on key risk indicator data or continued operation outside appetite is approved with remediation progressing to plan. •  We have continued improving our key risk indicator performance with 84% of all key risk indicators for priority TSFs rated either on target or less risk being taken than target, against a target of 80%.	Slightly above target.

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The initial outcome against the HSEC KPI for FY2021 was 33 per cent out of the target of 25 per cent.

However, having assessed performance against the FY2021 HSEC KPI, the Sustainability Committee also considered sexual assault and sexual harassment and noted:

• Good progress has been made in relation to preventing, managing and responding to risks of sexual assault and sexual harassment through significant efforts since 2018, including enhancing controls to prevent incidents, improved reporting processes and in the creation and commencement of a dedicated support service to assist impacted persons.

• Management acknowledges there were areas where coordination of work streams and integrated planning in relation to work regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment could have been improved, and this may have allowed certain actions to have been taken sooner, including the introduction of increased alcohol restrictions in camps.

• Aligned targets for implementation of controls have been incorporated into the FY2022 CDP HSEC scorecard with support from a dedicated project management office.

In recognition of the opportunity to have enhanced coordination of work streams and integrated planning in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment, and with the Remuneration Committee being mindful that this is a critical health and safety matter, the Committee, upon the recommendation of the Sustainability Committee, determined a 10 per cent reduction in the overall FY2021 CDP HSEC KPI outcome from 33 per cent to a final outcome of 30 per cent out of the target of 25 per cent.

Financial

ROCE is underlying profit after taxation (excluding after-taxation finance costs and exceptional items) divided by average capital employed. ROCE is the key financial KPI against which CDP outcomes for our senior executives are measured and is, in our view, a relevant measure to assess the financial performance of the Group for this purpose. While ROCE excludes exceptional items, the Remuneration Committee reviews each exceptional item to assess if it should be included in the result for the purposes of deriving the ROCE CDP outcome.

When we are assessing management’s performance, we make adjustments to the ROCE result to allow for changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange movements and other material items to ensure the assessment appropriately measures outcomes that are within the control and influence of the Group and its executives. Of these, changes in commodity prices have historically been the most material due to volatility in prices and the impact on Group revenue and ROCE.

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Financial measure	Scorecard targets	Performance against scorecard targets	Measure outcome
ROCE	For FY2021, the target for ROCE was 13.5%, with a threshold of 11.6% and a maximum of 15.0%. The target ROCE is derived from the Group’s approved annual budget. It is the Group’s practice to build a material element of stretch performance into the budget. Achievement of this stretching ROCE target will result in a target CDP outcome. The threshold and maximum are a fair range of ROCE outcomes that represent a lower limit of underperformance below which no CDP award should be made, and an upper limit of outperformance that would represent the maximum CDP award. Because a material element of stretch performance is built into the budget (and hence the ROCE target derived from the budget), together with physical and regulatory asset constraints, the performance range around target is subject to a greater level of downside risk than there is upside opportunity. Accordingly, the range between threshold and target is greater than that between target and maximum. For maximum, the Committee takes care not to create leveraged incentives that encourage executives to push for short-term performance that goes beyond our risk appetite and current operational capacity. The Committee retains, and has a track record of applying, downward discretion to ensure the CDP outcome is appropriately aligned with the overall performance of the Group for the year, and is fair to management and shareholders.	ROCE of 32.5% was reported by BHP for FY2021. Adjusted for the factors outlined below, ROCE is 14.3%, which is above target. The following adjustments were made to ensure the outcomes appropriately reflect the performance of management for the year: •   The full elimination of the impacts of very positive movements in commodities prices (particularly iron ore) and exchange rates decreased ROCE by 17.4 percentage points. •   Having reviewed the FY2021 exceptional items (as described in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3), the Committee determined they should not be considered for the purposes of determining the FY2021 ROCE CDP outcome, with the exception of the exceptional item in relation to the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic on BHP’s FY2021 results. The Committee concluded the above-budget portion of additional direct costs of COVID-19 should flow through to the ROCE outcomes for CDP scorecard purposes. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the continuing global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This adjustment reduced ROCE by 0.3 percentage points. Beyond this, the Committee concluded no further action was required in respect of exceptional items. •   Adjustments for other material items ordinarily made to ensure the outcomes reflect the performance of management for the year decreased ROCE by 0.5 percentage points. This was mainly due to the elimination of the positive effect on ROCE outcomes of the reduction in the closing balance sheet due to exceptional items.	Between target and maximum.
		The key drivers of the FY2021 ROCE outcome of 14.3% being above the target for FY2021 of 13.5% set at the commencement of the year were: •   In Minerals Australia, operational performance was strong, with Western Australia Iron Ore achieving record production, Olympic Dam achieving its highest annual copper production level since our acquisition in 2005 on the back of improved smelter stability and strong underground mine performance, and Queensland Coal achieving record production at Goonyella. However, this was more than offset by higher than budgeted depreciation across most assets and the inclusion of the above-budget portion of additional direct costs of COVID-19, resulting in a slight overall below-target ROCE outcome for Minerals Australia.
		•   In Minerals Americas, driven mainly by Escondida maintaining average concentrator throughput at record levels by managing COVID-19 impacts and optimisation of materials fed to the concentrators. This was partially offset by the slower than planned Spence Growth Option concentrator ramp-up due to tailings work, permits and water availability, and the inclusion of the above-budget portion of additional direct costs of COVID-19. •   In Petroleum, driven mainly by higher than expected gas demand and improved performance in Australia, combined with lower maintenance activity at Australian operations, partially offset by the inclusion of the above-budget portion of additional direct costs of COVID-19.

The outcome against the ROCE KPI for FY2021 was 60 per cent out of the target of 50 per cent.

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Individual measures for the CEO

Individual measures for the CEO are determined at the commencement of the financial year. The application of personal measures remains an important element of effective performance management. These measures seek to provide a balance between the financial and non-financial performance requirements that maintain our position as a leader in our industry. The CEO’s individual measures for FY2021 included contribution to BHP’s overall performance and the management team, and also the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of the CEO role as specified by the Board, as set out in the table below.

Individual measures	Individual scorecard targets	Performance against scorecard targets	Measure outcome
Performance	•   BHP Operating System deployment on track. •   Enterprise-wide improvement initiatives established and progressed to plan.	•   The deployment of the BHP Operating System is tracking better than target on the schedule and costs of implementation, and the improvement value identified and delivered to date is in excess of target. •   The accelerated delivery of cost savings targeted by the end of FY2021 has been achieved, and in-flight initiatives are progressing to plan.	Between target and maximum.
Social value	•   Social value plans established for each asset. •   Reframing the social value narrative plan agreed and underway. •   Restructure of the leadership of Samarco/Fundação Renova oversight. •   Progress on Samarco claims.	•   All assets have established social value plans, and also delivered the FY2021 actions set out in those plans. •   ‘Reframing the Narrative’, marketing segmentation strategy, audience testing and creative concepts were presented to the Board throughout FY2021, approved as necessary, and implemented, with strong results received so far. •   Samarco/Fundação Renova leadership was successfully restructured to have Samarco/Fundação Renova overseen by a dedicated person reporting directly to the regional President Minerals Americas, and a dedicated external affairs team was also established. •   Good progress on Fundação Renova compensation programs, and we have continued to amplify our communications and stakeholder engagement in Brazil, with positive feedback received.	Target.
People	•   Increase in female participation by three percentage points. •   Operations Services (OS) increased to 5,000 employees. •   New Engagement and Perception Survey (EPS) system embedment. •   ELT members’ development and succession plans.	•   By 30 June 2021 gender diversity had increased 2.7 percentage points to 29.2%, up from 26.5% at 30 June 2020, for a cumulative increase of 11.6 percentage points from 17.6% at 30 June 2016. •   By 30 June 2021 there were 3,864 OS employees. •   The new EPS was successfully implemented during FY2021 with high levels of participation and a strong improvement focus. •   The ELT transitions were completed in FY2021 (i.e. promotions, recruitment and departures), and updated individual development plans were established for all ELT members.	Between threshold and target.
Portfolio	•   Portfolio strategy delivery. •   Exploration and development performance. •   Business development process improvement.	•   Strong progress on delivery of key strategy elements as have been publicly announced, including preparing for the investment in Jansen Stage 1, pursuing a merger of our Petroleum business with Woodside, unifying our corporate structure and the Cerrejon divestment. The process for BHP Mitsui Coal and New South Wales Energy Coal is progressing, in line with the two-year timeframe set last year. •   The metals exploration strategy was refreshed, as presented to the Board in June 2021, and is now in execution. Greenfield exploration activity has increased, with wider geographic coverage and greater focus on using technology to increase identification of ore under cover. •   Business Development and Exploration teams are working effectively together, with the co-location of senior personnel, which will improve the interactions of the teams, as well as access to new opportunities. In addition, the Business Development team has significantly increased capability during FY2021.	Target.

Overall, it was considered the performance of the CEO against the individual measures KPI for FY2021 warranted an outcome at the target of 25 per cent.

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LTIP performance outcomes

LTIP vesting based on performance to June 2021

The five-year performance period for the 2016 LTIP award ended on 30 June 2021. The CEO’s 2016 LTIP award comprised 192,360 awards (granted as President Operations, Minerals Australia prior to his appointment as CEO). Vesting is subject to achievement of the relative TSR performance conditions and any discretion applied by the Remuneration Committee (see ‘Overarching discretion and vesting underpin’ in this section 2.2.3).

Testing the performance condition

For the award to vest in full, TSR must exceed the Peer Group TSR (for 67 per cent of the award) and the Index TSR (for 33 per cent of the award) by an average of 5.5 per cent per year for five years, being 30.7 per cent in total compounded over the performance period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2021. TSR includes returns to BHP shareholders in the form of share price movements along with dividends paid and reinvested in BHP (including cash and in-specie dividends).

BHP’s TSR performance was positive 266.5 per cent over the five-year period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2021. This is above the weighted median Peer Group TSR of positive 213.9 per cent and above the Index TSR of positive 99.8 per cent over the same period. This level of performance results in 100 per cent vesting for the 2016 LTIP award. The value of the CEO’s vested 2016 LTIP award has been reported in ‘Single total figure of remuneration’ in this section 2.2.3.

The graph below shows BHP’s performance relative to comparator groups.

The Committee is conscious the granting of the 2016 LTIP awards and the early part of the five-year performance period coincided with a period of share price reductions, driven in part by the Samarco dam failure having occurred on 5 November 2015.

The number of LTIP awards to be granted in December 2016 was to be determined using the share price and US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2016. Using a 12-month average share price of A$20.3326 and a 12-month average US$/A$ exchange rate of 0.728415 (each up to and including 30 June 2016), the number of LTIP awards derived for Mike Henry was 259,982. However, to ensure Mike (and other Executive KMP) did not receive a larger number of awards as a result of the lower BHP share price since the Samarco dam failure in Brazil on 5 November 2015, as the Committee was conscious of shareholder expectations in this respect, the Committee instead granted 192,360 LTIP awards to Mike in December 2016, a reduction of 26 per cent. This was the same number that was granted to Mike in the prior year in December 2015, which in itself had been reduced from the formulaically derived amount to ensure the Samarco dam failure did not inflate the 2015 LTIP award grant size. The Committee has reviewed this approach and concluded it was appropriate.

Having considered the LTIP grant size, the Committee undertook a further exercise to satisfy itself that the TSR performance, which formulaically would result in 100 per cent vesting, had not been inappropriately enhanced by the starting position of the performance period being lower as a consequence of a fall in share price following the Samarco dam failure. This analysis included estimating and removing the impact of the dam failure from the start of the performance period (i.e. removing the impact this would have otherwise had on the TSR outcome due to the lower starting position), reducing the TSR outcome for estimated payments in relation to the Samarco dam failure that may take place beyond the end of the performance period and examining the construct of the comparator group against which TSR performance is measured.

While this analysis uses inputs and assumptions that are theoretical, the Committee concluded the analysis was sufficiently robust to provide confidence that the underlying TSR performance was sufficient to support the formulaic vesting of the 2016 LTIP award at 100 per cent.

The value of the vested 2016 LTIP award is higher than the value of the award at the time it was granted. With the share price having risen appreciably during the five-year period and strong dividends, 36 per cent of the value realised is the value at grant time and 64 per cent of the value realised is due to share price appreciation and dividends. This value increment due to share price appreciation and dividends is consistent with the experience of shareholders over the period.

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The following chart shows the cumulative outcomes of the decisions above, with the original notional grant size as if it had vested in full, the grant size reduction due to the Samarco dam failure, and the final vested value of US$7.939 million, split between the original grant value and share price appreciation and dividends.

LTIP allocated during FY2021

Following shareholder approval at the 2020 AGMs, LTIP awards (in the form of performance rights) were granted to Mike Henry on 20 October 2020.

The face value and fair value of the awards granted on 20 October 2020 are shown in the table below. The face value of Mike’s award was 200 per cent of his base salary of US$1.700 million at the time of grant.

The fair value of the awards is ordinarily calculated by multiplying the face value of the award by the fair value factor of 41 per cent (for the current plan design, as determined by the independent adviser to the Committee). The number of LTIP awards for Mike as detailed below was determined based on the US$ face value of the LTIP awards and calculated using the average share price and US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2020.

	Number of LTIP awards	Face value US$(‘000)	Face value % of salary	Fair value US$(‘000)	Fair value % of salary	% of max(1)
Mike Henry	140,239	3,400	200	1,394	82	100

(1)  The allocation is 100 per cent of the maximum award that was permitted under the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs.

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Terms of the LTIP award

In addition to those LTIP terms set in the remuneration policy for the CEO approved by shareholders in 2019, the Remuneration Committee has determined:

Performance period	•   1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025
Performance conditions	•   An averaging period of six months will be used in the TSR calculations. •   BHP’s TSR relative to the weighted median TSR of sector peer companies selected by the Committee (Peer Group TSR) and the MSCI World Index (Index TSR) will determine the vesting of 67% and 33% of the award, respectively. •   Each company in the peer group is weighted by market capitalisation. The maximum weighting for any one company is 25% and the minimum is set at 0.4% to reduce sensitivity to any single peer company. •   For the whole of either portion of the award to vest, BHP’s TSR must be at or exceed the weighted 80th percentile of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Threshold vesting (25% of each portion of the award) occurs where BHP’s TSR equals the weighted 50th percentile (i.e. the median) of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the weighted 50th and 80th percentiles.
Sector peer group companies (1)(2)(3)	•   Resources (85%): Anglo American, Fortescue Metals, Freeport-McMoRan, Glencore, Rio Tinto, Southern Copper, Teck Resources, Vale. •   Oil and gas (15%): Apache, BP, Canadian Natural Res., Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell, Woodside Petroleum.

(1)  Sector peer group companies are selected by the Committee on the basis of the commodities they produce and their market capitalisations, such that the sector peer group as a whole, to the extent practical, reflects the weighting of the value of commodities produced by BHP. The targeted outcome is that, to the extent practical, the vesting outcome is driven by BHP’s performance excluding movements in commodity prices over the five-year performance period.

(2)  From December 2016, BG Group and Peabody Energy were removed from the comparator group. BG Group was acquired by Royal Dutch Shell and Peabody Energy had become a significantly less comparable peer.

(3)  From November 2018, CONSOL Energy was removed from the comparator group, as due to its internal restructuring it had become a less comparable peer.

Overarching discretion and vesting underpin

The rules of the CDP, STIP and LTIP and the terms and conditions of the awards give the Committee an overarching discretion to reduce the number of awards that will vest, notwithstanding the fact that the performance condition for partial or full vesting, as tested following the end of the performance period, or the relevant service conditions, have been met.

This holistic, qualitative judgement, which is applied as an underpin test before final vesting is confirmed, is an important risk management tool to ensure vesting is not simply driven by a formula or the passage of time that may give unexpected or unintended remuneration outcomes.

The Committee considers its discretion carefully each year ahead of the scheduled vesting of equity awards in August. It considers performance holistically over the five-year period, including a five-year ‘look back’ on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct. For the five years from FY2017 to FY2021, the Committee noted BHP’s continued improvement in HSEC outcomes, strong operational performance with improving production and cost performance, and significant returns to shareholders, together with no governance or conduct issues of note.

Accordingly, in respect of the STIP two-year deferred shares (granted in November 2019 in respect of performance in FY2019), the Committee chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed the STIP awards to vest in full. In addition, in respect of the LTIP five-year performance shares (granted in December 2016), the formulaic outcome of the 2016 LTIP was a 100 per cent vesting. Having undertaken the ‘look back’ review described above and the assessment of the estimated impact on TSR performance of the Samarco dam failure, the Committee concluded the vesting outcome was appropriate given Group and individual performance, and chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed 100 per cent of the LTIP awards to vest. There is no upwards discretion available to the Remuneration Committee in respect of the LTIP, as the overarching discretion may only reduce the number of awards that may vest.

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CEO remuneration and returns to shareholders

10-year CEO remuneration

The table below shows the single total figure of remuneration for Mike Henry, Andrew Mackenzie and Marius Kloppers over the last 10 years along with the proportion of maximum opportunity earned for each type of incentive.

Executive Director	Financial year			Single total figure of remuneration, US$(‘000)		CDP/STIP (% of maximum)		LTIP (% of maximum)
Mike Henry		FY2021			14,521		77		100
		FY2020	(1)		6,069		64		48
Andrew Mackenzie		FY2020	(1)		2,424		64		48
		FY2019			3,531		32		0
		FY2018			4,657		60		0
		FY2017			4,554		57		0
		FY2016			2,241		0		0
		FY2015			4,582		57		0
		FY2014			7,988		77		58
		FY2013	(2)		9,740		47		65
Marius Kloppers		FY2013	(2)		5,624		47		65
		FY2012			16,092		0		100

(1) As Mike Henry assumed the role of CEO and Executive Director in January 2020, the FY2020 single total figure of remuneration shown includes remuneration relevant to that role for the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020. The FY2020 single total figure of remuneration for Andrew Mackenzie includes remuneration relevant to his role as CEO and Executive Director for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019. The value of Mike’s vested 2015 LTIP award is included in full, while Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award (with a value of US$5.317 million and which vested after Andrew stepped down from his role as CEO and Executive Director) was reported in section 3.3.24 of the 2020 Annual Report.

(2) As Andrew Mackenzie assumed the role of CEO and Executive Director in May 2013, the FY2013 single total figure of remuneration shown includes remuneration relevant to that role for the period 10 May 2013 to 30 June 2013. The FY2013 single total figure of remuneration for Marius Kloppers includes remuneration relevant to his role as CEO and Executive Director for the period 1 July 2012 to 10 May 2013. The value of Andrew’s vested 2008 LTIP award of US$8.480 million (inclusive of vested sign-on awards provided when Andrew joined BHP) is included in full, while Marius’ vested 2008 LTIP award (with a value of US$12.051 million and which vested after Marius stepped down from his role as CEO and Executive Director) was reported in section 4.4.28 of the 2014 Annual Report.

10-year TSR

The graph below shows BHP’s TSR against the performance of relevant indices over the same 10-year period. The indices shown in the graph were chosen as being broad market indices, which include companies of a comparable size and complexity to BHP.

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Changes in Directors’ remuneration from FY2019 to FY2021

The table below sets out the percentage change in remuneration from FY2019 to FY2021 for the CEOs (for the time they were CEO) and Non-executive Directors, compared to the average change in each remuneration element for employees in Australia (being approximately 24,000 employees) over the same period. This has been chosen by the Committee as the most appropriate comparison, as Australia has the largest employee base, and the Committee considers remuneration levels in Australia when setting salaries and fees for Executive and Non-executive Directors and the CEO is located in Australia. The CEOs’ and Non-executive Directors’ remuneration described in the table align to what is disclosed in ‘Single total figure of remuneration’ (Executive Directors and Non-executive Directors) in this section 2.2.3.

		FY2019 to FY2020								FY2020 to FY2021
		Base salary/fees % change			Benefits % change			CDP/STI % change		Base salary/fees % change			Benefits % change(4)			CDP/STI % change
CEO(1)	Mike Henry		0			0			0		0			67			20
	Andrew Mackenzie		0			10			100		–			–			–
Non-executive Directors	Terry Bowen		2			33			–		17			(90	)		–
	Malcolm Broomhead		(5	)		(53	)		–		(3	)		(84	)		–
	Xiaoqun Clever(2)		0			0			–		0			0			–
	Ian Cockerill(2)		0			0			–		0			(100	)		–
	Anita Frew		0			(2	)		–		0			(96	)		–
	Gary Goldberg(2)		0			0			–		14			(87	)		–
	Carolyn Hewson(3)		0			0			–		–			–			–
	Susan Kilsby(2)		0			0			–		7			(99	)		–
	Ken MacKenzie		0			25			–		0			(90	)		–
	Lindsay Maxsted(3)		(2	)		(44	)		–		0			0			–
	John Mogford		6			13			–		8			(97	)		–
	Christine O’Reilly(2)		0			0			–		0			0			–
	Shriti Vadera(3)		0			0			–		0			0			–
	Dion Weisler(2)		0			0			–		0			0			–
Australian employees			2			(7	)		43		3			(36	)		3

(1) The per cent changes for Mike Henry from FY2019 to FY2020 are zero due to his appointment as CEO on 1 January 2020. The per cent changes for Mike Henry from FY2020 to FY2021 are based on annualised FY2020 figures. The per cent changes for Andrew Mackenzie from FY2019 to FY2020 are based on annualised FY2020 figures.

(2) The per cent changes in remuneration from FY2019 to FY2020 are zero as there were no changes made to the remuneration of Non-executive Directors who joined the Board during FY2019 (Ian Cockerill and Susan Kilsby both joined on 1 April 2019). The per cent changes in remuneration from FY2020 to FY2021 are zero as there were no changes made to the remuneration of Non-executive Directors who joined the Board in FY2021 (Xiaoqun Clever and Christine O’Reilly joined on 1 October 2020 and 12 October 2020 respectively). The per cent changes for Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler from FY2020 to FY2021 are based on annualised FY2020 figures as they joined the Board on 1 February 2020 and 1 June 2020 respectively.

(3) The per cent changes in remuneration from FY2019 to FY2020 for Carolyn Hewson are zero as there were no changes made to her remuneration up to the date of her retirement from the Board on 7 November 2019. The per cent changes for Lindsay Maxsted and Shriti Vadera from FY2020 to FY2021 are zero as there were no changes made to their remuneration up to the date of their retirement from the Board on 4 September 2020 and 15 October 2020 respectively.

(4) The majority of the amounts disclosed for benefits for Non-executive Directors are usually travel allowances (amounts of between US$ nil and US$90,000 for FY2020), however, the COVID-19 pandemic restricted Non-executive Director travel during FY2021.

CEO pay ratio disclosure

As BHP is a global company and our UK employees represent less than 1 per cent of all of our employees worldwide, these disclosures are voluntary, and we have chosen to amend the comparison to all employees, an approach that is still compliant with UK requirements.

The table below shows the CEO pay ratios, calculated using the reported single total figure of remuneration, and compared to employees at the 25th percentile, Median and 75th percentile using Option A methodology as set out under UK requirements.

Year	25th percentile		Median		75th percentile
FY2021		189:1		129:1		106:1
FY2020		116:1		81:1		67:1

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Option A uses the full-time equivalent base salary and benefits paid during the year as it is the most accurate reflection of employee pay as a direct comparison to the single total figure of remuneration for the CEO. The FY2021 CEO remuneration used in the calculation is the reported single total figure of remuneration data for Mike Henry. The remuneration calculation for all employees is based on actual earnings for the 12 months to 31 March 2021, including annual incentive payments for employees calculated using the Group performance outcome, and vested equity received if applicable. Pension contributions are calculated as the total cost of contributions made by the Group over the 12-month period. Employees on international assignments have been excluded from the analysis as their remuneration structures are generally not consistent with the single total figure of remuneration for the CEO. The FY2020 CEO remuneration used in the calculation is a combination of reported single total figure of remuneration data for Mike Henry and Andrew Mackenzie, recognising the transition in CEO leadership during FY2020.

The FY2021 ratio of 129:1 at the median compared to the FY2020 ratio of 81:1 reflects the proportion of the CEO’s pay being more heavily weighted to variable pay, including share-based long-term incentives, than for other employees. Specifically, the change from FY2020 to FY2021 is driven by a higher FY2021 CDP outcome of 115 per cent against a target of 100 per cent compared to the CDP outcome of 96 per cent in FY2020, together with the 100 per cent LTIP vesting for FY2021 at a BHP Group Limited share price of A$47.70 per share, whereas there was 48 per cent LTIP vesting for FY2020 at a BHP Group Limited share price of A$39.06 per share.

The Group believes the median pay ratio reflects the diversity of our global business footprint and employee population. BHP’s remuneration policies and practices are based on a high degree of alignment and consistency, with total remuneration at all levels providing a competitive package that enables the attraction and retention of talent while also providing at-risk remuneration based on performance.

Remuneration for the CEO in FY2022

The remuneration for the CEO in FY2022 will be in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the AGMs in 2019.

Base salary review

Base salary is reviewed annually and increases are applicable from 1 September. The CEO commenced in the role on 1 January 2020 and did not receive a base salary increase in September 2021 and it will remain unchanged at US$1.700 million per annum for FY2022. The CEO’s base salary will be kept under review in future years to ensure it remains competitive, especially in light of recent movement in exchange rates against the US dollar.

FY2022 CDP performance measures

For FY2022, the Remuneration Committee has set the following CDP scorecard performance measures:

Performance categories	Weighting			Target measures
HSEC		25	%	The following HSEC performance measures are designed to incentivise achievement of the Group’s public five-year HSEC targets. Significant events (10%): No significant (actual level 4) health, safety (including fatalities), environment or community events during the year, implementation of sexual assault and sexual harassment controls, and design of cultural heritage controls. Climate change (10%): Reported GHG emissions in FY2022 are below the FY2017 level. A majority of planned decarbonisation projects are presented for tollgates and all asset adaptation plans are updated. Work undertaken as planned under partnerships with strategic customers in the steel sector established in FY2021, one more partnership formalised, and a review of Scope 3 goals and estimation methodologies completed. Management of priority tailings storage facilities (5%): All priority tailings storage facilities are assessed based on key risk indicator data, and are either within appetite or continued operation outside appetite is approved with remediation progressing to plan.
Financial		50	%	ROCE is underlying profit after taxation (excluding after-taxation finance costs and exceptional items) divided by average capital employed. When we are assessing management’s performance, we make adjustments to the ROCE result to allow for changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange movements and other material items to ensure the assessment appropriately measures outcomes that are within the control and influence of the Group and its executives. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, the target for ROCE will not be disclosed in advance; however, we plan to disclose targets and outcomes retrospectively in our next Remuneration Report, following the end of each performance year. In the rare instances where this may not be prudent on grounds of commercial sensitivity, we will explain why and give an indication of when they will be disclosed.
Individual		25	%	The CEO’s individual measures for FY2022 comprise contribution to BHP’s overall performance and the management team and the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of the CEO role as set out by the Board. These include projects and initiatives in respect of social value (long term growth in value and returns for all stakeholders), people (right people, right skills, coming together in the right way to support exceptional performance), performance (material improvement in the system that supports exceptional performance) and portfolio (material progress on our strategic objectives to create a winning portfolio and set BHP up for the next 20 years). These performance measures are aligned with medium and long-term strategy aspirations that are intended to drive long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

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FY2022 LTIP award

The maximum face value of the CEO’s LTIP award under the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs is US$3.400 million, being 200 per cent of the CEO’s base salary. The number of LTIP awards in FY2022 has been determined using the share price and US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2021. Based on this, a FY2022 grant of 107,183 LTIP awards is proposed and approval for this LTIP grant will be sought from shareholders at the 2021 AGMs. If approved, the award will be granted following the AGMs (i.e. in or around November/December 2021 subject to securities dealing considerations). The FY2022 LTIP award will use the same performance and service conditions and comparator groups as the FY2021 LTIP award.

Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO)

The information in this section contains details of the remuneration policy that guided the Remuneration Committee’s decisions and resulted in the remuneration outcomes for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO). The remuneration policy and structures for other Executive KMP are essentially the same as those already described for the CEO in previous sections of the Remuneration Report, including the treatment of remuneration on loss of office as detailed in ‘Service contracts and policy on loss of office’ in section 2.2.2.

Components of remuneration

The components of remuneration for other Executive KMP are the same as for the CEO, with any differences described below.

CDP

The CDP performance measures for other Executive KMP for FY2021 are similar to those of the CEO, which are outlined in ‘FY2021 CDP performance outcomes’ in this section 2.2.3; however, the weighting of each performance measure will vary to reflect the focus required from each Executive KMP role.

Individual performance measures are determined at the start of the financial year. These include the other Executive KMP’s contribution to the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of their role and the overall performance of the Group. Individual performance of other Executive KMP was reviewed against these measures by the Committee and on average, was considered slightly above target.

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The diagram below represents the FY2021 CDP weightings and outcomes against the original scorecard.

LTIP

LTIP awards granted to other Executive KMP for FY2022 will be calculated in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019. Awards for other Executive KMP will have a maximum face value of 175 per cent of base salary, which is a fair value of 72 per cent of base salary under the current plan design (with a fair value of 41 per cent, taking into account the performance condition: 175 per cent x 41 per cent = 72 per cent).

Other Executive KMP who were promoted from executive roles within BHP may hold MAP awards that were granted to them in respect of their service in non-KMP roles.

Shareplus

Other Executive KMP are eligible to participate in Shareplus. For administrative simplicity, Executive KMP, including the CEO, do not currently participate in Shareplus. No Executive KMP, including the CEO, had any holdings under the Shareplus program during FY2021.

Remuneration mix

A significant portion of other Executive KMP remuneration is at-risk, in order to provide strong alignment between remuneration outcomes and the interests of BHP shareholders.

The diagram below sets out the relative mix of each remuneration component for the other Executive KMP for FY2021. Each component is determined as a percentage of base salary (at the minimum, target and maximum levels of performance-based remuneration).

(1) Base salary earned by each Executive KMP is set out in ‘Executive KMP remuneration table’ in this section 2.2.3.

(2) Retirement benefits are 10 per cent of base salary for other Executive KMP, with the exception of Geraldine Slattery. From FY2021, contribution rates for Geraldine reduced to 20 per cent of base salary in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs (progressive reduction to 10 per cent of base salary as follows: 15 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2021; and 10 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards). For any new Executive KMP appointments, the pension contribution rate will be 10 per cent of base salary immediately.

(3) Other benefits are based on a notional 10 per cent of base salary.

(4) As for the CEO, the minimum CDP award is zero, with a cash award of 80 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for target performance on all measures, and a maximum cash award of 120 per cent base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

(5) Other Executive KMP have a maximum LTIP award with a face value of 175 per cent of base salary.

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Employment contracts

The terms of employment for other Executive KMP are formalised in employment contracts, which have no fixed term. They typically outline the components of remuneration paid to the individual, but do not prescribe how remuneration levels are to be modified from year to year. Other Executive KMP’s employment contracts may be terminated by BHP on up to 12 months’ notice or can be terminated immediately by BHP making a payment of up to 12 months’ base salary plus pension contributions for the relevant period. Other Executive KMP must give up to 12 months’ notice for voluntary resignation.

Arrangements for KMP leaving and joining the Group

KMP leaving the Group

The arrangements for Executive KMP leaving the Group are within the approval provided by shareholders at the 2020 AGMs in regard to Australian termination benefits legislation, including the provision of performance-based remuneration in accordance with the rules of the relevant incentive plans.

Peter Beaven stepped down from his role as Chief Financial Officer on 30 November 2020 and exited BHP on 28 February 2021. Daniel Malchuk stepped down from his role as President Minerals Americas on 31 October 2020 and exited BHP on 31 December 2020. Peter and Daniel received base salary, pension contributions, prorated CDP, statutory leave entitlements and applicable benefits up to the dates of their exit from BHP.

Peter and Daniel received a part payment in lieu of notice upon exit and have been paid or will receive in the future the value of pension funds that they have accumulated during their service with the Group. When determining the Executive KMP CDP awards for FY2021, the Remuneration Committee resolved that Peter and Daniel would each receive a prorated FY2021 CDP award in the form of cash based on their performance (covering the cash and two-year deferred share components, but not the five-year deferred share component). No deferral period will apply in respect of these CDP awards.

All unvested FY2019 STIP and FY2020 CDP two-year deferred share awards allocated to Peter and Daniel remained on foot on termination. FY2019 STIP deferred share awards vested in August 2021 and FY2020 CDP two-year deferred share awards will not vest until August 2022. Peter’s and Daniel’s unvested LTIP awards and CDP five-year deferred shares were prorated to reflect the percentage of the performance period to 28 February 2021 for Peter and 31 December 2020 for Daniel. The vesting of the retained prorated LTIP awards will be determined by the Committee at the relevant time in future years and will only vest to the extent the performance conditions are met at the end of each five-year performance period. The vesting of LTIP awards and CDP five-year deferred share awards are subject to the Committee’s ability to reduce vesting through its discretion under the plan rules.

KMP joining the Group

David Lamont joined BHP as Chief Financial Officer on 1 December 2020. David left his former employer, CSL Limited, a major Australian company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, on 30 October 2020. As a consequence of his resignation certain CSL incentive awards, which were expected to have been paid or vested in 2021 and beyond, were foregone.

Replacement BHP awards have been provided in accordance with BHP’s remuneration policy (approved by shareholders in 2019 with almost 94 per cent support) under which a new senior executive appointed from outside BHP can be provided cash and/or BHP equity awards to replace any remuneration forfeited or not received from the former employer. In accordance with that policy, remuneration that David forfeited or did not receive as a consequence of leaving CSL to join BHP has been partly replaced as set out in the table below.

The value of the BHP awards is less than the fair value of the awards foregone (as confirmed by the Committee’s independent adviser), and the duration of the BHP awards is longer, on average, than those they replace. The Committee has determined appropriate service and performance conditions within BHP’s framework, considering the vesting status of the conditions attached to the foregone awards. As always, the Committee has been mindful of limiting such payments and not providing any more compensation than is necessary and, under BHP’s incentive plans, retains the right to adjust vesting outcomes where an inappropriate benefit would be received.

173

The BHP awards provided are set out in the table below.

Award	Amount/number	Payable/vesting	Release	Conditions	Replaces
Cash	US$300,000	September 2021(1)	September 2022(1)	Nil	Replaces a cash bonus payment foregone that would have been payable in September 2021
Performance shares	77,000	August 2022(2)	August 2023(2)	Service and performance conditions, being subject to a holistic assessment of underlying financial performance of BHP and personal performance of David during the vesting period	Partly replaces equity awards foregone that would have been paid and vested to David in 2021 and beyond

(1) Should David voluntarily resign or retire during the holding lock period, or be terminated for cause, the cash payment would become repayable on a pro-rata basis.

(2)  Upon performance shares vesting in August 2022, a holding lock will apply to the vested shares until August 2023, at which time they will be released to David. Should David voluntarily resign or retire during the holding lock period, or be terminated for cause, the shares subject to the holding lock will be forfeited.

Remuneration for Non-executive Directors

The remuneration outcomes described below have been provided in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs. The maximum aggregate fees payable to Non-executive Directors (including the Chair) were approved by shareholders at the 2008 AGMs at US$3.800 million per annum. This sum includes base fees, Committee fees and pension contributions. Travel allowances and non-monetary benefits are not included in this limit.

Single total figure of remuneration

This section shows a single total figure of remuneration as prescribed under UK requirements. It is a measure of actual remuneration. Fees include the annual base fee, plus additional fees as applicable for the Senior Independent Director, Committee Chair and Committee memberships. Non-executive Directors do not have any performance-based at-risk remuneration or receive any equity awards as part of their remuneration, therefore the totals shown below are total remuneration and total fixed fees. This table also meets the requirements of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 and relevant accounting standards.

US$(‘000)	Financial year	Fees		Benefits (1)		Pensions (2)		Total
Terry Bowen	FY2021		219		4		12		235
	FY2020		187		40		10		237
Malcolm Broomhead	FY2021		195		3		10		208
	FY2020		201		19		11		231
Ian Cockerill	FY2021		220		–		–		220
	FY2020		220		90		–		310
Xiaoqun Clever(3)	FY2021		144		–		–		144
Anita Frew	FY2021		220		2		–		222
	FY2020		220		47		–		267
Gary Goldberg(3)	FY2021		246		2		–		248
	FY2020		90		15		–		105
Carolyn Hewson(4)	FY2020		75		18		4		97
Susan Kilsby	FY2021		220		1		–		221
	FY2020		205		83		–		288
Ken MacKenzie	FY2021		864		4		16		884
	FY2020		866		40		14		920
Lindsay Maxsted(4)	FY2021		33		3		2		38
	FY2020		205		18		11		234
John Mogford	FY2021		215		2		–		217
	FY2020		199		69		–		268
Christine O’Reilly(3)	FY2021		162		–		9		171
Shriti Vadera(4)	FY2021		74		1		–		75
	FY2020		253		48		–		301
Dion Weisler(3)	FY2021		178		1		9		188
	FY2020		15		–		1		16

174

(1) The majority of the amounts disclosed for benefits for Non-executive Directors are usually travel allowances (amounts of between US$ nil and US$90,000 for FY2020) however, the COVID-19 pandemic restricted Non-executive Director travel during FY2021. For FY2021, amounts of between US$ nil and US$3,500 are included in respect of tax return preparation; and amounts of between US$ nil and US$2,500 are included in respect of the reimbursement of the tax cost associated with the provision of taxable benefits.

(2) BHP Group Limited made minimum superannuation contributions of up to 9.5 per cent of fees for FY2021 in accordance with Australian superannuation legislation. No other pension contributions were paid.

(3) The FY2020 remuneration for Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler relates to part of the year only, as they joined the Board on 1 February 2020 and 1 June 2020 respectively. The FY2021 remuneration for Xiaoqun Clever and Christine O’Reilly relates to part of the year only, as they joined the Board on 1 October 2020 and 12 October 2020 respectively.

(4) The FY2020 remuneration for Carolyn Hewson relates to part of the year only, as she retired from the Board on 7 November 2019. The FY2021 remuneration for Lindsay Maxsted and Shriti Vadera relates to part of the year only, as they retired from the Board on 4 September 2020 and 15 October 2020 respectively.

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration in FY2022

In FY2022, the remuneration for the Non-executive Directors will be paid in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs (which is unchanged from the remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGMs). Fee levels for the Non-executive Directors and the Chair are reviewed annually. The review includes benchmarking against peer companies, with the assistance of external advisers.

From 1 July 2017, the Chair’s annual fee was reduced by approximately 8 per cent from US$0.960 million to US$0.880 million and will remain at that level for FY2022. This fee reduction was in addition to the reduction of approximately 13 per cent from US$1.100 million to US$0.960 million effective 1 July 2015. Base fee levels for Non-executive Directors will remain at the reduced levels that took effect from 1 July 2015, at which time they were reduced by approximately 6 per cent from US$0.170 million to US$0.160 million per annum.

The below table sets out the annualised fee levels for FY2022.

Levels of fees and travel allowances for Non-executive Directors (in US$)	From 1 July 2021
Base annual fee		160,000
Plus additional fees for:
Senior Independent Director of BHP Group Plc		48,000
Committee Chair:
Risk and Audit		60,000
Remuneration		45,000
Sustainability		45,000
Nomination and Governance		No additional fee
Committee membership:
Risk and Audit		32,500
Remuneration		27,500
Sustainability		27,500
Nomination and Governance		18,000
Travel allowance:(1)
Greater than 3 but less than 10 hours		7,000
10 hours or more		15,000
Chair’s fee		880,000

(1)  In relation to travel for Board business, the time thresholds relate to the flight time to travel to the meeting location (i.e. one way flight time). Only one travel allowance is paid per round trip.

175

Remuneration governance

Board oversight and the Remuneration Committee

Board

The Board is responsible for ensuring the Group’s remuneration arrangements are equitable and aligned with the long-term interests of BHP and its shareholders. In performing this function, it is critical the Board is independent of management when making decisions affecting remuneration of the CEO, other Executive KMP and the Group’s employees.

The Board has therefore established a Remuneration Committee to assist it in making such decisions. The Committee is comprised solely of Non-executive Directors, all of whom are independent. To ensure it is fully informed, the Committee regularly invites members of management to attend meetings to provide reports and updates; however, members of management are not present when decisions are considered or taken concerning their own remuneration. The Committee can draw on services from a range of external sources, including remuneration advisers.

Remuneration Committee

The activities of the Remuneration Committee are governed by Terms of Reference (updated version approved by the Board in April 2021), which are available at bhp.com. The current members of the Remuneration Committee are: Christine O’Reilly (Remuneration Committee Chair), Anita Frew, Gary Goldberg, Susan Kilsby, and Dion Weisler. The role and focus of the Committee and details of meeting attendances can be found in section 2.1. Other Directors and employees who regularly attended meetings were: Ken MacKenzie (Chair), Mike Henry (CEO), Athalie Williams (Chief People Officer), Andrew Fitzgerald (Vice President Reward), Caroline Cox (Group Company Secretary to 31 October 2020), Stefanie Wilkinson (Group Company Secretary from 1 March 2021), Geof Stapledon (Vice President Governance to 31 March 2021), and Prakash Kakkad (Head of Group Governance from 1 June 2021). These individuals were not present when decisions regarding their own remuneration were considered or taken.

When determining executive director remuneration practices, the Remuneration Committee considers any decisions in the context of the principles of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, including:

Principle	How the Remuneration Committee has applied the principle
Clarity	BHP engages proactively with shareholders on remuneration matters. Feedback from shareholders is used by the Remuneration Committee in its decision-making in respect of the remuneration policy and its application. The Group also conducts regular employee engagement surveys which give employees an opportunity to provide feedback on a wide range of employee matters. Many employees are also ordinary shareholders through Shareplus and therefore have the opportunity to share their views as shareholders.
Simplicity	The purpose, structure and strategic alignment of each element of remuneration is clearly set out in section 2.2.2.
Risk	A significant portion of variable remuneration is at-risk in order to provide strong alignment between remuneration outcomes and the interests of BHP shareholders. The delivery of two-thirds of CDP awards in deferred shares and the LTIP five-year performance period help to align the long-term interests of the CEO and shareholders.
Predictability	The remuneration opportunities under different performance scenarios (minimum, target and maximum) are set out in section 2.2.2.
Proportionality	The CEO is incentivised to achieve stretching performance through the targets set under the CDP and LTIP. In addition, the Remuneration Committee has discretion to adjust formulaic outcomes downwards to ensure that poor performance is not rewarded.
Alignment with culture	The FY2021 CDP performance measures for the CEO include a number of measures linked to culture including the delivery of social value plans for assets, improving gender diversity and embedding a new Engagement and Perception Survey system. We continue to focus on fostering a culture of respect and ensuring the workplace is safe at all times.

176

Engagement of independent remuneration advisers

The Committee seeks and considers advice from independent remuneration advisers where appropriate. Remuneration consultants are engaged by and report directly to the Committee. Potential conflicts of interest are taken into account when remuneration consultants are selected and their terms of engagement regulate their level of access to, and require their independence from BHP’s management.

PricewaterhouseCoopers was appointed by the Committee in March 2016 to act as an independent remuneration adviser.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers team that advises the Remuneration Committee does not provide any other services to the Group. Other PricewaterhouseCoopers teams provide services to the Group in the areas of forensic and general technology, internal audit and international assignment solutions. Processes and arrangements are in place to protect independence (for example, ring-fencing of teams) and to manage any conflicts of interest that may arise.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is currently the only remuneration adviser appointed by the Committee. In that capacity, they may provide remuneration recommendations in relation to KMP; however, they did not do so in FY2021.

Total fees paid to the PricewaterhouseCoopers team advising the Committee on remuneration-related matters for FY2021 were £177,300. These fees are based on an agreed fee for regular items with additional work charged at agreed rates. Total fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers for other services rendered to the Group for FY2021 were approximately US$31 million.

Statement of voting at the 2020 AGMs

BHP’s remuneration resolutions have attracted a high level of support by shareholders. Voting in regard to those resolutions put to shareholders at the 2020 AGMs is shown below.

AGM resolution	Requirement		% vote ‘for’		% vote ‘against’		Votes withheld(1)
Remuneration Report (excluding remuneration policy(2))		UK		95.8		4.2		4,630,094
Remuneration Report (whole Report)		Australia		95.7		4.3		4,961,722
Approval of grants to Executive Director		Australia		98.5		1.5		4,624,916
Approval of leaving entitlements		Australia		99.3		0.7		5,029,752

(1)  The sum of votes marked ‘Vote withheld’ at BHP Group Plc’s 2020 AGM and votes marked ‘Abstain’ at BHP Group Limited’s 2020 AGM.

(2) The UK requirement for approval of the remuneration policy was met at the 2019 AGMs, where the following outcomes were recorded: a 93.5 per cent vote ‘for’, a 6.5 per cent vote ‘against’ with 23,166,578 votes withheld. This resolution was not required in 2020.

Other statutory disclosures

This section provides details of any additional statutory disclosures required by Australian or UK regulations that have not been included in the previous sections of the Remuneration Report.

177

Executive KMP remuneration table

The table below has been prepared in accordance with relevant accounting standards and remuneration data for Executive KMP are for the periods of FY2020 and FY2021 that they were KMP. More information on the policy and operation of each element of remuneration is provided in previous sections of this Report.

Share-based payments

The figures included in the shaded columns of the statutory table below for share-based payments were not actually provided to the KMP during FY2021 or FY2020. These amounts are calculated in accordance with accounting standards and are the amortised IFRS fair values of equity and equity-related instruments that have been granted to the executives. For information on awards that were allocated and vested during FY2021 and FY2020, refer to ‘Equity awards’ in this section 2.2.3.

					Short-term benefits						Post- employment benefits		Share-based payments				Total
US$(‘000)	Financial year		Base salary(1)		Annual cash incentive(2)		Non-monetary benefits(3)		Other benefits(4)		Retirement benefits(5)		Value of CDP/STIP awards(2)(6)		Value of LTIP awards(6)
Executive Director
Mike Henry		FY2021		1,700		1,564		120		–		170		1,487		2,315		7,356
		FY2020		1,400		1,075		129		–		223		907		2,299		6,033
Andrew Mackenzie(7)		FY2020		850		653		124		–		213		1,202		2,038		5,080
Other Executive KMP
Edgar Basto		FY2021		950		866		60		–		95		432		839		3,242
Peter Beaven(7)		FY2021		417		400		39		–		83		876		787		2,602
		FY2020		1,000		848		41		–		250		810		2,090		5,039
David Lamont		FY2021		554		510		42		–		55		167		935		2,263
Daniel Malchuk(7)		FY2021		333		307		23		–		67		765		620		2,115
		FY2020		1,000		816		38		–		250		797		2,090		4,991
Geraldine Slattery		FY2021		800		800		25		–		160		777		930		3,492
		FY2020		750		618		–		–		188		378		903		2,837
Ragnar Udd		FY2021		567		521		49		420		57		190		483		2,287

(1) Base salaries shown in this table reflect the amounts paid over the 12-month period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 for each Executive KMP. There were no changes to Executive KMP base salaries during the year except for Edgar Basto who was appointed as President Minerals Australia on 1 July 2020 on an annual base salary of US$0.950 million, Ragnar Udd who was appointed as President Minerals Americas on 1 November 2020 on an annual base salary of US$0.850 million, David Lamont who was appointed as Chief Financial Officer on 1 December 2020 on an annual base salary of US$0.950 million, and Geraldine Slattery whose salary changed to US$0.850 million on 1 January 2021. Geraldine’s base salary was set by the Remuneration Committee in March 2019 upon her appointment as President Petroleum at US$0.750 million per annum, which was 25 per cent below that of Geraldine’s predecessor. In December 2020, the Committee assessed Geraldine’s performance as President Petroleum and it was confirmed that Geraldine was performing and developing strongly in role. The Committee also considered market factors, job relativities and contribution in the role in reaching its decision that Geraldine’s base salary would be increased to US$0.850 million per annum on 1 January 2021. The base salaries for Executive KMP will be kept under review in future years to ensure they remain competitive, especially in light of recent movement in exchange rates against the US dollar.

(2) Annual cash incentive in this table is the cash portion of CDP awards earned in respect of performance during each financial year for each executive. CDP is provided one-third in cash and two-thirds in deferred equity (which are included in the Share-based payments columns of the table). The cash portion of CDP awards is paid to Executive KMP in September of the year following the relevant financial year. The minimum possible value awarded to each individual is nil and the maximum is 360 per cent of base salary (120 per cent in cash and 240 per cent in deferred equity). For FY2021, Executive KMP earned the following CDP awards as a percentage of the maximum (the remaining portion has been forfeited): Mike Henry 77 per cent, Edgar Basto 76 per cent, Peter Beaven 80 per cent (for the time served as Chief Financial Officer), David Lamont 77 per cent (for the time served as Chief Financial Officer), Daniel Malchuk 77 per cent (for the time served as President Minerals Americas), Geraldine Slattery 83 per cent and Ragnar Udd 77 per cent (for the time served as President Minerals Americas). Andrew’s FY2020 CDP and Peter’s and Daniel’s FY2021 CDP was paid in cash and prorated to reflect the period served until they ceased to be KMP on 31 December 2019, 30 November 2020 and 31 October 2020 respectively, as noted for Andrew in ‘Single total figure of remuneration’ in this section 2.2.3, with 50 per cent of the total CDP award included in the Annual cash incentive column, and 50 per cent in the Value of CDP/STIP awards column.

(3) Non-monetary benefits are non-pensionable and include items such as net leave accruals, health and other insurances, fees for tax return preparation (if required in multiple jurisdictions), car parking and travel costs.

(4) Other benefits are non-pensionable and include a one-off relocation allowance (with no trailing entitlements) provided to Ragnar Udd in FY2021 relating to his international relocation from Australia to Chile.

(5) In FY2021, retirement benefits were 20 per cent of base salary for each Executive KMP except for Mike Henry, who was appointed CEO on 1 January 2020, Edgar Basto, who was appointed as President Minerals Australia on 1 July 2020, David Lamont, who was appointed as Chief Financial Officer on 1 December 2020, and Ragnar Udd, who was appointed as President Minerals Americas on 1 November 2020, each with a pension contribution rate of 10 per cent of base salary as per the remuneration policy approved at the 2019 AGMs.

(6) The IFRS fair value of CDP, STIP and LTIP awards is estimated at grant date. Refer to note 25 ‘Employee share ownership plans’ in section 3 for more information on IFRS.

(7) The remuneration reported for Andrew Mackenzie, Peter Beaven and Daniel Malchuk reflects service as Executive KMP up to 31 December 2019, 30 November 2020 and 31 October 2020, respectively.

178

Equity awards

The interests held by Executive KMP under the Group’s employee equity plans are set out below. Each equity award is a right to acquire one ordinary share in BHP Group Limited or in BHP Group Plc upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions. BHP Group Limited share awards are shown in Australian dollars. BHP Group Plc awards are shown in Pounds Sterling. Our mandatory minimum performance requirements for securities dealing governs and restricts dealing arrangements and the provision of shares on vesting or exercise of awards. No interests under the Group’s employee equity plans are held by related parties of Executive KMP.

Dividend Equivalent Payments

DEP applies to awards provided to Executive KMP under the CDP, STIP and LTIP as detailed in ‘Components of remuneration’ in section 2.2.2. No DEP is payable on MAP awards previously provided to Executive KMP.

Equity awards provided for Executive KMP service

Awards under the CDP, STIP, and LTIP

Executive KMP received or will receive awards under the CDP, STIP and LTIP. The terms and conditions of CDP, STIP and LTIP awards, including the performance conditions, are described in ‘Components of remuneration’ in section 2.2.2. The LTIP rules are available at bhp.com.

Equity awards provided prior to Executive KMP service

Awards under the MAP

BHP senior management who are not KMP receive awards under the MAP. While no MAP awards were granted to Executive KMP after becoming KMP, Edgar Basto, Geraldine Slattery and Ragnar Udd still hold MAP awards that were allocated to them prior to commencing their Executive KMP service.

179

Award type

Date of grant

At 1 July 2020

Granted

Vested

Lapsed

At 30 June 2021

Award vesting date(1)

Market price on date of:

Gain on awards (‘000)(4)

DEP on awards (‘000)

Grant(2)

Vesting(3)

Mike Henry

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

44,348

–

–

44,348

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

44,348

–

–

44,348

Aug 22

A$35.90

–

–

–

STIP

20-Nov-19

17,420

–

–

–

17,420

Aug 21

A$37.24

–

–

–

STIP

18-Dec-18

30,692

–

30,692

–

–

19 Aug 20

A$33.50

A$39.06

A$1,199

A$152

LTIP

20-Oct-20

–

140,239

–

–

140,239

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

LTIP

20-Nov-19

153,631

–

–

–

153,631

Aug 24

A$37.24

–

–

–

LTIP

18-Dec-18

172,413

–

–

–

172,413

Aug 23

A$33.50

–

–

–

LTIP

24-Nov-17

218,020

–

–

–

218,020

Aug 22

A$27.97

–

–

–

LTIP

9-Dec-16

192,360

–

–

–

192,360

Aug 21

A$25.98

–

–

–

LTIP

4-Dec-15

192,360

–

92,333

100,027

–

19 Aug 20

A$17.93

A$39.06

A$3,607

A$748

Edgar Basto(5)

LTIP

20-Oct-20

–

68,572

–

–

68,572

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

MAP

19-May-20

28,245

–

–

–

28,245

Aug 24

A$35.05

–

–

–

MAP

19-May-20

28,245

–

–

–

28,245

Aug 23

A$35.05

–

–

–

MAP

25-Sep-19

28,245

–

–

–

28,245

Aug 22

A$36.53

–

–

–

MAP

24-Sep-18

27,651

–

–

–

27,651

Aug 21

A$33.83

–

–

–

MAP

25-Sep-17

33,828

–

33,828

–

–

19 Aug 20

A$25.98

A$39.06

A$1,321

–

Peter Beaven(6)

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

34,977

–

–

34,977

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

34,977

–

–

34,977

Aug 22

A$35.90

–

–

–

STIP

20-Nov-19

19,003

–

–

–

19,003

Aug 21

A$37.24

–

–

–

STIP

18-Dec-18

30,964

–

30,964

–

–

19 Aug 20

A$33.50

A$39.06

A$1,209

A$154

LTIP

20-Oct-20

–

72,182

–

–

72,182

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

LTIP

20-Nov-19

139,664

–

–

–

139,664

Aug 24

A$37.24

–

–

–

LTIP

18-Dec-18

156,739

–

–

–

156,739

Aug 23

A$33.50

–

–

–

LTIP

24-Nov-17

198,200

–

–

–

198,200

Aug 22

A$27.97

–

–

–

LTIP

9-Dec-16

174,873

–

–

174,873

Aug 21

A$25.98

–

–

–

LTIP

4-Dec-15

174,873

–

83,940

90,933

–

19 Aug 20

A$17.93

A$39.06

A$3,279

A$680

David Lamont(5)

Performance shares

1-Dec-20

–

77,000

–

–

77,000

Aug 22

A$38.56

–

–

–

LTIP

1-Dec-20

–

68,572

–

–

68,572

Aug 25

A$38.56

–

–

–

Daniel Malchuk(6)

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

33,657

–

–

33,657

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

33,657

–

–

33,657

Aug 22

A$35.90

–

–

–

STIP

20-Nov-19

16,786

–

–

–

16,786

Aug 21

A$37.24

–

–

–

STIP

18-Dec-18

33,686

–

33,686

–

–

19 Aug 20

A$33.50

A$39.06

A$1,316

A$167

LTIP

20-Oct-20

–

72,182

–

–

72,182

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

LTIP

20-Nov-19

139,664

–

–

–

139,664

Aug 24

A$37.24

–

–

–

LTIP

18-Dec-18

156,739

–

–

–

156,739

Aug 23

A$33.50

–

–

–

LTIP

24-Nov-17

198,200

–

–

–

198,200

Aug 22

A$27.97

–

–

–

LTIP

9-Dec-16

174,873

–

–

–

174,873

Aug 21

A$25.98

–

–

–

LTIP

4-Dec-15

174,873

–

83,940

90,933

–

19 Aug 20

A$17.93

A$39.06

A$3,279

A$680

Geraldine Slattery

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

25,490

–

–

25,490

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

CDP

20-Oct-20

–

25,490

–

–

25,490

Aug 22

A$35.90

–

–

–

STIP

20-Nov-19

6,628

–

–

–

6,628

Aug 21

A$37.24

–

–

–

LTIP

20-Oct-20

–

54,136

–

–

54,136

Aug 25

A$35.90

–

–

–

LTIP

20-Nov-19

104,748

–

–

–

104,748

Aug 24

A$37.24

–

–

–

MAP

21-Feb-19

28,527

–

–

–

28,527

Aug 23

A$34.83

–

–

–

MAP

21-Feb-19

28,527

–

–

–

28,527

Aug 22

A$34.83

–

–

–

MAP

24-Sep-18

28,527

–

–

–

28,527

Aug 21

A$33.83

–

–

–

MAP

25-Sep-17

34,349

–

34,349

–

–

19 Aug 20

A$25.98

A$39.06

A$1,342

–

Ragnar Udd(5)

LTIP

2-Nov-20

–

61,354

–

–

61,354

Aug 25

A$33.81

–

–

–

MAP

21-Aug-20

21,231

–

–

–

21,231

Aug 24

A$38.36

–

–

–

MAP

21-Aug-20

21,231

–

–

–

21,231

Aug 23

A$38.36

–

–

–

MAP

25-Sep-19

21,231

–

–

–

21,231

Aug 22

A$36.53

–

–

–

MAP

24-Sep-18

25,565

–

–

–

25,565

Aug 21

A$33.83

–

–

–

(1) Where the vesting date is not yet known, the estimated vesting month is shown. Where awards lapse, the lapse date is shown. If the vesting conditions are met, awards will vest on or as soon as practicable after the first non-prohibited period date occurring after 30 June of the preceding year of vest. The year of vesting is the second (STIP and CDP two-year awards), third (MAP), fourth (MAP) or fifth (MAP, CDP five-year awards and LTIP) financial year after grant. All awards are conditional awards and have no exercise period, exercise price or expiry date; instead ordinary fully paid shares are automatically delivered upon the vesting conditions being met. Where vesting conditions are not met, the conditional awards will immediately lapse.

(2) The market price shown is the closing price of BHP shares on the relevant date of grant. No price is payable by the individual to receive a grant of awards. The IFRS fair value of the CDP and LTIP awards granted in FY2021 at the grant date of 20 October 2020 are as follows: CDP – A$35.90 and LTIP – A$20.98. The IFRS fair value of the LTIP awards granted in FY2021 at the grant date of 2 November 2020 and 1 December 2020 are A$18.61 and A$20.85 respectively. The IFRS fair value of David Lamont’s performance shares at the grant date of 1 December 2020 is A$38.56.

(3) The market price shown is the closing price of BHP shares on the relevant date of vest.

(4) The gain on awards is calculated using the market price on date of vesting or exercise (as applicable) less any exercise price payable. The amounts that vested and were lapsed for the awards during FY2021 are as follows: STIP – 100 per cent vested; LTIP – 48 per cent vested and 52 per cent lapsed; MAP – 100 per cent vested.

(5) The opening balances of awards for Edgar Basto, David Lamont and Ragnar Udd reflect their holdings on the date that each became KMP, being 1 July 2020, 1 December 2020 and 1 November 2020 respectively.

(6) Awards shown as held by Peter Beaven and Daniel Malchuk at 30 June 2021 are their balances at the date they ceased being KMP (30 November 2020 and 31 October 2020, respectively). The subsequent treatment of their awards is set out in ‘Arrangements for KMP leaving and joining the Group’ in this section 2.2.3.

180

Estimated value range of equity awards

The current face value (and estimate of the maximum possible total value) of equity awards allocated during FY2021 and yet to vest are the awards as set out in the previous table multiplied by the current share price of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc as applicable. The minimum possible total value of the awards is nil.

The actual value that may be received by participants in the future cannot be determined as it is dependent on and therefore fluctuates with the share prices of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc at the date that any particular award vests or is exercised. The table below provides five-year share price history for BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, history of dividends paid and the Group’s earnings.

Five-year share price, dividend and earnings history

		FY2021		FY2020		FY2019			FY2018		FY2017
BHP Group Limited	Share price at beginning of year		A$35.82		A$41.68		A$33.60			A$23.23		A$19.09
	Share price at end of year		A$48.57		A$35.82		A$41.16			A$33.91		A$23.28
	Dividends paid		A$2.07		A$2.13		A$3.08	(1)		A$1.24		A$0.72
BHP Group Plc	Share price at beginning of year		£16.28		£20.33		£16.53			£12.15		£9.40
	Share price at end of year		£21.30		£16.54		£20.15			£17.06		£11.76
	Dividends paid		£1.15		£1.13		£1.70	(1)		£0.72		£0.44
BHP	Attributable profit (US$ million, as reported)		11,304		7,956		8,306			3,705		5,890

(1) The FY2019 dividends paid includes A$1.41 or £0.80 in respect of the special dividend associated with the divestment of Onshore US.

The highest share prices during FY2021 were A$51.65 for BHP Group Limited shares and £23.76 for BHP Group Plc shares. The lowest share prices during FY2021 were A$33.78 and £14.90 respectively.

181

Ordinary share holdings and transactions

The number of ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited or in BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially, by each individual (including shares held in the name of all close members of the Director’s or Executive KMP’s family and entities over which either the Director or Executive KMP or the family member has, directly or indirectly, control, joint control or significant influence) are shown below. No shares are held nominally by any KMP or their related parties. There have been no changes in the interests of any Directors in the period to 1 September 2021 (being not less than one month prior to the date of the notice of the 2021 AGMs), except as noted below. These are ordinary shares held without performance conditions or restrictions and are included in MSR calculations for each individual.

The interests of Directors and Executive KMP in the ordinary shares of each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc as at 30 June 2021 did not exceed on an individual basis or in the aggregate 1 per cent of BHP Group Limited’s or BHP Group Plc’s issued ordinary shares.

BHP Group Limited shares

BHP Group Plc shares

Held at 1 July 2020

Purchased

Received as remuneration(1)

Sold

Held at 30 June 2021

Held at 1 July 2020

Purchased

Received as remuneration(1)

Sold

Held at 30 June 2021

Executive Director

Mike Henry

120,069

–

146,072

67,162

198,979

196,262

–

–

–

196,262

Other Executive KMP

Edgar Basto(2)

117,279

42

33,828

16,260

134,889

–

–

–

–

–

Peter Beaven(3)

261,287

–

136,244

65,424

332,107

–

–

–

–

–

David Lamont(2)

6,345

–

–

–

6,345

–

–

–

–

–

Daniel Malchuk(3)

194,608

–

139,312

56,934

276,986

–

–

–

–

–

Geraldine Slattery(4)

71,520

–

34,349

8,544

97,325

–

–

–

–

–

Ragnar Udd(2)

105,418

–

–

–

105,418

–

–

–

–

–

Non-executive Directors

Terry Bowen

11,000

–

–

–

11,000

–

–

–

–

–

Malcolm Broomhead

19,000

–

–

–

19,000

–

–

–

–

–

Xiaoqun Clever(5)

5,000

2,000

–

–

7,000

–

–

–

–

–

Ian Cockerill

8,759

–

–

–

8,759

3,500

–

–

–

3,500

Anita Frew

–

–

–

–

–

15,000

–

–

–

15,000

Gary Goldberg(4)

10,000

–

–

–

10,000

–

–

–

–

–

Susan Kilsby

–

–

–

–

–

6,900

–

–

–

6,900

Ken MacKenzie

52,351

–

–

–

52,351

–

–

–

–

–

Lindsay Maxsted(6)

18,000

–

–

–

18,000

–

–

–

–

–

John Mogford

–

–

–

–

–

12,000

1,938

–

–

13,938

Christine O’Reilly(5)

7,000

–

–

–

7,000

–

–

–

–

–

Shriti Vadera(6)

–

–

–

–

–

25,000

–

–

–

25,000

Dion Weisler

1,544

–

–

–

1,544

–

–

–

–

–

(1) Includes DEP in the form of shares on equity awards vesting as disclosed in ‘Equity awards’ in this section 2.2.3.

(2) The opening balances for Edgar Basto, David Lamont and Ragnar Udd reflect their shareholdings on the date that each became KMP being 1 July 2020, 1 December 2020 and 1 November 2020 respectively.

(3) Shares shown as held by Peter Beaven and Daniel Malchuk at 30 June 2021 are their balances at the date they ceased being KMP being 30 November 2020 and 31 October 2020 respectively.

(4) The following BHP Group Limited shares were held in the form of American Depositary Shares: Geraldine Slattery (868 BHP Group Limited) and Gary Goldberg (5,000 BHP Group Limited).

(5) The opening balances for Xiaoqun Clever and Christine O’Reilly reflect their shareholdings on the date that each became Non-executive Directors being 1 October 2020 and 12 October 2020 respectively.

(6) Shares shown as held by Lindsay Maxsted and Shriti Vadera at 30 June 2021 are their balances at the date of their retirement from the Board on 4 September 2020 and 15 October 2020 respectively.

182

Prohibition on hedging of BHP Group shares and equity instruments

The CEO and other Executive KMP may not use unvested BHP equity awards as collateral or protect the value of any unvested BHP equity awards or the value of shares and securities held as part of meeting the MSR.

Any securities that have vested and are no longer subject to restrictions may be subject to hedging arrangements or used as collateral, provided that prior consent is obtained.

Share ownership guidelines and the MSR

The share ownership guidelines and the MSR help to ensure the interests of Directors, executives and shareholders remain aligned.

The CEO and other Executive KMP are expected to grow their holdings to the MSR from the scheduled vesting of their employee awards over time. The MSR is tested at the time that shares are to be sold. Shares may be sold to satisfy tax obligations arising from the granting, holding, vesting, exercise or sale of the employee awards or the underlying shares whether the MSR is satisfied at that time or not.

For FY2021:

• The MSR for the CEO was five times annual pre-tax base salary. At the end of FY2021, the CEO met the MSR.

• The MSR for other Executive KMP was three times annual pre-tax base salary. At the end of FY2021, the other Executive KMP met the MSR, except for David Lamont, as he was appointed as Executive KMP on 1 December 2020.

• No other Executive KMP sold or purchased shares during FY2021, other than sales to satisfy taxation obligations and a net immaterial purchase for Edgar Basto.

Effective 1 July 2020, a two-year post-retirement shareholding requirement for the CEO applies from the date of retirement, which will be the lower of the CEO’s MSR or the CEO’s actual shareholding at the date of retirement.

Subject to securities dealing constraints, Non-executive Directors have agreed to apply at least 25 per cent of their remuneration (base fees plus Committee fees) to the purchase of BHP shares until they achieve an MSR equivalent in value to one year of remuneration (base fees plus Committee fees). Thereafter, they must maintain at least that level of shareholding throughout their tenure. At the end of FY2021, each Non-executive Director met the MSR with the exception of Susan Kilsby, Dion Weisler and Christine O’Reilly as they only recently joined the Board on 1 April 2019, 1 June 2020 and 12 October 2020, respectively. As at the date of this Report, Susan, Dion and Christine each met the MSR.

Payments to past Directors and for loss of office

UK regulations require the inclusion in the Remuneration Report of certain payments to past Directors and payments made for loss of office.

The following payments were made to Andrew Mackenzie for FY2021 that relate to the period when he was no longer an Executive Director and CEO and which have not been reported elsewhere in this section 2.2.3:

• 100 per cent of the 254,815 retained LTIP awards granted in 2016, reduced from 339,753 awards originally granted and prorated for time served at the time of departure, vested on 18 August 2021. The value of these awards for Andrew was US$10.517 million, including a related DEP of US$1.710 million which was paid in shares.

• During FY2021, Andrew was provided tax return preparation services of US$0.073 million in respect of his tax obligations in multiple jurisdictions for BHP employment income in accordance with contractual and termination arrangements.

The Remuneration Committee has adopted a de minimis threshold of US$7,500 for disclosure of payments to past Directors under UK requirements.

There were no payments made for loss of office in FY2021.

183

Relative importance of spend on pay

The table below sets out the total spend for Continuing operations on employee remuneration during FY2021 (and the prior year) compared with other significant expenditure items, and includes items as prescribed in the UK requirements. BHP has included tax payments and purchases of property, plant and equipment being the most significant other outgoings in monetary terms.

US$ million	FY2021		FY2020
Aggregate employee benefits expense		4,842		4,120
Dividends paid to BHP shareholders(1)		7,901		6,876
Income tax paid and royalty-related taxation paid (net of refunds)		7,610		5,944
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		6,606		6,900

(1) There were no share buybacks in FY2021 or FY2020.

Transactions with KMP

During the financial year, there were no transactions between the Group and its subsidiaries and KMP (including their related parties) (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$ nil). There were no amounts payable by or loans with KMP (including their related parties) at 30 June 2021 (2020: US$ nil).

A number of KMP hold or have held positions in other companies (i.e. personally related entities) where it is considered they control or significantly influence the financial or operating policies of those entities. There have been no transactions with those entities and no amounts were owed by the Group to personally related entities or any other related parties (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$ nil).

This Remuneration Report was approved by the Board on 2 September 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Christine O’Reilly

Chair, Remuneration Committee

2 September 2021

2.3    Directors’ Report

The information presented by the Directors in this Directors’ Report relates to BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries. Section 1 ‘Strategic Report’ (which includes the Chair’s review in section 1.2 and the Chief Executive Officer’s review in section 1.3, and incorporates the operating and financial review), section 2.1 ‘Corporate Governance Statement’, section 2.2 ‘Remuneration Report’, section 3.5 ‘Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration’ and section 4 ‘Additional information’ are each incorporated by reference into, and form part of, this Directors’ Report. In addition, for the purposes of UK law, the Strategic Report in section 1 and the Remuneration Report in section 2.2 form separate reports and have been separately approved by the Board for that purpose.

For the purpose of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Listing Rule 9.8.4C R, the applicable information required to be disclosed in accordance with FCA Listing Rule 9.8.4 R is set out in the sections below.

Applicable information required by FCA Listing Rule 9.8.4 R	Section in this Annual Report
(1) Interest capitalised by the Group	Section 3, note 22 ‘Net finance costs’

Paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13) and (14) of Listing Rule 9.8.4 R are not applicable.

The Directors confirm, on the advice of the Risk and Audit Committee (RAC), that they consider the Annual Report (including the Financial Statements), taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess BHP’s position, performance, business model and strategy.

184

2.3.1    Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs

A review of the operations of BHP during FY2021, the results of those operations during FY2021 and the expected results of those operations in future financial years are set out in section 1, in particular in 1.2 to 1.15, 1.17 and 1.18 and in other material in this Annual Report. Information on the development of BHP and likely developments in future years also appears in those sections.

Our principal activities during FY2021 are disclosed in section 1. We are among the world’s top producers of major commodities, including iron ore, metallurgical coal and copper. We also have substantial interests in oil, gas and energy coal. No significant changes in the nature of BHP’s principal activities occurred during FY2021 other than as disclosed in section 1.

There were no significant changes in BHP’s state of affairs that occurred during FY2021 and no significant post balance date events other than as disclosed in section 1 and note 35 ‘Subsequent events’ in section 3.

No other matter or circumstance has arisen since the end of FY2021 that has significantly affected or is expected to significantly affect the operations, the results of operations or state of affairs of BHP in future years.

2.3.2    Share capital and buy-back programs

At the Annual General Meetings held in 2019 and 2020, shareholders authorised BHP Group Plc to make on-market purchases of up to 211,207,180 of its ordinary shares, representing 10 per cent of BHP Group Plc’s issued share capital at that time. During FY2021, we did not make any on-market or off-market purchases of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc shares under any share buy-back program. As at the date of this Directors’ Report, there were no current on-market buy-backs. Shareholders will be asked at the 2021 Annual General Meetings to renew this authority. As at the date of this Directors’ Report, there is no intention to exercise this authority.

Some of our executives receive rights over BHP shares as part of their remuneration arrangements. Entitlements may be satisfied by the transfer of existing shares, which are acquired on-market by the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trusts or, in respect of some entitlements, by the issue of shares.

The number of shares referred to in column A below were purchased to satisfy awards made under the various BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc employee share schemes during FY2021.

Period	A Total number of shares purchased and transferred to employees to satisfy employee awards		B Average price paid per share(1) US$		C Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs		D Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
							BHP Group Limited(2)		BHP Group Plc
1 Jul 2020 to 31 Jul 2020		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Aug 2020 to 31 Aug 2020		6,158,718		28.32		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Sep 2020 to 30 Sep 2020		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Oct 2020 to 31 Oct 2020		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Nov 2020 to 30 Nov 2020		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Dec 2020 to 31 Dec 2020		–		–				–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Jan 2021 to 31 Jan 2021		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Feb 2021 to 28 Feb 2021		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Mar 2021 to 31 Mar 2021		882,454		36.57		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Apr 2021 to 30 Apr 2021		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 May 2021 to 31 May 2021		–		–		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
1 Jun 2021 to 30 Jun 2021		731,235		38.00		–		–		211,207,180	(3)
Total		7,772,407		30.16		–		–		211,207,180	(3)

(1) The shares were purchased in the currency of the stock exchange on which the purchase took place and the sale price has been converted into US dollars at the exchange rate on the day of purchase.

(2) BHP Group Limited is able to buy-back and cancel BHP Group Limited shares within the ‘10/12 limit’ without shareholder approval in accordance with section 257B of the Australian Corporations Act 2001. Any future on-market share buy-back program would be conducted in accordance with the Australian Corporations Act 2001 and with the ASX Listing Rules.

(3) At the Annual General Meetings held during 2019 and 2020, shareholders authorised BHP Group Plc to make on-market purchases of up to 211,207,180 of its ordinary shares, representing 10 per cent of BHP Group Plc’s issued capital at the time.

185

2.3.3    Results, financial instruments and going concern

Information about the Group’s financial position and financial results is included in the Financial Statements in this Annual Report. The Consolidated Income Statement shows profit attributable to BHP members of US$11.3 billion in FY2021, compared with a profit of US$8.0 billion in FY2020.

BHP’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are discussed in section 1. In addition, sections 1.3 to 1.9 and 2.1.13, and note 23 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 3 outline BHP’s capital management objectives, its approach to financial risk management and exposure to financial risks, liquidity and borrowing facilities.

The Directors, having made appropriate enquiries, have a reasonable expectation that BHP has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Therefore, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual Financial Statements.

2.3.4    Directors

The Directors who served at any time during FY2021 or up until the date of this Directors’ Report were Ken MacKenzie, Mike Henry, Terry Bowen, Malcolm Broomhead, Xiaoqun Clever, Ian Cockerill, Anita Frew, Gary Goldberg, Susan Kilsby, Lindsay Maxsted, John Mogford, Christine O’Reilly, Shriti Vadera and Dion Weisler. For information on the current Directors of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, refer to section 2.1.2. These details include the period for which each Director held office up to the date of this Directors’ Report, their qualifications, experience and particular responsibilities, the directorships held in other listed companies since 1 July 2018 and the period for which each directorship has been held.

Shriti Vadera served as a Non-executive Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc from January 2011 until her retirement on 15 October 2020. Lindsay Maxsted served as a Non-executive Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc from March 2011 until his retirement on 4 September 2020.

Xiaoqun Clever and Christine O’Reilly were appointed as Non-executive Directors of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc with effect from 1 October 2020 and 12 October 2020 respectively and were elected at the 2020 Annual General Meetings.

The number of meetings of the Board and its Committees held during the year and each Director’s attendance at those meetings are set out in section 2.1.4.

186

2.3.5    Remuneration and share interests

Remuneration

The policy for determining the nature and amount of emoluments of the Executive Key Management Personnel (KMP) (including the Executive Director) and the Non-executive Directors, and information about the relationship between that policy and BHP’s performance are set out in sections 2.2.2 and 2.2.3.

The remuneration tables contained in section 2.2.3 set out the remuneration of members of the Executive KMP (including the Executive Director) and the Non-executive Directors.

Directors

‘Ordinary share holdings and transactions’ in section 2.2.3 sets out the relevant interests in shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc of the Directors who held office during FY2021, at the beginning and end of FY2021. No rights or options over shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are held by any of the Non-executive Directors. Interests held by the Executive Director under employee equity plans as at 30 June 2021 are set out in the tables showing interests in incentive plans contained in ‘Equity awards’ in section 2.2.3. Except for Mike Henry, as at the date of this Directors’ Report, the information pertaining to shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially by Directors is the same as set out in the table in ‘Ordinary share holdings and transactions’ in section 2.2.3. Where applicable, the information includes shares held in the name of a spouse, superannuation fund, nominee and/or other controlled entities.

