The Autonomous Electric Vehicles Inside BHP's Mines

BHP has achieved a significant technological milestone by transforming its Escondida Norte pit in Chile into a fully autonomous operation, making it one of the first large-scale mines globally to reach this achievement.

According to BHP CEO Mike Henry, the company delivered very strong performance in H2 of 2025 with operational records at copper and iron ore assets.

He said: "This was achieved safely and in a positive commodity price environment, with copper prices up 32% and iron ore prices 4% higher year on year."

The results came as momentum moderated in construction, manufacturing and infrastructure investments during H2 CY25, though India is emerging as a key engine of demand with strong domestic activity sustaining steel and rising copper needs.

Autonomous operations

Located 170 km to the southeast of Antofagasta in northern Chile, Escondida is a copper porphyry deposit that has been in operation since 1990.

It is the world's largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes.

The mine has two major pits – Escondida and Escondida Norte – feeding three concentrator plants and two leaching operations.

According to BHP: "With a remaining life of several decades and a resource base of over 26 billion tonnes, Escondida is positioned to help lead copper production well into the future."

The Escondida Norte pit is now fully autonomous, with 33 autonomous trucks and 11 autonomous drills operating across the pit.

Around 30% of Escondida's production comes from the autonomous zone, with more than 350,000 tonnes of material moved daily.

More than 5,000 workers are trained in new technologies, with 64% female participation in autonomy-related roles.

According to BHP: "These achievements reduce risk, enhance productivity and create a safer working environment."

The company adds that autonomous operations at Escondida are "not just about technology – they represent a strategic response to industry challenges such as declining ore grades and increasing operational complexity".

BHP goes on: "As we grow our copper production, we remain focused on safety, sustainability and innovation - building a future where technology and people work hand in hand to deliver the resources the world needs."

The autonomous operations are alongside other developments in the area of electrification.

In November 2025, two battery-electric haul trucks arrived at BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara, Australia, marking the start of on-site testing of Caterpillar's battery-electric technology.

Australia's first purpose-built battery-electric heavy haulage locomotives also arrived in Western Australia for trials on the Western Australia Iron Ore rail network.

Record copper production

BHP has increased its financial year 2026 group copper production guidance following stronger delivery across multiple sites.

Escondida achieved record concentrator throughput, while Antamina in Peru has lifted its production guidance.

The Spence copper mine in Chile and Copper SA are tracking to plan, with Copper SA achieving record refined gold output.

Mike says forecast global growth in 2026 is around 3%, creating a positive backdrop for commodity demand.

He adds: "BHP enters the second half of FY26 with strong operating momentum.

"We are investing for the decade ahead, with a significant copper growth pipeline and a pathway to approximately 2 million tonnes (Mt) of attributable copper production in the 2030s."

The company's copper portfolio continues to benefit from operational improvements and strategic investments across its global asset base.

Iron ore and potash operations

Western Australia Iron Ore achieved record first half production and shipments, contributing to the company's overall performance.

Volumes from Samarco in Brazil rose as a result of strong operational performance, adding further strength to the portfolio.

The Jansen potash project in Canada is on track to begin production in mid-2027, a significant diversification opportunity for the business.

According to BHP, the project could enable the company to meet growing global demand for agricultural nutrients as population growth drives food production requirements.

The potash development forms part of BHP's broader strategy to diversify its commodity portfolio beyond copper and iron ore.

Iron ore operations in Western Australia continue to set new benchmarks for productivity and efficiency across the company's integrated mining and rail network.

The operations have benefited from sustained investment in automation, predictive maintenance systems and supply chain optimisation, enabling BHP to maintain its position as one of the lowest-cost producers globally.