UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019.2020.

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report                     

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission file number: 001-09526 Commission file number: 001-31714
BHP GROUP LIMITED BHP GROUP PLC
(ABN 49 004 028 077) (REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

171 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE,

VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

NOVA SOUTH, 160 VICTORIA STREET

LONDON, SW1E 5LB

UNITED KINGDOM

 (Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each
exchange on

which registered

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each
exchange on

which registered

American Depositary Shares*

 BHP New York Stock Exchange American Depositary Shares* BBL New York Stock Exchange

Ordinary Shares**

 BHP New York Stock Exchange 

Ordinary Shares, nominal

value US$0.50 each**

 BBL New York Stock Exchange

 

*

Evidenced by American Depositary Receipts. Each American Depositary Receipt represents two ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc, as the case may be.

**

Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of the applicable American Depositary Shares.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

   BHP Group Limited  BHP Group Plc

Fully Paid Ordinary Shares

  2,945,851,394  2,112,071,796

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes      No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨  Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☒

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  ¨

  International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting
International Accounting Standards Board  ☒
  Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17  ☐    Item 18  ☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

 

 

 


BHP

Our Charter

We are BHP,

a leading global resources company.

 

Our Purpose  Our Values  

To bring people and resources together to build a better world.

 

Our Strategy

 

Our strategy is to have the best capabilities, best commodities and best assets, to create long-term value and high returns.

  

 

Sustainability

Putting health and safety first, being environmentally responsible and supporting our communities.

  

 

Integrity

Doing what is right and doing what we say we will do.

  

 

Respect

Embracing openness, trust, teamwork, diversity and relationships that are mutually beneficial.

  

 

Performance

Achieving superior business results by stretching our capabilities.

  

 

Simplicity

Focusing our efforts on the things that matter most.

  

 

Accountability

Defining and accepting responsibility and delivering on our commitments.

  We are successful when:
  

Our people start each day with a sense of purpose and end the day with

a sense of accomplishment.

  Our teams are inclusive and diverse.
  Our communities, customers and suppliers value their relationships with us.
  Our asset portfolio is world-class and sustainably developed.
  Our operational discipline and financial strength enables our future growth.
  Our shareholders receive a superior return on their investment.
  

LOGOLOGO

Andrew MackenzieMike Henry

Chief Executive Officer

  

May 2019

February 2020

 

i


BHP Group Limited. ABN 49 004 028 077. Registered in Australia. Registered office: 171 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. BHP Group Plc. Registration number 3196209. Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Nova South, 160 Victoria Street London SW1E 5LB United Kingdom. Each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is a member of the Group, which has its headquarters in Australia. BHP is a Dual Listed Company structure comprising BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc. The two entities continue to exist as separate companies but operate as a combined group known as BHP.

The headquarters of BHP Group Limited and the global headquarters of the combined Group are located in Melbourne, Australia. The headquarters of BHP Group Plc are located in London, United Kingdom. Both companies have identical Boards of Directors and are run by a unified management team. Throughout this publication, the Boards are referred to collectively as the Board. Shareholders in each company have equivalent economic and voting rights in the Group as a whole.

In this Annual Report, the terms ‘BHP’, the ‘Company’, the ‘Group’, ‘our business’, ‘organisation’, ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’ and ‘ourselves’ refer to BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and, except where the context otherwise requires, their respective subsidiaries as definedincluded in note 13 ‘Related undertaking of the Group’29 ‘Subsidiaries’ in section 5.25.1 and in Exhibit 8.1 – List of this Report.Subsidiaries. Those terms do not includenon-operated assets.

This Annual Report covers BHP’s assets (including those under exploration, projects in development or execution phases, sites and closed operations) that have been wholly owned and/or operated by BHP and that have been owned as a joint venture(1) operated by BHP (referred to in this Report as ‘assets’, ‘operated assets’ or ‘operations’) during the period from 1 July 20182019 to 30 June 2019.2020. Our functions are also included.

BHP also holds interests in assets that are owned as a joint venture but not operated by BHP (referred to in this Annual Report as‘non-operated joint ventures’ or‘non-operated assets’). Notwithstanding that this Annual Report may include production, financial and other information fromnon-operated assets,non-operated assets are not included in the BHP Group and, as a result, statements regarding our operations, assets and values apply only to our operated assets unless stated otherwise.

All references to websites in this Annual Report are intended to be inactive textual references for information only and any information contained in or accessible through any such website does not form a part of this Annual Report.

 

(1) 

References in this Annual Report to a ‘joint venture’ are used for convenience to collectively describe assets that are not wholly owned by BHP. Such references are not intended to characterise the legal relationship between the owners of the asset.

 

ii


1  Strategic Report   1   Strategic Report   1 
1.1  Chairman’s Review   2   Chair’s Review   2 
1.2  Chief Executive Officer’s Report   3   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   3 
1.3  BHP at a glance: FY2019 performance summary   4   BHP at a glance: FY2020   4 
1.4  About BHP   6   Performance   5 
1.5  Our performance   16   Our operating environment   26 
1.6  Our operating environment   22   Capability and culture   57 
1.7  Samarco   52   Sustainability   66 
1.8  Tailings dams   55   Samarco   97 
1.9  People   59   Portfolio: Our business   100 
1.10  Sustainability   64   Summary of financial performance   121 
1.11  Our businesses   80   Performance by commodity   128 
1.12  Summary of financial performance   98   Other information   140 
1.13  Performance by commodity   115 
1.14  Other information   127 
2  Governance at BHP   128   Governance at BHP   141 
2.1  Governance at BHP   129   Chair’s letter   142 
2.2  Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team   132   Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team   143 
2.3  Shareholder engagement   141   Role and responsibilities of the Board   155 
2.4  Role and responsibilities of the Board   143   Board meetings and attendance   156 
2.5  Board membership   145   Key Board activities during FY2020   156 
2.6  Chairman   145   Stakeholder engagement   159 
2.7  Renewal and re-election   145   Director skills, experience and attributes   163 
2.8  Director skills, experience and attributes   146   Board evaluation   166 
2.9  Director induction, training and development   149   Nomination and Governance Committee Report   167 
2.10  Independence   150   Risk and Audit Committee Report   171 
2.11  Board evaluation   151   Sustainability Committee Report   178 
2.12  Board meetings and attendance   152   Remuneration Committee Report   179 
2.13  Board committees   153   Risk management governance structure   181 
2.14  Risk management governance structure   166   Management   181 
2.15  Management   166   Our conduct   182 
2.16  Our conduct   167   Market disclosure   183 
2.17  Market disclosure   168   Conformance with corporate governance standards   183 
2.18  Remuneration   169   Additional UK disclosure   185 
3  Remuneration Report   186 
3.1  Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair   188 
3.2  Remuneration policy report   191 
3.3  Annual report on remuneration   200 
4  Directors’ Report   224 
4.1  

Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs

   225 
4.2  

Share capital and buy-back programs

   225 

 

iii


2.19  Directors’ share ownership   169 
2.20  Conformance with corporate governance standards   169 
2.21  

Additional UK disclosure

   170 
3  Remuneration Report   171 
3.1  

Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chairman

   173 
3.2  

Remuneration policy report

   181 
3.3  

Annual report on remuneration

   189 
4.3  

Results, financial instruments and going concern

   227 
4  Directors’ Report   212 
4.1  Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs   214 
4.2  Share capital and buy-back programs   215 
4.3  Results, financial instruments and going concern   216 
4.4  Directors   216   

Directors

   227 
4.5  Remuneration and share interests   217   

Remuneration and share interests

   227 
4.6  Secretaries   217   

Secretaries

   228 
4.7  Indemnities and insurance   218   

Indemnities and insurance

   228 
4.8  Employee policies   218   

Employee policies

   229 
4.9  Corporate governance   219   

Corporate governance

   229 
4.10  Dividends   219   

Dividends

   229 
4.11  Auditors   219   

Auditors

   229 
4.12  Non-audit services   219   

Non-audit services

   229 
4.13  Political donations   219   

Political donations

   230 
4.14  Exploration, research and development   220   

Exploration, research and development

   230 
4.15  ASIC Instrument 2016/191   220   

ASIC Instrument 2016/191

   230 
4.16  Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited   220   

Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited

   230 
4.17  Performance in relation to environmental regulation   220   

Performance in relation to environmental regulation

   230 
4.18  Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information   220   

Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information

   231 
5  Financial Statements   222   

Financial Statements

   232 
6  Additional information   223   

Additional Information

   233 
6.1  Information on mining operations   224   

Alternative Performance Measures

   234 
6.2  Production   246   

Information on mining operations

   244 
6.3  Reserves   250   

Production

   259 
6.4  Major projects   268   

Reserves

   263 
6.5  Climate change data   269   

Major projects

   281 
6.6  Legal proceedings   273   

Sustainability – performance data

   283 
6.7  

Legal proceedings

   321 
6.8  

Glossary

   326 
7  Shareholder Information   340 
7.1  History and development   341 
7.2  Markets   341 
7.3  Organisational structure   341 
7.4  Material contracts   343 
7.5  Constitution   344 
7.6  Share ownership   349 
7.7  Dividends   352 
7.8  American Depositary Receipts fees and charges   353 
7.9  Government regulations   354 
7.10  Taxation   356 
7.11  Ancillary information for our shareholders   362 
8  Exhibits   368 

 

iv


6.7  Glossary   279 
7  Shareholder information   293 
7.1  History and development   294 
7.2  Markets   295 
7.3  Organisational structure   296 
7.4  Material contracts   299 
7.5  Constitution   300 
7.6  Share ownership   305 
7.7  Dividends   309 
7.8  American Depositary Receipts fees and charges   310 
7.9  Taxation   311 
7.10  Government regulations   318 
7.11  Ancillary information for our shareholders   321 
8  Exhibits   326 

v


Forward looking statements

This Annual Report contains forward looking statements, includingincluding: statements regarding trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; demand for commodities; production forecasts; plans, strategies and objectives of management; closure or divestment of certain assets, operations or facilities (including associated costs); anticipated production or construction commencement dates; capital costs and scheduling; operating costs;costs and supply of materials and skilled employees; anticipated productive lives of projects, mines and facilities; provisions and contingent liabilities; and tax and regulatory developments.

Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology including, but not limited to, ‘intend’, ‘aim’, ‘project’, ‘see’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘plan’, ‘objective’, ‘believe’, ‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘will’, ‘would’ ‘continue’ or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations concerning the results of assets or financial conditions, or provide other forward looking information.

These forward looking statements are based on the information available as at the date of this Annual Report and are not guarantees or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this Annual Report. Readers are cautioned not to put undueBHP cautions against reliance on any forward looking statements.statements or guidance, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption arising in connection with COVID-19.

For example, our future revenues from our assets, projects or mines described in this Annual Report will be based, in part, on the market price of the minerals, metals or petroleum products produced, which may vary significantly from current levels. These variations, if materially adverse, may affect the timing or the feasibility of the development of a particular project, the expansion of certain facilities or mines, or the continuation of existing assets.

Other factors that may affect the actual construction or production commencement dates, costs or production output and anticipated lives of assets, mines or facilities include: our ability to profitably produce and transport the minerals, petroleum and/or metals extracted to applicable markets; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on the market prices of the minerals, petroleum or metals we produce; activities of government authorities in the countries where we sell our products and in the countries where we are exploring or developing projects, facilities or mines, including increases in taxes,taxes; changes in environmental and other regulationsregulations; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business; political uncertainty; labour unrest; and other factors identified in the risk factors set out in section 1.6.4.1.5.4.

Except as required by applicable regulations or by law, BHP does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events.

Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

Agreements for sale

v


Sale of Onshore US

On 28 September 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of BHP Billiton Petroleum (Arkansas) Inc. and 100 per cent of the membership interests in BHP Billiton Petroleum (Fayetteville) LLC, which held the Fayetteville assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$0.3 billion.

On 31 October 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the BHP subsidiary whichthat held the Eagle Ford (being Black Hawk and Hawkville), Haynesville and Permian assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$10.3 billion (net of preliminary customary completion adjustments of US$0.2 billion).

While the effective date at which the right to economic profits transferred to the purchasers was 1 July 2018, the Group continued to control the Onshore US assets until the completion dates of their respective transactions. In addition, the Group provided transitional services to the buyer, which ceased in July 2019.

For IFRS accounting purposes, Onshore US is treated as Discontinued operations in BHP’s Financial Statements. Unless otherwise stated, information in section 5 has been presented on a Continuing operations basis to exclude the contribution from Onshore US assets. Details of the contribution of Onshore US assets to the Group’s results are disclosed in note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5. All other information in this Annual Report (other than FY2019 safety performance data) relating to the Group has been presented on a Continuing and Discontinued operations basis to include the contribution from Onshore US assets prior to completion of their sale, unless otherwise stated. FY2019 safety performance data in this Annual Report has been presented on a Continuing and Discontinued operations basis to include the contribution from Onshore US assets to 28 February 2019.

Unless otherwise stated, comparative financial information for FY2017 FY2016 and FY2015FY2016 has been restated to reflect the sale of the Onshore US assets, as required by IFRS 5/AASB 5‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’. Consolidated Balance Sheet information for these periods has not been restated as accounting standards do not require it.

vi


Form20-F Cross Reference Table

Item Number

Description

Report section reference

1.

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and AdvisorsNot applicable

2.

Offer Statistics and Expected TimetableNot applicable

3.

Key Information

    A

Selected financial data1.12

    B

Capitalization and indebtednessNot applicable

    C

Reasons for the offer and use of proceedsNot applicable

    D

Risk factors1.6.4

4.

Information on the Company

    A

History and development of the company1.3, 1.11, 1.12, 6.4, 6.6, 7.1 to 7.4, 7.5.13

    B

Business overview1.3 to 1.6, 1.11 to 1.13, 7.3, 7.4, 7.10

    C

Organizational structure7.3, Note 28 to the Financial Statements

    D

Property, plant and equipment1.11.1 to 1.11.3, 1.13, 6.1 to 6.4, Note 11 to the Financial Statements

4A.

Unresolved Staff CommentsNone

5.

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

    A

Operating results1.5, 1.6, 1.12 to 1.13, 7.10

    B

Liquidity and capital resources1.12.3, 5.1.4, Notes 19 and 32 to the Financial Statements

    C

Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.1.4.1, 1.6.3, 1.11, 1.12, 4.14, 6.3

    D

Trend information1.6.1, 1.11.1 to 1.11.3, 1.13

    E

Off-balance sheet arrangements1.14, Notes 32 and 33 to the Financial Statements

    F

Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations1.14, Notes 32 and 33 to the Financial Statements

6.

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

    A

Directors and senior management2.2

    B

Compensation3

    C

Board practices2.2, 2.13

    D

Employees1.9

    E

Share ownership2.19, 3.3.20, 3.3.21, Note 23 to the Financial Statements

7.

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

    A

Major shareholders7.6

    B

Related party transactionsNotes 23 and 31 to the Financial Statements

    C

Interests of experts and counselNot applicable

8.

Financial Information

    A

Consolidated statements and other financial information1.7, 5.1, 5.6, 6.6, 7.7, the pages beginning onF-1 in this Annual Report

    B

Significant changesNote 34 to the Financial Statements

9.

The Offer and Listing

    A

Offer and listing details7.2

    B

Plan of distributionNot applicable

    C

Markets7.2

    D

Selling shareholdersNot applicable

    E

DilutionNot applicable

    F

Expenses of the issueNot applicable

vii


Item Number

  

Description

  

Report section reference

10.

  Additional Information  

    A

  Share capital  Not applicable

    B

  Memorandum and articles of association  7.3, 7.5

    C

  Material contracts  7.4

    D

  Exchange controls  7.10

    E

  Taxation  7.9

    F

  Dividends and paying agents  Not applicable

    G

  Statement by experts  Not applicable

    H

  Documents on display  7.5

    I

  Subsidiary information  Note 28 to the Financial Statements

11.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  1.6, Note 21 to the Financial Statements

12.

  Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities  

    A

  Debt securities  Not applicable

    B

  Warrants and rights  Not applicable

    C

  Other securities  Not applicable

    D

  American Depositary Shares  7.8

13.

  Defaults, Dividend arrearages and Delinquencies  There have been no defaults, dividend arrearages or delinquencies

14.

  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds  There have been no material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds since our last Annual Report

15.

  Controls and Procedures  2.13.1, 5.2A

16A.

  Audit committee financial expert  2.8, 2.13.1

16B.

  Code of Ethics  2.16

16C.

  Principal Accountant Fees and Services  2.13.1, Note 35 to the Financial Statements

16D.

  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees  Not applicable

16E.

  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers  4.2

16F.

  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant  2.13.1

16G.

  Corporate Governance  2

16H.

  Mine Safety Disclosure  Not applicable

17.

  Financial Statements  Not applicable as Item 18 complied with

18.

  Financial Statements  The pages beginning on pageF-1 in this Annual Report

19.

  Exhibits  8

viii


1    Strategic Report

About this Strategic Report

ThisThe FY2020 Strategic Report in section 1 provides insight into BHP’s strategy, operating and business model, and objectives. It describes the principal risks BHP faces and how these risks might affect our future prospects. It also gives our perspective on our recent operational, financial and financialnon-financial performance.

BHP performed strongly in FY2020 with zero fatalities and record production performance in a number of operations.

A summary of our performance covering financial, operational and social value is set out in section 1.3. We also set out why what we do is integral to modern life in sections 1.4 and 1.5.

This disclosureyear, we have further integrated our sustainability reporting into the Annual Report to help stakeholders understand the most material topics, for example climate change (section 1.7.8), tailings dams (section 1.7.10), Indigenous peoples (section 1.7.9) and Samarco (section 1.8). Non-operated joint ventures and their performance are covered in section 1.9.3 (Cerrejón and Antamina).

More information is also available at bhp.com. This includes case studies, our new Climate Change Report 2020, and our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) databook, which provides sustainability performance data and is targeted at both investors and ESG data providers.

Finally, the Strategic Report is intended to assist shareholders and other stakeholders to understand and interpret the Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) included in this Annual Report. The basis of preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements is set out in section 5.1. We also use alternative performance measures to explain our underlying performance; however, these measures should not be considered as an indication of, or as a substitute for, statutory measures as an indicator of actual operating performance, position or as a substitute for cash flow as a measure of liquidity. To obtain full details of the financial and operational performance of BHP, this Strategic Report should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Underlying EBITDA is the key measure that management uses internally to assess the performance of the Group’s segments and make decisions on the allocation of resources. Unless otherwise stated, data in section 1 is presented on a Continuing operations and Discontinued operations basis.

This Strategic Report in section 1 meets the requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006 and the Operating and Financial Review required by the Australian Corporations Act 2001.

References to sections beyond section 1 are references to other sections in this Annual Report 2019. Shareholders may obtain a hard copy of the Annual Report free of charge by contacting our Share Registrars, whose details are set out in our Corporate directory onat the inside back coverend of this Annual Report.

 

1vi


Form 20-F Cross Reference Table

Item Number

  

Description

  

Report section reference

1.

   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors  Not applicable

2.

   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable  Not applicable

3.

   Key Information  
 A  Selected financial data  1.10
 B  Capitalization and indebtedness  Not applicable
 C  Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds  Not applicable
 D  Risk factors  1.5.4

4.

   Information on the Company  
 A  History and development of the company  1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5.3, 1.6 to 1.12, 5.7, 6.2 to 6.7, 7.1 to 7.4 and 7.5.14
 B  Business overview  1.4 to 1.5, 1.9 to 1.11, 7.3, 7.4, 7.9 and Note 1 to the Financial Statements
 C  Organizational structure  7.3 and Note 29 to the Financial Statements
 D  Property, plant and equipment  1.5.3, 1.5.4, 1.7.6, 1.7.8, 1.7.10, 1.9.1 to 1.9.4, 1.11, 5.7, 6.2 to 6.5 and Notes 11, 14 and 20 to the Financial Statements

4A.

   Unresolved Staff Comments  None

5.

   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects  
 A  Operating results  1.4, 1.5, 1.10 to 1.11 and 7.9
 B  Liquidity and capital resources  1.4, 1.10.3, 5.1.4, Notes 19 to 22 and 38 to the Financial Statements
 C  Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.  1.4.1, 1.5.3, 1.6.1, 1.6.3, 1.7.1, 1.7.6. to 1.7.8, 1.9 to 1.11, 4.14, 6.5 and Notes 11 and 14 to the Financial Statements
 D  Trend information  1.1, 1.2, 1.4.1, 1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.4, 1.7.1, 1.7.6. to 1.7.8, 1.9.2 to 1.9.4 and 1.11
 E  Off-balance sheet arrangements  1.12 and Notes 11, 20 and 33 to the Financial Statements
 F  Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations  1.12 and Notes 19, 20 and 38 to the Financial Statements
 G  Safe harbor  Page v

6.

   Directors, Senior Management and Employees  
 A  Directors and senior management  1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5 and Exhibit 15.3
 B  Compensation  3
 C  Board practices  2.2, 2.9, 2.10, 2.12, 3.2.5, 3.2.6, 3.3.13
 D  Employees  1.4.6, 1.6.1, 1.6.2, 6.6.1 and Note 27 to the Financial Statements
 E  Share ownership  3.3.19, 3.3.21, 3.3.23, 4.2, 4.5, 4.18 and Notes 15, 16 and 24 to the Financial Statements

7.

   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions  
 A  Major shareholders  7.6
 B  Related party transactions  3.3.26 and Notes 23 and 32 to the Financial Statements
 C  Interests of experts and counsel  Not applicable

8.

   Financial Information  
 A  Consolidated statements and other financial information  1.8, 4.10, 5.1, 5.2A, 6.7, 7.7 and the pages beginning on F-1 in this Annual Report
 B  Significant changes  Note 34 to the Financial Statements

9.

   The Offer and Listing  
 A  Offer and listing details  7.2
 B  Plan of distribution  Not applicable
 C  Markets  7.2
 D  Selling shareholders  Not applicable
 E  Dilution  Not applicable
 F  Expenses of the issue  Not applicable

10.

   Additional Information  
 A  Share capital  Not applicable
 B  Memorandum and articles of association  7.3 and 7.5
 C  Material contracts  7.4
 D  Exchange controls  7.9
 E  Taxation  7.10
 F  Dividends and paying agents  Not applicable
 G  Statement by experts  Not applicable
 H  Documents on display  7.5
 I  Subsidiary information  Note 29 to the Financial Statements and Exhibit 8.1

11.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  1.5 and Note 22 to the Financial Statements

12.

   Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities  
 A  Debt securities  Not applicable
 B  Warrants and rights  Not applicable
 C  Other securities  Not applicable
 D  American Depositary Shares  7.8

13.

   Defaults, Dividend arrearages and Delinquencies  There have been no defaults, dividend arrearages or delinquencies

14.

   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds  There have been no material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds since our last Annual Report

15.

   Controls and Procedures  2.10 and 5.2A

16A.

   Audit committee financial expert  2.2, 2.7 and 2.10

16B.

   Code of Ethics  2.15

16C.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services  2.10 and Note 35 to the Financial Statements

16D.

   Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees  Not applicable

16E.

   Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers  4.2

16F.

   Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant  Not applicable

16G.

   Corporate Governance  2

16H.

   Mine Safety Disclosure  Not applicable

17.

   Financial Statements  Not applicable as Item 18 complied with

18.

   Financial Statements  The pages beginning on page F-1 in this Annual Report

19.

   Exhibits  8

vii


Section 1

Strategic Report

1.1  Chair’s Review   2 
1.2  Chief Executive Officer’s Report   3 
1.3  BHP at a glance: FY2020   4 
1.4  Performance   5 
1.4.1  Our strategy   5 
1.4.2  Social value   6 
1.4.3  Stakeholder engagement   7 
1.4.4  Our Operating Model   13 
1.4.5  Managing performance   14 
1.4.6  COVID-19: Our global response   15 
1.4.7  Our performance: Financial KPIs   18 
1.4.8  Our performance: Non-financial KPIs   21 
1.4.9  Our contribution in FY2020   25 
1.5  Our operating environment   26 
1.5.1  Market factors and trends   26 
1.5.2  Commodity performance overview   28 
1.5.3  Exploration   29 
1.5.4  Risk management   32 
1.6  Capability and culture   57 
1.6.1  Our people   57 
1.6.2  Employees and contractors   63 
1.6.3  Technology   64 
1.7  Sustainability   66 
1.7.1  Sustainability guided by our purpose   66 
1.7.2  Our approach   68 
1.7.3  Safety   71 
1.7.4  Health   72 
1.7.5  Ethics and business conduct   74 
1.7.6  Environment   75 
1.7.7  Value chain sustainability   80 
1.7.8  Climate change   82 
1.7.9  Community   89 
1.7.10  Tailings storage facilities   93 
1.7.11  Not required for US reporting   96 
1.8  Samarco   97 
1.9  Portfolio: Our business   100 
1.9.1  Locations   100 
1.9.2  Minerals Australia   102 
1.9.3  Minerals Americas   108 
1.9.4  Petroleum   116 
1.9.5  Commercial   120 
1.10  Summary of financial performance   121 
1.10.1  Group overview   121 
1.10.2  Financial results   122 
1.10.3  Debt and sources of liquidity   126 
1.10.4  Alternative Performance Measures   127 
1.11  Performance by commodity   128 
1.11.1  Petroleum   128 
1.11.2  Copper   133 
1.11.3  Iron Ore   135 
1.11.4  Coal   137 
1.11.5  Other assets   139 
1.12  Other information   140 

1.1    Chairman’sChair’s Review

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to provide our Annual Report for FY2019.FY2020.

DuringThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact in our host nations and markets around the year,world. It has tested the resilience of millions of lives and livelihoods, as well as healthcare systems and economies in ways we could never have imagined.

Despite the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, BHP’s response has remained strong. Our people stepped up and quickly adopted measures to keep themselves, their families and the communities where we operate, safe and well. Their steadfast commitment has meant we have been able to keep our operations running safely and continue to contribute to local economies, through the jobs we create and the taxes and royalties we pay.

BHP’s relentless focus on strengthening our portfolio,five priority areas – safety; portfolio; capital discipline,discipline; culture and productivity deliveredcapability; and social value – has enabled us to meet the global challenges of the crisis from a solidposition of strength and to deliver a strong set of financial results. Higher pricesresults in FY2020. The outstanding efforts of our teams, our high-quality portfolio and record production fromdisciplined approach to capital allocation enabled the Board to declare US$1.20 per share in dividends for the year.

The health and safety of our people remains the highest priority. We recorded no fatalities at our operations during the year and have had fewer frequent safety events with the potential to cause a number of operations contributedfatality. However, there is no room for complacency and we must continue to strong operating cash flows and enabled BHP to announce a record final dividend of 78 US cents per share.push for exceptional safety performance every day.

We completedcontinue to invest and plan for the sale of our Onshore US oil and gas business in October 2018. Net proceeds of US$10.4 billion were returned to shareholders through a combination of anoff-marketbuy-back in December 2018, and a special dividend in January 2019. These returns, when added to dividends announced in respect of FY2019, delivered record annualfuture while at the same time delivering strong cash returns to our shareholders. Similarly, our commodity portfolio has remained resilient throughout FY2020. We believe our products will play an essential role in a decarbonising world and will help us grow value for many decades to come.

The Board appointed Mike Henry as BHP’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January, replacing Andrew Mackenzie. Mike has long been a strong advocate for the resources industry, driving higher standards of safety and contributing to our local communities and global stakeholders. He is committed to unlocking and accelerating greater value in our assets and operations. In doing so he will make BHP safer, leaner, high performing and future fit. Andrew was instrumental in turning BHP into a simpler and more productive company, and one that is financially stronger and sharply focused on value for shareholders and society. I would like to thank Andrew for his outstanding contribution as CEO.

We also continued to investtake a rigorous and structured approach to our Board renewal process. Gary Goldberg joined the Board in February, and Dion Weisler joined the Board in June. As announced in May, we also look forward to Xiaoqun Clever joining the Board in October.

Lindsay Maxsted will retire from the Board on 4 September 2020, and Shriti Vadera will be retiring from the Board following the 2020 Annual General Meetings. Shriti and Lindsay have been highly regarded members of the Board since 2011, with Shriti serving as the Senior Independent Director since 2015, and Lindsay serving as Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee. We have benefited greatly from Shriti’s and Lindsay’s extensive experience and I would like to thank them for their invaluable contribution and commitment to BHP.

FY2020 was a year where we worked hard to integrate social value into every decision we make. BHP’s immediate response to the pandemic, under decisive direction from Mike and his leadership team, has been clear from day one. From creating hundreds of operational jobs across our futureMinerals Australia business, to providing funding that has directly benefited communities where we have a presence around the world, and accelerating payments for our small, local and Indigenous suppliers, BHP has continued to step up and play our part.

Taking actions that make a difference also extends to BHP’s commitment to address climate change and progress made through our Climate Investment Program, as outlined in the BHP Climate Change Report 2020. We have set a medium-term target to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 operational emissions by at least 30 per cent by FY2030 (from FY2020 levels (1)). We also have set clearly defined Scope 3 emissions goals for 2030 to support industry to develop technologies and pathways capable of 30 per cent emissions intensity reduction in integrated steelmaking, with widespread adoption expected post-2030, and to support 40 per cent emissions intensity reduction of BHP-chartered shipping of our products.

While the challenges of the pandemic are likely to remain for some time to come, I am confident our disciplined and transparent application of our Capital Allocation Framework. BHP currently has six major projects under development in petroleum, copper, iron ore and potash. All of them are on schedule and budget.

While we made strong progress in FY2019, we achieve nothing if it is not done safely. Tragically, in December last year, our colleague Allan Houston died at BMA’s Saraji Mine in Queensland. I offer my condolences to Allan’s family, friends and colleagues. We have shared the findings of the fatality investigation across the organisation and we will continue our work to improve safety tools and behaviours.

The collapse earlier this year of the Brumadinho tailings dam, owned by Brazilian company Vale, was a tragic event for the industry. Unfortunately, we know too well the toll these events take on communities. We have responded to a Church of England Pensions Board request for information on our own tailings facilities – a request sent to around 700 mining companies. We held investor briefings in Sydney and London to talk openly about how we manage our tailings storage facilities. We are working closely with industry and other stakeholders to achieve more consistent disclosure. We will also participate in setting new international and independent tailings management standards to improve transparency and accountability across the industry.

Throughout FY2019, I met with many of our shareholders and stakeholders. These discussions have renewed our commitment to deliver on the five key priorities for BHP – safety, portfolio, capital discipline, culture and capability, and social value. I strongly believe our focus on these key areasfocused approach will create value for shareholders and make a positive contribution to society.

To strengthen our operating performance, this year we established a dedicated Transformation Officesociety for many years to focus on workforce capability and technology deployment. Our transformation efforts will make BHP safer and our operations more efficient and reliable. These efforts will develop workforce capability so that our people are equipped for the rapid pace of change that lies ahead. Coupled with a lean and agile management culture, transformation has the potential to unlock significant value in the short and medium term.

We also take a structured and rigorous approach to Board succession. In FY2019, we welcomed two new Board members, Ian Cockerill and Susan Kilsby, who joined us in April 2019. Ian and Susan are both excellent additions to the Board and will help ensure we have the right balance of attributes, skills, experience and diversity necessary for the Board to govern BHP effectively.

Carolyn Hewson, a Board member for over nine years, will be retiring from the Board, as planned, at this year’s Annual General Meeting. On behalf of her colleagues on the Board, and the many employees she has closely interacted with over this term, I thank Carolyn for her counsel on the Board and as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Carolyn has made an outstanding contribution to BHP and we wish her the very best for the future.

The progress our people have made to our five focus areas has positioned us well for the future. I am confident that BHP, led by Andrew Mackenzie and the leadership team, has the right assets and capability to deliver strong shareholder value and returns.come.

Thank you for your continued support of BHP.

Ken MacKenzie

ChairmanChair

 

2
(1)

FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on greenhouse gas emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.


1.2    Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Dear Shareholder,

BHP’s commitmentThank you for your continued support and investment in BHP through what has been an extraordinary 12 months. We have a resilient portfolio, great people and strong relationships. These contributed to simplification, capital discipline and culture laid the groundwork for a solid performance in FY2019. From these strong foundations, we are confidentset of results, safely achieved in the long-term outlook,face of some significant challenges in our markets and in our operating regions.

It is my privilege to have been selected by your Board to lead BHP. I want to thank my predecessor, Andrew Mackenzie, for his leadership in creating a simpler, more focused company, setting up BHP for the future.

Performing in extraordinary times

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on lives, society and the global economy. BHP supports communities, customers and countries around the world with significant opportunities ahead to further transform ourthe jobs, business and delivermaterials that will help the world navigate through the pandemic, and then rebuild. We have prioritised keeping our people and communities safe, supporting those who rely on BHP, and keeping our operations running reliably.

We have taken action to protect our workforce against COVID-19 by investing in more transportation capacity, restricting travel to our operations and protecting at-risk workers. We have shortened payment terms for small, local and Indigenous suppliers to help address the financial pressures they are otherwise facing as a result of the pandemic. We have funded social and health programs in our communities globally, have hired 1,500 more people temporarily, and the BHP Foundation is funding vaccine research. In the face of this crisis, people across BHP have rallied in line with our purpose and values in a way that has seen them stay safe while keeping the business running and performing strongly.

We had no fatalities during the year and our total recordable injury frequency fell 11 per cent to 4.2 per million hours worked. A number of our operations achieved production or throughput records and unit costs were lower across all of our major assets. Our major capital projects are tracking well.

Our continued focus on disciplined allocation of capital saw us invest US$7.6 billion in our assets while maintaining net debt at the lower end of our target range, ensuring a strong balance sheet in these volatile times. We declared a final dividend to shareholders of US$0.55 per share, taking our annual dividend distribution to US$1.20 per share. This is the third year in a row we have returned more than US$6 billion to shareholders, highlighting the resilience of our portfolio and our people.

Growing value and returns for

We create value through our shareholders.

While our performance is a key indicator of success, how we operate is equally critical.

This year, we changedOur Charter to revise our company purpose. Our purpose is: topurpose: ‘To bring people and resources together to build a better world’. Just prior to starting in the CEO role, I spent six weeks engaging with people in BHP’s operations and offices around the world.We also added I came away energised by what I heard and confident in the potential for BHP to create even greater value for shareholders and society – an even safer, more reliable, and lower cost BHP, with social value as one of our five company priorities. These changes recognise thatcore to everything we work withdo. We will grow value and returns for all those who have a range of stakeholders to makestake in a positive contribution to the world. We know we must build trustsuccessful BHP.

Value and forge mutually beneficial partnerships for the long term, because thereturns will be underpinned by embedding social value, we create together is central to shareholder value.

As alwaysbeing excellent at BHP, the health, safetyoperations and wellbeing of our people remains our highest priority.

In December 2018, our colleague Allan Houston died at BMA’s Saraji Mine in Queensland. He remains in our thoughts as do his colleagues, familyallocating capital, and friends. After a lengthy and thorough investigation, we could not determine the direct cause of the incident but the investigation identified several areas for improvement, which we shared across the organisation.

There was a slight rise in total recordable injury frequency to 4.7 per million hours worked. However, we reduced the number of events with the potential to cause a fatality by 7 per cent, which is a critical indicator of our future safety performance across our business. This result is positive, but there is more we can and will do.

Our FY2019 financial performance from continuing operations was strong. Higher prices and solid underlying performance contributed to EBITDA of US$23 billion at a margin of 53 per cent. Underlying attributable profit was US$9.5 billion.

We have generated consistently strong operating cash flows over the past few years and delivered a further US$17 billion in FY2019. We used this cash to progress attractive growth projects, pay down debt and deliver record cash returns to shareholders.

The final dividend declared for FY2019 was a record 78 US cents per share – or US$3.9 billion in total. This is in addition to the $US17 billion we already returned to shareholders during the year.

With the approval of the Ruby oil and gas development in August 2019, we now have six major projects under development. All of these are on schedule and budget. We also had further exploration success in copper and oil and are confidentensuring we have a richportfolio with options that allow us to invest in meeting society’s needs in the short, medium and long term.

In this regard, we recently announced further steps in the continued optimisation of our portfolio, including the intended divestment of some of our coal assets whose value will be best realised outside BHP, and our non-operated interest in the Bass Strait joint venture. We will create and secure more options in future-facing commodities through innovation, exploration, early stage entry and well-timed acquisitions of attractive resources and assets. We have also announced new roles on the Executive Leadership Team. These changes will help ensure operational and technical excellence are front and centre for the company and that we are successful in creating and securing more options in future facing commodities, which will benefit successive generations of shareholders.

Sustainability and resilience

BHP’s commitment to sustainability is important and enduring. We have refreshed our approach to sustainability reporting. Key information and performance data is included in this Report and we have significantly expanded our sustainability content on our website, including the provision of a databook to make core information more accessible.

The BHP Climate Change Report 2020 details our approach to climate change and the role we will play in addressing it. We have committed to reducing our operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels (1) by FY2030. For Scope 3 emissions, we have set goals for 2030. We will support industry to develop technologies and pathways capable of options30 per cent emissions intensity reduction in integrated steel-making, with widespread adoption expected post 2030. We will also support 40 per cent emissions intensity reduction of BHP-chartered shipping of our products.

Conclusion

We are proud of our operational and financial performance in FY2020, which was achieved safely and in the face of some extraordinary challenges.

We expect that the global economy will take some time to stabilise and recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Commodity markets will likely remain volatile. The trailing consequences of high unemployment and spiralling debt are likely to reinforce global concern about inequality and systemic disadvantage. Environmental sustainability will remain a global priority.

BHP’s values, strategy and actions position us well to navigate the period ahead and to play a role in the recovery process. We remain committed to addressing climate change, creating social value and to an inclusive workforce. We have structured our business to thrive through changing times, and we are set up well to deal with near-term market uncertainty and to prosper as the world returns to its trajectory of long-term growth.

BHP’s performance in the past year illustrates this resilience and our potential to continue to grow value in the future.and returns for shareholders and society.

In July 2019, we announced a five-year US$400 million Climate Investment Program to find the best technologies, investments and solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain.

We are well positioned for future success. We have plans to maximise the value of our assets through our transformation programs and disciplined investment. We will invest in our culture and capabilities so our workforce is more inclusive and diverse and ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Their hard work has secured a strong outcome for BHP this year and I thank them for their energy and commitment.

Thank you also toTo all our shareholders, suppliers, customers and the communities in which we operate. We are a better company because ofthank you for your trustongoing commitment and support.

Andrew MackenzieMike Henry

Chief Executive Officer

 

3
(1)

FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on greenhouse gas emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.


1.3    BHP at a glance: FY2019 performance summaryFY2020

Not required for US reporting. Refer to sections 1.12 and 1.13.

4


1.3    BHP at a glance: What we do

LOGO

(1)

All figures include data for Continuing and Discontinued operations.

5


1.4    About BHPPerformance

1.4.1    Our strategy

At BHP, ourBHP’s strategy is to have the best capabilities, best commodities and best assets, to create long-term value and high returns. Our strategy is underpinned by our disciplined approach to capital allocation and risk management and our overriding commitment to generating social value for our stakeholders.

Social value is at the core of our approach and purpose – to bring people and resources together to build a better world. It underpins our decisions and actions, from the positive contribution we make to the environment and society, to supporting the needs of our workforce, partners, customers, economies and communities.

The longevity of BHP’s assets means we must think and plan in decades. The long-term health of our business is dependent on the long-term health of our society and a sustainable natural environment.

As we look to the future, BHP and our products will play an essential role as the world’s population continues to grow, improved living standards are pursued and momentum towards decarbonisation increases.

 

LOGO

Driven by a commitment to transformation, capital discipline and social valueLOGO

Our strategy maximises value and returns

We have secured and will continue to grow options in copper and nickel, where increasing demand and our capability give us competitive opportunities. We are moving to concentrate our coal portfolio on higher-quality coking coals, with greatest potential upside for quality premiums as steelmakers seek to improve blast furnace utilisation and reduce emissions intensity, and will pursue options to divest our interests in BMC, New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) and Cerrejón.

In oil and gas, we will continue to invest in opportunities that are resilient under a simplerange of price scenarios, and diversewhich are aligned to our strengths. We will seek to divest oil and gas assets that are mature or which are likely to realise greater value under different ownership.

This approach to actively managing our portfolio for value, risk and returns over multiple time horizons will yield superior returns for our investors and greater value for our partners and communities.

We have some of tier onethe world’s best assets. They are long life, low costThis is backed up by the discipline and expandable. competition stimulated through our Capital Allocation Framework, which has driven better transparent decision-making and capital efficiency.

To extract the most value and the highest returns from our assets we apply ourOur Charter values and culture of care to operate them safely and productively, and deploysupported by technology.

This has worked for shareholders. Since 2016We want BHP to be recognised as the resources industry’s best operator. To do this we have:must:

 

strengthenedhave a relentless focus on the elimination of fatalities and achieving our balance sheet through a US$17 billion reduction in net debt;climate change, water and social value commitments

 

reinvested US$27 billion in development options;be leaner and higher performing – lower cost, more reliable and productive

 

importantly, returned more than US$29 billioncreate and secure options in future-facing commodities to shareholders.continue to grow value

To maintain this track record,

1.4.2    Social value

Social value is the positive contribution we must make the most of our portfolio and develop options that secure success. Future success depends not only on our commitment to capital discipline but also social value, which is our contribution to our people, the environment and communities. It informssociety through considering the way in which we provide resources, achieve commercial successneeds of and maintaining respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with our workforce, partners, customers, economies and communities.

Consideration of social value helps us create new business opportunities and make better-informed business decisions.

Social value is a BHP priority and is embedded in our workplace safe. We havewhole-of-business five-year planning process. When business planning occurs each year, each operated asset must consider local and global issues that are important to its stakeholders, assess its performance on those issues and develop a responsibilityplan for how to produce strong commercial, sustainableproactively contribute social value in these areas, in partnership with our global functions and local stakeholders.

In FY2020, we completed the first social outcomesvalue assessments across our operated assets in Minerals Australia and Minerals Americas. These assessments identify social value priorities for our shareholders, communitieseach asset and society. This inspired us to refresh our purpose to acknowledge people asare a key input into the driving force behind our achievementsasset’s five-year plan. The benefit of this approach is that community and reflect our broader contribution.sustainability initiatives are fully integrated into core business planning activities. For more detailinformation on BHP’s purpose,many of these initiatives, refer to section 1.10.1.1.7.

Transformation

Our Transformation program will continue to simplify the way we work, increase our workforce capability, establish innovative partnershipsMore information on social value and create more stable and predictable operations, with the aim of unlocking more value. The Transformation program includes:

theits importance at BHP Operating System, which will change the way we work;

World Class Functions, designed to simplify and remove bureaucracy;

Centres of Excellence that help us beis available at the forefront of change;

Value Chain Automation, which will change the way we operate.

These will:

improve operational stability;

make a quantum shift in safety, performance and value;

continue to increase productivity;

6bhp.com.


1.4.3    Stakeholder engagement

Section 172 statement

How the Board complied with its section 172 duty

The UK Companies Act 2006 (CA2006) sets out a number of general duties, which directors owe to the company. New legislation has been introduced to help shareholders better understand how directors have discharged their duty to promote the success of the company, while having regard to the matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) of the CA2006 (s172 factors). The Board welcomes the new Section 172 reporting requirements.

The Board considers the interests of a range of stakeholders in its discussions, decision-making and implementation of BHP’s strategy and purpose, which will have an impact on the long-term success of the Group. The Board does not typically engage with every stakeholder group every year; however, engagement does take place at management level and management discusses this with Directors during Board meetings.

In addition, the Board considers the likely consequences of decisions in the long term, the impact of the Group’s operations on the community and the environment and the importance of maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct.

More detail about our approach to these matters, along with other stakeholder considerations, is set out in the Strategic Report as detailed in this table - in particular the Board and Board Sustainability Committee’s approach to Sustainability, the environment, tailings storage facilities and Samarco.

S172 factorKey examplesSection

Workforce

— Approach to workforce in relation to COVID-19

— Culture and capabilities

— Health and safety

— Workforce engagement

1.4.6

1.6.1

1.7.3 and 1.7.4

2.6.2

Community and government

— Local economic growth

— Social investment

— Indigenous peoples

1.7.9

1.7.9

1.7.9

Investors

— Understanding the views of BHP shareholders

2.6.1

Suppliers and customers

— Acceleration of supplier payment terms (case study)

— Working with suppliers

— Responsible sourcing

— Commercial

1.4.6

1.6.1

1.7.7

1.9.5

Environment

— Land and biodiversity

— Rehabilitation and closure

— Water

— Climate change

1.7.6

1.7.6

1.7.6

1.7.8

High standards of conduct

— Human rights

— Tailings storage facilities

— Samarco

1.7.9

1.7.10

1.8

Workforce

The Board uses a range of formal and informal communication channels and reporting methods to understand the views of the workforce. This includes engaging with and hearing the perspectives of employees and contractors from all levels of the business. This includes discussions during site visits, informal events during Board meetings, pulse surveys, feedback through our 24-hour speak up helpline, EthicsPoint and regular updates from the CEO and management. The perspectives of our workforce are factored into the Board’s decision-making on a range of topics, from health and safety to risk management and workforce planning. For more examples, refer to section 2.6.2.