Non-executive Directors have agreed to apply at least 25 per cent of their remuneration (base fees plus committee fees) to the purchase of shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc until they achieve a shareholding equivalent in value to one year’s remuneration (base fees plus committee fees). Thereafter, Non-executive Directors must maintain at least that level of shareholding throughout their tenure. All dealings by Directors are subject to mandatory minimum performance requirements for securities dealing and are reported to the Board and to the stock exchanges. Information on our policy governing the use of hedging arrangements over shares in BHP by Directors and other members of the KMP is set out in ‘Prohibition on hedging of BHP Group shares and equity instruments’ in section 2.2.3.

As at the date of this Directors’ Report, Mike Henry held:

• (either directly, indirectly or beneficially) 196,262 shares in BHP Group Plc and 325,330 shares in BHP Group Limited

• rights and options over nil shares in BHP Group Plc and 772,999 shares in BHP Group Limited

We have not made available to any Directors any interest in a registered scheme.

Key Management Personnel

‘Ordinary share holdings and transactions’ in section 2.2.3 sets out the relevant interests in shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially at the beginning and end of FY2021 by those senior executives who were Executive KMP (other than the Executive Director) during FY2021. Where applicable, the information includes shares held in the name of a spouse, superannuation fund, nominee and/or other controlled entities. Interests held by members of the Executive KMP under employee equity plans as at 30 June 2021 are set out in the tables contained in ‘Equity awards’ in section 2.2.3.

The table below sets out the relevant interests in shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially, as at the date of this Directors’ Report by those senior executives who were Executive KMP (other than the Executive Director) on that date. Where applicable, the information also includes shares held in the name of a spouse, superannuation fund, nominee and/or other controlled entities.

Executive KMP member	BHP Group entity	As at date of Directors’ Report
Edgar Basto	BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc		130,038 –
David Lamont	BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc		6,345 –
Geraldine Slattery	BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc		123,640 –
Ragnar Udd	BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc		118,557 –

187

2.3.6    Secretaries

Stefanie Wilkinson is the Group Company Secretary. For details of her qualifications and experience, refer to section 2.1.2. The following people also acted during FY2021 as Company Secretaries of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc: Caroline Cox BA (Hons), MA, LLB, BCL until 1 March 2021, Rachel Agnew, BComm (Economics), LLB (Hons), GAICD, until 1 September 2020 and Geof Stapledon, BEc, LLB (Hons), DPhil, FCIS.

Geof Stapledon resigned as Company Secretary of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc with effect from 7 July 2021. Prakash Kakkad, LLB, LPC was appointed as a Company Secretary of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and John-Paul Santamaria, BEng (Civil) (Hons), LLB was appointed as a Company Secretary of BHP Group Limited, in each case with effect from 7 July 2021.

Each individual has experience in a company secretariat role or other relevant fields arising from time spent in roles within BHP, other large listed companies or other relevant entities.

2.3.7    Indemnities and insurance

Rule 146 of the BHP Group Limited Constitution and Article 146 of the BHP Group Plc Articles of Association require each company to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Officer of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, respectively, against liability incurred in, or arising out of, the conduct of the business of BHP or the discharge of the duties of the Officer. The Directors named in section 2.1.2, the Company Secretaries and other Officers of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have the benefit of this requirement, as do individuals who formerly held one of those positions.

In accordance with this requirement, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have entered into Deeds of Indemnity, Access and Insurance (Deeds of Indemnity) with each of their respective Directors. The Deeds of Indemnity are qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006 and each of these qualifying third party indemnities was in force as at the date of this Directors’ Report.

We have a policy that BHP will, as a general rule, support and hold harmless an employee, including an employee appointed as a Director of a subsidiary who, while acting in good faith, incurs personal liability to others as a result of working for BHP.

In addition, as part of the arrangements to effect the demerger of South32, we agreed to indemnify certain former Officers of BHP who transitioned to South32 from certain claims and liabilities incurred in their capacity as Directors or Officers of South32.

From time to time, we engage our External Auditor, Ernst & Young (EY), to conduct non-statutory audit work and provide other services in accordance with our policy on the provision of other services by the External Auditor. The terms of engagement in the United Kingdom include that we must compensate and reimburse EY LLP for, and protect EY LLP against, any loss, damage, expense, or liability incurred by EY LLP in respect of third party claims arising from a breach by BHP of any obligation under the engagement terms. In Australia, the terms of engagement for certain services include that we must compensate and reimburse EY for, and protect EY against, any loss, damage, expense, or liability incurred by EY in respect of third party claims arising from a breach by BHP of any obligation under the engagement terms.

We have insured against amounts that we may be liable to pay to Directors, Company Secretaries or certain employees (including former Officers) pursuant to Rule 146 of the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and Article 146 of the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc or that we otherwise agree to pay by way of indemnity. The insurance policy also insures Directors, Company Secretaries and some employees (including former Officers) against certain liabilities (including legal costs) they may incur in carrying out their duties. For this Directors’ and Officers’ insurance, we paid premiums of US$24,114,600 excluding taxes during FY2021.

During FY2021, BHP paid legal defence costs for certain current and former employees of BHP or BHP Brasil in relation to the criminal charges filed by the Federal Prosecutors’ Office in Brazil. In addition, BHP paid legal defence costs for Roger Gilbertson, a former BHP Bolivia country manager, in connection with the Bolivian authorities’ decision to criminally prosecute two former presidents of Bolivia and a number of former international oil company executives in relation to exploration and production contracts entered into between 1994 and 1997.

Other than as set out above, no indemnity in favour of a current or former officer of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc, or in favour of the External Auditor, was called on during FY2021.

2.3.8    Employee policies

Our people are fundamental to our success. We are committed to shaping a culture where our employees are provided with opportunities to develop, are valued and encouraged to contribute towards making work safer, simpler and more productive. We strongly believe that having employees who are engaged and connected to BHP reinforces our shared purpose aligned to Our Charter and will result in a more productive workplace.

For more information on employee engagement and employee policies, including communications and regarding disabilities, refer to section 1.14, 1.12 and in ‘Workforce engagement’ in section 2.1.6.

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2.3.9    Corporate governance

The FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR 7.2) require that certain information be included in a corporate governance statement. BHP has an existing practice of issuing a corporate governance statement as part of our Annual Report that is incorporated into the Directors’ Report by reference. The information required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the FCA’s Listing Rules (LR 9.8.6) is located in section 2, with the exception of the information referred to in LR 9.8.6 (1), (3) and (4) and DTR 7.2.6, which is located in sections 2.3.2, 2.3.3, ‘Directors’ in section 2.3.5 and 2.3.18.

2.3.10    Dividends

A final dividend of 200 US cents per share will be paid on 21 September 2021, resulting in total dividends determined in respect of FY2021 of 301 US cents per share. For information on the dividends paid, refer to notes 16 ‘Share capital’ and 18 ‘Dividends’ in section 3. For information on the Group’s dividend policy, refer to section 4.10.7.

2.3.11    Auditors

No current officer of BHP has held the role of director or partner of the Group’s current external auditor. During FY2021, Lindsay Maxsted was the only officer of BHP who, prior to his appointment as an officer of BHP, previously held the role of director or partner of the Group’s former external auditor, at a time when the Group’s former external auditor conducted an audit of BHP. KPMG resigned as BHP’s external auditor on 7 November 2019 following the conclusion of the 2019 AGMs, in order to comply with UK and EU requirements on auditor tenure. Lindsay Maxsted was not part of the KPMG audit practice after 1980 and, while at KPMG, was not in any way involved in, or able to influence, any audit activity associated with BHP. Lindsay Maxsted retired as a Non-executive Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc on 4 September 2020.

Each person who held the office of Director at the date the Board approved this Directors’ Report made the following statements:

• so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which BHP’s External Auditor is unaware

• the Director has taken all steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director to make him or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that BHP’s External Auditor is aware of that information

This confirmation is given pursuant to section 418 of the UK Companies Act 2006 and should be interpreted in accordance with, and subject to, those provisions.

Consistent with the then applicable UK and EU requirements in regard to audit firm tender and rotation, BHP conducted an audit tender during FY2017.

After a comprehensive tender process, at a meeting held on 16 August 2017, the Board selected EY as its independent registered public accounting firm from the financial year beginning 1 July 2019, and our shareholders approved EY’s appointment at the Annual General Meetings in 2019.

2.3.12    Non-audit services

Information on the non-audit services undertaken by BHP’s External Auditor, including the amounts paid for non-audit services, refer to note 36 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 3. All non-audit services were approved in accordance with the process set out in the Policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor. No non-audit services were carried out that were specifically excluded by the Policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor. Based on advice provided by the RAC, the Directors have formed the view that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors, and that the nature of non-audit services means that auditor independence was not compromised. For a statement of the reasons for this view and for more information about our policy in relation to the provision of non-audit services by the auditor, refer to section 2.1.10.

2.3.13    Political donations

We maintain a position of impartiality with respect to party politics and do not make political contributions or expenditure/donations for political purposes to any political party, politician, elected official or candidate for public office. We do, however, contribute to the public debate of policy issues that may affect BHP in the countries in which we operate.

No political contributions/donations for political purposes were made by BHP to any political party, politician, elected official or candidate for public office during FY2021.(1)

(1)  Note that Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) disclosure requirements are broad, such that amounts that are not political donations can be reportable for AEC purposes. For example, where a political party or organisation owns shares in BHP, the AEC filing requires the political party or organisation to disclose the dividend payments received in respect of their shareholding.

189

2.3.14    Exploration, research and development

Companies within the Group carry out exploration and research and development necessary to support their activities. Details are provided in sections 1.10 to 1.17 and 4.6.

2.3.15    ASIC Instrument 2016/191

BHP Group Limited is an entity to which Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 dated 24 March 2016 applies. Amounts in this Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements, except estimates of future expenditure or where otherwise indicated, have been rounded to the nearest million dollars in accordance with ASIC Instrument 2016/191.

2.3.16    Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited

No proceedings have been brought on behalf of BHP Group Limited, nor has any application been made, under section 237 of the Australian Corporations Act 2001.

2.3.17    Performance in relation to environmental regulation

BHP seeks to be compliant with all applicable environmental laws and regulations relevant to its operations. We monitor compliance on a regular basis, including through external and internal means, to minimise the risk of non-compliance. For more information on BHP’s performance in relation to health, safety and the environment, refer to section 1.13.

Fines and prosecutions

For the purposes of section 299 (1)(f) of the Australian Corporations Act 2001, in FY2021 BHP was levied four fines in relation to environmental laws and regulations at our operated assets, the total amount payable being US$35,526. Three fines were received in Australia: the first fine was received at the Caval Ridge Mine for mine affected water release (US$10,187), the second fine was received at the Poitrel Mine for unverified environmental monitoring data (US$10,329) and the third fine was received at Ripstone Dam for water monitoring telemetry system failure (US$10,417). One fine was received in South America, at the Spence Mine for incorrect waste storage (US$4,593).

Greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption

Regulations made under the UK Companies Act 2006 require BHP, to the extent practicable, to obtain relevant information on the Group’s annual quantity of greenhouse gas emissions, which is reported in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, and the Group’s energy consumption. In accordance with those UK requirements, information on BHP’s total FY2021 greenhouse gas emissions and intensity and energy consumption has been included in sections 1.13.7 and 4.8.

For more information on environmental performance, including environmental regulation, refer to section 1.13.

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2.3.18    Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information

Information relating to BHP Group Plc’s share capital structure, restrictions on the holding or transfer of its securities or on the exercise of voting rights attaching to such securities, certain agreements triggered on a change of control and the existence of branches of BHP outside of the United Kingdom, is set out in the following sections:

• section 1.10.1 (Locations)

• section 2.3.2 (Share capital and buy-back programs)

• section 4.10.3 (Organisational structure)

• section 4.10.4 (Material contracts)

• section 4.10.5 (Constitution)

• section 4.10.6 (Share ownership)

• section 4.10.9 (Government regulations)

• note 16 ‘Share capital’ and note 25 ‘Employee share ownership plans’ in section 3

As at the date of this Directors’ Report, there were 13,607,440 unvested equity awards outstanding in relation to BHP Group Limited ordinary shares held by 18,942 holders and 324,504 unvested equity awards outstanding in relation to BHP Group Plc ordinary shares held by 1,015 holders. The expiry dates of these unvested equity awards range between February 2022 and August 2025 and there is no exercise price. 4,155 options over unissued shares or unissued interests in BHP have been granted during or since the end of FY2021 and 4,096,660 shares or interests were issued as a result of the exercise of an option over unissued shares or interests during or since the end of FY2021. For more information, refer to note 25 ‘Employee share ownership plans’ in section 3. For information on movements in share capital during and since the end of FY2021, refer to note 16 ‘Share capital’ in section 3.

The Directors’ Report is approved in accordance with a resolution of the Board.

Ken MacKenzie	Mike Henry
Chair	Chief Executive Officer
Dated: 2 September 2021

191

Section 3

Financial Statements

Refer to the pages beginning on page F-1 in this Annual Report.

192

Section 4

Additional information

In this section:

4.1 Financial information summary	194
4.2 Alternative Performance Measures	195
4.3 Information on mining operations	207
4.4 Financial Information by commodity	222
4.5 Production	228
4.6 Reserves	231
4.7 Major projects	247
4.8 Sustainability – performance data	249
4.9 Legal proceedings	264
4.10 Shareholder information	269
4.10.1 History and development	269
4.10.2 Markets	270
4.10.3 Organisational structure	271
4.10.4 Material contracts	274
4.10.5 Constitution	275
4.10.6 Share ownership	281
4.10.7 Dividends	284
4.10.8 American Depositary Receipts fees and charges	285
4.10.9 Government regulations	286
4.10.10 Taxation	290
4.10.11 Ancillary information for our shareholders	298
4.11 Glossary	299

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4    Additional Information

4.1    Financial information summary

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We publish our Consolidated Financial Statements in US dollars. All Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement information below has been derived from audited Financial Statements. For more information, refer to section 3.

Information in this section has been presented on a Continuing operations basis to exclude the contribution from Onshore US assets, unless otherwise noted. Details of the contribution of the Onshore US assets to the Group’s results are disclosed in note 29 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 3.

Year ended 30 June US$M	2021		2020		2019			2018			2017
Consolidated Income Statement (section 3.1.1)
Revenue		60,817		42,931		44,288			43,129			35,740
Profit from operations		25,906		14,421		16,113			15,996			12,554
Profit after taxation from Continuing operations		13,451		8,736		9,520			7,744			6,694
Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations		–		–		(335	)		(2,921	)		(472	)
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders (Attributable profit)(1)		11,304		7,956		8,306			3,705			5,890
Dividends per ordinary share – paid during the period (US cents)		156.0		143.0		220.0			98.0			54.0
Dividends per ordinary share – determined in respect of the period (US cents)		301.0		120.0		235.0			118.0			83.0
Basic earnings per ordinary share (US cents)(1)(2)		223.5		157.3		160.3			69.6			110.7
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (US cents)(1)(2)		223.0		157.0		159.9			69.4			110.4
Basic earnings from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents)(2)		223.5		157.3		166.9			125.0			119.8
Diluted earnings from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents)(2)		223.0		157.0		166.5			124.6			119.5
Number of ordinary shares (million)
– At period end		5,058		5,058		5,058			5,324			5,324
– Weighted average		5,057		5,057		5,180			5,323			5,323
– Diluted		5,068		5,069		5,193			5,337			5,336
Consolidated Balance Sheet (section 3.1.3)(3)
Total assets(4)		108,927		105,733		101,811			112,943			117,956
Net assets(4)		55,605		52,175		51,753			60,599			62,655
Share capital (including share premium)		2,686		2,686		2,686			2,761			2,761
Total equity attributable to BHP shareholders(4)		51,264		47,865		47,169			55,521			57,187
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (section 3.1.4)
Net operating cash flows(5)		27,234		15,706		17,871			18,461			16,804
Capital and exploration expenditure(6)		7,120		7,640		7,566			6,753			5,220
Other financial information (section 4.2)
Net debt(7)		4,121		12,044		9,446			11,605			17,201
Underlying attributable profit(7)		17,077		9,060		9,124			8,933			6,732
Underlying EBITDA(7)		37,379		22,071		23,158			23,183			19,350
Underlying EBIT(7)		30,291		15,874		17,065			16,562			13,190
Underlying basic earnings per share (US cents)(7)		337.7		179.2		176.1			167.8			126.5
Underlying Return on Capital Employed (per cent)(4)(7)		32.5		16.9		16.0			14.2			9.8

(1)  Includes Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders.

(2)  For more information on earnings per share, refer to note 7 ‘Earnings per share’ in section 3.

(3)  The Consolidated Balance Sheet includes the associated assets and liabilities held for sale in relation to Cerrejón for FY2021 and Onshore US for FY2018 as IFRS 5/AASB 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ does not require the Consolidated Balance Sheet to be restated for comparative periods.

(4)  All comparative periods have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of goodwill at Olympic Dam (included in the Copper segment) and an offsetting US$1,021 million increase in deferred tax liabilities. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ in section 3 for further information.

(5)  Net operating cash flows are after dividends received, net interest paid, proceeds and settlements of cash management related instruments, net taxation paid and includes Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations.

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(6)  Capital and exploration expenditure is presented on a cash basis and represents purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement in section 3 and includes purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from Discontinued operations. For more information, refer to note 29 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 3. Purchase of property, plant and equipment includes capitalised deferred stripping of US$810 million for FY2021 (FY2020: US$698 million) and excludes capitalised interest. Exploration expenditure is capitalised in accordance with our accounting policies, as set out in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 3.

(7) We use Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to reflect the underlying performance of the Group. Underlying attributable profit, Underlying basic earnings per share and Underlying return on capital employed includes Continuing and Discontinued operations. Refer to section 4.2 for a reconciliation of APMs to their respective IFRS measure. Refer to section 4.2.1 for the definition and method of calculation of APMs. Refer to note 20 ‘Net debt’ in section 3 for the composition of Net debt.

4.2    Alternative Performance Measures

We use various Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to reflect our underlying financial performance.

These APMs are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS, but are derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The APMs are consistent with how management review the financial performance of the Group with the Board and the investment community.

Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 outline why we believe the APMs are useful and the calculation methodology. We believe these APMs provide useful information, but they should not be considered as an indication of or as a substitute for statutory measures as an indicator of actual operating performance (such as profit or net operating cash flow) or any other measure of financial performance or position presented in accordance with IFRS, or as a measure of a company’s profitability, liquidity or financial position.

The following tables provide reconciliations between the APMs and their nearest respective IFRS measure.

The measures and reconciliations below included in this section for the year ended 30 June 2021 and comparative periods are unaudited and have been derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exceptional items

To improve the comparability of underlying financial performance between reporting periods, some of our APMs adjust the relevant IFRS measures for exceptional items. For more information on exceptional items, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

Exceptional items are those gains or losses where their nature, including the expected frequency of the events giving rise to them, and impact is considered material to the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The exceptional items included within the Group’s profit from Continuing and Discontinued operations for the financial years are detailed below.

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M			2019 US$M
Continuing operations
Revenue		–			–			–
Other income		34			489			50
Expenses excluding net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments		(592	)		(1,025	)		(57	)
Depreciation and amortisation		–			–			–
Net impairments		(2,371	)		(409	)		–
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		(1,456	)		(508	)		(945	)
Profit/(loss) from operations		(4,385	)		(1,453	)		(952	)
Financial expenses		(85	)		(93	)		(108	)
Financial income		–			–			–
Net finance costs		(85	)		(93	)		(108	)
Profit/(loss) before taxation		(4,470	)		(1,546	)		(1,060	)
Income tax (expense)/benefit		(1,327	)		241			242
Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)		–			–			–
Total taxation (expense)/benefit		(1,327	)		241			242
Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing operations		(5,797	)		(1,305	)		(818	)
Discontinued operations
Profit/(loss) after taxation from Discontinued operations		–			–			–
Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations		(5,797	)		(1,305	)		(818	)
Total exceptional items attributable to non-controlling interests		(24	)		(201	)		–
Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders		(5,773	)		(1,104	)		(818	)
Exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders per share (US cents)		(114.2	)		(21.9	)		(15.8	)
Weighted basic average number of shares (Million)		5,057			5,057			5,180

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APMs derived from Consolidated Income Statement

Underlying attributable profit

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M		2020 US$M		2019 US$M
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders		11,304		7,956		8,306
Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders(1)		5,773		1,104		818
Underlying attributable profit		17,077		9,060		9,124

(1) For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

Underlying attributable profit – Continuing operations

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M		2020 US$M		2019 US$M
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders		11,304		7,956		8,306
Loss attributable to members of BHP for Discontinued operations		–		–		342
Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders(1)		5,773		1,104		818
Underlying attributable profit – Continuing operations		17,077		9,060		9,466

(1) For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

Underlying basic earnings per share

Year ended 30 June	2021 US cents		2020 US cents		2019 US cents
Basic earnings per ordinary share		223.5		157.3		160.3
Exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders per share(1)		114.2		21.9		15.8
Underlying basic earnings per ordinary share		337.7		179.2		176.1

(1) For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

Underlying EBITDA

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M			2019 US$M
Profit from operations		25,906			14,421			16,113
Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)		4,385			1,453			952
Underlying EBIT		30,291			15,874			17,065
Depreciation and amortisation expense		6,824			6,112			5,829
Net impairments		2,635			494			264
Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)		(2,371	)		(409	)		–
Underlying EBITDA		37,379			22,071			23,158

(1)  For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

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Underlying EBITDA – Segment

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Petroleum		Copper		Iron Ore		Coal			Group and unallocated items/ eliminations(2)			Total Group
Profit from operations		386		6,665		22,975		(2,144	)		(1,976	)		25,906
Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)		47		144		1,319		1,567			1,308			4,385
Depreciation and amortisation expense		1,739		1,608		1,971		845			661			6,824
Net impairments		128		72		13		1,077			1,345			2,635
Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)		–		–		–		(1,057	)		(1,314	)		(2,371	)
Underlying EBITDA		2,300		8,489		26,278		288			24			37,379

Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M	Petroleum		Copper			Iron Ore		Coal		Group and unallocated items/ eliminations(2)			Total Group
Profit from operations		744		1,362			12,310		793		(788	)		14,421
Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)		6		1,228			614		18		(413	)		1,453
Depreciation and amortisation expense		1,445		1,740			1,608		807		512			6,112
Net impairments		12		426			22		14		20			494
Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)		–		(409	)		–		–		–			(409	)
Underlying EBITDA		2,207		4,347			14,554		1,632		(669	)		22,071
Year ended 30 June 2019 US$M	Petroleum		Copper			Iron Ore		Coal		Group and unallocated items/ eliminations(2)			Total Group
Profit from operations		2,480		2,587			8,426		3,400		(780	)		16,113
Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)		–		–			971		–		(19	)		952
Depreciation and amortisation expense		1,560		1,835			1,653		632		149			5,829
Net impairments		21		128			79		35		1			264
Underlying EBITDA		4,061		4,550			11,129		4,067		(649	)		23,158

(1)  For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

(2)  Group and unallocated items includes functions, other unallocated operations, including Potash, Nickel West, legacy assets, and consolidation adjustments.

197

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Profit from operations			Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)			Depreciation and amortisation		Net impairments		Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)			Underlying EBITDA
Potash		(1,489	)		1,320			2		1,314		(1,314	)		(167	)
Nickel West		146			3			79		31		–			259
Corporate, legacy assets and eliminations		(633	)		(15	)		580		–		–			(68	)
Total		(1,976	)		1,308			661		1,345		(1,314	)		24
Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M	Profit from operations			Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)			Depreciation and amortisation		Net impairments		Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)			Underlying EBITDA
Potash		(130	)		–			3		–		–			(127	)
Nickel West		(113	)		5			68		3		–			(37	)
Corporate, legacy assets and eliminations		(545	)		(418	)		441		17		–			(505	)
Total		(788	)		(413	)		512		20		–			(669	)
Year ended 30 June 2019 US$M	Profit from operations			Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)			Depreciation and amortisation		Net impairments		Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)			Underlying EBITDA
Potash		(131	)		–			4		–		–			(127	)
Nickel West		91			–			11		–		–			102
Corporate, legacy assets and eliminations		(740	)		(19	)		134		1		–			(624	)
Total		(780	)		(19	)		149		1		–			(649	)

(1) For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

198

Underlying EBITDA margin

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Petroleum			Copper		Iron Ore			Coal			Group and unallocated items/ eliminations(4)			Total Group
Revenue – Group production		3,935			13,482		34,457			5,154			1,493			58,521
Revenue – Third-party products		11			2,244		18			–			23			2,296
Revenue		3,946			15,726		34,475			5,154			1,516			60,817
Underlying EBITDA – Group production(1)		2,299			8,425		26,277			288			24			37,313
Underlying EBITDA – Third-party products(1)		1			64		1			–			–			66
Underlying EBITDA		2,300			8,489		26,278			288			24			37,379
Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA(2)		6%			23%		70%			1%						100%
Underlying EBITDA margin(3)		58%			62%		76%			6%						64%
Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M	Petroleum			Copper		Iron Ore			Coal			Group and unallocated items/ eliminations(4)			Total Group
Revenue – Group production		4,031			9,577		20,782			6,242			1,128			41,760
Revenue – Third-party products		39			1,089		15			–			28			1,171
Revenue		4,070			10,666		20,797			6,242			1,156			42,931
Underlying EBITDA – Group production(1)		2,209			4,306		14,561			1,632			(669	)		22,039
Underlying EBITDA – Third-party products(1)		(2	)		41		(7	)		–			–			32
Underlying EBITDA		2,207			4,347		14,554			1,632			(669	)		22,071
Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA(2)		10%			19%		64%			7%						100%
Underlying EBITDA margin(3)		55%			45%		70%			26%						53%
Year ended 30 June 2019 US$M	Petroleum			Copper		Iron Ore			Coal			Group and unallocated items/ eliminations(4)			Total Group
Revenue – Group production		5,920			9,729		17,223			9,102			1,116			43,090
Revenue – Third-party products		10			1,109		32			19			28			1,198
Revenue		5,930			10,838		17,255			9,121			1,144			44,288
Underlying EBITDA – Group production(1)		4,061			4,434		11,115			4,068			(649	)		23,029
Underlying EBITDA – Third-party products(1)		–			116		14			(1	)		–			129
Underlying EBITDA		4,061			4,550		11,129			4,067			(649	)		23,158
Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA(2)		17%			19%		47%			17%						100%
Underlying EBITDA margin(3)		69%			46%		65%			45%						53%

(1)  We differentiate sales of our production from sales of third-party products to better measure the operational profitability of our operations as a percentage of revenue. These tables show the breakdown between our production and third-party products, which is necessary for the calculation of the Underlying EBITDA margin and margin on third-party products.

We engage in third-party trading for the following reasons:

• Production variability and occasional shortfalls from our assets means that we sometimes source third-party materials to ensure a steady supply of product to our customers.

• To optimise our supply chain outcomes, we may buy physical product from third parties.

• To support the development of liquid markets, we will sometimes source third-party physical products and manage risk through both the physical and financial markets.

(2)  Percentage contribution to Group Underlying EBITDA, excluding Group and unallocated items.

(3)  Underlying EBITDA margin excludes third-party products.

(4)  Group and unallocated items includes functions, other unallocated operations, including Potash, Nickel West, legacy assets, and consolidation adjustments. Revenue not attributable to reportable segments comprises the sale of freight and fuel to third parties. Exploration and technology activities are recognised within relevant segments.

199

Effective tax rate

	2021							2020							2019
Year ended 30 June	Profit before taxation US$M		Income tax expense US$M			%		Profit before taxation US$M		Income tax expense US$M			%		Profit before taxation US$M		Income tax expense US$M			%
Statutory effective tax rate		24,601		(11,150	)		45.3		13,510		(4,774	)		35.3		15,049		(5,529	)		36.7
Adjusted for:
Exchange rate movements		–		(95	)				–		20					–		(25	)
Exceptional items(1)		4,470		1,327					1,546		(241	)				1,060		(242	)
Adjusted effective tax rate		29,071		(9,918	)		34.1		15,056		(4,995	)		33.2		16,109		(5,796	)		36.0

(1)  For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

APMs derived from Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Capital and exploration expenditure

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M		2020 US$M		2019 US$M
Capital expenditure (purchases of property, plant and equipment)		6,606		6,900		6,250
Add: Exploration expenditure		514		740		873
Capital and exploration expenditure (cash basis) – Continuing operations		7,120		7,640		7,123
Capital and exploration expenditure – Discontinued operations		–		–		443
Capital and exploration expenditure (cash basis) – Total operations		7,120		7,640		7,566

Free cash flow

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M			2019 US$M
Net operating cash flows		27,234			15,706			17,871
Net investing cash flows		(7,845	)		(7,616	)		2,607
Free cash flow		19,389			8,090			20,478

Free cash flow – Continuing operations

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M			2019 US$M
Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations		27,234			15,706			17,397
Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations		(7,845	)		(7,616	)		(7,377	)
Free cash flow – Continuing operations		19,389			8,090			10,020

200

APMs derived from Consolidated Balance Sheet

Net debt and gearing ratio

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M		2020 US$M Restated			2019 US$M Restated
Interest bearing liabilities – Current		2,628		5,012			1,661
Interest bearing liabilities – Non current		18,355		22,036			23,167
Total interest bearing liabilities		20,983		27,048			24,828
Comprising:
Borrowing		17,087		23,605			24,113
Lease liabilities		3,896		3,443			715
Less: Lease liability associated with index-linked freight contracts		1,025		1,160			–
Less: Cash and cash equivalents		15,246		13,426			15,613
Less: Net debt management related instruments(1)		557		433			(204	)
Less: Net cash management related instruments(2)		34		(15	)		(27	)
Less: Total derivatives included in net debt		591		418			(231	)
Net debt		4,121		12,044			9,446
Net assets(3)		55,605		52,175			51,753
Gearing		6.9%		18.8%			15.4%

(1)  Represents the net cross currency and interest rate swaps included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

(2)  Represents the net forward exchange contracts related to cash management included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

(3)  30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019 net assets have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ resulting in retrospective decrease of US$71 million. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ in section 3.1.

Net debt waterfall

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M
Net debt at the beginning of the period		(12,044	)		(9,446	)
Net operating cash flows		27,234			15,706
Net investing cash flows		(7,845	)		(7,616	)
Net financing cash flows		(17,922	)		(9,752	)
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing and Discontinued operations		1,467			(1,662	)
Carrying value of interest bearing liability repayments		7,433			1,533
Carrying value of debt related instruments (proceeds)/settlements		(167	)		157
Carrying value of cash management related instruments settlements/(proceeds)		403			(451	)
Fair value adjustment on debt (including debt related instruments)		58			88
Foreign exchange impacts on cash (including cash management related instruments)		(1	)		(26	)
IFRS 16 leases taken on at 1 July 2019		–			(1,778	)
Lease additions		(1,079	)		(363	)
Other		(191	)		(96	)
Non-cash movements		(1,213	)		(2,175	)
Net debt at the end of the period		(4,121	)		(12,044	)

201

Net operating assets

The following table reconciles Net operating assets for the Group to Net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet:

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M Restated
Net assets(1)		55,605			52,175
Less: Non-operating assets
Cash and cash equivalents		(15,246	)		(13,426	)
Trade and other receivables(2)		(280	)		(194	)
Other financial assets(3)		(1,516	)		(2,425	)
Current tax assets		(279	)		(366	)
Deferred tax assets		(1,912	)		(3,688	)
Assets held for sale		(324	)		–
Add: Non-operating liabilities
Trade and other payables(4)		227			310
Interest bearing liabilities		20,983			27,048
Other financial liabilities(5)		588			1,618
Current tax payable		2,800			913
Non-current tax payable		120			109
Deferred tax liabilities(1)		3,314			3,779
Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale		17			–
Net operating assets		64,097			65,853
Net operating assets
Petroleum		7,964			8,247
Copper(1)		26,928			25,357
Iron Ore		18,663			18,400
Coal		7,512			9,509
Group and unallocated items(6)		3,030			4,340
Total		64,097			65,853

(1)  30 June 2020 balances have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of goodwill at Olympic Dam (included in the Copper segment) and an offsetting US$1,021 million increase in deferred tax liabilities. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ in section 3.1 for further information.

(2)  Represents loans to associates, external finance receivable and accrued interest receivable included within other receivables.

(3)  Represents cross currency and interest rate swaps, forward exchange contracts related to cash management and investment in shares and other investments.

(4)  Represents accrued interest payable included within other payables.

(5)  Represents cross currency and interest rate swaps and forward exchange contracts related to cash management.

(6)  Group and unallocated items include functions, other unallocated operations including Potash, Nickel West, legacy assets, and consolidation adjustments.

202

Other APM

Principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA

The following table describes the impact of the principal factors that affected Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA for FY2021 and relates them back to our Consolidated Income Statement. For information on the method of calculation of the principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA, refer to section 4.2.2.

	Revenue US$M			Total expenses, Other income and Loss from equity accounted investments US$M			Profit from operations US$M			Depreciation, amortisation and impairments and Exceptional Items US$M			Underlying EBITDA US$M
Year ended 30 June 2020
Revenue		42,931
Other income					777
Expenses excluding net finance costs					(28,775	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses					(512	)
Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses					(28,510	)
Profit from operations								14,421
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)											6,606
Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments											(409	)
Exceptional items											1,453
Underlying EBITDA														22,071
Change in sales prices		17,186			(221	)		16,965			–			16,965
Price-linked costs					(870	)		(870	)		–			(870	)
Net price impact		17,186			(1,091	)		16,095			–			16,095
Change in volumes		(371	)		59			(312	)		–			(312	)
Operating cash costs		–			(34	)		(34	)		–			(34	)
Exploration and business development		–			109			109			–			109
Change in controllable cash costs(2)		–			75			75			–			75
Exchange rates		104			(1,692	)		(1,588	)		–			(1,588	)
Inflation on costs		–			(286	)		(286	)		–			(286	)
Fuel and energy		–			223			223			–			223
Non-cash		–			282			282			–			282
One-off items		(142	)		20			(122	)		–			(122	)
Change in other costs		(38	)		(1,453	)		(1,491	)		–			(1,491	)
Asset sales		–			17			17			–			17
Ceased and sold operations		(22	)		264			242			–			242
Other		1,131			(449	)		682			–			682
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments		–			(891	)		(891	)		891			–
Exceptional items		–			(2,932	)		(2,932	)		2,932			–
Year ended 30 June 2021
Revenue		60,817
Other income					510
Expenses excluding net finance costs					(34,500	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses					(921	)
Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses					(34,911	)
Profit from operations								25,906
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)											9,459
Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments											(2,371	)
Exceptional items											4,385
Underlying EBITDA														37,379

(1) Depreciation and impairments that we classify as exceptional items are excluded from depreciation, amortisation and impairments. Depreciation, amortisation and impairments includes non-exceptional impairments of US$264 million (FY2020: US$85 million).

(2) Collectively, we refer to the change in operating cash costs and change in exploration and business development as Change in controllable cash costs. Operating cash costs by definition do not include non-cash costs. The change in operating cash costs also excludes the impact of exchange rates and inflation, changes in fuel and energy costs, changes in exploration and business development costs and one-off items. These items are excluded so as to provide a consistent measurement of changes in costs across all segments, based on the factors that are within the control and responsibility of the segment. Change in controllable cash costs and change in operating cash costs are not measures that are recognised by IFRS. They may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

203

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

Year ended 30 June	2021 US$M			2020 US$M Restated			2019 US$M Restated
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations		13,451			8,736			9,185
Exceptional items(1)		5,797			1,305			818
Subtotal		19,248			10,041			10,003
Adjusted for:
Net finance costs		1,305			911			1,072
Exceptional items included within net finance costs(1)		(85	)		(93	)		(108	)
Income tax benefit on net finance costs		(337	)		(267	)		(319	)
Profit after taxation excluding net finance costs and exceptional items		20,131			10,592			10,648
Net assets at the beginning of the period(2)		52,175			51,753			60,599
Net debt at the beginning of the period		12,044			9,446			11,605
Capital employed at the beginning of the period		64,219			61,199			72,204
Net assets at the end of the period(2)		55,605			52,175			51,753
Net debt at the end of the period		4,121			12,044			9,446
Capital employed at the end of the period		59,726			64,219			61,199
Average capital employed		61,973			62,709			66,702
Underlying Return on Capital Employed		32.5%			16.9%			16.0%

(1) For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3.1.

(2) The Underlying ROCE calculation uses restated net assets for the comparative periods.

204

4.2.1    Definition and calculation of Alternative Performance Measures

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)	Reasons why we believe the APMs are useful	Calculation methodology
Underlying attributable profit	Allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items and is also the basis on which our dividend payout ratio policy is applied.	Profit after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders excluding any exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders.
Underlying basic earnings per share	On a per share basis, allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.	Underlying attributable profit divided by the weighted basic average number of shares.
Underlying EBITDA	Used to help assess current operational profitability excluding the impacts of sunk costs (i.e. depreciation from initial investment). Each is a measure that management uses internally to assess the performance of the Group’s segments and make decisions on the allocation of resources.	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).
Underlying EBITDA margin		Underlying EBITDA excluding third-party product EBITDA, divided by revenue excluding third-party product revenue.
Underlying EBIT	Used to help assess current operational profitability excluding net finance costs and taxation expense (each of which are managed at the Group level) as well as discontinued operations and any exceptional items.	Earnings before net finance costs, taxation expense, discontinued operations and any exceptional items. Underlying EBIT includes BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs and taxation expense/(benefit).
Profit from operations		Earnings before net finance costs, taxation expense and discontinued operations. Profit from operations includes Revenue, Other income, Expenses excluding net finance costs and BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs and taxation expense/(benefit).
Capital and exploration expenditure	Used as part of our Capital Allocation Framework to assess efficient deployment of capital. Represents the total outflows of our operational investing expenditure.	Purchases of property, plant and equipment and exploration expenditure.
Free cash flow	It is a key measure used as part of our Capital Allocation Framework. Reflects our operational cash performance inclusive of investment expenditure, which helps to highlight how much cash was generated in the period to be available for the servicing of debt and distribution to shareholders.	Net operating cash flows less net investing cash flows.
Net debt	Net debt shows the position of gross debt less index-linked freight contracts offset by cash immediately available to pay debt if required and any associated derivative financial instruments. Liability associated with index-linked freight contracts, which are required to be remeasured to the prevailing freight index at each reporting date, are excluded from the net debt calculation due to the short-term volatility of the index they relate to not aligning with how the Group uses net debt for decision making in relation to the Capital Allocation Framework. Net debt includes the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge cash and borrowings to reflect the Group’s risk management strategy of reducing the volatility of net debt caused by fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates. Net debt, along with the gearing ratio, is used to monitor the Group’s capital management by relating net debt relative to equity from shareholders.	Interest bearing liabilities less liability associated with index-linked freight contracts less cash and cash equivalents less net cross currency and interest rate swaps less net cash management related instruments for the Group at the reporting date.
Gearing ratio		Ratio of Net debt to Net debt plus Net assets.

Net operating assets	Enables a clearer view of the assets deployed to generate earnings by highlighting the net operating assets of the business separate from the financing and tax balances. This measure helps provide an indicator of the underlying performance of our assets and enhances comparability between them.	Operating assets net of operating liabilities, including the carrying value of equity accounted investments and predominantly excludes cash balances, loans to associates, interest bearing liabilities, derivatives hedging our net debt, assets held for sale, liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale and tax balances.
Underlying return on capital employed (ROCE)	Indicator of the Group’s capital efficiency and is provided on an underlying basis to allow comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.	Profit after taxation excluding exceptional items and net finance costs (after taxation) divided by average capital employed. Profit after taxation excluding exceptional items and net finance costs (after taxation) is profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations excluding exceptional items, net finance costs and the estimated taxation impact of net finance costs. These are annualised for a half year end reporting period. The estimated tax impact is calculated using a prima facie taxation rate on net finance costs (excluding any foreign exchange impact). Average capital employed is calculated as the average of net assets less net debt for the last two reporting periods.
Adjusted effective tax rate	Provides an underlying tax basis to allow comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.	Total taxation expense/(benefit) excluding exceptional items and exchange rate movements included in taxation expense/(benefit) divided by Profit before taxation and exceptional items.
Unit cost	Used to assess the controllable financial performance of the Group’s assets for each unit of production. Unit costs are adjusted for site specific non-controllable factors to enhance comparability between the Group’s assets.	Ratio of net costs of the assets to the equity share of sales tonnage. Net costs is defined as revenue less Underlying EBITDA and excludes freight and other costs, depending on the nature of each asset. Freight is excluded as the Group believes it provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group. Petroleum unit costs exclude: •   exploration, development and evaluation expense as these costs do not represent our cost performance in relation to current production and the Group believes it provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group •   other costs that do not represent underlying cost performance of the business Escondida unit costs exclude: •   by-product credits being the favourable impact of by-products (such as gold or silver) to determine the directly attributable costs of copper production WAIO, Queensland Coal and NSWEC unit costs exclude: •   royalties as these are costs that are not deemed to be under the Group’s control, and the Group believes exclusion provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group

205

4.2.2    Definition and calculation of principal factors

The method of calculation of the principal factors that affect the period on period movements of Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA are as follows:

Principal factor	Method of calculation
Change in sales prices	Change in average realised price for each operation from the prior period to the current period, multiplied by current period sales volumes.
Price-linked costs	Change in price-linked costs (mainly royalties) for each operation from the prior period to the current period, multiplied by current period sales volumes.
Change in volumes	Change in sales volumes for each operation multiplied by the prior year average realised price less variable unit cost.
Controllable cash costs	Total of operating cash costs and exploration and business development costs.
Operating cash costs	Change in total costs, other than price-linked costs, exchange rates, inflation on costs, fuel and energy costs, non-cash costs and one-off items as defined below for each operation from the prior period to the current period.
Exploration and business development	Exploration and business development expense in the current period minus exploration and business development expense in the prior period.
Exchange rates	Change in exchange rate multiplied by current period local currency revenue and expenses.
Inflation on costs	Change in inflation rate applied to expenses, other than depreciation and amortisation, price-linked costs, exploration and business development expenses, expenses in ceased and sold operations and expenses in new and acquired operations.
Fuel and energy	Fuel and energy expense in the current period minus fuel and energy expense in the prior period.
Non-cash	Change in net impact of capitalisation and depletion of deferred stripping from the prior period to the current period.
One-off items	Change in costs exceeding a pre-determined threshold associated with an unexpected event that had not occurred in the last two years and is not reasonably likely to occur within the next two years.
Asset sales	Profit/(loss) on the sale of assets or operations in the current period minus profit/(loss) on sale of assets or operations in the prior period.
Ceased and sold operations	Underlying EBITDA for operations that ceased or were sold in the current period minus Underlying EBITDA for operations that ceased or were sold in the prior period.
Share of profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments	Share of profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments for the current period minus share of profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments in the prior period.
Other	Variances not explained by the above factors.

206

4.3    Information on mining operations

Minerals Australia

Copper mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.1) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.2).

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Olympic Dam
560 km northwest of Adelaide, South Australia	Public road Copper cathode trucked to ports Uranium oxide transported by road to ports Gold bullion transported by road and plane	BHP 100%	BHP	Mining lease granted by South Australian Government expires in 2036 Right of extension for 50 years (subject to remaining mine life)	Acquired in 2005 as part of Western Mining Corporation (WMC) acquisition Copper production began in 1988 Nominal milling capacity raised to 9 Mtpa in 1999 Optimisation project completed in 2002 New copper solvent extraction plant commissioned in 2004 Major smelter maintenance campaign completed in 2018	Underground Large poly-metallic deposit of iron oxide-copper-uranium-gold mineralisation	Electricity transmitted via (i) BHP’s 275 kV power line from Port Augusta and (ii) ElectraNet’s system upstream of Port Augusta Energy purchased via Retail Agreement	Underground automated train and trucking network feeding crushing, storage and ore hoisting facilities 2 grinding circuits Nominal milling capacity: 10.3 Mtpa Flash furnace produces copper anodes, then refined to produce copper cathodes Electrowon copper cathode and uranium oxide concentrate produced by leaching and solvent extracting flotation tailings Gold cyanide leach circuit and gold room producing gold bullion

207

Iron ore mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our iron ore mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.1) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.2).

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
WAIO
Mt Newman joint venture
Pilbara region, Western Australia Mt Whaleback Orebodies 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 35	Private road Ore transported by Mt Newman JV-owned rail to Port Hedland (427 km)	BHP 85% Mitsui-ITOCHU Iron 10% ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 5%	BHP	Mineral lease granted and held under the Iron Ore (Mount Newman) Agreement Act 1964 expires in 2030 with right to successive renewals of 21 years each	Production began at Mt W haleback in 1969 Production from Orebodies 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 35 complements production from Mt Whaleback Production from Orebodies 31 and 32 started in 2015 and 2017 respectively Mining at Orebody 18 ceased in 2020 after depletion	Open-cut Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic iron formation, which are Brockman and Marra Mamba; also present is iron-rich detrital material	Power for all mine operations in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta	Newman Hub: primary crusher, ore handling plant, heavy media beneficiation plant, stockyard blending facility, single cell rotary car dumper, train load out (nominal capacity 75 Mtpa) Orebody 25 Ore processing plant (nominal capacity 12 Mtpa)
Yandi joint venture
Pilbara region, Western Australia	Private road Ore transported by Mt Newman JV-owned rail to Port Hedland (316 km) Yandi JV’s railway spur links Yandi hub to Mt Newman JV main line	BHP 85% ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 8% Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation 7%	BHP	Mining lease granted pursuant to the Iron Ore (Marillana Creek) Agreement Act 1991 expires in 2033 with 1 renewal right to a further 21 years to 2054	Production began at the Yandi mine in 1992 Capacity of Yandi hub expanded between 1994 and 2013	Open-cut Channel Iron Deposits are Cainozoic fluvial sediments	Power for all mine operations in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta	4 primary crushers, 3 ore handling plants, stockyard blending facility and 2 train load outs (nominal capacity 80 Mtpa)

208

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Jimblebar operation*
Pilbara region, Western Australia	Private road Ore is transported via overland conveyor (12.4 km) and by Mt Newman JV-owned rail to Port Hedland (428 km)	BHP 85% ITOCHU Iron Ore Australia 8% Mitsui & Co. Iron Ore Exploration & Mining 7% *Jimblebar is an ‘incorporated’ venture, with the above companies holding A Class Shares with rights to certain parts of Mining Lease 266SA held by BHP Iron Ore Jimblebar Pty Ltd (BHPIOJ) BHP holds 100% of the B Class Shares, which has rights to all other BHPIOJ assets	BHP	Mining lease granted pursuant to the Iron Ore (McCamey’s Monster) Agreement Authorisation Act 1972 expires in 2030 with rights to successive renewals of 21 years each	Production began in March 1989 From 2004, production was transferred to Wheelarra JV as part of the Wheelarra sublease agreement This sublease agreement expired in March 2018 Ore was first produced from the newly commissioned Jimblebar hub in late 2013 Jimblebar sells ore to the Newman JV proximate to the Jimblebar hub	Open-cut Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic banded iron formation, which are Brockman and Marra Mamba; also present is iron-rich detrital material	Power for all mine operations in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta	3 primary crushers, ore handling plant, train loadout, stockyard blending facility and supporting mining hub infrastructure (nominal capacity 71 Mtpa)

209

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Mt Goldsworthy joint venture
Pilbara region, Western Australia Yarrie Nimingarra Mining Area C (includes South Flank)	Private road Yarrie and Nimingarra iron ore transported by Mt Goldsworthy JV-owned rail to Port Hedland (218 km) Mining Area C iron ore transported by Mt Newman JV-owned rail to Port Hedland (360 km) South Flank iron ore transported by overland conveyors (8–16 km) to the Mining Area C processing hub Mt Goldsworthy JV railway spur links Mining Area C and South Flank to Yandi railway spur	BHP 85% Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation 7% ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 8%	BHP	1 mineral lease and 1 mining lease both granted pursuant to the Iron Ore (Goldsworthy – Nimingarra) Agreement Act 1972, expire 2035, with rights to successive renewals of 21 years A number of smaller mining leases granted under the Mining Act 1978 expire in 2026 with rights to successive renewals of 21 years 3 mineral leases granted under the Iron Ore (Mount Goldsworthy) Agreement Act 1964, which expire 2028, with rights to successive renewals of 21 years each	Operations commenced at Mt Goldsworthy in 1966 and at Shay Gap in 1973 Original Goldsworthy mine closed in 1982 Associated Shay Gap mine closed in 1993 Mining at Nimingarra mine ceased in 2007, then continued from adjacent Yarrie area Production commenced at Mining Area C mine in 2003 Yarrie mine operations were suspended in February 2014 First ore at South Flank commenced in May 2021	Mining Area C, South Flank, Yarrie and Nimingarra are open-cut Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic iron formation, which are Brockman, Marra Mamba and Nimingarra; also present is iron-rich detrital material	Power for Yarrie and Shay Gap is supplied by their own small diesel generating stations Power for all remaining mine operations in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta	2 primary crushers, 2 ore handling plants, stockyard blending facility and train load out (nominal capacity 60 Mtpa)
POSMAC joint venture
Pilbara region, Western Australia	Private road POSMAC JV sells ore to Mt Goldsworthy JV at Mining Area C Ore is transported via Mt Goldsworthy JV-owned rail and Mt Newman JV-owned rail to Port Hedland	BHP 65% ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 8% Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation 7% POSCO-Ore 20%	BHP	Sublease over part of Mt Goldsworthy Mining Area C mineral lease that expires on the earlier of termination of the mineral lease or the end of the POSMAC JV	Production commenced in October 2003 POSMAC JV sells all ore to Mt Goldsworthy JV at Mining Area C	Open-cut Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic iron formation, which is Marra Mamba	Power for all mine operations in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta	POSMAC sells all ore to Mt Goldsworthy JV, which is then processed at Mining Area C

210

Coal mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.1) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.2).

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Queensland Coal
Central Queensland Coal Associates joint venture
Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia Goonyella Riverside Broadmeadow Daunia Caval Ridge Peak Downs Saraji Blackwater and Norwich Park mines	Public road Coal transported by rail to Hay Point, Gladstone, Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point ports Distances between the mines and port are between 160 km and 315 km	BHP 50% Mitsubishi Development 50%	BMA	Mining leases, including undeveloped tenements, have expiry dates ranging up to 2043, renewable for further periods as Queensland Government legislation allows Mining is permitted to continue under the legislation during the renewal application period All renewal applications were lodged and pending a decision from the Minister	Goonyella mine commenced in 1971, merged with adjoining Riverside mine in 1989 Operates as Goonyella Riverside Production commenced at: Peak Downs in 1972 Saraji in 1974 Norwich Park in 1979 Blackwater in 1967 Broadmeadow (longwall operations) in 2005 Daunia in 2013 and Caval Ridge in 2014 Production at Norwich Park ceased in May 2012	All open-cut except Broadmeadow (longwall underground) Bituminous coal is mined from the Permian Moranbah and Rangal Coal measures Products range from premium quality, low volatile, high vitrinite, hard coking coal to medium volatile hard coking coal, to weak coking coal, some pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal and medium ash thermal coal as a secondary product	Queensland electricity grid connection is under medium-term contracts and energy purchased via Retail Agreements	On-site beneficiation processing facilities Combined nominal capacity: in excess of 67 Mtpa
BHP Mitsui Coal
Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia South Walker Creek and Poitrel mines	Public road Coal transported by rail to Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay ports Distances between the mines and port are between 135 km and 165 km	BHP 80% Mitsui and Co 20%	BMC	Mining leases, including undeveloped tenements, have expiry dates ranging up to 2041, renewable for further periods as Queensland Government legislation allows Mining is permitted to continue under the legislation during the renewal application period All renewal applications were lodged and pending a decision from the Minister	South Walker Creek commenced in 1996 Poitrel commenced in 2006 BMC purchased remaining 50% share of Red Mountain processing facility in 2018 to secure 100% ownership	Open-cut Bituminous coal is mined from the Permian Rangal Coal measures Produces a range of coking coal and pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal	Queensland electricity grid connection is under medium-term contracts and energy purchased via Retail Agreements	South Walker Creek coal beneficiated on-site Nominal capacity: in excess of 6 Mtpa Poitrel mine utilises Red Mountain for processing and rail loading facilities Nominal capacity: in excess of 6 Mtpa

211

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
New South Wales Energy Coal
Mt Arthur Coal
Approximately 126 km northwest of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia	Public road Export coal transported by third-party rail to Newcastle port	BHP 100%	BHP	Current Development Consent expires in 2026, Mt Arthur Coal Mine (MAC) commenced the first formal step to obtain new State and Commonwealth approvals to continue open-cut mining at MAC beyond 30 June 2026 MAC holds 10 mining leases, 2 sub leases and 3 exploration licences MAC’s primary exploration licence (EL5965) was renewed in full in December 2020 for a further term until July 2026 MAC’s primary Mining Lease (ML 1487) will expire in June 2022. A renewal application was submitted in April 2021 seeking a further 21 years	Production commenced in 2002 Government approval permits extraction of up to 36 Mtpa of run of mine coal from underground and open-cut operations, with open-cut extraction limited to 32 Mtpa Domestic sales ceased during FY2020 Conveyor to Bayswater and Liddell Power Stations has been decommissioned	Open-cut Produces a medium rank bituminous thermal coal	NSW electricity grid connection under a deemed long-term contract and energy purchased via a Retail Agreement	Beneficiation facilities: coal handling, preparation, washing plants Nominal capacity: in excess of 23 Mtpa

212

Nickel mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.1) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.2).

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Nickel West
Mt Keith mine and concentrator
485 km north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Mt Keith Mine Mt Keith Satellite Mine (Yakabindie)	Private road Nickel concentrate transported by road to Leinster for drying and on- shipping	BHP 100%	BHP	Mining leases granted by Western Australian Government Key leases expire between 2029 and 2036 First renewal of 21 years is as a right. Further renewals at government discretion	Commissioned in 1995 by WMC Acquired in 2005 as part of WMC acquisition Mt Keith Satellite mine contains 2 open-pit mines: Six Mile Well in full production and Goliath currently being pre-stripped	Open-cut Disseminated textured magmatic nickel-sulphide mineralisation associated with a metamorphosed ultramafic intrusion	On-site third-party gas-fired turbines with backup from diesel engine generation Contracts expire in December 2038 Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts	Concentration plant with a nominal capacity: 11 Mtpa of ore
Leinster mine complex and concentrator
375 km north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Venus sub-level caving operation B11 block caving operation Rocky’s Reward open-pit mine	Public road Nickel concentrate shipped by road and rail to Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter	BHP 100%	BHP	Mining leases granted by Western Australian Government Key leases expire between 2025 and 2040 Renewals of principal mineral lease in accordance with State Agreement ratified by the Nickel (Agnew) Agreement Act 1974	Production commenced in 1979 Acquired in 2005 as part of WMC acquisition Leinster underground ceased operations in 2013 and recommenced operations in 2016 with Venus sub-level cave now in operation and B11 block cave developing its undercut and first draw points	Open-cut and underground Steeply dipping disseminated and massive textured nickel-sulphide mineralisation associated with metamorphosed ultramafic lava flows and intrusions	On-site third-party gas-fired turbines with back up from diesel engine generation Contracts expire in December 2038 Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts	Concentration plant with a nominal capacity: 3 Mtpa of ore

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Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Cliffs mine
481 km north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia	Private road Nickel ore transported by road to Leinster or Mt Keith for further processing	BHP 100%	BHP	Mining leases granted by Western Australian Government Key leases expire between 2025 and 2028 First renewal of 21 years is as of right. Further renewals at government discretion	Production commenced in 2008 Acquired in 2005 as part of WMC acquisition	Underground Steeply dipping massive textured nickel-sulphide mineralisation associated with metamorphosed ultramafic lava flows	Supplied from Mt Keith	Mine site

Nickel smelters, refineries and processing plants

Smelter, refinery or processing plant	Location	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	Product	Power source	Nominal production capacity
Nickel West
Kambalda
Nickel concentrator	56 km south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia	BHP 100%	BHP	Mineral leases granted by Western Australian Government Key leases expire in 2028	Concentrate containing approximately 13% nickel	On-site third-party gas-fired turbines supplemented by access to grid power Contracts expire in December 2038 Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts	1.6 Mtpa ore Ore sourced through tolling and concentrate purchase arrangements with third parties in Kambalda region
Kalgoorlie
Nickel smelter	Kalgoorlie, Western Australia	BHP 100%	BHP	Freehold title over the property	Matte containing approximately 65% nickel	On-site third-party gas-fired turbines supplemented by access to grid power Contracts expire in December 2038 Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts	110 ktpa matte
Kwinana
Nickel refinery	30 km south of Perth, Western Australia	BHP 100%	BHP	Freehold title over the property	London Metal Exchange (LME) grade nickel briquettes, nickel powder Also intermediate products, including copper sulphide, cobalt-nickel-sulphide, ammonium-sulphate	Power is sourced from the local grid, which is supplied under a retail contract	82.5 ktpa matte (with approval to increase up to 90kpta)

214

Minerals Americas

Copper mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.1) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.2).

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Escondida
Atacama Desert 170 km southeast of Antofagasta, Chile	Private road available for public use Copper cathode transported by privately owned rail to ports at Antofagasta and Mejillones Copper concentrate transported by Escondida-owned pipelines to its Coloso port facilities	BHP 57.5% Rio Tinto 30% JECO Corporation consortium comprising Mitsubishi, JX Nippon Mining and Metals 10% JECO 2 Ltd 2.5%	BHP	Mining concession from Chilean Government valid indefinitely (subject to payment of annual fees)	Original construction completed in 1990 Start of operations of the third concentrator plant in 2015 Inauguration of Escondida Water Supply desalination plant (CY2018) and its extension (CY2019)	2 open-cut pits: Escondida and Escondida Norte Escondida and Escondida Norte mineral deposits are adjacent but distinct supergene enriched porphyry copper deposits	Escondida-owned transmission lines connect to Chile’s northern power grid Electricity sourced from external vendors and Tamakaya SpA (100% owned by BHP), which generates power from the Kelar gas-fired power plant Renewable power agreements signed in FY2020 with supply to commence in FY2022	Crushing facilities feed concentrator and leaching processes 3 concentrator plants produce copper concentrate from sulphide ore by flotation extraction process (by-products: gold and silver) 2 solvent extraction and electrowinning plants produce copper cathode Nominal capacity: 153.7 Mtpa (nominal milling capacity) and 350 ktpa copper cathode (nominal capacity of tank house) 2 x 168 km concentrate pipelines, 167 km water pipeline Port facilities at Coloso, Antofagasta Desalinated water plant (total water capacity of 3,800 litres per second)
Pampa Norte Spence
Atacama Desert 162 km northeast of Antofagasta, Chile	Public road Copper cathode transported by rail to ports at Mejillones and Antofagasta Copper concentrate transported by rail or trucks to port in Mejillones	BHP 100%	BHP	Mining concession from Chilean Government valid indefinitely (subject to payment of annual fees)	First copper produced in 2006 Spence Growth Option (SGO) project (i.e. new 95 ktpd copper concentrator and molybdenum plants) produced first copper in December 2020	Open-cut Enriched and oxidised porphyry copper deposit containing in situ copper oxide mineralisation that overlies a near-horizontal sequence of supergene sulphides, transitional sulphides, and finally primary (hypogene) sulphide mineralisation	Spence-owned transmission lines connect to Chile’s northern power grid Electricity purchased from external vendors Renewable power agreements signed in FY2020 with supply to commence in FY2022	Crushing facilities feed concentrator and leaching processes 1 copper concentrator plant with 95 ktpd capacity (by-products: gold and silver), molybdenum plant and a 1,000 lps desalinated water plant under a Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) agreement Dynamic leach pads, solvent extraction and electrowinning plant Nominal capacity of tank house: 200 ktpa copper cathode

215

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Pampa Norte Cerro Colorado
Atacama Desert 120 km east of Iquique, Chile	Public road Copper cathode trucked to port at Iquique	BHP 100%	BHP	Mining concession from Chilean Government valid indefinitely (subject to payment of annual fees) Current environmental licence expires at the end of CY2023	Commercial production commenced in 1994 Expansions in 1996 and 1998	Open-cut Enriched and oxidised porphyry copper deposit containing in situ copper oxide mineralisation that overlies a near-horizontal sequence of supergene sulphides, transitional sulphides and finally primary (hypogene) sulphide mineralisation	Electricity purchased from external vendors	Crushing facilities, dynamic leach pads, solvent extraction plant, electrowinning plant Nominal capacity of tank house: 130 ktpa copper cathode
Antamina
Andes mountain range 270 km northeast of Lima, Peru	Public road Copper and zinc concentrates transported by pipeline to Punta Lobitos port Molybdenum and lead/bismuth concentrates transported by truck	BHP 33.75% Glencore 33.75% Teck 22.5% Mitsubishi 10%	Compañía Minera Antamina S.A.	Mining rights from Peruvian Government held indefinitely, subject to payment of annual fees and supply of information on investment and production	Commercial production commenced in 2001	Open-cut Zoned porphyry and skarn deposit with central copper dominated ores and an outer band of copper-zinc dominated ores	Long-term contracts with individual power producers	Primary crusher, concentrator, copper and zinc flotation circuits, bismuth/moly cleaning circuit Nominal milling capacity 53 Mtpa 304 km concentrate pipeline Port facilities at Huarmey

216

Iron ore mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.1) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.2).

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Samarco
Southeast Brazil	Public road Conveyor belts used to transport iron ore to beneficiation plant 3 slurry pipelines used to transport concentrate to pellet plants on coast Iron ore pellets exported via port facilities	BHP Brasil 50% of Samarco Mineração S.A. Vale S.A. 50%	Samarco	Mining concessions granted by Brazilian Government subject to compliance with the mine plan Samarco commenced iron ore pellet production in December 2020, having met licensing requirements to restart operations at its Germano complex in Minas Gerais and its Ubu complex in Espírito Santo	Production began at Germano mine in 1977 and at Alegria complex in 1992 Second pellet plant built in 1997 Third pellet plant, second concentrator and second pipeline built in 2008 Fourth pellet plant, third concentrator and third pipeline built in 2014	Open-cut Itabirites (metamorphic quartz-hematite rock) and friable hematite ores	Samarco holds interests in 2 hydroelectric power plants, which supply part of its electricity Power supply contract with Cemig Geração e Transmissão expires in 2022	Samarco’s gradual restart of operations includes 1 concentrator and a new system of tailings disposal combining a confined pit and filtration plant for dry stacking of sandy tailings Beneficiation plants, pipelines, pellet plants and port facilities

217

Coal mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.1) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.2).

Mine & location	Means of access	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	History	Mine type & mineralisation style	Power source	Facilities, use & condition
Cerrejón
La Guajira province, Colombia	Public road Coal exported by company-owned rail to its Port Bolivar facilities (150 km)	BHP 33.33% Anglo American 33.33% Glencore 33.33%	Cerrejón	Mining leases expire progressively from 2028 to early 2034	Original mine began producing in 1976 BHP interest acquired in 2000 In June 2021, BHP entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Glencore to divest its 33.3 % interest in Cerrejón. See section 1.10.3 for more information	Open-cut Produces a medium rank bituminous thermal coal	Local Colombian power system Electricity purchased from external vendors	Beneficiation facilities: crushing plants, rail loading facilities with capacity in excess of 40 Mtpa and a 3.2 Mtpa washing plant

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4.3.1    Information on oil and gas operations

Petroleum operations

The following table contains additional details of our petroleum operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 4.5.2) and reserves table (refer to section 4.6.1).

Operation & location	Product	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	Nominal production capacity	Facilities, use & condition
United States
Offshore Gulf of Mexico
Neptune (Green Canyon 613)
Offshore deepwater Gulf of Mexico (1,300 m)	Oil and gas	BHP 0% EnVen Energy 65% W&T Offshore 20% 31 Offshore 15%	EnVen Energy	Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities	50 Mbbl/d oil 50 MMcf/d gas	Stand-alone tension leg platform (TLP) On 20 May 2021, BHP finalised a purchase and sale agreement with EnVen Energy Ventures, LLC to divest our interest in and operation of Neptune
Shenzi (Green Canyon 653)
Offshore deepwater Gulf of Mexico (1,310 m)	Oil and gas	BHP 72% Repsol 28%	BHP	Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities	100 Mbbl/d oil 50 MMcf/d gas	Stand-alone TLP Genghis Khan field (part of same geological structure) tied back to Marco Polo TLP On 6 November 2020, BHP finalised a membership interest purchase and sale agreement with Hess Corporation to acquire an additional 28% working interest in Shenzi
Atlantis (Green Canyon 743)
Offshore deepwater Gulf of Mexico (2,155 m)	Oil and gas	BHP 44% BP 56%	BP	Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities	200 Mbbl/d oil 180 MMcf/d gas	Moored semi-submersible platform
Mad Dog (Green Canyon 782)
Offshore deepwater Gulf of Mexico (1,310 m)	Oil and gas	BHP 23.9% BP 60.5% Chevron 15.6%	BP	Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities	100 Mbbl/d oil 60 MMcf/d gas	Moored integrated truss spar, facilities for simultaneous production and drilling operations

219

Operation & location	Product	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	Nominal production capacity	Facilities, use & condition
Australia
Bass Strait
Offshore and onshore Victoria	Oil and gas	Gippsland Basin joint venture (GBJV): BHP 50% Esso Australia (Exxon Mobil subsidiary) 50% Kipper Unit joint venture (KUJV): BHP 32.5% Esso Australia 32.5% Mitsui E&P Australia 35%	Esso Australia	20 production licences and 2 retention leases issued by Australian Government Production licences and leases expire between 2032 and end of life of field. Retention leases expire between 2023 and end of life field 1 production licence held with Mitsui E&P Australia	65 Mbbl/d oil 1,040 TJ/d 5,150 tpd LPG 850 tpd Ethane	11 offshore fields producing through offshore infrastructure, including 12 steel jacket platforms, 2 concrete gravity platforms and a subsea pipeline network Onshore infrastructure: – Longford facility (gas conditioning/processing and liquids processing facilities) – interconnecting pipelines – Long Island Point (LPG processing and liquids storage/offtake) – heliport and onshore supply base
North West Shelf
Offshore and onshore Western Australia	Domestic gas, LPG, condensate, LNG	BHP: 16.67% of original LNG JV 12.5% of China LNG JV 15.78% of Extended Interest Joint Venture Other participants: subsidiaries of Woodside, Chevron, BP, Shell, Mitsubishi/Mitsui and China National Offshore Oil Corporation	Woodside Petroleum Ltd	14 production licences issued by Australian Government Licences expire between 2022 and 5 years after production ceases	North Rankin Complex: 3,010 MMcf/d gas 53 Mbbl/d condensate Goodwyn A platform: 1,746 MMcf/d gas 100 Mbbl/d condensate Angel platform: 960 MMcf/d gas 51 Mbbl/d condensate Karratha Gas Plant: 630 MMcf/d gas 52,000 tpd LNG	Production from offshore fields is processed over the North Rankin Complex, Goodwyn Alpha and Angel platforms, then transported onshore to the Karratha Gas Plant by 2 subsea trunklines The Karratha Gas Plant comprises 5 LNG processing trains, two domestic gas trains, LPG fractionation and condensate stabilisation units and associated storage and loading facilities
North West Shelf
Offshore Western Australia	Oil	BHP 16.67% Woodside 33.34%, BP, Chevron, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) 16.67% each	Woodside Petroleum Ltd	3 production licences issued by Australian Government Licences expire between 2033 and 2039	Production capacity: 60 Mbbl/d Storage: 1 MMbbl	12 subsea well completions (5 producers), 1 floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit
Pyrenees
Offshore Western Australia	Oil	WA-42-L permit: BHP 71.43% Santos 28.57% WA-43-L permit: BHP 39.999% Santos 31.501% Inpex Alpha Ltd 28.5%	BHP	Production licence issued by Australian Government expires 5 years after production ceases	Production capacity: 96 Mbbl/d oil Storage: 920 Mbbl	26 subsea well completions (21 producers, 4 water injectors, 1 gas injector), 1 FPSO unit

220

Operation & location	Product	Ownership	Operator	Title, leases or options	Nominal production capacity	Facilities, use & condition
Macedon
Offshore and onshore Western Australia	Gas and condensate	WA-42-L permit BHP 71.43% Santos 28.57%	BHP	Production licence issued by Australian Government expires 5 years after production ceases	Production capacity: 213 MMcf/d gas 0.02 Mbbl/d condensate	4 well completions Single flow line transports gas to onshore gas processing facility Gas plant located approximately 17 km southwest of Onslow
Other production operations
Trinidad and Tobago
Greater Angostura
Offshore Trinidad and Tobago	Oil and gas	BHP 45% National Gas Company 30% Chaoyang 25%	BHP	Production sharing contract with the Trinidad and Tobago Government entitles us to operate Greater Angostura until 2031	100 Mbbl/d oil 340 MMcf/d gas	Integrated oil and gas development: central processing platform connected to 4 wellhead platforms and a gas export platform 31 wells completed for production and injection including: 17 oil producers, 7 gas producers (3 subsea) and 7 gas injectors
Ruby
Offshore Trinidad and Tobago	Oil and gas	BHP 68.46% Heritage Petroleum 20.13% National Gas Company 11.41%	BHP	Production sharing contract with the Trinidad and Tobago Government entitles us to operate Ruby until 2038	16 Mbbl/d oil 80 MMcf/d gas	Single well head protector platform (WPP) consisting of 5 oil/gas producers tied back to the existing CPP/GEP facilities in the Greater Angostura Block
Algeria
ROD Integrated Development
Onshore Berkine Basin 900 km southeast of Algiers, Algeria	Oil	BHP 45% interest in 401a/402a production sharing contract ENI 55% BHP effective 28.85% interest in ROD unitised integrated development	Joint Sonatrach/ENI entity	Production sharing contract with Sonatrach (title holder)	Approximately 80 Mbbl/d oil	Development and production of 6 oil fields 2 largest fields (ROD and SF SFNE) extend into neighbouring blocks 403a, 403d Production through dedicated processing train on block 403

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4.4    Financial Information by commodity

Management believes the following financial information presented by commodity provides a meaningful indication of the underlying financial performance of the assets, including equity accounted investments, of each reportable segment. Information relating to assets that are accounted for as equity accounted investments is shown to reflect BHP’s share, unless otherwise noted, to provide insight into the drivers of these assets.

For the purposes of this financial information, segments are reported on a statutory basis in accordance with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. The tables for each commodity include an ‘adjustment for equity accounted investments’ to reconcile the equity accounted results to the statutory segment results.

For a reconciliation of alternative performance measures to their respective IFRS measure and an explanation as to the use of Underlying EBITDA in assessing our performance, refer to section 4.2. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 4.2.1. For more information as to the statutory determination of our reportable segments, refer to note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 3.1.

4.4.1    Petroleum

Detailed below is financial information for our Petroleum assets for FY2021 and FY2020.

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Revenue(4)			Underlying EBITDA			D&A			Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets			Capital expenditure		Exploration gross(5)		Exploration to profit(6)
Australia Production Unit(1)		327			202			186			16			64			23
Bass Strait		1,066			798			775			23			1,136			70
North West Shelf		893			761			239			522			1,281			104
Atlantis		560			401			162			239			1,109			178
Shenzi		417			309			175			134			970			113
Mad Dog		231			174			54			120			1,885			308
Trinidad/Tobago		204			80			44			36			433			152
Algeria		164			135			–			135			107			2
Exploration		–			(296	)		122			(418	)		1,148			–
Other(2)		85			(262	)		113			(375	)		(169	)		44
Total Petroleum from Group production		3,947			2,302			1,870			432			7,964			994
Third-party products		11			1			–			1			–			–
Total Petroleum		3,958			2,303			1,870			433			7,964			994		322		382
Adjustment for equity accounted investments(3)		(12	)		(3	)		(3	)		–			–			–		–		–
Total Petroleum statutory result		3,946			2,300			1,867			433			7,964			994		322		382

222

Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M	Revenue(4)			Underlying EBITDA			D&A			Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets		Capital expenditure			Exploration gross(5)		Exploration to profit(6)
Australia Production Unit(1)		361			253			197			56			289		6
Bass Strait		1,102			761			449			312			1,796		87
North West Shelf		1,076			731			260			471			1,261		130
Atlantis		561			431			175			256			1,061		197
Shenzi		277			174			139			35			550		45
Mad Dog		216			164			64			100			1,551		375
Trinidad/Tobago		191			92			46			46			323		46
Algeria		159			111			12			99			60		16
Exploration		–			(394	)		41			(435	)		1,227		(1	)
Other(2)		104			(111	)		77			(188	)		129		8
Total Petroleum from Group production		4,047			2,212			1,460			752			8,247		909
Third-party products		39			(2	)		–			(2	)		–		–
Total Petroleum		4,086			2,210			1,460			750			8,247		909			564		394
Adjustment for equity accounted investments(3)		(16	)		(3	)		(3	)		–			–		–			–		–
Total Petroleum statutory result		4,070			2,207			1,457			750			8,247		909			564		394

(1)  Australia Production Unit includes Macedon, Pyrenees and Minerva (divested in December 2019).

(2) Predominantly divisional activities, business development and Neptune (sale finalised in May 2021). Also includes the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline, which are equity accounted investments. The financial information for the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline presented above, with the exception of net operating assets, reflects BHP’s share.

(3)  Total Petroleum statutory result revenue excludes US$12 million (FY2020: US$16 million) revenue related to the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline. Total Petroleum statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$3 million (FY2020: US$3 million) D&A related to the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline.

(4)  Total Petroleum statutory result revenue includes: crude oil US$2,013 million (FY2020: US$2,033 million), natural gas US$977 million (FY2020: US$980 million), LNG US$682 million (FY2020: US$774 million), NGL US$212 million (FY2020: US$198 million) and other US$62 million (FY2020: US$85 million) which includes third-party products.

(5)  Includes US$26 million of capitalised exploration (FY2020: US$170 million).

(6)  Includes US$86 million of exploration expenditure previously capitalised, written off as impaired (included in depreciation and amortisation) (FY2020: US$ nil).

223

4.4.2 Copper

Detailed below is financial information for our Copper assets for FY2021 and FY2020.

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Revenue			Underlying EBITDA			D&A			Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets		Capital expenditure			Exploration gross			Exploration to profit
Escondida(1)		9,470			6,483			969			5,514			11,926		666
Pampa Norte(2)		1,801			954			390			564			4,510		678
Antamina(3)		1,627			1,158			142			1,016			1,362		237
Olympic Dam		2,211			598			313			285			9,045		830
Other(3)(4)		–			(230	)		10			(240	)		85		7
Total Copper from Group production		15,109			8,963			1,824			7,139			26,928		2,418
Third-party products		2,244			64			–			64			–		–
Total Copper		17,353			9,027			1,824			7,203			26,928		2,418			62			58
Adjustment for equity accounted investments(5)		(1,627	)		(538	)		(144	)		(394	)		–		(238	)		(9	)		(5	)
Total Copper statutory result		15,726			8,489			1,680			6,809			26,928		2,180			53			53
Year ended 30 June 2020 (Restated) US$M	Revenue			Underlying EBITDA			D&A			Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets		Capital expenditure			Exploration gross			Exploration to profit
Escondida(1)		6,719			3,535			1,143			2,392			12,013		919
Pampa Norte(2)		1,395			599			316			283			3,187		955
Antamina(3)		832			468			114			354			1,453		205
Olympic Dam(6)		1,463			212			291			(79	)		8,601		538
Other(3)(4)		–			(202	)		58			(260	)		103		22
Total Copper from Group production		10,409			4,612			1,922			2,690			25,357		2,639
Third-party products		1,089			41			–			41			–		–
Total Copper		11,498			4,653			1,922			2,731			25,357		2,639			62			57
Adjustment for equity accounted investments(5)		(832	)		(306	)		(165	)		(141	)		–		(205	)		(8	)		(3	)
Total Copper statutory result		10,666			4,347			1,757			2,590			25,357		2,434			54			54

(1) Escondida is consolidated under IFRS 10 and reported on a 100 per cent basis.

(2) Includes Spence and Cerro Colorado.

(3) Antamina, SolGold and Resolution are equity accounted investments and their financial information presented above with the exception of net operating assets reflects BHP Group’s share.

(4) Predominantly comprises divisional activities, greenfield exploration and business development. Includes Resolution and SolGold.

