One of the world’s leading mining companies, BHP Group, has announced steps to return to the African continent after nearly ten years. Led by the company’s new CEO, Brandon Craig, a South Africa-focused visit is planned for the end of April. The move is seen as marking a new phase in BHP’s global growth strategy.
The visit is expected to include a tour covering Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. Discussions will focus on investment opportunities in strategic minerals, particularly copper, which is critical for the energy transition.
During the Lusaka leg of the visit, the BHP delegation is scheduled to meet with local companies under the “Xplor” program, which supports early-stage mining ventures. Selected companies will have access to funding, technical assistance, and potential integration into BHP’s operations in the future.
BHP began its withdrawal from Africa in 2013 and formally ended its operations on the continent in 2015, selling most of its major assets to South32 and shifting its focus to operations in Australia, the Americas, and Latin America.
Meanwhile, BHP’s multi-billion-dollar bid for Anglo American and its investment plans for South Africa further underline the strategic nature of the company’s return. Rising demand for critical minerals and the global transition to green energy are key factors driving BHP’s renewed engagement with Africa.
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