COVID-19 response

The Board and the Sustainability Committee received regular reporting on the controls in place to manage the health and wellbeing of our site and office-based workforce in the context of COVID-19, and the feedback from the workforce and from unions. This included steps taken to ensure social distancing, the approach to testing for COVID-19 and the decision to extend BHP’s Employee Assistance Program to family members. The Board also received reports on the results of a COVID-19 wellbeing survey and steps taken to monitor and address the wellbeing of our workforce, including those working from home. For more information, refer to section 1.4.6.

Health and safety

The Sustainability Committee considers health and safety performance across our operations at every meeting and reports to the Board on its discussions. During the year, the Committee discussed a range of topics relevant to the health and safety of our people, including the mental health program, and the controls in place for workers in the vicinity of tailings dams. In addition, the Sustainability Committee endorsed Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) KPIs for FY2020 and recommended the HSEC outcomes for the Group and the Executive Leadership Team to the Remuneration Committee.

Operations Services

Operations Services provides maintenance and production services across Minerals Australia, supporting our people to build their skills through coaching and by performing in-field verification. The Board discussed Operations Services and its positive impact on safety, productivity and diversity outcomes as well as the training and benefits provided to the Operations Services team. The discussion included direct feedback from Operations Services team members at different sites on their experiences.

Aligning executive pension contribution rate to workforce

At their August 2019 meetings, taking into account data on employee pension contribution levels across the BHP workforce reviewed by the Remuneration Committee earlier in 2019, the Remuneration Committee and Board discussed and endorsed a change to the pension contribution rate for senior executives to bring it lower than the employee average across the Group’s global locations.

Ethics and compliance, and assurance

The Risk and Audit Committee (RAC) received, at its request, increased regularity of reporting from the Chief Compliance Officer on trends in reporting to EthicsPoint and details on consistency in disciplinary outcomes for breaches of Our Code of Conduct (Our Code) which sets out standards of behaviour for our people. The RAC also discussed the introduction of assurance over risk culture by the Internal Audit and Advisory team.

Inclusion and diversity update

In August 2019, the Board discussed progress against agreed FY2019 inclusion and diversity objectives and the proposed scorecard objectives for FY2020, noting that business data shows a more inclusive and diverse workforce has lower injury rates and absenteeism, along with higher scheduled work. The ongoing success of flexible working was also discussed. The Board also considered how capital projects such as South Flank and the Spence Growth Option have integrated inclusion and diversity into project planning, with positive results.

CEO and ELT succession

A major piece of work for the Board during the year was CEO succession. For BHP, succession of the CEO is an ongoing process, which continues to work well in developing internal candidates for this critical role. This year, Andrew Mackenzie retired as CEO and Mike Henry was appointed CEO from 1 January 2020. The Board took account of Mike’s 30 years’ experience in the global mining and petroleum industry, spanning operational, commercial, safety, technology and marketing roles. A critical component of succession at ELT level and below is the existence of a robust senior leadership program that operates across multiple organisational levels to build, develop, renew, recruit and promote our leaders. The Board is actively engaged and oversees the development of the senior team. See section 2.5 for additional information.

CEO-Elect – workforce engagement

In the 45 days between being announced CEO-Elect and becoming CEO, Mike Henry spent time engaging with employees from every asset and almost all major offices. Employees said they were proud of the positive contribution BHP makes to the world through social value, safety and our inclusive and diverse culture. They also saw opportunity to further simplify processes and better align teams to work even faster and maximise value across the business.

Community and government

We recognise that mutually beneficial relationships with communities and governments are crucial to our strategy. The Board takes a range of steps to understand the perspective of communities and governments in order to factor these into decisions as relevant. The Board receives insight into the views of community members and government stakeholders through site visits (e.g. the Group Chair met with the President of Chile and the Australian Ambassador to Chile as part of a visit to Escondida in September 2019 and Directors met with the Premier of Saskatchewan and Indigenous community members as part of a site visit to Jansen in September 2019); engagement with BHP’s Forum on Corporate Responsibility (FCR); management reports to the Board; and feedback received through letters to Directors, EthicsPoint reports and the media.

COVID-19 response

During FY2020, BHP supported the communities where we have a presence in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a broad range of targeted initiatives focused on prevention and support for health services in the regional communities where we have a presence. For example, a A$50 million Vital Resources Fund was established in Australia, with funds used to support hospitals, clinics and public health organisations serving the communities surrounding our Australian operations. For information of our approach to COVID-19 in Chile and elsewhere in the Group, refer to section 1.4.6.

Social value

The Board discussed an update on the implementation of BHP’s approach to social value to support our business priorities, engage effectively with stakeholders and manage external risk. The discussion focused on two priority areas – continuing to integrate our approach to social value into the Group’s standard ways of working and measures to effectively communicate our contribution. The Sustainability Committee discussed an update on societal expectations of the resource industry, how the trends impact our ability to contribute to social value creation and the approach we are taking to respond effectively to these challenges.

Forum on Corporate Responsibility (FCR)

The Sustainability Committee met with members of the FCR, which comprises civil society leaders in various fields of sustainability, to discuss a range of social and environmental issues. The FCR provided the Sustainability Committee with their insights from their September 2019 trip to Chile, which focused on water stewardship and Minerals Americas’ approach to social value. The FCR noted BHP’s leadership in deciding to cease extraction from the Monturaqui aquifer in favour of sourcing water required for Escondida operations from its desalination plant, as well as its approach to renewable power contracts.

Investors

Shareholder perspectives are taken into account by the Board and its Committees in its decision-making and long-term strategic planning. The Board uses formal and informal communication channels to understand the views of shareholders, in addition to Annual General Meetings (AGMs). This includes meetings and discussions between the Group Chair, the Senior Independent Director and the Remuneration Committee Chair and Institutional and Retail shareholders. A range of investors also presented directly to the Board. For more examples, refer to section 2.6.1.

Industry associations

At a number of meetings in 2019 and 2020, the Board had in-depth discussion on the Group’s future approach to industry association membership. The Group Chair and CEO discussed the topic of industry associations with a range of investors, and discussed investors’ feedback with the Board. The Board also received reports on management meetings with a range of investors on industry associations. Investor feedback has been a key input to the Group’s future approach to industry associations, which has been reflected in supportive comments following publication. See bhp.com for our position on industry associations.

Remuneration policy

Investors played an integral role in the development of the remuneration policy approved at the October and November 2019 AGMs. During meetings led by the Board Chair and the Remuneration Committee Chair in April and May 2019, investors provided feedback on what they saw as strengths and weaknesses of the existing policy, and potential means to strengthen it. The Remuneration Committee factored this feedback into a new policy proposal, which was the subject of an extensive further round of consultation. Investor comments in this second round led to refinements to the policy submitted for approval at the AGMs, including the three changes made to the policy as set out on page 139 of the 2019 Annual Report.

Climate change

Significant engagement was undertaken with investors on climate change issues during FY2020. This comprised engagements to review potential implementation approaches for the commitments announced in July 2019 as well as incorporation of climate change into the Group’s social value investor presentations, and engagement with key investor groups, including Climate Action 100+. See bhp.com for the BHP Climate Change Report 2020.

Governance

The Group Chair and Senior Independent Director sought feedback from investors on governance practices as part of the annual cycle of meetings. This included the approach to the AGM and reporting practices. The Governance team, within management, seeks input from investors, including ESG investors, on BHP’s reporting on sustainability. This feedback has been incorporated into this year’s Annual Reporting documents.

Suppliers and customers

The Board and its Committees take into account the perspective of customers and suppliers during their deliberations. In FY2020, this included reports from the CEO and the Chief Commercial Officer on discussions with customers and suppliers and particularly consideration of both regarding COVID-19.

COVID-19 response

Suppliers – We accelerated payments and reduced payment terms to seven days (from 30 days) for small, local and Indigenous suppliers. In Chile, we offered voluntary financial assistance to cover a significant part of contractor companies’ costs to maintain the remuneration of workers demobilised at our operations because of the pandemic.

Customers – The impact of COVID-19 disruptions on our customers’ operations and our engagements with them to mitigate these were captured in the regular COVID-19 updates from the CEO to the Directors.

Vendor rationalisation

The Board discussed strategies to consolidate mining materials and consumables vendors for Minerals Australia, and the impact on other participants in the supply chain. Potential impacts on local and Indigenous suppliers were considered as well as ways to mitigate this risk, including KPIs for assets on local and Indigenous spend.

Supply chain human rights and seafarer welfare

The Sustainability Committee discussed BHP’s risk and controls relating to the potential for adverse human rights impacts in our supply chain, and had a specific deep dive into maritime seafarer welfare. Board and Sustainability Committee reviews were also undertaken of our approach to the supply chain through the discussion and approval of the Modern Slavery Statement FY2020.

Chile social issues

The Board discussed the situation in Chile since October 2019, including the social crisis, the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, and the combined effects of the three, as well as the fact that the country will enter an intense electoral period, starting with the referendum for a new Constitution in October 2020, and ending with the Presidential election in November 2021. The Board reviewed the implementation of Social Value plans for the regions where we operate, as those continue to be the most important instrument for BHP to build trust and long-term relationships with our key stakeholders.

Climate change

Discussions related to how we will work with our customers and suppliers with respect to Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, including our FY2021 actions, CY2030 goals and long-term vision to support the economy-wide transitions necessary to meet the Paris Agreement goals by working with customers and suppliers to achieve sectoral decarbonisation. The Sustainability Committee reviewed proposed measures to deploy our US$400 million Climate Investment Program, which will include investment in emissions reduction projects across our operated assets and value chain and is part of our commitment to take a product stewardship role in relation to our full value chain.

Environment

The Board and its Committees consider a range of environmental matters throughout the year including, detailed discussions relating to climate change, tailings storage facilities, rehabilitation and closure.

Renewable power agreements in Chile

The Board approved four power purchase agreements (PPAs) that will meet the energy requirements for operations at Escondida and Spence from 100 per cent renewable sources by the mid-2020s. The contracts will effectively displace 3 million tonnes of CO2 per year from FY2022 compared to the fossil fuel based contracts they are replacing.

Climate change

The Board and its Committees spent significant time considering climate change in relation to BHP’s business and strategy. These discussions considered a range of stakeholders, including investors, communities, governments, employees, customers and suppliers. These stakeholder views were taken into account in considering our updated climate change strategy.

In particular, during FY2020 the Board and Sustainability Committee focused on the detailed development of the commitments set out in July 2019: publicly setting a medium-term target for operational emissions, the Climate Investment Program, Scope 3 emissions goals, the link between emissions performance and executive remuneration, and the work to release our new BHP Climate Change Report 2020.

establish flexibility to rapidly capture opportunities.

For more information on these programs, refer to section 1.4.4.

Future options

We also have broad development options and exploration licences in many of the world’s premier basins, which could create significant shareholder value over the long term. These options cover a range of risk, return and optionality metrics and are diversified by commodity and geography.1.4.4    Our Operating Model

 

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1.4.2    Our Operating Model

We have a simple and diverse portfolio of tier one assets around the world, withlow-cost options for future growth and value creation.

Our assets are high quality and largely located inlow-risk locations, with strong development potential.

Our Operating Model

Assets

LOGO

In addition to having the right assets in the right commodities, we also create value in the way we operate our assets.LOGO

Our Operating Model allows us to leverage integrated systems and technology, replicate expertise and apply high standards of governance and transparency.

Our Operating Model It includes:

Assets: Assets are a set of one or more geographically proximate operations (includingopen-cut mines,and underground mines, and onshore and offshore oil and gas production and processing facilities). We produce a broad range of commodities through these assets. Our operated assets include assets that are wholly owned and operated by BHP and assets that areor owned as a joint venture and operated by BHP. We also hold interests in assets that are owned as a joint venture but are not operated by BHP.

Asset groups: We group most of our assets into geographic regions to provide effective governance(Minerals Australia and replicate best practice, technology and improvement initiatives in other parts of the business. OurMinerals Americas), while our oil and gas assets are grouped together asconsidered one global Petroleum asset group which allows us to share best practice and promote new technologies across our portfolio.(Petroleum).

Commercial: Our Commercial function optimises value creation and minimises costs across ourend-to-endsupply chain.chain costs. It is organised around our core value chain activities – Sales and Marketing; Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence; Procurement; and Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property – supported by short-Property; and long-term market insights, strategyMarket Analysis and planning activities, and close partnership with our assets.Economics.

Centres of Excellence:We have established Centres of Excellence in the disciplines of maintenance and engineering, resource engineering, projects and geoscience to develop organisational capability and best practice.

Functions: Functions operate along global reporting lines to support all areas of the organisation. FunctionsBHP and have specific accountabilities and expertise in areas such as finance, legal, governance, technology, human resources, corporate affairs, health, safety, environment and community.

Leadership: Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) is responsible for theday-to-day management of the Group and leadingleads the delivery of our strategic objectives.

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We disclose financial and other performance primarily by commodity. This gives an insight into the nature and financial outcomes of our business activities and allows us to compare our performance against industry peers.

1.4.31.4.5    Managing performance

Corporate planning

Our corporate planning process is designed to deliver on our strategy, which is to have the best capabilities applied to a portfolio of the best assets, in the best commodities, to create long-term value and high returns.

Informed by our strategy, our annual corporate planning process is critical to creating alignment across BHP.strategy. It guides the development of plans, targets and budgets to help us decide where to deploy our capital and resources.

Plans are assessed at the Group level to balance the goal of maximising the value of our individual assets with the goal of creating value and mitigating investment risks at the portfolio level. We evaluate the range of investment opportunities and aim to optimise the portfolio based on our assessment of risk, returns and future optionality. We then develop a long-term capital plan and guidance for the Group.

Assessment and monitoring

We review our portfolio against a constantly changing external environment, to capture and manage emerging opportunities and risks. Our strategy is cascaded through our planning processes. Long-term scenario planning is used to identify the strategic capabilities we need to be successful in our industry and to evaluate the selection of our preferred commodities and portfolio of assets. We seek to identify potential new business opportunities and to test the robustness of our portfolio over a range of possible outcomes. We use signals tracking to monitor key trends and events that inform our strategic choices and to identify actions to manage emerging risks.

Capital discipline

We use our Capital Allocation Framework (CAF) to assess the most effective and efficient way to deploy capital. This helps us:

 

maintain our plant and equipment to support safe and efficient operations over the long term;term

 

keep our balance sheet strong to give us stability and flexibility through the business cycle;cycle

 

reward our shareholders by paying out at least 50 per cent of our Underlying attributable profit in dividends.dividends

We then look at what would be the most valuable risk-adjusted use for any excess capital that remains after these three priorities are met and decide whether to:

 

further reduce our debt;debt

 

return more cash to shareholders through additional dividends or sharebuy-backs;buy-backs

 

invest in growth, either through projects within our asset portfolio or through exploration or acquisitions, provided the investment will create more value, based on our assessment of its return, risk and optionality, than a sharebuy-back.buy-back

Our Capital Allocation Framework

LOGO

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Case study:

Sale of Onshore US assets and shareholder return program

In November 2018, we committed to return the US$10.4 billion net proceeds from the sale of our Onshore US assets to our shareholders. This included the A$7.3 billion (US$5.2 billion)off-marketbuy-back of BHP Group Limited shares that was completed in December 2018(Off-MarketBuy-Back) and the payment of the US$5.2 billion special dividend in January 2019 (Special Dividend).

The Board carefully considered how best to return the net proceeds to our shareholders. In making this decision, we applied our Capital Allocation Framework. With net debt toward the lower end of our target range, we treated the net proceeds as excess capital to be returned to shareholders. The combination of theOff-MarketBuy-Back and Special Dividend took into account the large range of views expressed by our shareholders, returned significant value to all our shareholders and enabled the net proceeds to be returned in a timely manner.

TheOff-MarketBuy-Back enabled the Group to repurchase approximately 265.8 million BHP Group Limited shares at a 14 per cent discount to the Market Price (2). We believe all shareholders benefited from the positive impact on BHP’s return on equity, cash flow per share and earnings per share from the reduced number of shares on issue. The Special Dividend provided a significant cash distribution to all shareholders, irrespective of whether they participated in theOff-MarketBuy-Back. In addition, theOff-MarketBuy-Back and the Special Dividend efficiently released a significant amount of franking credits to BHP Group Limited’s shareholders.

The successful completion of the shareholder return program demonstrates our commitment to capital discipline and to transparently apply our Capital Allocation Framework for the benefit of all shareholders.

(2)

Volume weighted average price of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares on the Australian Securities Exchange over the five trading days up to and including Friday 14 December 2018.

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1.4.4    Transformation overview

In FY2019, we progressed our transformation agenda to build our culture, capability and technology. The program focuses on safety improvement, simplification and value creation and comprises four key components:

The BHP Operating System is a new framework that guides behaviour and practices, builds capability and promotes continuous improvement;

World Class Functions aims to make our functions more effective and efficient, through a comprehensive approach to business process reengineering;

Centres of Excellence for maintenance and engineering, projects and geoscience aim to develop organisational capability and best practice in these disciplines;

Value Chain Automation uses technology to automate equipment, processes and decision-making and includes our work relating to innovation at our first Innovation Centre in Newman, Western Australia, where we plan to trial new ideas to change how we operate.

Through these activities, we aim to build capability and a culture that empowers our frontline to act on their ideas and harness their ingenuity. Following are some highlights from FY2019.

BHP Operating System: Western Australia Iron Ore Port operations

The BHP Operating System is a new way of working that will align our teams to produce better safety and business performance. It is a company philosophy that guides leadership behaviours and practices to empower our teams, build capability and make problem solving and improvement part of what we do every day. Western Australia Iron Ore’s (WAIO) Port operations was the first BHP Operating System pilot site to go live in July 2018.

The deployment of the BHP Operating System program has focused on car dumper activities within production and maintenance and shutdown teams at the Nelson Point port operations, with an aim of promoting stable operations.

Throughout FY2019, the team at Nelson Point strengthened frontline safety, improved performance and introduced cultural improvements. Key achievements include:

improving the car dumper ramp-down process 15.75 hours on average ahead of schedule (compared to previously executed ramp-down activity), through engaging the frontline and introducing coordination measures to optimise activity time and improve predictability;

using standardised work principles for a car dumper’s ring rail replacement to safely complete the task in a record of 174 hours versus the previous execution of 225 hours. Key lessons will now be applied to future ring rail replacements that are scheduled at Nelson Point port;

implementing a workplace organisation method known as ‘5S’ across the Port’s key areas that encourages teams to take responsibility for workplace cleanliness, organisation and arrangement, and improve standards on safety, productivity and culture;

introducing a system in which problems are easily identified and people are given leadership support when required to solve the issue.

The BHP Operating System was also deployed at WAIO’s Perth repair centre, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Caval Ridge and Peak Downs, Olympic Dam, Escondida and by our Petroleum asset group.

World Class Functions: Making our functions more effective and efficient

In response to BHP’s changing operating environment and drive to increase efficiency, in recent years our global and regional functions began undertaking large-scale change and improvement efforts.

World Class Functions aims to simplify functional activity and deliver sustainable first quartile performance benchmarked against our peer group, by reducing functional costs and increasing effectiveness both in terms of what our functional teams do and how they do it.

Initiatives include renewing operating models for functions, changing functional services, including how they are delivered, as well as improving processes, tools and systems.

Maintaining our focus on culture and people will ensure the outcomes delivered by World Class Functions are embedded sustainably.

Centres of Excellence: Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence

We are developing Centres of Excellence for areas including maintenance and engineering, resource engineering, projects and geoscience.

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The Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence focuses on defect elimination, excellence in maintenance planning and scheduling, and embedding equipment strategies that improve the way people work.

The Maintenance Centre of Excellence was established in FY2017 in Minerals Australia and was expanded into Minerals Americas in FY2019. In August 2019, an engineering team was established within the Maintenance Centre of Excellence and the centre has since become the Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence.

The centre plans and schedules all maintenance work and shutdowns across the business in a standardised way. It works in partnership with our assets and Supply and Technology functions to establish best practice equipment and supply chain strategies that use advanced analytical and risk-based processes.

Asset performance management systems have been established under the Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence to detect and predict potential failures early. Practices to eliminate defects underpin our continuous improvement approach.

Maintenance costs across our fleets and fixed plant under the Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence are being reduced over their lifecycle in Minerals Australia and Minerals Americas, while equipment reliability and availability have improved.

In FY2019, the Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence saved over AUD$144 million in maintenance costs compared to maintenance costs in FY2018, increased availability across critical fleet by up to 5 per cent in some operations since its inception (in FY2019 compared to FY2018), and improved our prediction of a range of engine and brake system failures.

Value Chain Automation: Innovation Centre

Our first BHP Innovation Centre located at our Newman operations in Western Australia is an important part of our Value Chain Automation.

The Innovation Centre tests andde-risks new solutions and innovations developed in extraction and mine processes to allow technology to support continuous improvement across all aspects of the BHP value chain.

This unique testing ground allows emerging technologies to be proven in a controlled site-based environment, while new ways of working and capability are developed to allow for successful and rapid deployment and scaling of integrated automation solutions.

In FY2019, BHP’s Innovation Centre implemented several technology-based solutions, including:

Live mine scheduling – a new capability that enables mine schedulers to deliver faster and higher-quality schedules and decisions for mine load and haul operations by analysing disparate data sets consisting of real-time and contextualised information. The successful application of live mine scheduling at Eastern Ridge has led to scaling and deployment at Whaleback. In FY2020, live mine scheduling will be scaled across all iron ore operations, which is expected to result in better mining fleet utilisation and visibility throughout the BHP iron ore supply chain.

Real-time payload distribution display – a visual tool enabling our digger operators to precisely and efficiently distribute and deposit payload onto trucks. This technology is expected to improve operators’ ability to accurately deposit the target payload onto trucks, enabling lower equipment maintenance costs.

Pedestrian avoidance technology – a video and audio detection and alert system that provides forklift operators with360-degree detection of personnel near forklift machinery. This technology is expected to reduce safety incidents that have previously occurred due to poor visibility. Developed and tested at BHP Innovation Centre’s Welshpool facility, pedestrian avoidance technology was piloted at Eastern Ridge, Port and Nickel West in July 2019.

 

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1.4.5    Operations Services

Operations Services is an industry first and has been established to create a stronger foundation from which to achieve high performance. It has rapidly unlocked improvements in safety, production and cost outcomes for Minerals Australia, while simultaneously providing stability for Operations Services employees and contributing to social value in the communities where we operate. Operations Services is an important element in transforming organisational capability and the way we work, along with the BHP Operating System, the Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence, field leadership and technology.

The Australia-wide Operations Services workforce comprises permanent employees in production, maintenance, shut downs and some operational functions, with specific scopes of work and accountabilities. Sites request Operations Services to deploy teams to specific Operations Services for fixed terms to provide production or maintenance services.

Operations Services is recruiting and training employees from a range of backgrounds, including those who are new to the industry. Through its innovative approach to recruitment and onboarding, Operations Services has the highest proportion of female and Indigenous employees of any BHP production asset. This has contributed to the enhancement of organisational capability, with consequent improvements in safety and productivity. Operations Services offers job security, considerable skills training, flexible work options and wide-ranging career prospects, ultimately delivering more stability and higher performance than the contractors they displace. Over 50 per cent of Operations Services employees are from regional communities and the income security that Operations Services provides is helping to support greater local economic activity.

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1.4.6    Locations

BHP locations (includesnon-operated operations)

LOGO

14


LOGOLOGO

 

(1) 

Non-operated joint venture.Maintenance capital includes spend on asset integrity, risk reduction, compliance, sustaining capacity/cost, transformation initiatives and climate change.

1.4.6    COVID-19: Our global response

COVID-19 key statistics and initiatives to 30 June 2020

Total number of confirmed (1) cases in the BHP workforce (2) (potentially infectious while at work) (3)

Figures for persons potentially infectious while at work are included irrespective of where infection may have occurred

Minerals Australia (4)4 (0)
Minerals Americas (5)455 (135)
Petroleum (6)27 (0)
Asia/Europe0 (0)
Global total486 (135)
Established the Vital Resources Fund in Australia, providing a broad range of support for regional communitiesMinerals Australia – communityA$50 million
Provided support to labour hire for our Australian operations to help them continue to operateMinerals Australia – workforce1,500 new positions created
Accelerating payments and reducing payment terms to seven days (from 30 days) for small local and Indigenous businessesMinerals Australia – suppliersUS$80 million
Assistance program to increase testing capacity and medical treatment facilities in vulnerable areas of Santiago, Antofagasta and Tarapacá Northern regionsMinerals Americas – communityUS$8 million
Donations to the communities where we operate in ChileMinerals Americas – communityUS$3 million
Supporting impacted contracting partners in Chile by voluntarily paying a proportion of their fixed remuneration and social security costs to 30 June 2020Minerals Americas – workforceUS$25 million
Established a Community Relief Fund supporting local and regional health and wellness programs and essential community services in North America and Trinidad and TobagoPetroleum – communityUS$2 million
Supporting the Chinese Red Cross Foundation in its response effortsGlobal – customer communityRMB10 million
Strong field leadership globally through the pandemicGlobal – workforce27,401 critical control observations across the Group from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020, showing 92% compliance
Employee wellbeing survey responseGlobal – workforce

73% rated their wellbeing as good or very good

91% believed BHP was doing a good job responding to COVID-19

 

(1)

A person with a laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test methodology, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms.

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(2)

Employees and contractors engaged by BHP.

(3)

Figures in brackets indicate the number of people within the confirmed cases in the BHP workforce who were potentially infectious while at work, defined as being in one of BHP’s managed locations (including camps and offices) within 48 hours before onset of symptoms and/or while symptomatic. Figures for persons potentially infectious while at work are included irrespective of where infection may have occurred.

(4)

Includes BHP offices within Australia.

(5)

Includes BHP offices within South America or Canada.

(6)

Includes BHP offices within the United States.

COVID-19 transformed the world earlier this year, touching every corner of society and shaking the global economy. BHP quickly recognised that our ability to continue to operate through the pandemic depended on the steps we took to keep our people safe and healthy, and to support the communities where we have a presence.

Our first priority throughout our COVID-19 response has been the health and safety of our people and communities, and to help support the health and safety of the workforce across our value chain. This guided us as we worked to prevent an outbreak in our operations and communities when a pandemic was declared in March. With strong engagement with and support from our workforce and union leaders within our workforce, we were able to take swift and decisive action, helping reduce the impact within and outside our operated assets.

When the pandemic hit, we had the financial strength and agility to implement our emergency plans and the rapid changes necessary to keep our people safe and healthy and our operations running. BHP’s strong balance sheet, disciplined approach and CAF, which is embedded throughout our business, positions us to weather downturns and unexpected issues such as the COVID-19 outbreak. The CAF informs the core financial decisions we make and meant we had already made the investments in our operated assets to continue to operate safely and reliably.

Employees and contractors

To facilitate social distancing and reduce infection risk, we reduced numbers of people at our work locations through split-shifts at our offices, requirements for business-critical workers only at our operated assets and flexible working from home arrangements. In addition, we supported our employees at greatest risk from COVID-19 to work from home and, where this was not possible, access special leave.

We implemented screening measures at entry to our operations and airport departure locations for our fly-in fly-out workforce, including app-based questionnaires and temperature screening, reduced capacity on flights and buses, in support of physical distancing and increased hygiene practices. When people displayed relevant symptoms, we implemented response plans and evacuated them for testing, isolation and, where required, medical care. In Chile and for our Petroleum operations in the United States, due to high levels of community transmission, the screening included testing for COVID-19 prior to travel to our remote sites and facilities. This enabled us to safely operate, support jobs and contribute to regional economic activity.

Our Technology team supported our response to COVID-19, aiding all Incident Management teams and Emergency Management teams globally and rapidly enabling 16,000 people to work remotely while ensuring the stability and security of enterprise and operations systems.

The Technology team also developed a BHP contact tracing app (C-19 Tracer) to provide digital personal protective equipment for our global staff. It helps our Health, Safety and Environment teams to trace those who had close contact with a COVID-19 positive member of our workforce. The app uses GPS and Bluetooth-based technologies and was deployed in May, with initial rollout to Western Australia Iron Ore and Minerals Americas test groups.

Across BHP, we increased the availability of support services for our people, including localised counselling services in addition to our Employee Assistance Program, a range of online campaigns and communication tools, and greater communication opportunities to keep our people and teams connected. We sought to identify and make safe and suitable arrangements for employees whose wellbeing was not best served by continuing to work from home. In Chile, which has had one of the highest rates of COVID-19 infection globally, a telemedicine service was established to support and monitor infected workers’ health.

Where local COVID-19 transmission was sufficiently low, work arrangement restrictions were lifted in some locations following targeted assessments of local risks, resources, needs and regulations, and the health and mental wellbeing of our people, their families and communities.


Community

The local communities where we have a presence and local businesses play a critical role in supporting our operated assets and we depend on their ongoing wellbeing, success and prosperity. BHP also operates in close proximity to several remote and regional Indigenous communities globally.

We engaged with the communities where we operate to identify where support was needed most, contributing to organisations to meet supply and service shortages, accelerating payments to our small, local and Indigenous suppliers and engaging additional people from local regions. We worked with governments, businesses and individuals to identify service and supply shortfalls and determine the best way to fill those gaps.

These steps helped to keep our operated assets running safely and supported communities and businesses that rely on our business.

We established social investment funds designed to help support the most vulnerable from infection and mitigate the broader impacts.

In Australia, this was through the A$50 million Vital Resources Fund, which provided a broad range of support programs, including additional GP support for remote Indigenous communities in Western Australia, the establishment of two fever clinics in Queensland, IT equipment for the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation in South Australia and business mentoring in New South Wales.

In Chile, we contributed US$8 million to a program to increase the testing capacity and medical treatment facilities in vulnerable areas, including new sampling units in La Pintana and Puente Alto including an in-car unit and mobile electric bus, water distribution in Antofagasta and Pozo Almonte and sanitation campaigns for public places in Antofagasta, Coloso, Sierra Gorda and Mamiña. We also established an additional US$3 million fund for communities.

The US$2 million Community Relief Fund in North America, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico supported local and regional health and wellness programs, such as through the donation of PPE for medical professionals, as well as essential community services, and we created a partnership with Project Dignity in Singapore to supply meals to frontline healthcare workers.

We limited access to Indigenous communities by our people and made sure vulnerable members had access to medical services and essential supplies. Expert advice early on told us that Indigenous peoples may have additional susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, we ceased face-to-face meetings with Indigenous peoples very early in the pandemic, implemented strict social protocols for all BHP employees and contractors in regional communities, and in Australia, supported Indigenous peoples’ return to country and coordinated a national, multi-industry response to protect and support remote communities.

The Vital Resources Fund contributed more than A$3.3 million to peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health councils and medical services across the country to support their communities as they transition from lockdown to recovery.

The BHP Foundation committed A$3 million to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 with two world-leading research institutions based in Australia. The Foundation provided A$2 million to support the University of Queensland to develop a potential vaccine and A$1 million to the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity for its Australasian COVID-19 Trial (ASCOT).

Suppliers

We worked with our suppliers to help ensure they followed stringent health and safety standards among their own workforce. We also worked with them to source critical hygiene products, such as hand sanitiser, face masks and cleaning equipment to protect our workforce and the communities where we have a presence.

For example, our suppliers delivered hygiene products to a school in Moranbah, Queensland when they were running low, and our local procurement team filled a shortfall in masks for staff at the Andamooka branch of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in South Australia. Minerals Americas continues to engage closely with the communities associated with Escondida and Pampa Norte to identify opportunities to support the ongoing crisis and recovery phase, including supporting local suppliers.

Getting our people to and from sites safely around the world was also a logistical challenge that our suppliers helped us overcome. They provided people and equipment to conduct temperature screenings at airports and bus depots to ensure no one with a fever travelled to site. Our suppliers also expanded our bus fleets, increased the number of charter flights and supported new procedures in camps so we could maintain social distancing.

We also worked with our site-based suppliers to implement robust shared resilience plans and include social distancing measures in their on-site procedures to keep our people safe and our operations running.

Specific examples of our response can be found throughout this Report and at bhp.com/media-and-insights/covid-19/.

1.51.4.7    Our performanceperformance: Financial KPIs

Key performance indicators

Our key performance indicators (KPIs) enable us to measure our sustainable development and financial performance. These KPIs are used to assess performance of our people throughout the Group. For information on our approach to performance and reward, refer to section 1.9.3. For information on our overall approach to executive remuneration, including remuneration policies and remuneration outcomes, refer to section 3.

Following BHP’s sale of the Onshore US assets, the contribution of these assets to the Group’s results is presented in this Annual Report as Discontinued operations. To enable more meaningful comparisons with prior year disclosures and in some cases to comply with applicable statutory requirements, the data in section 1.51.4.7 has been presented to include Onshore US, except for Underlying EBITDA. Footnotes to tables and infographics indicate whether data presented in section 1.51.4.7 is inclusive or exclusive of Onshore US. For more information on the accounting treatment, refer to section 5.

1.5.1    Financial KPIs

LOGOLOGO

 

(1) 

Includes data for Continuing and Discontinued operations for the financial years being reported.

 

(2) 

Excludes data from Discontinued operations for the financial years being reported.

 

(3) 

For more information on alternative performance measures, refer to section 1.12.4.6.1.

In FY2019, higher pricesFY2020, record production at WAIO, Caval Ridge and Poitrel; record coal mined at Broadmeadow together with underlying improvements in productivityrecord throughput at Escondida and improved operational stability generated strongsolid cash flow despite field and grade declines at Petroleum and Copper, enabling us to reducemaintain net debt(3) at the low end of our target range and increase our dividends.ordinary dividend payments.

Profit and earnings

Attributable profit of US$8.38.0 billion in FY2019FY2020 includes an exceptional loss of US$0.81.1 billion (after tax), compared to an attributable profit of US$3.78.3 billion, including an exceptional loss of US$5.20.8 billion (after tax) in the prior period. The FY2019FY2020 exceptional loss is related to the impairment of Cerro Colorado, a provision for cancellation of power contracts as part of a shift towards 100 per cent renewable energy at Escondida and Spence, COVID-19 related costs and the current year impact of the Samarco dam failure, partially offset by the reversal of provisions for global taxation matters, which were resolved during the period.failure.

Our Underlying attributable profit was US$9.1 billion (FY2018:in FY2020 (FY2019: US$8.99.1 billion).

We reported Underlying EBITDA (continuing(Continuing operations) of US$23.222.1 billion (FY2018:in FY2020 (FY2019: US$23.2 billion), with higherlower prices favourable exchange rate movements and underlying improvements in productivity (in total US$3.2 billion) offset by the impacts of operational outages,(excluding iron ore), lower volumes (including copper grade and petroleum field decline, higher strip ratios,declines), inflation, an increase in the impact of weatherclosure and rehabilitation provision for closed mines, increased deferred stripping depletion in line with mine plan at Escondida and other net movements (in total US$3.26.1 billion), compared to the prior period. This decrease was, partially offset by record volumes at a number of our assets, improved operating stability, favourable impacts from exchange rate movements, the application of IFRS 16 Leases and other net movements (in total US$5.0 billion).

16


Cash flow and balance sheet

Our Net operating cash flows (continuing(Continuing operations) of US$17.415.7 billion in FY2019 (FY2018:FY2020 (FY2019: US$17.617.4 billion) reflects lower Underlying EBITDA results and higher Australian and Chilean incomealthough with tax payments in FY2019.line with FY2019 due to higher instalment rates.

Our balance sheet remains strong with net debt at US$9.212.0 billion at FY2019year-end (FY2018:FY2020 year end (FY2019: US$10.99.4 billion), a reductionwhich is at the low end of US$17 billion over three years. our target net debt range.

The reductionincrease of US$1.72.6 billion in FY2019 reflects strong free cash generation, which includes proceeds received fromnet debt in FY2020 is primarily related to the saleimpact of Onshore US, partially offset bythe application of IFRS 16 Leases, returns to shareholders of US$16.66.9 billion and dividends paid tonon-controlling interests of US$1.21.0 billion, and an unfavourablenon-cash fair value adjustmentbeing offset by free cash flow (3) generation of US$0.4 billion related to interest rate and exchange rate movements.8.1 billion.

Our gearing ratio(3) in FY2019at FY2020 year end was 15.118.7 per cent (FY2018: 15.3(FY2019: 15.4 per cent).

Our Underlying Return on Capital Employed was 16.9 per cent for FY2020 (FY2019: 15.9 per cent).

 

(3) 

For more information on alternative performance measures, refer to section 1.12.4.6.1.

17


Reconciling our financial results to our key performance indicators

 

  

Profit

 

Earnings

 

Cash

 

Returns

   US$M  US$M  US$M   US$M
Measure: 

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

 

  8,736 Profit after taxation from Continuing operations 8,736 Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations 15,706 Profit after taxation from Continuing operations  8,736
 
Made up of: Profit after taxation Profit after taxation 

 

Cash generated by the Group’s consolidated operations, after dividends received, interest, taxation and royalty-related taxation. It excludes cash flows relating to investing and financing activities

 

 Profit after taxation
 

 

Adjusted for:

 

 

Exceptional items before taxation

 

 

 

 

1,546

 

 

  

 

Exceptional items before taxation

 

 

1,546

   

 

Exceptional items before taxation

  

 

1,546

    

 

Tax effect of exceptional items

  (241)
 Tax effect of exceptional items 

 

(241

  Tax effect of exceptional items 

(241)

   Net finance costs excluding exceptional items  818
 Exceptional items after tax attributable to non-controlling interests  (201  Depreciation and amortisation excluding exceptional items 6,112   Income tax expense on net finance costs  (267)
          
 Exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders  1,104 Impairments of property, plant and equipment, financial assets and intangibles excluding exceptional items 85   Profit after taxation excluding net finance costs and exceptional items  

 

10,592

 

 

Profit after taxation attributable to non-controlling interests

  

(780)

 

 

Net finance costs excluding exceptional items

 818   

 

Net Assets at the beginning of period

  51,824  
    

 

Taxation expense excluding exceptional items

 5,015   

 

Net Debt at the beginning of period

  9,446  
        

 

Capital employed at the beginning of period

  61,270
        

 

Net Assets at the end of period

  52,246  
        

 

Net Debt at the end of period

  12,044  
        

 

Capital employed2 at the end of period

  
         

 

64,290

                  

 

Average capital employed

 

     

62,780

 

 

To reach our KPIs

 

 

 

Underlying attributable profit

 

     

 

9,060

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

 

 

 

22,071

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows

 

 

 

15,706

 

 

 

Underlying Return on Capital Employed

 

     

16.9%

 

 

Why do we use it?

 

 

Underlying attributable profit allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items and is a performance indicator against which short-term incentive outcomes for our senior executives are measured. It is also the basis on which our dividend payout ratio policy is applied.

 

 

Underlying EBITDA is the key Alternative Performance Measure that management uses internally to assess the performance of BHP’s segments and make decisions on the allocation of resources and, in our view, is more relevant to capital intensive industries with long-life assets.

 

 

Net operating cash flows provide insights into how we are managing costs and increasing productivity across BHP.

 

 

Underlying Return on Capital Employed is an indicator of the Group’s capital efficiency and is provided on an underlying basis to allow comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.

LOGO

Capital management

Free cash flow (continuing(Continuing operations), which is net operating cash flows less net investing cash flows, was US$10.08.1 billion (FY2018:in FY2020 (FY2019: US$12.510.0 billion) reflecting a 12 per centUS$0.5 billion increase in total capital and exploration expenditure to US$7.6 billion in FY2019FY2020 in line with guidance. The increase in capital and exploration expenditure included continued investment in high-return latent capacity projects, and investment in South Flank, Spence Growth Option and Mad Dog Phase 2 and the Spence Growth Option in FY2019.FY2020. Capital and exploration expenditure guidance is unchangedtargeted at belowapproximately US$87 billion per annum for FY2020,FY2021, subject to exchange rate movements.

Our dividend policy provides for a minimum 50 per cent payout of Underlying attributable profit at every reporting period. The minimum dividend payment for the second half of FY2019 was 5338 US cents per share. Recognising the importance of cash returns to shareholders, the Board determined to pay an additional amount of 2517 US cents per share, taking the final dividend to a record 7855 US cents per share. In total, US$17.1 billion1.20 per share of returnsdividends to shareholders have been determined for FY2019 including dividends of US$11.9 billionFY2020 (FY2019: US$2.35 per share; FY2018:share made up of US$1.181.33 per share), which includes ashare ordinary dividends and US$1.02 per share special dividend relating to the disbursement of US$5.2 billion (US$1.02 per share) and a sharebuy-back of US$5.2 billion.Onshore US proceeds). These returns are covered by total free cash flows generated of US$20.58.1 billion including US$10.4 billionin FY2020.

Our Underlying Return on Capital Employed was 16.9  per cent for FY2020 (FY2019: 15.9 per cent) reflecting lower capital employed as a result of net proceeds from the sale of Onshore US.US disposal in FY2018.

1.4.8    Our performance: Non-financial KPIs

Capital management KPIs

 

18

LOGO

Total shareholder return (TSR) shows the total return to shareholders during the financial year. It combines movements in share prices and dividends paid (which are assumed to be reinvested).

During FY2020, TSR decreased as a result of the BHP share price and dividends paid, resulting in a 15.7 percentage change from FY2019. From 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2020, BHP’s TSR performance was 29 per cent. This is above the sector Peer Group TSR by 19.4 per cent, and below the MSCI Index TSR by 9.5 per cent.


1.5.2    Non-financialLong-term credit rating

LOGO

Credit ratings are forward-looking opinions on credit risk. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit ratings express the opinion of each agency on the ability and willingness of BHP to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by an assigning rating agency. Any rating should be evaluated independently of any other information.

Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit ratings of BHP remained at the A and A2 level respectively throughout FY2020. Standard & Poor’s affirmed its rating on 14 July 2020 and Moody’s affirmed its rating on 1 May 2020.

For more information on our liquidity and capital resources, refer to section 1.10.3.

Sustainability KPIs

Our public sustainability five-year targets and longer-term goals set in FY2017 are designed to help us to operate safely, reduce our environmental impact, protect the health of our people and contribute to improved quality of life in the communities where we have a presence. These targets and various sustainability performance metrics (SPMs) disclosed in this Report encourage our continual improvement in our sustainability areas and enable us to manage and evaluate our performance against our commitments.

The targets were created in consultation with our operated assets and key internal and external stakeholders, to prioritise and measure our progress in our sustainability areas. The targets were approved by the Sustainability Committee, which oversees how we manage sustainability risks and evaluates overall sustainability performance. The targets are integrated into our business plans and they and other selected SPMs form part of Company scorecards. Each year the Sustainability Committee offers guidance to the Remuneration Committee in the evaluation of performance against these targets and selected SPMs.

For a description of why we believe our SPMs are useful and the calculation methodology by metric, refer to section 6.6.

For information on our approach to performance and reward, refer to section 3.

For information on our overall approach to executive remuneration, including remuneration policies and remuneration outcomes, refer to section 3.

 

LOGO  Target  LOGOFY2020 result  LOGO
Year-on-year

Total shareholder return (TSR) shows the total return to the shareholder during the financial year. It combines both movements in share prices and dividends paid (which are assumed to be reinvested).

During FY2019, TSR increased as a result of both the BHP share price and dividends paid, resulting in a 21.5 percentage change from FY2018. From 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019, BHP underperformed the sector peer group by 9.3 per cent and underperformed the Index TSR by 35.3 per cent.

For more information on our approach to capital discipline, refer to section 1.4.3.People

  Zero work-related fatalities  

Credit ratings are forward-looking opinions on credit risk. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit ratings express the opinion of each agency on the ability and willingness of BHP to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by an assigning rating agency. Any rating should be evaluated independently of any other information.Workplace fatalities

Standard & Poor’s credit rating of BHP remained at the A level throughout FY2019. It affirmed this rating on 23 July 2019. Moody’s upgraded its credit rating of BHP from A3 to A2 on 31 October 2018 with a stable outlook thereafter in FY2019.

For more information on our liquidity and capital resources, refer to section 1.12.30

  

FY2017 (1) 1

FY2018 2

FY2019 (2) 1

FY2020 0

Year-on-year improvement of total recordable injury frequency (3) (TRIF) per million hours worked  

Total recordable injury frequency (TRIF) performance increaseddecreased by 711% compared to FY2019

FY2018 (4) 4.4

FY2019 (5) 4.7

FY2020 4.2

50 per cent to 4.7 per million hours worked, compared to 4.4reduction in FY2018. This was due to an increase in injuries in both Minerals Australia and Minerals Americas.

There was one fatality at our operated assets in FY2019.