(5) Total Copper statutory result revenue excludes US$1,627 million (FY2020: US$832 million) revenue related to Antamina. Total Copper statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$144 million (FY2020: US$165 million) D&A and US$394 million (FY2020: US$141 million) net finance costs and taxation expense related to Antamina, Resolution and SolGold that are also included in Underlying EBIT. Total Copper Capital expenditure excludes US$237 million (FY2020: US$205 million) related to Antamina and US$1 million (FY2020: US$ nil) related to SolGold. Exploration gross excludes US$9 million (FY2020: US$8 million) related to SolGold of which US$5 million (FY2020: US$3 million) was expensed.

(6) Net operating assets has been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of Goodwill at Olympic Dam. Note, an offsetting increase in Deferred tax liabilities of US$1,021 million which is not included in Net Operating Assets above. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ in section 3.1 for further information.

224

4.4.3    Iron Ore

Detailed below is financial information for our Iron Ore assets for FY2021 and FY2020.

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Revenue		Underlying EBITDA			D&A		Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets			Capital expenditure		Exploration gross(4)		Exploration to profit
Western Australia Iron Ore		34,337		26,270			1,959		24,311			21,289			2,186
Samarco(1)		–		–			–		–			(2,794	)		–
Other(2)		120		7			25		(18	)		168			2
Total Iron Ore from Group production		34,457		26,277			1,984		24,293			18,663			2,188
Third-party products(3)		18		1			–		1			–			–
Total Iron Ore		34,475		26,278			1,984		24,294			18,663			2,188		100		55
Adjustment for equity accounted investments		–		–			–		–			–			–		–		–
Total Iron Ore statutory result		34,475		26,278			1,984		24,294			18,663			2,188		100		55
Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M	Revenue		Underlying EBITDA			D&A		Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets			Capital expenditure		Exploration gross (4)		Exploration to profit
Western Australia Iron Ore		20,663		14,508			1,606		12,902			20,177			2,326
Samarco(1)		–		–			–		–			(2,045	)		–
Other(2)		119		53			24		29			268			2
Total Iron Ore from Group production		20,782		14,561			1,630		12,931			18,400			2,328
Third-party products(3)		15		(7	)		–		(7	)		–			–
Total Iron Ore		20,797		14,554			1,630		12,924			18,400			2,328		87		47
Adjustment for equity accounted investments		–		–			–		–			–			–		–		–
Total Iron Ore statutory result		20,797		14,554			1,630		12,924			18,400			2,328		87		47

(1) Samarco is an equity accounted investment and its financial information presented above, with the exception of net operating assets, reflects BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s share. All financial impacts following the Samarco dam failure have been reported as exceptional items in both reporting periods.

(2) Predominantly comprises divisional activities, towage services, business development and ceased operations.

(3) Includes inter-segment and external sales of contracted gas purchases.

(4) Includes US$45 million of capitalised exploration (FY2020: US$40 million).

225

4.4.4    Coal

Detailed below is financial information for our Coal assets for FY2021 and FY2020.

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Revenue			Underlying EBITDA			D&A			Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets			Capital expenditure			Exploration gross		Exploration to profit
Queensland Coal		4,315			593			735			(142	)		7,843			512
New South Wales Energy Coal(1)		927			(87	)		144			(231	)		(289	)		50
Colombia(1)(5)		281			74			86			(12	)		–			21
Other(2)		–			(122	)		14			(136	)		(42	)		18
Total Coal from Group production		5,523			458			979			(521	)		7,512			601
Third-party products		–			–			–			–			–			–
Total Coal		5,523			458			979			(521	)		7,512			601			20		7
Adjustment for equity accounted investments(3)(4)		(369	)		(170	)		(114	)		(56	)		–			(22	)		–		–
Total Coal statutory result		5,154			288			865			(577	)		7,512			579			20		7
Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M	Revenue			Underlying EBITDA			D&A			Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets			Capital expenditure			Exploration gross		Exploration to profit
Queensland Coal		5,357			1,935			684			1,251			8,168			523
New South Wales Energy Coal(1)		972			(19	)		152			(171	)		841			73
Colombia(1)		364			69			112			(43	)		776			24
Other(2)		–			(155	)		11			(166	)		(276	)		8
Total Coal from Group production		6,693			1,830			959			871			9,509			628
Third-party products		–			–			–			–			–			–
Total Coal		6,693			1,830			959			871			9,509			628			22		9
Adjustment for equity accounted investments(3)(4)		(451	)		(198	)		(138	)		(60	)		–			(25	)		–		–
Total Coal statutory result		6,242			1,632			821			811			9,509			603			22		9

(1) Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group and Cerrejón are equity accounted investments and their financial information presented above with the exception of net operating assets reflects BHP Group’s share.

(2) Predominantly comprises divisional activities and ceased operations.

(3) Total Coal statutory result revenue excludes US$281 million (FY2020: US$364 million) revenue related to Cerrejón. Total Coal statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$86 million (FY2020: US$112 million) D&A and US$2 million (FY2020: US$25 million) net finance costs and taxation expense related to Cerrejón, that are also included in Underlying EBIT. Total Coal statutory result Capital expenditure excludes US$21 million (FY2020: US$24 million) related to Cerrejón.

(4) Total Coal statutory result revenue excludes US$88 million (FY2020: US$87 million) revenue related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group. Total Coal statutory result excludes US$82 million (FY2020: US$61 million) Underlying EBITDA, US$28 million (FY2020: US$26 million) D&A and US$54 million (FY2020: US$35 million) Underlying EBIT related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group until future profits exceed accumulated losses. Total Coal Capital expenditure excludes US$1 million (FY2020: US$1 million) related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group.

(5) 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. While BHP continued to report its share of profit and loss within the Coal segment and asset tables, the Group’s investment of US$284 million in Cerrejón has subsequently been classified as ‘Assets held for sale’ and therefore excluded from net operating assets.

226

4.4.5    Other assets

Detailed below is financial information for our Other assets for FY2021 and FY2020.

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Revenue		Underlying EBITDA			D&A		Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets		Capital expenditure		Exploration gross		Exploration to profit
Potash		–		(167	)		2		(169	)		3,073		268		–		–
Nickel West		1,545		259			110		149			300		286		17		17
Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M	Revenue		Underlying EBITDA			D&A		Underlying EBIT			Net operating assets		Capital expenditure		Exploration gross		Exploration to profit
Potash		–		(127	)		3		(130	)		4,068		201		–		–
Nickel West		1,189		(37	)		71		(108	)		60		254		13		13

227

4.5    Production

4.5.1    Production – Minerals

The table below details our mineral and derivative product production for all operations (except Petroleum) for the three years ended 30 June 2021, 2020 and 2019. Unless otherwise stated, the production numbers represent our share of production and include BHP’s share of production from which profit is derived from our equity accounted investments. Production information for equity accounted investments is included to provide insight into the operational performance of these entities. For discussion of minerals pricing during the past three years, refer to section 1.17.

	BHP interest %		BHP share of production(1) Year ended 30 June
			2021		2020		2019
Copper(2)
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida, Chile(3)		57.5		871.7		925.9		882.1
Pampa Norte, Chile(5)		100		27.4		0		0
Antamina, Peru(4)		33.75		144.0		124.5		147.2
Total copper concentrate				1,043.1		1,050.4		1,029.3
Copper cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida, Chile(3)		57.5		196.5		259.4		253.2
Pampa Norte, Chile(5)		100		190.8		242.7		246.5
Olympic Dam, Australia		100		205.3		171.6		160.3
Total copper cathode				592.6		673.7		660.0
Total copper concentrate and cathode				1,635.7		1,724.1		1,689.3
Lead
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Antamina, Peru(4)		33.75		2.5		1.7		2.4
Total lead				2.5		1.7		2.4
Zinc
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Antamina, Peru(4)		33.75		145.1		88.5		98.1
Total zinc				145.1		88.5		98.1
Gold
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida, Chile(3)		57.5		167.0		177.4		286.0
Olympic Dam, Australia (refined gold)		100		146.0		146.0		107.0
Total gold				313.0		323.4		393.0
Silver
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida, Chile(3)		57.5		5,759		6,413		8,830
Antamina, Peru(4)		33.75		5,965		4,116		4,758
Olympic Dam, Australia (refined silver)		100		810		984		923
Total silver				12,534		11,513		14,511
Uranium
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam, Australia		100		3,267		3,678		3,565
Total uranium				3,267		3,678		3,565
Molybdenum
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina, Peru(4)		33.75		863		1,666		1,141
Total molybdenum				863		1,666		1,141

228

	BHP interest %		BHP share of production(1) Year ended 30 June
			2021		2020		2019
Iron ore
Western Australia Iron Ore
Production (‘000 tonnes)(6)
Newman, Australia		85		63,221		65,641		66,622
Area C Joint Venture, Australia		85		52,386		51,499		47,440
Yandi Joint Venture, Australia		85		68,596		69,262		65,197
Jimblebar, Australia(7)		85		67,393		61,754		58,546
Wheelarra, Australia		85		0		3		159
Total Western Australia Iron Ore				251,596		248,159		237,964
Samarco, Brazil(4)		50		1,938		–		–
Total iron ore				253,534		248,159		237,964
Coal
Metallurgical coal
Production (‘000 tonnes)(8)
Blackwater, Australia		50		6,224		5,545		6,603
Goonyella Riverside, Australia		50		9,448		8,765		8,563
Peak Downs, Australia		50		5,892		5,783		5,933
Saraji, Australia		50		4,489		4,963		4,892
Daunia, Australia		50		1,928		2,170		2,178
Caval Ridge, Australia		50		3,903		4,349		3,967
Total BHP Mitsubishi Alliance				31,884		31,575		32,136
South Walker Creek, Australia(9)		80		4,887		5,415		6,194
Poitrel, Australia(9)		80		3,854		4,128		4,071
Total BHP Mitsui Coal				8,741		9,543		10,265
Total Queensland Coal				40,625		41,118		42,401
Energy coal
Production (‘000 tonnes)
New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia		100		14,326		16,052		18,257
Cerrejón, Colombia(4)		33.3		4,964		7,115		9,230
Total energy coal				19,290		23,167		27,487
Other assets
Nickel
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
Nickel West, Australia(10)		100		89.0		80.1		87.4
Total nickel				89.0		80.1		87.4

(1) BHP share of production includes the Group’s share of production for which profit is derived from our equity accounted investments, unless otherwise stated.

(2) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(3) Shown on 100 per cent basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 57.5 per cent.

(4) For statutory financial reporting purposes, this is an equity accounted investment. We have included production numbers from our equity accounted investments as the level of production and operating performance from these operations impacts Underlying EBITDA of the Group. Our use of Underlying EBITDA is explained in section 1.8.3.

(5) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

(6) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(7) Shown on 100 per cent basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 85 per cent.

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

(9) Shown on 100 per cent basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 80 per cent.

(10) Nickel contained in refined nickel metal, including briquette and power, matte and by-product streams.

229

4.5.2    Production – Petroleum

The table below details Petroleum’s historical net crude oil and condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids production, primarily by geographic segment, for each of the three years ended 30 June 2021, 2020 and 2019. We have shown volumes of marketable production after deduction of applicable royalties, fuel and flare. We have included in the table average production costs per unit of production and average sales prices for oil and condensate and natural gas for each of those periods.

	BHP share of production Year ended 30 June
	2021		2020		2019
Production volumes
Crude oil and condensate (‘000 of barrels)
Australia		11,918		14,044		14,365
United States – Conventional		23,165		23,345		28,047
United States – Onshore US(1)		–		–		6,411
Other(2)		3,646		3,823		4,885
Total crude oil and condensate		38,729		41,212		53,708
Natural gas (billion cubic feet)
Australia		280.9		292.6		310.1
United States – Conventional		7.3		8.1		10.4
United States – Onshore US (1)		–		–		96.3
Other(2)		52.4		58.9		76.2
Total natural gas		340.6		359.6		493.0
Natural gas liquids(3) (‘000 of barrels)
Australia		6,007		6,462		6,265
United States – Conventional		1,306		1,189		1,581
United States – Onshore US(1)		–		–		3,505
Other(2)		–		–		42
Total NGL(3)		7,313		7,651		11,392
Total production of petroleum products (million barrels of oil equivalent)(4)
Australia		64.7		69.3		72.3
United States – Conventional		25.7		25.9		31.4
United States – Onshore US(1)		–		–		26.0
Other(2)		12.4		13.6		17.6
Total production of petroleum products		102.8		108.8		147.3
Average sales price
Crude oil and condensate (US$ per barrel)
Australia		53.31		52.38		69.50
United States – Conventional		51.74		46.69		64.65
United States – Onshore US(1)		–		–		68.02
Other(2)		55.33		56.05		68.86
Total crude oil and condensate		52.56		49.53		66.73
Natural gas (US$ per thousand cubic feet)
Australia		5.12		5.60		7.00
United States – Conventional		2.75		2.20		3.22
United States – Onshore US(1)		–		–		2.90
Other(2)		3.23		2.60		2.87
Total natural gas		4.79		5.02		5.50
Natural gas liquids (US$ per barrel)
Australia		34.16		27.51		36.54
United States – Conventional		20.82		13.44		25.73
United States – Onshore US(1)		–		–		27.74
Other(2)		–		–		28.66
Total NGL		31.63		25.36		32.17
Total average production cost (US$ per barrel of oil equivalent)(5)
Australia		6.40		7.12		8.98
United States – Conventional		8.43		4.57		5.29
United States – Onshore US(1)		–		–		4.93
Other(2)		5.20		4.94		6.41
Total average production cost		6.76		6.24		7.18

(1) Production for Onshore US assets is shown through the closing date of the divestment in FY2019. Production for Eagle Ford, Permian and Haynesville assets is shown through 31 October 2018 and production for Fayetteville is shown through 28 September 2018.

(2) Other comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom (divested 30 November 2018).

(3) LPG and ethane are reported as natural gas liquids (NGL).

(4) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversion is based on the following: 6,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas equals one boe.

(5) Average production costs include direct and indirect costs relating to the production of hydrocarbons and the foreign exchange effect of translating local currency denominated costs into US dollars, but excludes ad valorem and severance taxes, and the cost to transport our produced hydrocarbons to the point of sale.

230

4.6 Reserves

Reserves are the estimated quantities of material that can be demonstrated to be able to be economically and legally extracted from BHP’s properties. In order to estimate reserves, assumptions are required about a range of technical and economic factors, including quantities, qualities, production techniques, recovery efficiency, production and transport costs, commodity supply and demand, commodity prices and exchange rates.

Estimating the quantity and/or quality of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies or oil and gas reservoirs to be determined by analysing geological data, such as drilling samples and geophysical survey interpretations. Economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change from period to period as additional technical and operational data is generated.

4.6.1    Petroleum reserves

Estimates of oil and gas reserves involve some degree of uncertainty, are inherently imprecise, require the application of judgement and are subject to future revision. Accordingly, financial and accounting measures (such as the standardised measure of discounted cash flows, depreciation, depletion and amortisation charges, the assessment of impairments and the assessment of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets) that are based on reserve estimates are also subject to change.

How we estimate and report reserves

Petroleum’s reserves are estimated as of 30 June each year. Reported reserves include both Conventional Petroleum reserves and Onshore US reserves for FY2018 and are included in the opening balances in the accompanying tables. Footnotes have been included with the tables to identify the contribution of the Discontinued operations (Onshore US) for this period. The sale of Petroleum’s interests in Onshore US reserves was completed in FY2019. Remaining reserves at the end of FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 reflect the Continuing operations only.

Our proved reserves are estimated and reported on a net interest basis according to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations and have been determined in accordance with SEC Rule 4-10(a) of Regulation S-X.

Proved oil and gas reserves

Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) that, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, operating contracts and government regulations. Unless evidence indicates that renewal of existing operating contracts is reasonably certain, estimates of economically producible reserves reflect only the period before the contracts expire. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence within a reasonable time. As specified in SEC Rule 4-10(a) of Regulation S-X, oil and gas prices are taken as the unweighted average of the corresponding first day of the month prices for the 12 months prior to the ending date of the period covered.

Proved reserves were estimated by reference to available well and reservoir information, including but not limited to well logs, well test data, core data, production and pressure data, geologic data, seismic data and in some cases, to similar data from analogous, producing reservoirs. A wide range of engineering and geoscience methods, including performance analysis, numerical simulation, well analogues and geologic studies were used to estimate high confidence proved developed and undeveloped reserves in accordance with SEC regulations.

Proved reserve estimates were attributed to future development projects only where there is a significant commitment to project funding and execution and for which applicable government and regulatory approvals have been secured or are reasonably certain to be secured. Furthermore, estimates of proved reserves include only volumes for which access to market is assured with reasonable certainty. All proved reserve estimates are subject to revision (either upward or downward) based on new information, such as from development drilling and production activities or from changes in economic factors, including product prices, contract terms or development plans.

231

Developed oil and gas reserves

Proved developed oil and gas reserves are reserves that can be expected to be recovered through:

• existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods

• installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserve estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well

Performance-derived reserve assessments for producing wells were primarily based on the following manner:

• for our conventional operations, reserves were estimated using rate and pressure decline methods, including material balance, supplemented by reservoir simulation models where appropriate

• for our Discontinued operations (Onshore US) reported for FY2018, reserves were estimated using rate-transient analysis and decline curve analysis methods

• for wells that lacked sufficient production history, reserves were estimated using performance-based type curves and offset location analogues with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics

Proved undeveloped reserves

Proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage where commitment has been made to commence development within five years from first reporting or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

A combination of geologic and engineering data and where appropriate, statistical analysis was used to support the assignment of proved undeveloped reserves when assessing planned drilling locations. Performance data along with log and core data was used to delineate consistent, continuous reservoir characteristics in core areas of the development. Proved undeveloped locations were included in core areas between known data and adjacent to productive wells using performance-based type curves and offset location analogues with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics. Locations where a high degree of certainty could not be demonstrated using the above technologies and techniques were not categorised as proved.

Methodology used to estimate reserves

Reserves have been estimated with deterministic methodology, with the exception of the North West Shelf gas operation in Australia, where probabilistic methodology has been used to estimate and aggregate reserves for the reservoirs dedicated to the gas project only. The probabilistic-based portion of these reserves totals 6 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) in FY2021, 12 MMboe in FY2020 and 16 MMboe in FY2019. These amounts represent approximately 1 per cent of our total reported proved reserves in FY2021, and approximately 2 per cent in each of FY2020 and FY2019. Total boe conversion is based on the following: 6,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas equals 1 boe. Aggregation of proved reserves beyond the field/project level has been performed by arithmetic summation. Due to portfolio effects, aggregates of proved reserves may be conservative. The custody transfer point(s) or point(s) of sale applicable for each field or project are the reference point for reserves. The reserves replacement ratio is the change in reserves during the year excluding production, divided by the production during the year and stated as a percentage.

Governance

The Petroleum Reserves Group (PRG) is a dedicated group that provides oversight of the reserves’ assessment and reporting processes. It is independent of the various operation teams directly responsible for development and production activities. The PRG is staffed by individuals averaging more than 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. The manager of the PRG, Abhijit Gadgil, is a full-time employee of BHP and is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the reserve estimates and compiling the information for inclusion in this Annual Report. He has an advanced degree in engineering and more than 40 years of diversified industry experience in reservoir engineering, reserves assessment, field development and technical management. He is a 40-year member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He has also served on the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oil and Gas Reserves Committee. Mr Gadgil has the qualifications and experience required to act as a qualified petroleum reserves evaluator under the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Listing Rules. The estimates of petroleum reserves are based on and fairly represent information and supporting documentation prepared under the supervision of Mr Gadgil. He has reviewed and agrees with the information included in section 4.6.1 and has given his prior written consent for its publication. No part of the individual compensation for members of the PRG is dependent on reported reserves.

Reserve assessments for all Petroleum operations were conducted by technical staff within the operating organisation. These individuals meet the professional qualifications outlined by the SPE, are trained in the fundamentals of SEC reserves reporting and the reserves processes and are endorsed by the PRG. Each reserve assessment is reviewed annually by the PRG to ensure technical quality, adherence to internally published Petroleum guidelines and compliance with SEC reporting requirements. Once endorsed by the PRG, all reserves receive final endorsement by senior management and the Risk and Audit Committee prior to public reporting. Our Internal Audit and Advisory function provides secondary assurance of the oil and gas reserve reporting processes through the testing of the effectiveness of key controls that have been implemented as required by the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. For more information on our risk management governance, refer to section 2.1.10.

232

FY2021 proved reserves

Production for FY2021 totalled 103 MMboe in sales with an additional 5 MMboe in non-sales production, which was used primarily for fuel consumed in operations. Total production of 108 Mmboe was approximately 6 MMboe lower than in FY2020. The decrease was primarily due to natural declines in mature fields.

Net additions to reserves totalled 25 MMboe, driven primarily by the acquisition of additional working interest in the Shenzi field and partially offset by a negative performance revision in the Atlantis field in the US Gulf of Mexico. The net additions replaced 23 per cent of production. As of 30 June 2021, proved reserves totalled 665 MMboe.

Reserves have been calculated using the economic interest method and represent net revenue interest volumes after deduction of applicable royalties owned by others. Reserves of 61 MMboe were in production and risk-sharing arrangements where BHP has a revenue interest in production without transfer of ownership of the products. At 30 June 2021, approximately 9 per cent of the proved reserves were attributable to these arrangements.

Extensions and discoveries

In the Atlantis field in the US Gulf of Mexico, Phase 3 development drilling in the South West region of the field added approximately 1 MMboe by extending the previously recognised proved reservoir limit.

Revisions

In Australia, revisions increased proved reserves by 4 MMboe, primarily due to strong performance in the Macedon field. Small increases in the Bass Strait and Pyrenees fields were offset by negative performance revisions in the North West Shelf fields.

In the US Gulf of Mexico, revisions decreased reserves by 11 MMboe overall, primarily driven by reductions related to lower than expected well performance in the Atlantis and Mad Dog fields of 19 MMboe and 4 MMboe respectively. Approval of the Shenzi Subsea Multi Phase Pump Project added 6 MMboe, while strong performance in the Eastern area of the Shenzi field increased reserves by a further 5 MMboe.

In Trinidad and Tobago, continued strong performance in the Angostura field added 6 MMboe to proved reserves. This addition was partially offset by a price-related reduction of approximately 1 MMboe.

Improved recovery revisions

There were no improved recovery revisions during the year.

Purchases and sales

In November 2020, BHP acquired Hess Corporation’s 28 per cent interest in the Shenzi field located in the Gulf of Mexico. The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 27 MMboe to proved reserves. BHP also divested its 35 per cent interest in the Neptune field in May 2021 which reduced reserves by approximately 1 MMboe. Overall, net additions from Purchases and Sales were 26 MMboe.

FY2020 proved reserves

Production for FY2020 totalled 109 MMboe in sales with an additional 5 MMboe in non-sales production, which was used primarily for fuel consumed in operations. Total production was approximately 13 MMboe lower than conventional production in FY2019. The decrease was due to a number of factors, including natural declines in mature fields, weather events that necessitated precautionary shut ins and lower demand as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, (refer to section 4.5.2 for more information). Discoveries, extensions and revisions to reserves added a total of 21 MMboe, which replaced 19 per cent of production. As of 30 June 2020, proved reserves totalled 748 MMboe.

Reserves have been calculated using the economic interest method and represent net interest volumes after deduction of applicable royalty. Reserves of 69 MMboe are in two production and risk-sharing arrangements where BHP has a revenue interest in production without transfer of ownership of the products. At 30 June 2020, approximately 9 per cent of the proved reserves were attributable to such arrangements.

Extensions and discoveries

Board approval of the North West Shelf Greater Western Flank Phase 3 project in Australia added 12 MMboe for development of the Goodwyn South and Lambert Deep fields. Board approval of the Ruby development project in Trinidad and Tobago during the September 2019 quarter also added 19 MMboe to proved reserves. The Ruby project is comprised of the Ruby oil field and the Delaware gas field.

233

Revisions

In Australia, reserves decreased by 35 MMboe overall due to downward revisions. This reduction was primarily in the Bass Strait due to poor reservoir performance in the Turrum field and lower overall condensate and natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery from the Bass Strait gas fields totalling 40 MMboe. Included in this reduction was a decrease of 4 MMboe due to lower product prices. Improved reservoir performance in the Pyrenees operated field added 5 MMboe partially offsetting the Bass Strait reduction. In the North West Shelf fields, reserves increased 4 MMboe for better performance and other revisions, however, this increase was offset by product price-related reductions of 4 MMboe. In the US Gulf of Mexico, strong reservoir performance and technical studies in the Atlantis, Shenzi and Mad Dog fields added a total of 25 MMboe to proved reserves.

In the Angostura field in Trinidad and Tobago and the ROD integrated development in Algeria, increases of 1 MMboe were offset by product price-related reductions of approximately 1 MMboe.

During FY2020, net revisions reduced reserves by a total of 10 MMboe overall.

Improved recovery revisions

There were no improved recovery revisions during the year.

Purchases and sales

There were no purchases or sales during the year.

FY2019 proved reserves

Production for FY2019 totalled 147 MMboe in sales, which was comprised of 121 MMboe for our conventional fields and 26 MMboe that was produced from our US Onshore fields prior to the closure of the divestment agreements. In comparison, our conventional fields produced approximately 1 MMboe more than in FY2018. This increase was due to a number of factors, including start-up of the Greater Western Flank Phase B project in the North West Shelf in Australia and higher uptime in several fields, which more than offset natural production declines in more mature fields (refer to section 4.5.2 for more information). There was also an additional 5 MMboe in non-sales production, primarily for fuel consumed in our Petroleum operations. The combined sales and non-sales production totalled 152 MMboe for FY2019. For our conventional fields, additions and revisions to reserves added 57 MMboe, which replaced 45 per cent of the production in FY2019. As of 30 June 2019, our proved reserves totalled 841 MMboe.

Reserves have been calculated using the economic interest method and represent net interest volumes after deduction of applicable royalty. Reserves of 64 MMboe are in two production and risk-sharing arrangements where BHP has a revenue interest in production without transfer of ownership of the products. At 30 June 2019, approximately 8 per cent of the proved reserves were attributable to such arrangements.

Extensions and discoveries

Extensions added a total of approximately 2 MMboe to proved reserves, of which 1 MMboe was added for the Atlantis field in the US Gulf of Mexico with the balance being added in the Snapper field in the Bass Strait in Australia.

Improved recovery revisions

There were no improved recovery revisions during the year.

Revisions

Revisions for FY2019 added a total of 56 MMboe. The largest addition was in the Atlantis field where 28 MMboe was added for performance and approval of Phase 3 infill drilling. Other revisions, primarily in the Mad Dog field, brought the total revisions for our US Gulf of Mexico assets to 29 MMboe. Additions through revisions in Australia totalled 22 MMboe, with the North West Shelf project adding 11 MMboe. The Goodwyn field was the largest component of this change adding 10 MMboe for strong performance. In the Bass Strait, 11 MMboe was added with the largest changes occurring in the Snapper and Turrum fields, which added 5 MMboe and 2 MMboe, respectively. In Other(1) geographic areas, 4 MMboe was added for better performance in the Offshore Angostura project in Trinidad and Tobago, while 1 MMboe was added for improved performance in the ROD integrated development in Algeria.

Purchases and sales

The sale of Petroleum’s interests in the US Onshore Permian, Eagle Ford, Haynesville and Fayetteville fields accounted for reported sales of approximately 464 MMboe. There were no purchases during FY2019.

These results are summarised in the following tables, which detail estimated oil, condensate, NGL and natural gas reserves at 30 June 2021, 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019, with a reconciliation of the changes in each year.

(1)  ‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

234

Millions of barrels	Australia			United States			Other(b)			Total
Proved developed and undeveloped oil and condensate reserves(a)
Reserves at 30 June 2018		70.5			361.8	(c)		21.9			454.2	(c)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		7.8			25.9			1.0			34.7
Extensions and discoveries		0.0			0.8			–			0.9
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			(79.7	)		–			(79.7	)
Production		(14.4	)		(34.5	)		(4.9	)		(53.7	)
Total changes		(6.5	)		(87.5	)		(3.9	)		(97.9	)
Reserves at 30 June 2019		63.9			274.4			18.0			356.3
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		0.9			21.3			(0.7	)		21.5
Extensions and discoveries		1.8			–			5.0			6.7
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			–			–			–
Production		(14.0	)		(23.3	)		(3.8	)		(41.2	)
Total changes		(11.3	)		(2.0	)		0.4			(13.0	)
Reserves at 30 June 2020		52.6			272.3			18.4			343.4
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		2.7			(8.0	)		(0.0	)		(5.3	)
Extensions and discoveries		–			1.1			–			1.1
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			23.9			–			23.9
Production		(11.9	)		(23.2	)		(3.6	)		(38.7	)
Total changes		(9.2	)		(6.2	)		(3.7	)		(19.1	)
Reserves at 30 June 2021		43.5			266.1			14.7			324.3
Developed
Proved developed oil and condensate reserves
as of 30 June 2018		60.5			181.2			19.2			260.8
as of 30 June 2019		59.0			128.9			16.3			204.2
as of 30 June 2020		46.7			131.0			11.9			189.6
Developed reserves as of 30 June 2021		38.2			138.9			10.6			187.6
Undeveloped
Proved undeveloped oil and condensate reserves
as of 30 June 2018		10.0			180.7			2.8			193.4
as of 30 June 2019		5.0			145.4			1.7			152.1
as of 30 June 2020		6.0			141.3			6.5			153.8
Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2021		5.3			127.2			4.2			136.7

(a)  Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

(b)  ‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

(c)  For FY2018 amounts include 86.1 million barrels attributable to Discontinued operations of Onshore US.

235

Millions of barrels	Australia			United States			Other(b)			Total
Proved developed and undeveloped NGL reserves(a)
Reserves at 30 June 2018		56.5			72.0	(c)(d)		–			128.4	(c)(d)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		4.9			0.8			0.0			5.7
Extensions and discoveries		0.2			0.1			–			0.2
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			(58.7	)		–			(58.7	)
Production		(6.3	)		(5.1	)		(0.0	)		(11.4	)
Total changes		(1.2	)		(62.9	)		–			(64.1	)
Reserves at 30 June 2019		55.2			9.1			–			64.3
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		(17.8	)		1.2			–			(16.6	)
Extensions and discoveries		0.3			–			–			0.3
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			–			–			–
Production		(6.5	)		(1.2	)		–			(7.6	)
Total changes		(23.9	)		–			–			(23.9	)
Reserves at 30 June 2020		31.3			9.0			–			40.4
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		(1.6	)		(1.1	)		–			(2.7	)
Extensions and discoveries		–			0.0			–			0.0
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			0.6			–			0.6
Production		(6.0	)		(1.3	)		–			(7.3	)
Total changes		(7.6	)		(1.7	)		–			(9.3	)
Reserves at 30 June 2021		23.7			7.3			–			31.0
Developed
Proved developed NGL reserves
as of 30 June 2018		49.8			37.0			–			86.8
as of 30 June 2019		46.5			4.3			–			50.8
as of 30 June 2020		23.8			5.0			–			28.8
Developed reserves as of 30 June 2021		17.7			4.4			–			22.1
Undeveloped
Proved undeveloped NGL reserves
as of 30 June 2018		6.6			35.0			–			41.6
as of 30 June 2019		8.7			4.8			–			13.5
as of 30 June 2020		7.6			4.0			–			11.6
Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2021		6.0			2.9			–			8.9

(a)  Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

(b)  ‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

(c)  For FY2018 amounts include 62.2 million barrels attributable to Discontinued operations of Onshore US.

(d)  For FY2018 amounts include 2.5 million barrels consumed as fuel for Discontinued operations of Onshore US.

236

Billions of cubic feet	Australia (c)			United States			Other(d)			Total
Proved developed and undeveloped natural gas reserves(a)
Reserves at 30 June 2018		2,412.5	(e)		2,160.1	(f)(i)		328.6	(g)		4,901.2	(h)(i)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		53.7			14.0			24.7			92.4
Extensions and discoveries		2.5			0.4			–			3.0
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			(1,952.8	)		–			(1,952.8	)
Production(b)		(336.8	)		(109.4	)		(77.8	)		(524.1	)
Total changes		(280.6	)		(2,047.8	)		(53.1	)		(2,381.5	)
Reserves at 30 June 2019		2,131.9	(e)		112.3	(f)		275.5	(g)		2,519.7	(h)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		(111.7	)		14.2			5.6			(92.0	)
Extensions and discoveries		62.4			–			84.0			146.5
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			–			–			–
Production(b)		(317.3	)		(10.7	)		(60.7	)		(388.7	)
Total changes		(366.6	)		3.5			28.9			(334.2	)
Reserves at 30 June 2020		1,765.3	(e)		115.8	(f)		304.4	(g)		2,185.5	(h)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		15.4			(8.6	)		27.2			34.0
Extensions and discoveries		–			0.4			–			0.4
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			7.5			–			7.5
Production(b)		(304.4	)		(9.9	)		(54.9	)		(369.2	)
Total changes		(289.0	)		(10.6	)		(27.7	)		(327.3	)
Reserves at 30 June 2021		1,476.3	(e)		105.2	(f)		276.7	(g)		1,858.2	(h)
Developed
Proved developed natural gas reserves
as of 30 June 2018		1,975.9			1,479.4			328.6			3,783.8
as of 30 June 2019		1,856.4			65.5			275.5			2,197.3
as of 30 June 2020		1,453.1			73.4			220.4			1,746 .9
Developed reserves as of 30 June 2021		1,262.5			69.5			199.4			1,531.5
Undeveloped
Proved undeveloped natural gas reserves
as of 30 June 2018		436.6			680.7			–			1,117.3
as of 30 June 2019		275.5			46.8			–			322.3
as of 30 June 2020		312.2			42.4			84.0			438.6
Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2021		213 .8			35.6			77.3			326.7

(a)  Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

(b)  Production includes volumes consumed by operations.

(c)  Production for Australia includes gas sold as LNG.

(d)  ‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

(e)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 295, 268, 246 and 204 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Australia.

(f)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 160, 64, 65 and 67 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in the United States.

(g)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 16, 14, 17 and 13 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Other areas.

(h)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 472, 346, 327 and 284 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations.

(i)  For FY2018 amounts include 2,049 billion cubic feet attributable to Discontinued operations of Onshore US.

237

Millions of barrels of oil equivalent(a)	Australia			United States			Other(d)			Total
Proved developed and undeveloped oil, condensate, natural gas and NGL reserves(b)
Reserves at 30 June 2018		529.0	(e)		793.8	(f)(i)		76.7	(g)		1,399.5	(h)(i)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		21.6			29.1			5.1			55.8
Extensions and discoveries		0.6			0.9			–			1.6
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			(463.9	)		–			(463.9	)
Production(c)		(76.8	)		(57.8	)		(17.9	)		(152.4	)
Total changes		(54.5	)		(491.7	)		(12.8	)		(558.9	)
Reserves at 30 June 2019		474.5	(e)		302.2	(f)		63.9	(g)		840.6	(h)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		(35.4	)		24.8			0.2			(10.4	)
Extensions and discoveries		12.5			–			19.0			31.5
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			–			–			–
Production(c)		(73.4	)		(26.3	)		(13.9	)		(113.6	)
Total changes		(96.3	)		(1.5	)		5.2			(92.6	)
Reserves at 30 June 2020		378.2	(e)		300.7	(f)		69.1	(g)		748.0	(h)
Improved recovery		–			–			–			–
Revisions of previous estimates		3.7			(10.5	)		4.5			(2.3	)
Extensions and discoveries					1.2						1.2
Purchase/sales of reserves		–			25.7			–			25.7
Production(c)		(68.7	)		(26.1	)		(12.8	)		(107.6	)
Total changes		(64.9	)		(9.7	)		(8.3	)		(83.0	)
Reserves at 30 June 2021		313.2	(e)		290.9	(f)		60.9	(g)		665.0	(h)
Developed
Proved developed oil, condensate, natural gas and NGL reserves
as of 30 June 2018		439.6			464.7			73.9			978.2
as of 30 June 2019		414.9			144.1			62.2			621.2
as of 30 June 2020		312.6			148.3			48.6			509.5
Developed reserves as of 30 June 2021		266.3			154.8			43.8			465.0
Undeveloped
Proved undeveloped oil, condensate, natural gas and NGL reserves
as of 30 June 2018		89.4			329.2			2.8			421.3
as of 30 June 2019		59.6			158.1			1.7			219.4
as of 30 June 2020		65.6			152.4			20.5			238.5
Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2021		46.9			136.1			17.1			200.1

(a)  Barrel oil equivalent conversion based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

(b)  Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

(c)  Production includes volumes consumed by operations.

(d)  ‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

(e)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 49, 45, 41 and 34 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Australia.

(f)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 29, 11, 11 and 11 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in the United States.

(g)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 3, 2, 3 and 2 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Other areas.

(h)  For FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and FY2021 amounts include 81, 58, 55 and 47 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations.

(i)  For FY2018 amounts include 490 million barrels equivalent attributable to Discontinued operations of Onshore US.

238

FY2021 proved undeveloped reserves

At 30 June 2021, Petroleum had 200 MMboe of proved undeveloped reserves, which corresponds to 30 per cent of the reported proved reserves of 665 MMboe. This represents a decrease of 38 MMboe from the 238 MMboe at 30 June 2020.

During FY2021, a total of 44 MMboe proved undeveloped reserves were converted to proved developed reserves through development activities. This was driven by the following four projects: the Barracouta West development in the Bass Strait in Australia (14 MMboe), a gas delivery pressure and compressor re-staging study in the Macedon field in Offshore Western Australia (14 MMboe) and the Atlantis Phase 3 development in the US Gulf of Mexico (14 MMboe). Start-up of the Ruby development project in Offshore Trinidad and Tobago also converted 3 MMboe to proved developed with first oil production. Increases to proved undeveloped reserves included approval of the Shenzi Subsurface Multi-Phase Pump project which added 6 MMboe. The effect of commodity prices relative to FY2020 resulted in the addition of 5 MMboe to proved undeveloped reserves while the acquisition of additional interest in the Shenzi field in the US Gulf of Mexico increased proved undeveloped reserves by 3 MMboe. Technical studies, revisions to expected performance and other changes reduced proved undeveloped reserves by 2 Mmboe.

Over the past three years, the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to developed status has totalled 93 MMboe, averaging 31 MMboe per year. At 30 June 2021, a total of 114 MMboe proved undeveloped reserves have been reported for five or more years. Approximately 101 MMboe of this amount is associated with the Mad Dog Phase 2 development which is anticipated to produce first oil in CY2022. The remaining 13 MMboe is in our currently producing fields and will be developed and brought on stream in a phased manner to best optimise the use of production facilities and to meet sales commitments.

During FY2021, Petroleum spent US$1.1 billion on development activities worldwide. Of this amount:

• US$0.9 billion was spent progressing the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves for projects where developed status was achieved in FY2021 or will be achieved when development is completed in the future

• US$0.2 billion represented other development expenditures, including compliance and infrastructure improvement

FY2020 proved undeveloped reserves

At 30 June 2020, Petroleum had 238 MMboe of proved undeveloped reserves, which corresponds to 32 per cent of the reported proved reserves of 748 MMboe. This represents an increase of 19 MMboe from the 219 MMboe at 30 June 2019.

The most significant drivers of this increase were the additions of 19 MMboe for the Ruby development project in Offshore Trinidad and Tobago and 12 MMboe for the Greater Western Flank Phase 3 development project in Australia as extensions and discoveries.

Reclassifications from proved undeveloped to proved developed occurred in Australia in the Macedon field (7 MMboe), the Cobia field in Bass Strait (2 MMboe) and in the Offshore US Gulf of Mexico in the Mad Dog Spar A field (3 MMboe). In the Shenzi field, the need to perform a producer redrill resulted in the reclassification of 4 MMboe proved developed into proved undeveloped.

In Australia, in the Bass Strait, 18 MMboe was moved into proved undeveloped for the Turrum field as a result of the reservoir performance reassessment, while in the Kipper field, a reduction of the gas delivery pressure requirements enabled more gas to be delivered prior to the installation of compression. This resulted in the movement of 16 MMboe from proved undeveloped to proved developed reserves. Bass Strait proved undeveloped fuel was also increased by 3 MMboe as a result of a fuel utilisation study. Performance revisions in the Mad Dog Spar A and the Shenzi fields in the US Gulf of Mexico reduced proved undeveloped by 6 MMboe.

Lower commodity prices resulted in a 4 MMboe reduction to proved undeveloped reserves.

Over the past three years, the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to developed status has totalled 98 MMboe, averaging 33 MMboe per year. At 30 June 2020, a total of 30 MMboe proved undeveloped reserves have been reported for five or more years. These reserves are in our currently producing fields and will be developed and brought on stream in a phased manner to best optimise the use of production facilities and to meet sales commitments. During FY2020, Petroleum spent US$1.0 billion on development activities worldwide. Of this amount:

• US$0.8 billion was spent progressing the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves for conventional projects where developed status was achieved in FY2020 or will be achieved when development is completed in the future

• US$0.2 billion represented other development expenditures, including compliance and infrastructure improvements

239

FY2019 proved undeveloped reserves

At 30 June 2019, Petroleum had 219 MMboe of proved undeveloped reserves, which corresponds to 26 per cent of the reported proved reserves of 841 MMboe. This represents a reduction in proved undeveloped reserves of 202 MMboe from the 421 MMboe at 30 June 2018. The largest element of this reduction was 185 MMboe, which occurred with the divestment of unconventional Onshore US assets. A reclassification from proved undeveloped to proved developed status of approximately 40 MMboe that occurred in the North West Shelf, Australia, with the completion of development and the start of production from the Greater Western Flank Phase B project, also contributed to the reduction. An additional 1 MMboe was also reclassified from proved undeveloped to proved developed status with the completion of an infill well in the ROD integrated development in Algeria. Partially offsetting these reductions were revisions for technical studies of 10 MMboe for the Kipper field in the Bass Strait, Australia. Additions following the approval of the Atlantis Phase 3 project in the Offshore US Gulf of Mexico added 8 MMboe for development plan changes, 7 MMboe for performance and 1 MMboe as an extension. A performance reduction of 2 MMboe in the Mad Dog field partially offset the Atlantis performance addition.

The changes in proved undeveloped reserves in FY2021, FY2020 and FY2019 are summarised by change category in the table below. Additional information detailing the effect of price, performance, changes in capital development plans and technical studies are also provided for revisions.

Proved Undeveloped Reserves (PUD) Reconciliation (MMboe) (a)	Year ended 30 June
	2021			2020			2019
PUD Opening Balance		238			219			421
Revisions of Previous Estimates		(41	)		(12	)		(18	)
Reclassifications to developed		(44	)		(8	)		(42	)
Performance, Technical Studies and Other		(2	)		(1	)		16
Development Plan Changes		–			(0	)		8
Price		5			(4	)		–
Extensions and Discoveries		–			31			1
Acqusitions/Sales		3			–			(185	)
Total Change		(38	)		19			(202	)
PUD Closing Balance		200			238			219

(a)  Small differences are due to rounding.

240

4.6.2    Ore Reserves

Ore Reserves are estimates of the amount of ore that can be economically and legally extracted and processed from our mining properties. In order to estimate reserves, assumptions are required about a range of technical and economic factors, including quantities, qualities, production techniques, recovery efficiency, production and transport costs, commodity supply and demand, commodity prices and exchange rates. Estimating the quantity and/or quality of Ore Reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies to be determined by analysing geological data such as drilling samples and geophysical survey interpretations. Economic assumptions used to estimate reserves may change from period to period as additional technical, financial and operational data is generated. All of the Ore Reserves presented are reported in 100 per cent terms and represent estimates at 30 June 2021 (unless otherwise stated). All tonnes and grade information has been rounded, hence small differences may be present in the totals. Tonnes are reported as dry metric tonnes (unless otherwise stated).

Our mineral leases are of sufficient duration (or convey a legal right to renew for sufficient duration) to enable all Ore Reserves on the leased properties to be mined in accordance with current production schedules. Our Ore Reserves may include areas where some additional approvals remain outstanding but where, based on the technical investigations we carry out as part of our mine planning process, and our knowledge and experience of the approvals process, we expect that such approvals will be obtained as part of the normal course of business and within the timeframe required by the current life of mine schedule.

The reported Ore Reserves contained in this document do not exceed the quantities that we estimate and could be extracted economically if future prices for each commodity were equal to the average historical prices for the three years to 31 December 2020, using current operating costs. In some cases where commodities are produced as by-products (or co-products) with other metals, we use the three-year average historical prices for the combination of commodities produced at the relevant mine in order to verify that each Ore Reserve is economic. The three-year historical average prices used for each traded commodity to test for impairment of the Ore Reserves contained in this Annual Report are as follows:

Commodity Price(1)	US$
Copper	2.83/lb
Gold	1,477/ozt
Molybdenum	10.66/lb
Nickel	6.17/lb
Silver	17.47/ozt
Zinc	1.17/lb
Uranium(2)	26.73/lb
Iron Ore – Fines	82.47/dmt
Iron Ore – Lump	95.97/dmt
Metallurgical Hard Coking Coal	169.56/t
Metallurgical Weak Coking Coal	95.58/t
Thermal Coal Newcastle(2)	81.88/t
Thermal Coal Colombia(2)	61.65/t

(1)  Some commodities are traded on a contractual basis for which we are unable to disclose prices due to commercial sensitivity.

(2)  The Uranium price reported is sourced from TradeTech – Uranium Spot Price Indicator. Thermal coal prices reported are sourced from the McCloskey Report FOB by region, Newcastle and Colombia 6,000 kcal/t Net As Received. These are comparable to realised prices used to test for impairment.

The reported Ore Reserves may differ in some respects from the Ore Reserves we report in home jurisdictions of Australia and the UK. Those jurisdictions require the use of the Australasian Code for reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, December 2012 (the JORC Code), which provides guidance on the use of reasonable investment assumptions in calculating Ore Reserves estimates.

241

Copper

Ore Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

As at 30 June 2021																																					As at 30 June 2020
Commodity deposit (1)(2)(3)(4)	Ore type		Proven Reserves										Probable Reserves										Total Reserves										Reserve life (years)		BHP interest %		Total Reserves										Reserve life (years)
			Mt		%TCu		%SCu		ppmMo				Mt		%TCu		%SCu		ppmMo				Mt		%TCu		%SCu		ppmMo								Mt		%TCu		%SCu		ppmMo
Copper operations
Chile
Escondida(6)		Oxide		76		0.62		–		–				123		0.53		–		–				199		0.56		–		–				58		57.5		206		0.58		–		–				58
		Sulphide		3,450		0.68		–		–				1,700		0.57		–		–				5,150		0.64		–		–								5,210		0.66		–		–
		Sulphide Leach		1,330		0.42		–		–				286		0.39		–		–				1,620		0.41		–		–								1,660		0.42		–		–
Cerro Colorado(5)(7)		Oxide		6.6		0.46		0.32		–				0.4		0.42		0.28		–				7.0		0.46		0.32		–				2.3		100		35		0.58		0.42		–				3.4
		Supergene Sulphide		6.1		0.54		0.12		–				0.7		0.48		0.10		–				6.8		0.53		0.12		–								18		0.58		0.17		–
		Transitional Sulphide		10		0.50		–		–				0.6		0.46		–		–				11		0.50		–		–								14		0.51		0.10		–
Spence(5)(8)		Oxide		26		0.67		0.41		–				0.3		0.57		0.39		–				26		0.67		0.41		–				38		100		31		0.61		0.42		–				36
		Oxide - low solubility		–		–		–		–				–		–		–		–				–		–		–		–								10		0.67		0.30		–
		Supergene Sulphide		104		0.59		0.10		–				7.8		0.41		0.09		–				112		0.58		0.10		–								107		0.61		0.10		–
		Transitional Sulphide		20		0.64		–		100				0.5		0.49		–		60				20		0.64		–		100								23		0.66		0.05		95
		Hypogene Sulphide		636		0.46		–		180				725		0.45		–		130				1,360		0.45		–		150								1,310		0.46		0.02		150
			Mt		%Cu		kg/t U3O8		g/tAu		g/tAg		Mt		%Cu		kg/t U3O8		g/tAu		g/tAg		Mt		%Cu		kg/t U3O8		g/tAu		g/tAg						Mt		%Cu		kg/t U3O8		g/tAu		g/tAg
Copper uranium gold operation
Australia
Olympic Dam(9)		UG Sulphide		239		2.09		0.61		0.73		5		174		1.97		0.60		0.66		4		413		2.04		0.61		0.70		5		40		100		448		1.88		0.57		0.69		4		43
		Low-grade		–		–		–		–		–		31		0.83		0.27		0.34		2		31		0.83		0.27		0.34		2						25		0.86		0.29		0.34		2
				Mt		%Cu		%Zn		g/tAg		ppmMo		Mt		%Cu		%Zn		g/tAg		ppmMo		Mt		%Cu		%Zn		g/tAg		ppmMo						Mt		%Cu		%Zn		g/tAg		ppmMo
Copper zinc operation
Peru
Antamina(10)		Sulphide Cu only		128		0.93		0.14		7		360		94		0.99		0.16		8		340		222		0.95		0.15		7		350		6.7		33.75		245		0.94		0.13		7		340		7.7
		Sulphide Cu-Zn		59		0.85		2.02		12		70		76		0.84		2.13		13		70		135		0.84		2.08		13		70						163		0.85		2.14		13		80

(1) Cut-off criteria:

Deposit	Ore type	Ore Reserves
Escondida	Oxide	³ 0.20%SCu
	Sulphide	³ 0.30%TCu and greater than variable cut-off (V_COG) of the concentrator. Sulphide ore is processed in the concentrator plants as a result of an optimised mine plan with consideration of technical and economical parameters in order to maximise net present value.
	Sulphide Leach	³ 0.25%TCu and lower than V_COG and with >30% of copper carried by more leachable copper minerals . Sulphide Leach ore is processed by dump leaching as an alternative to the concentrator process.
Cerro Colorado	Oxide, Supergene Sulphide & Transitional Sulphide	³ 0.30%TCu
Spence	Oxide	³ 0.30%TCu
	Supergene Sulphide, Transitional Sulphide & Hypogene Sulphide	³ 0.20%TCu
Olympic Dam	UG Sulphide	Variable between 1.10%Cu and 1.70%Cu
	Low-grade	³ 0.60%Cu
Antamina	Sulphide Cu only	Net value per concentrator hour incorporating all material revenue and cost factors and includes metallurgical recovery (see footnote 4 for averages). Mineralisation at the US$6,000/hr limit is equivalent to 0.15%Cu, 2.0g/tAg, 156ppmMo with 6,815t/hr mill throughput.
	Sulphide Cu-Zn	Net value per concentrator hour incorporating all material revenue and cost factors and includes metallurgical recovery (see footnote 4 for averages). Mineralisation at the US$6,000/hr limit is equivalent to 0.06%Cu, 0.73%Zn, 4.2g/tAg with 6,384t/hr mill throughput.

Antamina – All metals used in net value calculations are assumed to be recovered into concentrate and sold.

(2)  Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserves were:

Deposit	Proven Reserves	Probable Reserves
Escondida	Oxide: 30m × 30m Sulphide: 50m × 50m Sulphide Leach: 60m × 60m	Oxide: 45m × 45m Sulphide: 90m × 90m Sulphide Leach: 115m × 115m
Cerro Colorado	40m to 50m	100m
Spence	Oxide: maximum 50m × 50m Supergene Sulphide, Transitional Sulphide & Hypogene Sulphide: maximum 70m × 70m	100m × 100m for all ore types
Olympic Dam	20m to 35m	35m to 70m
Antamina	25m to 45m	40m to 80m

(3)  Ore delivered to process plant.

(4)  Metallurgical recoveries for the operations were:

Deposit	Metallurgical recovery
Escondida	Oxide: 58% Sulphide: 84% Sulphide Leach: 40%
Cerro Colorado	Oxide: 75% Supergene Sulphide: 80%
Spence	Oxide: 80% Supergene Sulphide: 82%
Olympic Dam	Cu 94%, U3O8 68%, Au 70%, Ag 63%
Antamina	Sulphide Cu only: Cu 93%, Zn 0%, Ag 84%, Mo 62% Sulphide Cu-Zn: Cu 81%, Zn 85%, Ag 74%, Mo 0%

(5) Metallurgical recoveries based on testwork:

Deposit	Metallurgical recovery
Cerro Colorado	Transitional Sulphide: 65%
Spence	Transitional Sulphide & Hypogene Sulphide: Cu 86%, Mo variable depending on mineralogy

(6) Escondida – Oxide and Sulphide Leach ore types contribute 13 years and 27 years respectively to the reported reserve life.

(7) Cerro Colorado – The decrease in Ore Reserves was mainly due to depletion and a reduction in the nominated production rate with reserve life constrained by mining permit expiry in 2023.

(8) Spence – The decrease in Oxide and Transitional Sulphide ore types was mainly due to depletion. The increase in Supergene Sulphide and Hypogene Sulphide ore types was mainly due to an update in the reserves estimate supported by additional drilling and updated mine design, resulting with an increase in reserve life.

(9) Olympic Dam – The decrease in UG Sulphide ore type and reduction in reserve life was due to updated mine stope designs and depletion partially offset by an updated reserves estimate supported by additional drilling.

(10)  Antamina – The decrease in Ore Reserves and reduction in reserve life was mainly due to depletion.

242

Iron ore(1)

Ore Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

As at 30 June 2021																																										As at 30 June 2020
		Proven Reserves												Probable Reserves												Total Reserves												Reserve life (years)		BHP interest %		Total Reserves												Reserve life (years)
Commodity deposit	Ore type	Mt		%Fe		%P		%SiO2		%Al2O3		%LOI		Mt		%Fe		%P		%SiO2		%Al2O3		%LOI		Mt		%Fe		%P		%SiO2		%Al2O3		%LOI						Mt		%Fe		%P		%SiO2		%Al2O3		%LOI
Iron ore operation
Australia
WAIO(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)	BKM		980		62.8		0.13		3.1		2.1		4.4		1,500		62.1		0.13		3.5		2.2		4.8		2,480		62.4		0.13		3.4		2.2		4.7		15		88		2,480		62.5		0.13		3.3		2.2		4.6		15
	BKM Bene		10		59.6		0.14		7.3		3.4		2.0		10		59.1		0.13		7.9		3.5		2.1		30		59.4		0.13		7.5		3.4		2.0						30		59.7		0.13		7.1		3.3		2.0
	CID		50		56.9		0.05		5.8		1.7		10.6		10		57.9		0.04		4.9		1.5		10.4		60		57.2		0.05		5.6		1.7		10.5						150		57.2		0.05		5.5		1.5		10.6
	MM		810		62.3		0.06		2.8		1.5		6.0		1,070		61.1		0.06		3.6		1.8		6.7		1,880		61.6		0.06		3.2		1.7		6.4						1,800		61.7		0.06		3.1		1.7		6.3

(1)  Samarco – Operations have recommenced and a reserves estimate is in progress.

(2)  Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserves were:

Deposit	Proven Reserves	Probable Reserves
WAIO	50m x 50m	150m x 50m

(3)  WAIO recovery was 100%, except for BKM Bene where Whaleback beneficiation plant recovery was 88% (tonnage basis).

(4)  The Ore Reserves qualities listed refer to in situ mass percentage on a dry weight basis. Wet tonnes are reported for WAIO deposits based on the following moisture contents: BKM – Brockman 3%, BKM Bene – Brockman Beneficiation 3%, CID – Channel Iron Deposits 8%, MM – Marra Mamba 4%. Iron ore is marketed for WAIO as Lump (direct blast furnace feed) and Fines (sinter plant feed).

(5)  Cut-off grades used to estimate Ore Reserves range from 50–62%Fe for all material types. Ore delivered to process facility.

(6)  Ore Reserves are reported on a Pilbara basis by ore type to align with our production of the blended lump products which comprises BKM, BKM Bene and MM ore types and blended fines products including CID. This also reflects our single logistics chain and associated management system.

(7)  BHP interest is reported as Pilbara Ore Reserve tonnes weighted average across all joint ventures which can vary from year to year. BHP ownership varies between 85% and 100%.

(8)  Ore Reserves are all located on State Agreement mining leases that guarantee the right to mine. Across WAIO, State Government approvals (including environmental and heritage clearances) are required before commencing mining operations in a particular area. Included in the Ore Reserves are select areas where one or more approvals remain outstanding, but where, based on the technical investigations carried out as part of the mine planning process and company knowledge and experience of the approvals process, it is expected that such approvals will be obtained as part of the normal course of business and within the time frame required by the current mine schedule.

(9)  The decrease in CID ore type was due to depletion and mine plan changes.

243

Metallurgical coal

Coal Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

As at 30 June 2021																																							As at 30 June 2020
					Proven Reserves		Probable Reserves		Total Reserves		Proven Marketable Reserves								Probable Marketable Reserves								Total Marketable Reserves								Reserve life (years)		BHP interest %		Total Marketable Reserves								Reserve life (years)
Commodity deposit(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)	Mining method		Coal type		Mt		Mt		Mt		Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S		Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S		Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S						Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S
Metallurgical coal operations
Queensland coal
CQCA JV
Goonyella Riverside(6)		OC		Met		494		19		513		391		9.1		25.2		0.53		14		10.9		28.4		0.56		405		9.2		25.3		0.53		31		50		419		9.1		25.3		0.53		35
Broadmeadow(6)		UG		Met		53		106		159		41		8.1		23.9		0.54		67		10.0		23.3		0.55		108		9.3		23.5		0.55						112		9.2		23.5		0.55
Peak Downs(7)(8)		OC		Met/Th		769		296		1,065		455		10.6		21.8		0.58		168		10.6		22.1		0.69		623		10.6		21.8		0.61		38		50		444		10.6		22.3		0.62		27
Caval Ridge		OC		Met		222		111		333		128		11.0		22.3		0.57		68		11.0		22.4		0.57		196		11.0		22.3		0.57		27		50		196		11.0		22.2		0.57		27
Saraji(7)(9)		OC		Met/Th		457		54		511		294		10.5		17.9		0.63		24		10.6		19.2		0.88		318		10.5		18.0		0.65		31		50		339		10.5		18.0		0.65		33
Norwich Park(10)		OC		Met		159		70		229		116		10.3		16.8		0.70		49		10.2		16.6		0.70		165		10.3		16.7		0.70		65		50		165		10.3		16.7		0.70		65
Blackwater(7)(11)		OC		Met/Th		161		225		386		140		8.8		26.5		0.43		191		9.1		26.2		0.42		331		9.0		26.3		0.42		25		50		352		9.0		26.3		0.42		27
Daunia(12)		OC		Met/PCI		60		25		85		53		8.1		20.4		0.34		20		8.3		20.0		0.35		73		8.2		20.2		0.34		16		50		80		8.2		20.3		0.34		17
BHP Mitsui Coal
South Walker Creek(13)		OC		Met/PCI		87		36		123		69		9.2		13.6		0.29		29		9.2		13.2		0.29		98		9.2		13.5		0.29		15		80		102		9.2		13.5		0.29		16
Poitrel(14)		OC		Met		24		24		48		20		7.9		23.0		0.31		19		8.4		23.3		0.31		39		8.1		23.1		0.31		8.5		80		44		8.1		23.1		0.31		9.6

(1)  Cut-off criteria applied were: Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, Norwich Park, Saraji ³ 0.5m seam thickness; Caval Ridge ³ 0.4m seam thickness; Blackwater, Daunia, South Walker Creek, Poitrel ³ 0.3m seam thickness; Broadmeadow ³ 2.5m seam thickness.

(2)  Only geophysically logged, fully analysed cored holes with greater than 95% recovery (or <± 10% expected error at 95% confidence for Goonyella Riverside Broadmeadow) were used to classify Coal Reserves. Drill hole spacings vary between seams and geological domains and were determined in conjunction with geostatistical analysis where applicable. The range of maximum drill hole spacings used to classify the Coal Reserves were:

Deposit	Proven Reserves	Probable Reserves
Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow	900m to 1,300m plus 3D seismic coverage for UG	1,750m to 2,400m
Peak Downs	250m to 1,500m	500m to 2,500m
Caval Ridge	500m to 1,050m	500m to 2,100m
Saraji	450m to 1,800m	800m to 2,600m
Norwich Park	500m to 1,400m	1,000m to 2,800m
Blackwater	450m to 1,000m	900m to 1,850m
Daunia	450m to 850m	900m to 1,400m
South Walker Creek	400m to 800m	650m to 1,500m
Poitrel	300m to 550m	600m to 1,050m

(3)  Product recoveries for the operations were:

Deposit	Product recovery
Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow	74%
Peak Downs	59%
Caval Ridge	59%
Saraji	63%
Norwich Park	71%
Blackwater	86%
Daunia	85%
South Walker Creek	78%
Poitrel	79%

(4)  Total Coal Reserves were at the moisture content when mined (4% CQCA JV and BHP Mitsui Coal). Total Marketable Reserves were at a product specification moisture content (9.5-10% Goonyella Riverside Broadmeadow; 9.5% Peak Downs; 10% Caval Ridge; 10.1% Saraji; 10-11% Norwich Park; 7.5-11.5% Blackwater; 10-10.5% Daunia; 9% South Walker Creek; 10-12% Poitrel) and at an air-dried quality basis for sale after the beneficiation of the Total Coal Reserves.

(5)  Coal delivered to handling plant.

(6)  Goonyella Riverside and Broadmeadow deposits use the same infrastructure and reserve life applies to both. The decrease in reserve life was mainly due to depletion and an increase in nominated production rate.

(7)  Percentage of secondary thermal products for Coal Reserves with coal type Met/Th are: Peak Downs 1.7%; Saraji 1.0%; Blackwater 14%. Contributions may vary year on year based on market demand.

(8)  Peak Downs – The increase in Coal Reserves and reserve life was mainly due to conversion of tenure from an exploration lease to a mining lease.

(9)  Saraji – The decrease in Coal Reserves and reserve life was mainly due to depletion.

(10)  Norwich Park – Remains on care and maintenance.

(11)  Blackwater – The decrease in Coal Reserves was mainly due to depletion and exclusion of reserves to allow for in-pit tailings storage.

(12)  Daunia – The decrease in Coal Reserves and reserve life was mainly due to depletion and changes in the mine plan.

(13)  South Walker Creek – The decrease in reserve life was due to depletion.

(14)  Poitrel – The decrease in Coal Reserves and reserve life was due to depletion.

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Energy coal

Coal Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

As at 30 June 2021																																													As at 30 June 2020
Commodity deposit(1)(2)(3)(4)	Mining method		Coal type		Proven Reserves		Probable Reserves		Total Reserves		Proven Marketable Reserves										Probable Marketable Reserves										Total Marketable Reserves										Reserve life (years)		BHP interest %		Total Marketable Reserves										Reserve life (years)
					Mt		Mt		Mt		Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S		KCal/ kg CV		Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S		KCal/ kg CV		Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S		KCal/ kg CV						Mt		%Ash		%VM		%S		KCal/ kg CV
Energy coal
Australia
Mt Arthur Coal(5)(6)		OC		Th		97		40		137		63		15.8		30.9		0.53		5,870		26		15.8		30.9		0.53		5,870		89		15.8		30.9		0.53		5,870		7.5		100		436		15.3		28.4		0.49		6,050		20
Colombia
Cerrejón(7)(8)(9)		OC		Th		255		89		344		248		9.6		32.3		0.60		6,200		87		10.6		32.8		0.63		6,240		335		9.9		32.4		0.61		6,210		13		33.33		319		11.8		32.6		0.61		6,032		14

(1)  Cut-off criteria:

Deposit	Coal Reserves
Mt Arthur Coal	³ 0.3m seam thickness, £32%ash, ³40% coal plant yield
Cerrejón	³ 0.35m seam thickness

(2)  Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserves were:

Deposit	Proven Reserves	Probable Reserves
Mt Arthur Coal	200m to 800m (geophysically logged, >95% core recovery)	400m to 1,550m (geophysically logged, >95% core recovery)
Cerrejón	>6 drill holes per 100ha	2 to 6 drill holes per 100ha

(3)  Product recoveries for the operations were:

Deposit	Product recovery
Mt Arthur Coal	74%
Cerrejón	97%

(4)  Total Coal Reserves were at the moisture content when mined (8.5% Mt Arthur Coal; 12.4% Cerrejón). Total Marketable Reserves were at a product specific moisture content (9.5% Mt Arthur Coal; 12.9% Cerrejón) and at an ‘as received’ quality basis for Mt Arthur Coal and at a total moisture quality basis for Cerrejón.

(5)  Mt Arthur Coal – Coal delivered to handling plant.

(6)  Mt Arthur Coal – The decrease in Marketable Coal Reserves and reserve life was mainly due to changes in geotechnical parameters, costs and lower commodity prices impacting mine design.

(7)  Cerrejón – Divestment of Cerrejón is in progress.

(8)  Cerrejón – The increase in Marketable Coal Reserves was due to changes in mine design and an increase in nominated annual production rate. Coal is beneficiated by exception.

(9)  Cerrejón – In response to ongoing local community legal challenges, some permits remain suspended. BHP continues to monitor the situation for potential impact on mining.

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Other assets

Ore Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

As at 30 June 2021																			As at 30 June 2020
Commodity deposit(1)(2)(3)(4)			Proven Reserves				Probable Reserves				Total Reserves				Reserve life (years)		BHP interest %		Total Reserves				Reserve life (years)
	Ore type		Mt		%Ni		Mt		%Ni		Mt		%Ni						Mt		%Ni
Nickel West Operations
Leinster(5)		OC		1.2		0.61		0.76		0.62		2.0		0.61		9.0		100		3.9		0.74		8.0
		UG		–		–		5.0		1.6		5.0		1.6						5.1		1.6
Mt Keith(6)		OC		65		0.57		19		0.55		84		0.57		15		100		84		0.57		15
		SP		2.6		0.52		0.99		0.45		3.6		0.49						7.1		0.58
Yakabindie		OC		54		0.59		45		0.60		99		0.59		9.2		100		96		0.61		8.9

(1)  Cut-off criteria:

Deposit	Ore type	Ore Reserves
Leinster	OC	³ 0.40%Ni
	UG	³ 0.90%Ni
Mt Keith	OC	³ 0.35%Ni and ³ 0.18% recoverable Ni
	SP	–
Yakabindie	OC	³ 0.35%Ni and ³ 0.18% recoverable Ni

(2)  Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserve were:

Deposit	Proven Reserves	Probable Reserves
Leinster	25m × 25m	25m × 50m
Mt Keith	40m × 40m	80m × 80m
Yakabindie	40m × 60m	80m × 60m

(3)  Ore delivered to the process plant.

(4)  Metallurgical recovery for the operations were:

Deposit		Metallurgical recovery
Leinster	OC	80%
	UG	88%
Mt Keith		63%
Yakabindie		63%

(5)  Leinster – The decrease in OC ore type was due to depletion. The increase in the reserve life was due to a decrease in nominated annual production rate. OC and UG ore types contribute 6 years and 9 years respectively to the reported reserve life.

(6)  Mt Keith – The decrease in SP ore type was due to depletion.

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4.7    Major projects

Capital and exploration expenditure of US$7.1 billion in FY2021 was in line with guidance. This included maintenance(1) expenditure of US$2.3 billion and exploration expenditure of US$514 million.

Capital and exploration expenditure of approximately US$6.7 billion for minerals and US$2.3 billion for petroleum is expected in FY2022. In total, this is US$0.5 billion higher than previous guidance predominantly due to unfavourable impacts of a stronger Australian dollar. Guidance is subject to exchange rate movements.

This guidance includes a US$800 million exploration program in FY2022, with approximately US$260 million for our minerals exploration program and approximately US$540 million for our petroleum exploration and appraisal program.

In August 2021, the BHP Board approved two major projects:

• an investment of US$5.7 billion (C$7.5 billion) for the Jansen Stage 1 Potash Project in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada

• an investment of US$544 million for the Shenzi North development in the US Gulf of Mexico, following the successful acquisition of an additional 28 per cent working interest in Shenzi in November 2020. The capital expenditure approved represents a 100 per cent share interest. BHP is operator and holds a 72 per cent share in Shenzi North. Repsol holds the remaining 28 per cent working interest and is expected to make a Final Investment Decision later this calendar year

At the end of the 2021 financial year, BHP had two major projects under development, which were Mad Dog Phase 2 in petroleum and Jansen mine shafts in potash. Both of these projects are tracking to plan.

Commodity	Project and ownership	Project scope / capacity(2)	Date of initial production			Capital expenditure (US$M)(1)
				Target		Budget
Projects achieved first production during the 2021 financial year
Petroleum	Atlantis Phase 3 (US Gulf of Mexico) 44% (non-operator)	New subsea production system that will tie back to the existing Atlantis facility, with capacity to produce up to 38,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day. First production achieved in July 2020, ahead of schedule and on budget.			CY2020		696
Copper	Spence Growth Option (Chile)	New 95 ktpd concentrator is expected to incrementally increase Spence’s payable copper in concentrate production by approximately 185 ktpa in the first 10 years of operation and extend the mining operations by more than 50 years. First production achieved in December 2020, on schedule and on budget.			FY2021		2,460
Iron Ore	South Flank (Australia) 85% (operator)	Sustaining iron ore mine to replace production from the 80Mtpa (100 per cent basis) Yandi Mine. First production achieved in May 2021, on schedule and on budget.			CY2021		3,061
Petroleum	Ruby (Trinidad and Tobago) 68.46% (operator)	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.			CY2021		283

(1)  Maintenance capital includes non-discretionary spend for the following purposes: deferred development and production stripping; risk reduction, compliance and asset integrity.

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Commodity	Project and ownership	Project scope / capacity(2)	Date of initial production			Capital expenditure (US$M)
				Target		Budget
Projects in execution at 30 June 2021
Petroleum	Mad Dog Phase 2 (US Gulf of Mexico) 23.9% (non-operator)	New floating production facility with the capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross barrels of crude oil per day. On schedule and on budget. The overall project is 93% complete.			CY2022		2,154
Other projects in progress at 30 June 2021
Potash(3)	Jansen Potash Project (Canada) 100%	Investment to finish the excavation and lining of the production and service shafts, and continue the installation of essential surface infrastructure and utilities.					2,972

(2)  Unless noted otherwise, references to capacity are on a 100 per cent basis, references to capital expenditure from subsidiaries are reported on a 100 per cent basis and references to capital expenditure from joint operations reflect BHP’s share.

(3) Capital expenditure of approximately US$100 million (related to the above scope) is expected for FY2022.

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4.8    Sustainability – performance data

Definition and calculation of sustainability performance metrics

We use sustainability performance metrics (SPMs) to assess progress against our sustainability commitments and targets. These metrics are commonly used by many of our stakeholders and most are industry standard.

Management also uses the SPMs to evaluate our sustainability performance against the positive and negative impacts of our operational activities.

We align our SPMs with credible international standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability reporting standards, to ensure our performance is relevant and assessed against a range of reporting.

The SPMs listed in the tables below relate to each SPM for the year ended 30 June 2021. We have obtained external limited assurance over our disclosures in this section as well as in section 1.12 People and culture and 1.13 Sustainability.

A definition and explanation that outlines why we believe the SPMs are useful to the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders, and the methodology behind our most material SPMs is provided in our methodology tables disclosed in our online ESG Standards and Databook and below.

People-related metrics

Our global workforce is the foundation of our business and we believe supporting the wellbeing of our people and promoting an inclusive and diverse culture are vital for maintaining a competitive advantage. The SPMs for gender, employment type and turnover are key indicators, which allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to measure and track our near and long-term progress.

Reference and SPM

Section 1.12 People and culture and section 4.8.1 People – performance data FY2021 – Workforce by gender, region, category and employment type

Methodology

Proportional data for average number of employees is based on the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for a 10-month period from July to April, which is then used as the average for the FY2021. The number and average number (and percentages) of employees by region shows the weighted average number of employees based on BHP ownership. Contractor data is collected from internal surveys and the organisation’s systems and averages for a 10-month period from July 2020 to April 2021, which is then used as the average for the FY2021. The gender numbers in section 1.12 People and culture are a ‘point in time’ snapshot at 30 June 2021 used in internal management reporting for the purposes of monitoring progress against our aspirational goal of a gender-balanced workforce by FY2025. There is no significant seasonal variation in employment numbers. These methodologies have been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 102-8 and GRI standard 405-1.

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Reference and SPM

Section 1.12 People and culture and section 4.8.1 People – performance data FY2021 – Employee new hires and turnover

Methodology

Data for employee new hires, including by gender, age group and region, is based on the number of employee new hires for a 10-month period from July 2020 through to April 2021 divided by the average number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for the same period, which is then used to calculate a weighted average for FY2021 based on our operated assets. Employee new hires refers to all employment types. Data for employee turnover, including by gender, age group and region, is based on the number of employee new terminations for a 10-month period from July 2020 through to April 2021 divided by the average number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for the same period, which is then used to calculate a weighted average for FY2021 based on our operated assets. Employee new terminations refers to all employment types. These methodologies have been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 401-1.

Health and safety-related metrics

Our highest priority is the safety of our people and the communities where we operate. This is why we focus on identifying safety risks and implementing controls designed to minimise the likelihood and potential impact of those risks. The health and safety SPMs allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to measure and track health and safety performance at our operated assets, including trends related to personal injuries, occupational illness and exposures. We focus on strengthening in-field verification of material and fatal risks, enhancing our internal investigation process, widely sharing and applying lessons, and enabling additional quality field time to engage our workforce.

Reference and SPM

Section 1.13.3 Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs; section 1.13.4 Safety and section 4.8.2 Health and Safety – performance data FY2021 – TRIF

Methodology

TRIF (total recordable injury frequency) is an indicator highlighting broad personal injury trends and refers to the number of recordable injuries per hours worked during the financial year. TRIF equals the sum of (fatalities + lost-time cases + restricted work cases + medical treatment cases) x 1,000,000 (or 200,000) ÷ actual hours worked. In accordance with SASB Metals and Mining Standard, we also report TRIF per 200,000 hours worked. BHP adopts the US Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injury and illnesses. TRIF statistics exclude non-operated assets. Year-on-year improvement of TRIF is one of our five-year sustainability targets and is one of the indicators used to assess our safety performance. FY2016 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations. This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 403-9 and OSHA guidelines.

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Reference and SPM

Section 1.13.4 Safety and section 4.8.2 Health and Safety – performance data FY2021 – High-potential injury events

Methodology

High-potential injury (HPI) events refers to the number of recordable injuries and first aid cases where there was the potential for a fatality during the financial year. HPIs event trends remain a primary focus to assess progress against our most important safety objective: to eliminate fatalities, and provides insight into our performance on preventing future fatalities. The basis of calculation for HPIs was revised in FY2020 from event count to injury count as part of a safety reporting methodology improvement. FY2016 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations. This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 403-9.

Reference and SPM

Section 1.13.5 Health and section 4.8.2 Health and Safety – performance data FY2021 – Occupational illness incidence

Methodology

An occupational illness is an illness that occurs as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure and includes acute or chronic illnesses or diseases, which may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion or direct contact. Illness is determined by reference to the US OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook. Occupational illness incidence is a lag indicator highlighting broad occupational illness trends and refers to the number of employees that suffer from an occupational illness per million hours worked during the financial year. Incidence of occupational illness is used to identify situations where exposure controls were effective (no illness occurrence) and where exposure controls were potentially ineffective (illness occurs). It also informs priorities for exposure reduction projects. The data for FY2016 to FY2018 includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations. FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018 and Continuing operations. The data excludes potential work-related COVID-19 cases. This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 403-10 and the OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook.

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Reference and SPM	Section 1.13.3 Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs and section 4.8.2 Health and Safety – performance data FY2021 – Occupational exposures
Methodology	Occupational exposures refers to the number of employees who have potential exposure to an agent in the workplace that exceeds either regulatory or the sometimes stricter BHP internal occupational exposure limits (OELs). These employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Reported occupational exposure data discounts the effect of the PPE worn. BHP has adopted a five-year sustainability target to reduce by at least 50 per cent (compared to the adjusted FY2017 exposure data) the number of employees exposed to diesel exhaust particulate matter, coal mine dust and silica.
	An OEL is the level of exposure to an agent to which it is believed nearly all people may be repeatedly exposed throughout a working life without adverse effect. The exposure profile is derived through a combination of quantitative exposure measurements and qualitative assessments undertaken by specialist occupational hygienists consistent with best practice as defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. The 95 per cent upper confidence limit of the mean exposure is compared to our OELs. Where employees are exposed in excess of an OEL: •   exposure controls in accordance with the hierarchy of control must be implemented •   PPE is provided and must be worn •   health surveillance must be undertaken Quantitative occupational exposure measurements are undertaken to provide assurance that implemented controls remain effective.

