The Big Australian’s copper empire could enter a new era amid the reported search for Mike Henry’s successor.
BHP is searching for its next chief executive officer (CEO), as reported by the Australian Financial Review and other sources, who will have the chance to unlock the full potential of the world’s largest copper portfolio.
The miner now holds the world’s largest copper resource base, with annual production exceeding two million tonnes in the 2024–25 financial year (FY25) and copper contributing around 45 per cent of group earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).
The boardroom debate over whether BHP should maintain its diversified structure or spin off its copper assets adds a new layer to the succession plan. However, the company signalled as far back as 2014 that it intends to simplify its portfolio and focus on its core strengths.
Mining companies are increasingly moving away from the traditional model of producing multiple commodities. Anglo American, for example, recently shifted its focus in this direction.
It has been reported that the internal contenders for the CEO role are BHP Australia president Geraldine Slattery, chief financial officer Vandita Pant, chief commercial officer Rag Udd, BHP Americas president chief Brandon Craig, chief development officer Catherine Raw, and chief technology officer Johan van Jaarsveld.
Slattery is currently overseeing 46,000 employees in Australia and manages major copper operations including Olympic Dam. Pant’s finance and commercial background complements her on-site mine visits, including South Australia’s Carrapateena mine. Craig and Raw bring international and mergers and acquisitions expertise, critical for BHP’s growth projects in South America and Canada.
BHP has made a number of copper-focused acquisitions in recent years, including South Australia’s Prominent Hill and Carrapateena mines from Oz Minerals, as well as a 50 per cent stake in Argentina’s undeveloped Josemaria and Filo del Sol deposits.
These projects were partially funded by $8 billion in divestments in Queensland coal. The company’s integrated portfolio continues to deliver strong operational and financial outcomes.
As succession planning progresses, the miner’s copper strategy remains key, promising a period of innovation, expansion and opportunity for both the company and the global transition to cleaner energy.
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