BHP will continue to increase investment in its iron ore and copper businesses, CEO Brandon Craig said, reaffirming China as one of the company's most important markets and a long-term partner.

Speaking at the 15th China International Steel Congress held over September 19-20, Craig said BHP plans to work with Chinese customers and partners on industrial innovation, green transition and high-quality development.

BHP's cumulative iron ore shipments to China have surpassed 3 billion tonnes over 50 years of cooperation. The first 1 billion tonnes took more than 40 years, while the next 2 billion tonnes took only nine years, reflecting the rapid growth of China's steel industry, accoring to Craig.

Craig said the milestone reflected long-term mutual commitment and sustained investment. BHP has invested more than $50 billion in the Pilbara region this century to build an integrated iron ore supply chain and provide Chinese steelmakers with high-quality, reliable and stable resources.

He noted that China's continued investment in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and the digital economy will create new growth drivers and resource demand. Steel will remain a key pillar of economic development and industrial competitiveness, while copper's importance will continue to rise.

BHP is stepping up investment to consolidate its position in key commodities critical to future global and Chinese development.

In iron ore, BHP expects annual sustaining capital expenditure of about $7/t, which under its five-year production plan will drive more than $10 billion in continued investment.

The investment will support maintaining and expanding capacity, developing more high-grade ore bodies and upgrading key rail and port infrastructure. By fiscal year 2028, BHP's Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) business is expected to lift annual output to more than 305 million tonnes, up about 5% from fiscal year 2026.