Community-related metrics

We seek to create and contribute to social value in the communities where we operate through the positive social and economic benefits generated by our core business, our constructive engagement and advocacy on important issues and our contribution as community partners. Our community SPMs allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to track our performance in contributing to social value in the communities where we operate and monitor our relationships and engagement with this important stakeholder group.

Reference and SPM

Section 1.13.3 Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs and section 1.13.11 Social investment – Social investment spend

Methodology

Our voluntary social investment is calculated as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit. Social investment is our voluntary contribution towards projects or donations with the primary purpose of contributing to the resilience of the communities where we operate and the environment, aligned with our broader business priorities. By building common ground through collective impact and partnerships, our social investments will purposefully create social value to strengthen the communities where we operate, to improve the resilience of the natural environment and address the strategic priorities of the business. Donations from BHP to the BHP Foundation are included in the calculation of our 1 per cent target as are the costs of administering our social investment programs. The Sustainability Committee reviews our social investment spend on a quarterly basis. Our social investment spend is one of the metrics used to monitor our performance against our commitment to making a contribution to social value and meeting our five-year sustainability target.

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Reference and SPM

Section 1.13.3 Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs and section 1.13.8 Community – Significant community events

Methodology

A significant event resulting from BHP-operated activities is one with an actual severity rating of four or above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum requirements for risk management. A significant community event is an event that could have a serious or severe impact on the community (including impacts to livelihoods, infrastructure, health, safety, security or cultural heritage) or a substantiated human rights violation. This metric assists the Board and management in monitoring BHP’s social performance and is one indicator of the health of our relationship with the communities where we operate. This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 413-2 and GRI standard MM6.

Reference and SPM	Section 1.13.8 Community and section 4.8.3 Society – performance data FY2021 – Community complaints
Methodology	Community complaints refers to a verbal or written notification made directly to a BHP representative by a member of a community relating to an alleged adverse impact on that community arising from BHP’s activities and/or employee or contractor behaviour. Trends in community complaints are analysed by management every six months. This data is used as one of the inputs for management to determine whether we are operating within our risk appetite. This metric assists the Board and management to monitor BHP’s social performance and is one indicator of the health of our relationship with the communities where we operate.
	This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard MM7.

Environment-related metrics

We acknowledge the nature of our operations can have significant environmental impacts. Our environmental SPMs allow the Board and management to manage and monitor the inherent risks relating to and any adverse impacts our operations may have on air quality, water resources, biodiversity and habitats. They also allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to measure and track our performance towards our environmental commitments. These measures are used to inform strategic focus areas, support planning and investments in infrastructure and identify improvement opportunities that potentially reduce environmental impacts. BHP respects legally designated protected areas and commits to avoiding areas or activities where we consider the environmental risk is outside BHP’s risk appetite. Additionally, our operations and growth strategy depend on obtaining and maintaining access to environmental resources, such as land and water. Significant environmental events and incidents of non-compliance, such as tailings storage facilities failures, can lead to costly environmental liabilities, which hinder our growth and expansion strategies.

Reference and SPM	Section 1.13.14 Land and biodiversity and section 4.8.4 Environment – performance data – Land owned, leased or managed, Land disturbed, Land rehabilitated and Land set aside for conservation.
Methodology	Land may refer to sea, lake or river beds if appropriate and includes land for infrastructure to support extractive operations. Land disturbed includes the total land area at the time of reporting that is physically impacted by the activities of the business that substantially disrupts the pre-existing habitats and land cover.
	Land managed for conservation is the total area at the time of reporting managed for the purposes of biodiversity conservation only. It includes land that the business has formally assigned and manages as a compensatory action as well as other land that the business has protected from disturbance activities and manages for conservation. Land data is calculated as the total land area owned, leased or managed by BHP as at 30 June of the reporting year, expressed as hectares. Data does not include land managed for rehabilitation or conservation as part of voluntary social investment. This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard MM1 and these metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the magnitude of land that is under direct control of the company and its operational footprint.

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Reference and SPM	Section 1.13.3 Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs; section 1.13.13 Water and section 4.8.6 Water – performance data – Water withdrawals, Water discharges, Water diversions, Water consumption, Water Recycling/Reuse, Water storage and Water stress
Methodology	Water withdrawals The volume of water, in megalitres (ML), received and intended for use by the operated asset from the water environment and/or a third-party supplier. We disclose water withdrawal in ML by operated asset and source (sea, ground and surface waters and third party) as defined in section 4.11.4). Volumes by quality type (as defined in section 4.11.4) are also disclosed. Withdrawal volumes disclosed per annum include rainfall and runoff volumes captured and used during the reporting year. Rainfall and runoff volumes that have been captured and stored are excluded in withdrawals and will be reported in the future year of use. Withdrawal volumes also include water entrained (as defined in section 4.11.4) in ore. Water withdrawal metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the significance of our water resource use, collectively for the Group and by individual operated assets, and to assess trends over time. It also helps inform investment in infrastructure to reduce water withdrawals and improve efficiency of water use.
	Water discharges The volume of water, in ML, removed from the operated asset and returned to the environment and/or distributed to a third party. This may include discharge to sea, surface waters, groundwater seepage or aquifer reinjection. We disclose water discharges in ML by operated asset and destination. Volumes by quality type (as defined in section 4.11.4) are also disclosed. Water discharge metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the amount of water that operated assets must handle and release in line with water quality requirements. It also helps inform investment in infrastructure to improve water quality, reduce water withdrawals and improve efficiency of water use. Water diversions The volume of water, in ML, that is actively managed by an operated asset but not used for any operational purposes. Diversions are reported as both withdrawals and discharges and may include: •   flood waters that are discharged to an external surface water body •   dewatering volumes produced by aquifer interception that are reinjected to groundwater or discharged to surface water

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•   ground or surface water that is removed by or supplied to a third party, such as a community

•   water removed as part of accessing crude oil that is returned to the sea without use

•   water used for ecosystem irrigation

Withdrawal and discharge of diverted water may occur in different annual reporting periods, so in any given annual period there may be a differential between withdrawals and discharges for diverted water.

Water diversion metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the volumes of water handled by the operated asset. This information assists in forecasting water management costs and identifying opportunities to reduce them.

Water consumption

The volume of water, in ML, used by the operated asset and not returned to the environment or a third party. We disclose consumption by total consumption and use (evaporation, entrainment and other as defined in section 4.11.4).

Water consumption metrics assist the Board and management in the planning of water supplies and infrastructure for future production, expansions or new projects. The metrics are also used to identify the areas where we have opportunity to reduce water use.

Water recycled/reused

The volume of water, in ML, that is reused or recycled at an operated asset. Reused water is water that has previously being used at the operated asset that is used again without further treatment. Recycled water is water that is reused but is treated before it is used again.

Water recycled/reused metrics assist the Board and management in assessing opportunities to reduce water withdrawals. These metrics assist with comparisons of water recycling/reuse performance and trends between our operated assets and with peers, which can be used to inform and prioritise reuse and recycling improvements and technological investments.

Water stress

Water stress is defined as the ability, or lack thereof, to meet human and ecological demand for fresh water consistent with the definition provided by the CEO Water Mandate. It is a broad term that considers a number of physical aspects, including water availability, quality and accessibility. For example, water stress may be considered to be high if water resources are physically scarce; are not directly suitable for use due to quality constraints; or are not available for access due to regulatory restrictions or a lack of infrastructure.

Water stress contributes to the overall baseline risk profile of a site or location.

These methodologies have been prepared in accordance with the ICMM A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting for the Mining and Metals Industry (Version 1), GRI standard 303-3, GRI standard 303-4 and GRI standard 303-5. These metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the volumes of water that BHP interacts with and the water volume and use efficiency trends over time.

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Reference and SPM

Section 4.8.4 Environment – performance data – Mineral waste (including tailings)

Methodology

Mineral waste refers to the large quantities of material arising as a result of extractive activities. Non-product materials (overburden) have to be removed to give access to product-bearing material (ores), which are processed, physically or chemically, to release them from their matrix and convert them into output products and waste products (tailings, slags, sludges, slimes or other process residues). For minerals waste, the figures represent the total deposited in the reporting year, expressed as kilotonnes (kt). Mineral waste (hazardous) Includes the following if classified as hazardous by local legislation: •   mineral waste from raw or intermediate materials that have been processed as part of the production sequence, such as beneficiation, refining and smelting •   tailings, slimes, sludge, residues, slag, fly ash, gypsum, coal rejects Includes non-hazardous waste co-disposed/mingled with hazardous material. Excludes any hazardous mineral waste that is rehandled to prevent double counting. Tailings waste (non-hazardous) Includes tailings, slimes and residue resulting from the processing of ore which is not classified as hazardous by local legislation. This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard MM3. These metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the volumes and types of waste generated and trends over time.

Reference and SPM

Section 1.13.3 Our sustainability performance: Non-financial KPIs and section 1.13.12 Environment – Significant environmental events

Methodology

A significant event resulting from BHP operated activities is one with an actual severity rating of four and above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum requirements for risk management. The severity rating considers the nature, extent and duration of the impact and any corrective actions required to restore ecosystem function. This metric assists the Board and management in monitoring BHP’s environment performance and is one indicator of the impacts on the environments where we operate.

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4.8.1    People – performance data FY2021(1)(2)

Workforce data and diversity by region for FY2021

Region	Average number and % of employees			Employees by gender number and %								Average number and % of contractors(2)			Average no. hours (EE) absenteeism rate(3)
				Male		Male %		Female		Female %
Asia		1,907	5.5		735		38.5		1,172		61.5		2,474	5.9		27.4
Australia		23,828	69.1		17,530		73.6		6,298		26.4		21,467	51.2		88.5
Europe		54	0.2		25		46.3		29		53.7		8	<0.1		3.0
North America		1,299	3.8		840		64.7		459		35.3		1,333	3.2		31.6
South America		7,390	21.4		5,674		76.8		1,716		23.2		16,630	39.7		59.3
Total		34,478	100.0		24,804		71.9		9,674		28.1		41,912	100.0		77.7

Employees by category and diversity for FY2021

Category	Total %		Gender %				Age group %								Ratio male to female
			Male %		Female %		Under 30		30–39		40–49		50+		Average basic salary US$		Average total remuneration US$
Senior leaders		0.7		72.1		27.9		0.0		12.0		53.9		34.1		1.08		1.13
Managers		3.3		70.1		29.9		0.4		28.2		45.5		25.9		1.05		1.08
Supervisory and professional		40.0		67.3		32.7		10.2		40.9		30.9		18.0		1.14		1.17
Operators and general support		56.0		76.4		23.6		17.3		30.3		27.1		25.3		1.28		1.33

Employment category	Total %		Gender %				Region %
			Male		Female		Asia		Australia		Europe		North America		South America
Full time		94.7		73.5		26.5		5.1		71.4		0.1		3.6		19.8
Part time		2.8		53.8		46.2		0.2		98.5		0.5		0.8		0
Fixed term full time		2.4		57.7		42.3		4.7		71.6		<0.1		0.2		23.5
Fixed term part time		0.1		31.3		68.7		3.1		96.9		0		0		0
Casual		<0.1		50		50		0		100		0		0		0

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Turnover and new hires for FY2021

	Total			Gender						Age group												Region
				Male			Female			Under 30			30–39			40–49			Over 50			Asia			Australia			Europe			North America			South America
Employee new hires		5,813			3,225			2,588			1,860			2,029			1,217			707			194			4,979			5			76			559
		15.22	%		24.64	%		11.64	%		35.41	%		15.46	%		10.82	%		8.24	%		10.17	%		18.07	%		9.26	%		5.85	%		7.56	%
	Total			Gender						Age group												Region
				Male			Female			Under 30			30–39			40–49			Over 50			Asia			Australia			Europe			North America			South America
Employee turnover		4,264			2,988			1,276			768			1,355			1,054			1,087			254			3,118			6			118			768
		11.16	%		10.79	%		12.15	%		14.62	%		10.32	%		9.37	%		12.67	%		13.32	%		11.32	%		11.11	%		9.08	%		10.39	%

Employee remuneration for FY2021

Ratio male to female

Ratio highest to median(4)

Ratio standard entry level wage to local minimum wage(5)

Region

Average basic salary US$

Average total remuneration US$

Salary increase percentage

Total remuneration

Male

Female

Asia

1.65

1.75

0:1

88:1

4:1

4:1

Australia

1.12

1.14

0:1

53:1

3:1

2:1

Europe

1.40

1.49

0:1

4:1

North America

1.17

1.19

13:1

South America

0.86

0.96

77:1

4:1

4:1

Total

1.12

1.14

Employee parental leave for FY2021(7)

By gender	Number of employees
	Parental leave		Due to return		Return to work		Return rate %
Female		830		384		352		92
Male		717		489		473		97
Total		1,547		873		825		95

Employee parental leave for FY2020(7)

By gender	Number of employees								Percentage
	Parental leave		Due to return		Return to work		Returned and Retained		Return rate %		Retention Rate %
Female		731		361		334		309		93		93
Male		570		411		405		378		99		93
Total		1,301		772		739		687		96		93

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Employee regular performance discussion records for FY2021(8)

Region	Male %		Female %		Overall %
Asia		91.3		92.6		92.1
Australia		92.5		91.6		92.2
Europe		96.2		92.9		94.4
North America		84.3		91.5		86.9
South America		95.6		93.9		95.0
Total		92.4		92.0		92.2

Category	Male %		Female %		Overall %
Senior leaders		90.8		90.6		90.7
Managers		93.1		93.5		93.3
Supervisory and professional		94.3		94.5		94.4
Operators and general support		90.2		88.6		89.7
Total		92.4		92		92.2

Active employee workforce globally on collective bargaining agreements(9)

Region	Collective agreements %		Non-collective agreements %
Asia		0		100
Australia		49		51
Europe		0		100
North America		0		100
South America		80		20
Total		51		49

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Employee training for FY2021(6)

	Average number of hours
Category	Total		Male		Total
Senior leaders		8		9		8
Managers		14		12		14
Supervisory and professional		23		19		21
Operators and general support		32		114		51
Total		28		64		38

(1) Proportional data in the People section are based on the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for a 10-month period which calculates the average for the year with the exception of the average number (and %) of employees in the data tables by region which shows the weighted average number of employees based on BHP ownership. There is no significant seasonal variation in employment numbers.

(2) Contractor data is collected from internal surveys and the organisation systems and averages for a 10-month period.

(3) Absenteeism comprises sick leave, hospitalisation leave, injury on duty, short-term disability, unauthorised absence, industrial action, union absence, leave without pay, unpaid absence and workers’ compensation.

(4) The salary increase ratio represents the percentage increase in annual total compensation for the highest-paid individual to the median percentage increase in annual total compensation for all employees (excluding the highest-paid individual) in the same location for each significant region. Salary increases do not include promotional increases. Contractors are excluded from the remuneration data.

(5) Individuals classified as entry level are those in operations and general support roles and have been with the company for less than one year. Minimum wage is determined for all locations with the exception of Singapore and Switzerland as they do not have a minimum wage mandated by their respective governments and therefore have been excluded from the calculation. Contractors are excluded from the remuneration data.

(6) The number of training hours has been annualised using data from a 10-month period, July to April, to determine a total for the year. Percentages are calculated using the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for the same 10-month period. This data includes the training provided to apprentices and trainees as part of the FutureFit Academy in Australia during FY2021, which totals more than 500,000 hours (on average over 1,100 hours per employee).

(7) The calculation includes primary parental leave only and does not include secondary parental leave. Secondary parental leave is a two-week parental leave benefit for the non-primary caregiver. All BHP employees are eligible for parental leave. Retention rate for employees that returned from parental leave in FY2020 calculated as at least 12 months from date of return.

(8) Data reflects the number of employees as at 30 June 2021 that have at least one performance review record in our core HR system for performance review records. Performance review records for some employees at operations in Chile and Australia are not recorded in the core HR system and not captured in this data.

(9) Data at 30 April 2021, no major fluctuation in workforce throughout the year.

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4.8.2    Health and Safety – performance data FY2021

Regional summary for FY2021(1)

Per 1,000,000 hours worked

	Employee fatalities		Contractor fatalities		Employee TRIF		Contractor TRIF		Employee occupational illness incidence(2)		Contractor occupational illness incidence(2)		Employee high potential injury frequency(3)		Contractor high potential injury frequency(3)
Asia		0		0		0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0
Australia		0		0		4.5		5.4		5.1		2.5		0.1		0.3
Europe		0		0		0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0
North America		0		0		0.0		1.8		1.4		0.4		0.0		0.4
South America		0		0		0.9		2.0		3.6		1.0		0.2		0.2
Total		0		0		3.3		4.0		4.4		1.9		0.1		0.3

Injury rates for FY2021(1)

SASB basis – per 200,000 hours worked

		Employees		Contractors
Total recordable injury frequency	Per 200,000 hours worked		0.67		0.80
High potential injury events frequency(3)	Per 200,000 hours worked		0.02		0.05
High consequence injury events frequency	Per 200,000 hours worked		0.07		0.04
Number of recordable work-related injuries			235		385
Number of high consequence work-related injuries			25		19
Number of hours worked			70,648,290		96,323,097

(1) Due to the lag nature of incident reporting and subsequent verification, final results may vary post reporting.

(2) Occupational illnesses excludes COVID-19 related data.

(3) High potential injuries (HPI) are recordable injuries and first aid cases where there was the potential for a fatality.

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Average hours of health, safety and emergency response training

Type	Average number of hours
Employee	11.45

The number of training hours has been annualised using data from a 10-month period, July to April, to determine a total for the year. Percentages are calculated using the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for the same 10-month period. The training relates to the health, safety, or emergency preparedness of employees with respect to occupational risks or hazards to which employees are reasonably likely to be exposed as assessed by BHP. This includes training related to general health and safety behavioral expectations covered in Our Code of Conduct, Inductions and general leadership courses.

Significant fines for non-compliance with health, safety and environmental laws and/or regulations

	Number of fines								Total monetary value of fines (US$)
	Environmental(1)		Health		Safety		Other(2)		Environmental(1)		Health		Safety		Other(2)
Australia		3		0		0		0	US$	30,933	US$	0	US$	0	US$	0
Europe		0		0		0		0	US$	0	US$	0	US$	0	US$	0
North America		0		0		0		0	US$	0	US$	0	US$	0	US$	0
South America		1		6		0		1	US$	4,593	US$	48,494	US$	0	US$	342

(1) Does not include the dam failure at Samarco, our non-operated minerals joint venture.

(2) Includes a fine at Escondida relating to a building permit under general construction and town planning laws (US$340).

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4.8.3    Society – performance data FY2021

Community complaints

Blasting	9
Cultural heritage	1
Conduct/behaviour	7
Dust	6
Infrastructure damage	4
Lighting	14
Noise	20
Odour	22
Other	11
Road/rail	4
Spill or contamination	1
Water	4
Total	103

Indigenous peoples territories(1)

Country	Operations located in or adjacent to Indigenous peoples’ territories		Operations with a formal agreement with Indigenous peoples
Australia		24		13
Canada		6		1
Chile		2		2
Mexico		0		0
Trinidad and Tobago		0		0
USA		5		0

(1) The term Operations includes proven and probable reserves.

4.8.4    Environment – performance data

Not required for US reporting.

4.8.5    Climate change – performance data

Not required for US reporting.

4.8.6    Water – performance data

Not required for US reporting.

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4.9    Legal proceedings

The Group is involved from time to time in legal proceedings and governmental investigations of a character normally incidental to our business, including claims and pending actions against it seeking damages, or clarification or prosecution of legal rights and regulatory inquiries regarding business practices. Insurance or other indemnification protection may offset the financial impact on the Group of a successful claim.

This section summarises the significant legal proceedings and investigations and associated matters in which the Group is currently involved or has finalised since our last Annual Report. The timing of many of the legal proceedings and investigations continue to be delayed or uncertain as a result of court closures or delays in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal proceedings relating to the failure of the Fundão tailings dam at the Samarco iron ore operations in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo (Samarco dam failure)

The Group is engaged in numerous legal proceedings relating to the Samarco dam failure. While there has been progress in priority areas, such as individual compensation and indemnification for the damage caused by the dam failure, it is not possible at this time to provide a range of possible outcomes for all proceedings or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures. There are numerous additional lawsuits against Samarco relating to the dam failure to which the Group is not party. Currently, there are approximately 50 ongoing public civil claims and 20 that are suspended. The most significant of these proceedings are summarised below.

R$20 billion public civil claim commenced by the Federal Government of Brazil, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and other authorities (R$20 billion Public Civil Claim)

On 30 November 2015, the Federal Government of Brazil, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and other public authorities collectively filed a public civil claim before the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte against Samarco and its shareholders, BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda. (BHP Brasil) and Vale, seeking the establishment of a fund of up to R$20 billion (approximately US$4 billion) in aggregate for clean-up costs and damages.

On 2 March 2016, BHP Brasil, together with Vale and Samarco, entered into a Framework Agreement with the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and other public authorities to establish a foundation (Fundação Renova) to develop and execute environmental and socioeconomic programs (Programs) to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the Samarco dam failure.

The term of the Framework Agreement is 15 years, renewable for periods of one year successively until all obligations under the Framework Agreement have been performed. Under the Framework Agreement, Samarco is responsible, as a primary obligor, for funding Fundação Renova’s annual calendar year budget for the duration of the Framework Agreement. The amount of funding for each calendar year will be dependent on the remediation and compensation projects to be undertaken in a particular year. To the extent that Samarco does not meet its funding obligations under the Framework Agreement, each of Vale and BHP Brasil has funding obligations under the Framework Agreement, as secondary obligors, in proportion to its 50 per cent shareholding in Samarco.

R$155 billion public civil claim commenced by the Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office (R$155 billion Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office claim)

On 3 May 2016, the Brazilian Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office filed a public civil claim before the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte against BHP Brasil, Vale and Samarco – as well as 18 other public entities (which has since been reduced to five defendants(1) by the 12th Federal Court) – seeking R$155 billion (approximately US$30 billion) for reparation, compensation and collective moral damages in relation to the Samarco dam failure.

This public civil claim and the R$20 billion Public Civil Claim are broad claims that encompass the majority of the public civil claims filed against BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale. For this reason, the 12th Federal Court has suspended other public civil claims while negotiations continue in relation to the settlement of the R$155 billion Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office claim.

Despite suspension of this public civil claim being for a period of two years from the date of ratification of the Governance Agreement (described below) on 8 August 2018 the claim has not been resumed.

On 19 March 2021, the parties to the case agreed to extend the suspension of this case until 27 April 2021. Although the stay period has formally elapsed, neither party has made any filings to date, and the parties are engaged in negotiations to seek a definitive settlement (summarised below).

(1)  Currently, solely BHP Brasil, Vale and Samarco, the Federal Government and the state of Minas Gerais are defendants.

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Governance Agreement

On 25 June 2018, BHP Brasil, Vale, Samarco, the other parties to the Framework Agreement, the Public Prosecutors’ Office(1) and the Public Defense Office(2) entered into a Governance Agreement, which settled the R$20 billion Public Civil Claim and established a process to renegotiate the Programs over two years to progress settlement of the R$155 billion Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office claim.

Under the Governance Agreement, renegotiation of the Programs will be based on certain agreed principles, including full reparation consistent with Brazilian law, the requirement for a technical basis for any proposed changes, consideration of findings from experts appointed by BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale, consideration of findings from experts appointed by prosecutors and consideration of feedback from impacted communities.

Since early CY2021, the parties have been engaging in negotiations, to seek a definitive and substantive settlement of claims relating to the dam failure. The mediation is ongoing as at the date of this Report. It is not possible to provide a range of outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential settlement outcomes and there is a risk that a negotiated outcome may be materially higher than amounts currently reflected in the Samarco dam failure provision. Until revisions to the Programs are agreed, Fundação Renova will continue to implement the Programs in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement and the Governance Agreement.

Enforcement Proceedings

Since 7 January 2020, the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte has issued several decisions creating 13 enforcement proceedings (Enforcement Proceedings) linked to the R$20 billion Public Civil Claim and R$155 billion Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office claim described above.

Issues covered by these Enforcement Proceedings include environmental recovery, human health risk and ecological risk, resettlement of affected communities, infrastructure and development, registration of certain impacted individuals under the Programs and indemnities for people impacted by the dam failure, resumption of economic activities, water supply for human consumption and hiring of technical advisers to impacted people, and restructuring Fundação Renova’s management system, among other key delivery areas.

In the context of these Enforcement Proceedings, BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale are seeking determinations, including the repealing of fishing bans ordered by the courts or administration entities, set-off of compensation paid against future damages that may need to be paid, and determination regarding the hiring and supervision of technical assistants to impacted people.

Samarco’s judicial reorganisation

On 9 April 2021, Samarco filed for judicial reorganisation (JR) with the Second Business State Court for the Belo Horizonte District of Minas Gerais (JR Court). The JR proceeding seeks to enable Samarco to negotiate and implement an orderly restructuring of its financial indebtedness in order to establish a sustainable financial position for Samarco, among other things, to continue to rebuild its operations and meet its Fundação Renova obligations. Samarco filed for JR following multiple enforcement actions filed by Samarco’s creditors that threatened its operations. The JR Court granted Samarco’s JR petition on 12 April 2021 and granted a stay of the enforcement actions.

On 10 June 2021, Samarco submitted its first proposed Plan of Reorganisation (Plan) to the JR Court. Certain of Samarco’s creditors have submitted formal objections to the Plan. It is expected that a general meeting of creditors will be convened for creditors to vote on whether to approve, reject or modify the Plan.

According to the list of creditors filed with the JR Court by the Judicial Administrators (who are in charge of a first review of the list of creditors filed by Samarco), Fundação Renova’s funding obligations undertaken by Samarco are not subject to the JR, although some financial creditors of Samarco have objected to this position. It is expected that such creditors will challenge the list of creditors filed by the Judicial Administrators, in order to, among other things, prevent Samarco from funding Fundação Renova. It is also expected that such creditors will litigate against Samarco and its shareholders over the course of the JR proceeding, particularly with respect to the treatment of Samarco’s Fundação Renova obligations. Such lenders have objected to the financing that BHP Brasil and Vale have offered to Samarco on a super-priority basis, known as debtor-in-possession funding.

No BHP entity is a debtor in Samarco’s judicial reorganisation case. BHP Brasil is participating in Samarco’s JR proceeding in its capacities as a shareholder and creditor.

(1)  The Public Prosecutors’ Office includes the Federal, State of Minas Gerais and State of Espírito Santo public prosecutors’ offices.

(2)  The Public Defense Office includes the Federal, State of Minas Gerais and State of Espírito Santo public defense offices.

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United States Chapter 15 Case

On 19 April 2021, Samarco filed a petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking recognition of the JR proceeding under Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On 13 May 2021, the U.S. bankruptcy court granted recognition of the JR proceeding as a ‘foreign main proceeding’ and accordingly stayed enforcement actions against Samarco in U.S. territory. No BHP entity is a debtor in Samarco’s Chapter 15 case. BHP Brasil is participating in Samarco’s Chapter 15 proceeding in its capacities as a shareholder and creditor of Samarco.

Civil public actions commenced by the State Prosecutors’ Office in the state of Minas Gerais (Mariana CPA cases)

The State Prosecutors of Mariana have commenced several civil public actions (CPA) against BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale.

On 10 December 2015, the State Prosecutors’ Office in the state of Minas Gerais filed a CPA against Samarco, BHP Brasil and Vale before the State Court in Mariana claiming indemnification (amount not specified) for moral and material damages to an unspecified group of individuals affected by the Samarco dam failure, including the payment of costs for housing and social and economic assistance (CPA Mariana I).

On 2 October 2018, the parties reached a settlement dismissing the claim, which was ratified by the Court. Under this settlement, Fundação Renova has reached more than 85 individual agreements with impacted families in Mariana for the payment of damages.

In connection with CPA Mariana I, the State Prosecutors (Minas Gerais) started four enforcement proceedings against Samarco, BHP Brasil and Vale seeking to set a deadline for completion of resettlement and for fines to be imposed for delays to resettlement and for payment of compensation to affected individuals for delivery of houses below standard.

In addition to CPA Mariana I, the State Prosecutors (Minas Gerais) commenced eight other CPAs in Mariana against Samarco, BHP Brasil, Vale and, in some cases, Fundação Renova. The claims presented in those CPAs are related to damages that, according to the State Prosecutors, are not covered by CPA Mariana I.

The remaining CPAs have either been settled by the parties, including BHP, or the claims to which the CPAs relate have been dismissed (though the decisions are not yet final). Fundação Renova is responsible for any pending obligations set forth in the settlement agreements relating to the CPAs.

Fundação Renova dissolution lawsuit

On 24 February 2021, the Minas Gerais State Prosecutor filed a CPA against Samarco, BHP Brasil, Vale and Fundação Renova seeking the dissolution of Fundação Renova. The plaintiffs are seeking R$10 billion (approximately US$2 billion) for moral damages and an injunction for the immediate intervention of Fundação Renova was also made, alleging the need to preserve information and documents produced by Fundação Renova to evaluate criminal and civil responsibilities. On 25 May 2021, the Superior Court of Justice granted urgent relief to suspend the lawsuit. As at the date of this Report, the Court’s decision regarding the merits remains pending.

Civil public action commenced by the State Prosecutors’ Office in the state of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais (CPA Advertising)

On 11 May 2021, Federal and State Prosecutors (Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo) filed a CPA against Fundação Renova, Samarco, BHP Brasil and Vale, challenging Fundação Renova’s advertising expenditures. The plaintiffs requested injunctive relief for Fundação Renova to cease advertisements and stop incurring new expenses on advertising. The plaintiffs requested payment of approximately R$56 million (approximately US$11 million) to be paid as compensation to the communities and approximately R$28 million (approximately US$6 million) to be spent on execution of Fundação Renova’s socio-economic and socio-environmental programs. A ruling is still pending.

Public civil claims currently suspended

Approximately 20 of the proceedings to which BHP Brasil is a party are currently suspended due to their connection with R$20 billion Public Civil Claim and R$155 billion Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office claim. There has not yet been a ruling in these cases.

The suspended proceedings include proceedings commenced by the State Prosecutors (Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo), Public Defenders (Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo), and the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo against Samarco, BHP Brasil, Vale and Fundação Renova. The claims relate to environmental remediation measures, compensation for the impacts of the dam failure, including moral damages, reconstruction of properties and populations, including historical, religious, cultural, social, environmental and intangible heritages affected by the dam failure, and suspension of public water supply, among others.

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Other civil proceedings in Brazil

As noted above, BHP Brasil has been named as a defendant in numerous lawsuits relating to the Samarco dam failure. In addition, government inquiries and investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure have been commenced by numerous agencies of the Brazilian Government and are ongoing, including criminal investigations by the federal and state police, and by federal prosecutors.

BHP Brasil’s potential liabilities, if any, resulting from other pending and future claims, lawsuits and enforcement actions relating to the Samarco dam failure, together with the potential cost of implementing remedies sought in the various proceedings, cannot be reliably estimated at this time and therefore a provision has not been recognised and nor has any contingent liability been quantified for these matters. Ultimately, these could have a material adverse impact on BHP’s business, competitive position, cash flows, prospects, liquidity and shareholder returns. For more information on the Samarco dam failure, refer to section 1.15.

As at June 2021, Samarco had been named as a defendant in more than 80,000 small claims for moral damages in which people argue their public water service was interrupted for between five and 10 days. BHP Brasil is a co-defendant in more than 24,000 of these cases. More than 270,000 people have received moral damages related to the temporary suspension of public water supply through settlements reached with Fundação Renova.

The Brazilian Code of Civil Procedure provides that repetitive claims can be settled through a system known as Incident of Resolution of Repetitive Demands (IRDR). Under the IRDR, a court will hear a ‘pilot case’ representative of a recurring claim and the judgment in that decision will set a precedent for the resolution of similar cases in that jurisdiction. An IRDR has been established in Minas Gerais and the court in the pilot case has ruled that the mandatory parameter for resolution of claims will be the payment of R$2000 per individual claim for moral damages due to the suspension and quality of public water supply. That decision is pending an appeal before higher courts. Meanwhile, Samarco has reached settlement in more than 5,300 individual cases.

Criminal charges

On 20 October 2016, the Federal Prosecutors’ Office in Brazil filed criminal charges against Samarco, BHP Brasil, Vale and certain employees and former employees of BHP Brasil (Affected Individuals) in the Federal Court of Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais. On 3 March 2017, BHP Brasil and the Affected Individuals filed their preliminary defences. The Federal Court granted Habeas Corpus petitions in favour of eight of the Affected Individuals terminating the charges against those individuals. The Federal Prosecutors’ Office appealed seven of the decisions with hearings of the appeals still pending. BHP Brasil rejects outright the charges against BHP Brasil and the Affected Individuals and will defend the charges and fully support each of the Affected Individuals in their defences of the charges.

United States class action complaint – bondholders

On 14 November 2016, a putative class action complaint (Bondholder Complaint) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of Samarco’s 10-year bond notes due 2022–2024 between 31 October 2012 and 30 November 2015. The Bondholder Complaint was initially filed against Samarco and the former Chief Executive Officer of Samarco. The Bondholder Complaint asserted claims under the U.S. federal securities laws and indicated that the plaintiff would seek certification to proceed as a class action.

The Bondholder Complaint was subsequently amended to include BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc, BHP Brasil, Vale and officers of Samarco, including four of Vale and BHP Brasil’s nominees to the Samarco Board. On 5 April 2017, the plaintiff discontinued its claims against the individual defendants. The amount of damages sought by the putative class was unspecified.

On 7 March 2018, the District Court granted a joint motion from the remaining corporate defendants to dismiss the Bondholder Complaint. A second amended Bondholder Complaint was also dismissed by the Court on 18 June 2019. On 9 July 2019, the plaintiff filed a motion for reconsideration of that decision or for leave to file a third amended complaint. On 30 October 2019, the District Court denied the plaintiff’s motion for reconsideration and for leave to amend its complaint. On 4 March 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal with prejudice and the plaintiff did not seek any further review of that decision.

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Australian class action complaint

BHP Group Limited is named as a defendant in a shareholder class action in the Federal Court of Australia on behalf of persons who acquired shares in BHP Group Limited on the Australian Securities Exchange or shares in BHP Group Plc on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange in periods prior to the Samarco dam failure. The amount of damages sought in the class action is unspecified.

On 12 May 2020, BHP Group Limited filed an application seeking declaratory relief which, if successful, would narrow the group of claimants in the class action. BHP Group Limited was unsuccessful at first instance and on appeal to the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia. BHP Group Limited has now sought leave to appeal the decision of the Full Court to the High Court of Australia.

United Kingdom group action complaint

BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Limited are named as defendants in group action claims for damages that have been filed in the courts of England. These claims have been filed on behalf of certain individuals, governments, businesses and communities in Brazil allegedly impacted by the Samarco dam failure.

On 7 August 2019, the BHP parties filed a preliminary application to strike out or stay this action on jurisdictional and other procedural grounds. That application was successful and the action was dismissed. The claimants sought and were denied permission to appeal the dismissal decision.

On 29 April 2021, the claimants applied to reopen the action. The Court of Appeal heard this application on 22 June 2021 and gave judgment on 27 July 2021, allowing the claimants to reopen the action and granting them permission to appeal the dismissal decision. The appeal is scheduled to be heard on 4-8 April 2022.

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4.10    Shareholder information

4.10.1    History and development

BHP Group Limited (formerly BHP Billiton Limited, then BHP Limited and, before that, The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited) was incorporated in 1885 and is registered in Australia with ABN 49 004 028 077. BHP Group Plc (formerly BHP Billiton Plc, and before that Billiton Plc) was incorporated in 1996 and is registered in England and Wales with registration number 3196209. Successive predecessor entities to BHP Group Plc have operated since 1860.

We have operated under a Dual Listed Company (DLC) structure since 29 June 2001. Under the DLC structure, the two parent companies, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, operate as a single economic entity, run by a unified Board and senior executive management team. For more information on the DLC structure, refer to section 4.10.3.

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4.10.2    Markets

As at the date of this Annual Report, BHP Group Limited has a primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) (ticker BHP) in Australia and BHP Group Plc has a premium listing on the UK FCA’s Official List and its ordinary shares are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) (ticker BHP). BHP Group Plc also has a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) (ticker BHP) in South Africa.

In addition, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the United States. Trading on the NYSE is via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) evidencing American Depositary Shares (ADSs), with each ADS representing two ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc. Citibank N.A. (Citibank) is the Depositary for both ADS programs. BHP Group Limited’s ADSs have been listed for trading on the NYSE (ticker BHP) since 28 May 1987 and BHP Group Plc’s since 25 June 2003 (ticker BBL).

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4.10.3    Organisational structure

General

BHP consists of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, operating as a single unified economic entity, following the completion of the DLC merger in June 2001 (the DLC merger). For a full list of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc subsidiaries, refer to Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries.

On 17 August 2021, BHP announced its intention to unify its current DLC structure. For further details of the unification proposal, see section 1.5.

DLC structure

BHP shareholders approved the DLC merger in 2001, which was designed to place ordinary shareholders of both companies in a position where they have economic and voting interests in a single group.

The principles of the BHP DLC structure are reflected in the DLC Structure Sharing Agreement and include the following:

• The two companies must operate as if they are a single unified economic entity, through Boards of Directors that comprise the same individuals and a unified senior executive management team.

• The Directors of both companies will, in addition to their duties to the company concerned, have regard to the interests of the ordinary shareholders in the two companies as if the two companies were a single unified economic entity and, for that purpose, the Directors of each company take into account in the exercise of their powers the interests of the shareholders of the other.

• Certain DLC equalisation principles must be observed. These are designed to ensure that for so long as the Equalisation Ratio between a BHP Group Limited ordinary share and a BHP Group Plc ordinary share is 1:1, the economic and voting interests resulting from holding one BHP Group Limited ordinary share and one BHP Group Plc ordinary share are, so far as practicable, equivalent. For more information, refer to sub-section ‘Equalisation of economic and voting rights’ below.

Australian Foreign Investment Review Board conditions

The Treasurer of Australia approved the DLC merger subject to certain conditions, the effect of which was to require that, among other things, BHP Group Limited continues to:

• be an Australian company, which is headquartered in Australia

• ultimately manage and control the companies that conducted the businesses that were conducted by its subsidiaries at the time of the DLC merger for as long as those businesses form part of BHP

The conditions also require the global headquarters of BHP to be in Australia.

The conditions have effect indefinitely, subject to amendment of the Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (FATA) or any revocation or amendment by the Treasurer of Australia. If BHP Group Limited no longer wishes to comply with these conditions, it must obtain the prior approval of the Treasurer. Failure to comply with the conditions results in substantial penalties under the FATA.

Equalisation of economic and voting rights

The economic and voting interests attached to each BHP Group Limited ordinary share relative to each BHP Group Plc ordinary share are determined by a ratio known as the Equalisation Ratio.

The Equalisation Ratio is currently 1:1, meaning one BHP Group Limited ordinary share currently has the same economic and voting interests as one BHP Group Plc ordinary share.

The Equalisation Ratio governs the proportions in which dividends and capital distributions are paid on the ordinary shares in each company relative to the other. Given the current Equalisation Ratio of 1:1, the amount of any cash dividend paid by BHP Group Limited on each BHP Group Limited ordinary share must be matched by an equivalent cash dividend by BHP Group Plc on each BHP Group Plc ordinary share, and vice versa. If one company is prohibited by applicable law or is otherwise unable to pay a matching dividend, the DLC Structure Sharing Agreement requires that BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc will, as far as practicable, enter into such transactions with each other as their Boards agree to be necessary or desirable to enable both companies to pay matching dividends at the same time. These transactions may include BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc making a payment to the other company or paying a dividend on the DLC Dividend Share held by the other company (or a subsidiary of it). The DLC Dividend Share may be used to ensure that the need to trigger the matching dividend mechanism does not arise. BHP Group Limited issued a DLC Dividend Share on 23 February 2016. No DLC Dividend Share has been issued by BHP Group Plc.

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For more information on the DLC Dividend Share, refer to ‘DLC Dividend Share’ sub-section below and section 4.10.5.

The Equalisation Ratio may be adjusted to maintain economic equivalence between an ordinary share in each of the two companies where, broadly speaking (and subject to certain exceptions):

• a distribution or action affecting the amount or nature of issued share capital is proposed by one of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and that distribution or action would result in the ratio of economic returns on, or voting rights in relation to Joint Electorate Actions (see below) of, a BHP Group Limited ordinary share to a BHP Group Plc ordinary share not being the same, or would benefit the holders of ordinary shares in one company relative to the holders of ordinary shares in the other company

• no ‘matching action’ is taken by the other company. A matching action is a distribution or action affecting the amount or nature of issued share capital in relation to the holders of ordinary shares in the other company, which ensures that the economic and voting rights of a BHP Group Limited ordinary share and BHP Group Plc ordinary share are maintained in proportion to the Equalisation Ratio

For example, an adjustment would be required if there were to be a capital issue or distribution by one company to its ordinary shareholders that does not give equivalent value (before tax) on a per share basis to the ordinary shareholders of the other company and no matching action was undertaken. Since the establishment of the DLC structure in 2001, no adjustment to the Equalisation Ratio has ever been made.

DLC Dividend Share

Each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is authorised to issue a DLC Dividend Share to the other company or a wholly owned subsidiary of it. In effect, only that other company or a wholly owned subsidiary of it may be the holder of the share. The share is redeemable.

The holder of the share is entitled to be paid such dividends as the Board may decide to pay on that DLC Dividend Share provided that:

• the amount of the dividend does not exceed the cap mentioned below

• the Board of the issuing company in good faith considers paying the dividend to be in furtherance of any of the DLC principles, including the principle of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc operating as a single unified economic entity

The amounts that may be paid as dividends on a DLC Dividend Share are capped. Broadly speaking, the cap is the total amount of the preceding ordinary cash dividend (whether interim or final) paid on BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares, whichever is greater. The cap will not apply to any dividend paid on a DLC Dividend Share if the proceeds of that dividend are to be used to pay a special cash dividend on ordinary shares.

A DLC Dividend Share otherwise has limited rights and does not carry a right to vote. DLC Dividend Shares cannot be used to transfer funds outside of BHP as the terms of issue contain structural safeguards to ensure that a DLC Dividend Share may only be used to pay dividends within the Group. For more information on the rights attaching to and terms of DLC Dividend Shares, refer to section 4.10.5, the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc.

Joint Electorate Actions

Under the terms of the DLC agreements, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have implemented special voting arrangements so that the ordinary shareholders of both companies vote together as a single decision-making body on matters that affect the ordinary shareholders of each company in similar ways. These are referred to as Joint Electorate Actions. For so long as the Equalisation Ratio remains 1:1, each BHP Group Limited ordinary share will effectively have the same voting rights as each BHP Group Plc ordinary share on Joint Electorate Actions.

A Joint Electorate Action requires approval by ordinary resolution (or special resolution if required by statute, regulation, applicable listing rules or other applicable requirements) of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc. In the case of BHP Group Limited, both the BHP Group Limited ordinary shareholders and the holder of the BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share vote as a single class and, in the case of BHP Group Plc, the BHP Group Plc ordinary shareholders and the holder of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share vote as a single class.

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Class Rights Actions

Matters on which ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Limited may have divergent interests from the ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Plc are referred to as Class Rights Actions. The company wishing to carry out the Class Rights Action requires the prior approval of the ordinary shareholders in the other company voting separately and, where appropriate, the approval of its own ordinary shareholders voting separately. Depending on the type of Class Rights Action undertaken, the approval required is either an ordinary or special resolution of the relevant company.

The Joint Electorate Action and Class Rights Action voting arrangements are secured through the constitutional documents of the two companies, the DLC Structure Sharing Agreement, the BHP Special Voting Shares Deed and rights attaching to a specially created Special Voting Share issued by each company and held in each case by a special voting company. The shares in the special voting companies are held legally and beneficially by Law Debenture Trust Corporation Plc.

Cross guarantees

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have each executed a Deed Poll Guarantee in favour of the creditors of the other company. Under the Deed Poll Guarantees, each company has guaranteed certain contractual obligations of the other company. This means that creditors entitled to the benefit of the BHP Group Limited Deed Poll Guarantee and the BHP Group Plc Deed Poll Guarantee will, to the extent possible, be placed in the same position as if the relevant debts were owed by both BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc on a combined basis.

Restrictions on takeovers of one company only

The BHP Group Limited Constitution and the BHP Group Plc Articles of Association have been drafted to ensure that, except with the consent of the Board, a person cannot gain control of one company without having made an equivalent offer to the ordinary shareholders of both companies on equivalent terms. Sanctions for breach of these provisions would include withholding of dividends, voting restrictions and the compulsory divestment of shares to the extent a shareholder and its associates exceed the relevant threshold.

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4.10.4    Material contracts

DLC structure agreements

BHP Group Limited (then known as BHP Limited) and BHP Group Plc (then known as Billiton Plc) merged by way of a DLC structure on 29 June 2001. To effect the DLC structure, BHP Limited and Billiton Plc (as they were then known) entered into the following contractual agreements:

• BHP Billiton DLC Structure Sharing Agreement

• BHP Billiton Special Voting Shares Deed

• BHP Billiton Limited Deed Poll Guarantee

• BHP Billiton Plc Deed Poll Guarantee

For information on the effect of each of these agreements, refer to section 4.10.3.

Framework Agreement

On 2 March 2016, BHP Brasil together with Vale and Samarco, entered into a Framework Agreement with the Federal Government of Brazil, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other authorities to establish a foundation (Fundação Renova) that will develop and execute environmental and socio-economic programs to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the Samarco dam failure. For a description of the terms of the Framework Agreement, refer to section 4.9.

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4.10.5    Constitution

This section sets out a summary of the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc. Where the term ‘BHP’ is used in this section, it can mean either BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc.

Provisions of the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc can be amended only where such amendment is approved by special resolution either:

• by approval as a Class Rights Action, where the amendment results in a change to an ‘Entrenched Provision’, or

• otherwise, as a Joint Electorate Action

In 2015, shareholders approved a number of amendments to our constitutional documents to amend the terms of the Equalisation Shares (which were renamed as DLC Dividend Shares) and to facilitate the more streamlined conduct of simultaneous general meetings.

For a description of Joint Electorate Actions and Class Rights Actions, refer to ‘DLC structure’ in section 4.10.3.

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Directors

The Board may exercise all powers of BHP, other than those that are reserved for BHP shareholders to exercise in a general meeting.

Power to issue securities

Under the Constitution and Articles of Association, the Board of Directors has the power to issue any BHP shares or other securities (including redeemable shares) with preferred, deferred or other special rights, obligations or restrictions. The Board may issue shares on any terms it considers appropriate, provided that:

• the issue does not affect any special rights of shareholders

• if required, the issue is approved by shareholders

• if the issue is of a class other than ordinary shares, the rights attaching to the class are expressed at the date of issue

Restrictions on voting by Directors

A Director may not vote in respect of any contract or arrangement or any other proposal in which they have a material personal interest except in certain prescribed circumstances, including (subject to applicable laws) where the material personal interest:

• arises because the Director is a shareholder of BHP and is held in common with the other shareholders of BHP

• arises in relation to the Director’s remuneration as a Director of BHP

• relates to a contract BHP is proposing to enter into that is subject to approval by the shareholders and will not impose any obligation on BHP if it is not approved by the shareholders

• arises merely because the Director is a guarantor or has given an indemnity or security for all or part of a loan, or proposed loan, to BHP

• arises merely because the Director has a right of subrogation in relation to a guarantee or indemnity referred to above

• relates to a contract that insures, or would insure, the Director against liabilities the Director incurs as an officer of BHP, but only if the contract does not make BHP or a related body corporate the insurer

• relates to any payment by BHP or a related body corporate in respect of an indemnity permitted by law, or any contract relating to such an indemnity, or

• is in a contract, or proposed contract with, or for the benefit of, or on behalf of, a related body corporate and arises merely because the Director is a director of a related body corporate

If a Director has a material personal interest and is not entitled to vote on a proposal, they will not be counted in the quorum for any vote on a resolution concerning the material personal interest.

In addition, under the UK Companies Act 2006, a Director has a duty to avoid conflicts of interest between their interests and the interests of the company. The duty is not breached if, among other things, the conflict of interest is authorised by non-interested Directors. The Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc enable the Board to authorise a matter that might otherwise involve a Director breaching their duty to avoid conflicts of interest. An interested Director may not vote or be counted towards a quorum for a resolution authorising a conflict of interest. Where the Board authorises a conflict of interest, the Board may prohibit the relevant Director from voting on any matter relating to the conflict. The Board has adopted procedures to manage these voting restrictions.

Loans by Directors

Any Director may lend money to BHP at interest with or without security or may, for a commission or profit, guarantee the repayment of any money borrowed by BHP and underwrite or guarantee the subscription of shares or securities of BHP or of any corporation in which BHP may be interested without being disqualified as a Director and without being liable to account to BHP for any commission or profit.

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Appointment and retirement of Directors

Appointment of Directors

The Constitution and Articles of Association provide that a person may be appointed as a Director of BHP by the existing Directors of BHP or may be elected by the shareholders in a general meeting.

Any person appointed as a Director of BHP by the existing Directors will hold office only until the next general meeting that includes an election of Directors.

A person may be nominated by shareholders as a Director of BHP if:

• a shareholder provides a valid written notice of the nomination

• the person nominated by the shareholder satisfies candidature for the office and consents in writing to his or her nomination as a Director

in each case, at least 40 business days before the earlier of the date of the general meeting of BHP Group Plc and the corresponding general meeting of BHP Group Limited. The person nominated as a Director may be elected to the Board by ordinary resolution passed in a general meeting.

Under the Articles of Association, if a person is validly nominated for election as a Director at a general meeting of BHP Group Limited, the Directors of BHP Group Plc must nominate that person as a Director at the corresponding general meeting of BHP Group Plc. An equivalent requirement is included in the Constitution, which requires any person validly nominated for election as a Director of BHP Group Plc to be nominated as a Director of BHP Group Limited.

Retirement of Directors

The Board has a policy consistent with the UK Corporate Governance Code under which all Directors must, if they wish to remain on the Board, seek re-election by shareholders annually. This policy took effect from the 2011 Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and replaced the previous system that required Directors to submit themselves to shareholders for re-election at least every three years.

A Director may be removed by BHP in accordance with applicable law and must vacate his or her office as a Director in certain circumstances set out in the Constitution and Articles of Association. There is no requirement for a Director to retire on reaching a certain age.

Rights attaching to shares

Dividend rights

Under English law, dividends on shares may only be paid out of profits available for distribution. Under Australian law, dividends on shares may be paid only if the company’s assets exceed its liabilities immediately before the dividend is determined and the excess is sufficient for payment of the dividend, the payment of the dividend is fair and reasonable to the company’s shareholders as a whole and the payment of the dividend does not materially prejudice the company’s ability to pay its creditors.

The Constitution and Articles of Association provide that payment of any dividend may be made in any manner, by any means and in any currency determined by the Board.

All unclaimed dividends may be invested or otherwise used by the Board for the benefit of whichever of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc determined that dividend, until claimed or, in the case of BHP Group Limited, otherwise disposed of according to law. BHP Group Limited is governed by the Victorian unclaimed monies legislation, which requires BHP Group Limited to pay to the State Revenue Office any unclaimed dividend payments of A$20 or more that have remained unclaimed for over 12 months.

In the case of BHP Group Plc, any dividend unclaimed after a period of 12 years from the date the dividend was determined or became due for payment will be forfeited and returned to BHP Group Plc.

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Voting rights

Generally, matters considered by shareholders at an AGM of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc constitute Joint Electorate Actions or Class Rights Actions and must be decided on a poll and in the manner described under the headings ‘Joint Electorate Actions’ and ‘Class Rights Actions’ in ‘DLC structure’ in section 4.10.3.

This means that, in practice, most items of business at AGMs are decided by way of a poll even though the Constitution and Articles of Association generally permit voting to be conducted by a show of hands in the first instance.

In addition, at any general meeting, a resolution, other than a procedural resolution, put to the vote of the meeting on which the holder of the relevant BHP Special Voting Share is entitled to vote must be decided on a poll.

For the purposes of determining which shareholders are entitled to attend or vote at a meeting of BHP Group Plc or BHP Group Limited, and how many votes such shareholder may cast, the Notice of Meeting will specify when a shareholder must be entered on the Register of Shareholders in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting. The specified time must be not more than 48 hours before the time of the meeting.

Shareholders who wish to appoint a proxy to attend, vote or speak at a meeting of BHP Group Plc or BHP Group Limited (as appropriate) on their behalf must deposit the relevant form appointing a proxy so that it is received by that company not less than 48 hours before the time of the meeting.

Rights to share in BHP Group Limited’s profits

The rights attached to the ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited, as regards the participation in the profits available for distribution that the Board determines to distribute, are as follows:

• The holders of any preference shares will be entitled, in priority to any payment of dividend to the holders of any other class of shares, to a preferred right to participate as regards dividends up to but not beyond a specified amount in distribution.

• Subject to the special rights attaching to any preference shares, but in priority to any payment of dividends on all other classes of shares, the holder of the DLC Dividend Share (if any) will be entitled to be paid such non-cumulative dividends as the Board may, subject to the cap referred to in ‘DLC structure’ in section 4.10.3 and the DLC Dividend Share being held by BHP Group Plc or a wholly owned member of its group, decide to pay on that DLC Dividend Share.

• Any surplus remaining after payment of the distributions above will be payable to the holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares and the BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share in equal amounts per share.

Rights to share in BHP Group Plc’s profits

The rights attached to the ordinary shares of BHP Group Plc, in relation to the participation in the profits available for distribution that the Board determines to distribute, are as follows:

• The holders of the cumulative preference shares will be entitled, in priority to any payment of dividend to the holders of any other class of shares, to be paid a fixed cumulative preferential dividend (Preferential Dividend) at a rate of 5.5 per cent per annum, to be paid annually in arrears on 31 July in each year or, if any such date will be a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in England, on the first business day following such date in each year. Payments of Preferential Dividends will be made to holders on the register at any date selected by the Directors up to 42 days prior to the relevant fixed dividend date.

• Subject to the rights attaching to the cumulative preference shares, but in priority to any payment of dividends on all other classes of shares, the holder of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share will be entitled to be paid a fixed dividend of US$0.01 per annum, payable annually in arrears on 31 July.

• Subject to the rights attaching to the cumulative preference shares and the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share, but in priority to any payment of dividends on all other classes of shares, the holder of the DLC Dividend Share will be entitled to be paid such non-cumulative dividends as the Board may, subject to the cap referred to in ‘DLC structure’ in section 4.10.3 and the DLC Dividend Share being held by BHP Group Limited or a wholly owned member of its group, decide to pay on that DLC Dividend Share.

• Any surplus remaining after payment of the distributions above will be payable to the holders of the BHP Group Plc ordinary shares in equal amounts per BHP Group Plc ordinary share.

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DLC Dividend Share

As set out in ‘DLC structure’ in section 4.10.3, each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is authorised to issue a DLC Dividend Share to the other company or a wholly owned subsidiary of it.

The dividend rights attaching to a DLC Dividend Share are described above and in ‘DLC structure’ in section 4.10.3. The DLC Dividend Share issued by BHP Group Limited (BHP Group Limited DLC Dividend Share) and the DLC Dividend Share that may be issued by BHP Group Plc (BHP Group Plc DLC Dividend Share) have no voting rights and, as set out in ‘Rights on return of assets on liquidation’ below, very limited rights to a return of capital on a winding-up. A DLC Dividend Share may be redeemed at any time, and must be redeemed if a person other than:

• in the case of the BHP Group Limited DLC Dividend Share, BHP Group Plc or a wholly owned member of its group

• in the case of the BHP Group Plc DLC Dividend Share, BHP Group Limited or a wholly owned member of its group

becomes the beneficial owner of the DLC Dividend Share.

Rights on return of assets on liquidation

Under the DLC structure, there are special provisions designed to ensure that, as far as practicable, the holders of ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited and holders of ordinary shares in BHP Group Plc are treated equitably having regard to the Equalisation Ratio. These special provisions would apply in the event of an insolvency of either or both companies.

On a return of assets on liquidation of BHP Group Limited, the assets of BHP Group Limited remaining available for distribution among shareholders after the payment of all prior ranking amounts owed to all creditors and holders of preference shares, and to all prior ranking statutory entitlements, are to be applied subject to the special provisions referred to above in paying to the holders of the BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share of an amount of up to A$2.00 on each such share, on an equal priority with any amount paid to the holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares, and any surplus remaining is to be applied in making payments solely to the holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares in accordance with their entitlements.

On a return of assets on liquidation of BHP Group Plc, subject to the payment of all amounts payable under the special provisions referred to earlier, prior ranking amounts owed to the creditors of BHP Group Plc and to all prior ranking statutory entitlements, the assets of BHP Group Plc to be distributed on a winding-up are to be distributed to the holders of shares in the following order of priority:

• To the holders of the cumulative preference shares, the repayment of a sum equal to the nominal capital paid up or credited as paid up on the cumulative preference shares held by them and any accrued Preferential Dividend, whether or not such dividend has been earned or declared, calculated up to the date of commencement of the winding-up.

• To the holders of the BHP Group Plc ordinary shares and to the holders of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share, the payment out of surplus, if any, remaining after the distribution above of an equal amount for each BHP Group Plc ordinary share, the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share subject to a maximum in the case of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share of the nominal capital paid up on such shares.

Redemption of preference shares

If BHP Group Limited at any time proposes to create and issue any preference shares, the terms of the preference shares may give either or both of BHP Group Limited and the holder the right to redeem the preference shares.

The preference shares terms may also give the holder the right to convert the preference shares into ordinary shares.

Under the Constitution, the preference shares must give the holders:

• the right (on redemption and on a winding-up) to payment in cash in priority to any other class of shares of (i) the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on each of the preference shares; and (ii) the amount, if any, equal to the aggregate of any dividends accrued but unpaid and of any arrears of dividends

• the right, in priority to any payment of dividend on any other class of shares, to the preferential dividend

There is no equivalent provision in the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc, although as noted above in ‘Power to issue securities’, BHP can issue preference shares that are subject to a right of redemption on terms the Board considers appropriate.

Capital calls

Subject to the terms on which any shares may have been issued, the Board may make calls on the shareholders in respect of all monies unpaid on their shares. BHP has a lien on every partly paid share for all amounts payable in respect of that share. Each shareholder is liable to pay the amount of each call in the manner, at the time and at the place specified by the Board (subject to receiving at least 14 days’ notice specifying the time and place for payment). A call is considered to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Board authorising the call was passed.

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Borrowing powers

Subject to relevant law, the Directors may exercise all powers of BHP to borrow money, and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property, assets (both present and future) and all uncalled capital or any part or parts thereof and to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of BHP or of any third party.

Rights attached to any class of shares issued by either BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc can only be varied (whether as a Joint Electorate Action or a Class Rights Action) where such variation is approved by:

• the company that issued the relevant shares, as a special resolution

• the holders of the issued shares of the affected class, either by a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the issued shares of the class affected, or with the written consent of members with at least 75 per cent of the votes of that class

Annual General Meetings

The AGMs provide a forum to facilitate the sharing of shareholder views and are important events in the BHP calendar. These meetings provide an update for shareholders on our performance and offer an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions and vote. To vote at an AGM, a shareholder must be a registered holder of BHP Group Limited shares (in the case of the AGM of BHP Group Limited) or a registered holder of BHP Group Plc shares (in the case of the AGM of BHP Group Plc) at a designated time before the relevant AGM.

Key members of management, including the CEO and CFO, are present and available to answer questions. The External Auditor will also be available to answer questions.

Proceedings at shareholder meetings are webcast live from our website. Copies of the speeches delivered by the Chair and CEO to the AGMs are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website. The outcome of voting on the items of business are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website as soon as they are available following completion of the BHP Group Limited AGM and finalisation of the polls.

More information on our AGMs is available at bhp.com/meetings.

Conditions governing general meetings

The Board may, and must on requisition in accordance with applicable laws, call a general meeting of the shareholders at the time and place or places and in the manner determined by the Board. No shareholder may convene a general meeting of BHP except where entitled under law to do so. Any Director may convene a general meeting whenever the Director thinks fit. General meetings can also be cancelled, postponed or adjourned, where permitted by law or the Constitution or Articles of Association. Notice of a general meeting must be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting and such notice of meeting must be given in the form and manner in which the Board thinks fit subject to any applicable law. Five shareholders of the relevant company present in person or by proxy constitute a quorum for a meeting. A shareholder who is entitled to attend and cast a vote at a general meeting of BHP may appoint a person as a proxy to attend and vote for the shareholder in accordance with applicable law. All provisions relating to general meetings apply with any necessary modifications to any special meeting of any class of shareholders that may be held.

Limitations of rights to own securities

There are no limitations under the Constitution or the Articles of Association restricting the right to own BHP shares or other securities other than restrictions that reflect the takeovers codes under relevant Australian and English law. In addition, the Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 imposes a number of conditions that restrict foreign ownership of Australian-based companies.

For information on share control limits imposed by the Constitution and the Articles of Association, as well as relevant laws, refer to sections 4.10.9 and ‘DLC structure’ in section 4.10.3.

Documents on display

Documents filed by BHP Group Limited on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) are available at asx.com.au and documents filed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) by BHP Group Plc are available at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. Documents filed on the ASX, or on the LSE are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. The documents referred to in this Annual Report as being available on our website, bhp.com, are not incorporated by reference and do not form part of this Annual Report.

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc both file Annual Reports and other reports and information with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings are available on the SEC website at sec.gov.

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4.10.6    Share ownership

Share capital

The details of the share capital for both BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are presented in note 16 ‘Share capital’ in section 3 and remain current as at 20 August 2021.

Major shareholders

The table in ‘Ordinary share holdings and transactions’ in section 2.2.3 and the information set out ‘Key Management Personnel’ in section 2.3.5 present information pertaining to the shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held by Directors and members of the Key Management Personnel (KMP).

Neither BHP Group Limited nor BHP Group Plc is directly or indirectly controlled by another corporation or by any government. Other than as described in ‘DLC Structure’ in section 4.10.3, no shareholder possesses voting rights that differ from those attaching to all of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc’s voting securities.

Substantial shareholders in BHP Group Limited

The following table shows holdings of 5 per cent or more of voting rights in BHP Group Limited’s shares as notified to BHP Group Limited under the Australian Corporations Act 2001, Section 671B as at 30 June 2021.(1)

Title of class	Identity of person or group	Date of last notice				% of total voting rights(2)
		Date received	Date of change	Number owned		2021	2020	2019
Ordinary shares	BlackRock Group	21 November 2019	18 November 2019		176,981,268	6.00	6.00	5.46
Ordinary shares	Vanguard Group	18 June 2020	19 March 2020		177,088,930	6.00	6.01	–

(1)  No changes in the holdings of 5 per cent or more of the voting rights in BHP Group Limited’s shares have been notified to BHP Group Limited between 1 July 2021 and 20 August 2021.

(2)  The percentages quoted are based on the total voting rights conferred by ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited as at 20 August 2021 of 2,950,251,394.

Substantial shareholders in BHP Group Plc

The following table shows holdings of 3 per cent or more of voting rights conferred by BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares as notified to BHP Group Plc under the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5 as at 30 June 2021.(1)

Title of class	Identity of person or group	Date of last notice					% of total voting rights(2)
		Date received	Date of change	Number owned			2021	2020	2019
Ordinary shares	Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited	8 October 2015	7 October 2015		103,108,283		4.88	4.88	4.88
Ordinary shares	BlackRock, Inc.	3 December 2009	1 December 2009		213,014,043	(3)	<10.00	<10.00	<10.00
Ordinary shares	Elliott International, L.P.(4)	4 January 2020	1 January 2020		106,940,721		5.06	5.06	5.45
Ordinary shares	Norges Bank(5)	21 July 2020	20 July 2020		105,910,183		5.01	5.01	3.07

(1)  No changes in the holdings of 3 per cent or more of voting rights in BHP Group Plc’s shares have been notified to BHP Group Plc between 1 July 2021 and 20 August 2021.

(2)  The percentages quoted are based on the total voting rights conferred by ordinary shares in BHP Group Plc as at 20 August 2021 of 2,112,071,796.

(3)  The TR-1 notification of major holdings form dated 1 December 2009 showed, as at that date, an interest in 213,014,043 shares which amounted to 9.65 per cent of the BHP Group Plc issued share capital. Changes in the share capital of BHP Group Plc since the TR1 was received on 3 December 2009, including certain share buy-backs conducted by BHP Group Plc, indicated a formulaic holding above 10 per cent; however, given no revised TR1 has been received by BHP Group Plc, the BlackRock holding is considered to be below 10 per cent.

(4)  Holding is made up of 4.66 per cent ordinary shares and 0.41 per cent by financial instruments.

(5)  Holding is made up of 5.01 per cent ordinary shares and 0.001 per cent by financial instruments.

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Twenty largest shareholders as at 20 August 2021 (as named on the Register of Shareholders)(1)

BHP Group Limited		Number of fully paid shares		% of issued capital
1.	HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited		645,004,218		21.86
2.	J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited		469,192,067		15.90
3.	Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <Citibank NY ADR DEP A/C>		227,232,926		7.70
4.	Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd		133,872,944		4.54
5.	National Nominees Limited		95,294,905		3.23
6.	BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd <Agency Lending DRP A/C>		53,391,864		1.81
7.	BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd <DRP>		49,862,404		1.69
8.	Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <Colonial First State INV A/C>		29,303,581		0.99
9.	BNP Paribas Nominees PTY Ltd Six Sis Ltd <DRP A/C>		26,792,321		0.91
10.	HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited <Nt-Comnwlth Super Corp A/C>		21,100,336		0.72
11.	Computershare Nominees CI Ltd <ASX Shareplus Control A/C>		16,974,417		0.58
12.	Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited		13,413,159		0.45
13.	HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited <Euroclear Bank SA NV A/C>		12,599,528		0.43
14.	Netwealth Investments Limited <Wrap Services A/C>		9,723,904		0.33
15.	BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd ACF Clearstream		8,859,295		0.30
16.	Argo Investments Limited		7,618,304		0.26
17.	CS Third Nominees Pty Limited <HSBC Cust Nom AU Ltd 13 A/C>		6,991,188		0.24
18.	BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd Hub24 Custodial Serv Ltd <DRP A/C>		6,466,956		0.22
19.	Solium Nominees (Australia) Pty Ltd <VSA A/C>		6,344,025		0.22
20.	Milton Corporation Limited		4,854,921		0.16
			1,844,893,263		62.53
BHP Group Plc		Number of fully paid shares		% of issued capital
1.	PLC Nominees (Proprietary) Limited(2)		271,064,311		12.83
2.	National City Nominees Limited		121,100,203		5.73
3.	State Street Nominees Limited		108,021,608		5.11
4.	Vidacos Nominees Limited <13559>		103,135,721		4.88
5.	Chase Nominees Limited <Usresld>		91,777,141		4.35
6.	The Bank Of New York (Nominees)		67,444,587		3.19
7.	State Street Nominees Limited		50,880,990		2.41
8.	Government Employees Pension Fund-Public Investment Corporation		40,389,304		1.91
9.	Nortrust Nominees Limited		39,359,904		1.86
10.	State Street Nominees Limited		35,523,641		1.68
11.	Chase Nominees Limited <Bbhlend>		29,919,629		1.42
12.	Hanover Nominees Limited <Sogcs>		29,263,154		1.39
13.	Hanover Nominees Limited <Ubs03>		28,040,186		1.33
14.	Chase Nominees Limited		27,621,622		1.31
15.	Lynchwood Nominees Limited		26,221,509		1.24
16.	State Street Nominees Limited		24,820,368		1.18
17.	Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa		23,537,693		1.11
18.	State Street Nominees Limited		21,080,452		1.00
19.	Hanover Nominees Limited <Jpm17>		18,945,039		0.90
20.	Vidacos Nominees Limited <Clrlux>		18,009,571		0.85
			1,176,156,633		55.69

(1)  Many of the 20 largest shareholders shown for BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc hold shares as a nominee or custodian. In accordance with the reporting requirements, the tables reflect the legal ownership of shares and not the details of the underlying beneficial holders.

(2) The largest holder on the South African register of BHP Group Plc is the Strate nominee in which the majority of shares in South Africa (including some of the shareholders included in this list) are held in dematerialised form.

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US share ownership as at 20 August 2021

	BHP Group Limited									BHP Group Plc
	Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares			%		Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares			%
Classification of holder
Registered holders of voting securities		1,533		0.28		3,711,268			0.13		76		0.57		92,970			0.01
ADR holders		1,533		0.28		228,895,234	(1)		7.76		189		1.41		121,100,202	(2)		5.73

(1)  These shares translate to 114,447,617 ADRs.

(2)  These shares translate to 60,550,101 ADRs.

Geographical distribution of shareholders and shareholdings as at 20 August 2021

	BHP Group Limited								BHP Group Plc
	Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares		%		Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares		%
Registered address
Australia		526,748		96.96		2,895,280,282		98.14		1,495		11.12		1,986,279		0.09
New Zealand		8,859		1.63		20,016,647		0.68		25		0.19		34,208		0.01
United Kingdom		2,486		0.46		6,504,235		0.22		9,172		68.22		1,836,043,487		86.93
United States		1,533		0.28		3,711,268		0.13		76		0.57		92,970		0.01
South Africa		96		0.02		217,529		0.01		1,935		14.39		271,244,446		12.84
Other		3,559		0.65		24,521,433		0.82		741		5.51		2,670,406		0.13
Total		543,281		100.00		2,950,251,394		100.00		13,444		100.00		2,112,071,796		100.00

Distribution of shareholdings by size as at 20 August 2021

	BHP Group Limited								BHP Group Plc
	Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares(1)		%		Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares(1)		%
Size of holding
1 – 500(2)		254,525		46.85		53,184,352		1.80		7,169		53.32		1,423,059		0.07
501 – 1,000		100,846		18.56		77,206,333		2.62		2,229		16.58		1,641,003		0.09
1,001 – 5,000		148,183		27.28		331,352,333		11.23		2,300		17.11		4,722,591		0.24
5,001 – 10,000		23,571		4.34		166,292,785		5.64		355		2.64		2,528,873		0.12
10,001 – 25,000		12,189		2.24		182,978,713		6.20		328		2.44		5,415,961		0.25
25,001 – 50,000		2,620		0.48		89,156,739		3.02		196		1.46		7,137,840		0.34
50,001 – 100,000		880		0.16		60,146,735		2.04		187		1.39		13,643,993		0.71
100,001 – 250,000		322		0.06		45,485,094		1.54		242		1.80		39,735,115		1.78
250,001 – 500,000		72		0.01		24,988,342		0.85		121		0.90		43,918,465		2.39
500,001 – 1,000,000		28		0.01		19,404,350		0.66		110		0.82		78,002,808		3.32
1,000,001 and over		45		0.01		1,900,055,618		64.40		207		1.54		1,913,902,088		90.62
Total		543,281		100.00		2,950,251,394		100.00		13,444		100.00		2,112,071,796		100.00

(1)  One ordinary share entitles the holder to one vote.

(2)  The number of BHP Group Limited shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel (A$500) based on the market price of A$44.34 as at 20 August 2021 was 5,703.

	BHP Group Limited								BHP Group Plc
	Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares		%		Number of shareholders		%		Number of shares		%
Classification of holder
Corporate		156,217		28.75		2,164,415,676		73.36		4,591		34.15		2,103,853,273		99.61
Private		387,064		71.25		785,835,718		26.64		8,853		66.85		8,218,523		0.39
Total		543,281		100.00		2,950,251,394		100.00		13,444		100.00		2,112,071,796		100.00

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4.10.7    Dividends

Policy

The Group adopted a dividend policy in February 2016 that provides for a minimum 50 per cent payout of Underlying attributable profit at every reporting period. For information on Underlying attributable profit for FY2021, refer to section 1.8.1.

The Board will assess, at every reporting period, the ability to pay amounts additional to the minimum payment, in accordance with the Capital Allocation Framework, as described in section 1.6.

In FY2021, we determined our dividends and other distributions in US dollars as it is our main functional currency. BHP Group Limited paid its dividends in Australian dollars, UK pounds sterling, New Zealand dollars and US dollars. BHP Group Plc paid its dividends in UK pounds sterling (or US dollars, if elected) to shareholders registered on its principal register in the United Kingdom and in South African rand to shareholders registered on its branch register in South Africa.

Currency conversions are based on foreign currency exchange rates on a single day or an average for a period of days ending on or before the dividend record date. Different periods are used for each currency, based on the size of the dividend and each currency’s liquidity and market dynamics.

Setting currency conversion rates based on a single day or over a range of days helps to reduce the Group’s exposure to movements in exchange rates, while optimising currency market liquidity to accommodate potential larger dividend currency requirements.

Payments

BHP Group Limited shareholders may currently have their cash dividends paid directly into their bank account in Australian dollars, UK pounds sterling, New Zealand dollars or US dollars, provided they have submitted direct credit details and if required, a valid currency election nominating a financial institution to the BHP Share Registrar in Australia no later than close of business on the dividend reinvestment plan election date. BHP Group Limited shareholders who do not provide their direct credit details will receive dividend payments by way of a cheque in Australian dollars.

BHP Group Plc shareholders on the UK register who wish to receive their dividends in US dollars must complete the appropriate election form and return it to the BHP Share Registrar in the United Kingdom no later than close of business on the dividend reinvestment plan election date. BHP Group Plc shareholders may have their cash dividends paid directly into a bank or building society by completing a dividend mandate form, which is available from the BHP Share Registrar in the United Kingdom or South Africa.

Dividend reinvestment plan

BHP offers a dividend reinvestment plan to registered shareholders, which provides the opportunity to use cash dividends to purchase BHP shares in the market.

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4.10.8    American Depositary Receipts fees and charges

We have American Depositary Receipts (ADR) programs for BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc. Both of the ADR programs have a 2:1 ordinary shares to American Depositary Share (ADS) ratio.

Depositary fees

Citibank serves as the depositary bank for both of our ADR programs. ADR holders agree to the terms in the deposit agreement filed with the SEC for depositing ADSs or surrendering the ADSs for cancellation and for certain services as provided by Citibank. Holders are required to pay all fees for general depositary services provided by Citibank in each of our ADR programs, as set forth in the tables below.

Standard depositary fees:

Depositary service	Fee payable by the ADR holders
Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of shares	Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) issued
Delivery of Deposited Securities against surrender of ADSs	Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) surrendered
Distribution of Cash Distributions	No fee

Corporate actions depositary fees:

Depositary service	Fee payable by the ADR holders
Cash Distributions (i.e. sale of rights, other entitlements, return of capital)	Up to US$2.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs. Excludes stock dividends and stock splits	Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (i.e. spin-off shares)	Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held

Fees payable by the Depositary to the Issuer

Citibank has provided BHP net reimbursement of US$1,157,500 in FY2021 for ADR program-related expenses for both of BHP’s ADR programs (FY2020 US$1,157,500). ADR program-related expenses include legal and accounting fees, listing fees, expenses related to investor relations in the United States, fees payable to service providers for the distribution of material to ADR holders, expenses of Citibank as administrator of the ADS Direct Plan and expenses to remain in compliance with applicable laws.

Citibank has further agreed to waive other ADR program-related expenses for FY2021, amounting to US$24,189.85 (BHP Group Limited: US$17,663.41; BHP Group Plc: $6,526.44) which are associated with the administration of the ADR programs (FY2020 less than US$0.03 million).

The ADSs issued under our ADR programs trade on the NYSE under the stock tickers BHP and BBL for the BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc programs, respectively. As of 20 August 2021, there were 114,447,617 ADSs on issue and outstanding in the BHP Group Limited ADR program and 60,550,101 ADSs on issue and outstanding in the BHP Group Plc ADR program.

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4.10.9    Government regulations

Our assets are subject to a broad range of laws and regulations imposed by governments and regulatory bodies. These regulations touch all aspects of our assets, including how we extract, process and explore for minerals, oil and natural gas and how we conduct our business, including regulations governing matters such as environmental protection, land rehabilitation, occupational health and safety, human rights, the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples, competition, foreign investment, export, marketing of minerals, oil and natural gas and taxes.

The ability to extract and process minerals, oil and natural gas is fundamental to BHP. In most jurisdictions, the rights to extract mineral or petroleum deposits are owned by the government. We obtain the right to access the land and extract the product by entering into licences or leases with the government that owns the mineral, oil or natural gas deposit. We also rely on governments to grant the rights necessary to transport and treat the extracted material to prepare it for sale. The terms of the lease or licence, including the time period of the lease or licence, vary depending on the laws of the relevant government or terms negotiated with the relevant government. Generally, we own the product we extract and we are required to pay royalties or other taxes to the government.