(1)

Total recordable injury frequency (TRIF) is an indicator in highlighting broad personal injury trends and is calculated based on the number of recordable injuries per million hours worked. TRIF includes work-related events occurring outsideworkers potentially exposed (6) to our operated assets from FY2015. In FY2015, we expandedmost material exposures of diesel particulate matter, respirable silica and coal mine dust compared to our definition of work-related activities to include events that occur outside our operated assets where we have established the work to be performed and can set and verify the health and safety standards, such as an employee driving in a BHP vehicle between two sites for work. TRIF does not include events at non-operated joint ventures. FY2015 to FY2018 TRIF data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations for the financial years being reported. FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

19


LOGOFY2017 (7) baseline by FY2022  Occupational exposures 60% reduction compared to FY2017 baseline  LOGOLOGO

Adjusted FY2017 baseline 4,266

FY2019 (8) 2,192

FY2020 1,744

This year we continue to report on high potential injuries, which are injury events where there was the potential for a fatality. We are currently able to report data for the last four financial years. High potential injury trends remain a primary focus to assess progress against our most important safety objective: to eliminate fatalities. High potential injuries declined by 7 per cent from FY2018 due to reductions at Western Australia Iron Ore, Olympic Dam and Potash.

For information on our approach to health and safety, and our performance, refer to section 1.10.2 and 1.10.3.Society

  Zero significant community events (9)FY2020 0  

Our five-year greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target, which took effect from 1 July 2017, is to maintain our total operational emissions in FY2022 at or below FY2017 levels (7)while we continue to grow our business. Our target builds on our success in achieving our previous five-year target.0

 

Our combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (operational emissions) in FY2019 totalled 14.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), 3 per cent below our FY2017 target baseline(8). This decrease is primarily due to a change in the electricity emissions factor for Minerals Americas that resulted from the interconnection of Chile’s northern grid system, which is mainly fossil fuel-based, and southern grid system, which has a higher proportion of renewable energy.FY2018 0

 

We have also set the longer-term goal of achieving net-zero operational GHG emissions in the latter half of this century, consistent with the Paris Agreement. In order to set the trajectory towards achieving that goal, in FY2020 we intend to develop a medium-term target for operational emissions. We also intend to set public goals related to Scope 3 emissions.FY2019 0

 

For more information on our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, as well as Scope 3 emissions in our value chain, refer to section 1.10.8.FY2020 0

  

Our target is to invest notNot less than 1 per cent of our pre-tax profit to profits (10) invested in community programs that contribute to improvedthe quality of life in communities where we operate and support the achievement of the United NationsUN Sustainable Development Goals.Goals

Social investment spend

US$149.6 million (11)

FY2017 (12) US$80.1 million

 

Our voluntary social investment in FY2019 totalledFY2018 US$93.577.1 million consisting of US$55.7 million in direct community development projects and donations, US$8.9 million equity share to non-operated joint venture programs, a US$16.57 million donation to the BHP Foundation and US$4 million to the Matched Giving and community small grants programs. Administrative costs to facilitate social investment activities at our assets totalled US$6.27 million and US$2 million supported the operations of the BHP Foundation.

 

For informationFY2019 (13) US$93.5 million

FY2020 US$149.6 million

By FY2022, implement our Indigenous Peoples Strategy across all our operated assets through the development of Regional Indigenous Peoples PlansRegional Indigenous Peoples Plans being implemented across Australia (Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)), North and South America

TargetFY2020 resultYear-on-year
Climate changeBy FY2022, maintain operational (Scope 1 and Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions at or below FY2017 levels (14)(15) while we continue to grow our businessGreenhouse gas emissions 8% above FY2017 baseline. While our annual emissions are currently higher than FY2017 levels, our asset-level emissions forecast suggest we are on track to meet our voluntary social investment, referFY2022 target

FY2018 (16) 17 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e)

FY2019 (17) 15.8 Mt CO2-e

FY2020 15.8 Mt CO2-e

EnvironmentZero significant environmental events (9)FY2020 0

FY2017 0

FY2018 0

FY2019 0

FY2020 0

Reduce FY2022 withdrawal of fresh water by 15 per cent from FY2017 levels (19)19% freshwater withdrawal reduction from FY2017 baseline

Adjusted FY2017 baseline (18) 156,120 ML

FY2019 freshwater withdrawal 155,570 ML

FY2020 freshwater withdrawal 126,997 ML

By FY2022, improve marine and terrestrial biodiversity outcomes by developing a framework to section 1.10.5.

evaluate and verify the benefits of our actions, in collaboration with others
Progressed framework development in collaboration with others. Progress and pilot work presented in two external forumsYear-on-year progress on development of framework to evaluate and verify the benefits of our actions

 

(1)

High potential injuries (HPI) are recordable injuriesFY2018 and first aid cases where there was the potential for a fatality. FY2016 to FY2018 HPIFY2019 data includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) for the financial years being reported. .

(2)

FY2019 HPI data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

 

(2)

FY2018 data has been adjusted due to the reclassification of an event after the reporting period.

(3)

ScopeThe sum of (fatalities + lost-time cases + restricted work cases + medical treatment cases) multiplied by 1 million/actual hours worked by our employees and 2 emissions have been calculated on an operational control basiscontractors. Stated in accordance withunits of per million hours worked. We adopt the GHG Protocol Corporate AccountingUS Government’s Occupational Safety and Reporting Standard. ComparisonsHealth Administration Guidelines for the recording and reporting of data over the period FY2015 to FY2016 should be made with consideration of the divestment of South32 during FY2015 (FY2015 data excludes emissions from South32 operations between the date of the divestmentoccupational injuries and 30 June 2015). Data over the period FY2017 to FY2019 is displayed with Onshore US emissions shown separately for comparability (12 months of emissions in FY2017 and FY2018, and four months of emissions in FY2019 prior to divestment of this asset).illnesses.

 

(4)

Scope 1 refers to direct GHG emissions from operated assets.FY2018 TRIF data includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

 

(5)

Scope 2 refersFY2019 TRIF data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity28 February 2019 and steam that is consumed by operated assets (calculated using the market-based method).Continuing operations.

 

(6)

FY2017 is the base year forFor exposures exceeding our current five-year GHG emissions reduction target, which took effect from FY2018. The FY2017 baseline has been adjusted foroccupational exposure limits discounting the divestmentuse of our Onshore US assets to ensure ongoing comparability of performance.personal protective equipment, where required. The baseline will continue to be adjusted for any material acquisitionsexposure profile (as at 30 June 2017) is derived through a combination of quantitative exposure measurements and divestments based on GHG emissions atqualitative assessments undertaken by specialist occupational hygienists consistent with best practice as defined by the time of the transaction; carbon offsets will be used as required.American Industrial Hygiene Association.

 

(7)

New FY2017 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on GHG emissions atdue to the timeremoval of 98 exposures attributed to the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.Onshore US assets.

 

(8)

CalculatedData excludes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(9)

A significant event resulting from BHP operated activities is one with an actual severity rating of four and above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum requirements for risk management.

(10)

Our voluntary social investment is calculated as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit.

(11)

Expenditure includes BHP’s equity share for operated and non-operated joint ventures, and comprises cash, administrative costs, including costs to facilitate the operation of the BHP Foundation.

(12)

FY2017 and FY2018 social investment figures includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(13)

FY2019 social investment figure includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018 and Continuing operations.

(14)

Comparison calculated on a Continuing operations basis. The FY2017 baseline has been adjusted for the divestment of our Onshore US assets to ensure ongoing comparability of performance.

 

(9)(15)

Our voluntary social investment is calculatedWith the use of carbon offsets, as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit. Expenditurerequired.

(16)

FY2018 GHG data includes BHP’s equity share for operated and non-operated joint ventures, and comprises cash, administrative costs and costs to facilitate the operation of the BHP Foundation. FY2015 to FY2018 social investment figures include Continuing operations and Discontinued operations for the financial years being reported. (Onshore US assets) and has been restated.

(17)

FY2019 social investment figureGHG data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018 and Continuing operations.operations and has been restated.

 

(18)

The FY2017 baseline data has been adjusted to account for: the materiality of the strike affecting water withdrawals at Escondida in FY2017 and improvements to water balance methodologies at WAIO and Queensland Coal and exclusion of hypersaline, wastewater, entrainment, supplies from desalination and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) in FY2019 and FY2020.

20

(19)

Where ‘withdrawal’ is defined as water withdrawn and intended for use (in accordance with ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’, ICMM (2017)). ‘Fresh water’ is defined as waters other than seawater, wastewater from third parties and hypersaline groundwater. Freshwater withdrawal also excludes entrained water that would not be available for other uses. These exclusions have been made to align with the target’s intent to reduce the use of freshwater sources subject to competition from other users or the environment.


1.5.31.4.9    Our contribution in FY2019FY2020

In FY2019,FY2020, our total direct economic contribution was US$46.237.2 billion, including payments to suppliers, wages and employee benefits, dividends and other payments to shareholders, taxes and royalties, as well as voluntary social investment across the communities where we operate. Of this, we paid US$9.1 billion globally in taxes, royalties and other payments to governments. Our global adjusted effective tax rate was 3633.2 per cent.cent(1). Including royalties, this increases to 44.742.2 per cent. This significant source of taxation revenue assists governments to provide essential services to their citizens and invest in their communities for the future.

During FY2019,FY2020, we paid US$188.6 billion to shareholders, lenders and investors.

As well as our direct economic contribution, we invested US$7.6 billion into our business through the purchase of property, plant and equipment and expenditure on exploration.

This investment typically has a multiplier effect by creating new jobs within our operations and also for the suppliers on whom they rely. For example, investments that were approved during FY2019 included: the investment of approximately A$200 million (BHP share) in the developmentconstruction of the West Barracouta gas fieldUS$3.6 billion South Flank project resulted in Bass Strait, Victoria, Australia,A$4.2 billion in contracts being awarded (including A$3.2 billion on Western Australian-based work). South Flank reached a construction workforce of around 3,000 people as the project moved into its second year of construction in FY2020 and is expected to create thousands of jobs over the life of the project.

In addition, we reduced our payment terms from 30 days to seven days for over 1,500 small, local and Indigenous businesses as part of a program to support communities and regional economies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The accelerated payment program delivered over US$69680 million (BHP share) in fundingmore quickly into the hands of our small business partners. BHP also hired approximately 1,500 contractors on six-month contracts to develop the Atlantis Phase 3 project in the US Gulf of Mexico and US$256 million in funding to drill an additional appraisal well (3DEL) and perform further studies in the Trion field in Mexico.support its Australian operations during this difficult time.

 

LOGO

Figures are rounded to the nearest decimal point. All figures include Continuing and Discontinued operations.LOGO

 

(1)

For more information on Alternative Performance Measures, refer to section 6.1.

(2)

Calculated on an accrual basis.

 

(2)(3) 

Total social investment includes community contributions and associated administrative costs (including US$2.01 million to facilitate the operation of the BHP Foundation) and BHP’s equity share in community contributions for operated and non-operated joint ventures. Our social investment target is not less than 1 per cent of pre-tax profits invested in community programs, including cash and administrative costs, calculated on the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit.

21


1.61.5    Our operating environment

1.6.11.5.1    Market factors and trends

We produce raw materials that are essential to modern life. Our success is tied to the sustainable growth of emerging and developed economies and, at the same time, theeconomies. The commodities we produce are integral to driving that growth.

As a result, our performance is influenced by a wide range of factors that drive a complex relationship between supply and demand. Our diverse portfolio of long-life,low-cost assets allows us to adapt to the changing needs of our customers and bring people and resources together to build a better world.

Key trends

The global economy has been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our operating environment is complex with demand volatility and price uncertainty expected. While the outlook remains uncertain, within the scenarios that we consider, our base case has the world economy rebounding in CY2021. There will, however, be considerable variation at the national level. Even with this rebound, our base case is for the world economy to be 6 per cent smaller than it would have otherwise been in CY2021.

LOGO

There remains a significant degree of uncertainty in terms of how the COVID-19 pandemic will progress and its longer-term effects. For the time being, we expect this uncertainty will constrain risk appetite of households and businesses. Even before the pandemic, action on climate change was expected to grow; new policies to ‘build back better’ could accelerate this trend in some regions.

Our long-term view forof our markets remains positive. Population growth and rising living standards are expected to continue to generatedrive demand for energy, metals and fertilisers for decades to come. New demand centres for our commodities will emerge where the twin levers of industrialisation and urbanisation are still immature today. Technology continues to advance with electrification of transport creating both opportunitiesrisks (both threats and threats. International responsesopportunities) for our portfolio. Demand for non-ferrous metals has potential upside, but oil demand could face headwinds. The decarbonisation of power is another major long-term trend. The move towards a low carbon economy has the potential to climate changedrive significant change. Environmental concerns will evolve.drive increasing diversification of national energy sources. Biosphere stewardship will be a key vehicle for creating social value as unsustainable land and water use and biodiversity loss are a danger to long-run living standards.

Against thata backdrop weof near-term uncertainty, with long-term strategic themes intact and accelerating, the value of optionality is clear. We are confident we have the right assets in the right commodities with demand diversified byend-use sector and geography. Our exploration and acquisition efforts are critical to maintaining that advantage, as they create a pipeline of products to meet future demand (see section 1.6.3)1.5.3). Exploration is inherently risky (see section 1.6.4),1.5.4) as the geoscience used for locating and accessing resources is complex and uncertain. Exploration and acquisition are also subject to political, infrastructure and other risks that can impact the accessibility of resources.

Short term

Policy uncertainty

Policy uncertainty heightened during FY2019. The escalation ofUS-China trade tensions and other trade and technology transfer inhibiting policies, along with an increasingly unpredictable policy formation process in some major economies, serve to reduce consumer confidence and business certainty. By extension, this affects investment and jobs.

Modest economic growth

While they remain in place, protectionism and political uncertainty lower the achievable ceiling for global economic growth.

Mixed sentiments

Business and investor confidence have been hit by policy uncertainty, feeding back into commodity markets.

Prudently cautious

The operating environment is complex, with uncertainty and volatility expected to be high.

Medium term

New supply

New supply, particularly of copper and petroleum, is expected to be required as demand grows and current resources are depleted.

Steeper cost curves

The marginal cost of producing some commodities is likely to rise, particularly for oil and copper, as existing resources deplete and new resources come from lower-quality deposits that are more costly to access.

Sustainable productivity rewarded

As industry-wide costs rise, disciplined producers are likely to see margin benefits from accumulated investment in sustainable productivity gains.

Emerging Asia

China still offers rich opportunities due to its large-scale, ongoing urbanisation and the Belt and Road Initiative, despite its ongoing structural shift away from manufacturing towards services. India has significant potential for sustained high growth, along with populous South East Asia.

22


Long term

Growth in population, wealth

Demand for metals, energy and fertiliser is expected to increase to meet the needs of the world’s growing population and rising living standards.

Electrification of transport

Electrification of transport creates both risks and opportunities for our portfolio. Demand fornon-ferrous metals has potential upside, but oil demand could face headwinds.

Decarbonisation of power

The move towards alow-carbon economy has the potential to drive significant change. Environmental and risk concerns will drive increasing diversification of national energy sources.

Biosphere stewardship

Unsustainable land and water use and biodiversity loss are a danger tolong-run living standards. Leading stewardship in these areas is a key vehicle for creating social value.

Key geographies

Our customers are geographically diverse. We have structured our business to meet changing demands as global market dynamics shift. Developments in a particular country can affect the demand for our products in that country and in anydirectly. It also indirectly affects us through countries that supply goods for import to that country.

China

Many major economies are expected to contract in CY2020, including the United States, Europe, Japan and India. In contrast, China ishas moved from intensive viral suppression to solid indications of economic recovery. As of August, much of the largest consumer of our commodities, accounting for roughly half of our sales. As the largest manufacturer and exporterdeveloping world was unfortunately still in the worldescalation phase of their initial COVID-19 outbreaks.

There remains a significant degree of uncertainty in terms of how the COVID-19 pandemic will progress, and its longer term effects. We believe that China and the second-largest importer, China’s performance isOECD are likely to return to their pre COVID-19 trend growth rates from around 2023. Developing economies outside East Asia may take longer. In our range analysis, we also a significant factor in the healthnegative impact on China from the downturn in the rest of the global economic system.

China’s GDP growth in the short term is expected to remain steady. Growth is expected to slow modestly in CY2019 and CY2020 to the range of 6 per cent to around 6 and a quarter per cent. This reflects the likely negative impact of US trade protection on the export sector as well as an appropriately calibrated countervailing domestic policy response.

In our view, China’s policymakers are likely to continue to seek a balance between pursuing reform and maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability. We expect a continuation of current efforts to reduce debt and deal with housing inflation.

In the long term, we expect China’s economic growth to slow progressively as the working age population falls and the capital stock matures, with productivity reforms offsetting these impacts to some degree.

China’s economic structure is expected to continue to move from industry to services, and growth drivers shift from investment and exports towards consumption. This structural change would likely produce a less volatile underlying growth rhythm in the long run.

United States

As both a major producer and consumer of our products, the United States is important to our performance. With most of our transactions denominated in US dollars, fluctuations in the dollar also influence our performance.

The US performed strongly in CY2018 with a significant boost from the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 per cent to 21 per cent. However, near-term prospects are less certain as the expansionary impact of tax cuts will progressively fade and trade policies remain unpredictable.

With the rise ofUS-China trade tensions, protectionist policies could hurt consumer purchasing power and productivity growth. Purchasing power is reduced through higher prices for imported goods and domestic goods with imported components. Reduced competition and the unintended consequences of restrictive migration policies on the free flow of world-class talent could dent productivity growth. We note that the true costs of protectionism, particularly diminished consumer purchasing power, have not yet been fully felt by US households and businesses.

Japan

Japan’s demographics (ageing population and low birth rate) and its public debt burden are constraints on long-term growth. Without population, immigration and microeconomic reform, we expect that growth would likely stagnate.

23


The Japanese economy has slowed and we expect growth to be modest next year. Beyond the boost provided by the Tokyo Olympics, in the medium term, with monetary and fiscal policy proving ineffective at spurring domestic demand, any sustained lift in Japanese growth would likely come from external sources.

Eurozone

In Europe, economic conditions have softened. A material slowdown in the bellwether auto sector has weighed on the economy, and rising political and policy uncertainty, at both a national and regional level, have hurt business confidence.

Significant macroeconomic reform is required in Europe’s southern regions to preventlonger-run stagnation. In the more internationally competitive northern regions, lower savings rates would boost growth at home and help to rebalance demand within the common currency zone.

India

In India, we believe growth prospects are solid. India’s short-term outlook seems positive, driven by consumer demand. Economic reform that boosts the supply of basic infrastructure is critical to India’s ability to take advantage of its demographic profile and successfully urbanise.

Progress on key reforms, including GST, real estate regulation and insolvency resolution, has been encouraging. The strong performance of the incumbent government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides a basis for the pursuit of further economic reforms in his second term.

Signposts on India expanding its resource and energy footprint have been encouraging. It is now the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, the second-largest incremental contributor to global oil demand growth, a top five potash importer and an increasingly significant consumer of copper.world.

Exchange rates

We are exposed to exchange rate transaction risk on foreign currency sales and purchases. Operating costs and costs of locally sourced equipment are influenced by fluctuations in local currencies, primarily the Australian dollar and Chilean peso. The majority of our sales are denominated in US dollars and we borrow and hold surplus cash predominately in US dollars. Those transactions and balances provide no foreign exchange exposure relative to the US dollar presentation currency of the Group.

The US dollar broadly increased in value during FY2019FY2020 against our main local currencies.currencies, although volatility has been pronounced.

We are also exposed to exchange rate translation risk in relation to our foreign currency denominated monetaryfinancial assets and liabilities, including certain debt and other long-term liabilities.

Interest rates

We are exposed to interest rate risk on our outstanding borrowings and investments. Our policy on interest rate exposure is to pay on a US dollar floating interest rate basis.

Our earnings are sensitive to changes in interest rates on the floating component of BHP’s borrowings. Our main exposure is to the three-month US LIBOR benchmark, which decreased by two basis points from 2.34 per cent at 30 June 2018 to 2.32 per cent at 30 June 2019.2019 to 0.30 per cent at 30 June 2020.

24LIBOR and other benchmark interest rates are expected to be replaced by alternative risk-free rates by the end of CY2021 as part of inter-bank offer rate (IBOR) reform. We have established a project to assess the implications of IBOR reform across the Group, and to manage and execute the transition from current to alternative benchmark rates where applicable.


1.6.21.5.2    Commodity performance overview

Commodity prices

The following table shows the prices for our most significant commodities for the years ended 30 June 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018. These prices represent selected quoted prices from the relevant sources as indicated and will differ from the realised prices due to differences in quotation periods, quality of products, delivery terms and the range of quoted prices that are used for contracting sales in different markets. For information on realised prices, refer to section 1.13.1.11.

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019
Closing
   2018
Closing
   2017
Closing
   2019
Average
   2018
Average
   2017
Average
   2019
vs 2018
Average (9)
   2020
Closing
   2019
Closing
   2018
Closing
   2020
Average
   2019
Average
   2018
Average
   2020
vs 2019
Average (9)
 

Natural gas Asian Spot LNG (1) (US$/MMBtu)

   4.8    10.3    5.5    8.1    8.5    6.4    -5% 

Natural gas Asian spot LNG (1) (US$/MMBtu)

   2.2    4.8    10.3    4.1    8.1    8.5    -50

Crude oil (Brent) (2) (US$/bbl)

   66.1    77.9    47.4    69.0    63.6    49.6    9%    41.8    66.1    77.9    51.5    69.0    63.6    -25

Ethane (3) (US$/bbl)

   7.1    14.7    10.3    13.4    11.0    9.5    21%    8.0    7.1    14.7    7.2    13.4    11.0    -46

Propane (4) (US$/bbl)

   18.9    39.3    25.1    31.5    36.2    24.9    -13%    19.0    18.9    39.3    18.0    31.5    36.2    -43

Butane (5) (US$/bbl)

   20.6    45.9    30.8    37.4    41.0    33.3    -9%    19.1    20.6    45.9    22.8    37.4    41.0    -39

Copper (LME cash) (US$/lb)

   2.7    3.0    2.7    2.8    3.1    2.4    -9%    2.7    2.7    3.0    2.6    2.8    3.1    -8

Iron ore (6) (US$/dmt)

   118.0    64.5    63.0    80.1    69.0    69.5    16%    101.1    118.0    64.5    93.2    80.1    69.0    16

Metallurgical coal (7) (US$/t)

   193.5    199.0    148.5    204.7    203.0    190.4    1%    116.0    193.5    199.0    143.9    204.7    203.0    -30

Energy coal (8) (US$/t)

   68.8    117.3    82.5    99.4    100.2    80.5    -1%    51.2    68.8    117.3    64.5    99.4    100.2    -35

Nickel (LME cash) (US$/lb)

   5.7    6.8    4.2    5.6    5.6    4.6    -1%    5.8    5.7    6.8    6.4    5.6    5.6    13

 

(1)

Platts Liquefied Natural Gas DeliveryEx-Ship (DES) Japan/Korea Marker – typically applies to Asian LNG spot sales.

 

(2) 

Platts Dated Brent – a benchmark price assessment of the spot market value of physical cargoes of North Sea light sweet crude oil.

 

(3) 

OPIS Mont Belvieunon-Tet Ethane – typically applies to ethane sales in the US Gulf Coast market.

 

(4)

OPIS Mont Belvieunon-Tet Propane – typically applies to propane sales in the US Gulf Coast market.

 

(5)

OPIS Mont Belvieunon-Tet Normal Butane – typically applies to butane sales in the US Gulf Coast market.

 

(6)

Platts 62%62 per cent Fe Cost and Freight (CFR) China – used for fines.

 

(7)

PlattsLow-Vol hard coking coal Index FOB Australia – representative of high-quality hard coking coals.

 

(8)

GlobalCoal FOB Newcastle 6,000kcal/kg NCV – typically applies to coal sales in the Asia Pacific market.

 

(9)

Due to rounding, immaterial differences in numbers may existexist.

Impact of changes to commodity prices

The prices we obtain for our products are a key driver of value for BHP. Fluctuations in these commodity prices affect our results, including cash flows and asset values. The estimated impact of changes in commodity prices in FY2019FY2020 on our key financial measures is set out in the following table.below.

 

   Impact on profit
after taxation from
Continuing
operations (US$M)
   Impact on
Underlying
EBITDA (US$M)
 

US$1/bbl on oil price

   29    44 

US¢1/lb on copper price

   21    30 

US$1/t on iron ore price

   154    221 

US$1/t on metallurgical coal price

   26    37 

US$1/t on energy coal price

   12    18 

US¢1/lb on nickel price

   1    2 

25

   Impact on profit
after taxation from
Continuing
operations (US$M)
   Impact on
Underlying
EBITDA (US$M)
 

US$1/bbl on oil price

   24    37 

US¢1/lb on copper price

   24    35 

US$1/t on iron ore price

   163    233 

US$1/t on metallurgical coal price

   24    35 

US$1/t on energy coal price

   10    14 

US¢1/lb on nickel price

   1    1 


1.6.31.5.3    Exploration

Our exploration program is focused on copper, nickel and conventional petroleum and copper in order to replenish our resource base and enhance our portfolio. The purpose is to generate attractive,low-cost, value-accretive options by leveraging our competitive strengths. The Petroleum and Metals teams are partnered together on a Joint Global Endowment study to explore future growth opportunities and global, yet-to-find volume through the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence. The study introduces new technology and innovation to create a competitive advantage and position BHP for future access.

During FY2019,FY2020, our conventional petroleumMetals Exploration team continued to explore the Oak Dam copper discovery of late 2018, while the remainder of our exploration program accessed a new acreage position in the Orphan Basin in Canada, opened a new gas province in northern offshore Trinidad and Tobago, drilled the first well in deepwater Mexico operated by an international oil company and completed the world’s first deepwater exploration ocean bottom node seismic survey in the western US Gulf of Mexico. BHP tested nine opportunities with the drill bit. We appraised Trion, and discovered gas offshore in both the north and south deepwater regions of Trinidad and Tobago.

Our copper exploration program iswas at an earlier stage where we continuecontinued to seek, secure and test concessions in regions such as Ecuador, Canada, southwesternsouth-western United States, South Australia, Chile and Peru. Greenfield nickel exploration activities were initiated in Western Australia and we started to look beyond Australia for new nickel opportunities.

Our conventional petroleum exploration program progressed exploration drilling activities in Trinidad and Tobago deepwater, adding one additional gas discovery in the north and continuing to progress the exploration potential for oil in the south. Our exploration portfolio continued to grow and mature through the addition of Gulf of Mexico leases, appraisal of Trion, issuance of offshore licences in Barbados and continued assessment of the Orphan Basin in Eastern Canada.

 

LOGO

LOGO

Exploration in FY2019

Conventional petroleum

In FY2019, we matured and expanded our exploration portfolio. We were successful in our bid to acquire a 100 per cent participating interest in, and operatorship of, two exploration licence agreements for blocks 8 and 12 in the Orphan Basin, offshore Eastern Canada. The drilling and seismic work required by the exploration work programs spans over asix-year term under the licence agreements.

In Trinidad and Tobago, BHP has northern and southern deepwater licences. In our northern licences,Bongos-2 spud in July 2018 and found gas, opening a new play. This was followed by three additional exploration wells,Bele-1,Tuk-1 andHi-Hat-1, in the first half of CY2019 that all successfully encountered gas. Technical work is underway to assess further exploration targets and commercial options for the northern gas play. In our southern licences, we drilledVictoria-1 andConcepcion-1 to further assess the commercial potential of the Magellan field play.Victoria-1 encountered gas whileConcepcion-1 did not encounter commercial hydrocarbons.

In Mexico, we became the first international operator to drill a well in the Mexican deepwater with the Trion-2DEL appraisal well, which was spud on 15 November 2018 and encountered oil in line with expectations. This was followed by a downdip sidetrack that encountered oil and water, as predicted, further appraising the field and delineating the resource. Following the recent results in the Trion block, an additional appraisal well (3DEL) was approved and spud on 9 July 2019. Based on preliminary results, the well encountered oil in the reservoir’sup-dip from all previous well intersections. Evaluation and analysis is ongoing.

26


During FY2019, we acquired the world’s first deepwater exploration ocean bottom node seismic survey in the western US Gulf of Mexico. The acquisition survey and node recovery have been completed and will be incorporated into our ongoing analysis, which we will continue to progress over the next 18 months. This will provide key information to inform the risk of prospects in the area.

For more information on conventional petroleum exploration, refer to section 1.13.1.FY2020

CopperMetals (copper, nickel)

Copper exploration isThe Metals Exploration teams are focused on identifying and gaining access to new search spaces to test the best targets capable of delivering tier onelarge, high-quality, Tier 1 deposits while we maintainmaintaining research and technology activities aligned with our exploration strategy. The field copper exploration activities are directed towards the discovery of large, high-quality copper deposits in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, North America and Australia. These activities encompass early stage reconnaissance work through to target definition and testing in every country where we have exploration concessions.

On 27 November 2018, we announced a copper, gold and uranium discovery at onetesting. With the addition of our exploration projects on the Stuart Shelf, 65 kilometresnickel to the southeastexploration portfolio, our field activities now include Western Australia, where BHP holds a significant land position, and drill programs are scheduled to start as soon as we are able to mobilise. A global assessment of BHP’s operations at Olympic Dam. Our Copper Exploration team was responsible fornew opportunities is under review.

At Oak Dam in South Australia, the four drill hole intercepts, the most significant having grades of 3.04 per cent copper, 0.59 grams per tonne gold and 346 parts per million uranium over a drill length of 426 metres. We progressed the secondthird phase of the drilling program was completed in the June 2019 half and2020 quarter, bringing the total metres drilled to approximately 21,500. The results are currently being analysed. This follows encouraging results from the previous drilling phases, which confirmed high-grade mineralised intercepts of copper, with associated gold, uranium and silver.

In parallel, we

We continued to review other jurisdictions and opportunities to partner with third parties to counter the increasing exploration maturity of our existing geographies. During FY2019, weFY2020, BHP acquired an 11.2additional 3.5 per cent and now holds 13.6 per cent interest in Solgold Plc, the majority owner and operator of the Cascabel porphyry copper-gold project, and in July 2019, we entered into a bindingan earn-in and joint venture agreement with Luminex,Luminex; both in Ecuador. We acquired aare maintaining our 5 per cent interest in Midland Exploration Inc., a Canadian junior company with interests in copper projects in northern Québec in Canada. In Mexico, Copperour Metals Exploration entered into ateam continued the financial agreement with Riverside Resources, that will enablewhich enables BHP to access new search spaces. The financial agreement is focusing onspaces and early stage exploration opportunities. In Australia, we agreed to acquire the Honeymoon Well development project and a 50 per cent interest in the Albion Downs North and Jericho exploration joint ventures from MPI Nickel Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Norilsk Nickel Australian Holdings BV.

Conventional petroleum

In FY2020, Petroleum continued to add to and mature the exploration potential of our portfolio.

In Mexico, we drilled the Trion 3-DEL appraisal well in the September 2019 quarter. We are encouraged by the preliminary results, with the well encountering oil in the reservoirs up dip from all previous well intersections. Evaluation and analysis of the Trion project is ongoing and no further appraisal wells are anticipated.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we drilled two additional exploration wells, which completed the exploration program on our northern licences. The Boom-1 well was spud in August 2019 and encountered hydrocarbons; evaluation and analysis is ongoing. The Carnival-1 well was spud in September 2019 and was a dry hole. Evaluation and development planning studies in relation to these northern licences are ongoing. Exploration potential in the southern blocks continues to progress with potential for a deep oil exploration test in FY2021.

In the US Gulf of Mexico, we expanded our acreage positions through lease sale participation. In FY2020, the regulator awarded BHP two blocks(1) in Green Canyon, central Gulf of Mexico and 19 blocks(2) in the western Gulf of Mexico. In July 2020, the regulator awarded BHP two blocks(3) in Green Canyon, central Gulf of Mexico and three blocks(4) in the western Gulf of Mexico. Additionally in the western US Gulf of Mexico, the final processed data from the Ocean Bottom Node seismic acquisition was received in April 2020 and technical work is ongoing to inform the exploration program. We continue to advance evaluation of options to optimise value at Wildling through progressive development of the discovery. Different options for the development concept are under review, including a tieback to the Shenzi facility.

In Barbados, the regulator has approved offshore exploration licences for the Carlisle Bay and Bimshire blocks, allowing BHP to commence the first three-year licence phase.

In Canada, we continue to progress our assessment of the Orphan Basin in Eastern Canada where we are in year two of our six-year exploration licences. Potential exploration wells are anticipated in FY2022 pending approval of the environmental impact assessment and other regulatory approvals.

In Australia, BHP participated in a multi-client 3D seismic acquisition in the Gippsland Basin. The data will be delivered during FY2021 through FY2022 and will inform us of the prospectivity in this area.

For more information on conventional petroleum exploration, refer to section 1.11.1.

(1)

Leases were awarded in blocks: GC124 and GC168.

(2)

Leases were awarded in blocks: GB721, GB630, GB574, GB575, GB619, GB676, GB677, EB655, EB656, EB701, GB762, GB805, GB806, GB851, GB852, GB895, GB672, GB716 and GB760.

(3)

Leases were awarded in blocks: GC80 and GC123.

(4)

Leases were awarded in blocks: AC36, AC80 and AC81.

Exploration expenditure

Our resource assessment exploration expenditure increased by 135 per cent in FY2019FY2020 to US$126132 million, while our greenfield expenditure increaseddecreased by 29 per cent to US$6244 million. Expenditure on resourceresources assessment and greenfield exploration over the last three financial years is set out in the following table.below.

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
   2017
US$M
   2020
US$M
   2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Greenfield exploration

   62    53    43    44    62    53 

Resource assessment

   126    112    120 

Resources assessment

   132    126    112 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total minerals exploration and assessment

   188    165    163 

Total metals exploration and assessment

   176    188    165 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Conventional petroleum exploration and appraisal

Petroleum exploration expenditure for FY2019FY2020 was US$685564 million, of which US$388394 million was expensed. Expenditure on petroleum exploration over the last three financial years is set out below.

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
   2017
US$M
   2020
US$M
   2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Conventional petroleum exploration and appraisal

   685    709    803 

Conventional petroleum exploration

   564    685    709 

Our petroleum exploration program had positive results in FY2019.FY2020. We are pursuing high-quality plays in our four priority basins and a US$0.7 billion450 million exploration program is planned for FY2020FY2021 as we progress testing of our future growth opportunities.opportunities and evaluate potential new basins for future entries.

For more information on conventional petroleum exploration, refer to section 1.13.1.1.11.1.

27


Exploration expense

Exploration expense represents that portion of exploration expenditure that is not capitalised in accordance with our accounting policies, as set out in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Exploration expense for each segment over the last three financial years is set out below.

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
   2017
US$M
   2020
US$M
   2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Exploration expense

            

Petroleum (2)(1)

   409    592    573    394    409    592 

Copper

   62    53    44    54    62    53 

Iron Ore

   41    44    70    47    41    44 

Coal

   15    21    9    9    15    21 

Group and unallocated items (3)(2)

   10    7    16    13    10    7 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Group

   537    717    712    517    537    717 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Includes US$ nil (FY2019: US$21 million (FY2018:million; FY2018: US$76 million; FY2017: US$102 million) exploration expense previously capitalised, written off as impaired.

 

(2)

Excludes Onshore US exploration expenditure of US$ nil (FY2018: US$ nil; FY2017: US$2 million).

(3)

Group and unallocated items includes functions, other unallocated operations including Potash, Nickel West and legacy assets (previously disclosed as closed mines in the Petroleum reportable segment), and consolidation adjustments.

28


1.6.41.5.4    Risk management

The identification and management of risks is central to achieving our strategic objectives. It protects us against potential negative impacts, enables us to take risk for strategic reward and improves our resilience against emerging risks. BHP believes an essential element of effective risk management is to haverequires a single, consolidated view of risks across the business to understand the Group’s full risk exposure and to prioritise risk management and governance activity. As such, we apply a single framework (known as the ‘Risk Framework’)Risk Framework) for all risks.

Refinements were made to BHP’s Risk Framework during FY2019. There are four pillars in our Risk Framework: risk strategy, risk governance, risk process and risk intelligence.

 

LOGO

LOGO

29


Risk strategy

Group Risk Architecture

In order to understand and manage the risks that BHP is exposed to, we have developed aThe Group Risk Architecture which is a tool to identify, analyse, monitor and report risk. Therisk, which provides a platform to understand and manage the risks to which BHP is exposed. It currently comprises 12 Group Risk Architecture is currently made up of 10 Group Risk categories,Categories, which cover a number of Group Risks. Risks in BHP’s risk profile are connected to a Group Risk. This gives the Board and management visibility over the aggregate exposure to risks on an enterprise-wide basis and supports performance monitoring and reporting against BHP’s risk appetite.

For example, under the Group Risk of occupational safety, we have identified risks relating to the safety of our people in performing their work such(such as vehicle incidents, falls from height and dropped objects.objects) and, under the Group Risk of mental and physical health, we have identified risks to our people associated with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our assets and offices.

The Group Risk Architecture (as at 30 June 2019)2020) is illustratedoutlined in the diagram below. The left column shows the Group Risk categoryCategory and the columns to the right show the allocation of the Group Risks to each category.Category. This Group Risk Architecture will changechanges over time to reflect our strategy, changing activities, organisational accountabilities and consideration of the external context. Our principalFor example, Group Risks may be added, removed, renamed, merged or moved between Group Risk Categories if there is a more appropriate place for them in our continuously evolving Group Risk Architecture.

In FY2020, we added two new Group Risk Categories – Planning and technical, and Allocation of capital and group planning – which include new Group Risks, as well as Group Risks moved from other categories. The new Group Risks were created to provide additional visibility and oversight of some of the Group’s most significant risks are shown in a darker shadeand better recognise the importance of blue inmanaging certain strategic risks, including those relating to business planning, cash prioritisation and cash flow forecasts. In addition, changes were made to existing Group Risks to further clarify and streamline the diagram below, and are described further inGroup Risk Architecture. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has not required any changes to be made to the Group Risk factors section below.

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30Architecture, which is sufficiently broad to accommodate risks associated with the pandemic.


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Risk appetite

BHP’s Risk Appetite Statement has been approved by the Board and is a foundational element of our Risk Framework. It is made up of a qualitative statement for each Group Risk categoryCategory that describes the nature and extent of risk we are prepared to take in pursuing our objectives. When a new Group Risk Category is introduced, the Board is asked to approve an updated Risk Appetite Statement that includes a new qualitative statement for that new Category. The Risk Appetite Statement definesprovides guidance to management on the parametersamount and type of risk that management is obliged to operate withinacceptable, and we use key risk indicators are set by management to indicate any changes tohelp monitor performance against our risk exposure.appetite.

Key risk indicators

Key risk indicators (KRIs) assist in identifying whether BHP is operating within or outside of our risk appetite, as defined in our Risk Appetite Statement. They also support decision makingdecision-making by providing management with information about financial and non-financialrisk exposure at a groupGroup level. KRIs are defined for Group Risks to provide the data for proactive monitoring of BHP’s risk performance. Where upper or lower KRI limits are exceeded, management will review potential causes to understand if BHP may be taking too little or too much risk, and to identify whether further action is required. For example, ourOur current KRIs monitor data such as market concentration based on the percentage of revenue linked to a single jurisdiction, the number of critical cybersecurity incidents, greenhouse gas emissions relative to the FY2017 baseline and trends in the number of community complaints received.

Strategic business decisions

31Strategic business decisions and the pursuit of our strategic objectives can inform, create or affect risks to which BHP is exposed. These risks may represent opportunities as well as threats. The Risk Appetite Statement and KRIs are available to assist in determining whether a proposed course of action is within BHP’s risk appetite.


Our focus when managing risks associated with strategic business decisions is to enable the pursuit of high-reward strategies. Therefore, as well as having controls to protect BHP from the downside risk, we will implement controls to increase the likelihood of the opportunity being realised. For example, we might establish additional governance, oversight or reporting to ensure new initiatives remain on track.

Risk governance

Risk management accountability and oversight is an integral part of BHP’s governance. The Board and senior management (including the Executive Leadership Team) provide oversight and monitoring of risk management outcomes. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring BHP maintains a robust Risk Framework and an effective internal control environment.

BHP uses the ‘three lines of defence’ model of risk governance and management to define the relationships and clarify the role of different teams across the organisation in managing risk. This approach is illustrated in the diagram below and integrates risk management, control definition, control improvement, governance and assurance frameworks into one governance model.

 

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Adapted from Institute of Internal Audit Position Paper: The three lines of defence in effective risk management and control.

For example, for a loss of containment risk within the Group Risk of process safety,safety/hazardous materials containment, our first line operations personnel would be responsible for implementing pipe thickness checks to ensure corrosion is within acceptable limits. Second line functions, such as our engineering teams, would define and assure minimum standards for pipe materials and acceptable levels of corrosion. Our Internal Audit and Advisory team would then auditaudits the effectiveness of the standards and their application as the third line.line of defence.

BHP Board and committeesCommittees

The Board reviews and considers BHP’s risk profile, covering operational, strategic and strategicemerging risks, usingbased on the Material Risk Report.material risk report. The report includes an overview of the risk profile, summary of material changes to the profile, performance against KRIs, and summaries of our priority group risks.Group Risks and, with the introduction of our enterprise-level watch list in FY2020 (as described in the Emerging risk section), updates on emerging risk themes. The contents of this report are further described in the diagram below ‘Risk intelligence’.in the Risk intelligence section.

The broad range of skills, experience and knowledge of the Board assists in providing a diverse view on risk management. The Risk and Audit Committee (RAC) assistsand Sustainability Committee assist the Board with the oversight of risk management, including by receiving a range of reports from management on all types of risk, although the Board retains overall accountability for BHP’s risk profile. In addition, the Board requires the CEO to implement a system of control for identifying and managing risk. The Directors, through the RAC, review the systems that have been established for this purpose, review the effectiveness of those systems and monitor that necessary actions have been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified from that review. The RAC regularly reports to the Board to enable the Board to review our Risk Framework.management. For more information, refer to section 2.13.

The Sustainability Committee has oversight of health, safety, environmentsections 2.7, 2.10 and community related (HSEC) risks. Identification and management of HSEC risks and the investigation of any HSEC incidents are undertaken by management and reported to the Sustainability Committee. For more information, refer to section 2.13.2.11.

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The Risk Appetite Statement is the mechanism by which the Board sets boundaries for taking risk. It enables management to make risk-informed decisions within the risk appetite ofthat has been determined by the Board. Performance against risk appetite is monitored and reported to the RAC and the Board, as described below.well as the Sustainability Committee for HSEC matters. This includes reporting of performance that is outside upper or lower tolerance limits to indicate whether management is taking sufficient or excessive risk.risk, enabling the Board to hold management to account where necessary.

In FY2019, we introduced an additional second-linesecond line led review of the Group’s most significant risks such(such as dam failure,tailings storage facility failure) to provide a further levelgreater oversight and assurance of, rigour inand identify any opportunities to improve, the management of these risks. This process, referred to as the Priority Group Risk Review process, reviews the analysis and controls for risks that could impact the Group’s viability or strategy, with findings and recommendations reported to the Board’s Risk and Audit,RAC and Sustainability Committees.Committee. Findings and recommendations will be used toare considered by management and the Board and may inform strategic decisions on whether to accept, reduce or further eliminate risks to align with the Group’s risk appetite, and may be used to develop remediation plans, such as to improve risk analysis or control definition.

Additional information on risk management and internal controls is provided toshared between the Board, and the RAC and, for HSEC matters, the Sustainability Committee and also provided by the Business Risk and Audit Committees (covering each asset group)business region), other Board committees, management committees, and our Internal Audit and Advisory team.team and our External Auditor. For more information, refer to section 2.13.2. Our approach to risk reporting is outlined in the ‘Risk intelligence’Risk intelligence section.

Risk process

Our Risk Framework requires identification and management of risks to be embedded in business activities through the following processes:process:

 

Riskrisk identification – new and emerging risks are identified and ownedeach is assigned an owner, or accountable individual, in the part of our business where they occur within BHP;the risk is located

 

Riskrisk assessments – risks are assessed with the mostusing an appropriate and internationally-recognised technique to determine their potential impacts and results are translated for BHP to understandlikelihood, prioritise them and appetite to be considered;inform risk treatment options

 

Riskrisk treatment – controls are implemented to prevent, reduce or mitigate downside risks are prevented, reduced or mitigated with controls;and increase the likelihood of opportunities being realised

 

Monitoringmonitoring and review – risks and controls are reviewed periodically and on an adhocad hoc basis (including where there are high potential events or changes in the external environment, such as the COVID-19 pandemic) to evaluate performance.performance

Our Risk Framework includes requirements and guidance on the tools and process to manage all risk types (current strategy and emerging).

Current riskrisks

Current risks may have their origin inside BHP or originate as a result of BHP’s activities. These may be strategic or operational in nature and include material andnon-material risks.

