BHP’s Copper SA division has entered into a partnership with Australian transport company Aurizon to develop a comprehensive rail, road, and port logistics system.
This collaboration, outlined in four contracts totalling approximately A$1.5bn ($980m), aims to support copper operations in South Australia over the next ten years.
Under the new agreements, copper concentrate and cathode from BHP’s Olympic Dam, Carrapateena, and Prominent Hill mines will be transported by rail from Pimba to Port Adelaide. This new logistics arrangement also includes the movement of other inbound freight.
Aurizon has subcontracted South Australian company Symons Clark Logistics, an existing BHP partner, to manage the road transport segment between Pimba and the mines.
The transition to a cohesive rail, road, and port logistics system is expected to replace around 13 million kilometres of truck travel annually, removing over 11,000 truck journeys from South Australian roads each year. This shift is anticipated to improve road safety, alleviate regional traffic, and reduce emissions across the state.
The demand for copper is projected to rise by approximately 70% by 2050, driven by traditional uses in construction and appliances, as well as the growing adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy solutions, and data centres.
BHP Asset president Copper SA Anna Wiley said: “This is Copper SA’s most significant logistics arrangement since the asset’s formation. The shift to more rail transport will improve road safety, lower emissions, create local business opportunities, and deliver significant synergies for our business.”
“By value, BHP’s copper cathode is South Australia’s largest single export. This partnership forms a critical link between our operations in the state’s far north and our path to market at the Port of Adelaide. It’s about delivering South Australian resources to the world.”
“Global demand for copper is rising fast and, with two-thirds of Australia’s high-quality copper resources, South Australia is uniquely positioned to meet it. BHP is moving at pace to progress new projects, investments and studies – building the foundations for long-term growth and value through Copper SA.”