The rights to explore for minerals, oil and natural gas are granted to us by the government that owns the natural resources we wish to explore. Usually, the right to explore carries with it the obligation to spend a defined amount of money on the exploration, or to undertake particular exploration activities.

In certain jurisdictions where we have assets, such as Trinidad and Tobago, a production sharing contract (PSC) governs the relationship between the government and companies concerning how much of the oil and gas extracted from the country each party will receive. In PSCs, the government awards rights for the execution of exploration, development and production activities to the company. The company bears the financial risk of the initiative and explores, develops and ultimately produces the field as required. When successful, the company is permitted to use the money from a certain set percentage of produced oil and gas to recover its capital and operational expenditures, known as ‘cost oil’. The remaining production is known as ‘profit oil’ and is split between the government and the company at a rate determined by the government and set out in the PSC.

Environmental protection, mine closure and land rehabilitation, and occupational health and safety are principally regulated by governments and to a lesser degree, if applicable, by leases. These obligations often require us to make substantial expenditures to minimise or remediate the environmental impact of our assets and to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors and the communities where we operate. Regulations setting emissions standards for fuels used to power vehicles and equipment at our assets and the modes of transport used in our supply chains can also have a substantial impact, both directly and indirectly, on the markets for these products, with flow-on impacts on our costs. For more information on these types of obligations, refer to section 1.13.

The Western Australia Government is currently progressing the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill 2020 (ACH Bill), which, if passed into law, is expected to strengthen the government’s authority to regulate land use including mining activities, and the consultation process in relation to Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Western Australia. For more information, refer to section 1.13.10.

From time to time, certain trade sanctions are adopted by the United Nations (UN) Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union (EU), China and Australia against certain countries, entities or individuals, that may restrict our ability to sell extracted minerals, oil or natural gas to, and/or our ability to purchase goods or services from, these countries, entities or individuals.

Disclosure of Iran-related activities pursuant to section 13(r) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Section 13(r) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) requires an issuer to disclose in its annual reports whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings relating to Iran. If applicable, disclosure is required even where the activities, transactions or dealings are conducted outside the United States by non-U.S. persons in compliance with applicable law, and whether or not the activities are sanctionable under U.S. law. Provided in this section is certain information concerning activities of certain affiliates of BHP that took place in FY2021. BHP believes that these activities are not sanctionable either as being outside the scope of U.S. sanctions, or within the scope of a specific licence issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury‘s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

On 30 November 2018, BHP Billiton Petroleum Great Britain Ltd (BHP GB), a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP, and its co-venturers in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields offshore United Kingdom (BP Exploration Operating Company (BP), Marubeni Oil & Gas (UK) Limited (Marubeni) and Total E&P UK Limited (Total)) completed the sale of their interests in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields to Serica Energy (UK) Limited (Serica) (the Bruce and Keith Transaction). BHP divested its entire licence interests in Bruce and Keith but retained the obligation to fund decommissioning in accordance with its previous licence interest.

286

The transfer of licence interests and retention of decommissioning liabilities for the Bruce and Keith co-venturers in the respective gas and oil fields is described below:

	Bruce						Keith
	Pre-sale interest %		Post-sale licence interest %		Post-sale decom. interest %		Pre-sale interest %		Post-sale licence interest %		Post-sale decom. interest %
BP		37		1		37		34.83		0		34.83
Total		43.25		1		43.25		25		0		25
BHP GB		16		0		16		31.83		0		31.83
Marubeni		3.65		0		0		8.33		0		0
Serica		0		98		3.75		0		100		8.33

While the sale closed on 30 November 2018, it was effective in economic terms as of 1 January 2018. In addition to initial cash consideration received from Serica at completion, BHP subsequently received, and will continue to receive:

• a share of pre-tax net cash flow attributable to its historic interest in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields of 60 per cent during December 2018, 50 per cent in CY2019 and 40 per cent in each of CY2020 and CY2021 under a Net Cash Flow Sharing Deed; and

• a share of projected decommissioning costs up to a specified cap

The Bruce platform provides transportation and processing services to the nearby Rhum gas field pursuant to a contract between the Bruce owners and Rhum owners (the Bruce-Rhum Agreement). At the same time as the Bruce and Keith Transaction, Serica acquired from BP its 50 per cent interest and operatorship of the Rhum gas field. The Rhum gas field is now owned by a 50:50 unincorporated joint venture arrangement between Serica and Iranian Oil Company (UK) Limited (IOC). IOC is an indirect subsidiary of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which is a corporation owned by the Government of Iran.

OFAC issued licence No. IA-2018-352294-2 (the OFAC Licence) authorising BP, Serica and all U.S. persons and U.S.-owned or controlled foreign entities identified in the licence application to provide goods, services and support for the operation, maintenance and production of the Rhum gas field, and goods, services and support to the Bruce platform for a period from 2 November 2018 through 31 October 2019. On 22 October 2019, OFAC renewed this licence through to 28 February 2021, and on 19 January 2021, OFAC renewed the license through to 31 January 2023. OFAC also provided an assurance that non-U.S. persons would not be exposed to U.S. secondary sanctions for engaging in these activities and transactions involving Rhum or the Bruce platform, namely providing goods, services, and support to the Rhum field.

BHP continues to monitor developments concerning U.S. sanctions with respect to Iran to maintain compliance with applicable sanctions laws and requirements. Although BHP has no ongoing direct dealings with any Iranian party, because BHP will receive ongoing consideration from Serica related to the sale of its interest in the Bruce-Rhum Agreement, BHP has included this disclosure.

BHP recognised the following transactions in FY2021 related to the Bruce-Rhum Agreement. For the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, BHP received US$2.2 million from Serica under the Net Cash Flow Sharing Deed.

Uranium production in Australia

To mine, process, transport and sell uranium from within Australia, we are required to hold possession and export permissions, which are also subject to regulation by the Australian Government or bodies that report to the Australian Government.

To possess nuclear material, such as uranium, in Australia, a Permit to Possess Nuclear Materials (Possession Permit) must be held pursuant to the Australian Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 (Non-Proliferation Act). A Possession Permit is issued by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. Compliance with the Non-Proliferation Act is monitored by the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, an office established under the Non-Proliferation Act, which administers Australia’s domestic nuclear safeguards requirements and reports to the Australian Government.

To export uranium from Australia, a Permit to Export Natural Uranium (Export Permit) must be held pursuant to the Australian Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. The Export Permit is issued by the Minister with responsibility for Resources and Energy.

A special permit to transport nuclear material is required under the Non-Proliferation Act by a party that transports nuclear material from one specified location to another specified location. Each of the service providers we engage to transport uranium is required to hold a permit to transport nuclear material issued by the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.

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Shareholding limits

BHP Group Plc

There are no laws or regulations currently in force in the United Kingdom that restrict the export or import of capital or the payment of dividends to non-resident holders of BHP Group Plc’s shares, although the Group does operate in some other jurisdictions where the payment of dividends could be affected by exchange control approvals.

From time to time, certain sanctions are adopted by the UN Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU and Australia against certain countries, entities or individuals that may restrict the export or import of capital or the remittance of dividends to certain non-resident holders of BHP Group Plc’s shares.

There are no restrictions under BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association or (subject to the effect of any sanctions) under English law that limit the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote BHP Group Plc’s shares.

There are certain restrictions on shareholding levels under BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association described below.

BHP Group Limited

Under current Australian legislation, the payment of any dividends, interest or other payments by BHP Group Limited to non-resident holders of BHP Group Limited’s shares is not restricted by exchange controls or other limitations, except that, in certain circumstances, BHP Group Limited may be required to withhold Australian taxes.

From time to time, certain sanctions are adopted by the UN Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU and Australia. Those sanctions prohibit or, in some cases, impose certain approval and reporting requirements on transactions involving sanctioned countries, entities and individuals and/or assets controlled or owned by them. Certain transfers into or out of Australia of amounts greater than A$10,000 in any currency may also be subject to reporting requirements.

The Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the FATA) restricts certain acquisitions of interests in securities in Australian companies, including BHP Group Limited. Generally, under the FATA, the prior approval of the Australian Treasurer must be obtained for proposals by a foreign person (either alone or together with its associates) to acquire 20 per cent or more of the voting power or issued securities in an Australian company. Lower approval thresholds apply in certain circumstances, including for acquisitions by a foreign government investor of voting power or issued securities in an Australian company.

The FATA also empowers the Treasurer to make certain orders prohibiting acquisitions by foreign persons in Australian companies, including BHP Group Limited (and requiring divestiture if the acquisition has occurred) where the Treasurer considers the acquisition to be contrary to national security or the national interest. Such orders may also be made in respect of acquisitions by foreign persons where two or more foreign persons (and their associates) in aggregate already control 40 per cent or more of the issued securities or voting power in an Australian company, including BHP Group Limited.

The restrictions in the FATA on acquisitions of securities in BHP Group Limited described above apply equally to acquisitions of securities in BHP Group Plc because BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are dual listed entities.

Except for the restrictions under the FATA, there are no limitations, either under Australian law or under the Constitution of BHP Group Limited, on the right of non-residents to hold or vote BHP Group Limited ordinary shares.

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Shareholding limits under the Constitution and Articles of Association

There are certain other statutory restrictions and restrictions that are reflected in BHP Group Limited’s Constitution and BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association that apply generally to acquisitions of shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc (i.e. the restrictions are not targeted at foreign persons only). These include restrictions on a person (and associates) breaching a voting power threshold of:

• above 20 per cent in relation to BHP Group Limited on a ‘stand-alone’ basis (i.e. calculated as if there were no Special Voting Share and only counting BHP Group Limited’s ordinary shares)

• 30 per cent of BHP Group Plc. This is the threshold for a mandatory offer under Rule 9 of the UK takeover code and this threshold applies to all voting rights of BHP Group Plc (therefore including voting rights attached to the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share)

• 30 per cent in relation to BHP Group Plc on a ‘stand-alone’ basis (i.e. calculated as if there were no Special Voting Share and only counting BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares)

• above 20 per cent in relation to BHP Group Plc, calculated having regard to all the voting power on a joint electorate basis (i.e. calculated on the aggregate of BHP Group Limited’s and BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares)

Under BHP Group Limited’s Constitution and BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association, sanctions for breach of any of these thresholds, other than by means of certain ‘permitted acquisitions’, include withholding of dividends, voting restrictions and compulsory divestment of shares to the extent a shareholder and its associates exceed the relevant threshold.

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4.10.10    Taxation

The taxation discussion below describes the material Australian, UK and US federal income tax consequences to a US holder owning BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or ADSs or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares or ADSs. The discussion below also outlines the potential South African tax issues for US holders of BHP Group Plc shares that are listed on the JSE.

The following discussion is not relevant to non-US holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or ADSs or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares or ADSs. By its nature, the commentary below is of a general nature and we recommend that holders of ordinary shares or ADSs consult their own tax advisers regarding the Australian, UK, South African and US federal, state and local tax and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of ordinary shares and ADSs in their particular circumstances.

For purposes of this commentary, a US holder is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares or ADSs who is, for US federal income tax purposes:

• a citizen or resident alien of the US;

• a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for US federal income tax purposes) that is created or organised under the laws of the US or any political subdivision thereof;

• an estate, the income of which is subject to US federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

• a trust:

(a) if a court within the US is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more US persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions; or

(b) that has made a valid election to be treated as a US person for tax purposes.

This discussion of material tax consequences for US holders is based on the Australian, UK, US and South African laws currently in effect, the published practice of tax authorities in those jurisdictions and the double taxation treaties and conventions currently in existence. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

US holders in BHP Group Limited

(a) Australian taxation

Dividends

Dividends (including other distributions treated as dividends for Australian tax purposes) paid by BHP Group Limited to a US holder that is not an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes will generally not be subject to Australian withholding tax if they are fully franked (broadly, where a dividend is franked, tax paid by BHP Group Limited is imputed to the shareholders).

Dividends paid to such US holders, which are not fully franked, will generally be subject to Australian withholding tax not exceeding 15 per cent only to the extent (if any) that the dividend is neither:

• franked; nor

• declared by BHP Group Limited to be conduit foreign income. (Broadly, this means that the relevant part of the dividend is declared to have been paid out of foreign source amounts received by BHP Group Limited that are not subject to tax in Australia, such as dividends remitted to Australia by foreign subsidiaries).

The Australian withholding tax outcome described above applies to US holders who are eligible for benefits under the Tax Convention between Australia and the US as to the Avoidance of Double Taxation (the Australian Tax Treaty). Otherwise, the rate of Australian withholding tax may be 30 per cent.

In contrast, dividends (including other distributions treated as dividends for Australian tax purposes) paid by BHP Group Limited to a US holder may instead be taxed by assessment in Australia if the US holder:

• is an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes (although the tax will generally not exceed 15 per cent where the US holder is eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty as a treaty resident of the US and any franking credits may be creditable against their Australian income tax liability); or

• carries on business in Australia through a permanent establishment as defined in the Australian Tax Treaty, or performs personal services from a fixed base in Australia, and the shareholding in respect of which the dividend is paid is effectively connected with that permanent establishment or fixed base, (however, in such a case any franking credits may be creditable against the Australian income tax liability).

The treatment of dividends outlined above may be modified where the shareholding in BHP Group Limited is held through a trust, limited partnership, limited liability company, pension fund, sovereign wealth fund or other investment vehicle. Affected US holders should seek their own advice in relation to such arrangements.

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Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

Gains made by US holders on the sale of ordinary shares or ADSs will generally not be taxed in Australia.

However, the precise Australian tax treatment of gains made by US holders on the sale of ordinary shares or ADSs generally depends on whether or not the gain is an Australian sourced gain of an income nature for Australian income tax purposes.

Where the gain is of an income nature, a US holder will generally only be liable to Australian income tax on an assessment basis (whether or not they are also an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes) if:

• they are not eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty and the gain is sourced in Australia for Australian tax purposes; or

• they are eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty but the gain constitutes any of the following (in which case the gain will be deemed to have an Australian source):

– business profits of an enterprise attributable to a permanent establishment situated in Australia through which the enterprise carries on business in Australia; or

– income or gains from the alienation of property that form part of the business property of a permanent establishment of an enterprise that the US holder has in Australia, or pertain to a fixed base available to the US holder in Australia for the purpose of performing independent personal services; or

– income derived from the disposition of shares in a company, the assets of which consist wholly or principally of real property (which includes rights to exploit or to explore for natural resources) situated in Australia, whether such assets are held directly or indirectly through one or more interposed entities.

Where the gain is not taxed as Australian sourced income, the US holder will generally only be liable to Australian capital gains tax on an assessment basis if they acquired (or are deemed to have acquired) their shares or ADSs after 19 September 1985 and one or more of the following applies:

• the US holder is an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes; or

• the ordinary shares or ADSs have been used by the US holder in carrying on a business through a permanent establishment in Australia; or

• the ordinary shares or ADSs constitute an ‘indirect Australian real property interest’ for Australian CGT purposes – this will generally be the case if the US holder (either alone or together with associates) directly or indirectly owns or owned 10 per cent or more of the issued share capital of BHP Group Limited at the time of the disposal or throughout a 12-month period during the two years prior to the time of disposal and, at the time of the disposal, the sum of the market values of BHP Group Limited’s assets that are taxable Australian real property (held directly or through interposed entities) exceeds the sum of the market values of BHP Group Limited’s assets (held directly or through interposed entities) that are not taxable Australian real property at that time (which, for these purposes includes mining, quarrying or prospecting rights in respect of minerals, petroleum or quarry materials situated in Australia); or

• the US holder is an individual who is not eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty as a treaty resident of the US and elected on becoming a non-resident of Australia to continue to have the ordinary shares or ADSs subject to Australian capital gains tax.

In certain circumstances, if the ordinary shares or ADSs constitute an ‘indirect Australian real property interest’ for Australian CGT purposes, the purchaser may be required to withhold under the non-resident CGT withholding regime an amount equal to 12.5 per cent of the purchase price in situations including where the acquisition is undertaken by way of an off-market transfer. Affected US holders should seek their own advice in relation to how this withholding regime may apply to them.

The comments above on the sale of ordinary shares and ADSs do not apply:

• to temporary residents of Australia who should seek advice that is specific to their circumstances; or

• if the Investment Management Regime (IMR) applies to the US holder, which exempts from Australian income tax and capital gains tax gains made on disposals by certain categories of non-resident funds – called IMR entities – of (relevantly) portfolio interests in Australian public companies (subject to a number of conditions). The IMR exemptions broadly apply to widely held IMR entities in relation to their direct investments and indirect investments made through an independent Australian fund manager. The exemptions apply to gains made by IMR entities that are treated as companies for Australian tax purposes as well as gains made by non-resident investors in IMR entities that are treated as trusts and partnerships for Australian tax purposes.

Stamp duty, gift, estate and inheritance tax

Australia does not impose any stamp duty, gift, estate or inheritance taxes in relation to transfers or gifts of shares or ADSs or upon the death of a shareholder.

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(b) US taxation

This section describes the material US federal income tax consequences to a US holder of owning ordinary shares or ADSs. It applies only to ordinary shares or ADSs that are held as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to a holder of ordinary shares or ADSs that is a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including a dealer in securities, a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for its securities holdings, a tax-exempt organisation, a life insurance company, a person liable for alternative minimum tax, a person who actually or constructively owns 10 per cent or more of the combined voting power of the voting stock or of the total value of the stock of BHP Group Limited, a person that holds ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, a person that purchases or sells ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a wash sale for tax purposes, or a person whose functional currency is not the US dollar.

If an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes holds the ordinary shares or ADSs, the US federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the ordinary shares or ADSs should consult its tax adviser with regard to the US federal income tax treatment of an investment in the ordinary shares or ADSs.

This section is in part based on the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

In general, for US federal income tax purposes, a holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. Exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for ordinary shares, generally will not be subject to US federal income tax.

Dividends

Under US federal income tax laws and subject to the Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules discussed below, a US holder must include in its gross income the amount of any dividend paid by BHP Group Limited out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal income tax purposes) plus any Australian tax withheld from the dividend payment even though the holder does not receive it. The dividend is taxable to the holder when the holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, actually or constructively receives the dividend.

Dividends paid to a non-corporate US holder on shares or ADSs will be taxable at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided the US holder holds the shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and does not enter into certain risk reduction transactions with respect to the shares or ADSs during the abovementioned holding period. However, a non-corporate US holder that elects to treat the dividend income as ‘investment income’ pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the US Internal Revenue Code will not be eligible for such preferential rates. In the case of a corporate US holder, dividends on shares and ADSs are taxed as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to US corporations in respect of dividends received from other US corporations.

Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in the ordinary shares or ADSs and thereafter as a capital gain. However, BHP Group Limited does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with US federal income tax principles. Accordingly, holders should expect to generally treat distributions made by BHP Group Limited as dividends.

The amount of any cash distribution paid in any foreign currency will be equal to the US dollar value of such currency, calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date such distribution is received by the US holder or, in the case of ADSs, by the Depositary, regardless of whether and when the foreign currency is in fact converted into US dollars. If the foreign currency is converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder generally should not recognise foreign currency gain or loss on such conversion. If the foreign currency is not converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its US dollar value on the date received, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of such currency. Such foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss ineligible for the preferential tax rate applicable to dividend income and generally will be income or loss from US sources for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Subject to certain limitations, Australian tax withheld in accordance with the Australian Tax Treaty and paid over to Australia will be creditable against an individual’s US federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are taxed at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains. To the extent a reduction or refund of the tax withheld is available to a US holder under Australian law or under the Australian Tax Treaty, the amount of tax withheld that could have been reduced or that is refundable will not be eligible for credit against the holder’s US federal income tax liability. A US holder that does not elect to claim a US foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for Australian income tax withheld, but only for a taxable year in which the US holder elects to do so with respect to all foreign income taxes paid or accrued in such taxable year.

Dividends will be income from sources outside the US, and generally will be ‘passive category’ income for the purpose of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a US holder. In general, a taxpayer’s ability to use foreign tax credits may be limited and is dependent on the particular circumstances. US holders should consult their tax advisers with respect to these matters.

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Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder who sells or otherwise disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs will recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realised and the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in those ordinary shares or ADSs. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the US for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The capital gain of a non-corporate US holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the holder has a holding period greater than 12 months in the shares or ADSs sold. There are limitations on the deductibility of capital losses.

The US dollar value of any foreign currency received upon a sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs will be calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date of sale or other disposal (or, in the case of a cash basis or electing accrual basis taxpayer, on the settlement date). A US holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency received equal to that US dollar amount, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of the foreign currency. This foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as US source ordinary income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company rules

We do not believe that the BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or ADSs will be treated as stock of a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually at the end of the year and thus may be subject to change. If BHP Group Limited were treated as a PFIC, any gain realised on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs would in general not be treated as a capital gain. Instead, a US holder would be treated as if it had realised such gain and certain ‘excess distributions’ ratably over its holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs and would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. In addition, dividends received with respect to ordinary shares or ADSs would not be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to dividend income if BHP Group Limited were a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead would be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income. Assuming the shares or ADSs are ‘marketable stock’, a US holder may mitigate the adverse tax consequences described above by electing to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to such shares or ADSs.

US holders in BHP Group Plc

(a) UK taxation

Dividends

Under UK law, no UK tax is required to be withheld at source from dividends paid on ordinary shares or ADSs.

Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

US holders will not be liable for UK tax on capital gains realised on disposal of ordinary shares or ADSs unless:

• they are resident in the UK; or

• they carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a branch or agency for the year in which the disposal occurs and the shares or ADSs have been used, held or acquired for the purposes of such trade (or profession or vocation), branch or agency. In the case of a trade, the term ‘branch’ includes a permanent establishment.

An individual who ceases to be a resident in the UK for tax purposes while owning shares or ADSs and then disposes of those shares or ADSs while not a UK resident may become subject to UK tax on capital gains if he/she:

• had sole UK residence in the UK tax year preceding his/her departure from the UK;

• had sole UK residence at any time during at least four of the seven UK tax years preceding his/her year of departure from the UK; and

• subsequently becomes treated as having sole UK residence again before five complete UK tax years of non-UK residence have elapsed from the date he/she left the UK.

In this situation US holders will generally be entitled to claim US tax paid on such a disposition as a credit against any corresponding UK tax payable.

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UK inheritance tax

Under the current UK–US Estate and Gift Tax Treaty, ordinary shares or ADSs held by a US holder who is domiciled for the purposes of the UK–US Estate and Gift Tax Treaty in the US, and is not for the purposes of the UK–US Estate and Gift Tax Treaty a national of the UK, will generally not be subject to UK inheritance tax on the individual’s death or on a chargeable gift of the ordinary shares or ADSs during the individual’s lifetime, provided that any applicable US federal gift or estate tax liability is paid. The position as previously set out will not apply to ordinary shares or ADSs which: (a) are part of the business property of a permanent establishment of the individual in the UK; or (b) in the case of a shareholder who performs independent personal services, pertain to a fixed base situated in the UK. Where the ordinary shares or ADSs have been placed in trust by a settlor who, at the time of settlement, was a US resident shareholder, the ordinary shares or ADSs will generally not be subject to UK inheritance tax unless the settlor, at the time of settlement, was not domiciled in the US and was a UK national. In the exceptional case where the ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to both UK inheritance tax and US federal gift or estate tax, the UK–US Estate and Gift Tax Treaty generally provides for double taxation to be relieved by means of credit relief.

UK stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax

Under applicable legislation, UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) is, subject to certain exemptions, payable on any issue or transfer of shares to the Depositary or their nominee where those shares are for inclusion in the ADR program at a rate of 1.5 per cent of their price (if issued), the amount of any consideration provided (if transferred on sale) or their value (if transferred for no consideration). However, from 1 October 2009, this 1.5 per cent charge has generally ceased to apply to issues of shares into European Union (EU) depositary receipt systems and into EU clearance systems. Further, the First-tier Tribunal has held that the 1.5 per cent SDRT charge on a transfer of shares to an issuer of ADRs (as an integral part of a fresh capital raising) was incompatible with EU law. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has confirmed that it will no longer seek to impose the 1.5 per cent SDRT charge on the issue of shares (or, where it is integral to the raising of new capital, the transfer of shares) to a depositary receipt issuer or a clearance service, wherever located, and it has also confirmed that it will continue this approach after the end of the “implementation period” on 31 December 2020 following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The law in this area may still be susceptible to change. We recommend advice should be sought in relation to paying the 1.5 per cent SDRT or stamp duty charge in any circumstances.

No SDRT would be payable on the transfer of an ADS. No UK stamp duty should be payable on the transfer of an ADS provided that the instrument of transfer is executed and remains at all times outside the UK. Transfers of ordinary shares to persons other than the Depositary or their nominee will give rise to stamp duty or SDRT at the time of transfer. The relevant rate is currently 0.5 per cent of the amount payable for the shares. The purchaser normally pays the stamp duty or SDRT.

Special rules apply to transactions involving intermediates and stock lending.

(b) US taxation

This section describes the material US federal income tax consequences to a US holder of owning ordinary shares or ADSs. It applies only to ordinary shares or ADSs that are held as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to a holder of ordinary shares or ADSs that is a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including a dealer in securities, a trader in securities who elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for its securities holdings, a tax-exempt organisation, a life insurance company, a person liable for alternative minimum tax, a person who actually or constructively owns 10 per cent or more of the combined voting power of voting stock or of the total value of the stock of BHP Group Plc, a person that holds ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, a person that purchases or sells ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a wash sale for tax purposes, or a person whose functional currency is not the US dollar.

If an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes holds the ordinary shares or ADSs, the US federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the ordinary shares or ADSs should consult its tax adviser with regard to the US federal income tax treatment of an investment in the ordinary shares or ADSs.

This section is in part based on the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

In general, for US federal income tax purposes, a holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. Exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for ordinary shares, generally will not be subject to US federal income tax.

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Dividends

Under US federal income tax laws and subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder must include in its gross income the gross amount of any dividend paid by BHP Group Plc out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal income tax purposes). The dividend is taxable to the holder when the holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, actually or constructively receives the dividend.

Dividends paid to a non-corporate US holder on shares or ADSs will be taxable at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided that the US holder holds the shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and does not enter into certain risk reduction transactions with respect to the shares or ADSs during the abovementioned holding period. However, a non-corporate US holder that elects to treat the dividend income as ‘investment income’ pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the US Internal Revenue Code will not be eligible for such preferential rates. In the case of a corporate US holder, dividends on shares and ADSs are taxed as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to US corporations in respect of dividends received from other US corporations.

Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in the ordinary shares or ADSs and thereafter as a capital gain. However, BHP Group Plc does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with US federal income tax principles. Accordingly, holders should expect to generally treat distributions made by BHP Group Plc as dividends.

The amount of any cash distribution paid in any foreign currency will be equal to the US dollar value of such currency, calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date such distribution is received by the US holder or, in the case of ADSs, by the Depositary, regardless of whether and when the foreign currency is in fact converted into US dollars. If the foreign currency is converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder generally should not recognise foreign currency gain or loss on such conversion. If the foreign currency is not converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its US dollar value on the date received, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of such currency. Such foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss ineligible for the preferential tax rate applicable to dividend income and generally will be income or loss from US sources for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Dividends will be income from sources outside the US, and generally will be ‘passive category’ income for the purpose of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a US holder. In general, a taxpayer’s ability to use foreign tax credits may be limited and is dependent on the particular circumstances. US holders should consult their tax advisers with respect to these matters.

Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder who sells or otherwise disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs will recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realised and the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in those ordinary shares or ADSs. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the US for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The capital gain of a non-corporate US holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the holder has a holding period greater than 12 months in the shares or ADSs sold. There are limitations on the deductibility of capital losses.

The US dollar value of any foreign currency received upon a sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs will be calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date of sale or other disposal (or, in the case of a cash basis or electing accrual basis taxpayer, on the settlement date). A US holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency received equal to that US dollar amount, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of the foreign currency. This foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as US source ordinary income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company rules

We do not believe that the BHP Group Plc ordinary shares or ADSs will be treated as stock of a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually at the end of the year and thus may be subject to change. If BHP Group Plc were treated as a PFIC, any gain realised on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs would in general not be treated as a capital gain. Instead, a US holder would be treated as if it had realised such gain and certain ‘excess distributions’ ratably over its holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs and would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. In addition, dividends received with respect to ordinary shares or ADSs would not be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to dividend income if BHP Group Plc were a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead would be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income. Assuming the shares or ADSs are ‘marketable stock’, a US holder may mitigate the adverse tax consequences described above by electing to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to such shares or ADSs.

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(c) South African taxation

Dividends

Dividends paid or payable on or after 22 February 2017 in respect of shares in foreign companies that are listed on a South African exchange will attract South African Dividends Tax at the rate of 20 per cent, unless an exemption or a reduced rate in terms of a Double Tax Agreement applies. In this regard, we note that where a foreign tax resident company, listed on the JSE declares a cash dividend to a non-South African tax resident, Dividends Tax would not apply (refer section 64F(j) of the South African Income Tax Act).

Accordingly, it is unlikely that a US tax resident (or any other foreign tax resident) that is a holder of BHP Group Plc shares listed on the JSE would be subject to South African Dividends Tax on any cash dividends received or accrued in respect of their JSE listed BHP Group Plc shares. However, to qualify for the exemption, the US tax resident holder (or other foreign resident holder) must within the appropriate time period provide the prescribed declaration form or written undertaking confirming the application of the exemption to the regulated intermediary responsible for making payment of the dividend (or any other appropriate party responsible for payment of the dividend). With effect from 1 October 2020, the declaration will no longer be valid after a period of 5 years, so a new declaration will be required.

If the US holder (or any other non-resident) is tax resident in South Africa they would likely be subject to Dividends Tax at a rate of 20%. Investors are cautioned to be certain of their tax residence to ensure correct tax treatment.

Although the beneficial owner of the dividend is liable for the South African Dividends Tax on a cash dividend, the South African Dividends Tax would be withheld from the gross amount of the dividend paid to the shareholder.

No South African Dividends Tax is required to be withheld from cash dividends provided the dividends are paid to, inter alia, South African tax resident corporate shareholders (including South African companies, pension, provident, retirement annuity and benefit funds). However, these dividends will only be exempt from South African Dividends Tax if these types of shareholders provide the prescribed declaration forms or written undertakings to the regulated intermediaries (or the person who is obliged to withhold the Dividends Tax) making the cash dividend payments before they are paid. We reiterate that with effect from 1 October 2020, the declaration is no longer be valid after a period of 5 years.

South African tax resident shareholders who are natural persons (individuals) or trusts, other than closure rehabilitation trusts, do not qualify for an exemption from South African Dividends Tax.

Except for certain exclusions, generally speaking such dividends paid to South African tax resident natural persons or trusts are exempt from South African income tax and, as such, the South African Dividends Tax may be considered as a final and non-creditable levy.

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Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

A US holder who or which is tax resident in South Africa would be liable for either income tax on any profit on disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, or capital gains tax on any gain on disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, depending on whether the BHP Group Plc shares and ADSs are held on revenue or capital account.

Income tax is payable on any profit on disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs held by a US holder who or which is tax resident in the US, where the profit is of a revenue nature and sourced in South Africa, unless relief is afforded under the Double Tax Agreement concluded between South Africa and the US. We highlight that this Double Tax Agreement contains a limitation on benefits clause that should be carefully scrutinised to ensure application of the Double Tax Agreement. Where the Double Tax Agreement applies, the profit would only be taxed in South Africa if it is attributable to a permanent establishment of that US holder in South Africa.

Where the BHP Billiton Plc shares or ADSs are held on capital account, US holders will not be liable for South African tax on capital gains realised on the disposal of BHP Billiton Plc shares or ADSs unless:

• such US holders are tax resident in South Africa; or

• 80 per cent or more of the market value of the BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs is attributable (at the time of disposal of those BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs) directly or indirectly to immovable property situated in South Africa and the US holder (alone or together with a connected person) in question directly or indirectly holds an interest of at least 20 per cent in BHP Group Plc; or

• the US holder’s BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs form part of the business property of a permanent establishment which an enterprise of the US holder has in South Africa.

For a US holder who will recognise a capital gain or loss for South African capital gains tax purposes on a disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, such gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the Rand value of the amount realised (i.e. proceeds) and the holder’s tax basis (i.e. base cost), determined in Rand, in those BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs. The holder’s tax basis will generally be equal to the cost that was incurred to acquire the BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, if such shares or ADSs were acquired after 1 October 2001. South African capital gains tax is levied at an effective rate of 22.4 per cent for companies, up to 18 per cent for individuals (depending on the applicable tax bracket), and 36 per cent for trusts.

In addition to the above, in terms of the new section 9K inserted in the South African Income Tax Act, a natural person or a trust that is a South African tax resident who or which transfers listed shares from a South African exchange (eg. the JSE) to a foreign exchange is i) deemed to dispose of his/her listed shares at market value, and ii) deemed to have reacquired his/her listed shares on the same day for a tax basis (i.e. base cost), equal to market value. The section applies with effect from 1 March 2021 in respect of any security listed on an exchange outside of South Africa on or after that date.

Securities Transfer Tax

South African Securities Transfer Tax is levied at 0.25 per cent in respect of the transfer of shares in a foreign company that are listed on the JSE. Accordingly, a transfer of those BHP Group Plc shares listed on the JSE will be subject to this tax. The tax is levied on the amount of consideration at which the BHP Group Plc share is transferred or, where no amount/value is declared or if the amount so declared is less than the lowest price of the BHP Group Plc share, the closing price of the BHP Group Plc share. The tax is ultimately borne by the person to whom that BHP Group Plc share is transferred.

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4.10.11    Ancillary information for our shareholders

This Annual Report provides the detailed financial data and information on BHP’s performance required to comply with the reporting regimes in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Shareholders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc will receive a copy of the Annual Report if they have requested a copy. ADR holders may view all documents at bhp.com or opt to receive a hard copy by accessing https://app.irdirect.net/company/0/hotline/ or calling Citibank Shareholder Services during normal business hours using the details listed in the Corporate directory at the end of this Annual Report.

Change of shareholder details and enquiries

Shareholders wishing to contact BHP on any matter relating to their shares or ADR holdings are invited to telephone the appropriate office of the BHP Share Registrar or Transfer Office listed in the Corporate directory at the end of this Annual Report.

Any change in shareholding details should be notified by the shareholder to the relevant Registrar in a timely manner.

Shareholders can also access their current shareholding details and change many of those details at bhp.com. The website requires shareholders to quote their Shareholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification Number (HIN) in order to access this information.

Alternative access to the Annual Report

We offer an alternative for all shareholders who wish to be advised of the availability of the Annual Report through our website via an email notification. By providing an email address through our website, shareholders will be notified by email when the Annual Report has been released. Shareholders will also receive notification of other major BHP announcements by email. Shareholders requiring further information or wishing to make use of this service should visit bhp.com.

ADR holders wishing to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report 2021 can do so by accessing https://app.irdirect.net/company/0/hotline/ or calling Citibank Shareholder Services during normal business hours. ADR holders may also contact the adviser that administers their investments. Holders of BHP Group Plc shares dematerialised into Strate should liaise directly with their Central Securities Depository Participant (CSDP) or broker.

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Key dates for shareholders

The following table sets out future dates in the next financial and calendar year of interest to our shareholders. If there are any changes to these dates or times, all relevant stock exchanges (see section 4.10.2) will be notified.

Date	Event
21 September 2021	Final dividend payment date
14 October 2021	BHP Group Plc Annual General Meeting in London Time: 9.00am (local time) Details of the business of the meeting are contained in the separate Notice of Meeting
11 November 2021	BHP Group Limited Annual General Meeting in Perth Time: 1.00pm (local time) Details of the business of the meeting are contained in the separate Notice of Meeting
15 February 2022	BHP Results for the half year ended 31 December 2021

4.11     Glossary

4.11.1     Mining, oil and gas-related terms

2D

Two dimensional.

3D

Three dimensional.

Anthracite

Coal of high rank with the highest carbon content.

Beneficiation

The process of physically separating ore from waste material prior to subsequent processing of the improved ore.

Bituminous

Coal of intermediate rank with relatively high carbon content.

Brownfield

The development or exploration located inside the area of influence of existing mine operations which can share infrastructure/management.

Butane

A component of natural gas. Where sold separately, is largely butane gas that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of butane is approximately equivalent to 14,000 cubic feet of gas.

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Coal Reserves

Equivalent to Ore Reserves, but specifically concerning coal.

Coking coal

Used in the manufacture of coke, which is used in the steelmaking process by virtue of its carbonisation properties. Coking coal may also be referred to as metallurgical coal.

Condensate

A mixture of hydrocarbons that exist in gaseous form in natural underground reservoirs, but which condense to form a liquid at atmospheric conditions.

Copper cathode

Electrolytically refined copper that has been deposited on the cathode of an electrolytic bath of acidified copper sulphate solution. The refined copper may also be produced through leaching and electrowinning.

Crude oil

A mixture of hydrocarbons that exist in liquid form in natural underground reservoirs and remain liquid at atmospheric pressure after being produced at the well head and passing through surface separating facilities.

Cut-off grade

A nominated grade above which an Ore Reserve is defined. For example, the lowest grade of mineralised material that qualifies as economic for estimating an Ore Reserve.

Dated Brent

A benchmark price assessment as of a specified date of the spot market value of physical cargoes of North Sea light sweet crude oil.

Electrowinning/electrowon

An electrochemical process in which metal is recovered by dissolving a metal within an electrolyte and plating it onto an electrode.

Energy coal

Used as a fuel source in electrical power generation, cement manufacture and various industrial applications. Energy coal may also be referred to as steaming or thermal coal.

Ethane

A component of natural gas. Where sold separately, is largely ethane gas that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of ethane is approximately equivalent to 28,000 cubic feet of gas.

Field

An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition. There may be two or more reservoirs in a field that are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both. Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field.

The geological terms ‘structural feature’ and ‘stratigraphic condition’ are intended to identify localised geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc. (per SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10).

Flotation

A method of selectively recovering minerals from finely ground ore using a froth created in water by specific reagents. In the flotation process, certain mineral particles are induced to float by becoming attached to bubbles of froth and the unwanted mineral particles sink.

Fly ash

The finer particle fraction of coal ash.

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FPSO (floating production, storage and off-take)

A floating vessel used by the offshore oil and gas industry for the processing of hydrocarbons and for storage of oil. An FPSO vessel is designed to receive hydrocarbons produced from nearby platforms or subsea templates, process them and store oil until it can be offloaded onto a tanker.

Grade or Quality

Any physical or chemical measurement of the characteristics of the material of interest in samples or product.

Greenfield

The development or exploration located outside the area of influence of existing mine operations/infrastructure.

Heap leach(ing)

A process used for the recovery of metals such as copper, nickel, uranium and gold from low-grade ores. The crushed material is laid on a slightly sloping, impermeable pad and leached by uniformly trickling (gravity fed) a chemical solution through the beds to ponds. The metals are recovered from the solution.

Hypogene Sulphide

Hypogene mineralisation is formed by fluids at high temperature and pressure derived from magmatic activity. Copper in Hypogene Sulphide is mainly provident from the copper bearing mineral chalcopyrite and higher metal recoveries are achieved via grinding/flotation concentration processes.

Leaching

The process by which a soluble metal can be economically recovered from minerals in ore by dissolution.

LNG (liquefied natural gas)

Consists largely of methane that has been liquefied through chilling and pressurisation. One tonne of LNG is approximately equivalent to 46,000 cubic feet of natural gas.

LOI (loss on ignition)

A measure of the percentage of volatile matter (liquid or gas) contained within a mineral or rock. LOI is determined to calculate loss in mass when subjected to high temperatures.

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)

Consists of propane and butane and a small amount (less than 2 per cent) of ethane that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of LPG is approximately equivalent to 12 barrels of oil.

Marketable Coal Reserves

Tonnes of coal available, at specified moisture content and air-dried qualities, for sale after the beneficiation of Coal Reserves.

Metallurgical coal

A broader term than coking coal, which includes all coals used in steelmaking, such as coal used for the pulverised coal injection process.

Mineralisation

Any single mineral or combination of minerals occurring in a mass, or deposit, of economic interest.

NGL (natural gas liquids)

Consists of propane, butane and ethane – individually or as a mixture.

Nominated production rate

The approved average production rate for the remainder of the life-of-asset plan or five-year plan production rate if significantly different to life-of-asset production rate.

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OC (open-cut)

Surface working in which the working area is kept open to the sky.

Ore Reserves

That part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserves determination. To establish this, studies appropriate to this type of mineral deposit involved have been carried out to estimate the quantity, grade and value of the ore mineral(s) present. In addition, technical studies have been completed to determine realistic assumptions for the extraction of minerals including estimates of mining, processing, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. The degree of these studies is sufficient to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of the project and depends on whether or not the project is an extension of an existing project or operation. The estimates of minerals to be produced include allowances for ore losses and the treatment of unmineralised materials which may occur as part of the mining and processing activities. Ore Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore Reserves and Proven Ore Reserves.

PCI

Pulverised coal injection.

Probable Ore Reserves

Ore Reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are estimated for information similar to that used for Proven Ore Reserves, that the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for Proven Ore Reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.

Propane

A component of natural gas. Where sold separately, is largely propane gas that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of propane is approximately equivalent to 19,000 cubic feet of gas.

Proved oil and gas reserves

Those quantities of oil, gas and natural gas liquids, which by analysis of geoscience and engineering data can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible – from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations – prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation (from SEC Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting, 2009, 17 CFR Parts 210, 211, 229 and 249).

Proven Ore Reserves

Ore Reserves for which (a) quantity is estimated from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed samplings and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are paced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well established.

Reserve Life

Current stated Ore Reserves estimate divided by the current approved nominated production rate as at the end of the financial year.

ROM (run of mine)

Run of mine product mined in the course of regular mining activities. Tonnes include allowances for diluting materials and for losses that occur when the material is mined.

Slag

A by-product of smelting after the desired metal has been extracted from its ore.

Slimes

A mixture of liquid and the finer particle sized fraction of minerals, typically related to tailings.

Sludge

A thick, soft, wet mud or similar viscous mixture of liquid and solid components, especially the product of minerals processing or refining activities.

Smelting

The process of extracting metal from its ore by heating and melting.

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Solvent extraction

A method of separating one or more metals from a leach solution by treating with a solvent that will extract the required metal, leaving the others. The metal is recovered from the solvent by further treatment.

SP (stockpile)

An accumulation of ore or mineral built up when demand slackens or when the treatment plant or beneficiation equipment is incomplete or temporarily unable to process the mine output; any heap of material formed to create a buffer for loading or other purposes or material dug and piled for future use.

Spud

Commence drilling of an oil or gas well.

Supergene Sulphide

Supergene is a term used to describe near-surface processes and their products, formed at low temperature and pressure by the activity of meteoric or surface water. Copper in Supergene Sulphide is mainly provident from the copper bearing minerals chalcocite and covellite and is amenable to both grinding/flotation concentration and leaching processes.

Tailings

Those portions of washed or milled ore that are too poor to be treated further or remain after the required metals and minerals have been extracted.

TLP (tension leg platform)

A vertically moored floating facility for production of oil and gas.

Total Ore Reserves

The sum of Proven and Probable Ore Reserves.

Transitional Sulphide

Transitional Sulphide is a term used to describe the zone of mineralisation that is a gradation between Supergene Sulphide and Hypogene Sulphide resulting from the incomplete development of the former as it overprints the latter. This results in a more irregular distribution of the three main copper bearing minerals and is amenable to both grinding/flotation concentration and leaching processes.

UG (underground)

Below the surface mining activities.

Wet tonnes

Production is usually quoted in terms of wet metric tonnes (wmt). To adjust from wmt to dry metric tonnes (dmt) a factor is applied based on moisture content.

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4.11.2    Terms used in reserves

Ag	silver
AI2O3	alumina
Anth	anthracite
Ash	inorganic material remaining after combustion
Au	gold
Cu	copper
CV	calorific value
Fe	iron
Insol.	insolubles
K2O	potassium oxide
KCl	potassium chloride
LOI	loss on ignition
Met	metallurgical coal
MgO	magnesium oxide
Mo	molybdenum
Ni	nickel
P	phosphorous
Pc	phosphorous in concentrate
PCI	pulverised coal injection
S	sulphur
SCu	soluble copper
SiO2	silica
TCu	total copper
Th	thermal coal
U3O8	uranium oxide
VM	volatile matter
Yield	the percentage of material of interest that is extracted during mining and/or processing
Zn	zinc

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4.11.3    Units of measure

%	percentage or per cent
bbl	barrel (containing 42 US gallons)
bbl/d	barrels per day
Bcf	billion cubic feet (measured at the pressure bases set by the regulator)
boe	barrels of oil equivalent – 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe
CO2-e	carbon dioxide equivalent
dmt	dry metric tonne
GJ	gigajoule
GL	gigalitre
g/t	grams per tonne
ha	hectare
kcal/kg	kilocalories per kilogram
kg/tonne or kg/t	kilograms per tonne
km	kilometre
koz	thousand troy ounces
kt	kilotonnes
ktpa	kilotonnes per annum
ktpd	kilotonnes per day
kV	kilovolt
kW	kilowatt
kWh	kilowatt hour
lb	pound
m	metre
m3	cubic metre
Mbbl/d	thousand barrels per day
Mcf	thousand cubic feet (measured at the pressure bases set by the regulator)
ML	megalitre
mm	millimetre
MMbbl/d	million barrels per day (measured at the pressure bases set by the regulator)
MMboe	million barrels of oil equivalent
MMBtu	million British thermal units – 1 scf of natural gas equals approximately 1,010 Btu
MMcf/d	million cubic feet per day
Mscf	thousand standard cubic feet
Mt	million tonnes
Mtpa	million tonnes per annum
MW	megawatt
oz	troy ounce
ppm	parts per million
PJ	petajoules
scf	standard cubic feet
t	tonne
tCO2-e	tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent
TJ	terajoule
TJ/d	terajoules per day
TW	terawatt
TWh	terawatt hour
tpa	tonnes per annum
tpd	tonnes per day
t/h	tonnes per hour
wmt	wet metric tonnes

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4.11.4     Other terms

AASB (Australian Accounting Standards Board)

Accounting standards as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

Activity data

A quantitative measure of a level of activity that results in greenhouse gas emissions. Activity data is multiplied by an energy and/or emissions factor to derive the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with a process or an operation. Examples of activity data include kilowatt-hours of electricity used, quantity of fuel used, output of a process, hours equipment is operated, distance travelled and floor area of a building.

ADR (American Depositary Receipt)

An instrument evidencing American Depositary Shares or ADSs, which trades on a stock exchange in the United States.

ADS (American Depositary Share)

A share issued under a deposit agreement that has been created to permit US-resident investors to hold shares in non-US companies and, if listed, trade them on the stock exchanges in the United States.

ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, which are the instruments that, if listed, trade on a stock exchange in the United States.

ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)

The Australian Government agency that enforces laws relating to companies, securities, financial services and credit in order to protect consumers, investors and creditors.

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Assets

Assets are a set of one or more geographically proximate operations (including open-cut mines, underground mines, and onshore and offshore oil and gas production and production facilities). Assets include our operated and non-operated assets.

Asset groups

We group our assets into geographic regions in order to provide effective governance and accelerate performance improvement. Minerals assets are grouped under Minerals Australia or Minerals Americas based on their geographic location. Oil, gas and petroleum assets are grouped together as Petroleum.

ASX (Australian Securities Exchange)

ASX is a multi-asset class vertically integrated exchange group that functions as a market operator, clearing house and payments system facilitator. It oversees compliance with its operating rules, promotes standards of corporate governance among Australia’s listed companies and helps educate retail investors.

BHP

Both companies in the DLC structure, being BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries.

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Limited and its subsidiaries.

BHP Group Limited share

A fully paid ordinary share in the capital of BHP Group Limited.

BHP Group Limited shareholders

The holders of BHP Group Limited shares.

BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share

A single voting share issued to facilitate joint voting by shareholders of BHP Group Limited on Joint Electorate Actions.

BHP Group Plc

BHP Group Plc and its subsidiaries.

BHP Group Plc share

A fully paid ordinary share in the capital of BHP Group Plc.

BHP Group Plc shareholders

The holders of BHP Group Plc shares.

BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share

A single voting share issued to facilitate joint voting by shareholders of BHP Group Plc on Joint Electorate Actions.

BHP shareholders

In the context of BHP’s financial results, BHP shareholders refers to the holders of shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

Board

The Board of Directors of BHP.

Canadian Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) collects information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually from facilities across Canada.

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e)

The universal unit of measurement to indicate the global warming potential (GWP) of each greenhouse gas, expressed in terms of the GWP of one unit of carbon dioxide. It is used to evaluate releasing (or avoiding releasing) different greenhouse gases against a common basis.

Carbon offsets

The central purpose of a carbon offset for an organisation is to substitute for internal GHG emission reductions. Offsets may be generated through projects in which GHG emissions are avoided, reduced, removed from the atmosphere or permanently stored (sequestration). Carbon offsets are generally created and independently verified in accordance with either a voluntary program or under a regulatory program. The purchaser of a carbon offset can ‘retire’ or ‘surrender’ it to claim the underlying reduction towards their own GHG emissions reduction targets or goals or to meet legal obligations.

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CQCA

Central Queensland Coal Associates.

Commercial

Our Commercial function seeks to maximise commercial value across our end-to-end supply chain. It provides effective and efficient service levels to our assets and customers through world-class insights and market intelligence, deep subject-matter expertise, simple processes and centralised standard activities. The function is organised around the core activities in our inbound and outbound value chains, supported by business partnering, credit and market risk management, and strategy and planning activities.

Company

BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries.

Continuing operations

Assets/operations/entities that are owned and/or operated by BHP, excluding major assets/operations/entities classified as Discontinued Operations.

Discontinued operations

Major assets/operations/entities that have either been disposed of or are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5/AASB 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.

Dividend record date

The date, determined by a company’s board of directors, by when an investor must be recorded as an owner of shares in order to qualify for a forthcoming dividend.

DLC Dividend Share

A share to enable a dividend to be paid by BHP Group Plc to BHP Group Limited or by BHP Group Limited to BHP Group Plc (as applicable).

DLC (Dual Listed Company)

BHP’s Dual Listed Company structure has two parent companies (BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc) operating as a single economic entity as a result of the DLC merger.

DLC merger

The Dual Listed Company merger between BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc on 29 June 2001.

Emission factor

A factor that converts activity data into greenhouse gas emissions data (e.g. kgCO2-e emitted per GJ of fuel consumed, kg CO2-e emitted per KWh of electricity used).

Equity share approach

A consolidation approach whereby a company accounts for greenhouse gas emissions from operations according to its share of equity in the operation. The equity share reflects economic interest, which is the extent of rights a company has to the risks and rewards flowing from an operation. Also see the definition for ‘Operational control approach’.

ELT (Executive Leadership Team)

The Executive Leadership Team directly reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day management of BHP and leading the delivery of our strategic objectives.

Energy

Energy means all forms of energy products where ‘energy products’ means combustible fuels, heat, renewable energy, electricity, or any other form of energy from operations that are owned or controlled by BHP. The primary sources of energy consumption come from fuel consumed by haul trucks at our operated assets, as well as purchased electricity used at our operated assets.

Energy content factor

The energy content of a fuel is an inherent chemical property that is a function of the number and types of chemical bonds in the fuel.

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Entrained water

Entrained water includes water incorporated into product and/or waste streams, such as tailings, that cannot be easily recovered.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

The EPA is a government regulator working to protect the environment through regulation of pollution and waste.

Evaporation volume

Volumes of water that are consumed via evaporation of water from water storage facilities and for dust suppression activities. Evaporation volumes are calculated using both climate and physical information. Evaporation may be calculated by multiplying the evaporation rate (measured through on-site instruments or sourced from meteorological authorities) by the surface areas of the water body, or it may be estimated from the change in stored water volumes when the other inputs and outputs are directly measured.

Executive KMP (Key Management Personnel)

Executive KMP includes the Executive Director (our CEO), the Chief Financial Officer, the President Operations (Minerals Australia), the President Operations (Minerals Americas), and the President Operations (Petroleum). It does not include the Non-Executive Directors (our Board).

Financial control approach

A consolidation approach whereby a company reports greenhouse gas emissions based on the accounting treatment in the company’s consolidated financial statements, as follows:

• 100 per cent for operations accounted for as subsidiaries, regardless of the equity interest owned

• for operations accounted for as a joint operation, the company’s interest in the operations

It does not report greenhouse gas emissions from operations that are accounted for using the equity method in the company’s financial statements.

Functions

Functions operate along global reporting lines to provide support to all areas of the organisation. Functions have specific accountabilities and deep expertise in areas such as finance, legal, governance, technology, human resources, corporate affairs, health, safety and community.

Gearing ratio

The ratio of net debt to net debt plus net assets.

GHG (greenhouse gas)

For BHP reporting purposes, these are the aggregate anthropogenic carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) GHG emissions are currently not relevant for BHP reporting purposes.

Goal (in respect of greenhouse gas emissions)

An ambition to seek an outcome for which there is no current pathway(s), but for which efforts will be pursued towards addressing that challenge, subject to certain assumptions or conditions.

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)

GRI works with businesses and governments to understand and communicate their impact on critical sustainability issues.

Groundwater

Water beneath the earth’s surface, including beneath the seabed, which fills pores or cracks between porous media such as soil, rock, coal, and sand, often forming aquifers. For accounting purposes, water that is entrained in the ore can be considered as groundwater (e.g. dewatering, abstraction from bore field, ore entrainment).

Group

BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries.

GWP (global warming potential)

A factor describing the radiative forcing impact (degree of harm to the atmosphere) of one unit of a given greenhouse gas relative to one unit of CO2. BHP currently uses GWP from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 4 (AR4) based on 100-year timeframe.

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Henry Hub

A natural gas pipeline located in Erath, Louisiana that serves as the official delivery location for futures contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

HPI (high-potential injuries)

High-potential injuries (HPI) are recordable injuries and first aid cases where there was the potential for a fatality.

ICMM (International Council on Mining and Metals)

The International Council on Mining and Metals is an international organisation dedicated to a safe, fair and sustainable mining and metals industry.

IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)

Accounting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is an international organisation working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

KMP (Key Management Personnel)

Persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly.

For BHP, KMP includes the Executive Director (our CEO), the Non-Executive Directors (our Board), as well as the Chief Financial Officer, the President, Minerals Australia, the President, Minerals Americas, and the President, Petroleum.

KPI (key performance indicator)

Used to measure the performance of the Group, individual businesses and executives in any one year.

Legacy assets

Legacy assets refer to those BHP-operated assets, or part thereof, located in the Americas that are in the closure phase.

LME (London Metal Exchange)

A major futures exchange for the trading of industrial metals.

Location-based reporting

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions based on average energy generation emission factors for defined geographic locations, including local, subnational, or national boundaries (i.e. grid factors). In the case of a direct line transfer, the location-based emissions are equivalent to the market-based emissions.

Market-based reporting

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions based on the generators (and therefore the generation fuel mix from which the reporter contractually purchases electricity and/or is directly provided electricity via a direct line transfer).

Minerals Americas

A group of assets located in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Peru and the United States (see ‘Asset groups’) focusing on copper, zinc, iron ore, energy coal and potash.

Minerals Australia

A group of assets located in Australia (see ‘Asset groups’). Minerals Australia includes operations in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, focusing on iron ore, copper, metallurgical, and energy coal and nickel.

Net zero (for a BHP greenhouse gas goal, target or pathway, or similar)

Net zero includes the use of carbon offsets as required.

Net zero (for industry sectors, the global economy, transition or future, or similar)

Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases (as defined in this Glossary) going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere.

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NGER (National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme)

The Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme is a single national framework for reporting and disseminating company information about greenhouse gas emissions, energy production, energy consumption and other information specified under NGER legislation.

Non-operated asset/non-operated joint venture (NOJV)

Non-operated assets/non-operated joint ventures include interests in assets that are owned as a joint venture but not operated by BHP. References in this Annual Report to a ‘joint venture’ are used for convenience to collectively describe assets that are not wholly owned by BHP. Such references are not intended to characterise the legal relationship between the owners of the asset.

Occupational illness

An illness that occurs as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure. It includes acute or chronic illnesses or diseases, which may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion or direct contact.

OELs (occupational exposure limits)

An occupational exposure limit is an upper limit on the acceptable concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air for a particular material or class of materials. OELs may also be set for exposure to physical agents such as noise, vibration or radiation.

OMC (Operations Management Committee)

Prior to FY2018, the Operations Management Committee had responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of BHP under the authorities that have been delegated to it by the Board. This included key strategic, investment and operational decisions, and recommendations to the Board.

During FY2018 the OMC was dissolved and the Remuneration Committee re-examined the classification of KMP for FY2018 to determine which persons have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of BHP. After due consideration, the Remuneration Committee determined the KMP for FY2018 comprised of all Non-executive Directors (the Board), the Executive Director (the CEO), the Chief Financial Officer, the President Operations, Minerals Australia, the President Operations, Minerals Americas, and the President Operations, Petroleum. The Committee also determined that, effective 1 July 2017, the Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief People Officer roles are no longer considered KMP.

Onshore US

BHP’s petroleum asset (divested in the year ended 30 June 2019) in four US shale areas (Eagle Ford, Permian, Haynesville and Fayetteville), where we produced oil, condensate, gas and natural gas liquids.

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)

OPEC is a permanent intergovernmental organisation of 13 oil-exporting developing nations that coordinates and unifies the petroleum policies of its Member Countries.

Operated assets

Operated assets include assets that are wholly owned and operated by BHP and assets that are owned as a joint venture and operated by BHP. References in this Annual Report to a ‘joint venture’ are used for convenience to collectively describe assets that are not wholly owned by BHP. Such references are not intended to characterise the legal relationship between the owners of the asset.

Operational control approach

A consolidation approach whereby a company accounts for 100 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions over which it has operational control (a company is considered to have operational control over an operation if it or one of its subsidiaries has the full authority to introduce and implement its operating policies at the operation). It does not account for greenhouse gas emissions from operations in which it owns an interest but does not have operational control. Also see the definition for ‘Equity share approach’.

Operations

Open-cut mines, underground mines, offshore oil and gas production and processing facilities.

Operating Model

The Operating Model outlines how BHP is organised, works and measures performance and includes mandatory performance requirements and common systems, processes and planning. The Operating Model has been simplified and BHP is organised by assets, asset groups, Commercial, and functions.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that regulates workplace health and safety.

311

Other (with respect to water consumption volumes)

This includes water volumes used for purposes such as potable water consumption and amenity facilities at our operated assets.

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is an agreement between countries party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) to strengthen efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so.

Paris Agreement goals

The central objective of the Paris Agreement is its long-term temperature goal to hold global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Paris-aligned

Aligned to the Paris Agreement goals.

Petroleum (asset group)

A group of oil and gas assets (see ‘Asset groups’). Petroleum’s core production operations are located in the US Gulf of Mexico, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago. Petroleum produces crude oil and condensate, gas and natural gas liquids.

PPE (personal protective equipment)

PPE means anything used or worn to minimise risk to worker’s health and safety, including air supplied respiratory equipment.

Quoted

In the context of American Depositary Shares (ADS) and listed investments, the term ‘quoted’ means ‘traded’ on the relevant exchange.

Residual mix

The mix of energy generation resources and associated attributes such as greenhouse gas emissions in a defined geographic boundary left after contractual instruments have been claimed/ retired/cancelled. The residual mix can provide an emission factor for companies without contractual instruments to use in a market-based method calculation. A residual mix is currently unavailable to account for voluntary purchases and this may result in double counting between electricity consumers.

SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board is a non-profit organisation that develops standards focused on the financial impacts of sustainability.

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions are direct emissions from operations that are owned or controlled by the reporting company. For BHP, these are primarily emissions from fuel consumed by haul trucks at our operated assets, as well as fugitive methane emissions from coal and petroleum production at our operated assets.

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, steam, heat or cooling that is consumed by operations that are owned or controlled by the reporting company. BHP’s Scope 2 emissions have been calculated using the market-based method using supplier specific emissions factors unless otherwise specified.    

Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions

Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions are all other indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in the reporting company’s value chain. For BHP, these are primarily emissions resulting from our customers using and processing the commodities we sell, as well as upstream emissions associated with the extraction, production and transportation of the goods, services, fuels and energy we purchase for use at our operations; emissions resulting from the transportation and distribution of our products; and operational emissions (on an equity basis) from our non-operated joint ventures.

Seawater

Water from oceans, seas and estuaries.

SEC (United States Securities and Exchange Commission)

The US regulatory commission that aims to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly and efficient markets and facilitate capital formation.

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Senior manager

An employee who has responsibility for planning, directing or controlling the activities of the entity or a strategically significant part of it. In the Strategic Report, senior manager includes senior leaders and any persons who are directors of any subsidiary company even if they are not senior leaders.

Shareplus

All-employee share purchase plan.

Social investment

Social investment is our voluntary contribution towards projects or donations with the primary purpose of contributing to the resilience of the communities where we operate and the environment, aligned with our broader business priorities. BHP’s targeted level of contribution is 1 per cent of pre-tax profit calculated on the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit as reported.

South32

During FY2015, BHP demerged a selection of our alumina, aluminium, coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc assets into a new company – South32 Limited.

SPM (sustainability performance metric)

The sustainability performance metrics are the metrics used to measure and evaluate our sustainability performance.

Strate

South Africa’s Central Securities Depositary for the electronic settlement of financial instruments.

Surface water

All water naturally open to the atmosphere, except for water from oceans, seas and estuaries (e.g. precipitation and runoff, including snow and hail), rivers and creeks and external water dams.

Target (in respect of greenhouse gas emissions)

An intended outcome in relation to which we have identified one or more pathways for delivery of that outcome, subject to certain assumptions or conditions.

Third-party water

Water supplied by an entity external to the operational facility. Third-party water contains water from the other three sources, surface water, groundwater and seawater.

Tier 1 asset

An asset that we believe is large, long life and low cost.

TRIF (total recordable injury frequency)

The sum of (fatalities + lost-time cases + restricted work cases + medical treatment cases) x 1,000,000 ÷ actual hours worked.

Stated in units of per million hours worked. BHP adopts the US Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injury and illnesses. TRIF statistics exclude non-operated assets.

TSR (total shareholder return)

TSR measures the return delivered to shareholders over a certain period through the movements in share price and dividends paid (which are assumed to be reinvested). It is the measure used to compare BHP’s performance to that of other relevant companies under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.

UKLA (United Kingdom Listing Authority)

Term used when the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) acts as the competent authority under Part VI of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA).

Underlying attributable profit

Profit/(loss) after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders excluding any exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders as described in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 3. Refer to section 4.2 for further information.

Underlying EBIT

Underlying EBITDA, including depreciation, amortisation and impairments. Refer to section 4.2 for further information.

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Underlying EBITDA

Earnings before net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and exceptional items. Refer to section 4.2 for further information.

Unit costs

One of the financial measures BHP uses to monitor the performance of individual assets. Unit costs are calculated as ratio of net costs of the assets to the equity share of sales tonnage. Net costs is defined as revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding freight and other costs, depending on the nature of each asset. Petroleum unit costs exclude exploration and development and evaluation expense and other costs that do not represent underlying cost performance of the business; Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and New South Wales Energy Coal unit costs exclude royalties; Escondida unit costs exclude by-product credits.

WAF (Water Accounting Framework)

The Water Accounting Framework is a common mining and metals industry approach to water accounting in Australia.

Water quality – Type 1

Water of high quality that would require minimal (if any) treatment to meet drinking water standards. This water is considered high-quality/high-grade in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’.

Water quality – Type 2

Water of medium quality that would require moderate treatment to meet drinking water standards (it may have a high salinity threshold of no higher than 5,000 milligrams per litre total dissolved solids and other individual constituents). This water is considered high-quality/high-grade in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’.

Water quality – Type 3

Water of low quality that would require significant treatment to meet drinking water standards. It may have individual constituents with high values of total dissolved solids, elevated levels of metals or extreme levels of pH. This type of water also includes seawater. This water is considered low-quality/low-grade in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’.

WRSA (Water Resource Situational Analysis)

A situational analysis is an analysis of the water resources and catchments that the operated asset interacts with, including assessment of: (i) the sustainability of the volume and quality of the water resources taking into account interactions of all other parties and climate change forecasts; (ii) BHP’s direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the sustainability of the volume and quality of the water resources and any related environmental, social or cultural values, taking into account climate change forecasts in accordance with the Water Management Standard; (iii) the state of water infrastructure, water access, sanitation and hygiene of local communities; (iv) the environmental health of the water catchments that feed the water resources taking into account the extent of vegetation, runoff, and any conservation of the area; (v) external water governance arrangements and their effectiveness.

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Corporate directory

BHP Registered Offices

BHP Group Limited

Australia

171 Collins Street

Melbourne VIC 3000

Telephone Australia 1300 55 47 57

Telephone International +61 3 9609 3333

Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015

BHP Group Plc

United Kingdom

Nova South, 160 Victoria Street

London SW1E 5LB

Telephone +44 20 7802 4000

Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111

Group Company Secretary

Stefanie Wilkinson

BHP Corporate Centres

Chile

Cerro El Plomo 6000

Piso 15

Las Condes 7560623

Santiago

Telephone +56 2 2579 5000

Facsimile +56 2 2207 6517

United States

1500 Post Oak Boulevard,

Houston TX 77056-3004

Telephone +1 713 961 8500

Facsimile +1 713 961 8400

Commercial Office

Singapore

10 Marina Boulevard, #18-01

Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 2

Singapore 018983

Telephone +65 6421 6000

Facsimile +65 6421 6800

315

Share Registrars and Transfer Offices

Australia

BHP Group Limited Registrar

Computershare Investor Services

Pty Limited

Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street

Abbotsford VIC 3067

Postal address – GPO Box 2975

Melbourne VIC 3001

Telephone 1300 656 780 (within Australia)

+61 3 9415 4020 (outside Australia)

Facsimile +61 3 9473 2460

Email enquiries: investorcentre.com/bhp

United Kingdom

BHP Group Plc Registrar

Computershare Investor Services PLC

The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road

Bristol BS13 8AE

Postal address (for general enquiries)

The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road

Bristol BS99 6ZZ

Telephone +44 344 472 7001

Facsimile +44 370 703 6101

Email enquiries: investorcentre.co.uk/contactus

South Africa

BHP Group Plc Branch Register and Transfer Secretary

Computershare Investor Services

(Pty) Limited

Rosebank Towers

15 Biermann Avenue

Rosebank 2196

South Africa

Postal address – Private Bag X9000

Saxonwold,

2132 South Africa

Telephone +27 11 373 0033

Facsimile +27 11 688 5217

Email enquiries: web.queries@computershare.co.za

Holders of shares dematerialised into Strate should contact their CSDP or stockbroker.

316

New Zealand

Computershare Investor Services Limited

Level 2/159 Hurstmere Road

Takapuna Auckland 0622

Postal address – Private Bag 92119

Auckland 1142

Telephone +64 9 488 8777

Facsimile +64 9 488 8787

United States

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

150 Royall Street

Canton MA 02021

Postal address – PO Box 43078

Providence RI 02940-3078

Telephone +1 888 404 6340

(toll-free within US)

Facsimile +1 312 601 4331

ADR Depositary, Transfer Agent and Registrar

Citibank Shareholder Services

PO Box 43077

Providence RI 02940-3077

Telephone +1 781 575 4555 (outside of US) +1 877 248 4237 (+1-877-CITIADR) (toll-free within US)

Facsimile +1 201 324 3284

Email enquiries: citibank@shareholders-online.com

Website: citi.com/dr

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5    Exhibits

Exhibits marked ‘*’ have been filed as exhibits to this annual report on Form 20-F. Remaining exhibits have been incorporated by reference as indicated.

Exhibit 1    Constitution

1.1 Constitution of BHP Billiton Limited, incorporating the amendments approved by shareholders at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited on 19 November 2015 (1)

1.2 Memorandum and Articles of Association of BHP Billiton Plc, incorporating the amendments approved by shareholders at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc on 22 October 2015 (1)

Exhibit 2    Securities

*2.1 Description of Securities

Exhibit 4    Material Contracts

4.1 DLC Structure Sharing Agreement, dated 29 June 2001, between BHP Limited and Billiton Plc incorporating the amendments approved by shareholders at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited on 19 November 2015 and the Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc on 22 October 2015 (1)

4.2 SVC Special Voting Shares Deed, dated 29 June 2001, among BHP Limited, BHP SVC Pty Limited, Billiton Plc, Billiton SVC Limited and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (2)(P)

4.3 SVC Special Voting Shares Amendment Deed, dated 13 August 2001, among BHP Limited, BHP SVC Pty Limited, Billiton Plc, Billiton SVC Limited and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (2)(P)

4.4 Deed Poll Guarantee, dated 29 June 2001, of BHP Limited (2)(P)

4.5 Deed Poll Guarantee, dated 29 June 2001, of Billiton Plc (2)(P)

4.6 Form of Service Agreement for Specified Executive (referred to in this Annual Report as the Key Management Personnel) (4)

4.7 BHP Billiton Ltd Group Incentive Scheme Rules 2004, dated August 2008 (3)

4.8 BHP Billiton Ltd Long Term Incentive Plan Rules, dated November 2010 (2)(P)

4.9 BHP Billiton Plc Group Incentive Scheme Rules 2004, dated August 2008 (3)

4.10 BHP Billiton Plc Long Term Incentive Plan Rules, dated November 2010 (2)(P)

4.11 Framework Agreement entered into on 2 March 2016 between Samarco Mineração S.A., Vale S.A. and BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda, the Federal Government of Brazil, the states of Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other public authorities in Brazil (1)

Exhibit 8    List of Subsidiaries

*8.1 List of subsidiaries of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc

Exhibit 12    Certifications (section 302)

*12.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mike Henry, dated 21 September 2021

*12.2 Certification by Chief Financial Officer, Mr David Lamont, dated 21 September 2021

Exhibit 13    Certifications (section 906)

*13.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mike Henry, dated 21 September 2021

*13.2 Certification by Chief Financial Officer, Mr David Lamont, dated 21 September 2021

Exhibit 15    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

*15.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting firms Ernst & Young and Ernst & Young LLP for incorporation by reference of audit reports in registration statements on Form F-3 and Form S-8

*15.2 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting firms KPMG and KPMG LLP for incorporation by reference of audit reports in registration statements on Form F-3 and Form S-8

101.INS* Inline XBRL Instance Document—this instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags embedded within the Inline XBRL document

101.SCH* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

Footnotes

(1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2016 on 21 September 2016.

(2)  Previously filed on paper form as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2001 on 19 November 2001.

(3)  Previously filed as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2008 on 15 September 2008.

(4)  Previously filed as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2020 on 22 September 2020.

(P)  Previously filed on paper form.

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SIGNATURE

The registrants hereby certify that they meet all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that they have duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this annual report on their behalf.

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Plc

/s/ David Lamont

David Lamont

Chief Financial Officer

Date: 21 September 2021

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Section 3 - Financial Statements

Financial Statements
3.1	Consolidated Financial Statements	F-2
	3.1.1 Consolidated Income Statement	F-2
	3.1.2 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	F-3
	3.1.3 Consolidated Balance Sheet	F-4
	3.1.4 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement	F-5
	3.1.5 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	F-6
	3.1.6 Notes to the Financial Statements	F-11
3.2	Not required for US Reporting	F-73
3.2A	Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms	F-73
3.3	Directors’ declaration	F-80
3.4	Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements	F-81
3.5	Not required for US Reporting	F-81
3.6	Included as Item 3.2A	F-81
3.7	Supplementary oil and gas information – unaudited	F-82
Notes to the Financial Statements		F-11
Performance		F-11
1	Segment reporting	F-11
2	Revenue	F-14
3	Exceptional items	F-15
4	Significant events – Samarco dam failure	F-18
5	Expenses and other income	F-23
6	Income tax expense	F-24
7	Earnings per share	F-27
Working capital		F-28
8	Trade and other receivables	F-28
9	Trade and other payables	F-28
10	Inventories	F-29
Mining and Petroleum assets		F-30
11	Property, plant and equipment	F-30
12	Intangible assets	F-33
13	Impairment of non-current assets	F-34
14	Deferred tax balances	F-37
15	Closure and rehabilitation provisions	F-39
Capital Structure		F-41
16	Share capital	F-41
17	Other equity	F-42
18	Dividends	F-43
19	Provisions for dividends and other liabilities	F-43
Financial Management		F-44
20	Net debt	F-44
21	Leases	F-47
22	Net finance costs	F-49
23	Financial risk management	F-50
Employee matters		F-57
24	Key management personnel	F-57
25	Employee share ownership plans	F-57
26	Employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions	F-60
27	Pension and other post-retirement obligations	F-61
28	Employees	F-62
Group and related party information		F-63
29	Discontinued operations	F-63
30	Subsidiaries	F-64
31	Investments accounted for using the equity method	F-65
32	Interests in joint operations	F-68
33	Related party transactions	F-69
Unrecognised items and uncertain events		F-70
34	Contingent liabilities	F-70
35	Subsequent events	F-70
Other items		F-71
36	Auditor’s remuneration	F-71
37	Not required for US Reporting	F-72
38	Not required for US Reporting	F-72
39	New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies	F-72

About these Financial Statements

Reporting entity

BHP Group Limited, an incorporated Australian-listed company, and BHP Group Plc, an incorporated UK-listed company, form a Dual Listed Company (DLC). These entities and their subsidiaries operate together as a single for-profit economic entity (referred to as ‘BHP’ or ‘the Group’) with a common Board of Directors, unified management structure and joint objectives. In effect, the DLC structure provides the same voting rights and dividend entitlements from BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc irrespective of whether investors hold shares in BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc.

Group and related party information is presented in note 33 ‘Related party transactions’ in section 3.1. This details transactions between the Group’s subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements and other related parties. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the segment information (refer to note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 3.1).

Presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc Directors have included information in this report they deem to be material and relevant to the understanding of the Consolidated Financial Statements (the Financial Statements). Disclosure may be considered material and relevant if the dollar amount is significant due to its size or nature, or the information is important to understand the:

• Group’s current year results

• impact of significant changes in the Group’s business or

• aspects of the Group’s operations that are important to future performance

These Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 2 September 2021. The Directors have the authority to amend the Financial Statements after issuance.

