Base Metals

We provide base metal concentrates to custom smelters, and copper cathodes to rod and brass mills and casting plants.  With a portfolio of large, low-cost mining operations — including the Escondida mine in Chile which is the world's largest single producer of copper — our aim is to become the pre-eminent supplier in base metals through capacity expansions, reliable supply and innovative solutions.

We have an excellent portfolio of large, low-cost mining operations with substantial growth opportunities and a number of expansion opportunities — both greenfield (new sites) and brownfield (developments on existing sites) — which are sufficient to allow us to expand copper production significantly through various projects.

Beyond conventional mine development, we are also rigorously pursuing advanced bioleaching technology, which has the potential to achieve significant reductions in the cost of producing base metals.

Our four primary products are copper concentrates, copper cathodes, lead concentrates and zinc concentrates. Our products are essential for the production of radios and televisions, electrical appliances and wiring, scientific instruments and plumbing.   Lead concentrate is used in the production of lead metal and lead alloys for building construction, lead-acid batteries, weights, as part of solders, pewters, fusible alloys, and as a radiation shield.  Zinc concentrate is used as an anti-corrosion agent to protect iron and steel against corrosion.

Peter Beaven, President, Base Metals

Peter is the President of Base Metals, a position he has held since November 2010. He was previously President of BHP Billiton’s Manganese business, and Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Carbon Steel Materials.   He has wide experience across a range of regions and businesses in BHP Billiton and UBS Warburg.  Peter holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and is a Chartered Accountant.

Antamina

Antamina is located in the Andes, North Central Peru and is owned by Compañía Minera Antamina SA, in which BHP Billiton holds a 33.75 per cent interest. The remaining interests are held by Xstrata (33.75 per cent), Teck (22.5 per cent) and Mitsubishi (10 per cent). Antamina is the operator of the mine and produces copper and zinc concentrates.

Base Metals North America

Comprises two operational areas: Reclamation and Closed Mines and Pinto Valley - currently in care and maintenance. The offices are located in Tucson, Arizona.

Pampa Norte

Pampa Norte is located in Iquique city in Northern Chile and comprises Spence and Cerro Colorado operations.

Spence (BHP Billiton 100 per cent) is located in the Atacama Desert, in the North of Chile. It started operations in 2006, incorporating the latest technologies available.  It is an open pit mine, with an associated leaching process, solvents extraction and electro-winning.

Cerro Colorado (BHP Billiton 100 per cent) is located in northern Chile. It produces high purity copper cathodes through leaching and electro-winning.

Cannington

Located in North West Queensland, Cannington (BHP Billiton 100 per cent) is a fly-in fly-out mining and processing operation that has grown to become the world’s largest and lowest cost producer of silver and lead. The operation consists of an underground mine and metallurgical processing facility.

Escondida

Minera Escondida (BHP Billiton 57. 5 per cent) is located in the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile. Escondida produces copper concentrate and copper cathodes. Escondida mine  is the world’s largest copper producer.