Shareholders gathered in Sydney on 22 Oct 2026 for the Annual General Meeting of BHP Group Limited (ASX: BHP). It was Brandon Craig’s first AGM as CEO, and Chair Ross McEwan opened proceedings. Both speakers began with safety before turning to results and growth plans.
For anyone following the mining sector, the BHP AGM 2026 carried one clear message. Copper supplied more than half of BHP’s earnings for the first time. Management says the BHP growth strategy now leans on further copper expansion.
BHP AGM 2026: Results Behind the Confidence
In FY2026, underlying EBITDA increased to US$33 billion. Underlying attributable profit rose 30 per cent to US$13 billion. Management said every major asset met its unit cost guidance despite inflation, higher diesel prices and supply disruption.
BHP’s Board approved total dividends of about A$2.40 per share for 2026. That equals US$8.7 billion returned to shareholders and is the highest dividend in four years.
| FY2026 measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Underlying EBITDA | US$33 billion |
| Underlying attributable profit | US$13 billion, up 30% |
| Total dividends | About A$2.40 per share |
| Cash returned to shareholders | US$8.7 billion |
| Total economic contribution | More than US$50 billion |
Copper Takes the Lead
BHP’s copper business had a standout year. Olympic Dam recorded its highest copper output in more than twenty years. Escondida set records for material moved and concentrator throughput.
Iron Ore and Steelmaking Coal
BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore business achieved record production. It remained the world’s lowest-cost major iron ore producer for a seventh straight year. Steelmaking coal performance also continued to improve.
BHP Growth Strategy: Three Priorities Under Brandon Craig
BHP’s CEO took the role on 1 Jul 2026 and set three priorities for the next decade. He wants to combine the BHP Operating System with technology more deeply.
BHP’s ambition is stated plainly. In Mr Craig’s words: “Our ambition is simple. To win the next decade for BHP.”
| Priority | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Strengthening foundations | Safety, project delivery and digital talent, and core relationships |
| Accelerating performance | Pairing the BHP Operating System with technology |
| Programmatic growth | Disciplined delivery of Jansen and copper options |
BHP Mining Strategy 2027: Jansen and Copper Growth Options
BHP expects first production from Jansen, its Canadian potash business, in mid 2027. Mr Craig said it will create a significant new earnings stream. He also said it took longer and cost more than planned.
Figure 1: Workers walk towards a stacker reclaimer beside iron ore stockpiles at an operating mine site [Courtesy: BHP]
BHP is advancing copper options at Escondida, Copper South Australia and Vicuña. Current plans support production growth of about three to four per cent a year to 2035. Copper is expected to grow around five per cent a year.
| Growth outlook | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jansen first production | Mid 2027 |
| Group production growth to 2035 | About 3 to 4 per cent a year |
| Copper production growth | About 5 per cent a year |
| Copper options | Escondida, Copper South Australia, Vicuña |
Safety and Policy Shape the Message
BHP began the BHP AGM 2026 with safety after two recent fatalities. One occurred at Peak Downs in Queensland and one at Escondida in Chile. Mr Craig said: “The only acceptable number is zero.”
BHP also called on Australia to compete for capital. Mr McEwan pointed to Canada’s Productivity Mega Deduction, which allows immediate deduction of eligible capital investment costs. He added that BHP is on track for its 2030 operational decarbonisation target.
Industry Outlook for the Mining Sector
BHP expects demand for copper, iron ore and steelmaking coal to stay strong for many years. It points to China’s industrial activity, India’s infrastructure build, renewable energy wiring and Artificial Intelligence. That view underpins the BHP mining strategy 2027 across the mining sector.
BHP Group Limited (ASX: BHP) Share Price
- Last price: A$57.19 per share
- Market capitalisation: A$297.62 billion
- 52-week range: A$68.77 to A$40.18 per share
- 2026 year to date: +25.68%
- 1 year: +31.40%
- Versus sector (1 year): +17.24%
- Versus ASX 200 (1 year): +33.98%
Future Direction and Impact on BHP Shareholders and the BHP Growth Strategy
BHP says it enters 2027 with world-class assets, a strong balance sheet and a capable leadership team. The next test is delivery. Jansen and the copper options will shape how the 2035 growth target unfolds.
BHP has pledged to execute projects safely, on time and on budget. Investors will watch whether that discipline holds. Colitco will keep tracking BHP’s project updates and growth milestones.
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FAQ
Q1. When and where was the BHP AGM 2026 held?
Ans. In Sydney, Australia, on 22 Oct 2026.
Q2. What does the BHP mining strategy 2027 include?
Ans. First Jansen production in mid 2027, plus copper options at Escondida, Copper South Australia and Vicuña.
Q3. What is the BHP growth strategy to 2035?
Ans. Production growth of about three to four per cent a year, with copper near five per cent.
Q4. Who leads BHP now?
Ans. Brandon Craig became CEO on 1 Jul 2026, succeeding Mike Henry.
Disclaimer
This article is meant only for informational purposes. If you are an investor who is watching BHP Group Limited closely, all the data published in the content is sourced from ASX announcements and external sources. Kindly verify all the information related to the share price and market data. Any investment should be made at the investor’s own risk. Colitco does not hold any position in the above-mentioned company.
Luke Carlino is a seasoned Copywriter, Content Strategist, and Social Media Manager specialising in Mining, Finance, and Business journalism. With more than a decade of industry experience, he brings rigorous editorial standards and commercial acuity to every project.