F-1

3.1    Consolidated Financial Statements

3.1.1    Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 30 June 2021

	Notes		2021			2020			2019
			US$M			US$M			US$M
Continuing operations
Revenue		2		60,817			42,931			44,288
Other income		5		510			777			393
Expenses excluding net finance costs		5		(34,500	)		(28,775	)		(28,022	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		31		(921	)		(512	)		(546	)
Profit from operations				25,906			14,421			16,113
Financial expenses				(1,378	)		(1,262	)		(1,510	)
Financial income				73			351			446
Net finance costs		22		(1,305	)		(911	)		(1,064	)
Profit before taxation				24,601			13,510			15,049
Income tax expense				(10,921	)		(4,708	)		(5,335	)
Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)				(229	)		(66	)		(194	)
Total taxation expense		6		(11,150	)		(4,774	)		(5,529	)
Profit after taxation from Continuing operations				13,451			8,736			9,520
Discontinued operations
Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations		29		–			–			(335	)
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations				13,451			8,736			9,185
Attributable to non-controlling interests				2,147			780			879
Attributable to BHP shareholders				11,304			7,956			8,306
Basic earnings per ordinary share (cents)		7		223.5			157.3			160.3
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (cents)		7		223.0			157.0			159.9
Basic earnings from Continuing operations per ordinary share (cents)		7		223.5			157.3			166.9
Diluted earnings from Continuing operations per ordinary share (cents)		7		223.0			157.0			166.5

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-2

3.1.2    Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2021

	Notes		2021			2020			2019
			US$M			US$M			US$M
Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations				13,451			8,736			9,185
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement:
Hedges:
Gains/(losses) taken to equity				863			(315	)		(327	)
(Gains)/losses transferred to the income statement				(837	)		297			299
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations taken to equity				5			1			1
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations transferred to income statement				–			–			(6	)
Tax recognised within other comprehensive income		6		(8	)		5			8
Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement				23			(12	)		(25	)
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:
Re-measurement gains/(losses) on pension and medical schemes				58			(81	)		(20	)
Equity investments held at fair value				(2	)		(2	)		1
Tax recognised within other comprehensive income		6		(20	)		26			19
Total items that will not be reclassified to the income statement				36			(57	)		–
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)				59			(69	)		(25	)
Total comprehensive income				13,510			8,667			9,160
Attributable to non-controlling interests				2,158			769			878
Attributable to BHP shareholders				11,352			7,898			8,282

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-3

3.1.3     Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2021

	Notes		2021			2020
			US$M			US$M Restated
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		20		15,246			13,426
Trade and other receivables		8		6,059			3,364
Other financial assets		23		230			84
Inventories		10		4,426			4,101
Assets held for sale		31		324			–
Current tax assets				279			366
Other				129			130
Total current assets				26,693			21,471
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables		8		337			267
Other financial assets		23		1,610			2,522
Inventories		10		1,358			1,221
Property, plant and equipment		11		73,813			72,362
Intangible assets		12		1,437			1,574
Investments accounted for using the equity method		31		1,742			2,585
Deferred tax assets		14		1,912			3,688
Other				25			43
Total non-current assets				82,234			84,262
Total assets				108,927			105,733
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables		9		7,027			5,767
Interest bearing liabilities		20		2,628			5,012
Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale		31		17			–
Other financial liabilities				130			225
Current tax payable				2,800			913
Provisions		4,15,19,26		3,696			2,810
Deferred income				105			97
Total current liabilities				16,403			14,824
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables		9		–			1
Interest bearing liabilities		20		18,355			22,036
Other financial liabilities		23		1,146			1,414
Non-current tax payable				120			109
Deferred tax liabilities		14		3,314			3,779
Provisions		4,15,19,26		13,799			11,185
Deferred income				185			210
Total non-current liabilities				36,919			38,734
Total liabilities				53,322			53,558
Net assets				55,605			52,175
EQUITY
Share capital – BHP Group Limited				1,111			1,111
Share capital – BHP Group Plc				1,057			1,057
Treasury shares				(33	)		(5	)
Reserves		17		2,350			2,306
Retained earnings				46,779			43,396
Total equity attributable to BHP shareholders				51,264			47,865
Non-controlling interests		17		4,341			4,310
Total equity				55,605			52,175

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 2 September 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Ken MacKenzie	Mike Henry
Chair	Chief Executive Officer

F-4

3.1.4     Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 30 June 2021

	Notes		2021			2020			2019
			US$M			US$M			US$M
Operating activities
Profit before taxation				24,601			13,510			15,049
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation expense				6,824			6,112			5,829
Impairments of property, plant and equipment, financial assets and intangibles				2,635			494			264
Net finance costs				1,305			911			1,064
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses				921			512			546
Other				348			720			308
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade and other receivables				(2,723	)		291			(211	)
Inventories				(447	)		(715	)		298
Trade and other payables				1,201			(755	)		406
Provisions and other assets and liabilities				501			1,188			(125	)
Cash generated from operations				35,166			22,268			23,428
Dividends received				753			137			516
Interest received				97			385			443
Interest paid				(771	)		(1,225	)		(1,346	)
(Settlements)/proceeds of cash management related instruments				(401	)		85			296
Net income tax and royalty-related taxation refunded				407			48			59
Net income tax and royalty-related taxation paid				(8,017	)		(5,992	)		(5,999	)
Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations				27,234			15,706			17,397
Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations		29		–			–			474
Net operating cash flows				27,234			15,706			17,871
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment				(6,606	)		(6,900	)		(6,250	)
Exploration expenditure				(514	)		(740	)		(873	)
Exploration expenditure expensed and included in operating cash flows				430			517			516
Investment in subsidiaries, operations and joint operations, net of cash				(480	)		–			–
Net investment and funding of equity accounted investments				(578	)		(618	)		(630	)
Proceeds from sale of assets				197			265			145
Other investing				(294	)		(140	)		(285	)
Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations				(7,845	)		(7,616	)		(7,377	)
Net investing cash flows from Discontinued operations		29		–			–			(443	)
Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash		29		–			–			10,427
Net investing cash flows				(7,845	)		(7,616	)		2,607
Financing activities
Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities				568			514			250
Proceeds/(settlements) of debt related instruments				167			(157	)		(160	)
Repayment of interest bearing liabilities				(8,395	)		(2,047	)		(2,604	)
Purchase of shares by Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trusts				(234	)		(143	)		(188	)
Share buy-back – BHP Group Limited				–			–			(5,220	)
Dividends paid				(7,901	)		(6,876	)		(11,395	)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests				(2,127	)		(1,043	)		(1,198	)
Net financing cash flows from Continuing operations				(17,922	)		(9,752	)		(20,515	)
Net financing cash flows from Discontinued operations		29		–			–			(13	)
Net financing cash flows				(17,922	)		(9,752	)		(20,528	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing operations				1,467			(1,662	)		(10,495	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations				–			–			18
Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash				–			–			10,427
Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the beginning of the financial year				13,426			15,593			15,813
Foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents				353			(505	)		(170	)
Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the end of the financial year		20		15,246			13,426			15,593

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-5

3.1.5    Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2021

	Attributable to BHP shareholders
	Share capital					Treasury shares						Reserves			Retained earnings			Total equity attributable to BHP shareholders
US$M	BHP Group Limited			BHP Group Plc		BHP Group Limited			BHP Group Plc												Non- controlling interests			Total equity
Balance as at 1 July 2020 (restated)		1,111			1,057		(5	)		–			2,306			43,396			47,865			4,310			52,175
Total comprehensive income		–			–		–			–			22			11,330			11,352			2,158			13,510
Transactions with owners:
Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts		–			–		(229	)		(5	)		–			–			(234	)		–			(234	)
Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions net of tax		–			–		202			4			(149	)		(57	)		–			–			–
Vested employee share awards that have lapsed, been cancelled or forfeited		–			–		–			–			(4	)		4			–			–			–
Accrued employee entitlement for unexercised awards net of tax		–			–		–			–			175			–			175			–			175
Dividends		–			–		–			–			–			(7,894	)		(7,894	)		(2,127	)		(10,021	)
Balance as at 30 June 2021		1,111			1,057		(32	)		(1	)		2,350			46,779			51,264			4,341			55,605
Balance as at 1 July 2019 (restated)		1,111			1,057		(32	)		–			2,285			42,748			47,169			4,584			51,753
Total comprehensive income		–			–		–			–			(12	)		7,910			7,898			769			8,667
Transactions with owners:
Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts		–			–		(139	)		(4	)		–			–			(143	)		–			(143	)
Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions net of tax		–			–		166			4			(132	)		(38	)		–			–			–
Vested employee share awards that have lapsed, been cancelled or forfeited		–			–		–			–			(10	)		10			–			–			–
Accrued employee entitlement for unexercised awards net of tax		–			–		–			–			175			–			175			–			175
Dividends		–			–		–			–			–			(7,234	)		(7,234	)		(1,043	)		(8,277	)
Balance as at 30 June 2020 (restated)		1,111			1,057		(5	)		–			2,306			43,396			47,865			4,310			52,175
Balance as at 1 July 2018		1,186			1,057		(5	)		–			2,290			51,057			55,585			5,078			60,663
Impact of change in accounting policies (Note 39)		–			–		–			–			–			(71	)		(71	)		–			(71	)
Restated balance as at 1 July 2018		1,186			1,057		(5	)		–			2,290			50,986			55,514			5,078			60,592
Total comprehensive income		–			–		–			–			(24	)		8,306			8,282			878			9,160
Transactions with owners:
Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts		–			–		(182	)		(6	)		–			–			(188	)		–			(188	)
Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions net of tax		–			–		155			6			(100	)		(61	)		–			–			–
Vested employee share awards that have lapsed, been cancelled or forfeited		–			–		–			–			(18	)		18			–			–			–
Accrued employee entitlement for unexercised awards net of tax		–			–		–			–			138			–			138			–			138
Dividends		–			–		–			–			–			(11,302	)		(11,302	)		(1,205	)		(12,507	)
BHP Group Limited shares bought back and cancelled		(75	)		–		–			–			–			(5,199	)		(5,274	)		–			(5,274	)
Divestment of subsidiaries, operations and joint operations		–			–		–			–			–			–			–			(168	)		(168	)
Transfer to non-controlling interests		–			–		–			–			(1	)		–			(1	)		1			–
Balance as at 30 June 2019 (restated)		1,111			1,057		(32	)		–			2,285			42,748			47,169			4,584			51,753

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-6

Basis of preparation

The Group’s Financial Statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2021:

• are a consolidated general purpose financial report

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the:

 ¡ Australian Corporations Act 2001

 ¡ UK Companies Act 2006

• have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and interpretations collectively referred to as ‘IFRS’ in this report, which encompass the:

 ¡ International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board

 ¡ Australian Accounting Standards, being Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB)

 ¡ International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union (EU)

 ¡ International Accounting Standards adopted for use within the UK

• are prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors:

 ¡ have made an assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern over the period to 30 September 2022 (the ‘going concern period’)

 ¡ consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Group’s Financial Statements

• measure items on the basis of historical cost principles, except for the following items:

 ¡ derivative financial instruments and certain other financial assets and liabilities, which are carried at fair value

 ¡ non-current assets or disposal groups that are classified as held-for-sale or held-for-distribution, which are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell

• include significant accounting policies in the notes to the Financial Statements that summarise the recognition and measurement basis used and are relevant to an understanding of the Financial Statements

• apply a presentation currency of US dollars, consistent with the predominant functional currency of the Group’s operations. Amounts are rounded to the nearest million dollars, unless otherwise stated, in accordance with ASIC (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191

• present reclassified comparative information where required for consistency with the current year’s presentation

• adopt all new and amended standards and interpretations under IFRS issued by the relevant bodies (listed above), that are mandatory for application in periods beginning on 1 July 2020. Those new and amended standards and interpretations did not require restatement of prior period financial information

• early adopt amendments to IFRS 9/AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (IFRS 9), IAS 39/AASB 139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ (IAS 39); IFRS 7/AASB 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ (IFRS 7); IFRS 4/AASB 4 ‘Insurance Contracts’ (IFRS 4) and IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ (IFRS 16) in relation to Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

• apply accounting policies consistently in all prior years presented including retrospective application of the Group’s accounting policy change relating to Income Taxes. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for the impact on the Financial Statements

• have not early adopted any other standards and interpretations that have been issued or amended but are not yet effective

The accounting policies are consistently applied by all entities included in the Financial Statements.

Principles of consolidation

In preparing the Financial Statements, the effects of all intragroup balances and transactions have been eliminated.

A list of significant entities in the Group, including subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates at year-end is contained in note 30 ‘Subsidiaries’, note 31 ‘Investments accounted for using the equity method’ and note 32 ‘Interests in joint operations’.

Subsidiaries: The Financial Statements of the Group include the consolidation of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries, being the entities controlled by the parent entities during the year. Control exists where the Group:

• is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity

• has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity

The ability to approve the operating and capital budget of a subsidiary and the ability to appoint key management personnel are decisions that demonstrate that the Group has the existing rights to direct the relevant activities of a subsidiary. Where the Group’s interest is less than 100 per cent, the interest attributable to outside shareholders is reflected in non-controlling interests. The Financial Statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the Group’s business combinations.

F-7

Joint arrangements: The Group undertakes a number of business activities through joint arrangements, which exist when two or more parties have joint control. Joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures, based on the contractual rights and obligations between the parties to the arrangement:

• Joint operations: A joint operation is an arrangement in which the Group shares joint control, primarily via contractual arrangements with other parties. In a joint operation, the Group has rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement. This includes situations where the parties benefit from the joint activity through a share of the output, rather than by receiving a share of the results of trading. In relation to the Group’s interest in a joint operation, the Group recognises: its assets and liabilities, including its share of any assets and liabilities held or incurred jointly; revenue from the sale of its share of the output and its share of any revenue generated from the sale of the output by the joint operation; and its expenses including its share of expenses incurred jointly. All such amounts are measured in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, which is usually in proportion to the Group’s interest in the joint operation.

• Joint ventures: A joint venture is a joint arrangement in which the parties that share joint control have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. A separate vehicle, not the parties, will have the rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement. More than an insignificant share of output from a joint venture is sold to third parties, which indicates the joint venture is not dependent on the parties to the arrangement for funding, nor do the parties have an obligation for the liabilities of the arrangement. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity accounting method.

Associates: The Group accounts for investments in associates using the equity accounting method. An entity is considered an associate where the Group is deemed to have significant influence but not control or joint control. Significant influence is presumed to exist where the Group:

• has over 20 per cent but less than 50 per cent of the voting rights of an entity, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case or

• holds less than 20 per cent of the voting rights of an entity; however, has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions affecting the entity

The Group uses the term ‘equity accounted investments’ to refer to joint ventures and associates collectively.

Foreign currencies

Transactions related to the Group’s worldwide operations are conducted in a number of foreign currencies. The majority of the subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates within each of the operations have assessed US dollars as the functional currency, however, some subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates have functional currencies other than US dollars.

Transactions and monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars as follows:

Foreign currency item	Applicable exchange rate
Transactions	Date of underlying transaction
Monetary assets and liabilities	Period-end rate

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from translation are recognised in the income statement, except for qualifying cash flow hedges (which are deferred to equity) and foreign exchange gains or losses on foreign currency provisions for site closure and rehabilitation costs (which are capitalised in property, plant and equipment for operating sites).

On consolidation, the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of non-US dollar denominated functional currency entities are translated into US dollars using the following applicable exchange rates:

Foreign currency amount	Applicable exchange rate
Income and expenses	Date of underlying transaction
Assets and liabilities	Period-end rate
Equity	Historical rate
Reserves	Historical rate

Foreign exchange differences resulting from translation are initially recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve and subsequently transferred to the income statement on disposal of a foreign operation.

F-8

Significant accounting policies, judgements and estimates

The Group has identified a number of accounting policies under which significant judgements, estimates and assumptions are made. All judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on the most current facts and circumstances and are reassessed on an ongoing basis. Actual results in future reporting periods may differ for these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Significant judgements and key estimates and assumptions made in applying these accounting policies are embedded within the following notes:

Note
4	Significant events – Samarco dam failure
6	Taxation
10	Inventories
11	Exploration and evaluation
11	Development expenditure
11	Overburden removal costs
11	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
13	Impairments of non-current assets
15	Closure and rehabilitation provisions
21	Leases

The Samarco dam failure, impairment assessments and closure and rehabilitation provisions have been identified as areas involving significant judgement and where changes to key estimates and assumptions may materially affect financial results and the carrying amount of assets and liabilities to be reported in the next reporting period. Additional information including sensitivity analysis, where appropriate, has been provided in the relevant notes to enhance an understanding of the impact of key estimates and assumptions on the Group’s financial position and performance.

Reserve estimates

Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be demonstrated to be able to be economically and legally extracted from the Group’s properties. In order to estimate reserves, assumptions are required about a range of technical and economic factors, including quantities, qualities, production techniques, recovery efficiency, production and transport costs, commodity supply and demand, commodity prices and exchange rates.

Estimating the quantity and/or quality of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies or oil and gas reservoirs to be determined by analysing geological data, such as drilling samples and geophysical survey interpretations. Economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change from period-to-period as additional technical and operational data is generated. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgements to interpret the data.

Additional information on the Group’s mineral and oil and gas reserves can be viewed within section 4.6.

Section 4.6 is unaudited and does not form part of these Financial Statements.

Reserve impact on financial reporting

Estimates of reserves may change from period-to-period as the economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change and additional geological data is generated during the course of operations. Changes in reserves may affect the Group’s financial results and financial position in a number of ways, including:

•   asset carrying values may be affected due to changes in estimated future production levels

•   depreciation, depletion and amortisation charged in the income statement may change where such charges are determined on the units of production basis, or where the useful economic lives of assets change

•   overburden removal costs recorded on the balance sheet or charged to the income statement may change due to changes in stripping ratios or the units of production basis of depreciation

•   closure and rehabilitation provisions may change where changes in estimated reserves affect expectations about the timing or cost of these activities

•   the carrying amount of deferred tax assets may change due to changes in estimates of the likely recovery of the tax benefits

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic

The Group continues to actively monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact on economic activity and financial reporting. During the period the Group continued to experience lower volumes at certain of its operated assets and to incur incremental directly attributable costs including those associated with the increased provision of health and hygiene services, the impacts of maintaining social distancing requirements and demurrage and other standby charges related to delays caused by COVID-19. These incremental costs have been classified as an exceptional item, as outlined in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’.

As the pandemic continues to evolve, with the extent and timing of impacts varying across the Group’s key operating locations, it remains difficult to predict the full extent and duration of resulting operational and economic impacts for the Group. This uncertainty impacts judgements made by the Group, including those relating to assessing collectability of receivables and determining the recoverable values of the Group’s non-current assets as outlined in notes 8 ‘Trade and other receivables’ and 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’, respectively. Given the uncertainty associated with the pandemic, management assesses the appropriate financial treatment and disclosure of COVID-19 impacts each reporting period.

The ongoing uncertainty has also been considered in the Group’s assessment of the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. In assessing the appropriateness of the going concern assumption over the going concern period, management have stress tested BHP’s most recent financial projections to incorporate a range of potential future outcomes by considering BHP’s principal risks. The Group’s financial forecasts, including downside commodity price and production scenarios, demonstrate that the Group believes that it has sufficient financial resources to meet its obligations as they fall due throughout the going concern period. As such, the Consolidated Financial Statements continue to be prepared on the going concern basis.

F-9

Climate change

The Group continues to develop its assessment of the potential impacts of climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy. The Group’s current climate change strategy focuses on reducing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, investing in low emissions technologies, supporting emissions reductions in our value chain and promoting product stewardship, managing climate-related risk and opportunity, and working with others to enhance the global policy and market response. Future changes to the Group’s climate change strategy or global decarbonisation signposts may impact the Group’s significant judgements and key estimates and result in material changes to financial results and the carrying values of certain assets and liabilities in future reporting periods.

The Group’s current climate change strategy is reflected in the Group’s significant judgements and key estimates, and therefore the Financial Statements, as follows:

Transition risks

The Group’s targets and goals

As part of its response to the Paris Agreement goals, the Group has set a target to reduce its operational GHG emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2 from our operated assets) by at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels by FY2030 and a goal to achieve net zero operational GHG emissions by 2050. For the FY2030 target, the FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on GHG emissions at the time of the transaction, and carbon offsets will be used as required. Emissions reduction projects aimed at contributing to the achievement of the Group’s operational GHG emissions target and goal have been incorporated into the forecast cash flows of the Group’s assets. The Group’s offset strategy is currently being managed at a consolidated Group level and therefore is not currently incorporated into the forecast cash flows of individual assets. Any change to the Group’s climate change strategy could impact these forecasts and the Group’s significant judgements and key estimates.

The Group continues to invest, including in partnership with others, in emissions reduction projects and technology innovation and development in its value chain to support reductions to its total reported Scope 3 GHG emissions inventory. However, while we seek to influence, Scope 3 emissions occur outside of our direct control. Reduction pathways are dependent on the development and upstream or downstream deployment of solutions and/or supportive policy. It is therefore currently not possible to reliably estimate or measure the full potential financial statement impacts of the Group’s pursuit of its Scope 3 goals and targets.

Expenditure under the Climate Investment Program (CIP) which, as announced by the Group in July 2019, aims to invest at least US$400 million over the CIP’s five-year life in emissions reduction projects across the Group’s operated assets and value chain, is recognised in the relevant year of expenditure.

Global transition signposts and commodity impacts

In addition to the Group’s targets and goals, significant judgements and key estimates are also impacted by the Group’s current assessment of the range of economic and climate related conditions that could exist in transitioning to a low carbon economy, considering the current trajectory of society and the global economy as a whole. Despite recent progress, all 1.5°C pathways to 2050 represent a major departure from today’s global trajectory and the Group does not believe the technological, regulatory, or economic foundations for a rapid transition to net zero emissions are currently in place. Acknowledging these signposts, the Group’s current best estimate of the potential impacts of climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy are reflected in the following two scenarios, which consider existing policies, trends and commitments and the Group’s view of the most likely range of futures for the global economy and associated sub-systems:

• Central Energy View: reflects, and is periodically updated to respond to, existing policy trends and commitments and currently tracks to approximately 3°C temperature increase above pre-industrial levels by 2100

• Lower Carbon View: currently tracks to approximately 2.5°C temperature increase by 2100, and accelerates decarbonisation trends and policies, particularly in easier-to-abate sectors such as power generation and light duty vehicles

These two scenarios are reviewed periodically to reflect new information.

These scenarios are currently being used as inputs to the Group’s planning cases, informing updates to the Group’s supply, demand and price forecasts, capital allocation and portfolio decisions. As such, these scenarios impact certain significant judgements and key estimates, including the determination of the valuation of assets and potential impairment charges (notes 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’), the estimation of the remaining useful economic life of assets for depreciation purposes (note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’), the timing of closure and rehabilitation activities (note 15 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’) and the recoverability of certain deferred tax assets (note 14 ‘Deferred tax balances’).

The Group continues to monitor global decarbonisation signposts and update its planning cases accordingly. Where such signposts indicate the appropriate measures are in place for achievement of a 1.5ºC Paris-aligned scenario, this will be reflected in the Group’s planning cases.

Sensitivity to demand for fossil fuels

The Group acknowledges that there are a range of possible energy transition scenarios, including those that are aligned with the Paris Agreement goals, that may indicate different outcomes for individual commodities. While not currently an input to the Group’s planning cases, the resilience of the Group’s portfolio to a 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario (the Group’s 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario) has been considered, including the impact of Paris-aligned commodity price outlooks under that scenario on the Group’s latest asset plans. Although all potential financial reporting consequences under the Group’s 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario are currently impracticable to fully assess, the long-term commodity price outlooks under this scenario are either largely consistent with or favourable to the price outlooks in the Group’s current planning cases, with the exception of energy coal, oil and natural gas.

There are inherent limitations with scenario analysis and it is difficult to predict which, if any, of the scenarios might eventuate and none of the scenarios considered constitutes a definitive outcome for the Group.

The long-term commodity price outlooks under the Group’s 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario, excluding energy coal, oil and natural gas, reflect:

• Copper and nickel benefiting from the dramatic pace of electrification over and above the Group’s current planning cases

• Iron ore growth underpinned by the benefit to steel demand from the construction of renewables, particularly wind power

• Potash growth reflecting the potential for greater penetration of biofuels

• Metallurgical coal supported by the limited alternatives in steelmaking over the scenario timeframe

Given the positive long-term price outlooks for these commodities, the Group currently considers that a material adverse change is not expected to the valuation, and remaining useful life, of assets and discounting of closure and rehabilitation provisions for assets relating to these commodities under its 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario.

For energy coal, oil and natural gas, long-term commodity price outlooks under the Group’s 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario are unfavourable to the price outlooks in the Group’s current planning cases. However, recent portfolio announcements and impairments recognised in FY2021 limit the exposure of the carrying value of the Group’s assets to long-term commodity prices for energy coal, oil and natural gas, as:

• the Group has announced a merger proposal to combine the Group’s petroleum business with Woodside

• the Group has announced the signing of a Sale and Purchase Agreement to divest the Group’s 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón

• following impairments recognised in FY2021, the carrying value of the Group’s NSWEC assets is no longer material

Further, as management would alter its operating and investment plans in such a pricing environment for these assets to mitigate cash flow and valuation impacts, it is currently impracticable to fully assess the potential impacts on the significant judgements and key estimates used in the preparation of the Group’s Financial Statements. However, given the factors outlined above, NSWEC closure provisions are considered the liabilities most susceptible to the long-term impacts of the Group’s 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario as reserves may become incapable of extraction in an economically viable fashion prior to the current best estimate of remaining useful life. In such a scenario, closure activity may be performed earlier than the Group’s current best estimate, impacting the closure provision.

Physical risks

The Group is progressing work to assess the potential impact of physical risks of climate change in line with the Group’s Risk Management Framework. Given the ongoing nature of the Group’s physical risk assessment process, inclusion of adaptation risk in the Group’s operating plans, and associated asset valuations, is currently limited. As the Group progresses its adaptation strategy, the identification of additional risks or the detailed development of the Group’s response may result in material changes to financial results and the carrying values of assets and liabilities in future reporting periods.

F-10

3.1.6    Notes to the Financial Statements

Performance

1    Segment reporting

Reportable segments

The Group operated four reportable segments during FY2021, which are aligned with the commodities that are extracted and marketed and reflect the structure used by the Group’s management to assess the performance of the Group.

Reportable segment	Principal activities
Petroleum	Exploration, development and production of oil and gas
Copper	Mining of copper, silver, zinc, molybdenum, uranium and gold
Iron Ore	Mining of iron ore
Coal	Mining of metallurgical coal and energy coal

Unless otherwise noted, the segment reporting information for the year ended 30 June 2019 excludes Discontinued operations, being the Petroleum Onshore US operations comprising the Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Permian and Fayetteville oil and gas assets.

Group and unallocated items includes functions, other unallocated operations including Potash, Nickel West and legacy assets, and consolidation adjustments. Revenue not attributable to reportable segments comprises the sale of freight and fuel to third-parties, as well as revenues from unallocated operations. Exploration and technology activities are recognised within relevant segments.

Total assets and total liabilities for FY2020 and FY2019 have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12/AASB 112 ‘Income Taxes’ (IAS 12), resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of Goodwill at Olympic Dam (included in the Copper Segment) and an offsetting US$1,021 million increase in Deferred tax liabilities (included in Group and unallocated). Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for further information.

Year ended 30 June 2021 US$M	Petroleum			Copper			Iron Ore			Coal			Group and unallocated items/ eliminations			Group total
Revenue		3,895			15,726			34,475			5,154			1,567			60,817
Inter-segment revenue		51			–			–			–			(51	)		–
Total revenue		3,946			15,726			34,475			5,154			1,516			60,817
Underlying EBITDA		2,300			8,489			26,278			288			24			37,379
Depreciation and amortisation		(1,739	)		(1,608	)		(1,971	)		(845	)		(661	)		(6,824	)
Impairment losses (1)		(128	)		(72	)		(13	)		(20	)		(31	)		(264	)
Underlying EBIT		433			6,809			24,294			(577	)		(668	)		30,291
Exceptional items (2)		(47	)		(144	)		(1,319	)		(1,567	)		(1,308	)		(4,385	)
Net finance costs																	(1,305	)
Profit before taxation																	24,601
Capital expenditure (cash basis)		994			2,180			2,188			579			665			6,606
(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		(6	)		692			(1,126	)		(480	)		(1	)		(921	)
Investments accounted for using the equity method		253			1,482			–			–			7			1,742
Total assets		13,775			31,517			26,171			11,030			26,434			108,927
Total liabilities		5,811			4,589			7,508			3,518			31,896			53,322

F-11

Year ended 30 June 2020 US$M Restated	Petroleum			Copper			Iron Ore			Coal			Group and unallocated items/ eliminations			Group total
Revenue		4,008			10,666			20,797			6,241			1,219			42,931
Inter-segment revenue		62			–			–			1			(63	)		–
Total revenue		4,070			10,666			20,797			6,242			1,156			42,931
Underlying EBITDA		2,207			4,347			14,554			1,632			(669	)		22,071
Depreciation and amortisation		(1,445	)		(1,740	)		(1,608	)		(807	)		(512	)		(6,112	)
Impairment losses (1)		(12	)		(17	)		(22	)		(14	)		(20	)		(85	)
Underlying EBIT		750			2,590			12,924			811			(1,201	)		15,874
Exceptional items (2)		(6	)		(1,228	)		(614	)		(18	)		413			(1,453	)
Net finance costs																	(911	)
Profit before taxation																	13,510
Capital expenditure (cash basis)		909			2,434			2,328			603			626			6,900
(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		(4	)		67			(508	)		(68	)		1			(512	)
Investments accounted for using the equity method		245			1,558			–			776			6			2,585
Total assets (3)		13,071			28,892			23,841			12,110			27,819			105,733
Total liabilities (3)		4,824			3,535			5,441			2,601			37,157			53,558
Year ended 30 June 2019 US$M Restated	Petroleum			Copper			Iron Ore			Coal			Group and unallocated items/ eliminations			Group total
Revenue		5,853			10,838			17,251			9,121			1,225			44,288
Inter-segment revenue		77			–			4			–			(81	)		–
Total revenue		5,930			10,838			17,255			9,121			1,144			44,288
Underlying EBITDA		4,061			4,550			11,129			4,067			(649	)		23,158
Depreciation and amortisation		(1,560	)		(1,835	)		(1,653	)		(632	)		(149	)		(5,829	)
Impairment losses (1)		(21	)		(128	)		(79	)		(35	)		(1	)		(264	)
Underlying EBIT		2,480			2,587			9,397			3,400			(799	)		17,065
Exceptional items (2)		–			–			(971	)		–			19			(952	)
Net finance costs																	(1,064	)
Profit before taxation																	15,049
Capital expenditure (cash basis)		645			2,735			1,611			655			604			6,250
(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		(2	)		303			(945	)		103			(5	)		(546	)
Investments accounted for using the equity method		239			1,472			–			853			5			2,569
Total assets (3)		12,434			28,378			22,592			12,124			26,283			101,811
Total liabilities (3)		4,102			3,340			5,106			2,450			35,060			50,058

(1)  Impairment losses exclude exceptional items of US$2,371 million (2020: US$409 million; 2019: US$ nil).

(2)  Exceptional items reported in Group and unallocated include Samarco dam failure costs of US$(14) million (2020: US$(32) million; 2019: US$(31) million) and Samarco related other income of US$34 million (2020: US$489 million; 2019: US$50 million). Refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ for further information.

(3)  Total assets and total liabilities of FY2020 and FY2019 have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for further information.

F-12

Geographical information

	Revenue by location of customer
	2021		2020		2019
	US$M		US$M		US$M
Australia		2,951		2,232		2,568
Europe		1,050		1,156		1,875
China		39,727		26,576		24,274
Japan		4,808		3,904		4,193
India		2,189		1,475		2,479
South Korea		3,436		2,666		2,550
Rest of Asia		3,603		2,583		2,940
North America		2,432		1,827		2,442
South America		426		315		662
Rest of world		195		197		305
		60,817		42,931		44,288
	Non-current assets by location of assets(1)
	2021		2020		2019
	US$M		US$M		US$M
			Restated		Restated
Australia		48,612		48,236		45,963
North America		9,701		9,682		8,633
South America		18,548		18,179		18,404
Rest of world		1,851		1,955		371
Unallocated assets(2)		3,522		6,210		5,067
		82,234		84,262		78,438

(1) FY2020 and FY2019 have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of Goodwill at Olympic Dam. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for further information.

(2)  Unallocated assets comprise deferred tax assets and other financial assets.

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying EBITDA is earnings before net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and any 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).

Exceptional items are excluded from Underlying EBITDA in order to enhance the comparability of such measures from period-to-period and provide investors with further clarity in order to assess the performance of the Group’s operations. Management monitors exceptional items separately. Refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ for additional detail.

Segment assets and liabilities

Total segment assets and liabilities of reportable segments represents operating assets and operating liabilities, including the carrying amount of equity accounted investments and predominantly excludes cash balances, loans to associates, interest bearing liabilities and deferred tax balances. The carrying value of investments accounted for using the equity method represents the balance of the Group’s investment in equity accounted investments, with no adjustment for any cash balances, interest bearing liabilities or deferred tax balances of the equity accounted investment.

F-13

2    Revenue

Revenue by segment and asset

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Australia Production Unit		327			361			507
Bass Strait		1,066			1,102			1,237
North West Shelf		893			1,076			1,657
Atlantis		560			561			979
Shenzi		417			277			540
Mad Dog		231			216			319
Trinidad/Tobago		204			191			287
Algeria		164			159			258
Third-party products		11			39			10
Other		73			88			136
Total Petroleum (1)		3,946			4,070			5,930
Escondida		9,470			6,719			6,876
Pampa Norte		1,801			1,395			1,502
Olympic Dam		2,211			1,463			1,351
Third-party products		2,244			1,089			1,109
Total Copper (2)		15,726			10,666			10,838
Western Australia Iron Ore		34,337			20,663			17,066
Third-party products		18			15			32
Other		120			119			157
Total Iron Ore		34,475			20,797			17,255
Queensland Coal		4,315			5,357			7,679
New South Wales Energy Coal		839			885			1,421
Third-party products		–			–			19
Other		–			–			2
Total Coal (3)		5,154			6,242			9,121
Group and unallocated items (4)		1,567			1,219			1,225
Inter-segment adjustment		(51	)		(63	)		(81	)
Total revenue		60,817			42,931			44,288

(1)  Total Petroleum revenue includes: crude oil US$2,013 million (2020: US$2,033 million; 2019: US$3,171 million), natural gas US$977 million (2020: US$980 million; 2019: US$1,259 million), LNG US$682 million (2020: US$774 million; 2019: US$1,179 million), NGL US$212 million (2020: US$198 million; 2019: US$263 million) and other US$62 million (2020: US$85 million; 2019: US$58 million).

(2)  Total Copper revenue includes: copper US$14,812 million (2020: US$10,044 million; 2019: US$10,215 million) and other US$914 million (2020: US$622 million; 2019: US$623 million). Other consists of silver, zinc, molybdenum, uranium and gold.

(3)  Total Coal revenue includes: metallurgical coal US$4,260 million (2020: US$5,311 million; 2019: US$7,568 million) and energy coal US$894 million (2020: US$931 million; 2019: US$1,553 million).

(4)  Group and unallocated items revenue includes: Nickel West US$1,545 million (2020: US$1,189 million; 2019: US$1,193 million) and other revenue US$22 million (2020: US$30 million; 2019: US$32 million).

Revenue consists of revenue from contracts with customers of US$59,302 million (2020: US$43,087 million; 2019: US$44,361 million) and other revenue of US$1,515 million (2020: US$(156) million; 2019: US$(73) million).

Recognition and measurement

The Group generates revenue from the production and sale of commodities. Revenue is recognised when or as control of the promised goods or services passes to the customer. In most instances, control passes when the goods are delivered to a destination specified by the customer, typically on board the customer’s appointed vessel. Revenue from the provision of services is recognised over time, but does not represent a significant proportion of total revenue and is aggregated with the respective asset and product revenue for disclosure purposes. The amount of revenue recognised reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for the goods or services.

Where the Group’s sales are provisionally priced, the final price depends on future index prices. The amount of revenue initially recognised is based on the relevant forward market price. Adjustments between the provisional and final price are accounted for under IFRS 9/AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (IFRS 9) and separately recorded as other revenue. The period between provisional pricing and final invoicing is typically between 60 and 120 days.

Revenue from concentrate is net of treatment costs and refining charges.

Revenue from the sale of significant by-products is included within revenue. Where a by-product is not significant, revenue is credited against costs.

The Group applies the practical expedient to not adjust the expected consideration for the effects of the time value of money if the period between the delivery and when the customer pays for the promised good or service is one year or less.

F-14

For commodity sales contracts, each individual metric unit is a separate performance obligation. Where the Group has contracts with unfulfilled performance obligations at period-end, it is required to disclose the transaction price allocated to these performance obligations. The Group applies the practical expedient to not disclose this information for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. The Group has a number of long-term contracts which are primarily priced on variable terms, based on quoted index prices near the time of delivery, and at times include fixed pricing components. Fixed pricing components, such as premiums and other charges, do not represent a significant proportion of the total price. Any estimate of the future transaction price would exclude estimated amounts of variable consideration. The amount of future consideration from fixed pricing components has not been disclosed, as the Group does not consider this relevant or useful information.

3    Exceptional items

Exceptional items are those gains or losses where their nature, including the expected frequency of the events giving rise to them, and impact is considered material to the Financial Statements. Such items included within the Group’s profit from Continuing operations for the year are detailed below.

Year ended 30 June 2021	Gross			Tax			Net
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Exceptional items by category
Samarco dam failure		(1,087	)		(71	)		(1,158	)
COVID-19 related costs		(546	)		146			(400	)
Impairment of Energy coal assets		(1,523	)		(651	)		(2,174	)
Impairment of Potash assets		(1,314	)		(751	)		(2,065	)
Total		(4,470	)		(1,327	)		(5,797	)
Attributable to non-controlling interests		(34	)		10			(24	)
Attributable to BHP shareholders		(4,436	)		(1,337	)		(5,773	)

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) dam failure

The FY2021 exceptional loss of US$1,158 million (after tax) related to the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 comprises the following:

Year ended 30 June 2021	US$M
Other income		34
Expenses excluding net finance costs:
Costs incurred directly by BHP Brasil and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure		(46	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:
Samarco impairment expense		(111	)
Samarco Germano dam decommissioning		(15	)
Samarco dam failure provision		(1,000	)
Fair value change on forward exchange derivatives		136
Net finance costs		(85	)
Income tax expense		(71	)
Total (1)		(1,158	)

(1)  Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

COVID-19 related costs

COVID-19 is considered a single protracted globally pervasive event with financial impacts being experienced over a number of reporting periods. The exceptional item reflects the directly attributable COVID-19 pandemic related additional costs for the Group for the year ended 30 June 2021, including costs associated with the increased provision of health and hygiene services, the impacts of maintaining social distancing requirements and demurrage and other standby charges related to delays caused by COVID-19.

Impairment of Energy coal assets

The Group recognised an impairment charge of US$1,704 million (after tax) in relation to New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) reflecting the status of the divestment process and current market conditions for thermal coal, the strengthening Australian dollar and changes to the mine plan.

In addition, the Group recognised an impairment charge of US$470 million (after tax) for Cerrejón, reflecting the expected net sales proceeds. Refer to note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ for further information on the pre-tax impairment.

F-15

Impairment of Potash assets

The Group recognised an impairment charge of US$2,065 million (after tax) in relation to Potash. The impairment charge reflects an analysis of recent market perspectives and the value that we would now expect a market participant to attribute to our investments to date. Refer to note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ for further information on the pre-tax impairment.

The exceptional items relating to the year ended 30 June 2020 and the year ended 30 June 2019 are detailed below.

30 June 2020

Year ended 30 June 2020	Gross			Tax			Net
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Exceptional items by category
Samarco dam failure		(176	)		–			(176	)
Cancellation of power contracts		(778	)		271			(507	)
COVID-19 related costs		(183	)		53			(130	)
Cerro Colorado impairment		(409	)		(83	)		(492	)
Total		(1,546	)		241			(1,305	)
Attributable to non-controlling interests		(291	)		90			(201	)
Attributable to BHP shareholders		(1,255	)		151			(1,104	)

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) dam failure

The FY2020 exceptional loss of US$176 million related to the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 comprises the following:

Year ended 30 June 2020	US$M
Other income		489
Expenses excluding net finance costs:
Costs incurred directly by BHP Brasil and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure		(64	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:
Samarco impairment expense		(95	)
Samarco Germano dam decommissioning		46
Samarco dam failure provision		(459	)
Net finance costs		(93	)
Total (1)		(176	)

(1)  Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

Cancellation of power contracts

Reflects an onerous contract provision in relation to the cancellation of power contracts at the Group’s Escondida and Spence operations, as part of the shift towards 100 per cent renewable energy supply contracts.

COVID-19 related costs

COVID-19 can be considered a single protracted globally pervasive event with financial impacts expected over a number of reporting periods. The exceptional item reflects the directly attributable COVID-19 pandemic related additional costs for the Group for FY2020, including costs associated with the increased provision of health and hygiene services and the impacts of maintaining social distancing requirements.

Cerro Colorado impairment

The Group recognised an impairment charge of US$492 million (after tax) in relation to Cerro Colorado. This reflects the decision taken by the Group to reduce Cerro Colorado’s throughput for the remaining period of its current environmental licence, which expires at the end of CY2023.

30 June 2019

Year ended 30 June 2019	Gross			Tax		Net
	US$M			US$M		US$M
Exceptional items by category
Samarco dam failure		(1,060	)		–		(1,060	)
Global taxation matters		–			242		242
Total		(1,060	)		242		(818	)
Attributable to non-controlling interests		–			–		–
Attributable to BHP shareholders		(1,060	)		242		(818	)

F-16

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) dam failure

The FY2019 exceptional loss of US$1,060 million related to the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 comprises the following:

Year ended 30 June 2019	US$M
Other income		50
Expenses excluding net finance costs:
Costs incurred directly by BHP Brasil and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure		(57	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:
Samarco impairment expense		(96	)
Samarco Germano dam decommissioning		(263	)
Samarco dam failure provision		(586	)
Net finance costs		(108	)
Total (1)		(1,060	)

(1)  Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

Global taxation matters

Global taxation matters includes amounts released from provisions for tax matters and other claims resolved during the period.

F-17

4    Significant events – Samarco dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil, experienced a tailings dam failure that resulted in a release of mine tailings, flooding the communities of Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu and impacting other communities downstream (the Samarco dam failure). Refer to section 1.15 ‘Samarco’.

Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale). BHP Brasil’s 50 per cent interest is accounted for as an equity accounted joint venture investment. BHP Brasil does not separately recognise its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of Samarco, but instead records the investment as one line on the balance sheet. Each period, BHP Brasil recognises its 50 per cent share of Samarco’s profit or loss and adjusts the carrying value of the investment in Samarco accordingly. Such adjustment continues until the investment carrying value is reduced to US$ nil, with any additional share of Samarco losses only recognised to the extent that BHP Brasil has an obligation to fund the losses. After applying equity accounting, any remaining carrying value of the investment is tested for impairment.

Any charges relating to the Samarco dam failure incurred directly by BHP Brasil or other BHP entities are recognised 100 per cent in the Group’s results.

The financial impacts of the Samarco dam failure on the Group’s income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement for the year ended 30 June 2021 are shown in the tables below and have been treated as an exceptional item.

Financial impacts of Samarco dam failure	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Income statement
Other income (1)		34			489			50
Expenses excluding net finance costs:
Costs incurred directly by BHP Brasil and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure (2)		(46	)		(64	)		(57	)
Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:
Samarco impairment expense (3)		(111	)		(95	)		(96	)
Samarco Germano dam decommissioning (4)		(15	)		46			(263	)
Samarco dam failure provision (5)		(1,000	)		(459	)		(586	)
Fair value change on forward exchange derivatives (6)		136			–			–
Loss from operations		(1,002	)		(83	)		(952	)
Net finance costs (7)		(85	)		(93	)		(108	)
Loss before taxation		(1,087	)		(176	)		(1,060	)
Income tax expense (8)		(71	)		–			–
Loss after taxation		(1,158	)		(176	)		(1,060	)
Balance sheet movement
Trade and other payables		(5	)		(5	)		4
Derivatives		136			–			–
Tax liabilities		(71	)		–			–
Provisions		(741	)		(137	)		(629	)
Net liabilities		(681	)		(142	)		(625	)

			2021					2020					2019
			US$M					US$M					US$M
Cash flow statement
Loss before taxation				(1,087	)				(176	)				(1,060	)
Adjustments for:
Samarco impairment expense (3)	111					95					96
Samarco Germano dam decommissioning (4)	15					(46	)				263
Samarco dam failure provision (5)	1,000					459					586
Fair value change on forward exchange derivatives (6)	(136	)				–					–
Net finance costs (7)	85					93					108
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade and other payables	5					5					(4	)
Net operating cash flows				(7	)				430					(11	)
Net investment and funding of equity accounted investments (9)				(470	)				(464	)				(424	)
Net investing cash flows				(470	)				(464	)				(424	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents				(477	)				(34	)				(435	)

(1)  Proceeds from insurance settlements.

(2)  Includes legal and advisor costs incurred.

(3)  Impairment expense from working capital funding provided during the period.

(4)  US$(6) million (2020: US$37 million; 2019: US$263 million) change in estimate and US$21 million (2020: US$(83) million; 2019: US$ nil) exchange translation.

(5)  US$842 million (2020: US$916 million; 2019: US$579 million) change in estimate and US$158 million (2020: US$(457) million; 2019: US$7 million) exchange translation.

(6)  During the period the Group entered into forward exchange contracts to limit the Brazilian reais exposure on the dam failure provisions. While not applying hedge accounting, the fair value changes in the forward exchange instruments are recorded within Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses in the Income Statement.

(7)  Amortisation of discounting of provision.

(8)  Includes tax on forward exchange derivatives and other taxes incurred during the period.

(9)  Includes US$(111) million (2020: US$(95) million; 2019: US$(96) million) funding provided during the period, US$(351) million (2020: US$(365) million; 2019: US$(328) million) utilisation of the Samarco dam failure provision, and US$(8) million (2020: US$(4) million; 2019: US$ nil) utilisation of the Samarco Germano decommissioning provision.

F-18

Equity accounted investment in Samarco

BHP Brasil’s investment in Samarco remains at US$ nil. BHP Brasil provided US$111 million funding under a working capital facility during the period and recognised impairment losses of US$111 million. No dividends have been received by BHP Brasil from Samarco during the period and Samarco currently does not have profits available for distribution.

Provisions related to the Samarco dam failure

			2021				2020
			US$M				US$M
At the beginning of the financial year				2,051				1,914
Movement in provisions				741				137
Comprising:
Utilised	(359	)			(369	)
Adjustments charged to the income statement:
Change in estimate - Samarco dam failure provision	842				916
Change in estimate - Samarco Germano dam decommissioning	(6	)			37
Amortisation of discounting impacting net finance costs	85				93
Exchange translation	179				(540	)
At the end of the financial year				2,792				2,051
Comprising:
Current				1,206				896
Non-current				1,586				1,155
At the end of the financial year				2,792				2,051
Comprising:
Samarco dam failure provision				2,560				1,824
Samarco Germano dam decommissioning provision				232				227

Samarco dam failure provisions and contingencies

As at 30 June 2021, BHP Brasil has identified provisions and contingent liabilities arising as a consequence of the Samarco dam failure as follows:

Provisions

Provision for Samarco dam failure

On 2 March 2016, BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale, entered into a Framework Agreement with the Federal Government of Brazil, the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other public authorities to establish a foundation (Fundação Renova) that is developing and executing environmental and socio-economic programs (Programs) to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the Samarco dam failure. Key Programs include those for financial assistance and compensation of impacted persons, including fisherfolk impacted by the dam failure, and those for remediation of impacted areas and resettlement of impacted communities. A committee (Interfederative Committee) comprising representatives from the Brazilian Federal and State Governments, local municipalities, environmental agencies, impacted communities and Public Defence Office oversees the activities of the Fundação Renova in order to monitor, guide and assess the progress of actions agreed in the Framework Agreement. In addition, the 12th Federal Court is supervising the work of the Fundação Renova and the Court’s decisions have been considered in the Samarco dam failure provision change in estimate. Any future decisions will be analysed for impacts on the provision at the time of any decision.

The term of the Framework Agreement is 15 years, renewable for periods of one year successively until all obligations under the Framework Agreement have been performed. Under the Framework Agreement, Samarco has primary responsibility for funding Fundação Renova’s annual calendar year budget for the duration of the Framework Agreement. The funding amounts for each calendar year will be dependent on the remediation and compensation projects to be undertaken in a particular year. Annual contributions may be reviewed under the Framework Agreement. To the extent that Samarco does not meet its funding obligations, each of BHP Brasil and Vale have secondary funding obligations under the Framework Agreement in proportion to its 50 per cent shareholding in Samarco.

Samarco began to gradually recommence operations in December 2020, however, there remains significant uncertainty regarding Samarco’s long-term cash flow generation. In light of these uncertainties and based on currently available information, BHP Brasil’s provision for its obligations under the Framework Agreement Programs is US$2.6 billion before tax and after discounting at 30 June 2021 (30 June 2020: US$1.8 billion).

Under a Governance Agreement ratified on 8 August 2018, BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale were to establish a process to renegotiate the Programs over two years to progress settlement of the R$155 billion (approximately US$30 billion) Federal Public Prosecution Office claim (described below). Pre-requisites established in the Governance Agreement, for re-negotiation of the Framework Agreement were not implemented during the two year period and on 30 September 2020, Brazilian Federal and State prosecutors and public defenders filed a request for the immediate resumption of the R$155 billion (approximately US$30 billion) claim, which has been suspended from the date of ratification of the Governance Agreement. The claim remains suspended after the parties to the claim agreed to continue the suspension on 19 March 2021. BHP Brasil, Samarco, Vale and Federal and State prosecutors have been engaging in negotiations to seek a definitive and substantive settlement of the obligations under the Framework Agreement and the R$155 billion (approximately US$30 billion) Federal Public Prosecution Office claim. It is not possible to provide a range of outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential settlement outcomes and there is a risk that a negotiated outcome may be materially higher than amounts currently reflected in the Samarco dam failure provision. Until any revisions to the Programs are agreed, Fundação Renova will continue to implement the Programs in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement and the Governance Agreement.

BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale are required to maintain security of an amount equal to the Fundação Renova’s annual budget up to a limit of R$2.2 billion (approximately US$440 million). The security currently comprises R$1.3 billion (approximately US$260 million) in insurance bonds and a charge of R$800 million (approximately US$160 million) over Samarco’s assets. A further R$100 million (approximately US$20 million) in liquid assets previously maintained as security was released for COVID-19 related response efforts in Brazil.

F-19

Samarco Germano dam decommissioning

Samarco is currently progressing plans for the accelerated decommissioning of its upstream tailings dams (the Germano dam complex). Given the significant uncertainties surrounding Samarco’s long-term cash flow generation, BHP Brasil’s provision for a 50 per cent share of the expected Germano decommissioning costs is US$232 million (30 June 2020: US$227 million). The decommissioning is at an early stage and as a result, further engineering work and required validation by Brazilian authorities could lead to changes to estimates in future reporting periods.

Key judgements and estimates
Judgements
The outcomes of litigation are inherently difficult to predict and significant judgement has been applied in assessing the likely outcome of legal claims and determining which legal claims require recognition of a provision or disclosure of a contingent liability. The facts and circumstances relating to these cases are regularly evaluated in determining whether a provision for any specific claim is required.
Management has determined that a provision can only be recognised for obligations under the Framework Agreement and Samarco Germano dam decommissioning as at 30 June 2021. It is not yet possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures to BHP in connection to the contingent liabilities noted below, given their status.
Estimates
The provisions for Samarco dam failure and Samarco Germano dam decommissioning currently reflect the estimated remaining costs to complete Programs under the Framework Agreement and estimated costs to complete the Germano dam decommissioning and require the use of significant judgements, estimates and assumptions. Based on current estimates, it is expected that approximately 85 per cent of remaining costs for Programs under the Framework Agreement will be incurred by December 2023.
While the provisions have been measured based on latest information available, likely changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting periods may lead to material revisions to these estimates. However, it is currently not possible to determine what facts and circumstances may change, therefore revisions in future reporting periods due to the key estimates and factors outlined below cannot be reliably measured.
The key estimates that may have a material impact upon the provisions in the next and future reporting periods include:
•	number of people eligible for financial assistance and compensation and the corresponding amount of expected compensation
•	costs to complete key infrastructure programs, including resettlement of the Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu communities
The provisions may also be affected by factors including but not limited to:
•	resolution of existing and potential legal claims in Brazil and other jurisdictions, including the impact of ongoing settlement negotiations and outcome of the United Kingdom group action complaint
•	potential changes in scope of work and funding amounts required under the Framework Agreement including the impact of the decisions of the Interfederative Committee along with further technical analysis, community participation required under the Governance Agreement and rulings made by the 12th Federal Court
•	the outcome of ongoing negotiations with State and Federal Prosecutors, including review of Fundação Renova’s Programs as provided in the Governance Agreement
•	actual costs incurred
•	resolution of uncertainty in respect of the nature and extent of Samarco’s long-term cash generation
•	costs to complete the Germano dam decommissioning
•	updates to discount and foreign exchange rates
•	the outcomes of Samarco’s judicial reorganisation (defined below).
Given these factors, future actual expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided and changes to key assumptions and estimates could result in a material impact to the provision in the next and future reporting periods.

Contingent liabilities

The following matters are disclosed as contingent liabilities and given the status of proceedings it is not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures for BHP, unless otherwise stated. Ultimately, all the legal matters disclosed as contingent liabilities could have a material adverse impact on BHP’s business, competitive position, cash flows, prospects, liquidity and shareholder returns.

Federal Public Prosecution Office claim

BHP Brasil is among the defendants named in a claim brought by the Federal Public Prosecution Office on 3 May 2016, seeking R$155 billion (approximately US$30 billion) for reparation, compensation and moral damages in relation to the Samarco dam failure.

The 12th Federal Court previously suspended the Federal Public Prosecution Office claim, including a R$7.7 billion (approximately US$1.5 billion) injunction request. On 30 September 2020, Brazilian Federal and State prosecutors and public defenders filed a request for the immediate resumption of the R$155 billion (approximately US$30 billion) claim, which has been suspended since the date of ratification of the Governance Agreement. The claim remains suspended after the parties to the claim agreed to continue the suspension on 19 March 2021.

BHP Brasil, Samarco, Vale and Federal and State prosecutors have been engaging in negotiations to seek a definitive and substantive settlement of the obligations under the Framework Agreement and the R$155 billion (approximately US$30 billion) Federal Public Prosecution Office claim. It is not possible to provide a range of outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential settlement outcomes and there is a risk that a negotiated outcome may be materially higher than amounts currently reflected in the Samarco dam failure provision.

F-20

United States class action complaint – Samarco bond holders

On 14 November 2016, a putative class action complaint (Bondholder Complaint) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of Samarco’s ten-year bond notes due 2022-2024 between 31 October 2012 and 30 November 2015. The Bondholder Complaint was initially filed against Samarco and the former chief executive officer of Samarco.

The Bondholder Complaint was subsequently amended to include BHP Group Ltd, BHP Group Plc, BHP Brasil, Vale and officers of Samarco, including four of Vale and BHP Brasil’s nominees to the Samarco Board. On 5 April 2017, the plaintiff discontinued its claims against the individual defendants.

The complaint, along with a second amended complaint, had previously been dismissed by the court. The plaintiff filed a motion for reconsideration, or leave to file a third amended complaint, which was denied by the court on 30 October 2019. The plaintiff appealed this decision, which was affirmed by the court of appeals in March 2021.

Australian class action complaint

BHP Group Ltd is named as a defendant in a shareholder class action filed in the Federal Court of Australia on behalf of persons who acquired shares in BHP Group Ltd on the Australian Securities Exchange or shares in BHP Group Plc on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange in periods prior to the Samarco dam failure. The amount of damages sought is unspecified.

United Kingdom group action complaint

BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Ltd were named as defendants in group action claims for damages filed in the courts of England. These claims were filed on behalf of certain individuals, governments, businesses and communities in Brazil allegedly impacted by the Samarco dam failure. The amount of damages sought in these claims is unspecified. The complaint and a subsequent application for permission to appeal have been dismissed by the court, however an application by the claimants to reopen the proceedings was granted in July 2021, allowing the claimants to appeal previous dismissals of the claim.

Criminal charges

The Federal Prosecutors’ Office has filed criminal charges against BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale and certain employees and former employees of BHP Brasil (Affected Individuals) in the Federal Court of Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais. On 3 March 2017, BHP Brasil filed its preliminary defences. The Federal Court terminated the charges against eight of the Affected Individuals. The Federal Prosecutors’ Office has appealed seven of those decisions with hearings of the appeals still pending. BHP Brasil rejects outright the charges against the company and the Affected Individuals and will defend the charges and fully support each of the Affected Individuals in their defence of the charges.

Other claims

Civil public actions filed by State Prosecutors in Minas Gerais (claiming damages of approximately R$7.5 billion, US$1.5 billion), State Prosecutors in Espírito Santo (claiming damages of approximately R$2 billion, US$400 million), and public defenders in Minas Gerais (claiming damages of approximately R$10 billion, US$2 billion), have been consolidated before the 12th Federal Court and suspended. The Governance Agreement provides for a process to review whether these civil public claims should be terminated or suspended.

BHP Brasil is among the companies named as defendants in a number of legal proceedings initiated by individuals, non-governmental organisations, corporations and governmental entities in Brazilian Federal and State courts following the Samarco dam failure. The other defendants include Vale, Samarco and Fundação Renova. The lawsuits include claims for compensation, environmental rehabilitation and violations of Brazilian environmental and other laws, among other matters. The lawsuits seek various remedies including rehabilitation costs, compensation to injured individuals and families of the deceased, recovery of personal and property losses, moral damages and injunctive relief. In addition, government inquiries and investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure have been commenced by numerous agencies of the Brazilian government and are ongoing.

Additional lawsuits and government investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure could be brought against BHP Brasil and possibly other BHP entities in Brazil or other jurisdictions.

BHP insurance

BHP has various third party general liability and directors and officers insurances for claims related to the Samarco dam failure made directly against BHP Brasil or other BHP entities, their directors and officers, including class actions. External insurers have been notified of the Samarco dam failure along with the third party claims and class actions referred to above. In the period since the dam failure to 30 June 2021, the Group has recognised US$573 million other income from general liability insurance proceeds relating to the dam failure. Recoveries related to general liability insurance are now considered complete.

As at 30 June 2021, an insurance receivable has not been recognised for any potential recoveries in respect of ongoing matters.

Commitments

Under the terms of the Samarco joint venture agreement, BHP Brasil does not have an existing obligation to fund Samarco.

BHP has agreed to fund a total of up to US$765 million for the Fundação Renova programs and Samarco’s working capital during calendar year 2021. This comprises up to US$725 million relating to Fundação Renova programs until 31 December 2021, which will be offset against the Group’s provision for the Samarco dam failure, and a short-term working capital facility of up to US$40 million to be made available to Samarco until 31 December 2021. Amounts related to Fundação Renova and Samarco working capital incurred in the six months to 30 June 2021 have been reflected in the utilisation of the provision and impairment expense respectively disclosed above.

F-21

Any additional requests for funding or future investment provided would be subject to a future decision by BHP, accounted for at that time.

Samarco judicial reorganisation

Samarco filed for judicial reorganisation (JR) in April 2021, with the Commercial Courts of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil (JR Court), after multiple enforcement actions taken by certain creditors of Samarco. Samarco’s JR filing followed unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a debt restructure with certain financial creditors and multiple legal actions filed by those creditors which threatened Samarco’s operations. The JR is an insolvency proceeding with a means for Samarco to seek to restructure its financial debts and establish a sustainable financial position that allows Samarco to continue to rebuild its operations and strengthen its ability to meet its Fundação Renova funding obligations. Samarco’s operations are expected to continue during the JR and restructure process. The JR is not expected to affect Samarco’s obligation or commitment to make full redress for the 2015 Fundão dam failure, and is not expected to impact Fundação Renova’s ability to undertake that remediation and compensation. It is not possible to determine the outcomes of the JR or estimate any impact that the reorganisation may have for BHP Brasil, including its share of the Samarco dam failure provisions.

The following section includes disclosure required by IFRS of Samarco’s provisions, contingencies and other matters arising from the dam failure for matters in addition to the above-mentioned claims to which Samarco is a party.

Samarco

Dam failure related provisions and contingencies

In addition to its obligations under the Framework Agreement as at 30 June 2021, Samarco has recognised provisions of US$0.2 billion (30 June 2020: US$0.2 billion), based on currently available information. The magnitude, scope and timing of these additional costs are subject to a high degree of uncertainty and Samarco has indicated that it anticipates that it will incur future costs beyond those provided. These uncertainties are likely to continue for a significant period and changes to key assumptions could result in a material change to the amount of the provision in future reporting periods. Any such unrecognised obligations are therefore contingent liabilities and, at present, it is not practicable to estimate their magnitude or possible timing of payment. Accordingly, it is also not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of total potential future exposures at this time.

Samarco is also named as a defendant in a number of other legal proceedings initiated by individuals, non-governmental organisations, corporations and governmental entities in Brazilian Federal and State courts following the Samarco dam failure. The lawsuits include claims for compensation, environmental rehabilitation and violations of Brazilian environmental and other laws, among other matters. The lawsuits seek various remedies including rehabilitation costs, compensation to injured individuals and families of the deceased, recovery of personal and property losses, moral damages and injunctive relief. In addition, government inquiries and investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure have been commenced by numerous agencies of the Brazilian government and are ongoing. Given the status of proceedings it is not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of total potential future exposures to Samarco.

Additional lawsuits and government investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure could be brought against Samarco.

Samarco insurance

Samarco has standalone insurance policies in place with Brazilian and global insurers. Insurers’ loss adjusters or claims representatives continue to investigate and assist with the claims process for matters not yet settled. As at 30 June 2021, an insurance receivable has not been recognised by Samarco in respect of ongoing matters.

Samarco commitments

At 30 June 2021, Samarco has commitments of US$0.7 billion (30 June 2020: US$0.4 billion). Following the dam failure Samarco invoked force majeure clauses in a number of long-term contracts with suppliers and service providers to suspend contractual obligations.

Samarco non-dam failure related contingent liabilities

The following non-dam failure related contingent liabilities pre-date and are unrelated to the Samarco dam failure. Samarco is currently contesting both of these matters in the Brazilian courts. Given the status of these tax matters, the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow for Samarco is uncertain.

Brazilian Social Contribution Levy

Samarco has received tax assessments for the alleged non-payment of Brazilian Social Contribution Levy for the calendar years 2007-2014 totalling approximately R$5.9 billion (approximately US$1.2 billion).

Brazilian corporate income tax rate

Samarco has received tax assessments for alleged incorrect calculation of Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ) in respect of the 2000-2003 and 2007-2014 income years totalling approximately R$4.6 billion (approximately US$0.9 billion).

F-22

5    Expenses and other income

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Employee benefits expense:
Wages, salaries and redundancies		4,399			3,706			3,683
Employee share awards		124			129			138
Social security costs		3			2			4
Pension and other post-retirement obligations		316			283			292
Less employee benefits expense classified as exploration and evaluation expenditure		(119	)		(65	)		(85	)
Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress		(334	)		(326	)		496
Raw materials and consumables used		4,940			5,509			4,591
Freight and transportation		2,037			1,981			2,378
External services		5,260			4,404			4,745
Third-party commodity purchases		2,230			1,139			1,069
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains)		310			(603	)		(147	)
Fair value change on derivatives (1)		145			422			8
Government royalties paid and payable		3,217			2,362			2,538
Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred and expensed in the current period		430			517			516
Depreciation and amortisation expense		6,824			6,112			5,829
Net impairments:
Property, plant and equipment		2,583			494			250
Goodwill and other intangible assets		52			–			14
All other operating expenses		2,083			2,709			1,703
Total expenses		34,500			28,775			28,022
Insurance recoveries (2)		(46	)		(489	)		(57	)
Other income (3)		(464	)		(288	)		(336	)
Total other income		(510	)		(777	)		(393	)

(1)  Fair value change on derivatives is principally related to commodity price contracts, foreign exchange contracts and embedded derivatives used in the ordinary course of business as well as derivatives used as part of the funding of dividends.

(2)  Insurance recoveries is principally related to claims received from Samarco dam failure. Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

(3) Other income is generally income earned from transactions outside the course of the Group’s ordinary activities and may include certain management fees from non-controlling interests and joint arrangements, dividend income, royalties, commission income and gains or losses on divestment of subsidiaries or operations.

Recognition and measurement

Income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with a transaction will flow to the Group and can be reliably measured. Dividends are recognised upon declaration.

F-23

6    Income tax expense

	2021		2020			2019
	US$M		US$M			US$M
Total taxation expense comprises:
Current tax expense		9,825		5,109			5,408
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)		1,325		(335	)		121
		11,150		4,774			5,529

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Factors affecting income tax expense for the year
Income tax expense differs to the standard rate of corporation tax as follows:
Profit before taxation		24,601			13,510			15,049
Tax on profit at Australian prima facie tax rate of 30 per cent		7,380			4,053			4,515
Non-tax effected operating losses and capital gains (1)		3,112			707			742
Tax on remitted and unremitted foreign earnings		485			225			283
Tax effect of loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses (2)		317			154			164
Investment and development allowance		–			(99	)		(94	)
Tax rate changes		(1	)		(8	)		6
Amounts (over)/under provided in prior years		(11	)		64			(21	)
Recognition of previously unrecognised tax assets		(28	)		(30	)		(10	)
Foreign exchange adjustments		(95	)		20			(25	)
Impact of tax rates applicable outside of Australia		(603	)		(167	)		(312	)
Other		365			(211	)		87
Income tax expense		10,921			4,708			5,335
Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)		229			66			194
Total taxation expense		11,150			4,774			5,529

(1)  Includes the tax impacts related to the exceptional impairments of NSWEC and Potash in the year ended 30 June 2021 and Cerro Colorado in the year ended 30 June 2020, as presented in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’. There were no exceptional impairments in the year ended 30 June 2019.

(2) The loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses is net of income tax, with the exception of the Samarco forward exchange derivatives described in note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’. This item removes the prima facie tax effect on such loss, related impairments and expenses, excluding the impact of the Samarco forward exchange derivatives which are taxable.

Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income is as follows:

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Income tax effect of:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement:
Hedges:
Gains/(losses) taken to equity		(259	)		94			98
(Gains)/losses transferred to the income statement		252			(89	)		(90	)
Others		(1	)		–			–
Income tax (charge)/credit relating to items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement		(8	)		5			8
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:
Remeasurement gains/(losses) on pension and medical schemes		(21	)		25			7
Others		1			1			12
Income tax (charge)/credit relating to items that will not be reclassified to the income statement		(20	)		26			19
Total income tax (charge)/credit relating to components of other comprehensive income (1)		(28	)		31			27

(1)  Included within total income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income is US$(28) million relating to deferred taxes and US$ nil relating to current taxes (2020: US$31 million and US$ nil; 2019: US$15 million and US$12 million).

F-24

Recognition and measurement

Taxation on the profit/(loss) for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Taxation is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or other comprehensive income, in which case the tax effect is also recognised in equity or other comprehensive income.

Current tax	Deferred tax	Royalty-related taxation
Current tax is the expected tax on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years.	Deferred tax is provided in full, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Financial Statements. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax is not recognised for temporary differences relating to: •   initial recognition of goodwill •   initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit •   investment in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset and when the tax balances are related to taxes levied by the same tax authority and the Group intends to settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.	Royalties and resource rent taxes are treated as taxation arrangements (impacting income tax expense/(benefit)) when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue derived (net of any allowable deductions) after adjustment for temporary differences. Obligations arising from royalty arrangements that do not satisfy these criteria are recognised as current liabilities and included in expenses.

Uncertain tax and royalty matters

The Group operates across many tax jurisdictions. Application of tax law can be complex and requires judgement to assess risk and estimate outcomes, particularly in relation to the Group’s cross-border operations and transactions. The evaluation of tax risks considers both amended assessments received and potential sources of challenge from tax authorities. The status of proceedings for these matters will impact the ability to determine the potential exposure and in some cases, it may not be possible to determine a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of the potential exposure.

The Group has unresolved tax and royalty matters for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. Tax and royalty matters with uncertain outcomes arise in the normal course of business and occur due to changes in tax law, changes in interpretation of tax law, periodic challenges and disagreements with tax authorities and legal proceedings.

Tax and royalty obligations assessed as having probable future economic outflows capable of reliable measurement are provided for as at 30 June 2021. Matters with a possible economic outflow and/or presently incapable of being measured reliably are contingent liabilities and disclosed in note 34 ‘Contingent liabilities’. Details of uncertain tax and royalty matters relating to Samarco are disclosed in note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’.

F-25

Key judgements and estimates

Income tax classification

Judgements: The Group’s accounting policy for taxation, including royalty-related taxation, requires management’s judgement as to the types of arrangements considered to be a tax on income in contrast to an operating cost.

Deferred tax

Judgements: Judgement is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that are recognised based on the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits. Judgement is applied in recognising deferred tax liabilities arising from temporary differences in investments. These deferred tax liabilities caused principally by retained earnings held in foreign tax jurisdictions are recognised unless repatriation of retained earnings can be controlled and is not expected to occur in the foreseeable future.

Estimates: The Group assesses the recoverability of recognised and unrecognised deferred taxes, including losses in Australia, the United States and Canada on a consistent basis. Estimates and assumptions relating to projected earnings and cash flows as applied in the Group impairment process are used for operating assets.

Uncertain tax matters

Judgements: Management applies judgements about the application of income tax legislation and its interaction with income tax accounting principles. These judgements are subject to risk and uncertainty, hence there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will alter expectations, which may impact the amount of tax assets and tax liabilities, including deferred tax, recognised on the balance sheet and the amount of other tax losses and temporary differences not yet recognised.

Where the final tax outcomes are different from the amounts that were initially recorded, these differences impact the current and deferred tax provisions in the period in which the determination is made.

Measurement of uncertain tax and royalty matters considers a range of possible outcomes, including assessments received from tax authorities. Where management is of the view that potential liabilities have a low probability of crystallising, or it is not possible to quantify them reliably, they are disclosed as contingent liabilities (refer to note 34 ‘Contingent liabilities’).

F-26

7     Earnings per share

	2021		2020		2019
Earnings attributable to BHP shareholders (US$M)
- Continuing operations		11,304		7,956		8,648
- Total		11,304		7,956		8,306
Weighted average number of shares (Million)
- Basic		5,057		5,057		5,180
- Diluted		5,068		5,069		5,193
Basic earnings per ordinary share (US cents)
- Continuing operations		223.5		157.3		166.9
- Total		223.5		157.3		160.3
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (US cents)
- Continuing operations		223.0		157.0		166.5
- Total		223.0		157.0		159.9
Headline earnings per ordinary share (US cents)
- Basic		284.8		171.1		164.9
- Diluted		284.2		170.7		164.5

Refer to note 29 ‘Discontinued operations’ for basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for Discontinued operations.

Earnings on American Depositary Shares represent twice the earnings for BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares.

Headline earnings is a Johannesburg Stock Exchange defined performance measure and is reconciled from earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders as follows:

	2021			2020		2019
	US$M			US$M		US$M
Earnings attributable to BHP shareholders		11,304			7,956		8,306
Adjusted for:
(Gain)/loss on sales of PP&E, Investments and Operations (1)		(50	)		4		(52	)
Impairments of property, plant and equipment, financial assets and intangibles		2,633			494		264
Samarco impairment expense		111			95		96
Cerrejón impairment expense		466			–		–
Other (2)		–			48		–
Recycling of re-measurements from equity to the income statement		–			–		(6	)
Tax effect of above adjustments		(60	)		54		(64	)
Subtotal of adjustments		3,100			695		238
Headline earnings		14,404			8,651		8,544
Diluted headline earnings		14,404			8,651		8,544

(1)  Included in other income.

(2)  Mainly represent BHP share of impairment embedded in the statutory income statement of the Group’s equity accounted investments.

Recognition and measurement

Diluted earnings attributable to BHP shareholders are equal to the earnings attributable to BHP shareholders.

The calculation of the number of ordinary shares used in the computation of basic earnings per share is the aggregate of the weighted average number of ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc outstanding during the period after deduction of the number of shares held by the Billiton Employee Share Ownership Trust and the BHP Billiton Limited Employee Equity Trust.

During December 2018, 266 million BHP Group Limited shares were bought back and then cancelled during the period following an off-market buy-back program of US$5.2 billion related to the disbursement of proceeds from the disposal of Onshore US.

For the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, the effect of 11 million dilutive shares has been taken into account for the year ended 30 June 2021 (2020: 12 million shares; 2019: 13 million shares). The Group’s only potential dilutive ordinary shares are share awards granted under the employee share ownership plans for which terms and conditions are described in note 25 ‘Employee share ownership plans’. Diluted earnings per share calculation excludes instruments which are considered antidilutive.

At 30 June 2021, there are no instruments which are considered antidilutive (2020: nil; 2019: nil).

F-27

Working capital

8     Trade and other receivables

	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M
Trade receivables		4,450		1,974
Loans to equity accounted investments		–		40
Other receivables		1,946		1,617
Total		6,396		3,631
Comprising:
Current		6,059		3,364
Non-current		337		267

Recognition and measurement

Trade receivables are recognised initially at their transaction price or, for those receivables containing a significant financing component, at fair value. Trade receivables are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less an allowance for impairment, except for provisionally priced receivables which are subsequently measured at fair value through the income statement under IFRS 9.

The collectability of trade receivables is assessed continuously. At the reporting date, specific allowances are made for any expected credit losses based on a review of all outstanding amounts at reporting period-end. Individual receivables are written off when management deems them unrecoverable. The net carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair values.

Credit risk

Trade receivables generally have terms of less than 30 days. The Group has no material concentration of credit risk with any single counterparty and is not dominantly exposed to any individual industry.

Credit risk can arise from the non-performance by counterparties of their contractual financial obligations towards the Group. To manage credit risk, the Group maintains Group-wide procedures covering the application for credit approvals, granting and renewal of counterparty limits, proactive monitoring of exposures against these limits and requirements triggering secured payment terms. As part of these processes, the credit exposures with all counterparties are regularly monitored and assessed on a timely basis. The credit quality of the Group’s customers is reviewed and the solvency of each debtor and their ability to pay the receivable is considered in assessing receivables for impairment.

The 10 largest customers represented 31 per cent (2020: 32 per cent) of total credit risk exposures managed by the Group.

Receivables are deemed to be past due or impaired in accordance with the Group’s terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are determined on a case-by-case basis with reference to the customer’s credit quality, payment performance and prevailing market conditions. As at 30 June 2021, trade receivables of US$68 million (2020: US$23 million) were past due but not impaired. The majority of these receivables were less than 30 days overdue.

The assessment of recoverability of trade receivables at 30 June 2021 has considered the impacts of COVID-19 and no material recoverability issues have been identified. As COVID-19 continues to impact key markets in Asia, Europe and the United States, the Group continues to perform enhanced credit monitoring of commercial counterparties.

At 30 June 2021, trade receivables are stated net of provisions for expected credit losses of US$3 million (2020: US$2 million).

The Group may accelerate trade receivables through Letters of Credit programs to collect receipts from debtors earlier than contractual sales terms but elected not to do so as at 30 June 2021.

9     Trade and other payables

	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M
Trade payables		5,079		4,396
Other payables		1,948		1,372
Total		7,027		5,768
Comprising:
Current		7,027		5,767
Non-current		–		1

F-28

10    Inventories

	2021		2020		Definitions
	US$M		US$M
Raw materials and consumables		1,904		1,797	Spares, consumables and other supplies yet to be utilised in the production process or in the rendering of services.
Work in progress		3,046		2,814	Commodities currently in the production process that require further processing by the Group to a saleable form.
Finished goods		834		711	Commodities ready-for-sale and not requiring further processing by the Group.
Total (1)		5,784		5,322
Comprising:
Current		4,426		4,101
Non-current		1,358		1,221	Inventories classified as non-current are not expected to be utilised or sold within 12 months after the reporting date or within the operating cycle of the business.

(1)  Inventory write-downs of US$58 million were recognised during the year (2020: US$37 million; 2019: US$16 million). Inventory write-downs of US$27 million made in previous periods were reversed during the year (2020: US$13 million; 2019: US$21 million).

Recognition and measurement

Regardless of the type of inventory and its stage in the production process, inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined primarily on the basis of average costs. For processed inventories, cost is derived on an absorption costing basis. Cost comprises costs of purchasing raw materials and costs of production, including attributable mining and manufacturing overheads taking into consideration normal operating capacity.

Minerals inventory quantities are assessed primarily through surveys and assays, while petroleum inventory quantities are derived through flow rate or tank volume measurement and the composition is derived via sample analysis.

Key estimates

Accounting for inventory involves the use of estimates, particularly related to the measurement and valuation of inventory on hand within the production process. Key estimates, including expected metal recoveries and work in progress volumes, are calculated by engineers using available industry, engineering and scientific data. Estimates used are periodically reassessed by the Group taking into account technical analysis and historical performance. Changes in estimates are adjusted for on a prospective basis.

F-29

Mining and Petroleum assets

11     Property, plant and equipment

	Land and buildings			Plant and equipment			Other mineral assets			Assets under construction			Exploration and evaluation			Total
	US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M
Net book value – 30 June 2021
At the beginning of the financial year		8,387			39,429			8,652			13,774			2,120			72,362
Additions (1)		25			3,841			797			5,961			93			10,717
Acquisition of subsidiaries & operations (2)		–			151			491			–			–			642
Remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts (3)		–			(59	)		–			–			–			(59	)
Depreciation for the year		(694	)		(5,748	)		(310	)		–			–			(6,752	)
Impairments for the year (4)		(208	)		(877	)		(687	)		(745	)		(66	)		(2,583	)
Disposals		(18	)		(9	)		–			–			–			(27	)
Divestment and demerger of subsidiaries and operations (5)		–			(14	)		–			(2	)		–			(16	)
Transfers and other movements		580			7,968			(2	)		(8,556	)		(461	)		(471	)
At the end of the financial year (6)		8,072			44,682			8,941			10,432			1,686			73,813
– Cost		14,545			108,049			15,059			11,177			2,531			151,361
– Accumulated depreciation and impairments		(6,473	)		(63,367	)		(6,118	)		(745	)		(845	)		(77,548	)
Net book value – 30 June 2020
At the beginning of the financial year		7,885			38,174			9,211			11,149			1,622			68,041
Impact of adopting IFRS 16		754			1,400			–			–			–			2,154
Additions (1)		115			1,719			684			6,100			218			8,836
Remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts (3)		–			733			–			–			–			733
Depreciation for the year		(630	)		(5,104	)		(294	)		–			–			(6,028	)
Impairments for the year (4)		(17	)		(189	)		(288	)		–			–			(494	)
Disposals		(12	)		(22	)		–			–			(65	)		(99	)
Transfers and other movements		292			2,718			(661	)		(3,475	)		345			(781	)
At the end of the financial year (6)		8,387			39,429			8,652			13,774			2,120			72,362
– Cost		13,932			97,230			13,736			13,774			2,899			141,571
– Accumulated depreciation and impairments		(5,545	)		(57,801	)		(5,084	)		–			(779	)		(69,209	)

(1)  Includes change in estimates and net foreign exchange gains/(losses) related to the closure and rehabilitation provisions for operating sites. Refer to note 15 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’.

