Miner BHP has identified what it has termed "future-facing commodities" in which it plans to invest further, based on trends for demand growth in the medium to long term - these are copper, nickel and potash.
According to the mining giant's chief executive officer, creating and securing more options in these commodities will be a priority because this will protect and grow value over the long term.
"Decarbonization, electrification, diet, land use and population trends will all drive higher demand for copper, nickel and potash in the medium to longer term," Mike Henry said during a presentation of the results for the company's 2020 financial year, ended June 30. "We're therefore looking to grow in these future-facing commodities."
In copper, the company currently has a portfolio including Escondida and Pampa Norte in Chile, Antamina in Peru and Olympic Dam in Australia. Henry noted that BHP has also been partnering with juniors in Canada, Mexico and Ecuador as a means to expand its options.
The company also operates Nickel West in Australia, and holds the mineral rights to the Jansen potash project in the...