The materiality of oura current risksrisk is determined by calculatingestimating the maximum foreseeable loss (MFL) if that risk was to materialise. The MFL is not an estimate of the maximum foreseeable loss (MFL). Theprobable impact to BHP if the risk was to materialise. Instead, the MFL is the estimated impact sustained byto BHP in the ‘worst case’a worst case scenario for that risk. The ‘worst case’ scenario considers all potential impacts without regard to probability and assumesassuming that all risk controls, including insurance and hedging contracts, are ineffective. For example, when calculating the number of fatalities to assess MFL in the event of an underground explosion,offshore well blow out, we might assume the maximumpersonnel capacity of the drilling rig even though there may be fewer people on it at the time of an incident and despite controls such as emergency response plans and equipment in place that are designed to reduce the number of people who are allowed to enter the underground mine.fatalities.

Our focus for current risks is to prevent their occurrence or minimise their impact should they occur.occur, but we also consider how to maximise possible benefits that might be associated with strategic risks (as described in the Risk strategy section). Current material risks are required to be evaluated once a year at a minimum to determine whether our exposure to the risk exposure is within our risk appetite.

Strategy risk

StrategyEmerging risks inform, are created, or are affected by business strategy decisions or pursuit of strategic objectives. They represent opportunities as well as threats. The Risk Appetite Statement and KRIs are available to assist in determining whether a proposed course of action is within BHP’s appetite. Once a decision has been made, our risk process as described above applies. In addition to calculating the MFL, another tool available to inform decision-making is the Maximum Foreseeable Gain (MFG). The MFG is the ‘best case’ scenario that should be articulated when seeking to take risk for strategic returns. It represents the optimum return.

Our focus for strategy risks is to enable the pursuit of high-reward strategies. Therefore, as well as having controls to protect BHP from the downside risk, we will implement controls to increase the likelihood of the opportunity being realised. For example, we might establish additional governance, oversight or reporting to ensure new initiatives remain on track.

Emerging risk

Emerging risks typically have their origin outside BHP. There isare newly developing or changing risks that are highly uncertain and difficult to quantify. They are generally driven by external influences and often insufficient information for these risks to be fully understood and they cannot be prevented, by BHP. Effectivealthough they can be prepared for. They also tend to be interconnected and often require solutions that draw upon expertise from across our organisation.

In FY2020, we introduced an enterprise-level watch list of emerging themes that provides an evolving view of the changing external environment and how it might have an impact on our business. These themes represent areas of risk where a shift in direction could have a significant impact on our operating environment, with the potential to affect our strategy or business continuity.

We maintain the watch list and use it to support the identification and management of emerging risks is critical to strengtheningthrough our resilience to foreseeable changesnormal business activities and planning processes under our ability to capture competitive advantages. We assess and manage emerging risks based on the expected consequence, timing and speed of the risk event,Risk Framework, as well as the capacity for BHP to respond.

33inform and test our corporate strategy.


Emerging risks areOnce identified, and initially monitored by subject matter experts. Ongoing management is handed over to risk owners when the impact and our response is defined. For example, BHP has a dedicated climate change team that monitors and manages the emerging risks relating to climate change as they evolve. However, operational aspects (such as managing the increased risk of extreme weather events) are managed by our operations.

Our focus for emerging risks is on reducingstructured monitoring of the impact should an event occur, and onexternal environment, advocacy efforts to reduce the likelihood of the risk manifesting. Our approach is todownside risks manifesting and, where appropriate, considering emerging risks (including opportunities) as part of our planning and strategy setting and review process. We also apply contingency controls, such as response plans, to reduce the impact should emerging risks that are outside our appetite.appetite occur. These controls increase the resilience of BHP to shocks from the external environment. Emerging risks are required to be evaluated annuallyonce a year at a minimum to determine whether the risk remainsrisks remain emerging and if theour exposure is within our risk appetite.

Our emerging risk process was formalised during FY2019 and in FY2020, emerging risks will be included in our Group-wide risk register.

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Risk intelligence

The Board and senior management are provided with insights on trends and aggregate exposure for our most significant risks, as well as performance against risk appetite, by the Risk team. The Board also receives reports from other teams to support theirits robust assessment of BHP’s emerging and principal risks;risks, including internal audit reports, ethics and compliance reports and the Chief Executive Officer’s report.

A summary of the risk reports delivered by the Risk team and how these provide additional intelligence to the Board areis outlined below.

 

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Robust risk assessment and viability statement

During the year, theThe Board has carried out a robust assessment of BHP’s emerging and principal risks, including those risks that wouldcould result in events or circumstances that might threaten theBHP’s business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.liquidity and reputation.

The DirectorsBoard has assessed the prospects of BHP over the next three years, taking into account our current position and principal risks.

The Directors believeBoard believes a three-year viability assessment period is appropriate for the following reasons. BHP has atwo-year budget, a five-year plan and a longer-term life of asset outlook. We have publicly stated our view that, whileAs highlighted in the Risk factors section, there is currently increased uncertainty in the external environment, including due to heightened political and policy uncertainty, growing civil unrest in some countries in which we operate and market volatility and geopolitical tensions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This may increase the risk of commodity prices remain volatile, our short-term outlook is optimistic. Priceprice and exchange rate volatility resultsand also affect the longer-term supply, demand and price of our commodities. These factors result in variability in plans and budgets. A three-year period strikes an appropriate balance between longlong- and short-term influences on performance.

The viability assessment took into account, among other things, BHP’s commodity price protocols, including:low-case prices; the latest funding and liquidity update; the long-dated maturity profile of BHP’s debt and the maximum debt maturing in any one year; the Group-level risk profile and the mitigating actions available should particular risks materialise; the regular Board strategy discussions, which address the range of outcomes under the capital allocation framework; the flexibility in BHP’s capital and exploration expenditure programs under the capital allocation framework; and the reserve life of BHP’s minerals assets and thereserves-to-production life of our oil and gas assets.things:

•   BHP’s commodity price protocols, including low-case prices

•   the latest funding and liquidity update

•   the long-dated maturity profile of BHP’s debt and the maximum debt maturing in any one year

•   the flexibility in BHP’s capital and exploration expenditure programs under the CAF

•   the reserve life of BHP’s minerals assets and the reserves-to-production life of our oil and gas assets

•   the Group-level risk profile and the mitigating actions available should particular risks materialise

•   any actual and further anticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on BHP’s two-year budget and five-year plan

The Directors’Board’s assessment also took into account of additional stress-testingstress testing of the balance sheet against twoa number of scenarios that model three hypothetical significant risk events:events occurring individually and together in various combinations over the three-year viability period. These hypothetical events were:

1.

an offshore well blow out involving a drilling rig that we operate

2.

simultaneous, short-term production outages at some of our most significant assets

3.

a low commodity price environment in FY2021 and FY2022, followed by a gradual recovery by FY2025

A number of our principal risks may have impacts that are embedded in these scenarios. For example, operational risks associated with occupational and process safety, asset integrity, tailings storage facilities and third party performance may have comparable impacts to an offshore well blow out. Similarly, risks associated with community, human rights and climate change (such as civil unrest or a wellblow-outnatural disaster, including the physical impacts of climate change or a pandemic) may result in production outages at one or more of our assets, while risks associated with commodity prices, geopolitics and stakeholder relations may have impacts that result in a sustained low commodity price environment (for example, an economic slowdown may be caused by geopolitical events or responses of governments and other stakeholders to a pandemic). For further information on our principal risks, see the GulfRisk factors section.

Stress testing demonstrated that the Group’s balance sheet was put under the greatest stress by the least likely scenario that all three hypothetical events occur together. In such circumstances, the Board considered that the Group would have a number of Mexicomitigating actions available to it, including deferral of discretionary capital expenditure, issuance of debt and alow-price environment.divestment of certain assets. A further level of robustness is added given no debt issuance is required in the three-year period, and BHP would stillalso have access to US$6.05.5 billion of credit through its revolving credit facility.

The Directors wereBoard was also mindful of key risk indicator performance, regular balance sheet stress testing against low commodity prices, and the assessment of our portfolio against scenarios as part of BHP’s strategy and corporate planning processprocesses to help identify key uncertainties facing the global natural resources sector.sector (including in relation to climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and commodity price volatility).

In making this viability statement, the Directors have considered the capital allocation framework and haveBoard has also made certain assumptions regarding management of the portfolio, the alignment of production, capital expenditure and operating expenditure with five yearfive-year plan forecasts and the alignment of prices with the cyclical low price case used in the control stress case for monthly balance sheet stress testing.

Taking account of these matters (including the assumptions) and BHP’sour current position and principal risks, the Directors haveBoard has a reasonable expectation that BHP will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due.

36due over the next three years.


Risk factors

Our Group Risk Architecture currently has 10 Group Risk categories that represent BHP’s areas of risk. These categories are further broken down into Group Risks. This section highlights our principal risks, as illustrated in the Group Risk Architecture diagram in the Risk strategy section. Our principal risks have changed since FY2019, largely due to changes in our external environment and the continued evolution of our Group Risk Architecture. These changes can be summarised as follows.

Risks associated with tailings storage facilities, geotechnical stability, non-process fire and explosion, and sales security and concentration have been identified as principal risks to provide additional visibility of some of the Group’s most significant risks and to better recognise the importance of managing certain strategic risks. Tailings storage facilities risks are discussed in this section with asset integrity. Geotechnical failures and underground fires or explosions may pose significant threats to the health and safety of our people and are therefore discussed with occupational and process safety. Strategic risks associated with gaining and maintaining access to the global markets that we rely upon to trade our commodities are discussed with geopolitics and stakeholder relations.

The scope of two of our principal risks was expanded in FY2020 and they have been removed from the Group Risks. EachRisk Architecture diagram. Returns sustainability risks are now captured by assets and growth options, which better supports and reinforces revisions made to our purpose and strategy in FY2020. Risks associated with geopolitics and macroeconomics now fall within geopolitics and stakeholder relations in order to focus on broader macroeconomic and geopolitical trends that may affect BHP and our stakeholders. The names of some of our principal risks have also changed in order to better represent associated risks, although their scope remains the same.

Our principal risks are further described in the risk factors listed belowon the following pages. Each of these could materially and adversely affect our business, financial performance, financial condition, prospects or reputation, leading to a loss of long-term shareholder and/or investor confidence. While these represent our most significant risks, BHP is also exposed to other risks that are important to us (for example, health, safety, environmental, community, financial, reputational, legal or other risks) that are not described in the risk factors.

We have considered the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, including through event tree analysis to assess its potential medium- to longer-term cascading impacts on the Group’s risk profile and our enterprise-level watch list of emerging themes. We will continue to assess the implications of the pandemic and have referenced impacts to our principal risks in the following risk factors, where relevant. To the extent that our business is adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, any such impacts may also have the effect of heightening some of the risks listed on the following pages.

 
Asset integrity and tailings storage facilities
 

Risks associated with operational integrity, tailings storage facilities and performance of our assets.

 

 
Why is this important to BHP?
 

Maintaining the operational integrity and performance of our assets is crucial to protect our people, the environment and communities in which we operate from incidents.operate. We have onshore and offshore assets in a variety of geographic locations. All our assetslocations, all of which exist in and around broader communities and environments. A serious incident (such astailings dam failure, other serious incidents (for example, structural failure of onshore or underground explosion)offshore production infrastructure or a vessel incident through our supply chain, including groundings, collisions and hydrocarbon release) or the failure to appropriately maintain or develop our assets could have an impact on our people, surrounding communities and environments, as well as our reputation, cash flow, operations or the longevity of our assets.

While we seek to design and implement the right strategy and processes to maintain the operational integrity and performance of our assets, we may not always be effective in doing so. The impacts of any serious incidents that occur may also be amplified if we fail to respond in an appropriate manner.

 

 
Threats
 
Failure to maintain the operational integrity and performance of our assets may result inreduce their value and could lead to or exacerbate operational incidents, or reduce asset value.
An operational incident, such as structural failure of production infrastructure, dam failure or underground explosion,a vessel incident. Such failures and/or operational incidents could result in:
 

•   multiple injuries and fatalities;fatalities

 

•   extensive community disruption, (includingincluding impacts to personal safety, livelihood and quality of life);life

 

•   short-termshort- and long-term health and safety risks to our people or the community;community (for example, exposure to diesel particulate matter, silica or coal mine dust from our mining operations may result in acute and/or chronic illness, such as coal mine dust lung disease)

 

•   environmental damage (for example, affectingas a result of a dam failure releasing tailings, a hydrocarbon release or a vessel incident through our supply chain that affects air quality, biodiversity, water resources or water resources);environmentally sensitive areas)

 

•   loss of licences, permits or necessary approvals to operate assets;assets

 

•   other adverse impacts on the communities in which we operate, including loss of community infrastructure and services, (suchsuch as power, water or transport);transport, and damage to cultural heritage sites

 

•   failure or redundancy of mining, processing or support infrastructure or equipment, (suchsuch as a structural collapse or failure of a conveyor, petroleum platform or rail line);line

 

•   disruption to essential supplies or delivery of our products (for example, where channel blockage is caused by an owned, chartered or third party vessel incident, including at Port Hedland in Australia where our operations rely on a vessel incident);channel used by vessels unrelated to BHP)

 

•   significant repair, costs;recovery or reparation costs

 

•   interruption in production or other critical activities and loss of revenue from operations that are directly or indirectly affected operations;by an incident (for example, a loss of power supply or wider shutdown of operations pending safety reviews)

 

•   litigation including(including class actions,actions), fines or fines and investigations by authorities.authorities, and reputational damage

•   loss of workforce confidence

•   impacts on our ability to access capital (for example, an operational incident may affect our ability to retain the confidence of shareholders and other stakeholders, including financial institutions)

 
A failure to maintain the operational integrity and performance of our assets may adversely impact asset value, including due to production shortfalls, loss of development options or a delay in asset development. Fordevelopment (for example, poor maintenancestructural failure of facilities that manage fugitive emissionscritical ship loading infrastructure, such as at our iron ore operations in Port Hedland, could result in excess dust or noise and restrict the ability to obtain approvals to increase output or throughput. Ita production shortfall). Such failures may also negatively impact cash flows and profitability, result in financial write downs (for example, due to a need to abandon remaining reserves where it is uneconomic to reconstruct or recover the asset following a major incident) or increased costs or other commercial impacts.

We take steps to maintain the operational integrity and performance of our assets through planning, design, construction, operation and closure. However, our projects are complex and may be adversely impacted by factors out of our control, such as natural disasters.

disasters or national crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in controls being implemented by BHP and third parties that may affect the performance of our assets. For example, workplace entry and travel restrictions may result in the delay of key personnel or external consultants accessing our sites to undertake inspections or other activities, potentially resulting in unidentified asset integrity issues or production shortfalls.

Our risk financing approach is, where appropriate, to self-insure or not purchase external insurance for certain risks, including property damage and business interruption, sabotage and terrorism, marine cargo reinsurance, construction, primary public liability and applicable employee benefits.benefits, or to not purchase external insurance for certain risks. Business continuity plans may not provide protection for all costs that arise from such events, and whereevents. Where external insurance is purchased, third party claims may exceed the limit of liability of policies or our insurers may become insolvent or otherwise unable to make payments under our policies. Any uninsured or underinsured losses could impact our financial position or the financial results of our assets.

 

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Occupational and process safety (including geotechnical failures and underground fires or explosions)
 

Risks associated with the safety of BHP employees and contractors in performing their work.work and the containment of hazardous materials.

 

 
Why is this important to BHP?
 
AllOur sites, offices and other places where our sitespeople are located in connection with the performance of their work may be subject to operational accidents, includingoccupational safety and process safety/hazardous materials containment incidents. These may include fires and explosions (above and underground), road, vehicle, mobile equipment, port, shipping, railroad, aircraft or airport incidents rock fall(including where these services are contracted to third parties), falls from height, lifting or crane incidents, food or water safety incidents, loss of power supply, environmental pollution, geotechnical hazards, mechanical equipment failures, mine-related accidents, personal conveyance equipment failures or loss of primary containment of hazardous materials, ormaterials. Our oil and gas operations may also experience a loss of well control (involvinginvolving an uncontrolled flow of well fluids or formation fluids from the wellbore to the surface).surface, including at our offshore operated and non-operated assets. Our people may come into contact with electricity, work in confined spaces, be exposed to conditions where air quality is unsafe, or work with or in close proximity to hazardous materials, such as flammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive or molten materials or other materials at high pressure or temperature, which may lead to or exacerbate operational accidents. Exposure to some substances, such as diesel particulate matter, may also pose short- and long-term health and safety risks to our people. In addition, the mental and physical health of our people may be affected by events that take place in connection with the performance of their work, including threats to their physical security, workplace sexual harassment and assault or other events or circumstances, such as controls implemented in response to a pandemic.
 
We have onshore and offshore extractive, processing and logistical operations in many geographic locations. Transporting our people to the locations of our exploration activities and operations can involveoften involves helicopters, aircraftaeroplanes or other high occupancy vehicles. We have port facilities and four underground mines, including one underground coal mine. Theand nickel mines, and the nature of the activities performed at suchthese facilities and mines can involve safety hazards.hazards, such as geotechnical failures, underground fires and/or underground explosions.
 

We operate in zones prone to natural disasters. This includes our Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and Gulf of Mexico oil and gas assets, which are located in areas subject to cyclones or hurricanes, and our Chilean copper and Peruvian base metals assets and Global Asset Services office in Manila, which are located in known earthquaketectonically seismic (earthquake- and tsunamitsunami-prone) zones.

 

 
Threats
 
Occupational safety and process safetysafety/hazardous materials containment incidents (such as a geotechnical failure, an underground fire or explosion in one of our mines or a well blow out during operated or non-operated drilling activities) may lead to serious injuries, loss of life or livelihood or quality of life to BHP employees, contractors andor members of the community. In addition, occupational and process safetythese incidents may result in:
 

•   interruption into production or other activities critical to our business;business

 

•   disruptiondisruptions to essential supplies (such as explosives or maintenance parts);our supply chain

 

•   failure of mining or processing equipment or support infrastructure (for example, relating to power, water, transport or technology);

 

•   environmental damage;damage (for example, due to the uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons following an offshore well blow out)

 

•   increased costs or other commercial impacts;impacts

 

•   litigation (including class actions), fines or investigations by authorities;authorities and reputational damage

 

•   reputational damage.loss of workforce confidence

 

•   short- and long-term health and safety risks to members of the community, and adverse impacts on local communities’ economic position or human rights

Our response to occupational safety and process safety/hazardous materials containment incidents, such as our emergency response or engagement with affected stakeholders, may not be adequate and could result in impacts being amplified.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for health and safety systems across our operations, such as the implementation of social distancing measures at our sites. A failure to adequately respond to these challenges could affect our ability to operate in specific jurisdictions and may result in health and safety impacts, legal action or reputational impacts. In addition, the pandemic may amplify impacts associated with the occupational safety and process safety/hazardous materials containment risks described above. For example, the ability of emergency services to respond to operational incidents at our sites (including those described above) may be affected by diversion of resources by local or national governments or additional safeguards that have been implemented to protect emergency responders.

Our risk financing (insurance) approach is to self-insure or not purchase external insurance for certain risks. For more information, refer to the Asset integrity section.and tailings storage facilities risk factor.

 

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Capital allocationGeopolitics and returns sustainabilitystakeholder relations (including access to markets)

Risks associated with geopolitical changes and government actions that affect the macroeconomic outlook, commodity demand and supply and/or impact our ability to access resources, markets and the operational or other inputs needed to realise our strategy; as well as relationships with key stakeholders whose support is needed to realise our strategy and purpose.

 

Why is this important to BHP?

Geopolitical developments and changes in our relationships with key stakeholders (such as investors, governments, employees, customers and suppliers) have the potential to cause a wide range of impacts in locations where we operate or may wish to operate, or where our customers and suppliers are located. In addition, we may be affected by changes to bilateral relationships, the frameworks and global norms that govern international trade, and other geopolitical developments (such as multilateral agreements on climate change and freedom of navigation). This includes acute shocks (such as civil unrest or sanctions) and chronic stresses (such as political or business disputes and other forms of conflict, including military conflict) that may pose longer-term threats to our business.

Disruptions or unanticipated changes of the nature described above may affect our ability to sell our commodities for optimum value or access inputs required for the effective pursuit of our strategy, including access to markets, resources, technology, talent and capital. For example, our mining operations in Australia rely on equipment, consumables (such as tyres) and specialised fabricated parts for ongoing operations, expansion and development. We need to maintain access to international markets to source these items. Changes in the external environment (such as increased protectionism, changes in stakeholder expectations regarding our role in society, or requirements to reduce emissions) may also impact our ability to realise our strategy as competition for resources grows, existing reserves are depleted and supply sources become increasingly expensive to develop.

Threats

Unilateral action by, or changes in relations between, countries in which we operate, may consider operating or where our customers or suppliers operate, and such countries’ approach to multilateralism, trade protectionism and political uncertainty, can impact our ability to access resources, markets, technology, talent and capital, shape the external environment, and adversely affect our financial performance. For instance:

•   the challenging global political and economic conditions arising from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the relative damage to national economies and the speed at which they recover from the effects of the pandemic, may exacerbate existing tensions between countries and introduce a high degree of uncertainty in domestic and international policy settings. These conditions, as well as protectionism, interventionist industrial policy and restrictive trade policies (such as tariffs, sanctions or other measures that amount to import restrictions on our products), may adversely affect our ability to trade and impact demand for our products, as well as impact our access to resources, markets, technology, talent and capital

•   our ability to obtain and retain licences to explore or develop resources or access markets for sales or supply may be inhibited if there are tensions between a country where we operate or sell our products and other countries with which we are connected. Such tensions may result in trade remedies (such as punitive tariffs or quotas on inputs or outputs), rescission of licences, nationalisation of assets or limitations on markets or customer access that could affect our financial performance and reputation

•   our operations may be disrupted or our access to customers and suppliers and their facilities may be restricted through disruptions to shipping lanes, ports, land logistics or other facilities as a result of civil unrest, conflicts, embargoes or other measures

•   geopolitical events, such as a shift in the relationship between the United States and China or Australia and China, may affect the supply, demand and price of our commodities and therefore our financial performance. Shifts in great power relations may also introduce greater uncertainty with respect to issues requiring global co-ordination (such as climate change, trade agreements, tax regulation, freedom of navigation and technology regulation), as well as raise questions on the efficacy of and trust in international institutions, including those that underpin international trade. These types of changes may cause restrictions or impose costs on our business, and may inhibit our future opportunities

•   evolving government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic may create challenges for us. For example, government responses to the pandemic have varied significantly across the globe and have resulted in and may continue to result in restrictions on our operations, including mandatory lockdowns or self-imposed temporary suspensions at our mines to allow effective systems to be implemented to meet government requirements, such as the temporary suspension of operations at Cerrejón in the June 2020 quarter. There may also be impacts on associated activities and the broader supply chain (such as measures affecting suppliers, essential services and transport of goods and our commodities) that could affect production or our financial performance

A failure to meet the expectations of or maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders (including investors, governments, employees, suppliers and customers) whose support is needed to realise our strategy and purpose could negatively affect our business. Such failures could damage our reputation, our social value proposition and/or negatively affect our ability to operate our assets and sell our products, which may adversely impact financial performance. For example, not meeting growing societal expectations of corporations to deliver value to all stakeholders can damage our reputation and impact our ability to operate in jurisdictions where we have a presence or to enter new jurisdictions. Growing societal and government expectations, including in relation to climate change, and their effect on our business may also be influenced by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic (for example, if corporations such as BHP are expected to play a larger role in the recovery of local and national economies than we anticipate or if governments adjust climate change policy to take into account economic recovery).

Capital allocation, and assets and growth options

Risks associated with the allocation of capital through annual planning and other processes, to make investment decisions and ongoing returns from BHP’sto discover, maintain and grow assets suited to our capabilities and investments.strategy.

 

 

Why is this important to BHP?

Our strategy is to have the best capabilities, commodities and assets to create long-term value and high returns. While we seek to design and implement the right strategy at the right time, we may not always be effective in doing so.

Our decisions and actions relating to the allocation of capital across asset or reserve discovery, acquisition, maintenance, growth, development or divestment impactsimpact our financial performance and financial condition, and therefore the sustainability of our returns. This is particularly the case with commodities that we view as attractive (for example, copper, oil and nickel sulphides).

 

 

Threats

Changes in our portfolio, failure to secure or discover new reserves or resources, missed opportunities to invest or a failure to effectively allocate capital or achieve expected returns from existing assets or growth investments have impacted our performance in the past and may in the future lead to:

•   loss of value, for example, due to incorrect reserve estimates, incorrect or changing assumptions (including those related to commodity prices) used to assess growth or early depletion of reserves;investment opportunities

•   failure to achieve expected commercial objectives from assets or investments, including cost savings, sales revenues or operational performance;performance, resulting in value loss (such as that experienced with US shale)

•   poor performance of current assets due to over-investment in growth capital at the expense of non-discretionary sustaining capital (for example, delaying asset maintenance tasks to free up capital for growth projects resulting in production losses)

•   unexpected costs or liabilities includingof an investment due to the imposition of adversepoor regulatory conditions fromin a new region, inherited liabilities of acquired assets or entities (such as legacy asset rehabilitation costs) or legal dispute costs;costs)

•   adverse market reaction;reactions (for example, to businesses associated with production or use of thermal coal) resulting in a potential impact to our reputation, social value or our ability to retain the confidence of external stakeholders and shareholders to execute our strategy

•   adverse impacts on BHP’spoor performance impacting our ability to deliver forecasted returns to shareholders;shareholders

•   not investing in opportunities due to increased debt levels resulting in a lack of available growth capital

•   missed investment opportunities due to a failure to understand potential new developments or identify major trends (for example, faster electrical vehicle penetration or hydrogen cost competitiveness could impact whether we are well positioned for these changes in copper, nickel, metallurgical coal or petroleum)

•   financial write-downs (for example, as a result of changes in market, industry or industry, prices, inability to recover reserves, deteriorating demand/supply fundamentals, value migrating away from where we are positioned in value chains, per our strategy as described in section 1.5.1, or additional costs);

•   exchange rate related additional costs;loss of overall value at an asset due to the pursuit of the incorrect strategy (for example, investing in growth projects in a commodity that may have deteriorating demand fundamentals, such as thermal coal)

•   lack of diversified production base, increasing exposure to large single-event risks (for example, too much reliance on Australian-based assets or particular commodities) that may result in loss of value or reduced cash flows

•   inability to retain or attract key staff importantwho are critical to the successsuccessful design and implementation of our business.strategy, including in relation to the allocation of capital and growth in our business

As evidenced by price volatility during CY2020, there are and may continue to be potential short to medium-term impacts on certain commodity prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic that could impact values and result in growth project delays.

 

39


Geopolitics and macroeconomicsCommodity prices

Risks associated with geopolitical and macroeconomic changes that impact our abilitythe prices of commodities, including sustained price shifts relative to access resources and markets needed to realise our strategy.the price of extraction.

 

 

Why is this important to BHP?

BHP operates

The prices we obtain for our minerals, oil and gas are determined by or linked to prices in multiple locations around the globeworld markets, which have historically been and may consider operating in new locationscontinue to access the resources we require. Our customers and suppliers are also located in markets around the world. Geopolitical and macroeconomic developments have the potentialbe subject to restrict our ability to access resources in certain countries or effectively trade in markets. Any restrictions will impact our ability to realise our strategy as competition for resources grows, existing reserves are depleted and supply sources become more expensive to develop.significant volatility.

 

 

Threats

Changes

Fluctuations in relations between commodity prices can occur in response to a range of factors. These include price shifts triggered by global economic and geopolitical factors, industry demand, increased supply due to the development of new productive resources or increased production from existing resources, technological change, product substitution and national tariffs. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted and may continue to have an impact on commodity price volatility due to rapid demand deterioration from affected customers/countries, trade protectionismsupply disruption from key producing regions or logistical constraints impacting supply chains, which may therefore affect our financial performance.

We are particularly exposed to price movements in minerals, oil and political uncertaintygas. For example, a US$1 per tonne decline in the average iron ore price and US$1 per barrel decline in the average oil price would have an estimated impact on FY2020 profit after taxation of US$163 million and US$24 million, respectively. For more information on commodity price impacts, refer to section 1.5.2. Commodity prices can impactalso be affected by exchange rate fluctuation, which impacts our ability to access resources and markets, such as:

financial results.

•   a continued slowing in China’s economic growth and demand

Long-term price volatility or sustained low prices may adversely affect our future profitability. This could result in lower demand or prices for our products and materially, and adversely impact our results, including cash flows. Sales into China generated US$24.3 billion (FY2018: US$22.7 billion) or 54.8 per cent (FY2018: 52.5 per cent) of our revenue in FY2019, on a Continuing operations basis. Section 5 note 2 ‘Revenue’ details our calculation of revenue, includingcost pressure, as we do not generally have the impact of new accounting standards. FY2019 sales into China by commodity included 57 per cent Iron Ore, 26 per cent Copper, 14 per cent Coal and 2 per cent Nickel (reported in Group and Unallocated);

•   a marked rise in geopolitical uncertainty and protectionism has the potential to inhibit international trade, weigh on business confidence and constrain investment. In particular, restrictive trade policies in the United States and China have ramifications for business, governments and citizens. They may adversely affect BHP’s ability to trade, andoffset costs through price increases. In addition, this impact demand for BHP’s products in those and other economies;

•   BHP’s ability to obtain and retain licences to explore or develop resources or to access markets for sales or supply may be inhibited if there are tensions between a host country where we operate or sell our products in other countries that BHP is seen to be allied with. Such tensions may result in rescission of licences, nationalisation of assets, detention oflower than desired credit ratings for BHP, employees for regulatory investigations or limitations on markets or customer access;

restricting our access may be restricted through disruptions to shipping lanes, portsdebt funding or other facilities as a result of conflicts or embargoes that are not directly related to BHP orincreasing our customers;

•   our business may be negatively impacted by the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, potentially triggering a deterioration of business activity in Britain and other countries. There remains uncertainty surrounding financial and trade implications of Brexit, which may be more severe than expected.

For a discussion of the current geopolitical and macroeconomic forces relevant to BHP’s performance, refer to section 1.6.1.financing costs.

 

40


Cybersecurity

Cyber-related risk events, including attacks on our enterprise or incidents relating to human error.

 

Why is this important to BHP?

Many of our business and operational processes are heavily dependent on technology. We have a significant and increasing reliance on autonomous systems for haulage and drilling. In addition, we have substantial integration between our information technology and our operating technology.

Threats
Cyber events or attacks may lead to:

•   operational or commercial disruption (such as the inability to process or ship resources);

•   corruption or loss of system data;

•   a misappropriation or loss of funds;

•   unintended disclosure of commercial or personal information;

•   health and safety incidents, including fatalities (where cyber events cause system error or malfunction, which result in operational incidents);

•   environmental damage (for example, cyber incidents could cause train derailments for autonomous transport);

•   inability to respond appropriately to unrelated incidents;

•   regulatory fines and compensation to people impacted;

•   reputational damage.

41


Third party performance

Risks associated with the delivery of products and services by third parties engaged by BHP, including contractors andnon-operated joint ventures.

Why is this important to BHP?
BHP holds interests in assets and joint ventures that it does not directly operate, primarily within Minerals Americas (Samarco, Antamina, Resolution, Cerrejón and Nimba) and Petroleum (Algeria, Australia and Gulf of Mexico). Joint venture partners or other companies managingnon-operated joint ventures take action contrary to our standards or fail to adopt standards equivalent to BHP’s standards. In such situations, BHP may be unable to influencenon-operated joint venture activities.

In addition, BHP’s workforce is made up of a combination of permanent employees and contractors across all our operations. As a result, appropriate contractor selection and effective management of contractors from a safety, cost, quality, schedule and performance perspective is important to the success of our business. We also contract with many commercial and financial counterparties, including end customers, suppliers and financial institutions in the context of global financial markets that remain volatile.

Threats
Third party (including contractor) activities, including a failure to adopt standards, controls and procedures that are equivalent to BHP’s, could lead to increased risk of:

•   operational incidents or health and safety accidents, including fatalities;

•   failure to meet remediation and compensation requirements (such as delays to community resettlements related to the Samarco dam failure, see section 1.7 for information on our response, support and commitments);

•   inadequate quality of construction (for example, if contractors do not follow appropriate standards);

•   reduced production (for example, from poor planning that does not align to appropriate standards);

•   disengagement of the remaining workforce;

•   litigation or regulatory action (for example, if a third party was in breach of a law or regulation);

•   cost overruns, schedule delays or interruptions (such as in major development projects).

A failure by suppliers, contractors or joint venture partners to perform existing contracts or obligations may lead to the following impacts:

•   non-supply of key inputs, such as explosives, mining equipment, petrol and other consumables important to our business;

•   loss of access to third party owned or supplied infrastructure;

•   disruption to essential supplies or delivery of our products (for example, where access or use of BHP owned and operated rail is disrupted by third parties);

•   reduction in production at our assets;

•   litigation (for example, for contractual breach);

•   loss of revenue.

Our existing counterparty credit controls may not prevent a material loss to us due to our credit exposure to certain customer segments or financial counterparties.

Our risk financing (insurance) approach is to self-insure or not purchase external insurance for certain risks. For information, refer to the Asset integrity section.

42


Community wellbeing and human rights

Risks that have the potential to impact human rights and/or communities and the environment and damageaffect support for our business with stakeholders, including communities, governmentgovernments or the general public.

 

 

Why is this important to BHP?

Our approach

We recognise that our everyday interactions, activities, behaviours and decisions are intricately linked to all phasesthe long-term viability of our business and to the social and economic wellbeing of the life cycle of an operation from explorationcommunities where we have a presence.

Impacts could be in relation to closure can impact the environment, communities or other stakeholders, which can affect support for our existing or future operations. The nature of our activities may cause adverse impacts to air quality, biodiversity, water resourcesenvironmental, community, legal and related ecosystem services or health risks. Our activities may also have an impact onregulatory performance (such as human rights, community livelihoodswellbeing, water and wellbeing. Our assets are subject to lawbiodiversity, climate change, Indigenous peoples and regulations on a rangelocal, regional and national economies), and also the effect of issues, including safety, health, environmental, anti-corruption, human rights, ethics, and employment conditions. Environmental and community impacts ornon-compliance or allegednon-compliance with such laws and regulations could adversely impact the environment or communities, and damage community or governmental support for our business. Finally, our activities may be affected by shareholder activism or civil society activism.activism on our business. Changes in society and the evolving expectations of communities and our other stakeholders have the potential to change and increase these impacts.

Although our community and environmental performance is intended to go beyond managing threats to actively contributing to the resilience, rehabilitation and conservation of the natural environment and communities with which we work, we may not always be successful in doing so if our social value proposition is inadequate or we are unable to implement it.

 

 

Threats

BHP may engage in activities (or failthat have or are perceived to engage in activities) that impact the environment,have adverse impacts on communities, society, cultural heritage, human rights and the environment. These activities, such as exploration, production, construction or expansion of our operations, vary depending on the social, wellbeing. Thiseconomic and environmental context of each of our operations and may take place on or adjacent to Indigenous peoples’ territories or areas of importance for biodiversity or cultural conservation.

These activities, or a failure to effectively engage with communities and relevant stakeholders, can affect BHP’sour relationships with or be viewed negatively by the community and other stakeholders. A lossstakeholders and may result in adverse impacts on human rights (for example, disruption of stakeholder supportcommunity access to water, including through contamination of potable water supplies). In addition, they could result in the following impacts to our business:

•   loss of licencesrights to explore, operate or permits for the operation of assets, orexpand our current asset base, delays in approvals, increased costs or reduced production for new projects;or existing projects

•   withdrawal of consent or support from Indigenous peoples

•   opposition to new BHPour projects or BHP’sour entry tointo new jurisdictions, by communities, including through legal or social action;action

•   increased costs for mitigation, offsets or financial compensatory actions or obligations;obligations

•   potential schedule delay, increased costsloss of customer base or reduced production;restriction of the countries to which we can supply products

•   loss or limited access to commercial partners or employee talent

•   increased taxes, royalties and royalties;other governmental or administrative charges

   reduced access to equity and capital markets

•   civil unrest, industrial relations disputes or action, negotiations, litigation or regulatory action, resulting in higher costs and a loss of productivity;productivity

•   lossreputational damage

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected community health, safety and quality of business opportunity.life, and had economic impacts on livelihoods and supply chains, particularly to regional communities and Indigenous peoples. All of these impacts and our response to them may amplify existing risks and have the potential to affect our business. This may include production interruptions, delays or refusals of regulatory approvals and reputational damage (for example, an outbreak of COVID-19 in a community that is or is perceived to be caused by BHP may result in criticism from our stakeholders, including investors).

In addition,

Heightened societal expectations can also result in changes to legal requirements, as well as litigation, inquiries, regulatory action or community expectations,government responses against BHP. For example, the transportation of our commodities by third parties or procurement of materials needed for example, relatedour mining operations, such as personal protective equipment, tyres or conveyor belts, may be connected to the rehabilitationa breach of legislation intended to prevent modern slavery or closurea breach of assets, may increase required financial provisioning and costs.human rights within our supply chain by a direct or indirect supplier.

 

43


Climate change greenhouse gas emissions and energy

Risks associated with changes in climate patterns, as well as risks arising from policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market or marketother societal responses to the challenges posed by climate change.

 

 

Why is this important to BHP?

We are exposed to a broad range of climate-related risks arising from both the physical andnon-physical impacts of climate change. Climate-related risks may affect our operations, the markets in which we sell our products, the communities in which we operate and our upstream and downstream value chains.

Risks related to the potential physical impacts of climate change include acute risks resulting from increased severity of extreme weather events and chronic risks resulting from longer-term changes in climate patterns.

Risks alsorelated to the non-physical impacts of climate change, or transition risks, arise from a wide variety of policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market and marketother societal responses to the challenges posed by climate change and the transition to a lowerlow carbon economy. Fossil fuel use is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which contribute to climate change. The production and use of fossil fuels receive scrutiny from a range of stakeholders, including governments, investors, NGOs and communities. At BHP, weThis is because the combustion of fossil fuels is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We produce fossil fuels (energy coal, oil and gas) used primarily in the transport and electricity generation sectors, as well as fossil fuels and other commodities that are used as inputs to emissions-intensive industrial processes (including metallurgical coal and iron ore used in steelmaking). We also use fossil fuels in our mining and processing operations either directly or through the purchase of fossil fuel-based electricity. We can therefore have already been and may be further impacted by policies and regulations tothat reduce GHG emissions, including from the resources, electricity generation, transport and industrial sectors. Technological and market-related risks include the substitution of existing technologies with lower emissions options, such as renewables, particularly in the electricity generation and transport sectors, which have the potential to reduce demand for fossil fuels.

 

 

Threats

The impacts of

Risks associated with climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy could affect the execution of our strategy, the expansion of our portfolio and the ability of our operated andnon-operated assets to operate efficiently. The following threats relating

We are exposed to climate change may affect us:

risks related to the physical impacts of climate change (for example, potential changes in precipitation patterns, water shortages, rising sea levels, increased storm intensities, higher temperatures and higher temperatures)natural disasters). These risks may affect us directly, such as by causing damage to our assets, or indirectly, such as through value chain disruptions (or a combination of both). Risks related to the physical impacts of climate change may materially and adversely affect our assets,business, including through:

•   adverse impacts to the productivityhealth and safety of our assets and the costs associated withpeople

•   adverse impacts to our assets, such as well asfailures of mining or processing equipment, loss of containment, mining infrastructure failures (for example, power, water, rail and port) and support infrastructure failures (for example, technology services and office buildings). Such adverse impacts may affect our business, including through reduced productivity, increased costs and project schedule delays

•   disruptions to our supply chains, transport and distribution networks, customers’ facilities and the markets in which we sell our products;products

In addition, assessments of the potential impact of future climate change policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market, societal and environmental outcomes are uncertain given the wide scope of influencing factors and the countries in which we do business. For example, countries will need to introduce new or strengthen existing policies and regulation in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Accordingly, the following risks relating to the transition to a low carbon economy have (in some instances) already affected us and may in the future continue to affect us:

•   the Group’s asset carrying values or financial performance may be affected by any adverse impacts to reserve estimates or market prices that may occur if, for example, reserves are rendered incapable of extraction or demand for fossil fuel commodities (such as petroleum and thermal coal) decreases due to policy, regulatory (including carbon pricing mechanisms), legal, technological, market or other societal responses to climate change in our operating jurisdictions or markets;markets

•   climate change may increase competition for and the regulation of limited resources, such as power and water, which are critical to the operation of our business. This could affect the productivity of our assets and the costs associated with our assets;assets

•   we are impacted by current and emerging policy and regulation aimed at reducing GHG emissions from the resources, electricity generation, transport and industrial sectors, including the introduction of carbon pricing mechanisms. Climate policy and regulation, as well as changes to international reporting standards on climate change and pressure from society for more rapid and aggressive action from governments and companies, may reduce demand for our products, or increase theour costs associated withand affect our assets. Examples of recent regulatory changes include the launch of an emissions trading scheme in China in 2017business and the introduction of a carbon tax in Chile in 2017;stakeholders, including by reducing investor confidence

   increased scrutiny of applications for licences, permits andor authorisations required to develop our assets and projects, may face greater scrutiny and be contested byincluding third parties.parties contesting such applications. This could delay, limit or prevent future development of our assets or affect the productivity of our assets and the costs associated with our assets;assets

•   the Group’s reputation and financial performance may be impacted by concerns regarding the contribution of fossil fuels to climate change.change (for example, some financial institutions and other institutional investors have declared an intention to exit certain commodities that are seen to be associated with climate change, such as thermal coal). Impacts could include a reduction inaffect our share price, reduce investor confidence, and constraints onconstrain our ability to access capital from financial markets;markets, or result in an inability or increase in cost to insure our assets

The following threats, which are common to risks related to both the physical impacts of climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy, may also materially and adversely affect our business:

•   increased costs for mitigation, offsets or financial compensatory actions or obligations, including taxes and royalties

•   restricted access to capital or an inability to attract new or retain existing employees

•   adverse impacts to the environment, communities, human rights and social wellbeing, which could affect our relationships with and be viewed negatively by the community and other stakeholders and damage our reputation

•   opposition to new projects or our entry to new jurisdictions by communities, including through legal or social action, or other loss of business opportunities

•   the Group may be subject to, or impacted by, climate-related litigation (including class actions), associated costs and the associated costs.reputational damage

Cybersecurity

Cyber-related risk events, including attacks on our enterprise or incidents relating to human error, online and web-based operations and infrastructure.

 

AssessmentsWhy is this important to BHP?

Many of the potential impact of future climate change policy, regulatory, legal, technological, marketour business and societal outcomesoperational processes are uncertain given the wide scope of influencing factorssupported by and dependent on technology. As automation and the many countriesspeed of technological innovation continues to increase, our dependence on technology is likely to grow. We are moving towards an increased reliance on autonomous systems for haulage and drilling. Throughout our operations, we have substantial integration between our information technology and operating technology systems. All such systems may be subjected to cyber events or attacks and these can have significant impacts, including on our business and stakeholders.

Threats

Cyber events or attacks may lead to:

•   operational or commercial disruption (such as the inability to process or ship resources)

•   corruption or loss of system data

•   a misappropriation or loss of funds

•   unintended disclosure of commercial or personal information

•   health and safety incidents, including fatalities (where cyber events or attacks cause system error or malfunction, which result in which we do business. Foroperational incidents)

•   environmental damage (for example, countries will needa cybersecurity breach of operational systems controlling pumps and valves resulting in material being released into the environment)

•   a hampered ability to introduce newrespond appropriately to unrelated incidents

•   regulatory fines and compensation to people impacted

•   loss of licences, permits or strengthen existing policies and regulation in ordernecessary approvals to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.operate assets

•   reputational damage

 

44


Third party performance

Risks associated with non-operated joint ventures and the delivery of products and services by third parties engaged by BHP, including contractors.

Why is this important to BHP?

The Group, through its affiliated entities, holds interests in companies and joint ventures that we do not operate, primarily within Minerals Americas (Samarco, Antamina, Resolution and Cerrejón) and Petroleum (Algeria, Australia and Gulf of Mexico). Joint venture partners or other companies managing non-operated joint ventures may take action contrary to our standards or fail to adopt or apply standards equivalent to our standards in relation to health, safety, environment, communities and other aspects of operations. In these situations, we may be unable to influence non-operated joint venture activities and any incidents could result in potential financial, legal and reputational exposure.

In addition, approximately 60 per cent of our workforce (around 40,000 people) are contractors, with approximately 80 per cent of those contractors undertaking activities classified as high risk. As a result, appropriate contractor selection and effective management of contractors from a safety, business ethics, cost, quality, schedule and performance perspective is important to the success of our business. We also contract with many commercial and financial counterparties, including end customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and financial institutions, which may experience financial difficulties (for example, in the context of global financial markets that remain volatile).