(2)  Relates to the acquisition of an additional 28 per cent working interest in Shenzi.

(3)  Relates to remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts including continuous voyage charters (CVCs). Refer to note 21 ‘Leases’.

(4)  Refer to note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ for information on impairments.

(5)  Relates to the sale of the Neptune asset in Gulf of Mexico.

(6)  Includes the carrying value of the Group’s right-of-use assets relating to land and buildings and plant and equipment of US$3,350 million (2020: US$3,047 million). Refer to note 21 ‘Leases’ for the movement of the right-of-use assets.

Recognition and measurement

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Cost is the fair value of consideration given to acquire the asset at the time of its acquisition or construction and includes the direct costs of bringing the asset to the location and the condition necessary for operation and the estimated future costs of closure and rehabilitation of the facility.

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. Refer to note 21 ‘Leases’ for details.

Exploration and evaluation

Exploration costs are incurred to discover mineral and petroleum deposits. Evaluation costs are incurred to assess the technical feasibility and commercial viability of deposits found.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure is charged to the income statement as incurred, except in the following circumstances in which case the expenditure may be capitalised:

In respect of minerals activities:

• the exploration and evaluation activity is within an area of interest that was previously acquired as an asset acquisition or in a business combination and measured at fair value on acquisition or

• the existence of a commercially viable mineral deposit has been established

In respect of petroleum activities:

• the exploration and evaluation activity is within an area of interest for which it is expected that the expenditure will be recouped by future exploitation or sale or

• exploration and evaluation activity has not reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of commercially recoverable reserves

F-30

A regular review of each area of interest is undertaken to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area. Capitalised costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recovered through the successful exploitation of the area of interest or alternatively by its sale. To the extent that capitalised expenditure is no longer expected to be recovered, it is charged to the income statement.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Exploration and evaluation expenditure results in certain items of expenditure being capitalised for an area of interest where a judgement is made that it is likely to be recoverable by future exploitation or sale, or where the activities are judged not to have reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves.

Estimates: Management makes certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular when making quantitative assessment of whether an economically viable extraction operation can be established. These estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalised the expenditure under the policy, new information suggests that recovery of the expenditure is unlikely, the relevant capitalised amount is charged to the income statement.

Development expenditure

When proven mineral reserves are determined and development is sanctioned, capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is reclassified as assets under construction within property, plant and equipment. All subsequent development expenditure is capitalised and classified as assets under construction, provided commercial viability conditions continue to be satisfied.

The Group may use funds sourced from external parties to finance the acquisition and development of assets and operations. Finance costs are expensed as incurred, except where they relate to the financing of construction or development of qualifying assets. Borrowing costs directly attributable to acquiring or constructing a qualifying asset are capitalised during the development phase. Development expenditure is net of proceeds from the saleable material extracted during the development phase. On completion of development, all assets included in assets under construction are reclassified as either plant and equipment or other mineral assets and depreciation commences.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Development activities commence after project sanctioning by the appropriate level of management. Judgement is applied by management in determining when a project is economically viable.

Estimates: In determining whether a project is economically viable, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, including reserve estimates, existence of an accessible market and forecast prices and cash flows. Estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having commenced the development activity, new information suggests that a development asset is impaired, the appropriate amount is charged to the income statement.

Other mineral assets

Other mineral assets comprise:

• capitalised exploration, evaluation and development expenditure for assets in production

• mineral rights and petroleum interests acquired

• capitalised development and production stripping costs

Overburden removal costs

The process of removing overburden and other waste materials to access mineral deposits is referred to as stripping. Stripping is necessary to obtain access to mineral deposits and occurs throughout the life of an open-pit mine. Development and production stripping costs are classified as other mineral assets in property, plant and equipment.

Stripping costs are accounted for separately for individual components of an ore body. The determination of components is dependent on the mine plan and other factors, including the size, shape and geotechnical aspects of an ore body. The Group accounts for stripping activities as follows:

Development stripping costs

These are initial overburden removal costs incurred to obtain access to mineral deposits that will be commercially produced. These costs are capitalised when it is probable that future economic benefits (access to mineral ores) will flow to the Group and costs can be measured reliably.

Once the production phase begins, capitalised development stripping costs are depreciated using the units of production method based on the proven and probable reserves of the relevant identified component of the ore body which the initial stripping activity benefits.

F-31

Production stripping costs

These are post initial overburden removal costs incurred during the normal course of production activity, which commences after the first saleable minerals have been extracted from the component. Production stripping costs can give rise to two benefits, the accounting for which is outlined below:

	Production stripping activity
Benefits of stripping activity	Extraction of ore (inventory) in current period.	Improved access to future ore extraction.
Period benefited	Current period	Future period(s)
Recognition and measurement criteria	When the benefits of stripping activities are realised in the form of inventory produced; the associated costs are recorded in accordance with the Group’s inventory accounting policy.	When the benefits of stripping activities are improved access to future ore; production costs are capitalised when all the following criteria are met: •   the production stripping activity improves access to a specific component of the ore body and it is probable that economic benefits arising from the improved access to future ore production will be realised •   the component of the ore body for which access has been improved can be identified •   costs associated with that component can be measured reliably
Allocation of costs	Production stripping costs are allocated between the inventory produced and the production stripping asset using a life-of-component waste-to-ore (or mineral contained) strip ratio. When the current strip ratio is greater than the estimated life-of-component ratio a portion of the stripping costs is capitalised to the production stripping asset.
Asset recognised from stripping activity	Inventory	Other mineral assets within property, plant and equipment.
Depreciation basis	Not applicable	On a component-by-component basis using the units of production method based on proven and probable reserves.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Judgement is applied by management in determining the components of an ore body.

Estimates: Estimates are used in the determination of stripping ratios and mineral reserves by component. Changes to estimates related to life-of-component waste-to-ore (or mineral contained) strip ratios and the expected ore production from identified components are accounted for prospectively and may affect depreciation rates and asset carrying values.

Depreciation

Depreciation of assets, other than land, assets under construction and capitalised exploration and evaluation that are not depreciated, is calculated using either the straight-line (SL) method or units of production (UoP) method, net of residual values, over the estimated useful lives of specific assets. The depreciation method and rates applied to specific assets reflect the pattern in which the asset’s benefits are expected to be used by the Group. The Group’s proved reserves for petroleum assets and proven and probable reserves for minerals assets are used to determine UoP depreciation unless doing so results in depreciation charges that do not reflect the asset’s useful life. Where this occurs, alternative approaches to determining reserves are applied, such as using management’s expectations of future oil and gas prices rather than yearly average prices, to provide a phasing of periodic depreciation charges that better reflects the asset’s expected useful life.

Where assets are dedicated to a mine or petroleum lease, the useful lives below are subject to the lesser of the asset category’s useful life and the life of the mine or petroleum lease, unless those assets are readily transferable to another productive mine or lease.

Key estimates

The determination of useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods involves estimates and assumptions and is reviewed annually. Any changes to useful lives or any other estimates or assumptions may affect prospective depreciation rates and asset carrying values. The table below summarises the principal depreciation methods and rates applied to major asset categories by the Group.

Category	Buildings	Plant and equipment	Mineral rights and petroleum interests	Capitalised exploration, evaluation and development expenditure
Typical depreciation methodology	SL	SL	UoP	UoP
Depreciation rate	25-50 years	3-30 years	Based on the rate of depletion of reserves	Based on the rate of depletion of reserves

Commitments

The Group’s commitments for capital expenditure were US$2,469 million as at 30 June 2021 (2020: US$2,585 million). The Group’s commitments related to leases are included in note 21 ‘Leases’.

F-32

12    Intangible assets

	2021								2020
	Goodwill		Other intangibles			Total			Goodwill		Other intangibles			Total
	US$M		US$M			US$M			US$M		US$M			US$M
Net book value
At the beginning of the financial year		1,197		377			1,574			247		428			675
Impact of change in accounting policies (1)		–		–			–			950		–			950
At the beginning of the financial year (restated)		1,197		377			1,574			1,197		428			1,625
Additions		–		23			23			–		98			98
Amortisation for the year		–		(93	)		(93	)		–		(118	)		(118	)
Impairments for the year (2)		–		(52	)		(52	)		–		–			–
Transfers and other movements		–		(15	)		(15	)		–		(31	)		(31	)
At the end of the financial year		1,197		240			1,437			1,197		377			1,574
– Cost		1,197		1,506			2,703			1,197		1,580			2,777
– Accumulated amortisation and impairments		–		(1,266	)		(1,266	)		–		(1,203	)		(1,203	)

(1)  Intangible assets has been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of Goodwill at Olympic Dam. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for further information.

(2)  Refer to note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ for information on impairments.

Recognition and measurement

Goodwill

Where the fair value of the consideration paid for a business acquisition exceeds the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired, the difference is treated as goodwill. Where consideration is less than the fair value of acquired net assets, the difference is recognised immediately in the income statement. Goodwill is not amortised and is measured at cost less any impairment losses.

Other intangibles

The Group capitalises amounts paid for the acquisition of identifiable intangible assets, such as software, licences and initial payments for the acquisition of mineral lease assets, where it is considered that they will contribute to future periods through revenue generation or reductions in cost. These assets, classified as finite life intangible assets, are carried in the balance sheet at the fair value of consideration paid less accumulated amortisation and impairment charges. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The estimated useful lives are generally no greater than eight years.

Initial payments for the acquisition of intangible mineral lease assets are capitalised and amortised over the term of the permit. A regular review is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area. Capitalised costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recovered through the successful exploitation of the area of interest or alternatively by its sale. To the extent that capitalised expenditure is no longer expected to be recovered, it is charged to the income statement.

F-33

13    Impairment of non-current assets

		2021
Cash generating unit	Segment	Property, plant and equipment		Goodwill and other intangibles		Equity- accounted investment		Total
		US$M		US$M		US$M		US$M
New South Wales Energy Coal	Coal		1,025		32		–		1,057
Cerrejón	Coal		–		–		466		466
Potash	G&U		1,314		–		–		1,314
Other	Various		244		20		–		264
Total impairment of non-current assets			2,583		52		466		3,101
Reversal of impairment			–		–		–		–
Net impairment of non-current assets			2,583		52		466		3,101
		2020
Cash generating unit	Segment	Property, plant and equipment		Goodwill and other intangibles		Equity- accounted investment		Total
		US$M		US$M		US$M		US$M
Cerro Colorado	Copper		409		–		–		409
Other	Various		85		–		–		85
Total impairment of non-current assets			494		–		–		494
Reversal of impairment			–		–		–		–
Net impairment of non-current assets			494		–		–		494

Recognition and measurement

Impairment tests for all assets are performed when there is an indication of impairment, although goodwill is tested at least annually. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is impaired and an impairment loss is charged to the income statement so as to reduce the carrying amount in the balance sheet to its recoverable amount.

Previously impaired assets (excluding goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal of previous impairment at each reporting date. Impairment reversal cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset or cash generating units (CGUs). There were no reversals of impairment in the current or prior year.

How recoverable amount is calculated

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or CGUs fair value less cost of disposal (FVLCD) and its value in use (VIU). For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.

Valuation methods

Fair value less cost of disposal

FVLCD is an estimate of the amount that a market participant would pay for an asset or CGU, less the cost of disposal. FVLCD for mineral and petroleum assets is generally determined using independent market assumptions to calculate the present value of the estimated future post-tax cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset, including the anticipated cash flow effects of any capital expenditure to enhance production or reduce cost, and its eventual disposal where a market participant may take a consistent view. Cash flows are discounted using an appropriate post-tax market discount rate to arrive at a net present value of the asset, which is compared against the asset’s carrying value. FVLCD may also take into consideration other market-based indicators of fair value.

Value in use

VIU is determined as the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset in its present form and its eventual disposal or closure. VIU is determined by applying assumptions specific to the Group’s continued use and cannot take into account future development. These assumptions are different to those used in calculating FVLCD and consequently the VIU calculation is likely to give a different result (usually lower) to a FVLCD calculation.

Impairment of non-current assets (excluding goodwill)

The Group recognised the following impairments to non-current assets during the year:

Year ended 30 June 2021	NSWEC	Cerrejón	Potash
What has been recognised?	At 30 June 2021, the Group determined the overall recoverable amount of the CGU to be negative US$300 million, resulting in an aggregate impairment to property, plant and equipment and intangibles of US$1,057 million for FY2021.	At 30 June 2021, the Group determined the recoverable amount to be US$284 million, being the agreed sale proceeds of US$294 million adjusted for transaction costs, resulting in an aggregate impairment of US$466 million for FY2021.	At 30 June 2021, the Group determined the recoverable amount to be US$3.3 billion, resulting in an impairment charge of US$1.3 billion against property, plant and equipment.
What were the drivers of impairment?	The impairment charges reflect the status of the divestment process and the forecast market conditions for Australian thermal coal, the strengthening Australian dollar and changes to the mine plan.	On 28 June 2021, the Group announced that it had signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Glencore to divest its interest in Cerrejón.	The impairment charge against the Group’s Potash assets reflects an analysis of recent market perspectives and the value that the Group would now expect a market participant to attribute to the Group’s investments to date.
How were the valuations calculated?	The 30 June 2021 valuation represents VIU, applying discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques(1).	The 30 June 2021 valuation represents a FVLCD based on the expected net sale proceeds of US$284 million(1).	The 30 June 2021 valuation was determined using FVLCD methodology, applying DCF techniques(1).
What were the significant assumptions and estimates used in the valuations?	The valuation for NSWEC is most sensitive to changes in energy coal prices, estimated future production volumes and discount rates. The valuation applied a post-tax real discount rate of 6.5 per cent. The post-impairment carrying value of NSWEC’s property, plant and equipment is not material, therefore any changes to key estimates will not give rise to a further material impairment. The valuation for Potash is most sensitive to changes in the long-term potash price outlook and the risking applied to the future development phases of the potash resource. The valuation applied a post-tax real discount rate of 6.5 per cent. In August 2021, the Group sanctioned the ongoing development of Potash following a comprehensive review of the future prospects and development opportunities. In light of this investment approval and the risking applied in the current valuation, management does not consider there to be a significant risk of a further material impairment in the next financial reporting period. Key judgements and estimates that have been applied in the valuations using DCF techniques are disclosed further below.

(1)  Valuations are based primarily on Level 3 inputs as defined in note 23 ‘Financial risk management’.

Impairment test for goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to the CGUs, or groups of CGUs, as follows:

	2021		2020
Cash generating unit	US$M		US$M Restated
Olympic Dam (1)		1,010		1,010
Other		187		187
Total goodwill		1,197		1,197

(1)  Goodwill has been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$950 million of Goodwill at Olympic Dam. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for further information.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill has been allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of previous business combinations, which represent the level at which management will monitor and manage goodwill. Olympic Dam goodwill is the most significant goodwill balance.

Olympic Dam goodwill
Impairment test conclusion	The Group’s decision during HY2021 to change the expansion strategy for Olympic Dam was identified as an indicator of impairment as at 31 December 2020. The Group performed an impairment test of the Olympic Dam CGU, including goodwill, as at 31 December 2020 and an impairment charge was not required. A goodwill impairment test was not required at 30 June 2021 as there were no indicators of impairment.
How did the goodwill arise?	Goodwill arose on the acquisition of WMC Resources Ltd in June 2005.
Segment	Olympic Dam is part of the Copper reportable segment.
How were the valuations calculated?	FVLCD methodology using DCF techniques has been applied in determining the recoverable amount of Olympic Dam. The calculation is based primarily on Level 3 inputs as defined in note 23 ‘Financial risk management’
Significant assumptions and sensitivities	The current valuation of Olympic Dam exceeds its carrying amount by approximately US$1.8 billion and is most sensitive to changes in copper and gold commodity prices, production volumes, operating costs and discount rates. The valuation applied a post-tax real discount rate of 6 per cent. Management consider that there are no reasonably possible changes in copper and gold price forecasts, operating cost estimates or the discount rate that would, in isolation, result in the estimated recoverable amount being equal to the carrying amount. A production volume decrease of 4.8 per cent across all commodities (copper, gold, silver and uranium) would, in isolation, result in the estimated recoverable amount being equal to the carrying amount. Typically, changes in any one of the aforementioned assumptions (including operating performance) would be accompanied by a change in another assumption which may have an offsetting impact. Action is usually taken to respond to adverse changes in assumptions to mitigate the impact of any such change. Key judgements and estimates that have been applied in the FVLCD valuation are disclosed further below.

Other goodwill

Goodwill held by other CGUs is US$187 million (2020: US$187 million). This represents less than one per cent of net assets at 30 June 2021 (2020: less than one per cent). There was no impairment of other goodwill in the year to 30 June 2021 (2020: US$ nil).

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Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Assessment of indicators of impairment or impairment reversal and the determination of CGUs for impairment purposes require significant management judgement.

Indicators of impairment may include changes in the Group’s operating and economic assumptions, including those arising from changes in reserves or mine planning, updates to the Group’s commodity supply, demand and price forecasts, or the possible additional impacts from emerging risks such as those related to climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy and pandemics similar to COVID -19.

Climate change

Impacts related to climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy may include:

•   demand for the Group’s commodities decreasing, due to policy, regulatory (including carbon pricing mechanisms), legal, technological, market or societal responses to climate change, resulting in a proportion of a CGU’s reserves becoming incapable of extraction in an economically viable fashion

•   physical impacts related to acute risks resulting from increased severity of extreme weather events, and those related to chronic risks resulting from longer-term changes in climate patterns

The Group continues to develop its assessment of the potential impacts of climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy. As outlined in the Basis of Preparation, where sufficiently developed, the potential financial impacts on the Group of climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy have been considered in the assessment of indicators of impairment, including:

•   the Group’s current assumptions relating to demand for commodities and carbon pricing, including their impact on the Group’s long-term price forecasts

•   the Group’s operational emissions reduction strategy

COVID-19

The macro economic disruptions relating to COVID-19 and mitigating actions enforced by health authorities create uncertainty in the Group’s operating and economic assumptions, including commodity prices, demand and supply volumes, operating costs, and discount rates.

However, given the long-lived nature of the majority of the Group’s assets, COVID-19 did not, in isolation, result in the identification of indicators of impairment for the Group’s asset values at 30 June 2021.

F-35

Due to ongoing uncertainty as to the extent and duration of COVID-19 restrictions and the overall impact on economic activity, actual experience may materially differ from internal forecasts and may result in the reassessment of indicators of impairment for the Group’s assets in future reporting periods.

Estimates: The Group performs a recoverable amount determination for an asset or CGU when there is an indication of impairment or impairment reversal.

When the recoverable amount is measured by reference to FVLCD, in the absence of quoted market prices or binding sale agreement, estimates are made regarding the present value of future post-tax cash flows. These estimates are made from the perspective of a market participant and include prices, future production volumes, operating costs, capital expenditure, closure and rehabilitation costs, tax attributes, risking factors applied to cash flows and discount rates. The cash flow forecasts may include net cash flows expected from the extraction, processing and sale of material that does not currently qualify for inclusion in ore reserves. Reserves are included in the assessment of FVLCD to the extent that it is considered probable that a market participant would attribute value to them.

When recoverable amount is measured using VIU, estimates are made regarding the present value of future cash flows based on internal budgets and forecasts and life of asset plans. Key estimates are similar to those identified for FVLCD, although some assumptions and values may differ as they reflect the perspective of management rather than a market participant.

All estimates require management judgements and assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainty that may be beyond the control of the Group; hence, there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will materially alter projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets/CGUs at each reporting date.

The most significant estimates impacting the Group’s recoverable amount determinations:

Commodity prices

Commodity prices were based on latest internal forecasts which assume short-term market prices will revert to the Group’s assessment of long-term price. These price forecasts reflect management’s long-term views of global supply and demand, built upon past experience of the commodity markets and are benchmarked with external sources of information such as analyst forecasts. Prices are adjusted based upon premiums or discounts applied to global price markers based on the location, nature and quality produced, or to take into account contracted prices.

Future production volumes

Estimated production volumes were based on detailed data and took into account development plans established by management as part of the Group’s long-term planning process. When estimating FVLCD, assumptions reflect all reserves that a market participant would consider when valuing the respective CGU, which in some cases are broader in scope than the reserves that would be used in a VIU test. In determining FVLCD, risk factors may be applied to reserves which do not meet the criteria to be treated as proved.

Operating costs and capital expenditure

Operating costs and capital expenditure were based on internal budgets and forecasts and life of asset plans. Cost assumptions reflect management experience and expectations. In the case of FVLCD, cash flow projections include the anticipated cash flow effects of any capital expenditure to enhance production or reduce cost where a market participant may take a consistent view. VIU does not take into account future development.

Discount rates

The Group uses real post-tax discount rates applied to real post-tax cash flows. The discount rates are derived using the weighted average cost of capital methodology. Adjustments to the rates are made for any risks that are not reflected in the underlying cash flows, including country risk.

F-36

14     Deferred tax balances

The movement for the year in the Group’s net deferred tax position is as follows:

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M Restated			US$M Restated
Net deferred tax (liability)/asset
At the beginning of the financial year		(91	)		(491	)		569
Impact of change in accounting policies (1)		–			–			(1,021	)
Income tax (charge)/credit recorded in the income statement (2)		(1,325	)		335			(81	)
Income tax credit recorded directly in equity		42			34			15
Other movements		(28	)		31			27
At the end of the financial year		(1,402	)		(91	)		(491	)

(1)  Deferred tax has been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’, resulting in the retrospective recognition of US$1,021 million of Deferred tax. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for further information.

(2)  Includes Discontinued operations income tax credit to the income statement of US$ nil (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$40 million).

For recognition and measurement refer to note 6 ‘Income tax expense’.

The composition of the Group’s net deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised in the balance sheet and the deferred tax expense charged/(credited) to the income statement is as follows:

	Deferred tax assets						Deferred tax liabilities						Charged/(credited) to the income statement
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M Restated			US$M			US$M			US$M
Type of temporary difference
Depreciation (1)(2)		(1,349	)		(2,749	)		4,716			2,828			488			1,394			(951	)
Exploration expenditure		51			398			–			–			347			51			43
Employee benefits		94			353			(333	)		(26	)		(68	)		(38	)		14
Closure and rehabilitation		638			2,100			(2,086	)		(109	)		(515	)		(334	)		(53	)
Resource rent tax		122			359			368			921			(309	)		(119	)		(179	)
Other provisions		108			173			(227	)		(239	)		77			(268	)		(2	)
Deferred income		11			(4	)		(16	)		–			(31	)		33			(9	)
Deferred charges		(36	)		(383	)		602			187			68			(132	)		56
Investments, including foreign tax credits		147			348			671			458			414			(77	)		70
Foreign exchange gains and losses		(3	)		(134	)		133			(61	)		63			(18	)		(45	)
Tax losses		1,999			2,759			(82	)		–			678			(148	)		1,147
Lease liability (1)		68			548			(658	)		(245	)		67			(793	)		–
Other		62			(80	)		226			65			46			114			(10	)
Total		1,912			3,688			3,314			3,779			1,325			(335	)		81

(1)  Includes deferred tax associated with the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 21 ‘Leases’.

(2)  FY2020 has been restated to reflect the impact of the change to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’ for further information.

The amount of deferred tax assets dependent on future taxable profits not arising from the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities, and which relate to tax jurisdictions where the taxable entity has suffered a loss in the current or preceding year, was US$1,675 million at 30 June 2021 (2020: US$2,865 million). For operating assets, the group assesses the recoverability of these deferred tax assets using estimates and assumptions relating to projected earnings and cash flows as applied in the Group impairment process for associated operations. Further information on the key judgements and estimates relating to the recognition of deferred tax assets is provided in note 6 ‘Income tax expense’.

F-37

The composition of the Group’s unrecognised deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:

	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M Restated
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Tax losses and tax credits (1)		5,944		4,088
Investments in subsidiaries (2)		1,712		1,575
Deductible temporary differences relating to PRRT (3)		2,402		2,079
Mineral rights (4)		3,359		3,265
Other deductible temporary differences (5)		1,630		673
Total unrecognised deferred tax assets		15,047		11,680
Unrecognised deferred tax liabilities
Investments in subsidiaries (2)		2,203		2,375
Future taxable temporary differences relating to unrecognised deferred tax asset for PRRT (3)		720		624
Total unrecognised deferred tax liabilities		2,923		2,999

(1)  At 30 June 2021, the Group had income and capital tax losses with a tax benefit of US$3,569 million (2020: US$2,405 million) and tax credits of US$2,375 million (2020: US$1,683 million), which are not recognised as deferred tax assets, because it is not probable that future taxable profits or capital gains will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits.

The gross amount of tax losses carried forward that have not been recognised is as follows:

Year of expiry	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M
Income tax losses
Not later than one year		13		474
Later than one year and not later than two years		5		240
Later than two years and not later than five years		105		2,525
Later than five years and not later than 10 years		1,449		679
Later than 10 years and not later than 20 years		3,347		2,379
Unlimited		4,799		2,262
		9,718		8,559
Capital tax losses
Not later than one year		–		–
Later than two years and not later than five years		–		–
Unlimited		4,238		4,150
Gross amount of tax losses not recognised		13,956		12,709
Tax effect of total losses not recognised		3,569		2,405

Of the US$2,375 million of tax credits, US$1,805 million expires not later than 10 years and US$570 million expires later than 10 years and not later than 20 years.

(2)  The Group had deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries that have not been recognised because the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is not probable that these differences will reverse in the foreseeable future. Where the Group has undistributed earnings held by associates and joint interests, the deferred tax liability will be recognised as there is no ability to control the timing of the potential distributions.

(3)  The Group had unrecognised deferred tax assets relating to Australian Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT). Recognition of a deferred tax asset for PRRT depends on benefits expected to be obtained from the deduction against PRRT liabilities. As PRRT payments are deductible for income tax purposes, to the extent these PRRT deferred tax assets are recognised this would give rise to a corresponding deferred tax liability for income tax (presented as the future taxable temporary differences relating to the unrecognised PRRT deferred tax assets).

(4)  The Group had deductible temporary differences relating to mineral rights for which deferred tax assets had not been recognised because it is not probable that future capital gains will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation.

(5)  The Group had other deductible temporary differences for which deferred tax assets had not been recognised because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation.

F-38

15     Closure and rehabilitation provisions

	2021			2020
	US$M			US$M
At the beginning of the financial year		8,810			6,977
Capitalised amounts for operating sites:
Change in estimate		1,974			1,255
Exchange translation		483			(188	)
Adjustments charged/(credited) to the income statement:
Increases to existing and new provisions		564			731
Exchange translation		76			(19	)
Released during the year		(157	)		(43	)
Other adjustments to the provision:
Amortisation of discounting impacting net finance costs		380			356
Acquisition of subsidiaries and operations		179			–
Divestment and demerger of subsidiaries and operations		(81	)		–
Expenditure on closure and rehabilitation activities		(321	)		(258	)
Exchange variations impacting foreign currency translation reserve		3			(1	)
At the end of the financial year		11,910			8,810
Comprising:
Current		591			373
Non-current		11,319			8,437
Operating sites		9,279			6,636
Closed sites		2,631			2,174

The Group is required to rehabilitate sites and associated facilities at the end of or, in some cases, during the course of production to a condition acceptable to the relevant authorities, as specified in licence requirements and the Group’s environmental performance requirements as set out within Our Charter.

The key components of closure and rehabilitation activities are:

• the removal of all unwanted infrastructure associated with an operation

• the return of disturbed areas to a safe, stable, productive and self-sustaining condition, consistent with the agreed end land use

Recognition and measurement

Provisions for closure and rehabilitation are recognised by the Group when:

• it has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events

• it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation

• the amount can be reliably estimated

Initial recognition	Subsequent remeasurement
Closure and rehabilitation provisions are initially recognised when an environmental disturbance first occurs. The individual site provisions are an estimate of the expected value of future cash flows required to rehabilitate the relevant site using current restoration standards and techniques and taking into account risks and uncertainties. Individual site provisions are discounted to their present value using currency specific discount rates aligned to the estimated timing of cash outflows. When provisions for closure and rehabilitation are initially recognised, the corresponding cost is capitalised as an asset, representing part of the cost of acquiring the future economic benefits of the operation.	The closure and rehabilitation asset, recognised within property, plant and equipment, is depreciated over the life of the operations. The value of the provision is progressively increased over time as the effect of discounting unwinds, resulting in an expense recognised in net finance costs. The closure and rehabilitation provision is reviewed at each reporting date to assess if the estimate continues to reflect the best estimate of the obligation. If necessary, the provision is remeasured to account for factors, including: •   revisions to estimated reserves and lives of operations •   developments in technology •   regulatory requirements and environmental management strategies •   changes in the estimated extent and costs of anticipated activities, including the effects of inflation and movements in foreign exchange rates •   movements in interest rates affecting the discount rate applied
	Changes to the closure and rehabilitation estimate for operating sites are added to, or deducted from, the related asset and amortised on a prospective basis accordingly over the remaining life of the operation, generally applying the units of production method.
	Costs arising from unforeseen circumstances, such as the contamination caused by unplanned discharges, are recognised as an expense and liability when the event gives rise to an obligation that is probable and capable of reliable estimation.

F-39

Closed sites

Where future economic benefits are no longer expected to be derived through operation, changes to the associated closure and remediation costs are charged to the income statement in the period identified. This amounted to US$483 million in the year ended 30 June 2021 (2020: US$669 million; 2019: US$251 million).

Key estimates

The recognition and measurement of closure and rehabilitation provisions requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to:

•   the extent (due to legal or constructive obligations) of potential activities required for the removal of infrastructure and rehabilitation activities

•   costs associated with future rehabilitation activities

•   applicable discount rates

•   the timing of cash flows and ultimate closure of operations

The extent and cost of future rehabilitation activities may also be impacted by the potential physical impacts of climate change. In estimating the potential cost of closure activities, the Group considers factors such as long-term weather outlooks, for example forecast changes in rainfall patterns, and the impact of the Group’s energy transition strategy on the costs of performing rehabilitation activities.

While progressive closure is performed across a number of operations, significant rehabilitation activities are generally undertaken at the end of the production life at the individual sites, the estimated timing of which is informed by the Group’s current assumptions relating to demand for commodities and carbon pricing, and their impact on the Group’s long-term price forecasts. Remaining production lives range from 3-91 years with an average for all sites, weighted by current closure provision, of approximately 27 years. The discount rates applied to the Group’s closure and rehabilitation provisions are determined by reference to the currency of the closure cash flows, the period over which the cash flows will be incurred and prevailing market interest rates (where available). The rates were revised during the year to reflect decreases in market interest rates. The effect of changes to discount rates was an increase of approximatively US$1,085 million in the closure and rehabilitation provision of which approximately US$210 million in respect of closed sites was recognised in the income statement.

While the closure and rehabilitation provisions reflect management’s best estimates based on current knowledge and information, further studies and detailed analysis of the closure activities for individual assets will be performed as the assets near the end of their operational life and/or detailed closure plans are required to be submitted to relevant regulatory authorities. Such studies and analysis can impact the estimated costs of closure activities. Estimates can also be impacted by the emergence of new restoration techniques, changes in regulatory requirements for rehabilitation, risks relating to climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy, and experience at other operations. These uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently provided for in the balance sheet.

Sensitivity

A further 0.5 per cent decrease in the discount rates applied at 30 June 2021 would result in an increase to the closure and rehabilitation provision of approximately US$1,075 million, an increase in property, plant and equipment of approximately US$820 million in relation to operating sites and an income statement charge of approximately US$255 million in respect of closed sites. In addition, the change would result in an increase of approximately US$115 million to depreciation expense and a US$25 million reduction in net finance costs for the year ending 30 June 2022.

Given the long-lived nature of the majority of the Group’s assets, closure activities are generally not expected to occur for a significant period of time. A one-year acceleration in forecast cash flows of the Group’s closure and rehabilitation provisions, in isolation, would result in an increase to the provision of approximately US$230 million, an increase in property, plant and equipment of US$180 million in relation to operating sites and an income statement charge of US$50 million in respect of closed sites.

F-40

Capital structure

16    Share capital

	BHP Group Limited									BHP Group Plc
	2021 shares			2020 shares			2019 shares			2021 shares			2020 shares			2019 shares
Share capital issued
Opening number of shares		2,945,851,394			2,945,851,394			3,211,691,105			2,112,071,796			2,112,071,796			2,112,071,796
Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts		(7,587,353	)		(5,975,189	)		(6,854,057	)		(185,054	)		(185,297	)		(274,069	)
Employee share awards exercised following vesting		6,948,683			6,893,113			5,902,588			173,644			222,245			275,984
Movement in treasury shares under Employee Share Plans		638,670			(917,924	)		951,469			11,410			(36,948	)		(1,915	)
Shares bought back and cancelled (1)		–			–			(265,839,711	)		–			–			–
Closing number of shares (2)		2,945,851,394			2,945,851,394			2,945,851,394			2,112,071,796			2,112,071,796			2,112,071,796
Comprising:
Shares held by the public		2,944,982,333			2,945,621,003			2,944,703,079			2,112,057,615			2,112,069,025			2,112,032,077
Treasury shares		869,061			230,391			1,148,315			14,181			2,771			39,719
Other share classes
Special Voting share of no par value		1			1			1			–			–			–
Special Voting share of US$0.50 par value		–			–			–			1			1			1
5.5% Preference shares of £1 each		–			–			–			50,000			50,000			50,000
DLC Dividend share		1			1			1			–			–			–

(1)  During December 2018, BHP completed an off-market buy-back program of US$5.2 billion of BHP Group Limited shares related to the disbursement of proceeds from the disposal of Onshore US.

(2)  4,400,000 fully paid ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited were issued in order to satisfy the exercise of employee share awards during the period 1 July 2021 to 2 September 2021.

Recognition and measurement

Share capital of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is composed of the following classes of shares:

Ordinary shares fully paid	Special Voting shares	Preference shares
BHP Group Limited ordinary shares fully paid and BHP Group Plc ordinary shares fully paid of US$0.50 par value, represent 99.99 per cent of the total number of shares. Any profit remaining after payment of preferred distributions is available for distribution to the holders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc ordinary shares in equal amounts per share.	Each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc issued one Special Voting share to facilitate joint voting by shareholders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc on Joint Electorate Actions. There has been no movement in these shares.	Preference shares have the right to repayment of the amount paid up on the nominal value and any unpaid dividends in priority to the holders of any other class of shares in BHP Group Plc on a return of capital or winding up. The holders of preference shares have limited voting rights if payment of the preference dividends are six months or more in arrears or a resolution is passed changing the rights of the preference shareholders. There has been no movement in these shares, all of which are held by JP Morgan Limited.

DLC Dividend share

Treasury shares

The DLC Dividend share supports the Dual Listed Company (DLC) equalisation principles in place since the merger in 2001, including the requirement that ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Limited are paid equal cash dividends per share. This share enables efficient and flexible capital management across the DLC and was issued on 23 February 2016 at par value of US$10. On 16 September 2020 and on 17 March 2021, BHP Group Limited paid dividends of US$1,915 million and US$1,610 million respectively to BHP (AUS) DDS Pty Ltd under the DLC dividend share arrangements. These dividends are eliminated on consolidation.

Treasury shares are shares of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and are held by the ESOP Trusts for the purpose of issuing shares to employees under the Group’s Employee Share Plans. Treasury shares are recognised at cost and deducted from equity, net of any income tax effects. When the treasury shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable costs and income tax effects, is recognised as an increase in equity. Any difference between the carrying amount and the consideration, if reissued, is recognised in retained earnings.

F-41

17    Other equity

	2021			2020			2019			Recognition and measurement
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Share premium account		518			518			518		The share premium account represents the premium paid on the issue of BHP Group Plc shares recognised in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006.
Foreign currency translation reserve		43			39			37		The foreign currency translation reserve represents exchange differences arising from the translation of non-US dollar functional currency operations within the Group into US dollars.
Employee share awards reserve		268			246			213		The employee share awards reserve represents the accrued employee entitlements to share awards that have been charged to the income statement and have not yet been exercised. Once exercised, the difference between the accumulated fair value of the awards and their historical on-market purchase price is recognised in retained earnings.
Cash flow hedge reserve		100			50			114		The cash flow hedge reserve represents hedging gains and losses recognised on the effective portion of cash flow hedges. The cumulative deferred gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the income statement when the hedged transaction impacts the income statement, or is recognised as an adjustment to the cost of non-financial hedged items. The hedging reserve records the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge that is determined to be an effective hedge relationship.
Cost of hedging reserve		(54	)		(23	)		(74	)	The cost of hedging reserve represents the recognition of certain costs of hedging for example, basis adjustments, which have been excluded from the hedging relationship and deferred in other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction impacts the income statement.
Equity investments reserve		15			16			17		The equity investments reserve represents the revaluation of investments in shares recognised through other comprehensive income. Where a revalued financial asset is sold, the relevant portion of the reserve is transferred to retained earnings.
Capital redemption reserve		177			177			177		The capital redemption reserve represents the par value of BHP Group Plc shares that were purchased and subsequently cancelled. The cancellation of the shares creates a non-distributable capital redemption reserve.
Non-controlling interest contribution reserve		1,283			1,283			1,283		The non-controlling interest contribution reserve represents the excess of consideration received over the book value of net assets attributable to equity instruments when acquired by non-controlling interests.
Total reserves		2,350			2,306			2,285

Summarised financial information relating to each of the Group’s subsidiaries with non-controlling interests (NCI) that are material to the Group before any intra-group eliminations is shown below:

	2021							2020
US$M	Minera Escondida Limitada			Other individually immaterial subsidiaries (incl. intra -group eliminations)		Total		Minera Escondida Limitada			Other individually immaterial subsidiaries (incl. intra -group eliminations)		Total
Group share (per cent)		57.5							57.5
Current assets		2,996							2,432
Non-current assets		11,867							12,121
Current liabilities		(1,912	)						(1,614	)
Non-current liabilities		(4,733	)						(4,613	)
Net assets		8,218							8,326
Net assets attributable to NCI		3,493			848		4,341		3,539			771		4,310
Revenue		9,470							6,719
Profit after taxation		3,605							1,088
Other comprehensive income		27							(27	)
Total comprehensive income		3,632							1,061
Profit after taxation attributable to NCI		1,532			615		2,147		462			318		780
Other comprehensive income attributable to NCI		11			–		11		(11	)		–		(11	)
Net operating cash flow		5,007							2,637
Net investing cash flow		(655	)						(919	)
Net financing cash flow		(4,001	)						(1,920	)
Dividends paid to NCI		1,590			537		2,127		757			286		1,043

While the Group controls Minera Escondida Limitada, the non-controlling interests hold certain protective rights that restrict the Group’s ability to sell assets held by Minera Escondida Limitada, or use the assets in other subsidiaries and operations owned by the Group. Minera Escondida Limitada is also restricted from paying dividends without the approval of the non-controlling interests.

F-42

18    Dividends

	Year ended 30 June 2021				Year ended 30 June 2020				Year ended 30 June 2019
	Per share		Total		Per share		Total		Per share		Total
	US cents		US$M		US cents		US$M		US cents		US$M
Dividends paid during the period  (1)
Prior year final dividend		55		2,779		78		3,946		63		3,356
Interim dividend		101		5,115		65		3,288		55		2,788
Special dividend		–		–		–		–		102		5,158
		156		7,894		143		7,234		220		11,302

(1)  5.5 per cent dividend on 50,000 preference shares of £1 each determined and paid annually (2020: 5.5 per cent; 2019: 5.5 per cent).

Dividends paid during the period differs from the amount of dividends paid in the Cash Flow Statement as a result of foreign exchange gains and losses relating to the timing of equity distributions between the record date and the payment date. Additional derivative proceeds of US$8 million were received as part of the funding of the interim dividend and is disclosed in (Settlements)/proceeds of cash management related instruments in the Cash Flow Statement.

The Dual Listed Company merger terms require that ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are paid equal cash dividends on a per share basis. Each American Depositary Share (ADS) represents two ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc. Dividends determined on each ADS represent twice the dividend determined on BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares.

Dividends are determined after period-end and announced with the results for the period. Interim dividends are determined in February and paid in March. Final dividends are determined in August and paid in September. Dividends determined are not recorded as a liability at the end of the period to which they relate. Subsequent to year-end, on 17 August 2021, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc determined a final dividend of 200 US cents per share (US$10,114 million), which will be paid on 21 September 2021 (30 June 2020: final dividend of 55 US cents per share – US$2,782 million; 30 June 2019: final dividend of 78 US cents per share – US$3,944 million).

BHP Group Limited dividends for all periods presented are, or will be, fully franked based on a tax rate of 30 per cent.

	2021		2020		2019
	US$M		US$M		US$M
Franking credits as at 30 June		14,302		10,980		8,681
Franking credits arising from the payment of current tax		1,799		471		1,194
Total franking credits available  (1)		16,101		11,451		9,875

(1)  The payment of the final 2021 dividend determined after 30 June 2021 will reduce the franking account balance by US$2,525 million.

19    Provisions for dividends and other liabilities

The disclosure below excludes closure and rehabilitation provisions (refer to note 15 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’), employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions (refer to note 26 ‘Employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions’) and provisions related to the Samarco dam failure (refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’).

	2021			2020
	US$M			US$M
Movement in provision for dividends and other liabilities
At the beginning of the financial year		1,240			501
Dividends determined		7,894			7,234
Charge/(credit) for the year:
Underlying		260			1,027
Discounting		2			3
Exchange variations		20			(356	)
Released during the year		(43	)		(94	)
Utilisation		(267	)		(99	)
Dividends paid		(7,901	)		(6,876	)
Transfers and other movements		(624	)		(100	)
At the end of the financial year		581			1,240
Comprising:
Current		293			258
Non-current		288			982

F-43

Financial management

20    Net debt

The Group seeks to maintain a strong balance sheet and deploys its capital with reference to the Capital Allocation Framework.

The Group monitors capital using the net debt balance and the gearing ratio, being the ratio of net debt to net debt plus net assets.

The net debt definition includes the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge cash and borrowings which reflects the Group’s risk management strategy of reducing the volatility of net debt caused by fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates.

Vessel lease contracts, under IFRS 16 are required to be remeasured at each reporting date to the prevailing freight index. While these liabilities are included in the Group interest bearing liabilities, they are excluded from the net debt calculation as they do not align with how the Group assesses net debt for decision making in relation to the Capital Allocation Framework. In addition, the freight index has historically been volatile which creates significant short-term fluctuation in these liabilities.

	2021					2020 Restated
US$M	Current		Non-current			Current			Non-current
Interest bearing liabilities
Bank loans		437		1,823			737			1,755
Notes and debentures		1,244		13,525			3,354			17,691
Lease liabilities		889		3,007			853			2,590
Bank overdraft and short-term borrowings		–		–			–			–
Other		58		–			68			–
Total interest bearing liabilities		2,628		18,355			5,012			22,036
Less: Lease liability associated with index-linked freight contracts		346		679			379			781
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
Cash		4,408		–			3,493			–
Short-term deposits		10,838		–			9,933			–
Less: Total cash and cash equivalents		15,246		–			13,426			–
Less: Derivatives included in net debt
Net debt management related instruments (1)		20		537			(162	)		595
Net cash management related instruments  (2)		34		–			(15	)		–
Less: Total derivatives included in net debt		54		537			(177	)		595
Net debt				4,121						12,044
Net assets  (3)				55,605						52,175
Gearing				6.9	%					18.8	%

(1)  Represents the net cross currency and interest rate swaps designated as effective hedging instruments included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

(2)  Represents the net forward exchange contracts included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

(3)  30 June 2020 net assets have been restated to reflect changes to the Group’s accounting policy following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ resulting in a retrospective decrease of US$71 million. Refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’.

Cash and short-term deposits are disclosed in the cash flow statement net of bank overdrafts and interest bearing liabilities at call.

	2021		2020		2019
	US$M		US$M		US$M
Total cash and cash equivalents		15,246		13,426		15,613
Bank overdrafts and short-term borrowings		–		–		(20	)
Total cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts		15,246		13,426		15,593

Recognition and measurement

Cash and short-term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and on hand and highly liquid cash deposits with short-term maturities that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value. The Group considers that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to their short term to maturity.

Cash and cash equivalents includes US$159 million (2020: US$96 million) restricted by legal or contractual arrangements.

F-44

Interest bearing liabilities and cash and cash equivalents include balances denominated in the following currencies:

	Interest bearing liabilities				Cash and cash equivalents
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	US$M		US$M		US$M		US$M
USD		11,146		14,625		12,003		9,555
EUR		4,505		7,323		4		4
GBP		3,415		3,272		32		519
AUD		1,053		1,055		573		1,011
CAD		635		597		2,455		2,131
Other		229		176		179		206
Total		20,983		27,048		15,246		13,426

The Group enters into derivative transactions to convert the majority of its exposures above into US dollars. Further information on the Group’s risk management activities relating to these balances is provided in note 23 ‘Financial risk management’.

Liquidity risk

The Group’s liquidity risk arises from the possibility that it may not be able to settle or meet its obligations as they fall due and is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy. Operational, capital and regulatory requirements are considered in the management of liquidity risk, in conjunction with short-term and long-term forecast information.

Recognising the cyclical volatility of operating cash flows, the Group has defined minimum target cash and liquidity buffers to be maintained to mitigate liquidity risk and support operations through the cycle.

The Group’s strong credit profile, diversified funding sources, its minimum cash buffer and its committed credit facilities ensure that sufficient liquid funds are maintained to meet its daily cash requirements.

The Group’s Moody’s credit rating has remained at A2/P-1 outlook stable (long-term/short-term) throughout FY2021. Moody’s affirmed its credit rating on 31 May 2021. The Group’s Standard & Poor’s rating changed from A/A-1 outlook stable (long-term/short-term) to A/A-1 CreditWatch negative (long-term/short-term) on 23 August 2021.

There were no defaults on the Group’s liabilities during the period.

Counterparty risk

The Group is exposed to credit risk from its financing activities, including short-term cash investments such as deposits with banks and derivative contracts. This risk is managed by Group Treasury in line with the counterparty risk framework, which aims to minimise the exposure to a counterparty and mitigate the risk of financial loss through counterparty failure.

Exposure to counterparties is monitored at a Group level across all products and includes exposure with derivatives and cash investments.

Investments and derivatives are only transacted with approved counterparties who have been assigned specific limits based on a quantitative credit risk model. These limits are updated at least bi-annually. Additionally, derivatives are subject to tenor limits and investments are subject to concentration limits by rating.

Derivative fair values are inclusive of valuation adjustments that take into account both the counterparty and the Group’s risk of default.

Standby arrangements and unused credit facilities

The Group’s committed revolving credit facility operates as a back-stop to the Group’s uncommitted commercial paper program. The combined amount drawn under the facility or as commercial paper will not exceed US$5.5 billion. As at 30 June 2021, US$ nil commercial paper was drawn (2020: US$ nil). During the year, the Group completed a one-year extension to the facility which is now due to mature on 10 October 2025. A commitment fee is payable on the undrawn balance and an interest rate comprising an interbank rate plus a margin applies to any drawn balance. The agreed margins are typical for a credit facility extended to a company with the Group’s credit rating.

F-45

Maturity profile of financial liabilities

The maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities based on the undiscounted contractual amounts, taking into account the derivatives related to debt, is as follows:

2021 US$M	Bank loans, debentures and other loans		Expected future interest payments		Derivatives related to debentures		Other derivatives		Obligations under lease liabilities		Trade and other payables (1)		Total
Due for payment:
In one year or less or on demand		1,722		729		61		149		980		6,851		10,492
In more than one year but not more than two years		2,278		661		267		80		680		–		3,966
In more than two years but not more than five years		4,062		1,492		256		240		1,397		–		7,447
In more than five years		7,801		4,136		585		317		1,842		–		14,681
Total		15,863		7,018		1,169		786		4,899		6,851		36,586
Carrying amount		17,087		–		586		690		3,896		6,851		29,110
2020 US$M	Bank loans, debentures and other loans		Expected future interest payments		Derivatives related to debentures		Other derivatives		Obligations under lease liabilities		Trade and other payables (1)		Total
Due for payment:
In one year or less or on demand		4,138		813		260		60		927		5,622		11,820
In more than one year but not more than two years		1,665		702		81		–		630		1		3,079
In more than two years but not more than five years		5,727		1,713		819		–		1,335		–		9,594
In more than five years		10,101		4,368		974		–		1,043		–		16,486
Total		21,631		7,596		2,134		60		3,935		5,623		40,979
Carrying amount		23,605		–		1,579		60		3,443		5,623		34,310

(1)  Excludes input taxes of US$176 million (2020: US$145 million) included in other payables. Refer to note 9 ‘Trade and other payables’.

F-46

21    Leases

Movements in the Group’s lease liabilities during the year are as follows:

	2021			2020
	US$M			US$M
At the beginning of the financial year (1)		3,443			715
IFRS 16 transition		–			2,301
Additions		1,223			436
Remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts		(59	)		733
Lease payments		(879	)		(761	)
Foreign exchange movement		115			(43	)
Amortisation of discounting		109			90
Transfers and other movements		(56	)		(28	)
At the end of the financial year		3,896			3,443
Comprising:
Current liabilities		889			853
Non-current liabilities		3,007			2,590

(1)  Lease liability at the beginning of FY2020 relates to existing finance leases under IAS 17/AASB 117 ‘Leases’ (IAS 17) at 1 July 2019.

A significant proportion by value of the Group’s lease contracts relate to plant facilities, office buildings and vessels. Lease terms for plant facilities and office buildings typically run for over 10 years and vessels for four to 10 years. Other leases include port facilities, various equipment and vehicles. The lease contracts contain a wide range of different terms and conditions including extension and termination options and variable lease payments.

The Group’s lease obligations are included in the Group’s Interest bearing liabilities and, with the exception of vessel lease contracts that are priced with reference to a freight index, form part of the Group’s net debt.

The maturity profile of lease liabilities based on the undiscounted contractual amounts is as follows:

Lease liability	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M
Due for payment:
In one year or less or on demand		980		927
In more than one year but not more than two years		680		630
In more than two years but not more than five years		1,397		1,335
In more than five years (1)		1,842		1,043
Total		4,899		3,935
Carrying amount		3,896		3,443

(1)  Include US$878 million (2020: US$302 million) due for payment in more than ten years.

At 30 June 2021, commitments for leases not yet commenced based on undiscounted contractual amounts were US$457 million (2020: US$1,458 million); and commitments relating to short-term leases were US$171 million (2020: US$103 million).

Movements in the Group’s right-of-use assets during the year are as follows:

	2021									2020
	Land and buildings			Plant and equipment			Total			Land and buildings			Plant and equipment			Total
	US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M
Net book value
At the beginning of the financial year (1)		689			2,358			3,047			–			492			492
Assets recognised on adoption of IFRS 16		–			–			–			754			1,400			2,154
Additions		25			1,227			1,252			104			332			436
Remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts		–			(59	)		(59	)		–			733			733
Depreciation expensed during the period		(111	)		(670	)		(781	)		(113	)		(543	)		(656	)
Depreciation classified as exploration		–			(19	)		(19	)		–			(34	)		(34	)
Impairments		(30	)		(2	)		(32	)		(2	)		(22	)		(24	)
Transfers and other movements		65			(123	)		(58	)		(54	)		–			(54	)
At the end of the financial year		638			2,712			3,350			689			2,358			3,047
– Cost		897			4,393			5,290			804			3,349			4,153
– Accumulated depreciation and impairments		(259	)		(1,681	)		(1,940	)		(115	)		(991	)		(1,106	)

(1)  Right-of-use assets at the beginning of FY2020 relates to assets previously held under finance leases under IAS 17 at 1 July 2019.

Right-of-use assets are included within the underlying asset classes in Property, plant and equipment. Refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’.

F-47

Amounts recorded in the income statement and the cash flow statement for the year were:

	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M		Included within
Income statement
Depreciation of right-of-use assets		781		656	Profit from operations
Short-term, low-value and variable lease costs (1)		895		675	Profit from operations
Interest on lease liabilities		109		90	Financial expenses
Cash flow statement
Principal lease payments		770		671	Cash flows from financing activities
Lease interest payments		109		90	Cash flows from operating activities

(1) Relates to US$546 million of variable lease costs (2020: US$438 million), US$316 million of short-term lease costs (2020: US$211 million) and US$33 million of low-value lease costs (2020: US$26 million). Variable lease costs include contracts for hire of mining service equipment, drill rigs and transportation services. These contracts contain variable lease payments based on usage and asset performance.

Recognition and measurement

All leases with the exception of short-term (under 12 months) and low-value leases are recognised on the balance sheet, as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding interest bearing liability. Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments from the lease commencement date and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the interest on lease liabilities, lease payments and any remeasurements due to, for example, lease modifications or a change to future lease payments linked to an index or rate. Lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, where this is readily determinable. Where the implicit interest rate is not readily determinable, the interest payments are discounted at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate, adjusted to reflect factors specific to the lease, including where relevant the currency, tenor and location of the lease.

In addition to containing a lease, the Group’s contractual arrangements may include non-lease components. For example, certain mining services arrangements involve the provision of additional services, including maintenance, drilling activities and the supply of personnel. The Group has elected to separate these non-lease components from the lease components in measuring lease liabilities.

Low-value and short-term leases continue to be expensed to the income statement. Variable lease payments not dependent on an index or rate are excluded from lease liabilities, and expensed to the income statement.

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost will initially correspond to the lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, lease payments made prior to lease commencement, capitalised provisions for closure and rehabilitation and any lease incentives.

The lease asset and liability associated with all index-linked freight contracts, including continuous voyage charters (CVCs), are measured at each reporting date based on the prevailing freight index (generally the Baltic C5 index).

Lease costs are recognised in the income statement over the lease term in the form of depreciation on the right-of-use asset and finance charges representing the unwind of the discount on the lease liability. Lease costs for the year ended 30 June 2019 represent operating lease expenses previously reported under IAS 17.

Where the Group is the operator of an unincorporated joint operation and all investors are parties to a lease, the Group recognises its proportionate share of the lease liability and associated right-of-use asset. In the event the Group is the sole signatory to a lease, and therefore has the sole legal obligation to make lease payments, the lease liability is recognised in full. Where the associated right-of-use asset is sub-leased (under a finance sub-lease) to a joint operation, for instance where it is dedicated to a single operation and the joint operation has the right to direct the use of the asset, the Group recognises its proportionate share of the right-of-use asset and a net investment in the lease, representing amounts to be recovered from the other parties to the joint operation. If the Group is not party to the lease contract but sub-leases the associated right-of-use asset, it recognises its proportionate share of the right-of-use asset and a lease liability which is payable to the operator.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Certain contractual arrangements not in the form of a lease require the Group to apply significant judgement in evaluating whether the Group controls the right to direct the use of assets and therefore whether the contract contains a lease. Management considers all facts and circumstances in determining whether the Group or the supplier has the rights to direct how, and for what purpose, the underlying assets are used in certain mining contracts and other arrangements, including outsourcing arrangements, shipping arrangements and power purchase agreements. Judgement is used to assess which decision-making rights mostly affect the benefits of use of the assets for each arrangement.

Where a contract includes the provision of non-lease services, judgement is required to identify the lease and non-lease components.

Estimates: Where the Group cannot readily determine the interest rate implicit in the lease, estimation is involved in the determination of the weighted average incremental borrowing rate to measure lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate reflects the rates of interest a lessee would have to pay to borrow over a similar term, with similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. Under the Group’s portfolio approach to debt management, the Group does not specifically borrow for asset purchases. Therefore, the incremental borrowing rate is estimated with reference to the Group’s corporate borrowing portfolio, adjusted to reflect the terms and conditions of the lease (including the impact of currency, credit rating of subsidiary entering into the lease and the term of the lease), at the inception of the lease arrangement or the time of lease modification.

The Group estimates stand-alone prices, where such prices are not readily observable, in order to allocate the contractual payments between lease and non-lease components.

F-48

22    Net finance costs

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Financial expenses
Interest expense using the effective interest rate method:
Interest on bank loans, overdrafts and all other borrowings		610			1,099			1,296
Interest capitalised at 2.83% (2020: 4.14%; 2019: 4.96%) (1)		(248	)		(308	)		(248	)
Interest on lease liabilities		109			90			47
Discounting on provisions and other liabilities		467			452			470
Other gains and losses:
Fair value change on hedged loans		(779	)		721			729
Fair value change on hedging derivatives		704			(788	)		(809	)
Loss on bond repurchase (2)		395			–			–
Exchange variations on net debt		99			(18	)		6
Other		21			14			19
Total financial expenses		1,378			1,262			1,510
Financial income
Interest income		(73	)		(351	)		(446	)
Net finance costs		1,305			911			1,064

(1)  Interest has been capitalised at the rate of interest applicable to the specific borrowings financing the assets under construction or, where financed through general borrowings, at a capitalisation rate representing the average interest rate on such borrowings. Tax relief for capitalised interest is approximately US$74 million (2020: US$92 million; 2019: US$74 million).

(2)  Relates to the additional cost on settlement of two multi-currency hybrid debt repurchase programs and the unwind of the associated hedges, included in a total cash payment of US$3,402 million disclosed in repayment of interest bearing liabilities in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement.

Recognition and measurement

Interest income is accrued using the effective interest rate method. Finance costs are expensed as incurred, except where they relate to the financing of construction or development of qualifying assets.

F-49

23    Financial risk management

23.1 Financial risks

Financial and capital risk management strategy

The financial risks arising from the Group’s operations comprise market, liquidity and credit risk. These risks arise in the normal course of business and the Group manages its exposure to them in accordance with the Group’s portfolio risk management strategy. The objective of the strategy is to support the delivery of the Group’s financial targets, while protecting its future financial security and flexibility by taking advantage of the natural diversification provided by the scale, diversity and flexibility of the Group’s operations and activities.

As part of the risk management strategy, the Group monitors target gearing levels and credit rating metrics under a range of different stress test scenarios incorporating operational and macroeconomic factors (refer to 1.16 ‘Robust risk assessment and viability statement’).

Market risk management

The Group’s activities expose it to market risks associated with movements in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices. Under the strategy outlined above, the Group seeks to achieve financing costs, currency impacts, input costs and commodity prices on a floating or index basis. This strategy gives rise to a risk of variability in earnings, which is measured under the Cash Flow at Risk (CFaR) framework.

In executing the strategy, financial instruments are potentially employed in three distinct but related activities. The following table summarises these activities and the key risk management processes:

Activity	Key risk management processes
1   Risk mitigation On an exception basis, hedging for the purposes of mitigating risk related to specific and significant expenditure on investments or capital projects, will be executed if necessary to support the Group’s strategic objectives.	Execution of transactions within approved mandates.
2   Economic hedging of commodity sales, operating costs, short-term cash deposits, other monetary items and debt instruments
Where Group commodity production is sold to customers on pricing terms that deviate from the relevant index target and where a relevant derivatives market exists, financial instruments may be executed as an economic hedge to align the revenue price exposure with the index target and US dollars.	Measuring and reporting the exposure in customer commodity contracts and issued debt instruments.
Where debt is issued in a currency other than the US dollar and/or at a fixed interest rate, fair value and cash flow hedges may be executed to align the debt exposure with the Group’s functional currency of US dollars and/or to swap to a floating interest rate.	Executing hedging derivatives to align the total group exposure to the index target.
Where short-term cash deposits and other monetary items are denominated in a currency other than US dollars, derivative financial instruments may be executed to align the foreign exchange exposure to the Group’s functional currency of US dollars.	Execution of transactions within approved mandates.
3   Strategic financial transactions
Opportunistic transactions may be executed with financial instruments to capture value from perceived market over/under valuations.	Execution of transactions within approved mandates.

Primary responsibility for the identification and control of financial risks, including authorising and monitoring the use of financial instruments for the above activities and stipulating policy thereon, rests with the Financial Risk Management Committee under authority delegated by the Chief Executive Officer.

Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding borrowings and short-term cash deposits from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair value of fixed interest rate financial instruments. Interest rate risk is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy.

The majority of the Group’s debt is issued at fixed interest rates. The Group has entered into interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps to convert most of its fixed interest rate exposure to floating US dollar interest rate exposure. As at 30 June 2021, 82 per cent of the Group’s borrowings were exposed to floating interest rates inclusive of the effect of swaps (2020: 87 per cent).

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The fair value of interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps in hedge relationships used to hedge both interest rate and foreign currency risks are shown in the valuation hierarchy of this note.

Based on the net debt position as at 30 June 2021, taking into account interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps, it is estimated that a one percentage point increase in the US LIBOR interest rate will increase the Group’s equity and profit after taxation by US$7 million (2020: decrease of US$47 million). This assumes the change in interest rates is effective from the beginning of the financial year and the fixed/floating mix and balances are constant over the year.

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other benchmark interest rates are expected to be replaced by alternative risk-free rates (ARR) by the end of CY2021 as part of inter-bank offer rate (IBOR) reform. The Group has established a project to assess the implications of IBOR reform across the Group, and to manage and execute the transition from current discontinuing IBORs rates to ARR, including updating policies, systems and processes. A detailed due diligence review has identified a range of contracts that reference IBORs, including derivative instruments, money market deposits, lease agreements, supply contracts and joint venture agreements. The Group is in the process of developing action plans for each of these arrangements to ensure a smooth transition to ARR.

The Group has early adopted amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ in relation to IBOR reform (refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’). In particular, the IBOR reform impacts the Group’s interest rate swaps, which reference US LIBOR, and the associated hedge accounting. Refer to section 23.4 ‘Derivatives and hedge accounting’ for further information.

Currency risk

The US dollar is the predominant functional currency within the Group and as a result, currency exposures arise from transactions and balances in currencies other than the US dollar. The Group’s potential currency exposures comprise:

• translational exposure in respect of non-functional currency monetary items

• transactional exposure in respect of non-functional currency expenditure and revenues

The Group’s foreign currency risk is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy.

Translational exposure in respect of non-functional currency monetary items

Monetary items, including financial assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of an operation are periodically restated to US dollar equivalents and the associated gain or loss is taken to the income statement. The exception is foreign exchange gains or losses on foreign currency denominated provisions for closure and rehabilitation at operating sites, which are capitalised in property, plant and equipment.

The Group has entered into cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forwards to convert its significant foreign currency exposures in respect of monetary items into US dollars. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates are therefore not expected to have a significant impact on equity and profit after tax.

The following table shows the foreign currency risk arising from financial assets and liabilities, which are denominated in currencies other than the US dollar:

Net financial (liabilities)/assets - by currency of denomination	2021			2020
	US$M			US$M
Australian dollars		(4,421	)		(3,788	)
Chilean peso		(649	)		(369	)
British pound sterling		535			587
Euro		366			619
Other		128			(17	)
Total		(4,041	)		(2,968	)

The principal non-functional currencies to which the Group is exposed are the Australian dollar, the Chilean peso, the Pound sterling and the Euro. Based on the Group’s net financial assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2021, a weakening of the US dollar against these currencies (one cent strengthening in Australian dollar, 10 pesos strengthening in Chilean peso, one penny strengthening in Pound sterling and one cent strengthening in Euro), with all other variables held constant, would decrease the Group’s equity and profit after taxation by US$21 million (2020: decrease of US$12 million).

Transactional exposure in respect of non-functional currency expenditure and revenues

Certain operating and capital expenditure is incurred in currencies other than an operation’s functional currency. To a lesser extent, certain sales revenue is earned in currencies other than the functional currency of operations and certain exchange control restrictions may require that funds be maintained in currencies other than the functional currency of the operation. These currency risks are managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy. The Group may enter into forward exchange contracts when required under this strategy.

Commodity price risk

The risk associated with commodity prices is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy. Substantially all of the Group’s commodity production is sold on market-based index pricing terms, with derivatives used from time to time to achieve a specific outcome.

Financial instruments with commodity price risk comprise forward commodity and other derivative contracts with a net assets fair value of US$138 million (2020: US$159 million). Significant commodity price risk instruments within other derivative balances include derivatives embedded in physical commodity purchase and sales contracts of gas in Trinidad and Tobago with a net assets fair value of US$121 million (2020: US$180 million). These are included within other derivatives and fair value measurement related to these resulted in an expense of US$59 million (2020: expense of US$22 million).

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The potential effect on these derivatives’ fair values of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions in the valuation models, based on a change in the most significant input, such as commodity prices, by 10 per cent with all other factors held constant (including the pricing on underlying physical exposures), would increase or decrease profit after taxation by US$26 million (2020: US$8 million).

Provisionally priced commodity sales and purchases contracts

Provisionally priced sales or purchases volumes are those for which price finalisation, referenced to the relevant index, is outstanding at the reporting date. Provisional pricing mechanisms within these sales and purchases arrangements have the character of a commodity derivative. Trade receivables or payables under these contracts are carried at fair value through profit and loss using a method categorised as Level 2 based on forecast selling prices in the quotation period. The Group’s exposure at 30 June 2021 to the impact of movements in commodity prices upon provisionally invoiced sales and purchases volumes was predominately around copper.

The Group had 254 thousand tonnes of copper exposure as at 30 June 2021 (2020: 301 thousand tonnes) that was provisionally priced. The final price of these sales and purchases volumes will be determined during the first half of FY2022. A 10 per cent change in the price of copper realised on the provisionally priced sales, with all other factors held constant, would increase or decrease profit after taxation by US$166 million (2020: US$134 million).

The relationship between commodity prices and foreign currencies is complex and movements in foreign exchange rates can impact commodity prices.

Liquidity risk

Refer to note 20 ‘Net debt’ for details on the Group’s liquidity risk.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial loss. The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (primarily from customer receivables) and from its financing activities, including deposits with banks and financial institutions, other short-term investments, interest rate and currency derivative contracts and other financial instruments.

Refer to note 8 ‘Trade and other receivables’ and note 20 ‘Net debt’ for details on the Group credit risk.

23.2 Recognition and measurement

All financial assets and liabilities, other than derivatives and trade receivables, are initially recognised at the fair value of consideration paid or received, net of transaction costs as appropriate. Financial assets are initially recognised on their trade date.

Financial assets are subsequently carried at fair value or amortised cost based on:

• the Group’s purpose, or business model, for holding the financial asset

• whether the financial asset’s contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest

The resulting Financial Statements classifications of financial assets can be summarised as follows:

Contractual cash flows	Business model	Category
Solely principal and interest	Hold in order to collect contractual cash flows	Amortised cost
Solely principal and interest	Hold in order to collect contractual cash flows and sell	Fair value through other comprehensive income
Solely principal and interest	Hold in order to sell	Fair value through profit or loss
Other	Any of those mentioned above	Fair value through profit or loss

Solely principal and interest refers to the Group receiving returns only for the time value of money and the credit risk of the counterparty for financial assets held. The main exceptions for the Group are provisionally priced receivables and derivatives which are measured at fair value through the income statement under IFRS 9.

The Group has the intention of collecting payment directly from its customers in most cases, however the Group also participates in receivables financing programs in respect of selected customers. Receivables in these portfolios which are classified as ‘hold in order to sell’, are provisionally priced receivables and are therefore held at fair value through profit or loss prior to sale to the financial institution.

With the exception of derivative contracts and provisionally priced trade payables, the Group’s financial liabilities are classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost.

The Group may in addition elect to designate certain financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or to apply hedge accounting where they are not mandatorily held at fair value through profit or loss.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date the contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value.

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Fair value measurement

The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value is principally calculated based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for these financial assets or liabilities, either directly (i.e. as unquoted prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). Where no price information is available from a quoted market source, alternative market mechanisms or recent comparable transactions, fair value is estimated based on the Group’s views on relevant future prices, net of valuation allowances to accommodate liquidity, modelling and other risks implicit in such estimates.

The inputs used in fair value calculations are determined by the relevant segment or function. The functions support the assets and operate under a defined set of accountabilities authorised by the Executive Leadership Team. Movements in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities may be recognised through the income statement or in other comprehensive income.

For financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value, the Group uses the following to categorise the method used based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

IFRS 13 Fair value hierarchy	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Valuation method	Based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial assets and liabilities.	Based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the financial asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as unquoted prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).	Based on inputs not observable in the market using appropriate valuation models, including discounted cash flow modelling.

23.3 Financial assets and liabilities

The financial assets and liabilities are presented by class in the table below at their carrying amounts.

	IFRS 13 Fair value hierarchy Level (1)		IFRS 9 Classification	2021 US$M		2020 US$M Restated
Current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)		2	Fair value through profit or loss		20		3
Current other derivative contracts (3)		2,3	Fair value through profit or loss		207		45
Current other investments (4)		1,2	Fair value through profit or loss		3		36
Non-current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)		2	Fair value through profit or loss		1,123		2,009
Non-current other derivative contracts (3)		2,3	Fair value through profit or loss		152		159
Non-current investment in shares		3	Fair value through other comprehensive income		31		32
Non-current other investments (4)(5)		1,2,3	Fair value through profit or loss		304		322
Total other financial assets					1,840		2,606
Cash and cash equivalents			Amortised cost		15,246		13,426
Trade and other receivables (6)			Amortised cost		2,363		1,633
Provisionally priced trade receivables		2	Fair value through profit or loss		3,547		1,480
Loans to equity accounted investments			Amortised cost		–		40
Total financial assets					22,996		19,185
Non-financial assets					85,931		86,548
Total assets					108,927		105,733
Current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)		2	Fair value through profit or loss		–		165
Current other derivative contracts (3)		2,3	Fair value through profit or loss		52		60
Current other financial liabilities (7)			Amortised cost		78		–
Non-current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)		2	Fair value through profit or loss		586		1,414
Non-current other financial liabilities (7)			Amortised cost		560		–
Total other financial liabilities					1,276		1,639
Trade and other payables (8)			Amortised cost		6,277		5,354
Provisionally priced trade payables		2	Fair value through profit or loss		574		269
Bank loans (9)			Amortised cost		2,260		2,492
Notes and debentures (9)			Amortised cost		14,769		21,045
Lease liabilities					3,896		3,443
Other (9)			Amortised cost		58		68
Total financial liabilities					29,110		34,310
Non-financial liabilities					24,212		19,248
Total liabilities					53,322		53,558

(1)  All of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities recognised at fair value were valued using market observable inputs categorised as Level 2 with the exception of the specified items in the following footnotes.

(2)  Cross currency and interest rate swaps are valued using market data including interest rate curves (which include the base LIBOR rate and swap rates) and foreign exchange rates. A discounted cash flow approach is used to derive the fair value of cross currency and interest rate swaps at the reporting date.

(3)  Includes other derivative contracts of US$121 million (2020: US$179 million) categorised as Level 3. Significant items are derivatives embedded in physical commodity purchase and sales contracts of gas in Trinidad and Tobago with net assets fair value of US$121 million (2020: US$180 million).

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(4)  Includes investments held by BHP Billiton Foundation which are restricted and not available for general use by the Group of US$260 million (2020: US$296 million) of which other investment (US Treasury Notes) of US$72 million categorised as Level 1 (2020: US$87 million).

(5)  Includes other investments of US$46 million (2020: US$47 million) categorised as Level 3.

(6)  Excludes input taxes of US$486 million (2020: US$478 million) included in other receivables.

(7) Includes the discounted settlement liability in relation to the cancellation of power contracts at the Group’s Escondida operations.

(8)  Excludes input taxes of US$176 million (2020: US$145 million) included in other payables.

(9)  All interest bearing liabilities, excluding lease liabilities, are unsecured.

The carrying amounts in the table above generally approximate to fair value. In the case of US$3,018 million (2020: US$3,019 million) of fixed rate debt not swapped to floating rate, the fair value at 30 June 2021 was US$4,052 million (2020: US$4,114 million). The fair value is determined using a method that can be categorised as Level 2 and uses inputs based on benchmark interest rates, alternative market mechanisms or recent comparable transactions.

For financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorisation at the end of each reporting period. There were no transfers between categories during the period.

Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

The Group enters into money market deposits and derivative transactions under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements that do not meet the criteria for offsetting, but allow for the related amounts to be set-off in certain circumstances. The amounts set out as cross currency and interest rate swaps in the table above represent the derivative financial assets and liabilities of the Group that may be subject to the above arrangements and are presented on a gross basis.

23.4    Derivatives and hedge accounting

The Group uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to certain market risks and may elect to apply hedge accounting.

Hedge accounting

Derivatives are included within financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial instruments in this category are classified as current if they are expected to be settled within 12 months otherwise they are classified as non-current.

Where hedge accounting is applied, at the start of the transaction, the Group documents the type of hedge, the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged items and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation also demonstrates that the hedge is expected to be effective.

The Group applies the following types of hedge accounting to its derivatives hedging the interest rate and currency risks in its notes and debentures:

• Fair value hedges – the fair value gain or loss on interest rate and cross currency swaps relating to interest rate risk, together with the change in the fair value of the hedged fixed rate borrowings attributable to interest rate risk are recognised immediately in the income statement.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the fair value adjustment on the note or debenture is amortised to the income statement over the period to maturity using a recalculated effective interest rate.

• Cash flow hedges – changes in the fair value of cross currency interest rate swaps which hedge foreign currency cash flows on the notes and debentures are recognised directly in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the cash flow hedging reserve. To the extent a hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised immediately in the income statement.

When a hedging instrument expires, or is sold, terminated or exercised, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is amortised to the income statement over the period to the hedged item’s maturity.

When hedged, the Group hedges the full notional value of notes or debentures. However, certain components of the fair value of derivatives are not permitted under IFRS 9 to be included in the hedge accounting above. Certain costs of hedging are permitted to be recognised in other comprehensive income. Any change in the fair value of a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting, or is ineffective in hedging the designated risk due to contractual differences between the hedged item and hedging instrument, is recognised immediately in the income statement.

The table below shows the carrying amounts of the Group’s notes and debentures by currency and the derivatives which hedge them:

• The carrying amount of the notes and debentures includes foreign exchange remeasurement to period-end rates and fair value adjustments when included in a fair value hedge.

• The breakdown of the hedging derivatives includes remeasurement of foreign currency notional values at period-end rates, fair value movements due to interest rate risk, foreign currency cash flows designated into cash flow hedges, costs of hedging recognised in other comprehensive income, ineffectiveness recognised in the income statement and accruals or prepayments.

• The hedged value of notes and debentures includes their carrying amounts adjusted for the offsetting derivative fair value movements due to foreign currency and interest rate risk remeasurement.

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			Fair value of derivatives
2021 US$M	Carrying amount of notes and debentures		Foreign exchange notional at spot rates		Interest rate risk			Recognised in cash flow hedging reserve			Recognised in cost of hedging reserve		Recognised in the income statement (1)			Accrued cash flows			Total			Hedged value of notes and debentures (2)
	A		B		C			D			E		F			G			B to G			A + B + C
USD		6,270		–		(318	)		–			–		11			77			(230	)		5,952
GBP		3,387		435		(544	)		(81	)		25		(34	)		53			(146	)		3,278
EUR		4,486		73		(418	)		(33	)		27		7			49			(295	)		4,141
CAD		626		142		(21	)		(28	)		25		(2	)		(2	)		114			747
Total		14,769		650		(1,301	)		(142	)		77		(18	)		177			(557	)		14,118

			Fair value of derivatives
2020 US$M	Carrying amount of notes and debentures		Foreign exchange notional at spot rates		Interest rate risk			Recognised in cash flow hedging reserve			Recognised in cost of hedging reserve			Recognised in the income statement (1)			Accrued cash flows			Total			Hedged value of notes and debentures (2)
	A		B		C			D			E			F			G			B to G			A + B + C
USD		9,926		–		(742	)		–			–			29			74			(639	)		9,184
GBP		3,245		764		(730	)		(16	)		13			(18	)		47			60			3,279
EUR		7,294		500		(576	)		(55	)		21			65			32			(13	)		7,218
CAD		580		199		(32	)		–			(2	)		(4	)		(2	)		159			747
Total		21,045		1,463		(2,080	)		(71	)		32			72			151			(433	)		20,428

(1)  Predominantly related to ineffectiveness.

