BHP copper output drops 19% in September quarter

• Total copper production fell 19% to 401,000 tonnes during the September quarter due to planned maintenance and operational disruptions.
• The company maintained its full-year production guidance across all commodities despite the short-term drop in output.
• BHP stated that strong bulk commodity results and resilient long-term demand drivers continue to support its growth strategy.

BHP (ASX:BHP) reported that its total copper production decreased by 19% to 401,000 tonnes during the September quarter.

The drop in quarterly copper output followed lower planned concentrator feed grades and temporary operational disruptions at major assets like the Escondida mine.

"Investigations are underway, and we will keep strengthening the controls that keep people safe in our pursuit of being a fatality-free business," BHP stated, addressing separate worker fatalities at its Escondida and Peak Downs mines.

The company confirmed that its full-year production targets remain unchanged at 1.65 million to 1.8 million tonnes for copper.

Following the announcement, the BHP share price was up at $60.46.

Pilbara iron ore output rose 4% during the same period despite heavy planned maintenance across the Western Australia operations.

Steelmaking coal production in Queensland increased 1%, and New South Wales energy coal output jumped 26% on higher bypass coal volumes.