Threats

Third party (including contractor) activities, including a failure to adopt and apply standards, controls and procedures that are equivalent to ours, could lead to material risks, including the risk of:

•   safety events that may result in injuries or fatalities, including among community members

•   production downtime and damage to or loss of equipment or facilities

•   delay in project delivery

•   poor quality on service delivery

•   failure to meet remediation and compensation requirements (such as delays to community resettlements related to the Samarco dam failure; see section 1.8 for information on our response, support and commitments)

•   litigation (including class actions) or regulatory action, inquiries and reputational damage

•   shareholder activism (for example, to divest our interest in a non-operated joint venture or stop using a certain supplier)

•   industrial action, civil unrest or other adverse impacts on human rights (for example, our joint venture partners may not engage in appropriate consultation with communities or non-operated joint venture operations may cause disruptions to community access to water, including through contamination of potable water supplies)

A failure by suppliers, contractors or joint venture partners to perform existing contracts or obligations may lead to adverse impacts, including:

•   non-supply of key inputs, such as explosives, mining equipment, petrol and other consumables important to our business

•   loss of access to third party owned or supplied infrastructure

•   disruption to essential supplies or delivery of our products (for example, where access to or use of BHP owned and operated rail is disrupted by third parties)

•   reduction in production at our assets

•   litigation (for example, for contractual breach) and reputational damage

•   loss of revenue

The potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on third parties may increase the likelihood of or amplify the risks or impacts set out above. For example, the operators of our non-operated joint ventures may not implement effective standards, controls or procedures in response to the pandemic, which may result in production downtime. In addition, there is an increased likelihood of disruptions to our supply chains, which may result in a shortage of critical equipment and supplies in some geographical locations. The mobility of our direct and indirect workforce (including contractors) has been limited by restrictions implemented due to the pandemic which, for example, may impact the delivery of construction projects.

Our existing counterparty credit controls may not prevent a material loss to us due to our credit exposure to certain customer segments, or commercial or financial counterparties.

Our risk financing approach is to self-insure or not purchase external insurance for certain risks. For more information, refer to the Asset integrity and tailings storage facilities risk factor.

Legal, regulatory, ethics and compliance

Risks associated with BHP’s legal, regulatory, ethics and compliance obligations.

 

 

Why is this important to BHP?

Our operated assets andnon-operated joint ventures are based oninvolve materiallong-term investments that are dependent on long-term legal, regulatory, political, judicial and fiscal stability. In addition, the nature of the industries in which we operate means many of our activities are highly regulated, including through: (i) lawthrough laws and regulations imposed at the local, state and regional levels as well as the federal, national and international levels in the jurisdictions in which we operate. This includes laws and regulations relating to bribery and anti-corruption, trade and financial sanctions, market manipulation, taxation, royalties, competition,collusion, anti-competitive behaviour, anti-money laundering, data protection and privacy; and (ii) local regulations and standards, such asprivacy, controls on production, trade, imports and exports, prices on greenhouse gas emissions, native title and other land rights, sexual harassment and assault, and health, safety and the environment.

Our Code of Conduct and our other internal policies, standards, systems and processes reflect these requirements.

Section 1.71.8 details our response and support in relation to the Samarco incidentdam failure as well as the progress on our commitments.

 

 

Threats

BHP’s activities

Certain action or those of our associatesinaction, whether intentional or unintentional, by BHP or its Directors, executives, employees or third party partners (including non-operated joint ventures) could result in actual or alleged corruption, bribery, collusion, anti-competitive behaviour, market manipulation, tax avoidancebreaches of laws or regulations relating to the matters set out in this risk factor above or other breaches of legal, regulatory, ethicsethical or compliance obligations. These activities,Actions of this nature, or changes in laws or regulations due to the developing nature of government regulations and international standards, could lead to (among others) the following threats to BHP’sour business, reputation and operations:

•   actions, investigations or inquiries by regulatory authorities or courts over actual or alleged legal or regulatory breaches (for example, over suspected facilitation payments or bribery and corruption which are prevalent in some of the countries where we do business or our assets are located);

•   disgorgement of profits (for example, if bribery or corruption is established);

•   civil proceedings against or criminal prosecution of Directors, executives, employees or third parties;party partners

•   loss of operating licences, permits or approvals;approvals

•   operational impacts, such as unforeseen closures, site rehabilitation expenses, delays or disruption;disruption

•   increased compliance costs (for example, to meet new or more onerous operating or reporting standards);

•   regulatory fines or settlements (for example, from a failure to comply with reporting standards or recognise royalties);

•   increased costs in relation to taxation or royalties if laws or policies change;change

•   adverse impacts to the quality and condition of infrastructure that BHP uses in the operation of its assets, such as rail or ports (which can be affected by political and legislative change);

•   adverse change to regulatory regimes for access to government-owned or privately-operated infrastructure or resources (for example, rail, electricity or water), resulting in additional costs, onerous terms or limitations on access by BHP;BHP, which may adversely impact our financial performance or disrupt operations

•   renegotiation or nullification of existing contracts, leases, permits or other agreements;agreements, nationalisation of assets or other measures being taken against our business or people

•   litigation (including class actions), prosecutions or disputes (such as in connection with ownership and use of land) and the associated cost ofand disruption arising from such litigation, prosecutions or disputes;disputes

•   public inquiries such as Parliamentary inquiries or Royal Commissions, which may adversely impact our reputation and ability to pursue projects or conduct operations and which may lead to changes to laws with cost or other impacts to financial performance

•   loss, uncertainty or uncertainty ofchanging conditions associated with land tenure, for example,including in countries where native title must be establishedcompliance with laws is a condition of the underlying land tenure or for the renewal of that tenure. For example, withdrawal of consent or support from Indigenous land rights holders (as discussed in the Community and recognised, suchhuman rights risk factor)

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased government action around the world. Varying responses to the pandemic at all levels of government have amplified pre-existing differences in policy and standards between and within countries and may continue to do so. Increased government action has resulted in and may continue to result in heightened legal obligations in relation to, for example, the provision of a safe and healthy workplace, management of personal health-related data, and public health and emergency management. In addition, community, investor and regulator expectations as to corporate governance requirements for the Board to satisfy its fiduciary duties in Australia;

•   effects onresponse to the economics of new mining projectspandemic have changed and the expansion of existing assetsmay continue to change. Any actual or perceived failures to comply with these heightened legal obligations or changes to policies, standards or other requirements or expectations, whether intentional or unintentional, could result in litigation or enforcement action, fines or penalties and operations.reputational damage (such as criticism from our stakeholders, including investors).

We conduct our business globally in numerous jurisdictions with complex regulatory frameworks. Our governance and compliance processes may not identify or prevent misstatements or fraud or prevent potential breaches of law, accounting or governance practice.

 

45


Commodity prices

Risks associated with the prices of commodities, including sustained price shifts relative to the price of extraction.

 

Why is this important to BHP?

The prices we obtain for our minerals, oil and gas are determined by, or linked to, prices in world markets, which have historically been, and may continue to be, subject to significant volatility.

Threats
Fluctuations in commodity prices can occur in response to a range of factors. These include price shifts triggered by global economic and geopolitical factors, industry demand, increased supply due to the development of new productive resources or increased production from existing resources, technological change, product substitution and national tariffs. The effects of the trade negotiations between the United States and China and the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU may also have an impact on price volatility and therefore affect us.
We are particularly exposed to price movements in minerals, oil and gas. For example, a US$1 per tonne decline in the average iron ore price and US$1 per barrel decline in the average oil price would have an estimated impact on FY2019 profit after taxation of US$154 million and US$29 million, respectively. For more information on commodity price impacts, refer to section 1.6.2. Commodity price impacts can also be exacerbated by exchange rate fluctuation, which may impact our financial results.

Long-term price volatility or sustained low prices may adversely affect our future profitability. This could result in cost pressure, as we do not generally have the ability to offset costs through price increases. In addition, this impact may result in lower than desired credit ratings for BHP, restricting our access to debt funding or increasing our financing costs.

Balance sheet and liquidity

Risks associated with BHP’sour ability to maintain a robust and effective balance sheet, distribute dividendsraise debt, return value to shareholders and remain financially liquid.

 

 

Why is this important to BHP?

Fluctuations in commodity prices, operational or supply chain disruptions and ongoing global economic volatility could materially and adversely affect our future cash flows and ability to access capital from financial markets at acceptable pricing. If our liquidity and cash flows deteriorate significantly, it may adversely affect our ability to fund our strategy.

 

 

Threats

If our key financial ratios and credit ratings are not maintained, our ability to fund current and future capital projects and acquisitions, cost of financing, solvency and our ability to pay a dividend and/or share pricereturn value to shareholders may be impacted.

 

A number of risks across the Group Risk Architecture, including our principal risks, could adversely impact the Balance Sheet and liquidity to varying degrees should they occur and depending on their severity. Examples of risks that may affect our short to medium-term cash flow generation, profitability or the value of our assets (including reserves) – and therefore the Balance Sheet and/or liquidity – include:

•   a significant reduction in production at our assets caused by material third party performance issues and operational disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic

•   long-term commodity price volatility and sustained low prices. For example, a prolonged low oil price may result in write downs to our petroleum reserves, and a sustained decrease in the price of iron ore may have significant impacts on liquidity (in FY2020, 48 per cent of our revenue was derived from iron ore), as discussed further in the Commodity prices risk factor

•   inability to sell our commodities (for example, caused by physical blockages of shipping lanes, closure of ports or land logistics, or other restrictions to trade, including as a result of tensions between a country where we operate or sell our products and other countries with which BHP is connected, as discussed in the Geopolitics and stakeholder relations risk factor)

46


Management of risks

This section details the measures we have in place to manageAsset integrity and tailings storage facilities

Risks associated with operational integrity, tailings storage facilities and performance of our most significant Group Risks, as well as an assessment of the Group’s current exposure to these risks.assets.

Asset integrityManagement

We employ a number of measures designed to protect the operational integrity and performance of our assets, and to detect, eliminate, prevent and mitigate operational incidents and outages. These measures include:

 

BHP’s standards on health, safety, the environment, communities, water and tailings dams,storage facilities, maintenance, security, crisis and emergency management, and event and investigation management;management

 

planning, designing, constructing, maintaining and constructingmonitoring mines, dams and equipment to avoid incidents;incidents

 

maintaining and improving production infrastructure and equipment to protect our people and assets (for example, controls to preventmaintain the accumulationstructural integrity of flammable gas and coal dust);dams)

 

inspections and reviews (including a(for example, independent dam risk reviewsafety reviews to assess the management of significant tailings storage facilities, both active and inactive as described in section 1.8);1.7.10)

 

routine reviews of and revisions to management plans and manuals (for example, to test and update for alignment with operating specifications and industry dam codes);

 

defining key accountable roles, and providing training and qualifications for staff and contractors;contractors

 

maintaining minelocal availability of critical skilled personnel within BHP, where possible, to increase operational resilience by ensuring the continuity of critical inspections and other activities (for example, this has mitigated the impacts of workplace entry and travel restrictions imposed on our assets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic)

maintaining evacuation routes, and supporting equipment, (such as breathing apparatus), crisisemergency preparedness and emergency response plans, and business continuity plans.plans

collaborating with industry peers and relevant organisations on minimum standards (such as a minimum maritime standard for bulk ore carriers) and improvement of third party risk management practices to reduce exposure to external events, as well as identifying opportunities to improve our own risk management practices

For more information on our approach to risks associated with tailings storage facilities, see section 1.7.10.

FY2019FY2020 insights

The Group’s exposure to asset integrity and tailings storage facilities risks is expected to remain relatively stable. The Priority Group Risk Review process (described inWhile the ‘Risk governance’ section) aims to provide additional rigour around theCOVID-19 pandemic has not had significant impacts during FY2020 on asset integrity and tailings storage facilities risks, management of top operational risks, such as dam failurerisk at each of our operated onshore and underground fireoffshore assets will continue to be reviewed to ensure we maintain an effective control environment for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and explosion.safely transition to post-COVID-19 operating conditions when it is appropriate to do so.

Occupational and process safety (including geotechnical failures and underground fires or explosions)

Risks associated with the safety of BHP employees and contractors in performing their work and the containment of hazardous materials.

Management

We employ a number of measures designed to detect, eliminate, prevent and mitigate operationaloccupational safety and process safetysafety/hazardous materials containment incidents, including:

 

BHP’s standards on aviation, health, safety, the environment and community, crisis and emergency management;management

 

compliance with quality assurance standards (for example, the Drilling and Completions Quality Assurance Standard for Petroleum offshore drilling and completion activity);

 

selection and design of mine plans (in compliance with our global geotechnical standards), wells and equipment to prevent incidents (including slope design and underground support systems);

 

inspection, maintenance and improvements of infrastructure and critical equipment to protect our people and assets (for example, cyclone resilience);

inspection, maintenance and improvement of key equipment designed to prevent or mitigate an occupational or process safety incident (for example,resilience, pressure vessels designed to contain fluids or gas at pressure and emergency response equipment);

 

implementing controls at our operated assets to comply with applicable local laws and regulations on safety (for example, relating to the safe storage, handling and use of explosives, fuels and other flammable substances)

training and qualifications for staff and contractors (including drill rig contractors and aircraft operators);

specifying minimum technical specifications for aircraft

 

influencing joint venture partners to align with BHP standards;internationally recognised standards

 

monitoring adverse weather conditions, ground stability (based on early alert systems) and pressure/temperature of materials;materials

 

continuity plans and crisis and emergency response plans;plans

 

self-insurance for losses arising from property damage, business interruption and construction.construction

applying our experience in safety frameworks to the issue of sexual harassment and assault in order to prevent and respond appropriately to such events, and create an inclusive workplace

implementation of a global COVID-19 control framework across BHP, which includes health and hygiene controls for our workforce, partners and the communities in which we operate

FY2019FY2020 insights

AlthoughThe Group’s occupational safety performance continued to improve in FY2020 compared to FY2019, with higher hazard identification and lower high potential injuries, and the divestmentidentification of process safety/hazardous material containment incidents across our Onshore US assets in FY2019 decreased the onshore risk exposure in Petroleum, the Group’s exposurebusiness also improved over this period. Exposure to operational and process safety riskthese risks is expected to remain relatively stable.stable in FY2021. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic is intended to support the safety of our workforce and maintain the confidence of key stakeholders (such as local and national governments and the communities in which we operate), and to enable the continuation of BHP’s operations in a safe and sustainable manner. Notwithstanding our efforts and the efforts of local and national governments where we operate, it is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to impact the communities where our assets are located, which may jeopardise the health, safety and wellbeing of our workforce.

Geopolitics and stakeholder relations (including access to markets)

47Risks associated with geopolitical changes and government actions that affect the macroeconomic outlook, commodity demand and supply and/or impact our ability to access resources, markets and the operational or other inputs needed to realise our strategy; as well as relationships with key stakeholders whose support is needed to realise our strategy and purpose.

Management

The diversification of our portfolio of commodities, markets, geographies and currencies is a key strategy intended to reduce our exposure to geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts.

We actively monitor geopolitical and macroeconomic developments and trends, including through our enterprise-level watch list of emerging themes that provides an evolving view of the changing external environment (see Emerging risk section for further information). We also regularly assess our ability to access markets, resources, technology, talent and capital, as well as monitor the ongoing political and economic landscape required to maintain trade and access for the effective pursuit of our strategy. This enables an understanding of potential impacts on our business and the identification of mitigating actions.

In addition, we monitor the sociopolitical environment in which we operate and the stakeholders that influence that environment in order to prioritise and manage the threats and opportunities that could have the greatest impacts on our business and our social value proposition. We also engage regularly and seek to maintain strong relationships with governments and other key stakeholders to understand, respond to and manage any potential impacts from changes to policy that could affect us, such as trade or resource policies, or evolving expectations of BHP.

FY2020 insights

Our FY2019 Annual Report anticipated that the Group’s exposure to risks associated with geopolitics and macroeconomics would increase in the short-term due to heightened political and policy uncertainty. This trend has accelerated due to changes in relationships and increased strategic competition at an international level (for example, between the United States and China, and Australia and China), a decline in multilateralism, growing civil unrest in some countries in which we operate (as further described in the Community and human rights risk factor), and market volatility and geopolitical tensions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our influence over most of these aspects of our external environment is limited and the Group’s exposure to the risks described above may continue to increase in the short-term.

On stakeholder relations, we anticipate risks associated with changing expectations of stakeholders related to the role of corporations in society are likely to increase in the short-term, as governments and societies continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and begin to realise the adjustments required for the recovery of national economies.


Capital allocation, and returns sustainabilityassets and growth options

Risks associated with the allocation of capital through annual planning and other processes, to make investment decisions and to discover, maintain and grow assets suited to our capabilities and strategy.

Management

We have a number of strategies, processes and frameworks in place designed to grow and protect the strength of our portfolio and to help deliver ongoing returns to shareholders, including:

 

our exploration program, with a focus on replenishing our resource base and enhancing our portfolio

a long-term strategy that informs the decisions and actions in capital allocation;allocation and which is embedded through a tested CAF

 

an ongoing strategy process that assesses the competitive advantage of our business and enables identification of risksthreats and opportunities for our portfolio using forecasting and fit-for-purpose scenarios;scenarios

 

monitoring indicators to interpret external events and trends;trends

 

commodity strategies and commodity price protocols that are reviewed and presented to the Executive Leadership Team and Board;Board

 

corporate planning processes, including life of asset plans, capital prioritisation and asset appraisals, which inform forecasts for proposed investments and operations;operations

 

management reviews and governance activities to support operational and project forecasts and planning;planning

 

our Capital Allocation Framework,CAF, which provides the structure and governance for prioritising capital allocation across the Group and adding growth options to our portfolio. Referportfolio (for more information, refer to section 1.4.3 for more information;1.4.5)

 

investment approval processes that apply to investment decisions, including mergers and acquisitions activity, overseen by an investment committee as described in sections 2.14 and 2.15;2.15

 

annual reviews of our portfolio valuations to identify any value change and test internal value methodologies and assumptions against external benchmarks.

FY2019 insights

The Group’s exposure to risks related to capital allocation and returns sustainability is expected to remain relatively stable. The divestment of our Onshore US assets in FY2019 has further simplified our portfolio.

Geopolitics and macroeconomics

The diversification of our portfolio of commodities, markets, geographies and currencies is a key strategy intended to reduce our exposure to geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts.

We regularly monitor geopolitical and macroeconomic trends to understand potential impacts on our business and seek to identify mitigating actions as soon as possible.

We also engage with governments and other key stakeholders to understand and attempt to mitigate any potential impacts from changes in trade or resource policies.

FY2019 insights

The Group’s exposure to geopolitics and macroeconomics risks is anticipated to increase in the short term due to heightened political and policy uncertainty.

Cybersecurity

We employ a number of measures designed to protect, detect and respond to cyber events, including:

BHP’s standards on technology and cybersecurity, communications and external engagement;benchmarks

 

cybersecurityembedding the social value framework designed to drive better outcomes that benefit all stakeholders through strategy, planning and resilience programs;

enterprise security frameworkinvestment processes (including emissions, water, other environmental factors and cybersecurity standards;

cybersecurity awareness plan and training;

security assessments and monitoring;

restricted physical access to critical centres and servers;

incident response plans, process and root cause analysis.community initiatives)

FY2019FY2020 insights

Although there were no identified cyber breachesWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has affected commodity prices and had significant impacts on businesses and national economies around the world (as discussed in the Geopolitics and stakeholder relations risk factor), it may also present opportunities for growth options through acquisitions in attractive commodities that align with our strategy. The discipline and competition for capital stimulated through our CAF is designed to the Group’s technology environment during FY2019, the Group’s exposure to cyber-related risk events is expected to increase primarily due to our growing reliance on technology and the increasing sophistication of external cyberattacks.

48


Third party performance

We have global practices and standards for operations and production that apply to third parties, including:

BHP’s standards on supply, safetydrive better decision-making and capital projects that applyefficiency. This helps to contractorsstrike a balance between returns to shareholders and include requirements relating to contractor management;

Our Code of Conduct, which sets out requirements related to working with integrity, including dealings with third parties as described in section 2.16;

our Contractor Management Framework, which specifies a holistic approach to support regional alignmentreinvesting in the business and is supported by global training;

anti-corruption training, competition training, andOur Code of Conduct training;

independent inspections, assurance and verifications (in some cases performed by regulatory bodies);

governance frameworks for our joint ventures, which define how shareholders work together with managementintended to govern the joint venture;

BHP and external reviews of joint venture projects, risk management and governance activities;

internal and shareholder audits of joint ventures.

We maintain a ‘one book’ approach with commercial counterparties, which means that we aim to quantify and assess our credit exposures on a consistent basis. We also have contingency plans in place if production or shipping is interrupted.

FY2019 insights

There are no changes identified in the risk environment for third party performance, internally or externally, that are expected to significantly increase the Group’s exposure.

Community wellbeing and human rights

We have Group-wide standards for communications, community and external engagement; and environment and climate change. These standards and underpinning practices strengthen our environmental and social performance and include:

conducting regular impact assessments for each asset to understand the social, environmental and economic context;

identifying and analysing stakeholder, social, environmental and human rights impacts and business risks;

engaging in regular, open and honest dialogue with stakeholders to understand their expectations, concerns and interests;

contributing to environmental and community resilience through social investment;

applying the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimise, rehabilitate, compensate) to minimise environment and community impacts, and achieve target environmental outcomes.

These activities also assistenable us to identify, mitigate or manage key potential social, environmental and human rights risks, as describedbe in section 1.10.a position to consider acquisition opportunities that may arise.

FY2019 insightsCommodity prices

The Group’s exposure to risksRisks associated with the community and human rights is assessed as increasing dueprices of commodities, including sustained price shifts relative to increasing societal and political requirements and expectations.the price of extraction.

Climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and energy

We work with globally recognised agencies to obtain regional analyses of climate science to improve our understanding of the potential climate vulnerabilities of our operations and communities where we operate, and to inform resilience planning at an asset level. Our assets are required to build climate resilience into their activities, for example, by designing facilities to withstand sea level rise or changing climate patterns, or factoring forecast increases in extreme weather events into operational plans. We also require new investments to assess and manage risks associated with the forecast physical impacts of climate change.

We evaluate the resilience of our portfolio to climate change and the low carbon transition by using a broad range of scenarios that consider divergent policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market and societal outcomes, including low plausibility, extreme shock events. We also continue to monitor climate-related developments that could impact the resilience of our portfolio. Our investment evaluation process has incorporated market and sector-based carbon prices for more than a decade.

49


We seek to mitigate our exposure to risk arising from current and emerging policy and regulation in our operating jurisdictions and markets by reducing our operational emissions and developing a product stewardship approach to emissions in our value chain.

We also respond to our exposure to policy and regulatory risk by advocating for the development of an effective, long-term policy framework that can deliver a measured transition to a lower carbon economy.

Identifying cost-effective and robust carbon offsets is important to meeting our emissions reduction commitments and managing reputational risk. We therefore also support the development of market mechanisms that reduce global GHG emissions through projects that generate carbon credits.

The Group continues to monitor policy, market and technological changes and community, investor and regulatory standards and expectations, as they develop, to inform appropriate management actions. For more information on our climate change risk management strategy, refer to section 1.10.8.

FY2019 insights

During FY2019, there was an accumulation of new indicators of the risks and costs associated with climate change, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, which stated that the effects of climate change are already being observed, that warming of even 1.5°C would have profound impacts and that 2°C of warming would be more damaging than previously believed.

Community, investor and regulatory standards and expectations in relation to climate change continued to increase during FY2019. There has also been a recent escalation of climate-related litigation involving companies, particularly in the United States.

Legal, regulatory, ethics and compliance

We have internal policies, standards, systems and processes for governance and compliance, including:

BHP’s standards on business conduct, market disclosure, and information governance and controlled documents;

Our Code of Conduct;

contractor due diligence and automated risk screening;

ring fencing protocols to separate potentially competitive businesses within BHP;

classification of compliance sensitive transactions;

governance and compliance processes (including the review of internal controls over financial reporting and specific internal controls in relation to trade and financial sanctions, market manipulation, competition, data protection and privacy and corruption);

anti-corruption training, competition training,Our Code of Conduct training;

oversight and engagement with higher risk areas by our Ethics and Compliance function, Internal Audit and Advisory team and the Disclosure Committee;

global monitoring of compliance controls by our Ethics and Compliance function;

EthicsPoint anonymous reporting service, supported by an ethics and investigations framework and central investigations team (within the Ethics and Compliance function) to investigateOur Code of Conduct concerns.

FY2019 insights

There are currently no changes identified in the risk environment for BHP’s legal and regulatory obligations that are expected to significantly increase the Group’s exposure, with the exception of those noted above for climate change and community and human rights. The Group’s exposure to risks associated with legal, regulatory, ethics and compliance issues may increase in the event of increased investment and activity in higher risk jurisdictions.

Commodity pricesManagement

Our usual policy is to sell our products at the prevailing market prices. We manage our exposures primarily through the diversity of commodities, markets, geographies and currencies provided by our relatively broad portfolio of commodities. However, this does not necessarily insulate BHPus from the effects of price changes.

Note 2122 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5 outlines BHP’sour financial risk management strategy, including market, commodity and currency risk.

FY2019FY2020 insights

WithImpacts from the exception ofCOVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical and macroeconomic developments (mentioned in the Geopolitics and macroeconomics section), whichstakeholder relations risk factor) are expected to increase commodity price volatility, there are no changes identified in the risk environment for commodity prices that are likely to significantly increase or decrease the Group’s exposure to commodity prices.volatility. Volatility in the market will continue to translate into profit variability.

Community and human rights

50Risks that have the potential to impact human rights and/or communities and affect support for our business with stakeholders, including communities, governments or the general public.

Management

In FY2020, social value was integrated into asset plans, which is intended to enhance our contribution to the natural environment, communities and our many stakeholders at an asset and Group-wide level.

BHP’s standards for communications, community and external engagement, and supply chain management provide mandatory minimum requirements and practices that are designed to strengthen our social and human rights performance. In addition, our Human Rights Policy Statement, Climate Change Position Statement, Water Stewardship Position Statement and Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement set out our commitments to human rights, climate change, water security and access to safe water for all, and the traditional rights of Indigenous peoples (including our approach to engaging with Indigenous peoples).

These requirements and our practices also include:

conducting regular impact assessments for each operated asset to understand the social, environmental, human rights and economic context

identifying and analysing stakeholder, community and human rights impacts, including modern slavery risks

engaging in regular, open and honest dialogue with stakeholders to understand their expectations, concerns and interests

contributing to environmental and community resilience through social investment

completing due diligence on all current and new suppliers through our Ethical Supply Chain processes

These activities also assist us to identify, mitigate or manage key potential social, environmental and human rights risks, as described in section 1.7.

FY2020 insights

The Group’s exposure to risks associated with the community and human rights is expected to increase as societal, community and political pressures continue to grow, as evidenced by recent civil unrest in Chile, the United States and other countries where we have a presence. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified risks and impacts associated with pre-existing factors that affect communities and society across some of our locations (such as inadequate community services and community health and safety). This highlights the need for a rapid and coordinated response by BHP in partnership with relevant stakeholders and, along with adjustments required for the recovery of local and national economies, may present an opportunity for BHP as strong social performance could generate competitive advantage in Australia and other countries in which we operate. For information on our community response to the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to section 1.4.6.

Climate change

Risks associated with changes in climate patterns, as well as risks arising from policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market or other societal responses to the challenges posed by climate change.

Management

We have a Climate Change Position Statement that sets out our views on climate change and our commitments to act in response to climate change. The Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard establishes minimum requirements for managing climate change threats and opportunities and supports the execution of our climate change strategies and plans through our corporate planning processes.

We work with globally recognised agencies to obtain regional analyses of climate science to improve our understanding of the potential climate vulnerabilities of our operations and communities where we operate, and to inform resilience planning at an asset level. We take a risk-based approach to adaptation, including consideration of the potential vulnerabilities of our operated assets, investments, portfolio, communities, ecosystems and our suppliers and customers across the value chain.

Our operated assets are required to develop plans to build climate resilience into their activities and we require proposed new investments to assess and manage risks associated with potential physical impacts of climate change.


Climate-related scenarios, themes and signposts are used to evaluate the resilience of our portfolio and inform BHP’s strategy. Climate-related risks are assessed alongside the other threats and opportunities that BHP faces when making capital expenditure decisions or allocating capital through our CAF. Our Risk Framework helps identify these risks for input to the prioritisation of capital and to investment approval processes. Our investment evaluation process has incorporated market and sector-based carbon prices for more than a decade.

In CY2020, we published the BHP Climate Change Report 2020 that describes our latest portfolio analysis, including a 1.5°C Paris Agreement-aligned scenario. We continue to monitor climate-related developments that could impact the resilience of our portfolio and remain alert to policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market, societal and environmental developments that may indicate changes to our signposts and the development of new uncertainties in our portfolio analysis.

We seek to mitigate our exposure to risk arising from current and emerging policy and regulation in our operating jurisdictions and markets by reducing our operational emissions. In CY2020, we set a medium-term target to reduce our operational GHG emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2 from our operated assets) by at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels(1) by FY2030. We also take a product stewardship approach to emissions in our value chain. In CY2020, for example, we set public goals to address Scope 3 emissions.

Identifying cost-effective and robust carbon offsets is important to meeting our emissions reduction commitments and managing reputational risk. We therefore also support the development of market mechanisms that reduce global GHG emissions through projects that generate carbon credits.

We also respond to our exposure to policy and regulatory risk by advocating for the development of an effective, long-term policy framework that can deliver a measured transition to a low carbon economy.

The Group continues to monitor policy, market and technological changes and community, investor and regulatory standards and expectations as they develop, to inform appropriate management actions.

For more information on our climate change risk management strategy, refer to the BHP Climate Change Report 2020 available at bhp.com/climate.

(1) FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on greenhouse gas emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

FY2020 insights

During FY2020, community, investor and regulatory standards and expectations in relation to climate change continued to increase. Public response to severe natural disasters, including bushfires in Australia this year, heightened scrutiny of potential links between climate change and physical impacts and spurred calls for more rapid and aggressive action from governments and companies. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent reduction in economic activity decreased emissions, which may lead to opportunities to restart economies with a greater focus on sustainability.

Cybersecurity

Cyber-related risk events, including attacks on our enterprise or incidents relating to human error, online and web-based operations and infrastructure.

Management

We employ a number of measures designed to protect against, detect and respond to cyber events or attacks, including:

BHP’s standards on technology and cybersecurity, communications and external engagement

cybersecurity strategy and resilience programs

enterprise security framework and cybersecurity standards

cybersecurity awareness plan and training

security assessments and monitoring

restricted physical access to critical centres, servers and network equipment

incident response and crisis management plans

FY2020 insights

There were no identified cybersecurity breaches to the Group’s technology environment during FY2020 despite an increase in attempted cyberattacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Group’s exposure to cybersecurity-related risk events increased in FY2020 and is expected to increase further, primarily due to our growing reliance on technology and the increasing sophistication and frequency of external cyberattacks.

Third party performance

Risks associated with non-operated joint ventures and the delivery of products and services by third parties engaged by BHP, including contractors.

Management

We manage our interests in non-operated joint ventures through:

dedicated non-operated joint venture teams

development of formal influencing plans and key focus areas specific to each non-operated joint venture

governance frameworks that define how joint venture partners work together with operators

where appropriate, governance improvement plans specific to non-operated joint ventures

BHP and external reviews of non-operated joint venture projects, risk management and governance activities

internal audits and participation in joint venture partner audits of non-operated joint ventures

In addition, we have global practices and standards for operations and production that apply to contractors, including:

BHP’s standards on supply, safety, health, aviation and capital projects

Our Code of Conduct, which sets out requirements related to working with integrity, including dealings with third parties as described in section 2.16

our Contractor Management Framework, which specifies a holistic approach to support regional alignment and is supported by global training

training on anti-corruption, competition and Our Code of Conduct

independent inspections, assurance and verifications (in some cases performed by regulatory bodies)

We are in the process of improving our Contractor Management Framework by developing a globally integrated approach, enabled through the introduction of a new BHP standard for contractor management, delivery of a suite of technology solutions to support the end-to-end contractor management process, building organisational capacity and capability, and changing behaviours to be more inclusive and integrated with our contractor workforce.

We maintain a ‘one book’ approach with commercial counterparties, which means we aim to quantify and assess our credit exposures on a consistent basis. We also have contingency plans in place if production or shipping is interrupted.

FY2020 insights

While the COVID-19 pandemic may affect some third party performance risks (as described above), it has also presented opportunities to BHP. These include focusing on local supply chain resilience by supporting small, local and Indigenous businesses (for example, in March and April 2020 we made immediate payments of outstanding invoices and reduced payment terms from 30 to seven days for our small, local and Indigenous suppliers in Australia and for those that support our Petroleum business), as well as employing additional contractors to support our Australian operations.

Legal, regulatory, ethics and compliance

Risks associated with legal, regulatory, ethics and compliance obligations.

Management

We have internal policies, standards, systems and processes for governance and compliance, including:

Our Code of Conduct

BHP’s standards on business conduct, market disclosure, and information governance and controlled documents

training on Our Code of Conduct and in relation to anti-corruption, market conduct and competition matters

contractor due diligence and automated risk screening

global monitoring of compliance controls and higher risk transactions by our Ethics and Compliance function

ring fencing protocols to separate potentially competitive businesses within BHP

classification of compliance sensitive transactions

governance and compliance processes (including the review of internal controls over financial reporting and specific internal controls in relation to trade and financial sanctions, market manipulation, competition, data protection and privacy, and corruption)

oversight and engagement with higher risk areas by our Ethics and Compliance function, Internal Audit and Advisory team and the Disclosure Committee

EthicsPoint anonymous reporting service, supported by an ethics and investigations framework and central investigations team (within the Ethics and Compliance function) to investigate Our Code of Conduct concerns. Material breaches of Our Code of Conduct are reported to the Board on a regular basis and individuals are encouraged to report anything they believe may be misconduct or an improper state of affairs or circumstance without fear of retaliation (EthicsPoint is discussed in further detail in section 2.15)

FY2020 insights

The Group’s exposure to risks associated with legal, regulatory, ethics and compliance issues may increase given changes in the external environment. These risks could be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as by the continuing response of governments and society to ethical and cultural failings within large corporates, including the financial services industry. Exposure to these risks may also increase in the event of additional investment and activity in higher risk jurisdictions. The impacts of the pandemic on such jurisdictions may amplify those risks (for example, adverse effects on local economic wellbeing may increase corruption risks).

Balance sheet and liquidity

Risks associated with our ability to maintain a robust and effective balance sheet, raise debt, return value to shareholders and remain financially liquid.

Management

The Financial Risk Management Committee (FRMC) oversees the financial risks faced by BHPacross our business and endorses or approves financial risk management strategies, mandates and activities, including those related to commodity, currency, credit and insurance markets. The role of the FRMC is described in sections 2.14 and 2.15. Note 2122 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5 outlines our financial risk management strategy.

We seek to maintain a strong balance sheetBalance Sheet supported by our portfolio risk management strategy. To achieve this, we:

 

operate a diversified portfolio, which reduces overall cash flow volatility;volatility

 

maintain access to key debt markets globally;globally and a US$5.5 billion revolving credit facility (undrawn as at 30 June 2020)

 

monitor target gearing levels and credit rating metrics;metrics under a range of different stress test scenarios incorporating operational and macroeconomic factors

 

assess cash flow at risk to monitor sensitivities to market prices and their impact on key financial ratios;ratios

 

maintain target cash and liquidity buffers within ranges set by the Board (which are designed to sustain BHP through periods where there is limited access to debt markets);

 

operate within credit limits set by frameworks approved by the FRMC.FRMC

FY2019FY2020 insights

ProtectionismThe global economy has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased geopolitical uncertainty, including the impact on national economies and political uncertaintythe speed at which they recover from the effects of the pandemic, has further weighed on the macroeconomic outlook. There is a risk of heightened during FY2019, which we expect will constrainfluctuations in commodity prices, operational or supply chain disruptions and ongoing global economic growth. However, no material changes have been identified in the risk environment, internally or externally, that are expectedvolatility, which could affect short to significantly increase the Group’s risk exposure or significantly impact the Group’s ability to maintain a strong balance sheet, distribute dividendsmedium-term cash flow generation and remain financially liquid.

51profitability.


1.7    Samarco1.6    Capability and culture

The Fundão dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Fundão tailings dam operated by Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) failed. Samarco is anon-operated joint venture owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Limitada (BHP Billiton Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale), with each having a 50 per cent shareholding.

A significant volume of tailings (water andmud-like waste resulting from the iron ore beneficiation process) was released. Tragically, 191.6.1    Our people died – five community members and 14 people who were working on the dam when it failed. The communities of Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu were flooded. A number of other communities further downstream in the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo were also affected by the tailings, as was the environment of the Rio Doce basin.

Our response and support for Fundação Renova

More than three years into the recovery process, we remain committed to doing the right thing for the people and the environment in the Rio Doce region in a challenging and complex operating context.

The Framework Agreement entered into between Samarco, Vale and BHP Billiton Brasil and the relevant Brazilian authorities in March 2016 established Fundação Renova, anot-for-profit, private foundation that has developed andglobal workforce is implementing 42 remediation and compensatory programs to restore the environment andre-establish affected communities. As well as remediating the impacts of the dam failure, Fundação Renova is implementing a range of compensatory actions aimed at leaving a lasting, positive legacy for the people and environment of the Rio Doce.

BHP is focused on supporting Fundação Renova’s operations through representation on the Board of Governors and Board Committees, making available secondees who work within Fundação Renova to provide their technical expertise on priority areas, and regular peer engagement on issues such as safety, risk management, human rights and compliance.

Fundação Renova

Fundação Renova’s staff of approximately 530 people is supported by about 6,200 contractors. Its CY2019 budget is R$3.1 billion.

The activities of Fundação Renova are overseen by an Interfederative Committee comprising representatives from the Brazilian Federal and State Governments, local municipalities, environmental agencies, impacted communities and the Public Defense Office, who monitor, guide and assess the progress of actions agreed in the Framework Agreement. The Interfederative Committee is supported by the Technical Chambers, made up of specialists from the various government departments, which are established to assist the Interfederative Committee in the performance of its purpose of guiding, monitoring and supervising the execution of the socioeconomic and socio-environmental programs managed by Fundação Renova. There are 11 Technical Chambers in the following areas: communication, participation, dialogue and social control; economy and innovation; social organisation and emergency aid; Indigenous peoples and traditional communities; reconstruction and infrastructure recovery; health, education, culture, leisure and information; conservation and biodiversity; tailings and environmental safety management; forestry restoration and water production; and water safety and quality.

Fundação Renova is governed by a Board of Governors, currently comprising representatives nominated by Vale, BHP Billiton Brasil and the Interfederative Committee. In the near term, representatives of impacted communities are also expected to join the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors appoints an Executive Board, including the CEO, which is responsible for the operational management of Fundação Renova.

Fundação Renova’s governance structure also comprises a Fiscal Council, Advisory Council, seven Board Committees, a Compliance Manager and an Ombudsman. The Advisory Council includes representation from impacted communities and community development and education experts.

On 25 June 2018, Samarco, Vale and BHP Billiton Brasil signed a Governance Agreement with the other parties to the Framework Agreement, the Public Prosecutors Office and the Public Defense Office. The Governance Agreement augments the participation of impacted people in the decision-making process, through representation on both the Fundação Renova Board of Governors and the Interfederative Committee.

In addition, during FY2019, a network of 18 local commissions, made up of affected people, was established along the Rio Doce to represent the affected people in the governance process for full reparation of the damages.

Participants in the local commissions will be offered training by the technical advisers(non-profit organisations that aim to defend the rights of affected people, providing access to information and technical guidance) to enable them to actively participate in the process by submitting proposals, recommendations and comments on the work of the Interfederative Committee, Technical Chambers and Fundação Renova. Each commission should also be able to work with other local commissions to discuss and improve the results in each territory. Due to the diversity, scale and complexity of the programs, Fundação Renova collaborates and engages broadly with affected communities, scientific and academic institutions, regulators and civil society.

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Resettlement

One of Fundação Renova’spriority social programs is the livelihood restoration program to relocate and rebuild the communities of Bento Rodrigues, Paracatu and Gesteira. A key to the success of this program is the participation of affected community members, their technical advisers, State Prosecutors, municipal leaders, regulators and other interested parties.

The process involves the identification and acquisition of land, design and planning for the urban plan, including all infrastructure services (roads, power, water, drainage, sewerage) and public buildings (schools, health centres, squares, sports grounds and religious buildings), and construction of new houses for the affected people. The resettlement project provides local employment for community members where possible and support to help affected people restore their livelihoods.

In Bento Rodrigues, preparation for construction of the public school has commenced and infrastructure works are progressing. Unfortunately, work is behind schedule due to delays in project engineering and in the permitting process. Fundação Renova has signed an agreement to provide additional resources required by the municipality to analyse the individual house projects for permitting approval. Of the 257 houses, as of June 2019, 112 families had concluded the conceptual design of their houses and around 76 house projects have permits submitted to start construction. In June 2019, Renova signed Letters of Intent with two major Brazilian construction companies to undertake construction of the houses and infrastructure.

In Paracatu, by June 2019, all licences and authorisations to commence construction were granted and works to prepare the construction site were under way (117 houses).

In December 2018, land was purchased for the resettlement of 37 families of Gesteira following a protracted negotiation with the landowner. The urban plan design is being designed with the community.

In addition to these three community resettlements, 14 families from the rural area chose to rebuild their houses on their previous property, and of these, six houses have been rebuilt and delivered to the families.

Eighty-three families have chosen not to live in one of the three villages or in their previous houses. Fundação Renova is assisting them.Twenty-two properties have been purchased for these families (as of June 2019).

Financial assistance and compensation

Fundação Renova had paid R$1.7 billion in indemnification and financial aid up to June 2019.

Fundação Renova has distributed about 13,160 financial assistance cards to those whose livelihoods were impacted by the dam failure, including registered and informal commercial fisherfolk who are unable to fish due to the imposition of fishing bans in the Rio Doce and along the coast of Espírito Santo. The payments are designed to provide those affected with the capacity to support themselves and their families pending there-establishment of conditions that enable them to resume their economic activities.

Fundação Renova is also undertaking Brazil’s largest mediated compensation program to fairly compensate all individuals impacted by the dam failure. It comprises two key components:

The Water Damages component compensated people for an interruption to public water supplies for seven to 10 days following the dam failure. Over 268,000 people participated in the program, and were paid a total of approximately R$267 million. Between judicial and extrajudicial processes, about 300,000 settlements have been reached in small claims filed by impacted people in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo requesting the payment of moral damages related to the shortage of public water supply.

The General Damages component covers all other impacts, including loss of life, injury, property, business impacts, loss of income and moral damages. The program was designed based on inputs from public agencies, technical entities and impacted families and has been validated by the Interfederative Committee.

Compensation represents 36 per cent of Fundação Renova’s budget, which is approximately R$1 billion for CY2019.

Of the 19 fatalities, 16 families have been fully indemnified and one partially. The remaining two families are still in legal negotiations.

Other socioeconomic programs

While resettlement, compensation and restoring fishing livelihoods are an important focus, Fundação Renova continues to implement a wide range of other socioeconomic programs in areas such as health and social protection, education, small business development, economic diversification, Indigenous peoples and traditional communities (i.e. sand-gold miners):

There are two work fronts of Fundação Renova in the area of health: (i) conducting epidemiological and toxicological studies to investigate the health risk of tailings and heavy metals from the Doce River and to monitor the impact of dust on people’s lives and (ii) supporting the public management of municipalities by strengthening existing municipal structures, both in clinical care and social protection. In March 2019, more than 60 professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers and psychologists hired by Fundação Renova worked in Mariana and Barra Longa (Minas Gerais).

53


Fundacão Renova seeks to promote the local economy to stimulate the resumption of the economic activity of the impacted region. To promote small business development and economic diversification, Fundação Renova launched, amongst others, a fund of R$40 million, to finance micro and medium companies with loans ranging from R$10,000 to R$200,000.

Fundação Renova prioritises the local workforce in repair actions and in March 2019, reported that 57 per cent of people directly engaged or engaged via suppliers were from affected municipalities. Fundação Renova’s goal is for this percentage to stabilise at or exceed 70 per cent.

Actions to protect and restore the quality of life of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities aim to repair and compensate for the social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts on four communities and a total of 1,600 families. Impact studies are being developed to be the foundation of an integrated development action plan to recoverour business and we believe that supporting the livelihoods of each of these communities.

Environmental remediation

Fundação Renova had successfully concluded works to stabilise the impacted land areas by June 2019. The riverbanks and floodplains have been vegetated, river margins have been stabilised and, in general, water and sediment qualities have returned to historic conditions. Regarding long-term remediation, work is continuing with landowners and regulators to define the land use objectives, further interventions that may be required, and the indicators and monitoring programs that will be used to demonstrate success of the program.