(2)  Includes US$3,018 million (2020: US$3,019 million) of fixed rate debt not swapped to floating rate that is not in a hedging relationship.

The weighted average interest rate payable is USD LIBOR + 2.18 per cent (2020: USD LIBOR + 2.95 per cent). Refer to note 22 ‘Net finance costs’ for details of net finance costs for the year.

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

IBOR reform impacts the Group’s interest rate swaps, which reference 3-month US LIBOR, and the associated hedge accounting. At 30 June 2021, the notional value of hedging instruments that reference 3-month US LIBOR is US$16.8 billion. It is anticipated that the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) benchmark rate will be widely adopted by market participants and effectively replace US LIBOR in new contracts during FY2022. However, a number of US LIBOR settings, including 3-month US LIBOR, will continue to be published until 30 June 2023. Accordingly, absent of any agreement with counterparties to transition to an alternative risk-free rate before this date, the Group’s existing interest rate swaps with maturity dates beyond 30 June 2023 will only transition to ARR once US LIBOR publication ceases. As at 30 June 2021, the Group has not transitioned any of its existing interest rate swaps to alternative risk-free rates.

Hedging instrument	Notional currency	Notional value US$M		Notional value to mature before LIBOR expires FY2023 US$M
Interest rate swaps	USD		11,950		1,979
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	EUR		3,187		404
	GBP		1,673		923
	Total		16,810		3,306

In addition, the Group has other arrangements which reference 3-month US LIBOR benchmarks and extend beyond 2021. These include USD bank loans of US$2.3 billion and an undrawn revolving credit facility (refer to note 20 ‘Net debt’).

The Group has early adopted amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ in relation to IBOR Reform (refer to note 39 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies’). These amendments provide reliefs from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to hedging arrangements directly impacted by these reforms. In particular, where changes to the Group’s instruments arise solely as a result of IBOR reform and do not change the economic substance of the Group’s arrangements, the Group is able to maintain its existing hedge relationships and accounting. The Group has applied these reliefs resulting in no impact on the Group’s hedge accounting. Upon transition to alternative risk-free rates, the Group will seek to apply further reliefs in IFRS 9 and continue to apply hedge accounting to its hedging arrangements.

Movements in reserves relating to hedge accounting

The following table shows a reconciliation of the components of equity and an analysis of the movements in reserves for all hedges. For a description of these reserves, refer to note 17 ‘Other equity’. 

2021 US$M	Cash flow hedging reserve									Cost of hedging reserve								Total
	Gross			Tax			Net			Gross			Tax		Net
At the beginning of the financial year		71			(21	)		50			(32	)		9		(23	)		27
Add: Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI		863			(259	)		604			–			–		–			604
Less: Reclassified from reserves to financial expenses – recognised through OCI		(792	)		238			(554	)		(45	)		14		(31	)		(585	)
At the end of the financial year		142			(42	)		100			(77	)		23		(54	)		46

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2020 US$M	Cash flow hedging reserve									Cost of hedging reserve									Total
	Gross			Tax			Net			Gross			Tax			Net
At the beginning of the financial year		163			(49	)		114			(106	)		32			(74	)		40
Add: Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI		(315	)		94			(221	)		–			–			–			(221	)
Less: Reclassified from reserves to financial expenses – recognised through OCI		223			(66	)		157			74			(23	)		51			208
At the end of the financial year		71			(21	)		50			(32	)		9			(23	)		27

Changes in interest bearing liabilities and related derivatives resulting from financing activities

The movement in the year in the Group’s interest bearing liabilities and related derivatives are as follows:

	Interest bearing liabilities															Derivatives (assets)/ liabilities
2021 US$M	Bank loans			Notes and debentures			Lease liabilities			Bank overdraft and short- term borrowings			Other			Cross currency and interest rate swaps			Total
At the beginning of the financial year		2,492			21,045			3,443			–			68			(433	)
Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities		504			–			–			–			64			–			568
Settlements of debt related instruments		–			–			–			–			–			167			167
Repayment of interest bearing liabilities		(737	)		(6,888	)		(770	)		–			–			–			(8,395	)
Change from Net financing cash flows		(233	)		(6,888	)		(770	)		–			64			167			(7,660	)
Other movements:
Loss on bond repurchase		–			579			–			–			–			(184	)
Interest rate impacts		–			(764	)		–			–			–			704
Foreign exchange impacts		(1	)		798			115			–			(14	)		(796	)
Lease additions		–			–			1,223			–			–			–
Remeasurement of index-linked freight contracts		–			–			(59	)		–			–			–
Other interest bearing liabilities/derivative related changes		2			(1	)		(56	)		–			(60	)		(15	)
At the end of the financial year		2,260			14,769			3,896			–			58			(557	)
	Interest bearing liabilities															Derivatives (assets)/ liabilities
2020 US$M	Bank loans			Notes and debentures			Lease liabilities			Bank overdraft and short- term borrowings			Other			Cross currency and interest rate swaps			Total
At the beginning of the financial year		2,498			21,529			715			20			66			204
Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities		514			–			–			–			–			–			514
Settlements of debt related instruments		–			–			–			–			–			(157	)		(157	)
Repayment of interest bearing liabilities		(522	)		(859	)		(671	)		–			5			–			(2,047	)
Change from Net financing cash flows		(8	)		(859	)		(671	)		–			5			(157	)		(1,690	)
Other movements:
Interest rate impacts		–			720			–			–			–			(788	)
Foreign exchange impacts		–			(354	)		(43	)		–			(4	)		316
Leases recognised on IFRS 16 transition		–			–			2,301			–			–			–
Lease additions		–			–			436			–			–			–
Remeasurement of index-linked freight contracts		–			–			733			–			–			–
Other interest bearing liabilities/derivative related changes		2			9			(28	)		(20	)		1			(8	)
At the end of the financial year		2,492			21,045			3,443			–			68			(433	)

F-56

Employee matters

24    Key management personnel

Key management personnel compensation comprises:

	2021		2020		2019
	US$		US$		US$
Short-term employee benefits		14,081,625		12,564,637		11,557,506
Post-employment benefits		744,951		1,172,727		1,490,716
Share-based payments		11,601,866		13,514,588		15,821,972
Total		26,428,442		27,251,952		28,870,194

Key Management Personnel (KMP) includes the roles which have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of BHP. These are Non-executive Directors, the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the President Minerals Australia, the President Minerals Americas and the President Petroleum.

Transactions and outstanding loans/amounts with key management personnel

There were no purchases by key management personnel from the Group during FY2021 (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$ nil).

There were no amounts payable by key management personnel at 30 June 2021 (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$ nil).

There were no loans receivable from or payable to key management personnel at 30 June 2021 (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$ nil).

Transactions with personally related entities

A number of Directors of the Group hold or have held positions in other companies (personally related entities) where it is considered they control or significantly influence the financial or operating policies of those entities. There were no reportable transactions with those entities and no amounts were owed by the Group to personally related entities at 30 June 2021 (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$ nil).

For more information on remuneration and transactions with key management personnel, refer to section 2.2.

25     Employee share ownership plans

Awards, in the form of the right to receive ordinary shares in either BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc, have been granted under the following employee share ownership plans: Cash and Deferred Plan (CDP), Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP), Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), Management Award Plan (MAP), Transitional and Commencement KMP awards and the all-employee share plan, Shareplus.

Some awards are eligible to receive a cash payment, or the equivalent value in shares, equal to the dividend amount that would have been earned on the underlying shares awarded to those participants (the Dividend Equivalent Payment, or DEP). The DEP is provided to the participants once the underlying shares are allocated or transferred to them. Awards under the plans do not confer any rights to participate in a share issue; however, there is discretion under each of the plans to adjust the awards in response to a variation in the share capital of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc.

F-57

The table below provides a description of each of the plans.

Plan	CDP and STIP	LTIP and MAP	Transitional and Commencement KMP awards	Shareplus
Type	Short-term incentive	Long-term incentive	Long-term incentive	All-employee share purchase plan
Overview	The CDP was implemented in FY2020 as a replacement for the STIP, both of which are generally plans for Executive KMP and members of the Executive Leadership Team who are not Executive KMP. Under the CDP, two thirds of the value of a participant’s short-term incentive amount is awarded as rights to receive BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc shares at the end of the vesting period (and the remaining one third is delivered in cash). Two awards of deferred shares are granted, each of the equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively. Under STIP, half of the value of a participant’s short-term incentive amount is awarded as rights to receive BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc shares at the end of the two-year vesting period.	The LTIP is a plan for Executive KMP and members of the Executive Leadership Team who are not Executive KMP, and awards are granted annually. The MAP is a plan for BHP senior management who are not KMP. The number of share rights awarded is determined by a participant’s role and grade.	Awards may be granted to new Executive KMP recruited into or within the Group to bridge the time-based gap between the vesting of awards either granted in their non-KMP roles or to replace awards foregone from a previous company.	Employees may contribute up to US$5,000 to acquire shares in any plan year. On the third anniversary of the start of a plan year, the Group will match the number of acquired shares.
Vesting conditions	CDP: Service conditions only for the two-year award. Vesting of the five-year award is subject to service conditions and also to holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year vesting period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct. STIP: Service conditions only.	LTIP: Service and performance conditions. BHP’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR)(1) performance relative to the Peer Group TSR over a five-year performance period determines the vesting of 67 per cent of the awards, while performance relative to the Index TSR (being the index value where the comparator group is a market index) determines the vesting of 33 per cent of the awards. For the awards to vest in full, BHP’s TSR must exceed the Peer Group TSR and Index TSR (if applicable) by a specified percentage per year, determined for each grant by the Remuneration Committee. From the establishment of the LTIP in 2004 until the awards granted in December 2016, this percentage was set at 5.5 per cent per year. For awards granted from December 2017 onwards, 25 per cent of the award will vest where BHP’s TSR is equal to the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s), as measured over the performance period. Where TSR is below the median, awards will not vest. Vesting occurs on a sliding scale when BHP’s TSR measured over the performance period is between the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s) up to a nominated level of TSR outperformance over the relevant comparator group(s), as determined by the Committee, above which 100 per cent of the award will vest. MAP: Service conditions only.	Service and performance conditions. The Remuneration Committee has absolute discretion to determine if the performance condition has been met and whether any, all or part of the award will vest (or otherwise lapse), having regard to personal performance and the underlying financial performance of the Group during the performance period. To the extent the performance condition is not achieved, awards will lapse. There is no retesting of the performance condition. Vested awards may be subject to a holding lock.	Service conditions only.
Vesting period	CDP – 2 and 5 years STIP – 2 years	LTIP – 5 years MAP – 1 to 5 years	2 years	3 years
Dividend Equivalent Payment	CDP – Yes STIP – Yes	LTIP – Yes MAP – Varies	Yes	No
Exercise period	None	None	None	None

(1)  BHP’s TSR is the weighted average of the TSRs of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

F-58

Employee share awards

2021	Number of awards at the beginning of the financial year		Number of awards issued during the year		Number of awards vested and exercised		Number of awards lapsed		Number of awards at the end of the financial year		Number of awards vested and exercisable at the end of the financial year		Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)		Weighted average share price at exercise date
BHP Group Limited
CDP awards		–		276,944		–		60,604		216,340		–		2.2		–
STIP awards		377,140		74,796		251,148		3		200,785		–		0.5		A$39.06
GSTIP awards(1)		12,041		–		12,041		–		–		–		–		A$39.06
LTIP awards		4,937,506		654,790		653,170		1,395,906		3,543,220		–		1.6		A$39.06
MAP awards		11,159,990		3,502,112		4,161,573		547,012		9,953,517		51,247		1.2		A$39.16
Transitional and Commencement KMP awards		–		77,000		–		–		77,000		–		1.2		–
Shareplus		4,057,382		2,536,374		1,694,880		359,682		4,539,194		–		1.3		A$45.49
BHP Group Plc
MAP awards		218,403		82,404		70,569		54,189		176,049		–		1.1		£17.89
Shareplus		229,462		125,493		103,128		19,060		232,767		–		1.3		£20.57

(1)  Short-term incentive awards that were granted to BHP senior management who were not KMP. Awards were last granted in FY2018. All awards had vested or lapsed at 30 June 2021.

Employee share awards pre-tax expense is US$123.525 million (2020: US$128.999 million; 2019: US$138.275 million).

Fair value and assumptions in the calculation of fair value for awards issued

2021

Weighted average fair value of awards granted during the year US$

Risk-free interest rate

Estimated life of awards

Share price at grant date

Estimated volatility of share price

Dividend yield

BHP Group Limited

CDP awards

25.28

n/a

2 and 5 years

A$35.90

n/a

n/a

STIP awards

25.28

n/a

2 years

A$35.90

n/a

n/a

LTIP awards(1)

14.68

0.25%

5 years

A$35.90/A$33.81/A$38.56

28.0

%

n/a

MAP awards(2)

22.88

n/a

1-5 years

A$38.36/A$36.91/A$35.90/A$45.88

n/a

4.90

%

Transitional and Commencement KMP awards

28.35

n/a

2 years

A$38.56

n/a

n/a

Shareplus

24.96

0.21%

3 years

A$30.19

n/a

5.59

%

BHP Group Plc

MAP awards

18.66

n/a

3 years

£17.13

n/a

5.70

%

Shareplus

15.32

0.12%

3 years

£12.11

n/a

6.40

%

(1)  Includes LTIP awards granted on 20 October 2020, 2 November 2020 and 1 December 2020.

(2)  Includes MAP awards granted on 21 August 2020, 24 September 2020, 20 October 2020 and 7 April 2021.

Recognition and measurement

The fair value at grant date of equity-settled share awards is charged to the income statement over the period for which the benefits of employee services are expected to be derived. The fair values of awards granted were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation methodology and Black-Scholes option pricing technique and consider the following factors:

• exercise price

• expected life of the award

• current market price of the underlying shares

• expected volatility using an analysis of historic volatility over different rolling periods. For the LTIP, it is calculated for all sector comparators and the published MSCI World index

• expected dividends

• risk-free interest rate, which is an applicable government bond rate

• market-based performance hurdles

• non-vesting conditions

Where awards are forfeited because non-market-based vesting conditions are not satisfied, the expense previously recognised is proportionately reversed.

The tax effect of awards granted is recognised in income tax expense, except to the extent that the total tax deductions are expected to exceed the cumulative remuneration expense. In this situation, the excess of the associated current or deferred tax is recognised in equity and forms part of the employee share awards reserve. The fair value of awards as presented in the tables above represents the fair value at grant date.

In respect of employee share awards, the Group utilises the Billiton Employee Share Ownership Trust and the BHP Billiton Limited Employee Equity Trust. The trustees of these trusts are independent companies, resident in Jersey. The trusts use funds provided by the Group to acquire ordinary shares to enable awards to be made or satisfied. The ordinary shares may be acquired by purchase in the market or by subscription at not less than nominal value.

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26    Employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions

	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M
Employee benefits(1)		1,624		1,313
Restructuring(2)		54		34
Post-retirement employee benefits(3)		534		547
Total provisions		2,212		1,894
Comprising:
Current		1,606		1,283
Non-current		606		611

2021 US$M	Employee benefits			Restructuring			Post- retirement employee benefits (3)			Total
At the beginning of the financial year		1,313			34			547			1,894
Charge/(credit) for the year:
Underlying		1,402			45			62			1,509
Discounting		–			–			31			31
Net interest expense		–			–			(10	)		(10	)
Exchange variations		104			1			30			135
Released during the year		(82	)		–			(46	)		(128	)
Remeasurement gains taken to retained earnings		–			–			(58	)		(58	)
Utilisation		(1,119	)		(26	)		(59	)		(1,204	)
Transfers and other movements		6			–			37			43
At the end of the financial year		1,624			54			534			2,212

(1)  The expenditure associated with total employee benefits will occur in a pattern consistent with when employees choose to exercise their entitlement to benefits.

(2)  Total restructuring provisions include provisions for terminations and office closures.

(3)  Refer to note 27 ‘Pension and other post-retirement obligations’.

Recognition and measurement

Provisions are recognised by the Group when:

• there is a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events

• it is more likely than not that a permanent outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation

• the amount can be reliably estimated and measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the cash outflow required to settle the obligation at reporting date

Provision	Description
Employee benefits	Liabilities for annual leave and any accumulating sick leave accrued up until the reporting date that are expected to be settled within 12 months are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Liabilities for long service leave are measured as the present value of estimated future payments for the services provided by employees up to the reporting date and disclosed within employee benefits. Liabilities that are not expected to be settled within 12 months are discounted at the reporting date using market yields of high-quality corporate bonds or government bonds for countries where there is no deep market for corporate bonds. The rates used reflect the terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. In relation to industry-based long service leave funds, the Group’s liability, including obligations for funding shortfalls, is determined after deducting the fair value of dedicated assets of such funds. Liabilities for unpaid wages and salaries are recognised in other creditors.
Restructuring	Restructuring provisions are recognised when: •   the Group has a detailed formal plan identifying the business or part of the business concerned, the location and approximate number of employees affected, a detailed estimate of the associated costs, and an appropriate timeline •   the restructuring has either commenced or been publicly announced and can no longer be withdrawn Payments falling due greater than 12 months after the reporting date are discounted to present value.

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27    Pension and other post-retirement obligations

The Group operates or participates in a number of pension (including superannuation) schemes throughout the world. The funding of the schemes complies with local regulations. The assets of the schemes are generally held separately from those of the Group and are administered by trustees or management boards.

Schemes/Obligations	Description
Defined contribution pension schemes and multi-employer pension schemes	For defined contribution schemes or schemes operated on an industry-wide basis where it is not possible to identify assets attributable to the participation by the Group’s employees, the pension charge is calculated on the basis of contributions payable. The Group contributed US$334 million during the financial year (2020: US$260 million; 2019: US$274 million) to defined contribution plans and multi-employer defined contribution plans. These contributions are expensed as incurred.
Defined benefit pension schemes	For defined benefit pension schemes, the cost of providing pensions is charged to the income statement so as to recognise current and past service costs, net interest cost on the net defined benefit obligations/plan assets and the effect of any curtailments or settlements. Remeasurement gains and losses are recognised directly in equity. An asset or liability is consequently recognised in the balance sheet based on the present value of defined benefit obligations less the fair value of plan assets, except that any such asset cannot exceed the present value of expected refunds from and reductions in future contributions to the plan. Defined benefit obligations are estimated by discounting expected future payments using market yields at the reporting date on high-quality corporate bonds in countries that have developed corporate bond markets. However, where developed corporate bond markets do not exist, the discount rates are selected by reference to national government bonds. In both instances, the bonds are selected with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash flows. The Group has closed all defined benefit pension schemes to new entrants. Defined benefit pension schemes remain operating in Australia, the United States, Canada and Europe for existing members. Full actuarial valuations are prepared and updated annually to 30 June by local actuaries for all schemes. The Group operates final salary schemes (that provide final salary benefits only), non-salary related schemes (that provide flat dollar benefits) and mixed benefit schemes (that consist of a final salary defined benefit portion and a defined contribution portion).
Defined benefit post-retirement medical schemes	The Group operates a number of post-retirement medical schemes in the United States, Canada and Europe and certain Group companies provide post-retirement medical benefits to qualifying retirees. In some cases, the benefits are provided through medical care schemes to which the Group, the employees, the retirees and covered family members contribute. Full actuarial valuations are prepared by local actuaries for all schemes. These schemes are recognised on the same basis as described for defined benefit pension schemes. All of the post-retirement medical schemes in the Group are unfunded.
Defined benefit post-employment obligations	The Group has a legal obligation to provide post-employment benefits to employees in Chile. The benefit is a function of an employee’s final salary and years of service. These obligations are recognised on the same basis as described for defined benefit pension schemes. Full actuarial valuations are prepared by local actuaries. These post-employment obligations are unfunded.

Risk

The Group’s defined benefit schemes/obligations expose the Group to a number of risks, including asset value volatility, interest rate variations, inflation, longevity and medical expense inflation risk.

Recognising this, the Group has adopted an approach of moving away from providing defined benefit pensions. The majority of Group-sponsored defined benefit pension schemes have been closed to new entrants for many years. Existing benefit schemes and the terms of employee participation in these schemes are reviewed on a regular basis.

Fund assets

The Group follows a coordinated strategy for the funding and investment of its defined benefit pension schemes (subject to meeting all local requirements). The Group’s aim is for the value of defined benefit pension scheme assets to be maintained at close to the value of the corresponding benefit obligations, allowing for some short-term volatility.

Scheme assets are invested in a diversified range of asset classes, predominantly comprising bonds and equities.

The Group’s aim is to progressively shift defined benefit pension scheme assets towards investments that match the anticipated profile of the benefit obligations, as funding levels improve and benefit obligations mature. Over time, this is expected to result in a further reduction in the total exposure of pension scheme assets to equity markets. For pension schemes that pay lifetime benefits, the Group may consider and support the purchase of annuities to back these benefit obligations if it is commercially sensible to do so.

F-61

Net liability recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

The net liability recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows:

	Defined benefit pension schemes / post- employment obligations						Post-retirement medical schemes
	2021			2020			2021		2020
	US$M			US$M			US$M		US$M
Present value of funded defined benefit obligation		377			613			–		–
Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligation		358			354			197		214
Fair value of defined benefit scheme assets		(398	)		(634	)		–		–
Scheme deficit		337			333			197		214
Unrecognised surplus		–			–			–		–
Unrecognised past service credits		–			–			–		–
Adjustment for employer contributions tax		–			–			–		–
Net liability recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		337			333			197		214

The Group has no legal obligation to settle these liabilities with any immediate contributions or additional one-off contributions. The Group intends to continue to contribute to each defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical scheme in accordance with the latest recommendations of each scheme actuary.

28    Employees

	2021		2020		2019
	Number		Number		Number
Average number of employees(1)
Australia		23,828		20,967		18,146
South America		7,390		7,330		6,979
North America		1,299		1,296		1,999
Asia		1,907		1,939		1,743
Europe		54		57		59
Total average number of employees		34,478		31,589		28,926

(1)  Average employee numbers include the Executive Director and 100 per cent of employees of subsidiary companies. Employees of equity accounted investments and joint operations are not included. Part-time employees are included on a full-time equivalent basis. Employees of businesses disposed of during the year are included for the period of ownership. Contractors are not included.

F-62

Group and related party information

29    Discontinued operations

On 28 September 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of BHP Billiton Petroleum (Arkansas) Inc. and 100 per cent of the membership interests in BHP Billiton Petroleum (Fayetteville) LLC, which held the Fayetteville assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$0.3 billion.

On 31 October 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the BHP subsidiary which held the Eagle Ford (being Black Hawk and Hawkville), Haynesville and Permian assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$10.3 billion (net of customary completion adjustments of US$0.2 billion).

While the effective date at which the right to economic profits transferred to the purchasers was 1 July 2018, the Group continued to control the Onshore US assets until the completion dates of their respective transactions. As such the Group continued to recognise its share of revenue, expenses, net finance costs and associated income tax expense related to the operation until the completion date. In addition, the Group provided transitional services to the buyer, which ceased in July 2019.

The completion adjustments included a reduction in sale proceeds, based on the operating cash generated and retained by the Group in the period prior to completion, in order to transfer the economic profits from 1 July 2018 to completion date to the buyers. Therefore, the pre-tax profit from operating the assets is largely offset by a pre-tax loss on disposal. Accordingly, the net loss from Discontinued operations predominantly relates to incremental costs arising as a consequence of the divestment, including restructuring costs and provisions for surplus office accommodation, and tax expenses largely triggered by the completion of the transactions.

There was no contribution of Discontinued operations for the year ended 30 June 2021 and the year ended 30 June 2020. The contribution of Discontinued operations included within the Group’s profit and cash flows for the year ended 30 June 2019 are detailed below:

Income statement – Discontinued operations

	2019
	US$M
Profit after taxation from operating activities		175
Net loss on disposal		(510	)
Loss after taxation		(335	)
Attributable to non-controlling interests		7
Attributable to BHP shareholders		(342	)
Basic loss per ordinary share (cents)		(6.6	)
Diluted loss per ordinary share (cents)		(6.6	)

The total comprehensive income attributable to BHP shareholders from Discontinued operations was a loss of US$342 million in FY2019.

The conversion of options and share rights would decrease the loss per share for the year ended 30 June 2019 and therefore its impact has been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.

Cash flows from Discontinued operations

	2019
	US$M
Net operating cash flows		474
Net investing cash flows(1)		(443	)
Net financing cash flows(2)		(13	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations		18
Net proceeds received from the sale of Onshore US		10,531
Less Cash and cash equivalents		(104	)
Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash		10,427
Total cash impact		10,445

(1)  Includes purchases of property, plant and equipment of US$443 million.

(2)  Includes net repayment of interest bearing liabilities of US$6 million and dividends paid to non-controlling interests of US$7 million.

Net loss on disposal of Discontinued operations

Details of the net loss on disposal for the year ended 30 June 2019 is presented in the table below:

	2019
	US$M
Net assets		11,111
Less non-controlling interest share of net assets disposed		(168	)
BHP Share of net assets disposed		10,943
Gross consideration		10,555
Less transaction costs		(54	)
Income tax expense		(68	)
Net loss on disposal		(510	)

F-63

30     Subsidiaries

Significant subsidiaries of the Group are those with the most significant contribution to the Group’s net profit or net assets. The Group’s interest in the subsidiaries’ results are listed in the table below. For a complete list of the Group’s subsidiaries, refer to Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries.

			Group’s interest
Significant subsidiaries	Country of incorporation	Principal activity	2021 %		2020 %
Coal
BHP Mitsui Coal Pty Ltd	Australia	Coal mining		80		80
Hunter Valley Energy Coal Pty Ltd	Australia	Coal mining		100		100
Copper
BHP Olympic Dam Corporation Pty Ltd	Australia	Copper and uranium mining		100		100
Compañia Minera Cerro Colorado Limitada	Chile	Copper mining		100		100
Minera Escondida Ltda(1)	Chile	Copper mining		57.5		57.5
Minera Spence SA	Chile	Copper mining		100		100
Iron Ore
BHP Iron Ore (Jimblebar) Pty Ltd(2)	Australia	Iron ore mining		85		85
BHP Iron Ore Pty Ltd	Australia	Service company		100		100
BHP Minerals Pty Ltd	Australia	Iron ore and coal mining		100		100
BHP (Towage Service) Pty Ltd	Australia	Towing services		100		100
Marketing
BHP Billiton Freight Singapore Pte Limited	Singapore	Freight services		100		100
BHP Billiton Marketing AG	Switzerland	Marketing and trading		100		100
BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd	Singapore	Marketing support and other services		100		100
Group and Unallocated
BHP Billiton Finance B.V.	The Netherlands	Finance		100		100
BHP Billiton Finance Limited	Australia	Finance		100		100
BHP Billiton Finance (USA) Limited	Australia	Finance		100		100
BHP Canada Inc.	Canada	Potash development		100		100
BHP Group Operations Pty Ltd	Australia	Administrative services		100		100
BHP Nickel West Pty Ltd	Australia	Nickel mining, smelting, refining and administrative services		100		100
WMC Finance (USA) Limited	Australia	Finance		100		100

(1)  As the Group has the ability to direct the relevant activities at Minera Escondida Ltda, it has control over the entity. The assessment of the most relevant activity in this contractual arrangement is subject to judgement. The Group establishes the mine plan and the operating budget and has the ability to appoint the key management personnel, demonstrating that the Group has the existing rights to direct the relevant activities of Minera Escondida Ltda.

(2)  The Group has an effective interest of 92.5 per cent in BHP Iron Ore (Jimblebar) Pty Ltd; however, by virtue of the shareholder agreement with ITOCHU Iron Ore Australia Pty Ltd and Mitsui & Co. Iron Ore Exploration & Mining Pty Ltd, the Group’s interest in the Jimblebar mining operation is 85 per cent, which is consistent with the other respective contractual arrangements at Western Australia Iron Ore.

F-64

31     Investments accounted for using the equity method

Significant interests in equity accounted investments of the Group are those with the most significant contribution to the Group’s net profit or net assets. The Group’s ownership interest in equity accounted investments results are listed in the table below. For a complete list of the Group’s associates and joint ventures, refer to Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries.

Significant associates and joint ventures	Country of incorporation/ principal place of business	Associate or joint venture	Principal activity	Reporting date	Ownership interest
					2021 %		2020 %
Cerrejón	Anguilla/ Colombia/Ireland	Associate	Coal mining in Colombia	31 December		33.33		33.33
Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. (Antamina)	Peru	Associate	Copper and zinc mining	31 December		33.75		33.75
Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco)	Brazil	Joint venture	Iron ore mining	31 December		50.00		50.00

Voting in relation to relevant activities in Antamina and Cerrejón, determined to be the approval of the operating and capital budgets, does not require unanimous consent of all participants to the arrangement, therefore joint control does not exist. Instead, because the Group has the power to participate in the financial and operating policies of the investee, these investments are accounted for as associates.

Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale). As the Samarco entity has the rights to the assets and obligations to the liabilities relating to the joint arrangement and not its owners, this investment is accounted for as a joint venture.

The Group is restricted in its ability to make dividend payments from its investments in associates and joint ventures as any such payments require the approval of all investors in the associates and joint ventures. The ownership interest at the Group’s and the associates’ or joint ventures’ reporting dates are the same. When the annual financial reporting date is different to the Group’s, financial information is obtained as at 30 June in order to report on an annual basis consistent with the Group’s reporting date.

The movement for the year in the Group’s investments accounted for using the equity method is as follows:

2021 US$M	Investment in associates			Investment in joint ventures			Total equity accounted investments
At the beginning of the financial year		2,585			–			2,585
Profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses(1)		69			(990	)		(921	)
Investment in equity accounted investments		108			111			219
Dividends received from equity accounted investments		(737	)		–			(737	)
Transfer to assets held for sale(2)		(284	)		–			(284	)
Other		1			879			880
At the end of the financial year		1,742			–			1,742

(1)  US$(990) million represents US$(111) million impairment relating to US$(111) million funding provided during the period, US$(1,000) million movement in the Samarco dam failure provision including US$(842) million change in estimate and US$(158) million exchange translation, US$(15) million movement in provisions related to the Samarco Germano dam decommissioning provision including US$6 million change in estimate and US$(21) million exchange translation and US$136 million fair value change on forward exchange derivatives. Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

(2)  On 28 June 2021, the Group announced the divestment of its 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejón to Glencore, for US$294 million cash consideration. The transaction has an effective economic date of 31 December 2020. The purchase price is subject to adjustments at transaction completion which may include an adjustment for the dividends paid by Cerrejón to the Group during the period from signing to completion. An impairment charge of US$466 million (before tax) was recognised in the year ended 30 June 2021 reducing the carrying value of the Group’s investment in Cerrejón at 30 June 2021 to US$284 million, being the agreed sale proceeds of US$294 million adjusted for expected transaction costs. Refer to note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ for details.

At 30 June 2021, the Group’s investment of US$284 million in Cerrejón along with a loan due from Cerrejón of US$40 million, has been classified as ‘Assets held for sale’. Payables owed to Cerrejón of US$17 million have been classified as ‘Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale’. Subject to the satisfaction of customary competition and regulatory requirements, the transaction is expected to be completed within 12 months from the balance sheet date.

F-65

The following table summarises the financial information relating to each of the Group’s significant equity accounted investments. Information of the Group’s investment in Cerrejón has not been included for FY2021 following its classification as ‘Assets held for sale’. BHP Brasil’s 50 per cent portion of Samarco’s commitments, for which BHP Brasil has no funding obligation, is US$350 million (2020: US$200 million).

	Associates									Joint ventures
2021 US$M	Antamina			Cerrejón			Individually immaterial(1)			Samarco(2)			Individually immaterial		Total
Current assets		1,499			–						509	(3)
Non-current assets		4,885			–						4,380
Current liabilities		(1,285	)		–						(9,222	) (4)
Non-current liabilities		(1,062	)		–						(7,627	)
Net assets/(liabilities) – 100%		4,037			–						(11,960	)
Net assets/(liabilities) – Group share		1,362			–						(5,980	)
Adjustments to net assets related to accounting policy adjustments		–			–						280	(5)
Investment in Samarco		–			–						516	(6)
Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco		–			–						(1,041	) (7)
Additional share of Samarco losses		–			–						4,442	(8)
Unrecognised losses		–			–						1,783	(9)
Carrying amount of investments accounted for using the equity method		1,362			–			380			–			–		1,742
Revenue – 100%		4,822			844						814
Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%		1,847			(43	)					(2,202	) (10)
Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments		623			(14	)					(1,076	) (11)
Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Cerrejón		–			(466	)					–
Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco		–			–						(111	) (7)
Additional share of Samarco losses		–			–						85
Fair value change on forward exchange derivatives		–			–						136
Unrecognised losses		–			–						(24	) (9)
Profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		623			(480	)		(74	)		(990	)		–		(921	)
Comprehensive income – 100%		1,847			(43	)					(2,202	)
Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments		623			(480	)		(74	)		(990	)		–		(921	)
Dividends received from equity accounted investments		714			13			10			–			–		737

F-66

	Associates									Joint ventures
2020 US$M	Antamina			Cerrejón			Individually immaterial (1)			Samarco (2)			Individually immaterial		Total
Current assets		974			712						49	(3)
Non-current assets		4,743			2,462						3,601
Current liabilities		(239	)		(170	)					(7,961	) (4)
Non-current liabilities		(1,173	)		(854	)					(5,447	)
Net assets/(liabilities) – 100%		4,305			2,150						(9,758	)
Net assets/(liabilities) – Group share		1,453			717						(4,879	)
Adjustments to net assets related to accounting policy adjustments		–			59						256	(5)
Investment in Samarco		–			–						405	(6)
Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco		–			–						(930	) (7)
Additional share of Samarco losses		–			–						3,341	(8)
Unrecognised losses		–			–						1,807	(9)
Carrying amount of investments accounted for using the equity method		1,453			776			356			–			–		2,585
Revenue – 100%		2,464			1,091						26
Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%		629			(182	)					(3,617	) (10)
Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments		212			(68	)					(1,918	) (11)
Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco		–			–						(95	) (7)
Additional share of Samarco losses		–			–						93
Unrecognised losses		–			–						1,412	(9)
Profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		212			(68	)		(148	)		(508	)		–		(512	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) – 100%		629			(182	)					(3,617	)
Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments		212			(68	)		(148	)		(508	)		–		(512	)
Dividends received from equity accounted investments		105			9			12			–			–		126

	Associates							Joint ventures
2019 US$M	Antamina		Cerrejón		Individually immaterial			Samarco(2)			Individually immaterial		Total
Revenue – 100%		3,203		2,094					24
Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%		1,168		309					(2,166	) (10)
Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments		394		103					(1,075	) (11)
Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco		–		–					(96	) (7)
Additional share of Samarco losses		–		–					108
Unrecognised losses		–		–					118	(9)
Profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses		394		103		(98	)		(945	)		–		(546	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) – 100%		1,168		309					(2,166	)
Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments		394		103		(98	)		(945	)		–		(546	)
Dividends received from equity accounted investments		361		134		15			–			–		510

(1) The unrecognised share of loss for the period was US$40 million (2020: unrecognised share of loss for the period was US$12 million), which increased the cumulative losses to US$233 million (2020: increase to US$193 million).

(2)  Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information regarding the financial impact of the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 on BHP Brasil’s share of Samarco’s losses.

(3)  Includes cash and cash equivalents of US$134 million (2020: US$15 million).

(4)  Includes current financial liabilities (excluding trade and other payables and provisions) of US$6,567 million (2020: US$6,023 million).

(5)  Relates mainly to dividends declared by Samarco that remain unpaid at balance date and which, in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy, are recognised when received not receivable.

(6) Working capital funding provided to Samarco during the period is capitalised as part of the Group’s investments in joint ventures and disclosed as an impairment included within the Samarco impairment expense line item.

(7) In the year ended 30 June 2016 BHP Brasil adjusted its investment in Samarco to US$ nil (resulting from US$(655) million share of loss from Samarco and US$(525) million impairment). Additional cumulative impairment losses relating to working capital funding of US$(516) million have also been recognised.

(8) BHP Brasil has recognised accumulated additional share of Samarco losses of US$(4,442) million resulting from US$(3,945) million provisions relating to the Samarco dam failure, including US$(497) million recognised as net finance costs.

(9)  Share of Samarco’s losses for which BHP Brasil does not have an obligation to fund.

(10) Includes depreciation and amortisation of US$154 million (2020: US$84 million; 2019: US$85 million), interest income of US$1 million
(2020: US$16 million; 2019: US$22 million), interest expense of US$492 million (2020: US$588 million; 2019: US$342 million) and income tax
(expense)/benefit of US$(303) million (2020: US$(256) million; 2019: US$52 million).

(11)  Includes accounting policy adjustments mainly related to the removal of foreign exchange gains on excluded dividends payable.

F-67

32      Interests in joint operations

Significant joint operations of the Group are those with the most significant contributions to the Group’s net profit or net assets. The Group’s interest in the joint operations results are listed in the table below. For a complete list of the Group’s investments in joint operations, refer to Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries.

			Group’s interest
Significant joint operations	Country of operation	Principal activity	2021 %		2020 %
Atlantis	US	Hydrocarbons production		44		44
Bass Strait	Australia	Hydrocarbons production		50		50
Macedon(1)	Australia	Hydrocarbons production		71.43		71.43
Mad Dog	US	Hydrocarbons production		23.9		23.9
North West Shelf	Australia	Hydrocarbons production		12.5–16.67		12.5–16.67
Pyrenees(1)	Australia	Hydrocarbons production		40–71.43		40–71.43
ROD Integrated Development(2)	Algeria	Hydrocarbons production		28.85		29.50
Shenzi(3)	US	Hydrocarbons production		72		44
Trinidad/Tobago(1)(4)	Trinidad and Tobago	Hydrocarbons production		45–68.46		45–68.46
Mt Goldsworthy(5)	Australia	Iron ore mining		85		85
Mt Newman(5)	Australia	Iron ore mining		85		85
Yandi(5)	Australia	Iron ore mining		85		85
Central Queensland Coal Associates	Australia	Coal mining		50		50

(1) While the Group may hold a greater than 50 per cent interest in these joint operations, all the participants in these joint operations approve the operating and capital budgets and therefore the Group has joint control over the relevant activities of these arrangements.

(2)  Group interest reflects the working interest and may vary year-on-year based on the Group’s effective interest in producing wells.

(3)  Increase in Group interest reflects the acquisition of an additional 28 per cent working interest in Shenzi. The transaction was completed on 6 November 2020 for a purchase price of US$480 million after customary post-closing adjustments. Shenzi continues to be accounted for as a joint operation because BHP continues to have joint decision-making rights with the other joint venture partner (Repsol). The assets and liabilities related to the acquired interests have been accounted for in line with the principles of IFRS 3/AASB 3 ‘Business Combinations’ with no remeasurement of the Group’s previous interest. The acquisition resulted in increases to property plant and equipment of US$642 million, inventory of US$17 million and closure and rehabilitation liabilities of US$179 million. Fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities approximate the consideration paid and therefore no goodwill or bargain purchase gain has been recognised for the acquisition.

(4)  Trinidad/Tobago joint operations include Greater Angostura and Ruby.

(5)  These contractual arrangements are controlled by the Group and do not meet the definition of joint operations. However, as they are formed by contractual arrangement and are not entities, the Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses arising from these arrangements.

Assets held in joint operations subject to significant restrictions are as follows:

	Group’s share
	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M
Current assets		2,260		2,059
Non-current assets		38,725		37,193
Total assets(1)		40,985		39,252

(1) While the Group is unrestricted in its ability to sell a share of its interest in these joint operations, it does not have the right to sell individual assets that are used in these joint operations without the unanimous consent of the other participants. The assets in these joint operations are also restricted to the extent that they are only available to be used by the joint operation itself and not by other operations of the Group.

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33    Related party transactions

The Group’s related parties are predominantly subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, and key management personnel of the Group. Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 24 ‘Key management personnel’. Transactions between each parent company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

• All transactions to/ from related parties are made at arm’s length, i.e. at normal market prices and rates and on normal commercial terms.

• Outstanding balances at year-end are unsecured and settlement occurs in cash. Loan amounts owing from related parties represent secured loans made to associates and joint ventures under co-funding arrangements. Such loans are made on an arm’s length basis.

• No guarantees are provided or received for any related party receivables or payables.

• No provision for expected credit losses has been recognised in relation to any outstanding balances and no expense has been recognised in respect of expected credit losses due from related parties.

• There were no other related party transactions in the year ended 30 June 2021 (2020: US$ nil), other than those with post-employment benefit plans for the benefit of Group employees. These are shown in note 27 ‘Pension and other post-retirement obligations’.

• Related party transactions with Samarco are described in note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’.

Further disclosures related to related party transactions are as follows:

Transactions with related parties

	Joint ventures				Associates
	2021		2020		2021			2020
	US$M		US$M		US$M			US$M
Sales of goods/services		–		–		–			–
Purchases of goods/services		–		–		1,564.073			967.276
Interest income		–		–		2.241			2.370
Interest expense		–		–		–			–
Dividends received		–		–		737.250			126.187
Net loans (repayments from)/made to related parties		–		–		(12.108	)		12.273

Outstanding balances with related parties

	Joint ventures				Associates
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	US$M		US$M		US$M		US$M
Trade amounts owing to related parties		–		–		316.269		69.490
Loan amounts owing to related parties		–		–		17.097		5.097
Trade amounts owing from related parties		–		–		0.004		0.473
Loan amounts owing from related parties		–		–		40.651		40.759

F-69

Unrecognised items and uncertain events

34    Contingent liabilities

	2021		2020
	US$M		US$M
Associates and joint ventures(1)		1,532		1,314
Subsidiaries and joint operations(1)		1,615		1,534
Total		3,147		2,848

(1)  There are a number of matters, for which it is not possible at this time to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures, and for which no amounts have been included in the table above.

A contingent liability is a possible obligation arising from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Group. A contingent liability may also be a present obligation arising from past events but is not recognised on the basis that an outflow of economic resources to settle the obligation is not viewed as probable, or the amount of the obligation cannot be reliably measured.

When the Group has a present obligation, an outflow of economic resources is assessed as probable and the Group can reliably measure the obligation, a provision is recognised.

The Group has entered into various counter-indemnities of bank and performance guarantees related to its own future performance, which are in the normal course of business. The likelihood of these guarantees being called upon is considered remote.

The Group presently has tax matters, litigation and other claims, for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. Obligations assessed as having probable future economic outflows capable of reliable measurement are provided at reporting date and matters assessed as having possible future economic outflows capable of reliable measurement are included in the total amount of contingent liabilities above. Individually significant matters, including narrative on potential future exposures incapable of reliable measurement, are disclosed below, to the extent that disclosure does not prejudice the Group.

Uncertain tax and royalty matters The Group is subject to a range of taxes and royalties across many jurisdictions, the application of which is uncertain in some regards. Changes in tax law, changes in interpretation of tax law, periodic challenges and disagreements with tax authorities, and legal proceedings result in uncertainty of the outcome of the application of taxes and royalties to the Group’s business. Areas of uncertainty at reporting date include the application of taxes and royalties to the Group’s cross-border operations and transactions.   To the extent uncertain tax and royalty matters give rise to a contingent liability, an estimate of the potential liability is included within the table above, where it is capable of reliable measurement.

Samarco contingent liabilities The table above includes contingent liabilities related to the Group’s equity accounted investment in Samarco to the extent they are capable of reliable measurement. Details of contingent liabilities related to Samarco are disclosed in note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’.

Demerger of South32 As part of the demerger of South32 Limited (South32) in May 2015, certain indemnities were agreed under the Separation Deed. Subject to certain exceptions, BHP Group Limited indemnifies South32 against claims and liabilities relating to the Group Businesses and former Group Businesses prior to the demerger and South32 indemnifies the Group against all claims and liabilities relating to the South32 Businesses and former South32 Businesses. No material claims have been made pursuant to the Separation Deed as at 30 June 2021.

35    Subsequent events

On 27 July 2021, the Group entered into a definitive Support Agreement with Noront Resources (Noront) to make an all-cash takeover offer for Noront.

On 17 August 2021, the Group announced a major growth investment of US$5.7 billion (C$7.5 billion) in the Jansen Stage 1 potash project, which is aligned with its strategy of growing its exposure to future facing commodities in world class assets.

On 17 August 2021, the Group announced the proposed merger of our Petroleum assets with Woodside. On completion of the proposed transaction, BHP’s oil and gas business would merge with Woodside, and Woodside would issue new shares to be distributed to BHP shareholders, at which time it is expected that Woodside would be owned 52 per cent and 48 per cent by existing Woodside and BHP shareholders, respectively. The merger, which has a proposed effective date of 1 July 2021, is subject to confirmatory due diligence, negotiation and execution of full form transaction documents, and satisfaction of conditions precedent including shareholder, regulatory and other approvals. The Group continues to assess the full financial reporting impacts of the proposed merger. However, the preliminary terms of the merger did not provide an indicator of impairment for our Petroleum assets at 30 June 2021. The merger is expected to be completed during the first half of CY2022, at which time, we would derecognise the carrying value of our Petroleum assets, which at 30 June 2021 included, but was not limited to, property plant and equipment and closure and rehabilitation provisions of approximately US$11.9 billion and US$3.9 billion, respectively.

On 17 August 2021, the Group announced its intention to realise simplification and enhanced strategic flexibility benefits through unifying its corporate structure under its existing Australian parent company.

Other than the matters outlined above, no matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations, results of operations or state of affairs of the Group in subsequent accounting periods.

F-70

Other items

36    Auditor’s remuneration

	2021		2020		2019
	US$M		US$M		US$M
Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for assurance services
Audit of the Group’s Annual Report		10.642		11.196		6.764
Audit of the accounts of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates		1.234		1.262		5.127
Audit-related assurance services required by legislation to be provided by the auditor		1.770		1.815		1.358
Other assurance and agreed-upon procedures under legislation or contractual arrangements		1.867		2.003		1.266
Total assurance services		15.513		16.276		14.515
Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for non-assurance services
Other services		–		0.400		0.013
Total other services		–		0.400		0.013
Total fees		15.513		16.676		14.528

In each of FY2021 and FY2020, all amounts were paid to EY or EY affiliated firms. Fees are determined, and predominantly billed, in US dollars.

In FY2019, all amounts were paid to KPMG or KPMG affiliated firms, being the Group’s auditors for the financial year. Fees were determined in local currencies and predominantly billed in US dollars based on the exchange rate at the beginning of the financial year.

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for assurance services

For all periods disclosed, no fees are payable in respect of the audit of pension funds.

Audit of the Group’s Annual Report comprises fees for auditing the statutory financial report of the Group and includes audit work in relation to compliance with section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Audit-related assurance services required by legislation to be provided by the auditors mainly comprises review of half-year reports.

Other assurance services comprise assurance in respect of the Group’s sustainability reporting, economic contribution reporting, and comfort letters.

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for other services

No amounts were payable for other services in FY2021. In prior years, amounts for other services comprised tax compliance services (2020: US$0.269 million; 2019: US$0.013 million) and tax advisory services of (2020: US$0.131 million; 2019: US$ nil).

F-71

37     Not required for US Reporting

38     Not required for US Reporting

39     New and amended accounting standards and interpretations and changes to accounting policies

Amended accounting standards

The adoption of amendments and revisions to accounting pronouncements applicable from 1 July 2020, including the change in definition of a business under the amendments to IFRS 3/AASB 3 ‘Business Combinations’ and revisions to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting did not have a significant impact on the Group’s Financial Statements.

The Group has early adopted ‘Interest Rate Benchmark (IBOR) Reform – Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9/AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, IAS 39/AASB139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’; IFRS 7/AASB 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’; IFRS 4/AASB 4 ‘Insurance Contracts’ and IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’). These amendments address the financial reporting impacts from IBOR reform and supplement the IBOR Reform Phase 1 amendments to IFRS 7 and IFRS 9 which were early adopted by the Group in the financial year ended 30 June 2020. Refer to note 23 ‘Financial risk management’ for information on IBOR reform.

Issued not yet effective

A number of other accounting standards and interpretations, have been issued and will be applicable in future periods. While these remain subject to ongoing assessment, no significant impacts have been identified to date. These standards have not been applied in the preparation of these Financial Statements.

Changes in accounting policies

On 29 April 2020, the IFRS Interpretations Committee issued a decision on the application of IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ when the recovery of the carrying amount of an asset gives rise to multiple tax consequences, concluding that an entity must account for distinct tax consequences separately. As a result, the Group has changed its accounting policy for assets that have no deductible or depreciable amount for income tax purposes, but do have a deductible amount for capital gains tax (CGT) when determining deferred tax. The Group’s policy had been to use only the amount deductible for CGT purposes whereas the Group will now account for the distinct income tax and CGT consequences arising from the expected manner of recovery. The assets impacted by the change predominately relate to mineral rights.

Retrospective application of the accounting policy change has resulted in the following adjustments:

Consolidated Balance Sheet

The consolidated balance sheet as at 1 July 2019 has been updated for the following:

	US$M
Increase in Deferred tax liabilities		1,021
Increase in Goodwill (included within Intangible assets)		950
Decrease in Retained earnings		(71	)

The goodwill recognised as a result of the change in accounting policy relates to Olympic Dam and has been tested for impairment in the period, with no impairment charge being required. Refer to note 13 ‘Impairment of non-current assets’ for information on impairments. The comparative balance sheet as at 30 June 2020 has been restated to reflect these amounts.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

The consolidated statement of changes in equity as at 1 July 2018 and 1 July 2019 has been updated to reflect the reduction in retained earnings of US$71 million.

Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

The impact of the accounting policy change on the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income is de minimus and therefore the comparative information has not been restated.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

The change in accounting policy has no impact on the consolidated cash flow statement.

Further impacts of the accounting policy change are disclosed in notes 1 ‘Segment reporting’, 12 ‘Intangible assets’ and 14 ‘Deferred tax balances’.

F-72

3.2     Not required for US Reporting

3.2A     Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the members of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries (the “BHP Group” or “the Group”) as of 30 June 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the two years in the period ended 30 June 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the BHP Group at 30 June 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended 30 June 2021, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and interpretations as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the BHP Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), as applicable and our report dated 21 September 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the BHP Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the BHP Group’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the BHP Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the Risk and Audit Committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgements. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

F-73

Carrying value of non-current assets

Description of the Matter As disclosed in Notes 3, 11, 12, 13 and 31 to the consolidated financial statements the Group had US$73,813 million in property plant and equipment, US$1,437 million in intangible assets and US$1,742 million in investments accounted for using the equity method as of 30 June 2021 and recorded an impairment charge of US$4,239 million (including tax impacts) related to the Potash, New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) and Cerrejón cash generating units (CGU). The Group assessed the recoverable amount of Olympic Dam; no impairment charge was required. The Group performs impairment assessments for all CGUs where there are indicators of impairment. Where such indicators exist, the Group determines the recoverable value based on the higher of the value in use (VIU) or Fair Value Less Cost of Dispose model (FVLCD) for each CGU.

Auditing management’s assessment of impairment indicators and subsequent impairment estimates was complex due to the high degree of estimation uncertainty in forecasting the future cash flows for each CGU which form the basis of the VIU and FVLCD. Specifically, the forecasted cash flows were sensitive to changes in significant assumptions, such as forecast commodity prices, reserve quantities and discount rates.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the controls over the Group’s process to identify indicators of impairment and the assessment of the recoverable amounts of CGUs for which an indicator of impairment was identified.

We performed an independent analysis for indicators of impairment. Our procedures involved assessing the key inputs such as forecast commodity prices, reserve quantities and discount rates used in the assessment of impairment indicators.

Our testing of management’s estimates of the recoverable amount for the Potash, NSWEC, Cerrejón and Olympic Dam CGUs included, among others, evaluating the significant assumptions used and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. We involved our valuation professionals to assist in assessing the reasonableness of commodity prices by comparing the forecasted price assumptions to analysts’ and broker forecasts and those used by other market participants. In addition, our valuation professionals assisted in testing the discount rates used, including a comparison to external market data and evaluating whether the valuation methodology used was consistent with industry practice. We compared the projected cash flows against approved budgets and plans and performed a retrospective comparison to actual historical data for the material cashflow forecasts. In addition, we performed sensitivity analyses over the significant assumptions used within the impairment forecasts.

To test the reserve quantities, we examined the information provided by the Group’s experts and we involved our mining and oil and gas reserve professionals to assist in the assessment of the reserve estimation methodology against the relevant industry and regulatory guidance.

In addition, we tested the mathematical accuracy of the models used and assessed the competence, qualifications, and objectivity of management’s internal and external specialists. Finally, we assessed the adequacy of the disclosures within Notes 3,11,12,13 and 31 of the consolidated financial statements.

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Closure and rehabilitation provisions 

Description of the Matter As disclosed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group recorded US$11,910 million in closure and rehabilitation provisions as of 30 June 2021. Provisions for closure and rehabilitation are recognised by the Group when there is a present legal or constructive obligation, it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

The Group estimates the individual site provisions using the expected value of future cash flows required to close and rehabilitate the relevant site using current restoration standards and techniques and taking into account risks and uncertainties. Individual site provisions are discounted to their present value using currency specific risk-free discount rates aligned to the estimated timing of cash outflows.

Auditing management’s closure and rehabilitation provisions was complex and highly judgemental due to the significant estimation uncertainty within the key assumptions. Specifically, there was significant judgement in determining the expected life of the site, estimated cost and extent of rehabilitation activities, timing of activities, and the discount rates used. As a result of these inputs the provision has a significant estimation uncertainty and a wide range of potential outcomes.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Group’s closure and rehabilitation provision estimate process. Specifically, our procedures involved testing the controls around the significant assumptions used within the estimate, such as the estimated cost and extent of rehabilitation activities, in addition to the timing of activities.

Our procedures included evaluation of the Group’s process for identifying legal and regulatory obligations for closure and rehabilitation, and the completeness and accuracy of data used within management’s estimate.

We tested that the future rehabilitation costs were consistent with the approved closure plans prepared by management’s internal specialists. We compared the expected life of the site and resulting timing of closure activities used in the provision to the life of asset plans prepared by management’s internal specialists.

With the assistance of our environmental professionals we evaluated a sample of closure and rehabilitation provisions for operating and closed sites within the Group. Our testing included evaluating the closure and rehabilitation plan based on the relevant legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, we compared the timing of future cash flows and cost estimates against the closure and rehabilitation plan, environmental studies, and industry practices. We evaluated the discount rates used against market data.

We tested the mathematical accuracy of the closure and rehabilitation provision calculations and assessed the competence, qualifications, and objectivity of management’s internal and external specialists. Finally, we assessed the adequacy of the disclosures within Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Samarco dam failure provisions recognised, including the Germano dam decommissioning, and contingent liabilities disclosed

Description of the Matter As described in Notes 3, 4, and 34 to the consolidated financial statements the BHP Group recorded losses of US$1,087 million (pre-tax) for the year ended 30 June 2021 and had provisions of US$2,560 million for the Samarco dam failure and US$232 million for the Germano dam decommissioning as of 30 June 2021. The Group recognises a provision when it has a present obligation, an outflow of economic resources is probable, and the obligation can be reliably measured.

Auditing management’s estimate of the Samarco dam failure provisions and contingent liabilities was complex and highly judgemental due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the measurement and completeness of future cash outflows, as well as the extent of the Group’s legal obligations to fund the costs under the Framework and Governance Agreements. In particular, there was significant judgement in determining the nature and extent of remediation activities, the cost estimates for remediation and the number and categorisation of impacted people entitled to compensation. As a result of these inputs the provision has a significant estimation uncertainty and a wide range of potential outcomes.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Group’s controls in determining the Samarco dam failure provisions. Specifically, we tested management’s controls over the significant assumptions as described above and the completeness and accuracy of data used within management’s estimates.

To test the provisions, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies and testing the significant assumptions discussed above and the underlying data used by the Group in its analysis. We tested a sample of cost estimates used to source documents such as court decisions outlining compensation levels. We compared the nature and extent of activities included in the forecasted cash flows to the Framework Agreement. We tested the mathematical accuracy of the models. To assess management’s ability to forecast we compared the prior year’s forecasted cash flows to actual results.

To assess the status of claims we held discussions with internal and external legal counsel regarding ongoing Samarco dam failure litigation matters. In addition, we obtained legal confirmations and inspected communications with the Group’s external legal counsel.

We evaluated the competence, qualifications and objectivity of the Group’s experts who assisted management in estimating the provision by considering the scope of work, their professional qualifications, and remuneration structure. We also assessed the adequacy and completeness of the disclosures within Notes 4 and 34 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Ernst & Young Ernst & Young   We have served as BHP Group Limited’s auditor since 1 July 2019   Melbourne, Australia 21 September 2021 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP   We have served as BHP Group Plc’s auditor since 1 July 2019   London, United Kingdom 21 September 2021

F-76

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the members of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the “COSO criteria”).

In our opinion, BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries (the “BHP Group”) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2021, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the BHP Group as of 30 June 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the two years in the period ended 30 June 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”) and our report dated 21 September 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The BHP Group’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying section 2.10 Risk and Audit Committee Report / Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the BHP Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the BHP Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

F-77

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young Ernst & Young   Melbourne, Australia 21 September 2021 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP   London, United Kingdom 21 September 2021

F-78

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the members of BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Limited:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statement of the BHP Group (comprising BHP Group Plc, BHP Group Limited and their respective subsidiaries) for the year ended 30 June 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of the BHP Group and its cash flows for the year ended 30 June 2019, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Revisions due to Changes in Accounting Principles, Additional Disclosure of Earnings per Share, Revision of Segment Reporting, and Change in Definition of Net Debt

• As discussed in Note 39 of the consolidated financial statements, BHP Group adopted a change in accounting principle following a decision by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’. This revision has been retrospectively adjusted as of 1 July 2018, and for the year ended 30 June 2019.

• As disclosed in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements, certain additional earnings per share disclosures have been included in the consolidated financial statements.

• As discussed in Notes 3, 4, and 31 of the consolidated financial statements, BHP Group adopted an amendment to IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ as of 1 July 2019, which required reclassification of certain exceptional items. This revision has been retrospectively adjusted for the year ended 30 June 2019.

• As discussed in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, BHP Group revised certain segment reporting. This revision has been retrospectively adjusted for the year ended 30 June 2019.

• As discussed in Note 20 of the consolidated financial statements, BHP Group made a change in the definition of net debt. This revision has been retrospectively adjusted for the year ended 30 June 2019.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the BHP Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP

We served as BHP Group’s auditor from 2002 to 2019.

London, United Kingdom

17 September 2019, except as to Notes 1, 3, 4, 20, and 31, which are as of 22 September 2020 and as to Notes 7 and 39, which are as of 14 September 2021.

/s/ KPMG

KPMG

We served as BHP Group’s auditor from 2002 to 2019.

Melbourne, Australia

17 September 2019, except as to Notes 1, 3, 4, 20, and 31, which are as of 22 September 2020 and as to Notes 7 and 39, which are as of 14 September 2021.

KPMG, an Australian partnership, and KPMG LLP, a
UK limited liability partnership, member firms of the
KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG
International”), a Swiss entity.   KPMG’s liability limited by a scheme approved
under Professional Standards Legislation.   KPMG LLP Registered in England No OC301540 Registered office: 15 Canada Square, London, E14 5GL
For full details of our professional registration please
refer to ‘Regulatory Information’ under ‘About/About
KPMG’ at www.kpmg.com/uk

F-79

3.3     Director’s declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, the Directors declare that:

(a) in the Directors’ opinion and to the best of their knowledge the Financial Statements and notes, set out in sections 3.1 and 3.2, are in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006 and the Australian Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) complying with the applicable Accounting Standards

(ii) giving a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of each of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc, the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole as at 30 June 2021 and of their performance for the year ended 30 June 2021

(b) the Financial Statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards, as disclosed in section 3.1

(c) to the best of the Directors’ knowledge, the management report (comprising the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Group faces

(d) in the Directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that each of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and the Group will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable

(e) as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that BHP Group Limited and each of the Closed Group entities identified in Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries will be able to meet any liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject because of the Deed of Cross Guarantee between BHP Group Limited and those group entities pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly-owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785

(f) the Directors have been given the declarations required by Section 295A of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 from the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 30 June 2021

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

Mike Henry

Chief Executive Officer

Dated this 2nd day of September 2021

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3.4     Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Parent Company Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. References to the ‘Group and Parent Company Financial Statements’ are made in relation to the Group and individual Parent Company Financial Statements of BHP Group Plc.

UK company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent company Financial Statements for each financial year. The Directors are required to prepare the Group Financial Statements in accordance with International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006 and have elected to prepare the Parent company Financial Statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (‘FRS 101’).

Under UK company law the Directors must not approve the Group Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Parent Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and the Parent Company for that period.

Under the Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, Group Financial Statements are required to be prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.

In preparing each of the Group and Parent company Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors’ and then apply them consistently

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent

• present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information

• provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs (or in respect of the Parent Company Financial Statements, FRS 101) is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and financial performance;

• for the Group Financial Statements, state whether International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and IFRSs adopted pursuant to Regulation(EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements

• for the Parent Company Financial Statements, state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards, including FRS 101, have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Parent Company Financial Statements

• assess the Group and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, related matters

• use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent Company’s and Group’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Parent Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the UK Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of Financial Statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and the Parent Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

3.5     Not required for US Reporting

3.6     Included as item 3.2A

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3.7     Supplementary oil and gas information – unaudited

In accordance with the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification ‘Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas’ (Topic 932) and SEC requirements set out in Subpart 1200 of Regulation S-K, the Group is presenting certain disclosures about its oil and gas activities. These disclosures are presented below as supplementary oil and gas information, in addition to information disclosed in section 1.17.1 ‘Petroleum’ and section 4.6.1 ‘Petroleum reserves’.

The information set out in this section is referred to as unaudited as it is not included in the scope of the audit opinion of the independent auditor on the Financial Statements, refer to section 3.6 ‘Independent Auditors’ reports’.

Reserves and production

Proved oil and gas reserves and net crude oil and condensate, natural gas, LNG and NGL production information is included in section 4.5.2 ‘Production – Petroleum’ and section 4.6.1 ‘Petroleum reserves’.

Capitalised costs relating to oil and gas production activities

The following table shows the aggregate capitalised costs relating to oil and gas exploration and production activities and related accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions.

	Australia			United States			Other(1)			Total
	US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M
Capitalised cost
2021
Unproved properties		–			754			580			1,334
Proved properties		17,882			13,210			1,972			33,064
Total costs		17,882			13,964			2,552			34,398
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions		(12,720	)		(8,329	)		(1,483	)		(22,532	)
Net capitalised costs		5,162			5,635			1,069			11,866
2020
Unproved properties		10			808			576			1,394
Proved properties		17,079			12,538			1,743			31,360
Total costs		17,089			13,346			2,319			32,754
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions		(11,423	)		(8,726	)		(1,370	)		(21,519	)
Net capitalised costs		5,666			4,620			949			11,235
2019
Unproved properties		10			875			458			1,343
Proved properties		16,514			11,751			1,625			29,890
Total costs		16,524			12,626			2,083			31,233
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions		(10,867	)		(8,339	)		(1,302	)		(20,508	)
Net capitalised costs		5,657			4,287			781			10,725

(1)  Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Costs incurred relating to oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities

The following table shows costs incurred relating to oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities (whether charged to expense or capitalised). Amounts shown include interest capitalised.

	Australia		United States(3)		Other(4)		Total
	US$M		US$M		US$M		US$M
2021
Acquisitions of proved property		–		642		–		642
Acquisitions of unproved property		–		19		–		19
Exploration(1)		23		166		310		499
Development		201		749		184		1,134
Total costs(2)		224		1,576		494		2,294
2020
Acquisitions of proved property		–		–		–		–
Acquisitions of unproved property		–		38		6		44
Exploration(1)		38		278		370		686
Development		232		676		100		1,008
Total costs(2)		270		992		476		1,738
2019
Acquisitions of proved property		–		–		–		–
Acquisitions of unproved property		–		5		–		5
Exploration (1)		44		190		492		726
Development		132		792		54		978
Total costs (2)		176		987		546		1,709

(1)  Represents gross exploration expenditure, including capitalised exploration expenditure, geological and geophysical expenditure and development evaluation costs charged to income as incurred.

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(2)  Total costs include US$1,160 million (2020: US$1,178 million; 2019: US$1,275 million) capitalised during the year.

(3)  Total costs include Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$331 million).

(4)  Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Canada, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

Results of operations from oil and gas producing activities

The following information is similar to the disclosures in note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 3.1, but differs in several respects as to the level of detail and geographic information. Amounts shown in the following table exclude financial income, financial expenses, and general corporate overheads. Further, the amounts shown below include Onshore US however the disclosures in note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in Section 3.1 do not.

Income taxes were determined by applying the applicable statutory rates to pre-tax income with adjustments for permanent differences and tax credits.

	Australia			United States(7)			Other(8)			Total
	US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M
2021
Oil and gas revenue(1)		2,272			1,244			368			3,884
Production costs		(487	)		(267	)		(93	)		(847	)
Exploration expenses		(23	)		(164	)		(305	)		(492	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision(2)		(1,210	)		(489	)		(113	)		(1,812	)
Production taxes(3)		(125	)		–			(11	)		(136	)
		427			324			(154	)		597
Accretion expense(4)		(89	)		(22	)		(7	)		(118	)
Income taxes		(46	)		(78	)		(115	)		(239	)
Royalty-related taxes(5)		11			–			–			11
Results of oil and gas producing activities(6)		303			224			(276	)		251
2020
Oil and gas revenue(1)		2,535			1,101			350			3,986
Production costs		(575	)		(161	)		(80	)		(816	)
Exploration expenses		(37	)		(271	)		(252	)		(560	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision(2)		(906	)		(476	)		(75	)		(1,457	)
Production taxes(3)		(177	)		(1	)		(13	)		(191	)
		840			192			(70	)		962
Accretion expense(4)		(78	)		(24	)		(10	)		(112	)
Income taxes		(275	)		(35	)		(157	)		(467	)
Royalty-related taxes(5)		(85	)		–			–			(85	)
Results of oil and gas producing activities(6)		402			133			(237	)		298
2019
Oil and gas revenue(1)		3,404			2,675			610			6,689
Production costs		(752	)		(568	)		(118	)		(1,438	)
Exploration expenses		(44	)		(162	)		(229	)		(435	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision(2)		(917	)		(621	)		(103	)		(1,641	)
Production taxes(3)		(198	)		–			(25	)		(223	)
		1,493			1,324			135			2,952
Accretion expense(4)		(80	)		(34	)		(13	)		(127	)
Income taxes		(530	)		(193	)		(267	)		(990	)
Royalty-related taxes(5)		(164	)		–			–			(164	)
Results of oil and gas producing activities(6)		719			1,097			(145	)		1,671

(1)  Includes sales to affiliated companies of US$51 million (2020: US$62 million; 2019: US$75 million).

(2)  Includes valuation provision of US$101 million (2020: US$12 million; 2019: US$21 million).

(3)  Includes royalties and excise duty.

(4)  Represents the unwinding of the discount on the closure and rehabilitation provision.

(5)  Includes petroleum resource rent tax and petroleum revenue tax where applicable.

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(6)  Amounts shown exclude financial income, financial expenses and general corporate overheads and, accordingly, do not represent all of the operations attributable to the Petroleum segment presented in note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 3.1.

(7)  Results of oil and gas producing activities includes Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2020: US$ nil; 2019: US$431 million).

(8)  Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (divested 30 November 2018).

Standardised measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves (Standardised measure)

The following tables set out the standardised measure of discounted future net cash flows, and changes therein, related to the Group’s estimated proved reserves as presented in section 4.6.1 Petroleum reserves, and should be read in conjunction with that disclosure.

The analysis is prepared in compliance with FASB Oil and Gas Disclosure requirements, applying certain prescribed assumptions under Topic 932 including the use of unweighted average first-day-of-the-month market prices for the previous 12-months, year-end cost factors, currently enacted tax rates and an annual discount factor of 10 per cent to year-end quantities of net proved reserves.

Certain key assumptions prescribed under Topic 932 are arbitrary in nature and may not prove to be accurate. The reserve estimates on which the Standard measure is based are subject to revision as further technical information becomes available or economic conditions change.

Discounted future net cash flows like those shown below are not intended to represent estimates of fair value. An estimate of fair value would also take into account, among other things, the expected recovery of reserves in excess of proved reserves, anticipated future changes in commodity prices, exchange rates, development and production costs as well as alternative discount factors representing the time value of money and adjustments for risk inherent in producing oil and gas.

	Australia			United States			Other(1)			Total
	US$M			US$M			US$M			US$M
Standardised measure
2021
Future cash inflows		8,948			13,437			1,561			23,946
Future production costs		(3,783	)		(5,122	)		(418	)		(9,323	)
Future development costs		(4,118	)		(2,996	)		(261	)		(7,375	)
Future income taxes(2)		706			(944	)		(438	)		(676	)
Future net cash flows		1,753			4,375			444			6,572
Discount at 10 per cent per annum		(160	)		(1,468	)		(93	)		(1,721	)
Standardised measure		1,593			2,907			351			4,851
2020
Future cash inflows		11,526			12,997			1,660			26,183
Future production costs		(4,027	)		(4,943	)		(494	)		(9,464	)
Future development costs		(4,124	)		(3,242	)		(433	)		(7,799	)
Future income taxes(2)		(187	)		(880	)		(473	)		(1,540	)
Future net cash flows		3,188			3,932			260			7,380
Discount at 10 per cent per annum		(642	)		(1,586	)		(94	)		(2,322	)
Standardised measure		2,546			2,346			166			5,058
2019
Future cash inflows		18,292			18,076			1,807			38,175
Future production costs		(4,710	)		(4,917	)		(459	)		(10,086	)
Future development costs		(3,860	)		(4,516	)		(226	)		(8,602	)
Future income taxes(2)		(2,551	)		(1,657	)		(711	)		(4,919	)
Future net cash flows		7,171			6,986			411			14,568
Discount at 10 per cent per annum		(1,926	)		(3,396	)		(94	)		(5,416	)
Standardised measure		5,245			3,590			317			9,152

(1)  Other is primarily comprised of Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago.

(2)  Future income taxes include credits to be received as a result of oil and gas operations and the utilisation of future tax losses by the Group.

Changes in the Standardised measure are presented in the following table.

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Changes in the Standardised measure
Standardised measure at the beginning of the year		5,058			9,152			10,240
Revisions:
Prices, net of production costs		(175	)		(5,633	)		3,821
Changes in future development costs		(238	)		330			(228	)
Revisions of reserves quantity estimates(1)		(107	)		(229	)		1,268
Accretion of discount		678			1,313			1,178
Changes in production timing and other		360			(310	)		(618	)
		5,576			4,623			15,661
Sales of oil and gas, net of production costs		(2,901	)		(2,980	)		(5,029	)
Acquisitions of reserves-in-place		462			–			–
Sales of reserves-in-place(2)		44			–			(1,489	)
Previously estimated development costs incurred		1,075			1,005			545
Extensions, discoveries, and improved recoveries, net of future costs		17			145			(33	)
Changes in future income taxes		578			2,265			(503	)
Standardised measure at the end of the year		4,851			5,058			9,152

(1)  Changes in reserves quantities are shown in the Petroleum reserves tables in section 4.6.1.

(2)  Onshore US assets disposal in 2019.

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Accounting for suspended exploratory well costs

Refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 3.1 for a discussion of the accounting policy applied to the cost of exploratory wells. Suspended wells are also reviewed in this context.

The following table provides the changes to capitalised exploratory well costs that were pending the determination of proved reserves for the three years ended 30 June 2021, 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019.

	2021			2020			2019
	US$M			US$M			US$M
Movement in capitalised exploratory well costs
At the beginning of the year		1,089			1,040			794
Additions to capitalised exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves		7			120			297
Capitalised exploratory well costs charged to expense		(66	)		–			(9	)
Capitalised exploratory well costs reclassified to wells, equipment, and facilities based on the determination of proved reserves		–			(6	)		(42	)
Sale of suspended wells		–			(65	)		–
At the end of the year		1,030			1,089			1,040

The following table provides an ageing of capitalised exploratory well costs, based on the date the drilling was completed, and the number of projects for which exploratory well costs has been capitalised for a period greater than one year since the completion of drilling.

Exploration activity typically involves drilling multiple wells, over a number of years, to fully evaluate and appraise a project. The term ‘project’ as used in this disclosure refers primarily to individual wells and associated exploratory activities.

	2021		2020		2019
	US$M		US$M		US$M
Ageing of capitalised exploratory well costs
Exploratory well costs capitalised for a period of one year or less		7		120		210
Exploratory well costs capitalised for a period greater than one year		1,023		969		830
At the end of the year		1,030		1,089		1,040
	2021		2020		2019
Number of projects that have been capitalised for a period greater than one year		15		14		13

Drilling and other exploratory and development activities

The number of crude oil and natural gas wells drilled and completed for each of the last three years was as follows:

	Net exploratory wells						Net development wells
	Productive		Dry		Total		Productive		Dry		Total		Total
Year ended 30 June 2021
Australia		–		–		–		1		–		1		1
United States (1)		–		–		–		1		–		1		1
Other (2)		–		1		1		1		–		1		2
Total		–		1		1		3		–		3		4
Year ended 30 June 2020
Australia		–		–		–		–		–		–		–
United States (1)		–		–		–		–		1		1		1
Other (2)		1		1		2		1		–		1		3
Total		1		1		2		1		1		2		4
Year ended 30 June 2019
Australia		–		–		–		1		–		1		1
United States (1)		1		–		1		33		–		33		34
Other (2)		4		2		6		–		–		–		6
Total		5		2		7		34		–		34		41

(1)  Includes Onshore US assets net productive development wells of nil (2020: nil; 2019: 33). Includes Onshore US assets net exploratory wells of nil for 2021, 2020 and 2019.

(2)  Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

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The number of wells drilled refers to the number of wells completed at any time during the respective year, regardless of when drilling was initiated. Completion refers to the installation of permanent equipment for production of oil or gas, or, in the case of a dry well, to reporting to the appropriate authority that the well has been abandoned.

An exploratory well is a well drilled to find oil or gas in a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir. A development well is a well drilled within the limits of a known oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

A productive well is an exploratory, development or extension well that is not a dry well. Productive wells include wells in which hydrocarbons were encountered and the drilling or completion of which, in the case of exploratory wells, has been suspended pending further drilling or evaluation. A dry well (hole) is an exploratory, development, or extension well that proves to be incapable of producing either oil or gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or gas well.

Oil and gas properties, wells, operations, and acreage

The following tables show the number of gross and net productive crude oil and natural gas wells and total gross and net developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas acreage as at 30 June 2021. A gross well or acre is one in which a working interest is owned, while a net well or acre exists when the sum of fractional working interests owned in gross wells or acres equals one. Productive wells are producing wells and wells mechanically capable of production. Developed acreage is comprised of leased acres that are within an area by or assignable to a productive well. Undeveloped acreage is comprised of leased acres on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of economic quantities of oil and gas, regardless of whether such acres contain proved reserves.

The number of productive crude oil and natural gas wells in which the Group held an interest at 30 June 2021 was as follows:

	Crude oil wells				Natural gas wells				Total
	Gross		Net		Gross		Net		Gross		Net
Australia		334		166		176		66		510		232
United States		55		27		–		–		55		27
Other (1)		61		23		8		4		69		27
Total		450		216		184		70		634		286

(1)  Other is primarily comprised of Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the productive crude oil and natural gas wells, 131 (net: 60) operated wells had multiple completions.

Developed and undeveloped acreage (including both leases and concessions) held at 30 June 2021 was as follows:

	Developed acreage				Undeveloped acreage
Thousands of acres	Gross		Net		Gross		Net
Australia		2,423		897		391		148
United States		92		41		403		339
Other (1)(2)		160		67		3,394		3,104
Total		2,675		1,005		4,188		3,591

(1)  Developed acreage in Other primarily consists of Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago.

(2)  Undeveloped acreage in Other primarily consists of Barbados, Canada, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

Approximately 139 thousand gross acres (22 thousand net acres), 386 thousand gross acres (241 thousand net acres) and 121 thousand gross acres (103 thousand net acres) of undeveloped acreage will expire in the years ending 30 June 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively, if the Group does not establish production or take any other action to extend the terms of the licences and concessions.

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