BHP’s Decarbonization Strategy in Chile

Jul 10, 2025
By Gaia Research Team
Reading time: 9 mins.

Few materials are as vital to the energy transition as copper — and nowhere is that more visible than in Chile, where it powers everything from electric vehicles to wind turbines.

In Chile, home to some of the world’s largest copper mines, BHP is leading the charge to make mining more sustainable. Its operations at Escondida and Spence are not just digging up metal—they’re setting a blueprint for "green copper" production. By slashing emissions, switching to renewable energy, and rethinking water use in the arid Atacama Desert, BHP is tackling the mining industry’s biggest environmental challenges. This article dives into BHP’s decarbonization strategy in Chile, exploring its ambitious goals, tangible progress, and the hurdles it faces in a world demanding cleaner resources. Combining infrastructure upgrades with community-focused programs, BHP is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable mining.