One of the main concerns held by stakeholders regarding the tailings related to the potential contamination of water, sediment, soil and biota. Fundação Renova commissioned human health and ecological risk assessment studies to answer these questions. Although the tailings have low concentrations of trace metals, the background concentrations of some elements are elevated in the area due to previous human activity or natural conditions. It is therefore important that studies are well designed and results clearly show the source of any potential health risks. BHP has been working with Fundação Renova to make sure robust data is collected, the correct methodologies are applied and clear causes for any health impacts are identified so that health authorities have accurate information to support their decision-making.

Water quality, aquatic habitat and fish surveys are continuing in the rivers and coastal zone to understand the impact of the tailings flow and the rate of recovery of the ecological systems. Results from these studies indicate that, while sediment in the river channels along the spill flow path upstream of the Candonga reservoir continues to limit there-establishment of habitats and aquatic fauna diversity and abundance, the natural sediment transport processes will ultimately restore suitable habitat. Methods to enhance the rate of habitat recovery in the upstream section of the river closest to the dam failure are under implementation.

Research institutions have been progressing with studies along the river and coast required by regulators and prosecutors, with preliminary results scheduled for late 2019. In May 2019, Brazil’s National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) attested to the safety of the consumption of fish and crustaceans from the Doce River Basin and the coastal region, within daily limits of 200 grams per adult and 50 grams per child. Given the significant impacts of the fishing bans on the livelihoods of commercial and subsistence fisherfolk and the social cohesion within their communities, BHP Billiton Brasil has continued providing technical support to Fundação Renova to accelerate the collection of data to address the concerns of regulators and the community. This includes analysis of the safety of fish for human consumption and the status of fish populations to support lifting of the fishing bans currently in place.

Legal proceedings

BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and BHP Billiton Brasil are involved in legal proceedings relating to the Samarco dam failure. For more information on the significant legal proceedings in which BHP is currently involved, refer to section 6.6.

Restart

While restart remains a focus and is expected to provide a positive effect on livelihoods in impacted communities, restart will only occur if it is safe, economically viable and has the support of the community.

Progress on our commitments

Following the investigation into the causes of the dam failure, Samarco and its shareholders identified a number of specific actions to help prevent a similar event from occurring. The actions were in addition to the overall improvements we identified to further improve the management of our tailings dams (as discussed in section 1.8)

Monitoring: A centralised monitoring system and control room with emergency warning and response protocols has been established for the Samarco tailings dams. Specifically trained personnel staff the control room 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dam decommissioning plan: Due to legislative changes in Brazil, Samarco is currently progressing plans for the accelerated decommissioning of its upstream tailings dams (the Germano dam complex). Plans for the decommissioning are at an early stage and work is in progress on finalising the conceptual design.

54


Emergency drills:Emergency drills are conducted once a year, bringing together the communities, employees and civil defence to validate the efficiency of the Emergency Response Plan, so that all parties that may potentially be affected are aware and prepared to respond in case of an emergency.

More information on our ongoing dam and tailings management is available in our Sustainability Report 2019 at bhp.com. More information on health, safety and environmental performance at our NOJVs is available in our Sustainability Report 2019, available online at bhp.com.

1.8    Tailings dams

Tailings dams are dynamic structures and maintaining their integrity requires consideration of a range of factors, including appropriate engineering design, quality construction, ongoing operating discipline and effective governance processes.

Nothing is more important than the safetywellbeing of our people and communities. Immediately following the tragic failure of the Fundão dam at Samarco in 2015, the BHP Boardpromoting an inclusive and senior management initiateddiverse culture are vital for maintaining a dam risk review to assess the management of significant (4) tailings storage facilities, (5) both active and inactive. This review was in addition to existing review processes already being undertaken by our operated assets. The review, conducted by a combination of external tailings experts and BHP personnel, assessed dam design, construction, operations, emergency response and governance to determine the current level of risk and the adequacy and effectiveness of controls.

The scope of the review included:

significant tailings facilities across all operated assets andnon-operated joint ventures;

any proposed significant tailings or water dams as part of major capital projects;

consideration of health, safety, environmental, community and financial impacts associated with the failure of a tailings dam, including the physical impacts of climate change.

Improvement actions were assigned to address facility-specific findings. Our Internal Audit and Advisory team subsequently followed up to assess quality and completeness. These actions resulted in enhancements such as buttressing of dam walls and installation of additional instrumentation to monitor dam integrity. Following such findings, we have subsequently undertaken and will continue to undertake dam safety reviews, which provide external assurance statements on dam integrity.

Improvement actions were also identified at the Group level to address common findings and lessons learned across the Group so that our approach to dam risk management could be further improved. As part of this, a central technical team was set up to enhance oversight and assurance. We also increased our investment in research and development to reduce and eliminate tailings storage risks, including research into static liquefaction failure mechanisms and evaluating dewatering of tailings. We are also actively assisting the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Tailings Working Group to contribute to improvements in tailings storage management across the broader mining industry.

Prior to the tragic collapse of the Brumadinho dam at Vale’s iron ore operation in Brazil in January 2019, we already had a significant focus on looking at how we could deliver a step change reduction in tailings risk. Together with our peers across the resource sector, Brumadinho further strengthened our resolve to collaborate to reduce tailings risk by sharing and implementing best practice. As well as implementing a comprehensive tailings governance plan, we established an internal Tailings Taskforce team reporting to the Executive Leadership Team and the Board’s Sustainability Committee. The Taskforce is accountable for the continued improvement and assurance of our operated tailings storage facilities, progressing the development of technology to improve tailings management storage, and engaging in the setting of new tailings management standards. BHP continues to review our approach to tailings management as information on the causes of the Brumadinho dam failure come to light, and will continue to consider any industry guidance, standards and regulation as they emerge.competitive advantage.

We welcome a common, international and independent body to oversee integrity of construction and operation of all tailings storage facilities across the industry. In addition, we support calls for greater transparency in tailings management and plan to work with community, regulatory and financial stakeholders to promote the application of consistent disclosure that informs better tailings dam stewardship.

Dam risk management

BHP’s approach to dam risk management at our operated dams is integrated into our standard approach to risk management, assurance and continuous improvement with particular focus on four key areas:

(4)

Significance was determined as part of the review process taking account of the dam classification under the Canadian Dam Association and/or the Australian National Committee on Large Dams for both active and inactive facilities.

(5)

A tailings storage facility could comprise multiple dams or cells that have: a contiguous, structurally similar interconnected wall, operated under the same tailings disposal regime, are interdependent for stability, of similar height and risk profile.

55


1.

Maintenance of dam integrity;

2.

Governance of dam facilities;

3.

Monitoring, surveillance and review;

4.

Emergency preparedness and response.

Supporting this approach to dam risk management at our operated assets are Group-wide processes of technical support and oversight.

Maintenance of dam integrity

Central to our approach is the recognition that maintaining dam integrity is a process of continuous assessment that needs to be maintained for the life (including into closure and post-closure) of a tailings facility. As a result, we have identified five key dimensions to maintaining dam integrity:

1.

Design – the basis of dam design is guided by design criteria specified through the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD), the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) and local regulation, taking account of dam classification;

2.

Construction – quality assurance and quality control across all construction phases (from initial construction to dam lifts/expansions during operation to closure and post closure);

3.

Operations and maintenance – operating and maintaining the dam in accordance with its design requirements;

4.

Change management – identifying, assessing and mitigating the impacts of any changes on dam design and integrity;

5.

Monitoring, surveillance and review – ensuring the dam is functioning as intended.

Governance of dam facilities

We believe that effective governance encompasses a range of aspects from the management of change in our business to appropriately employing and enabling qualified personnel with clear accountabilities.

We have mandated three key roles across our operated assets, accountable to the Asset General Manager of the relevant asset:

Dam Owner – the single point of accountability for maintaining effective governance and integrity of the tailings storage facility throughout its life cycle;

Responsible Dam Engineer – a suitably qualified BHP individual accountable for maintaining overall engineering stewardship of the facility, including planning, operation, surveillance and maintenance;

Engineer of Record – an independent, suitably qualified professional engineer retained by the Dam Owner for the purpose of maintaining dam design, certifying dam integrity and supporting the Dam Owner and the Responsible Dam Engineer on any other matters of a technical nature.

Monitoring, surveillance and review

Given tailings dams are dynamic structures, we believe effective monitoring, surveillance and review is central to ongoing dam integrity and governance. We believe these processes span six dimensions, with the level of utilisation of each dimension being dependent on the specific needs of the relevant facility. These six dimensions include:

1.

Monitoring systems – operating in real time or periodically;

2.

Routine surveillance – undertaken by operators;

3.

Dam inspections – more detailed inspections undertaken periodically by the Responsible Dam Engineer;

4.

Dam safety inspections – annual inspections undertaken by the external Engineer of Record reviewing aspects across both dam integrity and governance;

5.

Dam safety reviews – conducted by an external third party as set out below;

6.

Tailings review or Stewardship Boards(6) – a panel of qualified independent individuals established, whose capability is commensurate with dam significance, under specific terms of reference to review aspects such as the current status of the dam; any proposed design changes; and outcomes of any inspections or dam safety reviews. The review board is approved by and accountable to the asset General Manager.

The type and frequency of monitoring, surveillance and review is informed by the consequence classification, complexity and operational status of the dam. Dams that are likely to have a greater level of consequence, as a result of failure, that have greater technical complexity and that are actively operating will have monitoring, surveillance and reviews with greater rigour and frequency.

(6)

BHP assesses the dam classification, risk and operational circumstances in determining whether to empanel a tailings review or Stewardship Board. Not all facilities will have tailings reviews or Stewardship Boards. Tailings reviews or Stewardship Boards are either in place or in the process of being established for our operated assets with very high and extreme classified tailings facilities.

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Dam safety reviews

Dam safety reviews are central to our approach to dam integrity and continuous improvement. We engage an external engineer to undertake dam safety reviews consistent with the guidance provided by the CDA in their 2016 Technical Bulletin on Dam Safety Reviews. As per this guidance, review frequency is informed by the dam classification under the CDA.

Dam safety reviews are detailed processes that include a thorough review of dam integrity, dam governance and include a review of the dam break assessment and dam consequence classification. Reviews are led by an external qualified professional engineer (selected for their appropriate level of education, training and experience), with support and input from other technical specialists from fields that may include, for example, hydrology, geochemistry, seismicity, geotechnical and mechanical. At the conclusion of the review, the qualified professional engineer provides a signed assurance statement, which includes a comment as to the integrity of the facility.

Emergency preparedness and response

We believe the final key element in our approach to dam risk management is emergency preparedness and response. Our approach to emergency response planning for our tailings facilities is designed to be commensurate with risk, with the following steps taken as appropriate given the risk:

identifying and monitoring stability and operating conditions, with thresholds that prompt preventive or remedial action;

assessing and mapping the potential impacts from a hypothetical, significant failure, including infrastructure, communities and environment, both on and offsite, regardless of probability;

establishing procedures to assist operations personnel responding to emergency conditions at the dam;

testing and training in emergency preparedness ranges from desktop exercises to full-scale simulations. Desktop and field drills are scheduled at a frequency commensurate with the level of risk of the facility.

BHP’s operated andnon-operated tailings portfolio

The following classifications align to the CDA classification system. It is important to note that the classification is based on the modelled, hypothetical most significant failure mode and consequences possible without controls, and not on the current physical stability of the dam. It is also important to note that it is possible for dam classifications to change over time, for example, following changes to the operating context of a dam. As such, this data represents the status of the portfolio as at May 2019. The dam classification informs the design, surveillance and review components of risk management and, therefore, dams that will likely have a greater level of consequence as a result of failure will have more rigorous requirements than dams that will have a lesser level of consequence.

In total, we have 67 tailings facilities(1) at our operated assets, 29 of which are of upstream design. Of the 67 operated facilities, we have five classified as extreme and a further 16 classified as very high. Thirteen of our operated facilities are active. The substantial inactive portfolio (54) at our operated assets is due largely to the number of historic tailings facilities associated with our North American legacy assets portfolio.

There arenine tailings facilities at ournon-operated joint ventures. Allnon-operated facilities are located in the Americas. There are two active tailings facilities: Antamina in Peru, which is of downstream/centreline construction and Cantor TSF at Cerrejón in Colombia, which is of downstream construction. In addition, there are seven inactive facilities. These include: two upstream facilities at Samarco (Germano) in Brazil that are being decommissioned following the February 2019 rulings by the Brazilian Government on upstream dams in Brazil; three upstream inactive facilities and one inactive modified centreline facility at Resolution Copper in the United States; and one downstream inactive facility at Bullmoose in Canada. The highest classification facilities, rated as extreme, are the downstream facility at Antamina and the upstream Germano facilities at Samarco.

More information on tailings dams is available online at bhp.com.

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LOGO

(1)

The number of tailings storage facilities is based on the definition agreed to by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Tailings Advisory Group.

(2)

The following classifications align to the CDA classification system. It is important to note that the classification is based on the modelled, hypothetical most significant failure mode and consequences possible without controls, and not on the current physical stability of the dam.

(3)

For the purposes of this chart, ANCOLD and other classifications have been converted to their CDA equivalent. Hamburgo and Island Copper tailings facilities are not considered dams and are, therefore, not subject to classification: Hamburgo TSF at Escondida is an inactive facility where tailings were deposited into a natural depression; and Island Copper TSF in Canada, acquired in the 1980s, is also an inactive facility. Tailings at Island Copper were deposited in the ocean under an approved licence and environmental impact assessment. This historic practice ceased in the 1990s. We have since committed to not dispose of mine waste rock or tailings in river or marine environments.

(4)

These classifications align to the CDA classification system and reflect the modelled, hypothetical most significant failure mode and consequences possible without controls, and not the current physical stability of the dam.

(5)

Other includes dams of a design that combines upstream, downstream and centreline, and the twonon-dam tailing facilities of Hamburgo TSF in Chile and Island Copper TSF in Canada.

(6)

Inactive includes facilities not in operational use, under reclamation, reclaimed, closed and/or in post-closure care and maintenance.

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1.9     People

1.9.1     Our people

We employ over 72,00080,000 employees and contractors globally. We are committedglobally and empower them to investingwork in our people so they have the right skills and are supported by a healthy workplace culture that is inclusive and collaborative.

We are committed to empowering our people to find safer, more creative and more efficient ways of working.rewarding ways. We continue to develop a culture based on trust and collaborationcollaborate to drive performance and give our people more say, new capabilities and tools, and new avenues for technology and innovation to support BHP’s transformation.innovation.

We provide competitive remuneration to reward employees for their expertise and commitment to our business strategy and long-term success. Our remuneration approach is designed to inspire our employees to embrace BHP’s core objectives and values. Performance against key performance indicators linked to safety, productivity and culture drives our employees’ variable reward outcomes.

Building an enabled culture to support BHP’s transformation

Our annual Engagement and Perception Survey (EPS) is an important tool to gauge our culture. The overall results in FY2019 remained stable and showed we sustained the positive improvements achieved in FY2018, despite the changes that occurred across the business.

Our employees told us they feel proud to work at BHP and described the work environment as collaborative and inclusive. They have the confidence to make decisions required to do their job well and believe they have opportunities for professional and personal development.

We have seen improvements in our EPS results related to equal opportunities at work for all employees, perceptions on how the leadership group communicates a vision of the future that is exciting, how leaders are managing change, and perceived opportunities for growth and development. These are important indicators of people’s experiences at work.

The FY2019 results indicated we have more to do to continue to simplify our processes and make it easier for our team to perform their work. Our focus for FY2020 will be to support our transformation initiatives (refer to section 1.4.4) and realise the benefits to our culture and people. We will continue to enable our people and address the obstacles that prevent them from doing their job well by simplifying processes and increasing technology capability. We expect that further capability development of our employees in our new ways of working and continued development of our leaders will set up our people and the organisation for success.

Developing our capabilities and an enabled culture

The delivery of our strategy is predicated on culture and capability.

We believe thatapply the changing nature of work presents significant opportunity for BHP. Our approach is to invest in new skills, so our people are ready for the jobs of the future.

Over the past five years, we have invested in developing leadership capability, as these qualities are critical to guiding our people and navigating changes to the work environment.

Our Operational Leadership Program aims to develop the technical and operational leadership excellence of our operational general managers and to identify successors to senior leadership roles that drive operational value. The program launched in FY2018 and was completed by 38 operational leaders in FY2019.

The Step Up to Leadership and Leading Value programs continue to drive our foundational leadership focus and in FY2019, 856 leaders completed the programs. Our Maintenance Academy Program, introduced in FY2018, saw 39 maintenance managers work to broaden their technical knowledge, leadership capability and collaboration in FY2019.

We also focused in FY2019 on developing the leadership skills of our Indigenous employees through our Indigenous Development Program. The program is designed to identify Indigenous employees with leadership potential and to respond to issues identified as barriers to career progression. By May 2019, 147 employees in Australia had completed the program. Of the 97 employees that completed the program in the first half of 2019, 40 per cent have moved into new roles and 19 per cent have been promoted to leadership roles.

We are proud of our EPS results related to the performance of our leaders. In particular, the results identified our leaders as strong in communicating the vision of BHP and leading their teams through significant change.

In FY2020, we expect to increase our focus on systems, processes, tools and behaviours to improve operational capability. The BHP Operating System (BOS) practices to build leader capability. We invest in people and capability to deliver high performance and our aspiration for a gender-balanced workforce. We drive continuous improvement through respect for people’s differences, self-accountability, a hunger to learn and a commercial mindset.

The BOS sets out the foundation for long-term andin-depth learning and development, by developing practices and capabilities that empower our people to pursue operating excellence. In FY2020, the focus of our capability building work was on teaching and embedding the BOS practices across our operated assets, from general managers to frontline employees and contractors. The BOS senior leader development sessions equipped senior leaders to lead and role model the BOS’s principles and practices. We will further develop leadership capability in FY2021 through the BOS learning and development programs for coaches and work with our leaders to support the effective embedment of the BOS to improve operational capability and cultural outcomes.

To continue to grow value we must ensure our operations perform well and that means safely, productively, cost-effectively and reliably. We invest in our people to drive this performance.

In FY2020, we invested in a new workforce surveying and analytics platform that provides our leaders with deeper and more frequent insights into our culture and our people’s safety, engagement and enablement. We first deployed this technology in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to closely manage wellbeing and monitor the effectiveness of communication. With more than 55,000 responses over a three-month period from employees and contractors to a weekly pulse survey, we could respond to the needs of our workforce by deploying targeted support initiatives, such as leader guides, training packages, coaching and access to mental health services.

Our COVID-19 wellbeing survey results identified our leaders as strong communicators and leaders of their teams through significant change. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents indicated they received support from their leader when they needed it and 92 per cent were clear about what they should be working on.

With a focus on developing capability in core leadership routines, 2,602 leaders have participated in the Step Up to Leadership training since FY2015, which has been pivotal in the development of BHP’s culture over the past five years. These programs will be updated in FY2021 to further support our people and the development of our culture.

We also focused on developing the leadership skills of our Indigenous employees in FY2020, through our Indigenous development program, which identifies Indigenous employees with leadership potential and addresses barriers to career progression. For more information, refer to the Indigenous employment section.

Operations Services which provideswas created by BHP to provide permanent employment within BHP for roles undertaking maintenance and production execution services across Minerals Australia assets. Operations Services supports people to build their skills through a structured coaching and by performingin-field verifications.verification process, designed to enable operators and maintainers to achieve mastery within their roles. This helps deliver consistent equipment operation and maintenance that balances safety, maximum productivity and equipment reliability. Participants report

We recognise government, industry and education stakeholders play important roles in helping us fulfil our skills requirements. The Queensland Future Skills Partnership with TAFE Queensland and Central Queensland University has been established to fast track development of new autonomy skills. Our Minerals Americas team is partnering with the Industrial and Mining Training Centre in Chile, initially established 24 years ago by Escondida, to deliver new technology skills and a high sensepipeline of achievementoperators/maintainers who are new to mining, with a focus on increasing female participation in mining. We are working with the Minerals Council of Australia as a key stakeholder through which the Department of Education, Skills and Employment will engage with the mining sector to develop a new skills organisation. Some of our operated assets are also partnering locally with external companies to deliver programs that prepare people who are new to mining with the skills they leverage best practice from across BHPneed to help perfect their daily activities and accelerate productivity.

59work in the mining industry.


Inclusion and diversity

We believe our people should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and thrive in an inclusive and diverse workplace. In our experience, inclusionInclusion and diversity promotes safety, productivity and wellbeing within BHPof our workforce and underpins our ability to attract new employees.

We employ, develop and promote people based on meritpeople’s strengths and ourwe do not tolerate any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, exclusion or victimisation.(8) Our systems, processes and practices are designed to empowersupport fair treatment. We do not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination, bullying or harassment.treatment for all.

Our employees are trained to recognise and mitigate potential bias towards any employee.employee and encouraged to speak up if they encounter behaviours that are inconsistent with our values and expectations. To help addressprevent gender pay disparities, we have taken steps to reduce potential bias in recruitment and conduct an annual gender pay review, the results of which are reported to the BHP Remuneration Committee.

Respect is one of our six coreOur Charter values and we believe it is fundamental to building stronger teams and being a trulyan inclusive and diverse workplace. For some people, in our business, this ishas not been their experience of working at BHP. We are determined to address this, so during FY2019this. In FY2020, we began a Group-widecontinued our Respectful Behaviour campaign, about respectful behaviour. The aim is to create greaterwhich builds awareness and build understanding of what constitutes disrespectful behaviour is and how it affects our people. We shared real-life examples of how some people experience disrespectful behaviour at BHP,behaviours in the workplace to highlight the current environment and generate conversations.

The campaign asks everyone to reflect on their own behaviours and what they see around them and ask ‘Is that ok?’conversation. We equipped leaders and employees with materials to help them have conversations about disrespectful behaviours and take stepsintegrated those materials and concepts throughout our cultural tools and programs (including BHP leadership programs, Leading Inclusion, sexual harassment training, and Our Code of Conduct training).

We also started to assemble an internal working group in FY2020, to develop a holistic plan to address it. We also launched a new eLearning module on inclusionthe controls and continue to develop additional resources for our people as we continue this critical initiative. Further developmentcultural enablers of a culture of care within our business is a fundamental element of our FY2020 business plan.

Gender balance(7)

We have an aspirational goal to achieve gender balance globally by CY2025. In FY2019 we increasedsexual harassment and assault in the representation of women working at BHP by 2.1 percent, resulting in 1,156 more female employees than the same time in FY2018. Our overall representation of women is 24.5 per cent (7).

In FY2019, the percentage of people newly hired to work for BHP was 62.3 per cent male and 37.7 per cent female. This female representation outcome is a marked increase when compared to FY2015 (10.4 per cent), the baseline for our aspirational goal. Our growth projects have reported strong female representation. For example, South Flank operational workforce in Western Australia has achieved 41 per cent female representation as at the end of FY2019. We have improved the voluntary turnover rate of women by 0.7 per cent, when compared to FY2018; the turnover of women (11.4 per cent) remains higher than the rate for men (10.4 per cent).workplace.

Our strategy to achieve a more diverse and inclusive workplace continues towith focus on the following four areas:

 

embedding flexibility in the way we work;work

 

encouraging and working with our supply chain partners to support our commitment to inclusion and diversity;diversity

 

uncovering and taking steps to mitigate potential bias in our behaviours, systems, policies and processes;processes

 

ensuring our brand is attractive to a diverse range of people.people

Indigenous employmentGender balance(9)

In communities in which we operate, we aim to provide employment opportunities that contribute to sustainable social and economic benefits for Indigenous peoples. In Minerals Australia, Indigenous employment within our overall workforce increased from 4.4 per cent to 5 per cent (1,090 to 1,168) as weWe aim to achieve 5.75gender balance globally by CY2025. In FY2020, we increased the representation of women working at BHP by 2.0 per cent, byresulting in 1,767 more female employees than at the end of FY2020. TwentyFY2019. Our overall representation of women is 26.5 per cent.

We signed the CEO Statement of Support for the United Nations (UN) Women’s Empowerment Principles in FY2020 to strengthen our global commitment towards gender equality. The partnership with UN Women and the UN Global Compact encourages business leaders to use seven principles as a guide for actions that advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

The percentage of people newly hired to work for BHP in FY2020 was 60.7 per cent of all apprentices were Aboriginalmale and Torres Strait Islander people . In North America, we have focused on working with our contracting partners to support the employment of First Nations and Métis peoples, who now comprise 939.3 per cent female. This female representation outcome is a marked increase compared to FY2015 (10.4 per cent female), the baseline for our aspirational goal.

Several of our workforce at the Jansen Potash Project. Chile has implemented a numberoperations and major capital projects have reported strong female representation with investment in entry-level programs. Operations Services, South Flank, Escondida, Olympic Dam and other operations increased their female representation with apprenticeship intakes to develop women and create new talent pools of initiatives that will resultfemales and diverse talent in formal performance reportingentry-level roles as operators, maintainers and others according to specific operational needs where this diversity does not exist today. Escondida improved female representation in FY2020.FY2020 by 3.1 percentage points and hired 67 female apprentices in mine operations. Operations Services increased female representation by 8.0 percentage points to 33.1 per cent in FY2020, including 82.9 per cent female apprentices and trainees, 266 females and 55 males

 

(7)(8)

We promote a workplace that is free from discrimination based on personal attributes unrelated to job performance, such as race, age, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, intersex status, physical or mental disability, mental health condition, relationship status, religion, political opinion, industry/union affiliations, pregnancy, breastfeeding or family responsibilities. This is subject to BHP’s requirement to comply with local laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

(9) 

Based on a ‘point in time’ snapshot of employees as at 30 June 2019,2020, as used in internal management reporting for the purposes of monitoring progress against our goals. This does not include contractors. This methodology differs from the data reported in section 1.9.2,1.6.2, which is calculated based on the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for a 10-month period from July 2019 through to April 2020 and in accordance with our reporting requirement under the UK Companies Act 2006.2006 which is then used to calculate a weighted average for the year to 30 June based on BHP ownership.

We also improved our representation of women in leadership by 1.7 percentage points compared to FY2019, with 22.4 per cent female leaders.

To accelerate female representation, in FY2020 we:

improved employment branding that targets diverse audiences about why they should join BHP

progressed market mapping to proactively target people or groups of people not actively looking to work for BHP or our industry

broadened our channels across social, digital and traditional media

enhanced our workforce development and retention through coaching and support materials for leaders

took further steps to uncover and remove barriers for women with the launch of the Women@BHP group on BHP’s social networking service and set clear expectations of leaders about how to respond to OurCode of Conduct breaches relating to sexual harassment

Indigenous employment

60We aim to provide employment opportunities in the communities in which we operate that contribute to sustainable social and economic benefits for Indigenous peoples. In Minerals Australia, Indigenous employment within our employee and contractor(10) workforce increased from 5 per cent to 6.5 per cent (1,726 employees and 475 contractors), exceeding our target of 5.75 per cent by the end of FY2020. There has been a 140 per cent (50 to 120) increase in Indigenous employees in supervisor, superintendent and manager roles since FY2017 through external hiring and internal leadership development and career progression. In North America, we have focused on working with our contracting partners to support the employment of First Nations and Métis peoples, who now comprise 22 per cent of our workforce at the Jansen Potash Project, and our overall workforce including employees comprising 15 per cent Indigenous people. In Chile, representation of Indigenous workers at our operations rose to 6.6 per cent in FY2020 (from 5.9 per cent in FY2019).

(10)

Based on a ‘point in time’ snapshot of employees and labour hire contractors as at 30 June 2020.


Case study: Developing Indigenous leaders in Minerals Australia

A successful Indigenous Development Program (IDP), run since FY2015, has helped Minerals Australia progress its goal of developing Indigenous employees for leadership roles.

The program has created career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to move into new roles, including leadership roles, across BHP.

It has proven to be a success; 49 per cent of employees who have completed the program have moved into new roles, and 20 per cent have been promoted into leadership roles.

Research underpinning the program showed that Indigenous employees would benefit from mentoring, more exposure to senior leaders and better access to training.

The program targeted Indigenous employees in entry-level roles. In addition to addressing the opportunities raised through the research, the program helped participants develop or enhance skills in communication, emotional intelligence, project management and business acumen.

Program alumni said they had grown in confidence following the program, with leaders also reporting positive changes in the participants. This has resulted in a strong pipeline of potential participants to take part in future program intakes.

Reflecting on her participation in the program, Dee Clarke, Planner Work Management, said: ‘The IDP has been one of the most personally rewarding courses I have ever done. It helped me with confidence, resilience and motivation. The program taught us that whatever opportunities came our way, to no longer say ‘no’ or think that we are not good enough. We were exposed to managers, other supervisors and senior leadership and this enabled us to network and further develop skills so that we could create our own opportunities after the course.’

Working towards leadership parity

Following the IDP’s success, in FY2019 BHP created the Indigenous Leadership Program (ILP) to help achieve the leadership parity aspiration of 3 per cent Indigenous representation at manager-level and above Australia by 2028.

The ILP supports Indigenous leaders to develop their careers and move into higher levels of leadership. The program aims to build capability, provide tools to manage the complexities that come with leadership, learn different leadership models and further develop skills in understanding and using emotional intelligence.

FY2020 course alumni Aaron Keevers, Contract Maintenance Supervisor, said: ‘The BHP ILP was a very rewarding course for me and the tools and learnings I took away have been invaluable and will help me to go to the next step in my development and career. From our very first day, we were told to be ‘comfortable with the uncomfortable’ – four words that helped change my mind-set.’

Indigenous leaders by role type in Minerals Australia

Role Type

  FY2017   FY2018   FY2019   FY2020   Increase
FY2017 to
FY2020
 

Manager

   1    2    2    4    300

Superintendent

   3    6    15    17    467

Supervisor

   46    57    68    99    115

Total

   50    65    85    120    140

LGBT+ inclusion

We want to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone at BHP. Jasper is BHP’s employee inclusion group for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and others (LGBT+) community and its allies. Inspired by the mineral rock jasper, which is known for its unique multi-coloured patterns, the group was formally endorsed by BHP’s Global Inclusion and Diversity Council in 2017 and is sponsored by BHP Executive team member, Laura Tyler. Jasper’sIts aim is to drive a safe, inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone by providing advice on ways to reduce bias and ensure LGBT+ people are respected and valued irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex variability.status.

Since its formationIn FY2020, Jasper continued to focus on awareness and education, internal networking and building a network of allies.

In Australia, over the past two years Jasper and non-profit organisation, Pride in 2017, Jasper has grownDiversity, have visited our coal and iron ore mines in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales and Olympic Dam in South Australia to over 900 members. We rolledroll out LGBT+ inclusion awareness and education sessions across all Minerals Australia operationssessions.

In Asia, Jasper hosted the Jasper Enrichment Sessions, which covered topics such as sexuality, coming out, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. We continue to co-chair the InterEnergy Forum in FY2019, with plansSingapore and are an active member of the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride forum in Manila.

In the United States, Jasper held monthly lunches where LGBT+ educational highlights were shared in a safe environment for discussion and support. We continued to extend to our other operationsreceive positive feedback on the LGBT+ reverse mentoring pilot program in Houston.

Our employees participated in pride events in Adelaide, Brisbane, Houston, Manila, Perth and officesSaskatoon in FY2020. We also continuebegan to celebrate daysroll out ‘all-gender’ bathrooms, starting in our corporate offices in Melbourne and Adelaide. We continued to participate in the Australian Workplace Equality Index, the national benchmark on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and surveyed employees to assess the impact of significance, including IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia) and Wear It Purple Day (awareness day for youngour LGBT+ people).inclusion initiatives on organisational culture.

Flexible working

Flexible work supports the diversity and wellness of our workforce. Some 41 per cent ofWe further implemented our flexible work principles during the COVID-19 crisis by encouraging and supporting flexible work in different ways, such as new rosters, shifts for people worked flexibly in FY2019office buildings and we continue to educateworking from home offices (for people from our workforce about flexible workingfunctions and also our operations if they were at BHP. We also continue to challengerisk). COVID-19 has rapidly challenged the mindset that flexible working is only available for office-based employees, with a number of operations implementing flexible rosters and job share arrangements that assist employees both commuting long distances and living locally. For example, the Crib Relief Program at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) changed the existing approach to truck crib relief by reducing the shift length for relief drivers to better align with school hours. This helped unlock a new and more diverse talent pool that also increased the workforce’s local community representation. It also helped improve workforce culture and morale as employees shared skills and knowledge with those new to the industry.on work flexibility.

Working with suppliers

We continue to work with our suppliers on ensuringsupply partners to ensure their products and services are suitable for a diverseour workforce, as well as encouraging diversity in their own work teams. For example, we are workingworked with Caterpillarour major materials supplier, Blackwoods, to investigate improvingredesign personal protective equipment (PPE) and other workwear to offer more size choices. In formerly male dominated industries, such as resources, the ergonomic design of their vehicles. At Olympic DamPPE and other industrial workwear has historically centred on male requirements. This created a culture of ‘making do’, resulting in Australia, following a request by an employee of Muslim faith living at camp, we collaborated with our catering supplier to ensure the availability of halal food. This helped ensurewomen in these industries wearing uniforms that appropriate food was available for all living at camp, as well as helping create adid not fit, were uncomfortable and impacted their sense of one team amongbelonging in the workforce. In FY2019, where practicable, we also introduced inclusionworkplace. More than 70 changes and diversity incentives into our supply contracts.improvements have been made to the Blackwoods clothing range, from the size of socks and female boots, to the size and weight of helmets, garments, and head lamps.

Employee relations

The culture of care and trustful relationships is a fundamental principle of our employee relations strategy. The threefour key focus areas for employee relations at BHP has continued to be:

 

ensureensuring BHP complies with legal obligations and regional labour regulations;regulations

 

negotiate,negotiating, where there are requirements to collectively bargain;bargain

 

closeclosing out agreements with our workforce in South America and Australia, with no lost time due to industrial action.action, to the extent possible

On 17 August 2018, Minera Escondida Limitada (Escondida) successfully completed negotiations

endeavouring to create solid relations with Union N°1our workforce, based on a culture of trust and signed a new collective agreement, effective for 36 months from 1 August 2018.cooperation

 

Our people policies

We have a comprehensive set of frameworks that support our culture and drive our focus on safety and productivity.

Our Charter is central tothe foundation of everything we do. It describes our purpose, our values, how we measure our success, who we are, what we do and what we stand for.

Our Code of Conduct demonstrates how to practically apply the commitments and values set out inOur Charter and reflects many of the standards and procedures we apply throughout BHP. We have a business conduct advisory service as well as internal dispute and grievance handling processes to report and address any potential breaches ofOurCode of Conduct.

Through all of these documents, we make it clear that discrimination on any basis is not acceptable. In instances where employees require support for a disability, we work with them to identify roles that meet their skills, experience and capability, and offer retraining where required.

TheOur Requirements standards outline the mandatory minimum mandatory standards we expect of those who work for or on behalf of BHP. Some of those standards relate to people activities, such as recruitment and talent retention.

Ourall-employee share purchase plan, Shareplus, is available to all permanent full-time and part-time employees and those on fixed-term contracts, except where local regulations limit operation of the scheme. In these instances, alternative arrangements are in place.

Through all of these documents, we make it clear that unlawful discrimination on any basis is not acceptable. In instances where employees require support for a disability, we work with them to identify any roles that meet their skill, experience and capability and offer retraining where required.

The information in this section illustrates how these policies have been implemented and the steps that we take to measure their effectiveness.

61


Case study: Inclusion and diversity in Minerals Americasour supply chain

Diversity in new projects

A goalPartnering with our suppliers to support our commitment to inclusion and diversity is one of the Spence Growth Option (SGO) Project wasfour commitments that underpins our aspirational goal to developreach gender balance by CY2025. Over the past three years, this commitment has presented a diverse workforce for the concentrator plant. The aim washuge opportunity to achieve a gender-balanced workforce and increase local employability by focusing on hiring people from local communities, of people without experience and workers with disabilities.

A series of information and recruitment activities occurred in regional towns of Iquique, Calama, Antofagasta, Copiapo and La Serena and the communities of Sierra Gorda and Baquedano, reaching nearly 1,200 people. Differentiated training also occurred for people with and without experience in mining, engineering and procurement,challenge ourselves, as well as more than 10,000 of our supply partners across 60 countries.

With an annual spend of more than US$15.5 billion in FY2020, we continue to work in partnership with construction companies engaged byour supply partners to promote the SGO. This helped improve knowledge rangingvalues and standards of behaviour we’ve committed to in areas from equipment assemblyOur Charter and Our Code of Conduct, and to commissioning.follow the Our Requirements for Supply standards.

All recruitment goals were exceeded, including creating a workforce with a numberWe establish and foster supplier relationships based on mutual commercial value built on foundations of employees with disabilities; 61 per cent females; 22long-lasting partnerships. Through these partnerships, we make decisions that positively influence those around us, such as:

providing support and incentives to encourage our contracting partners to increase the diversity of potential applicants for roles across BHP locations, who make up approximately 60 per cent of employees hired fromour workforce

encouraging our supply partners to support greater diversity through ergonomic design and product development. For example, working with manufacturers to make excavators and trucks more accessible and safer to use by a wide range of people, as well as easier to maintain

working closely with supply partners to make sure the clothes we wear at our operations, the food we eat and the camps we live in are more inclusive

introducing an online tool to our Australian supply partners to allow BHP to collect and track local communities; and 60 per cent from the Antofagasta region.

Gender balanced programs at Escondida

Escondida faced the challenge of embeddingIndigenous procurement and diversity metrics. The data feeds into internal and external reporting and tracks against contract incentives and tender evaluation criteria. The metrics help recognise and reward supply partners who have embedded BHP’s values and are making a positive inclusion and diversity within an operationimpact

More information on inclusion and diversity in our supply chain is available at bhp.com.

Case study: BHP Operating System

The BHP Operating System (BOS) and the Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence (MECoE) are two key priorities driving exceptional performance and operational excellence through the business.

The BOS is a way of working that traditionally hadputs 100 per cent safety for our people, 100 per cent value for our customers achieved with zero per cent waste at the centre of everything we do. It is a high percentagebusiness-wide philosophy that guides leadership behaviours and practices, empowers our teams, builds capability and makes problem solving and improvement part of maleswhat we do every day. Three principles underpin the BOS: serve our customers, pursue operating perfection and low employee turnover. Similarempower our people.

The MECoE was established in 2016 to achieve industry leading performance and outright excellence in maintenance at BHP by delivering safe, sustainable improvement in our equipment availability, reliability and cost. To achieve this the MECoE focuses on five core elements: establishing the BHP maintenance way, achieving excellence in planning and scheduling, establishing total equipment strategies, instilling maintenance as a profession and making life easier for our people.

The advanced analytical techniques of the MECoE identify what we need to work on to improve performance. By integrating them with the BOS, we accelerate our cycle of continuous improvement. Put simply, the MECoE provides us with the ‘what’, the BOS provides us with the ‘how’, and a feedback loop is created.

During FY2020, the BOS and MECoE have invested in a series of value analytics projects to unlock capacity and improve performance at BHP. Two prominent examples of their combined benefit to the SGO project,business have been at the car dumper at our Port Hedland operations in Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO), and the uplift at the concentrator at our Escondida adoptedmine.

Improving car dumper dump time at WAIO

Adopting the BOS and leveraging the MECoE support has enabled a balanced hiring strategy, which consistently achieved gender balancemonth-on-month through FY2019.sharper focus on sustainable performance and enabled the teams across the WAIO supply chain to deliver record production in FY2020. The recruitment strategy for apprenticescollective effort and graduates also achieved greaterexpertise across the WAIO Port operational and functional teams has unlocked capability and reduced the car dumper dump time by more than 507 per cent, female representation,delivering an improvement value of 2.1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).

To achieve this result, BOS principles and practices were established as part of daily interactions with all of our frontline teams, which enabled effective problem solving, innovative thinking and safe delivery of key metrics. This combined with support from the MECoE through the design of total equipment strategies, planning and scheduling services, root cause analysis and data analytics capabilities continues to improve performance.

Escondida concentrator improvement

The combined work of our operations, the BOS and MECoE has supported the delivery of historic throughput for Escondida concentrators, averaging 371 kilotonnes per day throughout for the first time equating to 135 Mtpa.

By bringing together domain knowledge, machine learning and dynamic simulation modelling, variable drivers were able to be prioritised in order of value so that defect elimination, strategy optimisation and standardised work practices were applied in areas that would impact performance, resulting in some 50 women joining Escondida via this program since 2016.

There was a 4.1 per cent increase in total female representation and a 5.9 per cent increase in female representation in regional leadership executive roles in FY2019. Escondida’s total female representation at the end of FY2019 was 15.5 per cent, up from 7.4 per cent in FY2016. Female turnover decreased from 6.6 per cent in FY2016 down to 2.1 per cent at the end of FY2019.

Adopting the BHP Operating System enabled operational roles to be redefined and standardised.

Victoria Moreno is an example of the positive effect of this dedicated focus on diversity. After many years working in various camp service roles, Victoria was inspired to pursue an operator role and in FY2019 commenced working as a truck operator in the North Pit at Escondida.significant outcomes.

The Mine Apprenticeship Program also selected 45 female maintainerscombination of activity from a class of 81, enhancing local employment, increasing the gender diversityBOS and MECoE at WAIO and Escondida demonstrate the significant value that can be unlocked when they are united, which we are looking to replicate in other parts of our workforce and creating new opportunities for women that historically have had fewer opportunities than males to develop careers in the mobile maintenance field.business.

Reflecting on her participation in the program, participant Raquel Gavia commented: ‘I am a woman from an Indigenous community, specifically from the Toconao community. This has been a very good opportunity in my life, one I did not imagine I could have, which I have tried to take advantage of, as I do not have experience and they gave me the possibility to develop. I will always be grateful. Women also have the right to work, and this opportunity allows us to achieve this dream.’

62


1.9.21.6.2    Employees and contractors

The data in this section (consistent with previous years) are averages. We take the number of employees and contractors (where applicable) at the last day of each calendar month for a10-month period to calculate an average for the year. This does not necessarily reflect the number of employees and contractors as at the end of FY2019. All the data in this section includes Continuing and Discontinued operations for theeach financial years being reported.

The diagram below shows the average number of employees and contractors over the last three financial years, and a breakdown of our average number of employees by geographic region over the last three financial years.year.

 

LOGOLOGO

The table below shows the gender composition of our employees, senior leaders and the Boardboard over the last three financial years.

 

   2019   2018   2017 

Female employees(1)

   6,874    5,907    4,868 

Male employees(1)

   22,052    21,254    21,278 

Female senior managers(2)(3)

   70    70    65 

Male senior managers(2)(3)

   227    235    211 

Female Board members(2)

   4    3    3 

Male Board members(2)

   7    7    7 
   2,020   2,019   2,018 

Female employees (1)

   8,072    6,874    5,907 

Male employees (1)

   23,517    22,052    21,254 

Female senior leaders (2)(3)

   67    70    70 

Male senior leaders (2)(3)

   185    227    235 

Female board members (2)

   3    4    3 

Male board members (2)

   9    7    7 

 

(1) 

Based on the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for a10-month period from July 2019 to April 2020 and in accordance with our reporting requirement under the UK Companies Act 2006, which is then used to calculate a weighted average for the year to 30 June based on BHP ownership. Data includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) for the financial years being reported. These numbers differ from the ‘point in time’ snapshot as used in internal management reporting for the purposes of monitoring progress against our goals, which are reported in section 1.9.1.1.6.1.

 

(2) 

Based on actual numbers as at 30 June 2019,2020, not rolling averages. FY2017 and FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) for the financial years being reported. FY2020 and FY2019 data doesdo not include Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

 

(3) 

For the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006, we are required to show information for ‘senior managers’, which are defined to include both senior leaders and any persons who are directors of any subsidiary company, even if they are not senior leaders. In FY2019,FY2020, there were 282252 senior leaders at BHP. There were 1516 Directors of subsidiary companies who are not senior leaders, comprising 1112 men and 4four women. Therefore, for UK law purposes, the total number of senior managers was 227197 men and 7071 women (24(26 per cent women) in FY2019.FY2020.

1.6.3    Technology

63Technology is a key lever for BHP to improve frontline safety, increase productivity, reduce cost, build capability and accelerate value creation. This is being achieved by leveraging technologies such as cloud computing and storage, and smart analytics to enhance decision-making and advance mining technologies to automate equipment.

In FY2020, we refocused our Technology function to an asset-centric model, while streamlining our processes and our portfolio of work to significantly increase the speed of delivering digital solutions to our operations and functions. Plans have been delivered that aim to realise a 30 per cent saving (against the FY2020 budget baseline) by end of FY2021. This refocus also established our first digital centre, elevated our use of data and fast-tracked our infrastructure debottlenecking with concurrent evolution towards cloud.

Digital centres partner our technology teams with our operations to help rapidly solve asset-specific challenges. These hubs leverage external partnerships, data, analytics and cloud-based infrastructure to develop targeted solutions. They represent a shift from the traditional model of having digital projects delivered by multiple parts of our business. Our first two digital centres were launched in Coal (Brisbane) and Enterprise (global), and we plan to launch digital centres in Chile, North America and Western Australia by the end of CY2020.

An example of the value unlocked through our digital centre in Brisbane is a decision automation solution for our operations at Caval Ridge using machine learning. This solution informs operators of the optimal set points in the wash plant and is enabling coal processing plants to reduce product ash variability and improve overall product yield. This solution is being scaled to other Coal sites.

Digital solutions are also improving safety and reducing the risk for frontline staff. Our Innovation Centre developed a pedestrian avoidance technology that leverages ultra-wide front-of-view cameras and deep learning models to reduce the likelihood of forklift associated injuries. This avoidance technology can be fitted to any mobile heavy equipment. Another safety solution was the Dash maintainer tool, an in-house hardware and software platform that enables maintenance technicians to undertake machine diagnostics out of harm’s way, eliminating more than 50 per cent of live work exposure hours on excavator maintenance.

To ensure our sites are ready to leverage robotics, autonomous equipment and advanced analytics solutions, we are accelerating the modernisation of our sites’ infrastructure foundations. These progressive upgrades commenced in FY2020 with Jimblebar and Newman in Western Australia and Goonyella Riverside and Daunia in Queensland, and include modular data centres, in-ground fibre, and networks and hosting infrastructure.

Our ability to develop capability and attract technical talent is critical to ensuring BHP’s workforce is future ready. Key talent pipeline programs include our neurodiversity program (nurturing career pathways that cater for a variety of neurological conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder) and our sponsorship of SheCodes Plus (female-focused pathways into coding and software development). We have partnered with TAFE and Central Queensland University to design and deliver qualifications in automation, and supported the Resources Technology Showcase in Western Australia.


Case study: Automation

Use of advanced mine automation technologies is part of BHP’s strategy to improve safety, build capability and drive greater productivity.

In 2017, we completed the rollout of our first fully autonomous haul truck fleet at WAIO’s Jimblebar Mine. The implementation of autonomous haulage resulted in reducing the risk exposure of our people to driving-related hazards, improved productivity and provided an opportunity for our workforce to gain new skills. The site is now one of the safest operations in our portfolio, with significant events involving trucks at Jimblebar having dropped by more than 90 per cent since the introduction of autonomous haulage. Jimblebar is our benchmark site for haulage costs with a 20 per cent reduction since implementation (compared to other WAIO sites), and is an example of leveraging technology and data to drive performance and safety.

Following this success, in November 2019 BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) announced Goonyella Riverside Mine would be the first site to implement autonomous haulage in Queensland. The transition to an autonomous fleet of up to 86 trucks over the next two years is underway and will involve more than 40,000 hours of training delivered to the Goonyella team to develop the competencies required for autonomous operations. BMA’s Daunia Mine (also in Central Queensland) will transition 34 trucks over 14 months with 30,000 hours of training. In February, Newman East (Eastern Ridge) was announced as the next iron ore site to deploy this technology.

While the introduction of this technology removes the need for an operator in the haul truck, new roles are being created in the operations as a result. Roles such as field officers, service technicians and mine controllers are an essential part of an autonomous operation and we are working with our people to provide opportunities to transition into these new roles. Our people and the communities in which we operate are central to this change.

For more information on developing our people, refer to section 1.6.1

1.101.7    Sustainability

1.7.1    Sustainability is one of the core values set out inguided by our purpose

Our Charter. That means putting health and safety first, being environmentally responsible and supporting our communities. The wellbeing of our people, the community and the environment is considered in everything we do.

1.10.1    Our approachcommitment to sustainability

For more than 130 years, BHP has sought to operate a safe, sustainable and productive business that makes a fair contribution to society. As custodians of natural resources, we have a responsibility to shape the future in a way that creates prosperity for shareholders, our communities and society.

In 2011, BHP expressed its purpose as the creation of long-term shareholder value. That statement of purpose was laid out inOur Charter. Since then, we have evolved as the external business landscape has changed. While value creation is central to what we do, this purpose did not fully reflect the story behind why we exist. We believed starts with our purpose must encompass all of our stakeholders and more accurately capture our long-term approach.

Following a year of feedback and testing with more than 1,000 employees, BHP’s Board approved our new purpose as: to bring people and resources together to build a better world. Our purpose reflects why we exist and underpins everything we do.

Our new purpose reflects a spirit, approachproducts support global economic development and ambition that already exists at BHPmany aspects of modern life, helping maintain and raise living standards for people around the world. They have been doing this for more than 100 years and will guidecontinue to do so into the future. We realise the production and use of our products has other impacts and we are committed to understanding these impacts and minimising and mitigating where they may have adverse effects.

Delivering our purpose requires us to make decisions based not only on financial value, but social value, value that cannot be measured in simple monetary terms. Without it, the economic contributions we deliver will not be sustainable. Our commitment to social value will enable our ability to attract and retain the best talent, attract the best commercial partners and achieve the widest access to resources, markets and capital.

The importance of social value to delivering sustainable financial returns is especially relevant in the production of resources. Our business is characterised by large-scale investments in long-term assets and supply chains that often operate for decades.

We choose to do more than meet the terms of our contracts, permits and licences. The currency of social value is not compliance, but trust. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the environment and society and seek to build deep and authentic relationships with our local, regional and global stakeholders. Our aim is to ensure that our business benefits our stakeholders – financially, environmentally and socially.

Social value is a BHP priority and is considered at every level of our decision-making. It is embedded into our whole-of-business five-year planning process – through which we deliver on our strategy – and the assessment of our businesses and people through the scorecard used to reward employees, from the front line to the CEO.

Our management of sustainability lies at the core of our efforts to generate social value. That includes:

putting the health and safety of our people first

being environmentally responsible

respecting human rights

supporting the communities in which we operate

When our efforts to create social value are successful, they are a source of sustained competitive advantage. Ultimately, our management of sustainability enables our commercial performance and underpins it.

That is why this year for the first time we have integrated reporting on our sustainability commitments and our performance against them into this Annual Report. This reflects our belief that sustainability performance is an integral driver of long-term shareholder and social value and is something our stakeholders value.

We recognise the delivery of sustainable outcomes is never complete and the challenges aren’t static; it will always require our focus. Our approach, however, will be informed by our purpose, our commitment to social value creation, and the knowledge that the commodities we produce enable global growth and improve the lives of people around the world.

We welcome your feedback.

Our material sustainability issues

We use international frameworks to track our performance, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Mining Principles.

We conduct an annual materiality assessment to identify key sustainability issues for BHP. The issues identified in FY2020 are in the table below.

More information about our materiality assessment is available at bhp.com.

How we report

We focus on the most material issues, which we disclose in this Annual Report.

More information on sustainability and the full suite of our FY2020 sustainability content, including topic-specific detail and case studies, is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

For mapping against frameworks and standards, including the GRI Standards, ICMM Mining Principles, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Ten Principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), refer to our mapping navigator at bhp.com/sustainability.

For key sustainability performance data, refer to section 6.6 and our online databook. We have obtained external limited assurance over our disclosures in sections 1.6.1 Our people, 1.6.2 Employees and contractors, 1.7 Sustainability and 6.6 Sustainability – performance data.

Our sustainability approach

•   Board competency, succession and accountability

•   Product stewardship and value chain sustainability

•   Governance and management of our non-operated joint ventures

Section 2

Section 1.7.7

Section 1.9.3

Health and safety

•   Elimination of fatalities

•   Safety, health and wellbeing of our people and the community

Section 1.7.3

Section 1.7.4

Ethics and business conduct

•   Anti-corruption and bribery

•   Transparency and disclosure

Section 1.7.5
Environment

•   Biodiversity and land management

•   Environmental impacts of our operations

•   Managing air emissions

•   Water management and access

Section 1.7.6
Climate change

•   Portfolio resilience

•   Physical impacts of climate change

•   Minimising greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from our operations and from the use of our products

•   Global response to climate change

Section 1.7.8 and Climate Change Report 2020
Society

•   Community relationships

•   Respecting human rights

•   Indigenous peoples

•   Economic support for communities and social investment

Section 1.7.9
Tailings dams

•   Dams and tailings management

•   Response to Samarco

Section 1.7.10

Section 1.8

People

•   Inclusion and diversity

•   Training and development of our people

•   Technology

Section 1.6.1

Section 1.6.1

Section 1.6.3

Economic contribution

•   Tax and royalty payments

Economic Contribution Report 2020

1.7.2    Our approach

We must consider the wellbeing of our people, the communities in which we operate and the environment in everything we do. Creating long-term shareholderOur approach to sustainability and social value remains a strategic imperative. Withoutreflects this. We look to integrate social value into our decision-making and actions by considering the needs of our many stakeholders and finding new and innovative solutions that focus, BHP would not exist, becausecreate mutual benefit.

Our approach to sustainability is defined by Our Charter and realised through Our Requirements standards. These standards describe our shareholders entrust usmandatory minimum performance requirements and provide the foundation to develop and implement management systems at our operated assets.

We set clear targets to improve our sustainability performance. We embed sustainability performance measures throughout the Group through our public five-year sustainability targets. Achieving these targets and working towards our goals aligns with their fundsour commitments to the objectives of the Paris Agreement and expect competitive returns.

To fulfil our purpose, we have evolved our thinkingthe UNSDGs. For more information about our partnershipsFY2020 performance against our targets, refer to section 1.4.8.

We voluntarily commit to several sustainability frameworks, standards and initiatives and transparently disclose data according to their requirements. The sustainability disclosures within this Strategic Report align with the communities where we operateICMM Sustainable Development Framework and are prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards comprehensive-level reporting. As BHP is a UNGC signatory, this serves as our contribution to societyUNGC Communication on Progress on implementation of the UNGC Ten Principles and the environment more broadly. For many years, BHP has maintained relationships and achieved social, environmental and economic outcomes that were necessary to operate, otherwise referred to as social licence. However, we believe this is no longer enough to maintain BHP’s long-term success. Our focus has shifted to identifying opportunities that contribute to social value, while continuing to meet our legal, regulatory and ethical requirements.support for its broader development objectives.

The long-term success of our business depends on the long-term health of society and a sustainable natural environment; our approach must be about the long-term value we can create together with our stakeholders. If we do not do this well, our ability to earn and maintain the trust of our stakeholders, attract the right employees and secure access to capital, resources and markets will be hampered. Importantly, social value is not new to BHP – there are already many examples of BHP’s contribution to social value: from global water stewardship and Indigenous advocacy to our Local Buying Program.Keeping ourselves accountable

LOGO

LOGO

Sustainability governance

BHP’s Board oversees our sustainability approach with theto sustainability. The Board’s Sustainability Committee overseeinghas oversight of health, safety, environmentenvironmental and community (HSEC) matters and assistingassists the Board with governance and monitoring. Members of the Sustainability Committee are Non-executive Directors determined by the Board to have appropriate skills in HSEC matters.

The members of the Sustainability Committee in FY2020 were Malcolm Broomhead, Ian Cockerill, Gary Goldberg (from 1 February 2020) and John Mogford. The Committee met five times during FY2020, three times face to face and twice virtually.

The Sustainability Committee also oversees the adequacy of the systems to identify and manage HSEC-related risks, legal and regulatory compliance and overall HSEC and other human rights performance. The Board’s Risk and Audit Committee assists with oversight of the Group’s risk management systems. In FY2020, three of the five Sustainability Committee meetings included a joint session with the RAC. For more information, refer to section 2.10.

The Sustainability Committee recommends to the Board the approval of disclosures regarding sustainability matters in conjunction with the Annual Report. The Committee also guides the Remuneration Committee in setting HSEC-related scorecard targets and evaluating performance against those targets. The Sustainability Committee also meets with the Forum on Corporate Responsibility, as described in the Section 172 Statement in section 1.4.3.

For more information about the Sustainability Committee and its work, refer to section 2.11.

Our stakeholders

BHP is committed to building strong relationships with our stakeholders to achieve long-term sustainable social, environmental and economic outcomes. We actively participate in government consultations and voluntary initiatives, and engage with industry associations to support positive change and sustainable practices. Locally, our operated assets develop mutually beneficial relationships with communities and plan, implement and document stakeholder engagement activities.

A detailed description of our stakeholders, their interests and how we engage with them is available at bhp.com/our-approach/sustainability/. For information on how the Board engages with key stakeholder groups, refer to section 1.4.3.

Regulatory requirements

We are committed to complying with the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate and aim to exceed legal and regulatory requirements where they are less stringent than our own internal standards.

We set clear sustainability accountabilities. Everyone involved in our operated assets and our functions is guided in the execution of these accountabilities by Our Charter and supported by Our Code of Conduct and the Our Requirements standards.

Although these standards are for internal use, we have made the HSEC-related elements of several of the Our Requirements standards and related documents publicly available at bhp.com. We updated and released the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard in FY2020.

We comply with the Non-financial Reporting Directive requirements from sections 414CA and 414CB of the UK Companies Act 2006. The table below sets out where relevant information is located in this Annual Report.

Reporting requirement

Reference in this

Annual Report

Policies and standards available online

Environmental matters

1.7.6 Environment

Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard

Water Stewardship Position Statement

Climate Change Position Statement

Employees

1.6.1 Our people

1.6.2 Employees and contractors

1.7.3 Safety

1.7.4 Health

Our Code of Conduct

Our Requirements for Safety standard

Our Requirements for Health standard

Social matters and human rights

1.7.9 Community

Our Code of Conduct

Our Requirementsfor Community, Environment and Climate Change, Security and Emergency Management standards, and Our Requirements for Supply standard (Minimum requirements for suppliers)

Human Rights Policy Statement

Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement

Indigenous Peoples Strategy

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters

1.7.5 Ethics and business conduct

Our Code of Conduct

Our Requirements for Supply standard (Minimum requirements for suppliers)

Principal risks relating to the matters mentioned above

1.5.4 Risk managementOur mandatory minimum performance requirements for risk management

Non-financial key performance indicators

1.4.8 Our performance: Non-financial KPIs

6.6 Sustainability – performance data

1.7.3    Safety

Our highest priority is the safety of our workforce and the communities in which we operate.

In FY2020, there were no fatalities at our operated assets, and we have continued the disciplined implementation of our safety standards. We have continued to improve and refine our Field Leadership Program, incident investigations, and controls to manage fatal risks.

We continue to strengthen our safety leadership and culture by educating our people about chronic unease, which is being mindful of the possibility of what could go wrong and creating a culture where it is safe to speak up and report hazards and incidents. One of the objectives of our global Field Leadership Program is to strengthen the reporting culture. We monitor reporting culture across all our operations and coach and support our leaders to improve the quality of our field leadership activities with our employees and contractors.

To support the BHP target of zero work-related fatalities, we have been working towards global risk standardisation of critical controls and performance standards for three safety risks: person(s) falling from heights; lifting and cranage; and confined space incidents.

Our safety performance

Total recordable injury frequency (per million hours worked)

Year ended 30 June

  2020   2019   2018 

Total recordable injury frequency (1)

   4.2    4.7    4.4 

(1)

FY2017 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

Our total recordable injury frequency (TRIF) performance decreased by 11 per cent from FY2019.

High potential injury events(1)

Year ended 30 June

  2020   2019   2018 

High potential injury events (2)

   42    50    54 

(1)

High potential injury basis of calculation revised in FY2020 from event count to injury count as part of a safety reporting methodology improvement.

(2)

FY2017 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

High potential injuries decreased by 16 per cent from FY2019 and the frequency rate decreased by 23 per cent. We see the highest number of events that have fatality potential in vehicle, mobile equipment, dropped and falling object events. High potential injury trends remain a primary focus to assess progress against our most important safety objective: to eliminate fatalities.

Contractor safety

In FY2020, we implemented additional safety requirements for engaging, contracting and transacting with our contractors. These contractor safety requirements have been rolled out across BHP’s operated assets. In addition, the integrated Contractor Management Program was established to:

take a human-centric, inclusive approach to establish partnerships with external service providers, driving safer work through integrated processes and technologies

develop long-term mutually beneficial relationships with our external partners

support an inclusive, respectful and caring workforce culture, with improved safety, health and wellbeing outcomes

Event management system

During FY2019, we introduced our improved and more intuitive event management system. The system records health, safety, environmental and community events, and is designed to capture, analyse and track those events in real time. The system allows us to capture incident investigations and share information across the organisation so that we can learn from those incidents. The system drives data quality, through consistent inputs and outputs, producing meaningful and effective reports. In FY2020, we enhanced our event management system to allow events to be recorded in more detail, to enable deeper analysis and continuous improvement.

For more information on safety visit bhp.com/sustainability.

1.7.4    Health

We recognise that activities at our operated assets can impact the health of our people. We set clear requirements with mandatory minimum controls (the Our Requirements for Health standard) to manage and protect the health and wellbeing of our employees and contractors.

Occupational illness

In FY2020, the reported incidence of occupational illness(11) for employees was 4.3 per million hours worked, a decrease of 1.6 per cent compared with FY2019. The hours worked increased by 9 per cent reducing the overall occupational illness rate.

Excluded from this reporting are cases of COVID-19 among our employees that may have arisen from workplace transmission. This is due to the inherent difficulty in concluding, with reasonable certainty, that a person was infected as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure, in a setting of high levels of community transmission and evolving understanding of the epidemiological criteria for infection. For internal risk management purposes, we have sought to identify where risks of workplace transmission may have been a factor. Review of this information, along with a suite of leading indicators, has supported the continual evaluation of the effectiveness of our COVID-19 controls and informed improvement opportunities. We are progressing work on classification and verification of potential work-relatedness for COVID-19 cases in further support of enhancing our risk management processes and enabling external reporting. For key statistics and more information on our COVID-19 response, refer to section 1.4.6.

LOGO

The data for FY2016 to FY2018 includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018 and Continuing operations.

The reported incidence of contractor occupational illness was 1.43 per million hours worked, a decrease of 11 per cent compared with FY2019. We do not have full oversight of the incidence of contractor noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases in many parts of BHP due to regulatory regimes and limited access to data. Also excluded from this reporting are cases of COVID-19 among contractors engaged by BHP, due to the inherent difficulty in concluding, with reasonable certainty, that a person was infected as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure, as described above.

The majority of our reported occupational illnesses are musculoskeletal illness, which are conditions impacting the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues attributable to repetitive work-related stress or strain or exposure over time. Musculoskeletal illness does not include disorders caused by slips, trips, falls or similar incidents. We are trialling the APHIRM (A Participative Hazard Identification and Risk Management) toolkit developed by La Trobe University at a number of our Minerals Australia operated assets. Planned additional trials in FY2020 were delayed due to COVID-19. APHIRM applies a concept referred to as ‘systems thinking’ where work is considered as a whole, to provide effective identification, assessment and management of risks. Through our Standardised Work Program, we seek to empower individuals to design their work in a way that focuses on potentially damaging energies (for example electrical, gravitational, high pressure) to identify health and other risks and implement controls.

The main changes in the incidence of occupational illness in FY2020 compared to FY2019 were a decrease in the rate of employee cases of NIHL reported by our operated assets in South America, which were offset by an increase in the rate of musculoskeletal illness in Minerals Australia. As noted above the hours worked increased by 9 per cent, reducing the overall illness rate.

In March 2020, health surveillance activities, such as audiometric testing, had to be suspended in some operated assets in Australia and South America due to the requirements of managing COVID-19. This influenced the reduced number of NIHL cases reported by the operated assets in South America.

(11)

An illness that occurs as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure.

Occupational exposures

For more than a decade BHP has set occupational exposure limits (OELs) for our most material exposures based upon the latest scientific evidence, which for a number of agents resulted in stricter limits than the regulatory requirements, and for others, such as diesel exhaust, a significantly lower limit than regulations require. Where exposures potentially exceed regulatory limits or the stricter limits of BHP, respiratory protective equipment is worn.

In addition, for our most material exposures to diesel particulate matter (DPM), silica and coal mine dust, we have committed to a five-year target to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in the number of workers potentially exposed(12) as compared to our baseline exposure profile (as at 30 June 2017(13)(14)) by FY2022. In FY2016, we committed to applying an OEL of 0.03 mg/m3 for DPM and in FY2017, we committed to applying OELs of 1.5 mg/m3 for respirable coal mine dust by 1 July 2020 and 0.05 mg/m3 for silica by 1 July 2021. Exposure data in this Report is based on these limits and in all cases discounts the effect of personal protective equipment.

In FY2020, there was a reduction in potential exposure to silica in excess our OEL of 8 per cent compared to FY2019 reported by our Minerals Americas operated assets. An initial qualitative assessment of some work groups indicated potential exposure in excess of our OEL; however, an extensive quantitative assessment determined exposure to be less than estimated and less than our OEL. At our Minerals Australia coal operated assets, implemented exposure reduction projects have reduced potential exposure to silica in FY2020 by 30 per cent compared to FY2019. Overall, in FY2020 we achieved a reduction of 13 per cent compared to FY2019 in the number of workers potentially exposed to silica in excess of our OEL.

In FY2020, exposure to respirable coal mine dust remained below our OEL in all operated assets. Work to control exposure to diesel exhaust particulate at Olympic Dam and Nickel West resulted in potential exposure being reduced by 55 per cent compared to FY2019 and by 88 per cent compared to the adjusted FY2017 baseline.

Overall, our material exposures have reduced by 60 per cent compared to the adjusted FY2017 baseline, which exceeds our FY2022 target.

Coal mine dust lung disease

As at 30 June 2020, two cases of coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD)(15) were recorded among our current employees at our coal operated assets. In addition, one current employee who had previously been recorded as a case of CMDLD had a workers’ compensation claim accepted. There were five former BHP employees who had a workers’ compensation claim accepted for CMDLD in FY2020.

Mental health

We prioritised focus on the mental health of our people in 2015 and are making good progress with the implementation of our Group-wide Mental Health Framework.

In the second half of FY2020, activity focused on support for our workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Resilience Program was reinforced with a program refresher and, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we progressed virtual delivery by developing podcasts and videos to supplement the peer-led program. COVID-19 specific examples were developed for discussion during delivery of the program. We have provided additional support through employee assistance programs for our workforce and their families and have increased access to counselling to assist in addressing the impacts of the pandemic. As part of our Risk Framework, we have set a key risk indicator (KRI) for mental health using annual Engagement and Perception Survey (EPS) outcomes. Our annual EPS was not held during FY2020; instead we have been running a weekly COVID-19 wellbeing survey with more than 55,000 responses being received. We also conduct annual mental health maturity curve assessments in our operated assets, which include pillars such as culture, capacity, prevention and recovery to assess year-on-year progress against those pillars and provide focus for future action.

For more information on health visit bhp.com/sustainability.

(12)

For exposures exceeding our FY2017 occupational exposure limits discounting the use of personal protective equipment, where required.

(13)

The baseline exposure profile is derived through a combination of quantitative exposure measurements and qualitative assessments undertaken by specialist occupational hygienists consistent with best practice as defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

(14)

The baseline has been adjusted to exclude Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets)

(15)

CMDLD is the name given to the lung diseases related to exposure to coal mine dust and includes coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

1.7.5    Ethics and business conduct

Our conduct

Every day, BHP works to deliver the resources that are the building blocks of an ever-changing world. While what we achieve is important, so is how we achieve it.

We know consistent ethical behaviour cultivates a culture of inclusion, care and trust, which ultimately results in improved performance by BHP. It also strengthens our relationships with the communities where we work and helps protect the social value we deliver.

How we work is guided by the core values in Our Charter. They are: Sustainability, Integrity, Respect, Performance, Simplicity and Accountability. Our Code of Conduct(Our Code) brings our core values to life, reminds us why they are important and helps us understand what it means to work with those values as our guiding principle.

Acting in accordance with Our Code is a requirement for BHP employees. Our Code is accessible to all our people and external stakeholders at bhp.com. We deliver annual training to help our workforce understand Our Code and the standards of behaviour that are acceptable at BHP.

Transparency and accountability

BHP’s business modelexistence is premised on trust and public acceptance because our mines and petroleum assets have long lifespans and cannot be moved across jurisdictions in response to a breakdown in trust, changing societal expectations or regulatory requirements. That is why we must contribute to long-term social value.value is so important to us. Our tax and royalty payments help governments fund healthcare, education, infrastructure and other essential services. Conversely, any instances of corruption and poor governance of natural resources can divert funding from provision of those basic provisionsessential services and diminish the contribution of the resources sector.

We continue to support and contribute to global transparency and anti-corruption initiatives, including through our contribution.work in partnership with Transparency International, our representation on the Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, our financial support for and Steering Committee membership of the Bribery Prevention Network (in Australia) and through our funding to support the work of the BHP Foundation, including its Natural Resources Governance Global Signature Program.

Economic transparency is not our only focus. We also have a strong record of supporting robust reporting on climate change issues. We were one of the first companies to report in accordance with the recommendations of the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures in our Annual Report.

We set clear targets to challenge ourselves to improve our sustainability performance, transparency and accountability. To realise these targets, we embed sustainability performance measures throughout the Group. They include Group-wide key performance indicators to balanced scorecards for individual employees. Achieving these goals is fundamental to the success of our business and our commitments to the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Our conduct

While what we achieve is important – so is how we achieve it. We know consistent ethical behaviour cultivates loyalty and trust with each other and our stakeholders.

How we work is guided by the core values inOur Charter. They are: Sustainability, Integrity, Respect, Performance, Simplicity and Accountability. We are relentless in our pursuit of these values and they guide our decision-making.

64


Our Code of Conduct sets the standard for our commitment to working with integrity and respect. OurCode of Conduct guides us in our daily work and demonstrates how to practically apply the commitments and values set out inOur Charter. Acting in accordance withOur Code of Conduct is a condition of employment for everyone who works for and on behalf of BHP, and is accessible to all our people and external stakeholders on our website.

We deliver annual mandatory training for employees and contractors to help them clearly understandOur Code of Conduct and the standards of behaviour that are acceptable at BHP. We do not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination, bullying or harassment.

Anti-corruption

Our commitment to anti-corruption compliance is embodied inOur Charter andOur Code of Conduct. We also have a specific anti-corruption procedure that sets out mandatory requirements to identify and manage the risk of anti-corruption laws being breached. Our anti-corruption processes require review or approval by our Ethics and Compliance function of activities that potentially involve higher risks of exposure to corruption. We prohibit authorising, offering, giving or promising anything of value directly or indirectly to a government official to influence official action, or to anyone to encourage them to perform their work disloyally or otherwise improperly. We also prohibit facilitation payments, which are payments to government officials for routine government actions. We require our people to take care that third parties acting on our behalf do not violate anti-corruption laws. A breach of these requirements can result in disciplinary action, including dismissal or termination of contractual relationships.

Our Ethics and Compliance function has a mandate to design and govern BHP’s compliance frameworks for key compliance risks, including anti-bribery and corruption. The function is independent of our assets and asset groups,regions, and comprises teams that areco-located in our main global locations and a specialised Compliance Legal team.reports to the Chief External Affairs Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer reportspreviously provided a report twice a year to the RiskRAC on ethics and Audit Committee and separatelycompliance issues. Since March 2020, the Chief Compliance Officer reports quarterly to the RAC and meets separately with the Committee Chairman,Chair.

The Ethics and Compliance function also twice a year.participates in all risk assessments in respect of operated assets or functions considered to carry material anti-corruption compliance risks. To date, 33 risk assessments have been completed with input from Ethics and Compliance.

Our anti-corruption compliance program is designed to meet the requirements of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, the Australian Criminal Code and applicable laws of all places where we do business. These laws are consistent with the standards of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. We regularly review our anti-corruption compliance program to make any changes required by regulatory developments.developments and otherwise to reflect best practice aligned with regulatory requirements. Among other activities in FY2020, we conducted a review of the design and risk weighting of key anti-corruption compliance processes, with a particular focus on third party risk management and related controls embedded in our contracting processes. Regular calibration of our compliance processes enables us to ensure optimal resource allocation to areas presenting the highest corruption risks to our business.

In addition to anti-corruption training as part of annual training onOur Code of Conduct, additional risk-based anti-corruption training was completed by 9,3743,244 employees and contractors in FY2019FY2020, as well as numerous employees of business partners and community partners.

1.10.2    Safety

Our highest priority is the safety of our operations, including our employees and contractors and the communities in which we operate.

Tragically, one of our colleagues died at work on 31 December 2018. Allan Houston suffered fatal injuries while he was operating a dozer at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Saraji Mine. After a thorough investigation, we could not determine the direct cause In recognition of the incident. However, we identified several areas for improvement and are actively sharing the learnings from the investigation throughout our operations, with contract partners and the broader resources industry.

On 5 November 2018, Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) experienced a train rollaway event. There were no injuries as our team at Train Control intentionally derailed the train at a time when it was considered the safest to do so. Post the incident and before rail operations recommenced, we implemented additional procedures to help prevent a similar event fromre-occurring.

In FY2019, we established new requirements for engaging and managing contractors. The contractor safety requirements were rolled out across BHP and assurance programs have been established to monitor and verify the implementation of the requirements.

To strengthen our safety leadership and culture, we are educating our people about chronic unease, that is, being mindful of the possibility of what could go wrong, and creating a culture where it is safe to speak up and report hazards and incidents. One of the objectives of our global Field Leadership Program is to strengthen the reporting culture. We monitor reporting culture across all our operations and we coach and support our leaders to improve the quality of our field leadership activities with our employees and contractors.

We also introduced a new event management system for recording health, safety, environmental and community events. The system is designed to capture, analyse and track events in real time and will be implemented in FY2020.

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Our safety performance

Total recordable injury frequency (per million hours worked)

Year ended 30 June

  2019   2018   2017 

Total recordable injury frequency (1)

   4.7    4.4    4.2 

(1)

FY2017 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

Total recordable injury frequency (TRIF) performance increased by 7 per cent to 4.7 per million hours worked, compared to 4.4 per million hours worked in FY2018. This was due to an increase in injuries in both Minerals Australia and Minerals Americas.

High potential injury events

Year ended 30 June

  2019   2018   2017 

High potential injury events (2)

   50    54    61 

(2)

Data adjusted since it was previously reported, due to reporting errors. Includes recordable injuries and first aid cases where there was the potential for a fatality. FY2017 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

High potential injuries declined by 7 per cent from FY2018 due to reductions at WAIO, Olympic Dam and Potash. High potential injury trends remain a primary focus to assess progress against our most important safety objective: to eliminate fatalities.

1.10.3    Health

Our goal is to protect the health and wellbeing ofimpacts on our workforce from potential occupational injury, now and into the future. We set minimum mandatory controls to identify and manage health risks for our employees and contractors. Our workplace health risks include occupational exposures to noise, silica, diesel particulate matter (DPM), coal mine dust, musculoskeletal stressors and mental health impacts. The effectiveness of our health controls is regularly reviewed and subjected to periodic audit to verify the controls are implemented and operating as designed.

Our periodic medical surveillance programs help us support early identification of potential occupational exposure illness and enable us to assist our people through illness management and recovery. In FY2019, we established key performance indicators that require a 90 per cent adherence to schedule for health surveillance activities, achieving 79 to 100 per cent across the Group. We also reviewed our medical testing programs through internal and external benchmarking with industry peers and standards. Improvement opportunities identified from the review are expected to be evaluated and the implementation of endorsed recommendations are expected to commence in FY2020, along with plans to further increase adherence to planned surveillance activities.

Occupational illness

The incidence of employee occupational illness in FY2019 was 4.38 per million hours worked, an increase of 5 per cent compared with FY2018. The reported incidence of contractor occupational illness was 1.62 per million hours worked, a decrease of 16 per cent compared with FY2018. The overall decrease in contractor illnesses was predominantly driven by the 23 per cent increase in hours worked in FY2019. We do not have full oversight of the incidence of contractor noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases in many parts of BHP due to regulatory regimes and limited access to data. We continue to work with our contractors and regulatory agencies to resolve these issues.

The majority of our reported occupational illnesses are musculoskeletal illness. The improved identification and more effective control of causes of musculoskeletal stressors will be supported by the progressive implementation of the Standardised Work program. Standardised Work is a key foundational tool of the BHP Operating System that seeks to empower individuals to design work in a way that supports efficiency and ergonomics, where health and other risks are identified, and enables additional controls to be identified and incorporated.

Our continued focus on implementing our requirements for fit testing for hearing protection devices has supported a 6.7 per cent reduction in the NIHL illness rate.

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We have seen an increase in the number of other illnesses reported, which include short-term,low-impactCOVID-19 conditions such as blisters, skin conditions (dermatitis/eczema), bites and stings, due to a small increase in cases across most Minerals Australia operations. The dermatitis/eczema cases arose from different work locations across Olympic Dam and could be attributed to the continued education campaign on the prevention and management of skin conditions, which encourages early reporting of signs and symptoms.

To a lesser extent, the increase was also driven by increases in mental stress conditions and heat stress cases at Olympic Dam in South Australia. These conditions are currently captured as ‘other illnesses’ but, with our strong focus on mental health, we plan to establish a stand-alone category for ‘mental stress conditions’ in FY2020. Across the Group, mental stress conditions continue to be reported in low numbers and the number of cases were not significantly different to FY2018. Through the BHP Mental Health Framework, we continue to seek to foster a work environment where our people feel comfortable to raise their experience of mental stress and to access appropriate support when needed.

Occupational exposures

We set internally specified occupational exposure limits (OELs) to manage exposures to DPM, silica, coal mine dust and other potentially harmful agents. For our most material exposures, our process to set those OELs involves periodic monitoring and evaluation of scientific literature, benchmarking against peers as well as engagement with regulators,OEL-setting agencies and expert independent advice. Our approach to monitor and review our internal OELs is designed to ensure they continue to be aligned with, or are more conservative than applicable regulated health limits.

For our most material exposures to DPM, silica and coal mine dust, we have committed to a five-year target to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in the number of workers potentially exposed (8) as compared to our baseline exposure profile (as at 30 June 2017 (9)) by 30 June 2022.

In Petroleum, the divestment of our Onshore US assets during FY2019 changed the exposure profile for the region as workplace exposures to silica and DPM are no longer present. Our baseline exposure profile for the Group for the five-year target was therefore adjusted to remove the baseline exposures attributed to the Onshore US assets.

In FY2019, planned exposure reduction projects were implemented across the Group, involving a collaborative effort from operational and maintenance teams, supported by the Health, Safety and Environment, and Supply and Technology teams. Many assets exceeded planned exposure reductions resulting in an overall reduction of 49 per cent (10) compared to the revised FY2017 baseline. Planned growth projects across the Group may result in an increase in some potential exposures over the short term; however, commitments to achieve planned exposure reductions over the five-year target period remain unchanged.

Coal mine dust lung diseases

As at 30 June 2019, 10 cases of coal mine dust lung diseases (CMDLD (11)) among our current employees were reported to the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy. We continue to provide counselling, medical support and redeployment options (where relevant) for all 10 colleagues (seven of the 10 have been able to continue working).

During FY2019, one former BHP employee had a worker’s compensation claim accepted for CMDLD resulting in a total, as at 30 June 2019, of six former workers diagnosed with CMDLD since January 2016 (noting that no Australian coal mine worker had been diagnosed with CMDLD in the preceding two decades). In addition to these confirmed cases, as at 30 June 2019, there were six intimated worker’s compensation claims for CMDLD from current and former employees that had not yet been determined.Our Charter values guide our response and the support we offer, and we are actively reviewing how we can improve timeframes and processes for determination of claims.

To further protect the health of our people we remain committed to:

a reduction in our coal mine dust OEL from 2 mg/m3 to 1.5 mg/m3 to be achieved as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than 1 July 2020 (as compared with the regulatory OEL of 2.5 mg/m3), noting that all operations have developed exposure reduction plans;

(8)

For exposures exceeding our FY2017 occupational exposure limits discounting the use of personal protective equipment, where required.

(9)

The baseline exposure profile is derived through a combination of quantitative exposure measurements and qualitative assessments undertaken by specialist occupational hygienists consistent with best practice as defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

(10)

FY2019 data excludes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(11)

CMDLD is the name given to the lung diseases related to exposure to coal mine dust and includes CWP, silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

67


a reduction in potential exposure to silica in coal mine workers that exceeds a level 50 per cent lower than the current regulatory level by no later than 1 July 2021.

Mental health

BHP has prioritised the mental health of our people since 2015. We have subsequently made good progress with the implementation of our Group-wide Mental Health Framework.

In FY2019, we continued to embed programs and resources that support a healthy, thriving workforce. This included thepeer-led Resilience Program, in which more than 3,392 people had participated, as atdisruptions, the end of FY2019. We launched the inaugural BHP Mental Health Weektime period for relevant employees to raise awareness of BHP’s mental health resourcescomplete the additional risk-based anti-corruption training was extended from 30 June 2020 to 31 August 2020.

More information on ethics and tools, and encourage conversations about mental health. We conducted a global mental health risk assessment with internal and external stakeholders to help identify critical parts of our Mental Health Framework that promote a supportive work environment.business conduct is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

FY2019 was the third year the wellbeing category was included in our annual Engagement and Perception Survey. There was no change overall at the Group level, but we continue to evaluate the differences observed at the asset and function levels from the previous years’ results to inform local plans.

1.7.6    Environment

1.10.4 Protecting the environmentMinimising environmental impacts

There is growing pressure on and competition for environmental resources, such as land, biodiversity, water and air. Climateair; and climate change amplifies aspects of the sensitivities of our natural systems. Our operations and growth strategy depend on obtaining and maintaining the right to access these environmental resources. Our environmental performance and management of environmental impacts on the communities in which we operate are critical to creating social value. We seek to avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse environmental impacts at every stage in the life cycle of our operated assets in line with our defined risk appetite. However, we recognise our activities have an environmental footprint, and therefore, we also commit to making voluntary contributions to support environmental resilience across the regions in which we operate.

We have comprehensive governance, risk management, policies and processes that set the basis for how we manage risk and realise opportunities to achieve our environmental objectives. Our approach to environmental management is set out in theOur Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard andOur Requirements our mandatory minimum performance requirements for Risk Management standards.risk management. These standards have been designed taking account of the ISO management system requirements, such as ISO14001 for Environmental Management. In FY2019, we began updating the

The Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard outlines our Group-wide mandatory minimum requirements to deliver on our commitments and manage risk. It requires us to take an integrated, risk-based approach to the management of any actual or reasonably foreseeable operational impacts (which includes direct, indirect and cumulative impacts) on land, biodiversity, water and air. We establish and implement monitoring and review practices designed to ensure continued management of environment-related risk within our risk appetite through business planning and project evaluation cycles. In addition to the environment specific components, the standard also includes specific climate change-related requirements for our operated assets.

To support continual improvement in environmental performance, each of our operated assets is required to have an Environmental Management System (EMS) that aligns with ISO14001 standards and set target environmental outcomes for land, biodiversity, air and water resources that are consistent with the assessed risks and potential impacts. Target environmental outcomes are required to be approved by the relevant Asset President or equivalent and included in the life of asset plan. Verification of the EMS is either via ISO14001 certification, for those sites that currently hold ISO14001 certification, or internal assurance processes.

We released an updated version of the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard in FY2020, to reflect recent changes in BHP’s Risk Framework and otherOur Requirements standards, new Technical Standardsour Water Stewardship Position Statement, current public environment targets for climate change, water and biodiversity, and new technical standards for water. Our operated assets are required to have an implementation plan in place for new requirements contained in the updated version of the standard.

More information on our evolving climate changeenvironment approach, the Our Requirements for Environment and water stewardship programs.Climate Change standard and environmental management and governance processes is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

Responsibly managingLand and biodiversity

The nature of our activities means we have a significant responsibility for land and supporting biodiversity management. BHP owns or manages more than 8 million hectares of land and sea; however, less than 2 per cent of it is disturbed (physical or chemical alteration that substantially disrupts the pre-existing habitats and land cover) for our operational activities.

At each of our operated assets, we look to manage threats and realise opportunities to achieve our environmental objectives by applying the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, mitigate, rehabilitate and, where appropriate, apply compensatory measures) to any potential or adverse residual impacts on marine or terrestrial ecosystems.

BHP respects legally designated protected areas and commits to avoiding areas or activities where we consider the environmental risk is outside BHP’s risk appetite. These include:

We do not explore or extract resources within the boundaries of World Heritage-listed properties.

We do not explore or extract resources adjacent to World Heritage-listed properties, unless the proposed activity is compatible with the outstanding universal values for which the World Heritage property is listed.

We do not explore or extract resources within or adjacent to the boundaries of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Protected Areas Categories I to IV, unless a plan is implemented that meets regulatory requirements, takes into account stakeholder expectations and contributes to the values for which the protected area is listed.

We do not operate where there is a risk of direct impacts to ecosystems that could result in the extinction of an IUCN Red List Threatened Species in the wild.

We do not dispose of mined waste rock or tailings into a river or marine environment.

Our operated assets are required to have plans and processes in place that reflect local biodiversity risks and regulatory requirements. In FY2020, we undertook work to develop internal guidance on biodiversity-related elements of the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard, to support more consistent interpretation and application at an asset level. We have a five-year target to improve marine and terrestrial biodiversity outcomes by developing a framework by FY2022 to evaluate and verify the benefits of our actions, in collaboration with others. This willis intended to allow us to better monitor, avoid, reduce and offset the biodiversity impacts of our activities in a coordinated way.

We started work on development of the framework in FY2018 and completed initial phase pilot testing using data from three operating sites and a social investment project during FY2019. We are progressing this work with Conservation International and with Proteus, a voluntary partnership between the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre and 12 extractive industry companies. During FY2020, we continued to pilot initial stages of the methodology agreed with partners for framework development at a number of BHP operated assets and projects. We shared findings of our pilots as part of the Proteus-led framework development process and at industry forums. The next stage of framework development will be to take the individual site data and build this into a scorecard to track biodiversity status and trends at an asset and regional level. We intend to use the framework to track achievement of our longer-termlong-term biodiversity goal: ‘inin line with United Nations Sustainable Development GoalsUNSDGs 14 and 15, BHP will, by FY2030, have made a measurable contribution to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in all regions where we operate’.operate.

More information on our approach to biodiversity and land management and current performance is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

Air emissions

The most significant air emissions across our portfolio of operated assets relate to emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and dust. For information relating to GHG emissions, refer to section 1.7.8 and bhp.com/climate.

We recognise the importance of managing and controlling the dust that mining operations can generate to minimise potential impacts on air quality, health and the environment. The updated version of the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard includes the requirement for operated assets that have identified the potential for a significant air-related impact on community wellbeing, to develop an air quality plan. The plan must consider in its development a stakeholder engagement strategy, dispersion modelling, targets, objectives and reporting.

In FY2020, we progressed a number of actions to improve dust management at our operated assets. At Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO), we announced plans to invest up to a further A$300 million over five years to improve air quality and reduce dust emissions across our Pilbara operations. Operational dust control projects are proposed across the entire Pilbara activities chain, including actions such as moisture management systems, ore conditioning and monitoring infrastructure, and improvements to existing controls at mines and port facilities.

At our Mt Arthur Coal mine in the Hunter Valley, Australia, we recently implemented a comprehensive dust control system, which utilises an extensive network of real-time dust and meteorological monitors linked to our business information platform and informs the Integrated Remote Operations Centre (IROC) that controls all of the mining activities. The innovative approach and demonstrable effect on air quality was recognised by award of the 2019 Industry Excellence Award from the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand.

In Chile, the Spence mine has developed an air quality strategy focusing on air quality monitoring, dust management controls, protecting our workforce and engaging stakeholders.

For more information on current initiatives to improve our dust management performance, see our ‘How strategic dust management is improving our air emissions’ case study at bhp.com.

Rehabilitation and closure

WeIn recognition of the potentially significant financial, environmental, climate-related and social risks associated with future closure of our operations, we are committed to implementing a planned approach tointegrating closure and rehabilitation into our planning, decision-making and activities through the entire life cycle of our operations. We do this by following ourassets.

BHP’s closure management process, detailed in theOur Requirements for Closure standard, taking into consideration our values, obligations, commitment to safety, cost risks/benefits and expectations of external stakeholders, and developing a closure management plan that delivers enduring environmental and social benefits.

The focusobjective is to aim to achieve an optimaldeliver optimised closure outcomeoutcomes for our operated assets in consultation with local communities and other stakeholders. Optimised closure outcomes are those that minimise adverse impacts and maximise post-closure value. We implement our objective by following the closure management process, which is designed to produce an optimised closure management plan that is integrated into our operational plans. In addition to compliance with legal requirements, our closure management process takes into consideration our values, commitment to safety, and technical and economic achievability. We develop site-specific closure management plans for our operated assets that are designed to deliver enduring environmental rehabilitation,and social benefits.

The closure outcomesoutcome for a site may include further local economic opportunities, recreational and/one or other community uses.

In November 2018, 1,176 hectaresa combination of rehabilitated subsidence with a post-miningalternative land use (including for enduring environmental and social benefits), ongoing management, relinquishment or responsible divestment. As part of mixed croppingthe closure management process, BHP operated assets are required to prepare and grazing at Gregory Crinum Mine (now soldmaintain a closure management plan that balances business and external stakeholder interests and meets the following closure objectives:

comply with our obligations, legal requirements and BHP mandatory minimum performance requirements for closure

achieve safe and stable outcomes

effectively manage risks (both threats and opportunities)

meet approved target environmental outcomes by following the Our Requirements for Environment and Climate Change standard

progressively reduce obligations, including progressive closure of the area disturbed by our operational footprint

manage and optimise closure costs

Information about BHP’s financial provision related to Sojitz) was certified as complete. At the Norwich Park Mine in Queensland, a further 294 hectares of spoil dump was certified as complete for grazing in February 2019, bringing the total rehabilitated land area certified as complete to 1,470 hectares. In total, in FY2019, rehabilitation and closure strategiesliabilities is available in note 14 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’ in section 5.

We apply BHP’s Risk Framework to our closure management process to appropriately identify and manage closure risks (both threats and opportunities) in our closure management plans. Our closure management plans are also required to include long-term monitoring to verify that any controls implemented are effective and performance standards are achieved and maintained after operations cease.

We regularly review our process to progressively close and rehabilitate areas that are no longer required for assets in Australia delivered just under 20,000 hectaresoperational purposes and update our closure management plans and practices as required with knowledge obtained from on-site experience across our business and leading practice from the global industry.

We report annually on the status of rehabilitated land.land disturbance and rehabilitation.

More information on our approach to closure is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

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Contributing to a resilient environment

BHP recognises that we have a broader role to play in contributing to environmental resilience. We achieve this through our Social Investment Framework,social investment strategy and work with strategic partners and communities to invest in voluntary projects that contribute to the management of areas of national or international conservation significance.

Since 2011, weWe have committed more than US$7578 million to biodiversity conservation since 2011, through our alliance with Conservation International and other partners. We look for projects that can provide multiple benefits, improvesuch as contributing to water quality or quantity, nature-based solutions to climate change and local livelihoods or cultural benefits, as well as improvein addition to contributing to biodiversity conservation.

TowardsMore information on initiatives we have contributed to is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

Water

Access to safe, clean water stewardship

Water stewardship is about safeguarding our natural water resources for future generations. This requires collaboration at every level of society, be it communities, government, businessa basic human right, central to livelihoods and civil society, and we are committedessential to working with such stakeholders to ensure that fresh and marine water resources are conserved, become resilient and continue to supportmaintaining healthy communities and ecosystems, maintain cultural and spiritual values and sustain economic growth.

ecosystems. Water is also integral to what we do and is vital to the sustainability of our business. WeBHP cannot operate without it. We interact with water inadopted a number of ways including extracting water for activities such as ore processing, cooling, dust suppression and processing mine tailings; managing it to access ore through dewatering, and at our closed operations; providing drinking water and sanitation facilities, and discharging it back to the receiving environment. In addition, we interact with marine water resources through our offshore Petroleum business as part of the oil recovery process and port facilities and utilise marine water for desalination.

We recognise our responsibility to effectively manage our interactions and minimise impacts on water resources. Our work starts within our operations, where we must strive to build a foundation from which we can credibly collaborate with others toward solutions to shared water challenges. Responsible water interactions will ultimately make our business more resilient in the long term, and positively contribute to an enduring environment and social value.

Our Water Stewardship Strategy was adopted in FY2017 to improve our management of water, increase transparency and contribute to the resolution of shared water challenges. In FY2019, we developed our Water Stewardship Position Statement which is available at bhp.com/environment/water.

Our vision is for a water secure world by CY2030, consistent with the UNSDGs and our previously communicated CY2030 public goal for water. Communities, governments, business and civil society must work together to build a world where terrestrial and marine water resources are conserved and resilient, and continue to support healthy communities and ecosystems, maintain cultural and spiritual values and sustain economic growth.

We interact with water in a number of ways, including: extracting it for ore processing, cooling, dust suppression and processing mine tailings; managing it to access ore through dewatering, as part of the oil recovery process and at our closed operations; providing drinking water and sanitation facilities; ecosystem irrigation; discharging it back to the receiving environment; interacting with marine water resources through our port facilities and offshore Petroleum facilities; and utilising marine water for desalination.

We recognise our responsibility to effectively manage our interactions and minimise impacts on water resources. Effective water stewardship must begin within our operations. From there, we can more credibly collaborate with others toward solutions to shared water challenges. Water challenges that we face may include water scarcity or high variability in water supply due to climatic conditions or collective use or impacts within a catchment. These challenges need to be managed appropriately to minimise impacts to the environment, communities and BHP’s expressionongoing viability. We identify and assess opportunities to reduce stress on high-risk water resources and implement actions where appropriate. For example:

Queensland Coal is located in a region with highly variable rainfall. In any given year, we may need to manage an excess of commitmentwater or an insufficient water supply for operational needs, which may influence our projected production or costs. In FY2020, a number of intense rainfall events in the location of Queensland Coal resulted in capture of water volumes above that needed for operations. This excess water is managed to minimise impacts to the environment and advocacycommunity while maintaining operational continuity, with a number of options available including: storage for future use; transfer to other sites that require water; or discharge in line with legal requirements.

Escondida mine extracted groundwater from the Andean aquifers in Chile, where freshwater resources are scarce. In December 2019, we ceased extraction of groundwater for operational purposes (other than small quantities of groundwater extracted for pit dewatering to allow safe mining) 10 years earlier than originally scheduled.

WAIO operations commonly mine ore that is below the natural water table and must extract water (an activity known as ‘dewatering’) to mine safely. The extracted water is used to meet the mine’s water use requirements, but at most sites the dewatering volumes exceed use requirements. This surplus water is generally fresh to brackish in quality and is a recognised environmental, social and economic resource. In recent years, WAIO has developed large water infrastructure schemes to return most of this surplus water to groundwater systems. In line with increasing surplus water, WAIO has updated its long-term water strategy to optimise operational considerations as well as social value and environmental outcomes.

During FY2020, our internal focus was on strengthening our processes for water stewardship. Implementationrisk management, accountabilities and data. We progressed the implementation of the Position Statement will commenceour Group-wide standards for water management, water data and drinking water, with operated assets assessing compliance with these standards and, where necessary, developing an action plan to achieve full compliance. We progressed actions to further identify and assess water interactions and operational water-related risks, including catchment-level risks. These activities have resulted in FY2020.an improved understanding of our water-related risks.

OurWe made progress on our public target for water. In FY2017, we announced a five-year Group-widewater target and longer-term goal focused on water were revised in 2017. The Group-wide target is to reduceof reducing FY2022 freshwater withdrawal(12)(16) by 15 per cent from FY2017 levels. Itlevels(17) across our operated assets. Reducing the amount of fresh water we use is focused on the use of freshwaterimportant, as itthis is generally the most important water resource for thethat communities in which we operate and the environment.

Our longer-term goalenvironment most rely on. We developed this target based on each operated asset’s circumstances, the potential to reduce freshwater use and the asset’s level of contribution to BHP’s water target. In FY2020, freshwater withdrawal decreased 18 per cent (126,997 megalitres/annum) compared to FY2019 (155,570 megalitres/annum). The FY2020 result also represents a 19 per cent reduction on the adjusted FY2017 baseline, exceeding our 15 per cent reduction target. Progress on the target is primarily due to collaborate to enable integratedongoing reduction over a number of years, and from December 2019 the cessation of groundwater withdrawal for operational supply purposes from the Andean aquifers at Escondida. Other reductions in FY2020 include decreased surface water resource management in all catchments where we operate by FY2030. It is aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 that seeks to ‘ensure availability and sustainable managementwithdrawal at Queensland Coal, increased sourcing of desalinated water and sanitation for all’.

Freshwater withdrawal increased 9 per cent in FY2019 compared to FY2018. However, overall werecovery of low-quality water from water storage facilities at our operated assets. We remain on track to attainsustain reductions to meet the 15 per cent reduction target by FY2022, with FY2019 withdrawals 1 per cent below the FY2017 adjusted baseline (13).in FY2022.

Transition to the ICMM Water Reporting Guidelines has continued in FY2019. Improvements in the quality of data, particularly at WAIO and our Queensland Coal assets, resulted in data changes that required restatements to FY2017 data which form part of the FY2017 baseline.Reductions in freshwater continued because of increased throughput of the desalination plant at Escondida and the subsequent reduced reliance on the region’s aquifers. The most material increase in water withdrawal was at WAIO, due to increases in water used for production and dust suppression.

Much of our initial collective action work is directed at supporting local integrated water resource management (IWRM) initiatives. During FY2019, we commenced the development of guidance on how to approach collective action in support of IWRM. Effective disclosure is fundamental to the success of IWRM initiatives and we have continued to collaborate with the CEO Water Mandate to support harmonisation of water accounting standards. We see this as a critical step to enhancing transparency and collaboration across all sectors for improved water governance. In line with our Water Stewardship Position Statement, we anticipate releasing the initial set of context-based, business-level targets by FY2022.

 

(12)(16) 

Where ‘withdrawal’ is defined as water withdrawn and intended for use (in accordance with ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’, ICMM (2017)). ‘Freshwater’‘Fresh water’ is defined as waters other than sea water, waste waterseawater, wastewater from third parties and hypersaline ground water.groundwater. Freshwater withdrawal also excludes entrained water that would not be available for other uses. These exclusions have been made to align with the target’s intent to reduce the use of freshwater sources subjectof potential value to competition from other users or the environment.

(13)(17) 

The FY2017 baseline data has been adjusted to account for: the materiality of the strike affecting water withdrawals at Escondida in FY2017 and improvements to water balance methodologies at WAIO and Queensland Coal in FY2019.and exclusion of hypersaline, wastewater, entrainment, supplies from desalination and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) have been excluded from the FY2017 baseline data.in FY2019 and FY2020.

Our global freshwater withdrawals from FY2017 to FY2020 are shown in the following figure.

 

69LOGO

All water performance data presented in this Report are from operated assets during FY2020. For a year-on-year comparison of data related to operated assets and further analysis of our water data and performance, refer to section 6.6.5.

We have publicly reported our water metrics and progress on water specific targets for more than 15 years, since the establishment of the Minerals Council of Australia’s Water Accounting Framework (WAF) Input-Output Model. In FY2019 we transitioned our water reporting to align with the ICMM ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’ (ICMM Guidelines), a mining sector framework to allow for comparable water data reporting across the mining and minerals sector. Although the ICMM Guidelines generally align with the WAF and the GRI, alignment to the ICMM Guidelines has resulted in some changes to the way we now report water data. A key change is the terminology we use: we now describe our water inputs as water withdrawals; and water outputs as water consumption and water discharges.

We report on the following water metrics, as further described in section 6.6 and in detail in the ICMM Guidelines and WAF:

water withdrawals (water intended for use by an operated asset) by source, quality and asset

water discharges (water returned to the environment) by destination, operated asset and quality

water consumption (water used by the operated asset) by the type of consumption (e.g. evaporation, entrainment)

water recycled/reused (water that is used more than once at the operated asset) by quantity and efficiency

water diversions (water actively managed by the operated asset but not used for any operational purposes) by quantity

The reported metrics are either measured directly, estimated or simulated. The WAF accuracy statement process is used to determine level of accuracy for each metric. During FY2020, we continued to focus on improving the robustness of water data in line with the ICMM Guidelines. We endeavour to directly measure water withdrawals, water consumption, water discharges, water diversion and water recycled/reused. This allows us to regularly track and monitor data quality and performance. Using the WAF accuracy statement approach as outlined in the ICMM guidance (see section 3.3 of the WAF), we evaluated that 80 per cent of withdrawal volumes and almost 70 per cent of reported discharge volumes are measured for a majority of sources for the majority of the year, therefore this data is considered to be at a high accuracy level. We simulate or estimate elements, such as evaporation and entrainment volumes, at all our operated assets as these are challenging to measure and vary over time due to seasonal climatic changes and product variability, which results from the changing characteristics of ore bodies (for example, moisture content and whether the ores are located below or above the water table). Estimation is used in some instances, such as for runoff at Queensland Coal, for quality categorisation. This focus on improvements in data quality and understanding, particularly at WAIO and Queensland Coal, has resulted in restatement of the FY2017 data that formed part of the FY2017 baseline.

We seek to minimise our withdrawal of high-quality fresh water, which is water with low levels of salinity, metals, pesticides and bacteria and is relatively neutral (ph. 6-8.5) and use lower quality or saline water instead. Seawater continues to be our largest source of water withdrawal, representing over half of total withdrawals, predominantly for desalination at Escondida. Groundwater is our most significant freshwater source, at approximately one-third of total water withdrawals, predominantly at WAIO. Surface water withdrawals, largely influenced by rainfall, are the primary freshwater source at Queensland Coal. Currently, more than 85 per cent of our water withdrawals consist of water classified as low-quality. The definitions for water quality types are provided in section 6.8.2 and a detailed description is available in section 2.4 of the WAF.


As we further strengthen our data quality and our understanding of the influencing factors on water-related risk within the water catchment in which we operate, we will continue to refine our approach to goal and target setting. In our Water Stewardship Position Statement, we committed to realising our CY2030 vision by setting public, context-based, operated asset-level targets that will follow on from our current five-year Group-wide freshwater withdrawal target. During FY2020, we commenced planning for a water resource situational analysis (WRSA) process (defined in section 6.8.2), which aims to establish a collective view on the shared water challenges within the regions or catchments in which we operate. The WRSA process will commence in FY2021 and will inform our post-FY2022 water targets, which will vary across our operated assets depending on the nature of our interactions with water and the shared water challenges within each region.

Beyond our operational activities, we have committed to engaging across communities, government, business and civil society with the aim of catalysing actions to improve water governance, increase recognition of water’s diverse values and advance sustainable solutions. We continue to collaborate with the CEO Water Mandate to support harmonisation of water accounting standards. We see this as a critical step to strengthening transparency and collaboration across all sectors for improved water governance, in line with our Water Stewardship Position Statement.

For detailsmore information on our approach to water stewardship, progress against our water strategy and water performance in FY2019, see our Sustainability Report 2019.FY2020, refer to section 6.6.5 and bhp.com/sustainability.

1.10.5    Engaging with communitiesMore information on environment is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

We believe we are successful when we work in partnership with communities to achieve long-term social, environmental and economic outcomes. To support this, we must consider social value1.7.7    Value chain sustainability

Promoting sustainability in our decision-makingvalue chain

As a leading global resources company, we strive to work with our customers, suppliers and other value chain participants to promote sustainable practices across the full life cycle of our products.

BHP’s value chain sustainability strategy takes a systems approach, designed to assess and work with communitiesothers to improve the sustainability impacts of our upstream supply chains, inbound and outbound logistics, and our products as they move through the value chain from extraction, processing and use. We can broadly categorise Value Chain Sustainability activities across our value chain as follows:

Responsible sourcing: Actions to integrate sustainability considerations into our inbound and outbound supply chains (including shipping)

Process stewardship: Actions to help ensure the sustainability performance of our operated assets meets the responsible sourcing expectations of the market

Product stewardship: Actions to influence the sustainability performance of our downstream value chain where we do not have operational control

Our Value Chain Sustainability strategy seeks to identify and improve performance across a presence. Social value is the sumwide range of our contributionrelevant issues, including people, environment and communities. In determining where to society underpinned by respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships, and working collectively to prioritise social,focus, we consider financial impact as well as environmental and economic outcomes.social materiality. Priority areas (see below) have been identified and are aligned with BHP’s social value priorities.

In FY2019,

LOGO

Responsible sourcing

We encourage the suppliers we completed anin-depth reviewwork with to put sustainability at the heart of how we understand and support social value. The reviewtheir operations. We are focused on how we can improve our capacitysupport suppliers and service providers to connect to communities, understand their ambitions and work to empower these communities.

Engaging with communities

Our Code of Conduct and theOur Requirements for Communications, Community and External Engagementstandard govern our actionsadopt sustainable business standards in making a positive contribution to communities where we have a presence and minimising adverse impacts where these cannot be avoided.

Our community practitioners apply a range of systems, processes and tools across our operations to help us understand, plan, implement and evaluate our engagement activities. This includes social baseline analysis, social impact and opportunity assessments,health, safety, human rights, impact assessments, stakeholder mappinganti-corruption and community perception surveys. This information informsenvironmental protection that are in line with our own. Contractors working at our operated assets are required to comply with our health, safety and environment (HSE) standards. We also look for opportunities to minimise safety, health, human rights, environmental and climate impacts throughout our value chain.

We take a risk-based approach to community engagement, community developmentidentify potential suppliers for more in-depth assessment of their compliance against our requirements. The approach is based on a combination of questionnaires, due diligence and social investment activities that aim to be culturally sensitive and socially inclusive.third party data.

Supporting local economic growth

BHP proudly supportsIn FY2019, the growth of local businesses in the regions where we operate, through sourcing and promoting locally available products and services. Our assets develop local procurement plans that identify opportunities for local suppliers, including small businesses to deliver capacity building and employment creation initiatives. These initiatives are designed to be sustainable post BHP’s presence.

During FY2019, 14 per centfoundations of our external expenditureEthical Supply Chain and Transparency program were developed and tested through the completion of a pilot program. The full program was with local suppliers. An additional 82 per centlaunched in May 2020 and now forms the primary preventative control to manage the risk of our supply expenditure was located within the regions in which we operate.

Our expenditure with local suppliers in FY2019 was mostly in Trinidad and Tobago (57 per cent), the United States (31 per cent), Chile (14 per cent) and Australia (12 per cent).

Social investment

Through our long-standing commitment to investing not less than 1 per cent of ourpre-tax profit in social and environmental projects and donations, we generate social value through greater engagement with a broad set of stakeholders. Our contribution to sustainability challenges at the local, regional, national and global levels is a key element in managing current and future risk. It also provides an opportunity to build long-term reciprocal relationships with stakeholders.

We seek to develop strategic social investment partnerships by advocating collective action, bringing together key stakeholders to support the self-determination of communities, with a shared approach to solving local challenges and building local opportunities. We generate social value through our contribution to grass roots initiatives, such as community donations, employee volunteering, our Local Buying Program and BHP’s Matched Giving Program.

Our voluntary social investment in FY2019 totalled US$93.5 million(14), consisting of US$55.7 million in direct community development projects and donations, US$8.9 million equity share tonon-operated joint venture programs, a US$16.57 million donation to the BHP Foundation and US$4 million to the Matched Giving and community small grants programs. Administrative costs to facilitate direct social investment activities at our assets totalled US$6.27 million and US$2 million supported the operations of the BHP Foundation.

(14)

Our voluntary social investment is calculated as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit.

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In FY2019, we commenced the management of our social investment contracts for community projects and donations through our Global Contract Management System. The new system enables an integratedend-to-end partnership management approach that is auditable, transparent and enhances our ability to communicate and report on our social investment activities.

1.10.6    Respecting human rights

We believe respecting human rights breach within BHP’s supply chain. The program applies to all suppliers of non-traded goods and contributingservices to the positive realisation of rightsBHP. This program is not only critical to the sustainable operation of our business, but also to our responsibility to work with our suppliers and contractors to manage risks that human rights abuses present through our value chain. We are committed to working with our suppliers to enhance their understanding of our Ethical Supply Chain and Transparency processes, which includes taking steps to encourage them to improve management of human rights risks (including modern slavery) among subcontractors and across their own supply chain.

At BHP, we take a collaborative approach with our suppliers to maintain our commitment to sustainable operations. As an example, we participate in the ICMM’s Innovation for Cleaner Safer Vehicles program, which aims to introduce GHG emission-free surface mining vehicles by 2040.

COVID-19

COVID-19 has brought with it a number of human rights challenges throughout the value chain. During the pandemic, the welfare of workforces and communities, in particular vulnerable populations, has been the primary challenge while ensuring business continuity. Seafarers are already particularly vulnerable workers globally, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by these workers. During the pandemic, this workforce has faced the closure of borders and reduction in flight availability, resulting in some crew members being unable to join their vessel or to return home for extended periods. In the early stages of the pandemic, BHP and relevant regulatory authorities worked closely to enable humanitarian assistance to be provided to seafarers.

We responded, for example, by supporting the seafarers centre in Port Hedland, Australia, to reopen in conjunction with regulatory authorities and clarified and encouraged shore leave requirements (as put in place by the Australian state governments) to be upheld. In addition, we worked with appropriate authorities to support a process for the timely provision of medical attention to seafarers, including those with suspected COVID-19. We recognise that seafarer welfare continues to be impacted by the pandemic and we are working to identify how BHP can further contribute to support these vulnerable people.

Process stewardship

We support industry association programs and other initiatives that bring together participants in a product’s life cycle to improve sustainability performance. For example, we are members of the ICMM, apply the ICMM Mining Principles and participate in the ICMM Materials Stewardship Facility. In FY2020, we developed and implemented a plan to conform to the updated ICMM Mining Principles, which now include clearly articulated performance expectations and requirements for asset-level validation. We are members of Responsible Steel, participated in the London Metal Exchange’s consultation on responsible sourcing standards and participated in the development of the Copper Mark, a new assurance program for responsible copper production established by the International Copper Association. Our participation in these initiatives is aimed at ensuring the standards and thresholds are meaningful and drive a fundamental change in the industry.

Product stewardship

BHP encourages the responsible design, use, reuse, recycling and disposal of our products throughout our value chain, in line with the ICMM Mining Principles.

Our Sales and Marketing team works with our operated assets to maintain compliance with all product regulatory requirements in relevant markets. This includes assessing the hazards of the products of mining according to UN Globally Harmonised System of Hazard Classification and Labelling or equivalent relevant regulatory systems, and communicating through safety data sheets and labelling as appropriate.

Where possible, BHP also works directly with those involved in the processing and use of our products to improve environmental performance throughout the value chain, and to promote the sustainable use of our products. For example, we work with individual customers to design and test raw material blends that optimise environmental performance. We also collaborate on research with customers, industry bodies and academia to identify sustainable product and process improvements. We seek to improve traceability and transparency of products through piloting blockchain initiatives with industry consortia.

In July 2019, BHP committed to set public goals related to Scope 3 GHG emissions. During FY2020, we investigated BHP’s opportunities to influence GHG emissions reductions through an analysis of our value chain and consultation with suppliers, customers, investors and other stakeholders. As a result, we have set Scope 3 GHG emissions goals for CY2030.

For more information on our approach to value chain sustainability visit bhp.com/sustainability.

Case study: A focus on maritime sector emissions

We are prioritising support for emissions solutions in the maritime sector. Ocean freight is vital to our success as a reliable global supplier and is coming into focus as an area in which, in partnership with the shipping industry, progress can be made to reduce emissions. We are one of the largest dry bulk charterers in the world, procuring freight for approximately 250 million tonnes of iron ore, coal and copper and completing approximately 1,500 voyages each year.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set goals to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by 40 per cent by CY2030 and by 70 per cent by CY2050, as well as reducing the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 50 per cent by CY2050. We believe we can make an important contribution to bringing about change in the bulk carrier segment.

Our Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence team is taking a proactive role and seeking to drive change in the industry to increase the focus on safety, environmental sustainability, innovation and efficiency. BHP has continued to collaborate with RightShip,(18) the world’s leading maritime risk management organisation to use their GHG ratings system that encourages charterers to use ships designed for greater energy efficiency. In response, we have seen ship owners improve engine performance and reduce drag. In July 2019, we released the world’s first bulk carrier tender for LNG-fuelled transport for up to 10 per cent of BHP’s iron ore. Introducing LNG-fuelled ships into BHP’s maritime supply chain is expected to significantly reduce CO2 and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions and eliminate SOx (sulphur oxide) emissions along the busiest bulk transport routes globally.

More information on value chain sustainability is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

1.7.8    Climate change

This year, we produced the BHP Climate Change Report 2020, aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. The Report provides a more detailed discussion of our approach to identifying and managing climate-related risks (both threats and opportunities) and our progress on our public commitments in response to climate change. More information is available at bhp.com/climate.

Warming of the climate is unequivocal, the human influence is clear and physical impacts are unavoidable.

We believe the world must pursue the Paris Agreement goals, with increased levels of national and global ambition, to limit the impacts of climate change. Access to affordable and clean energy and the availability of natural resources for manufacturing are essential to meet sustainable development goals. At BHP, we advocate for actions in line with the Paris Agreement goals while recognising the challenge of achieving these goals is of global scale and historic complexity.

Portfolio analysis

The BHP Climate Change Report 2020 describes our latest portfolio analysis, including four scenarios: Central Energy View and Lower Carbon View which we use as inputs to our planning cases; a non-linear, higher temperature Climate Crisis scenario, and a 1.5°C Paris-aligned scenario.

(18)

RightShip is equally owned by BHP, Rio Tinto and Cargill. More information is available at rightship.com.

There are inherent limitations with scenario analysis and it is difficult to predict which, if any, of the scenarios might eventuate. Scenarios do not constitute definitive outcomes for us. Scenario analysis relies on assumptions that may or may not be, or prove to be, correct and may or may not eventuate, and scenarios may be impacted by additional factors to the assumptions disclosed.

To stay within a carbon budget that keeps global warming to no more than 1.5°C, the 1.5°C scenario requires steep global annual emissions reductions, sustained for decades. This pathway to 2050 represents a major departure from today’s global trajectory.

Our updated portfolio analysis demonstrates that our business can continue to thrive over the next 30 years, as the global community takes action to decarbonise, even under a Paris-aligned 1.5°C trajectory. This modelling indicated that cumulative demand for copper, nickel and potash over the next 30 years in the 1.5°C scenario could not only exceed the last 30 years, but also our mid-planning case (Central Energy View). The modelling also showed strong cumulative demand for iron ore, metallurgical coal and natural gas and more modest demand for oil in the transition to a low carbon future over the next 30 years.

Opportunities to invest in commodities such as potash, nickel and copper, and our rigorous approach to capital allocation, provide a strong foundation for our business as the world takes the action to decarbonise, even for a 1.5°C world.

Transitioning the global economy over the next 30 years on a trajectory consistent with the Paris Agreement goals would limit potential global climate-related impacts, including physical climate change risks at our assets, and potentially generate opportunities to add significant value to our portfolio. The need to adapt would also grow as the global average temperature rises, suggesting that transitioning to a 1.5°C world could limit the costs associated with adaptation in many regions, compared to higher temperature trajectories. The 1.5°C scenario is an attractive scenario for BHP, our shareholders and the global community.

However, today’s signposts do not indicate that the appropriate measures are in place to drive decarbonisation at the pace nor scale required for the 1.5°C scenario. If we see the necessary changes in our signposts, we will adjust our planning cases accordingly. Given the long lead times for new investments, we will continue to stress test our decision making with updated strategic themes and scenarios to better understand emerging opportunities. We will also continue to advocate for actions in line with the Paris Agreement goals and seek partnerships to leverage our own investments in low emissions and negative emissions technologies and natural climate solutions, because we believe it is the right thing to do. We are committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and operating in a manner consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the 10 UN Global Compact Principles.

Human rights related to workplace health, safety and labour conditions, activities of security providers, land access and use, and water and sanitation are the most relevant to BHP’s business. Of equal importance are the rights of Indigenous peoples and other communities impacted by BHP’s operations.

Our Code of Conduct sets the standards of behaviour and human rights commitmentsdo for our people, as well asshareholders and our contractors, suppliersglobal community.

Operational GHG emissions and others who perform work for BHP. Theenergy consumption

BHP’s commitments inOur Code of Conduct are implemented through mandatory minimum human rightsto reduce operational GHG emissions

Short-term target: By FY2022, maintain emissions at or below FY2017 levels,(1) while we continue to grow our business

Medium-term target: Reduce emissions by at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels(1) by FY2030

Long-term goal: Net-zero emissions by 2050(2)

Reducing our operational emissions is a key performance requirements in theOur Requirements standards and through our policy statements.

Human rights are also integrated into BHP’s Risk Framework through these standards. Using that Framework, human rights risks were assessed in functional, exploration and project risk assessments in FY2019. This included inputs into a risk assessment for exploration activities in Ecuador and a human rights and Indigenous peoples’ assessment for activities in Mexico.

We consolidated our existing human rights commitments and management approaches in FY2019 into a Group-wide policy statement. This action reflects Principle 16 of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Our Human Rights Policy Statement (available on bhp.com) sets out the expectations of our people, business partners and other relevant parties to respect human rights.

A new globally consistent approach to human rights impact assessments in FY2019 was also developed in FY2019 to enable a more comprehensive understanding of our human rights exposures across our assets and functions. The new methodology will be mandated under theOur Requirements standards.

We are taking a multi-year, systemic approach to integrating human rights due diligenceindicator for our supply chain process. At the centre of our approach is engagement with our direct suppliers to assess and encourage continuous improvement in their own capacity to manage human rights risks (including modern slavery) in their subcontractors and broader supply chain.

Modern slavery

business. Our 2019 Modern Slavery Act Statement provides a detailed overview of our approach to managing human rights risks, in particular those relating to modern slavery and trafficking in our supply chain. It is prepared under the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) and available online at bhp.com.

Australian legislation for modern slavery was passed in December 2018 and our first statement under this legislation is expected to be published for FY2020 by 31 December 2020.

1.10.7    Indigenous peoples

For BHP, Indigenous peoples are critical partners and stakeholders in many of our operations. We respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and the special connection they often have with the land, water and natural environment, and we understand that this connection can be spiritual, reaching beyond tangible objects or locations.

BHP’s Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement articulates our approach to engagement and support for Indigenous peoples and our commitment to the International Council of Mining and Metals Indigenous Peoples Position Statement. Our Indigenous Peoples Strategy guides the implementation of our Policy Statement.

In FY2019, each of our regions had an active Indigenous Peoples Plan that operationalised the Indigenous Peoples Strategy across our regions. Each plan is aligned with the Indigenous Peoples Strategy and prioritises the local and regional context and operational footprint and relevant Indigenous stakeholders.

In April 2019, BHP publicly released our FY2019–FY2023 South American Indigenous Peoples Plan in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, which focuses on opportunities for advocacy and strengthening opportunities for Indigenous employment. The Plan is the first of its kind by a mining company in Chile.

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BHP also contributes to and engages in programs and public policy to advance the interests of Indigenous peoples. After significant reflection and consultation with critical stakeholders, in January 2019, our CEO Andrew Mackenzie announced BHP’s support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. As part of this support, we committed to a number of activities in support of the areas of Voice, Treaty and Truth; key themes from the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

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1.10.8    Climate change

Our climate change strategy focuses on reducing our operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, investing in low emissions technologies, promoting product stewardship, managing climate-related risk and opportunity, and working with others to enhance the global policy and market response.

Climate change is a global challenge that requires collaboration. Resources companies such as BHP, our customers and governments must play their part to meet this challenge.

Responding to climate change remains a priority governance and strategic issue for us. Our Board is actively engaged in the governance of climate change issues, including our strategic approach, supported by the Sustainability Committee. Management has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of our climate change strategy and our performance against our targets (outlined below) is reflected in senior executive and leadership remuneration. From 2021, the link between our targets and management remuneration will be strengthened to reinforce the strategic importance of action to reduce emissions.

Operational emissions

As a major energy consumer, managing energy use, ensuring energy security and reducingWe have set public GHG emissions at our operations are key components of our climate change strategy. We setreduction targets in order to hold ourselves accountable for these goals,since the 1990s and regularly review them as our strategy and circumstances change.

Our five-year GHG emissions reductioncurrent short-term target which took effect from 1 July 2017,for FY2022 is to maintain our total operational emissions in FY2022 at or below FY2017 levels(15)(1) while we continue to grow our business. Our target builds on our success in achieving our previous five-year target.

We have also set the longer-termlong-term goal of achievingnet-zero operational emissions by 2050 and our new medium-term target is to reduce operational GHG emissions inby at least 30 per cent from FY2020 levels(1) by FY2030. Building on our short-term target for FY2022, the latter half of this century, consistent with the Paris Agreement. In order to setFY2030 target sets the trajectory towards achieving that goal, in FY2020 we intend to develop a medium-term target for operational emissions.our long-term goal.

Operational emissions performance

Our combinedBHP has disclosed Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (operational emissions) in FY2019 totalled 14.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), 3 per cent below our FY2017 target baseline(16). This decrease is primarily duetotals based on an operational control approach to a change in the electricity emissions factorboundaries for Minerals Americas that resulted from the interconnection of Chile’s northern grid system, which is mainly fossil fuel-based, and southern grid system, whichmany years. In FY2020, BHP has a higher proportion of renewable energy.

We have disclosed operational emissions performance at the asset level for the first time in this year’s Report (seealso disclosed total emissions under a financial control approach and an equity share approach, providing more detail on emissions associated with our investments. Refer to section 6.5 Climate change data).

6.6.4 for our equity share and financial control emissions. BHP’s operational emissions targets continue to be measured against our GHG emissions based on an operational control, market-based methodology.

 

(15)(1) 

FY2017 and FY2020 baseline will be adjusted for any material acquisitions and divestments based on GHG emissions at the time of the transaction. Carbon offsets will be used as required.

(16)

Calculated FY2017 baseline is on a Continuing operations basis. The FY2017 baselinebasis and has been adjusted for the divestment of our Onshore US assets to ensure ongoing comparability of performance.

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Operational greenhouse gas emissions (million tonnesCO2-e) (1)(2)

Year ended 30 June

  2019   2018   2017 

Scope 1 GHG emissions (3)

   9.7    10.6    10.5 

Scope 2 GHG emissions (4)

   5.0    5.9    5.8 

Total operational GHG emissions

   14.7    16.5    16.3 

(1)

Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been calculated on an operational control basis in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.divestments.

 

(2) 

Carbon offsets will be used as required.

Operational energy consumption by source (TWh) (1)(2)

   Year ended 30 June 
   2020   2019   2018   2017 

Consumption of fuel

   31.6    31.6    31.9    31.1 

- Coal and coke

   0.2    0.2    0.2    0.2 

- Natural gas

   5.8    6.6    8.6    9.2 

- Distillate/gasoline

   25.0    24.1    22.6    21.0 

- Other

   0.6    0.7    0.6    0.6 

Consumption of electricity

   10.1    9.6    9.6    7.8 

Consumption of electricity from grid

   8.9    8.5    8.5    6.6 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operational energy consumption

   42    41    42    39 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operational energy consumption from renewable sources (TWh)

   0.01    0.01    0.01    0.01 

   Year ended 30 June 

Operational GHG emissions by source (million tonnes CO2-e) (1)(2)(3)(4)

  2020  2019  2018  2017 

Scope 1 GHG emissions (5)

   9.5   9.7   10.6   10.5 

Scope 2 GHG emissions (6)

   6.3   6.1   6.4   5.8 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operational GHG emissions

   15.8   15.8   17.0   16.3 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operational GHG emissions (adjusted for Discontinued operations) (7)

   15.8   15.3   15.3   14.6 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operational GHG emissions intensity (tonnes CO2-e per tonne of copper equivalent production) (8)

   2.0   2.4   2.4   2.2 

Percentage of Scope 1 GHG emissions covered under an emissions-limiting regulation (9)

   79  74  81  79

Percentage of Scope 1 GHG emissions from methane

   19  19  21  20

Scope 2 GHG emissions (location based) (6)

   5.1   5.1   6.1   6.0 

Operational energy usage increased by 3 per cent from FY2019, on a Continuing operations basis. The increase is a result of increased production at WAIO, as well as increased energy usage at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) and Olympic Dam.

In FY2020, operational emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) increased by 8 per cent from the adjusted FY2017 baseline and 3 per cent from FY2019, on a Continuing operations basis. The increase is a result of increased production and energy usage at WAIO, as well as increased energy usage at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) and Nickel West. While our annual emissions are currently higher than FY2017 levels, our asset-level emissions forecasts show we are on track to meet our FY2022 target, due primarily to implementation of renewable energy contracts in Chile in FY2022.

FY2018 and FY2019 GHG emissions have been restated due to a move from location-based (grid) emission factors to market-based emission factors (contract specific) at the Escondida and Pampa Norte (which includes Spence and Cerro Colorado) copper operations in Chile. The current electricity supply contracts are with coal and natural gas powered suppliers, and therefore the emissions intensity of the contracted supply is significantly higher than the grid average. The change in emission factors was made to make BHP’s reporting more consistent, as the market-based approach is the primary method of reporting when the relevant information is available.

More information on the calculation methodologies, assumptions and key references used in the preparation of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions data can be found in the BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Calculation Methodology, available at bhp.com/climate. More information on our strategy to further reduce GHG emissions, including our investments in low emissions technology and natural climate solutions, is available in the BHP Climate Change Report 2020 at bhp.com/climate.

(1)

Unless otherwise noted, FY2017 and FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). Unless otherwise noted, FY2019 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018. Data in italics indicates that data has been adjusted since it was previously reported. FY2019 originally reported data that was restated is 5.0 million tonnes CO2-e for Scope 2 GHG emissions, 14.7 million tonnes CO2-e for total operational GHG emissions, and 2.2 tonnes CO2-e per tonne of copper equivalent production for operational GHG emissions intensity.

(2)

Calculated based on an operational control approach in line with World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development guidance. Consumption of fuel and consumption of electricity refers to annual quantity of energy consumed from the combustion of fuel; and the operation of any facility; and energy consumed resulting from the purchase of electricity, heat, steam or cooling by the company for its own use. Over 99.9 per cent of BHP’s energy consumption and emissions occurs outside the UK offshore area (as defined in the relevant UK reporting regulations). UK energy consumption of 222,368 kWh and emissions of 52 tonnes CO2-e is associated with electricity consumption from our office in London. One TWh equals 1,000,000,000 kWh.

 

(3)

BHP currently uses Global Warming Potentials (GWP) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 4 (AR4) based on 100-year timeframe.

(4)

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been calculated based on an operational control approach (unless otherwise stated) in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Calculation Methodology, available at bhp.com/climate.

(5) 

Scope 1 refers to direct GHG emissions from operated assets.

 

(4)(6) 

Scope 2 refers to indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, and steam, heat or cooling that is consumed by operated assets (calculatedassets. Our Scope 2 emissions have been calculated using the market-based method).method using supplier specific emission factors, in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scope 2 Guidance unless otherwise specified. A residual mix is currently unavailable to account for voluntary purchases and this may result in double counting between electricity consumers.

Our FY2019 GHG emissions intensity was 2.2 tonnes of CO2-e per tonne of copper equivalent production (FY2018: 2.3 tonnes of CO2-e). Our FY2019 energy intensity was 22 gigajoules per tonne of copper equivalent production (FY2018: 21 gigajoules)(17).

(7)

Excludes Onshore US assets, which were divested in FY2019.

(8)

Copper equivalent production has been calculated based on FY2020 average realised product prices for FY2020 production, FY2019 average realised product prices for FY2019 production, FY2018 average realised product prices for FY2018 production, and FY2017 average realised product prices for FY2017 production. Production figures used are consistent with energy and emissions reporting boundaries (i.e. BHP operational control) and are taken on 100 per cent basis.

(9)

Scope 1 emissions from BHP’s facilities covered by the Safeguard Mechanism administered by the Clean Energy Regulator in Australia and the distillate and gasoline emissions from turbine boilers at the cathode plant at Escondida covered by the Green Tax legislation in Chile.

Investing in low emissions technologies

Defining a pathway tonet-zero GHG emissions for our long-life assets requires planning for the long term and a deep understanding of the development pathway for low emissions technologies (LETs).

Our LET strategy is threefold. First, we work to adapt mature technologies such as light electric vehicles, in order to integrate them safely and effectively into our operations. Second, in the medium term, we create road maps for development and adoption of LETs that support our goal ofnet-zero emissions, which may include trials and demonstrations of technology in our production environments. Finally, we look for early stage LETs that hold high potential for future results. For these emerging technologies, we seek opportunities for collaboration, research and other ways to accelerate their development and adoption.

Our LET strategy has been developed to address BHP’s key sources of operational GHG emissions. Emissions from electricity use make up 43 per cent of our operational emissions(18). This includes the power we generate ourselves as well as the power we buy from grids around the world. Our strategy seeks to accelerate the transition to lower carbon sources of electricity while balancing cost, reliability and emissions reductions.

Emissions from fuel and distillate make up 42 per cent of our operational emissions, much of which is from diesel used in moving material (for example, haul trucks). Our strategy is to accelerate andde-risk technologies and innovations that can transition operations over time to alternate fuels and greater electrification of mining equipment and mining methods.

Fugitive methane emissions from our petroleum and coal assets make up 15 per cent of our operational emissions. Our strategy is to pursue innovation in mitigation technologies for these emissions, which are among the most technically and economically challenging to reduce.

Scope 3 emissions

While reducingWe recognise the importance of taking action to support efforts to reduce emissions across our operational emissions is vital,full value chain, as the emissions from our value chain (Scope 3 emissions)customers’ use of our products are significantly higher than those from our own operations. We work with our customers, suppliers and other value chain participantsoperated assets.

During FY2020, we investigated BHP’s opportunities to seek to influenceenable emissions reductions across the life cyclethrough an analysis of our products.

As we work to develop an integrated product stewardship strategy in FY2020 we intend to look to identify additional opportunities to work with others in our value chain to influence emissions reductions. We also intend toand consultation with suppliers, customers, investors and other stakeholders. As a result, we have set public goals related to Scope 3 emissions.GHG emissions goals for CY2030, supported by an annual action plan and aligned to a long-term vision of decarbonisation of the steel and maritime sectors, in line with the Paris Agreement goals.

For more information, refer to the BHP Climate Change Report 2020 at bhp.com/climate.

Scope 3 emissions performance

The most significant contributions to Scope 3 emissions in our value chain come from the downstream processing and use of our products, in particular emissions emanating from the steelmaking process (the processing and use of our iron ore and metallurgical coal). In FY2019coal in steelmaking. Our analysis indicates that in FY2020, emissions associated with the processing of ournon-fossil fuel commodities (iron ore to steel; copper concentrate and cathode to copper wire) were 305210.8–327.8 million tonnes of CO22--e.e. Emissions associated with the use of our fossil fuel commodities (metallurgical and energy coal, oil and gas) were 233 million tonnes130.5-205.0 Mt CO2-e.Refer to footnote (1) on the following page for an explanation of CO2-e.why a degree of overlap in reporting boundaries occurs, due to our involvement at multiple points in the life cycle of the commodities we produce and consume. A significant example of a boundary overlap is between iron ore and metallurgical coal that results in a portion of metallurgical coal emissions being double counted across these two categories in the higher end estimate number. This means that the emissions reported under each Scope 3 category should not be added up, as to do so would give an inflated total figure. For this reason, we do not report a total Scope 3 emissions figure.

(17)

Copper equivalent production has been calculated based on FY2019 average realised product prices for FY2019 production, and FY2018 average realised product prices for FY2018 production.

(18)

Includes Scope 1 emissions from our natural gas-fired power generation as well as Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity.

This year, we have also included a lower end estimate of the Scope 3 emissions from the combustion of metallurgical coal that avoids the double counting of the emissions arising from iron and steel production. We have included the lower-end number in the estimate of our Scope 3 emissions, in part to reflect the different ways of calculating Scope 3 emissions, particularly when there is an overlap. The inclusion of two numbers also reflects the different uses for reported Scope 3 emissions. The first, larger number is suitable as a proxy for an assessment of carbon risk to the portfolio. The lower number, calculated to avoid double counting, provides a more useful input into an assessment of the total Scope 3 emissions associated with our value chains.

74More information on the calculation methodologies, assumptions and key references used in the preparation of Scope 3 emissions data can be found in the BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Calculation Methodology, available at bhp.com/climate.


Scope 3 greenhouse gasGHG emissions by category (million tonnes CO2-e) (1)-e) (1)(2)

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019   2018   2017 

Upstream

      

Purchased goods and services (including capital goods)

   17.3    8.2    7.7 

Fuel and energy related activities

   1.3    1.4    1.4 

Upstream transportation and distribution (3)

   3.6    3.6    3.2 

Business travel

   0.1    0.1    0.1 

Employee commuting

   <0.1    <0.1    <0.1 

Downstream

 

Downstream transportation and distribution (4)

   4.0    5.0    2.8 

Processing of sold products (5)

   304.7    322.6    313.7 

– Iron ore to steel

   299.6    317.4    309.5 

– Copper to copper wire

   5.1    5.2    4.2 

Use of sold products

   232.7    253.8    254.1 

– Metallurgical coal

   111.4    112.3    105.5 

– Energy coal

   67.0    71.0    72.1 

– Natural gas

   28.3    36.4    38.3 

– Crude oil and condensates (6)

   23.3    29.6    33.1 

– Natural gas liquids

   2.8    4.5    5.1 

Investments (i.e. ournon-operated assets) (7)

   3.1    1.7    1.9 
   Year ended 30 June 
   2020   2019   2018   2017 

Upstream

        

Purchased goods and services (including capital goods)

   16.9    17.3    8.2    7.7 

Fuel and energy related activities

   1.3    1.3    1.4    1.4 

Upstream transportation and distribution (2)

   3.8    3.6    3.6    3.2 

Business travel

   0.1    0.1    0.1    0.1 

Employee commuting

   0.2    <0.1    <0.1    <0.1 

Downstream

        

Downstream transportation and distribution (3)

   4.0    4.0    5.0    2.8 

Investments (i.e. our non-operated assets) (4)

   3.9    3.1    1.7    1.9 

Processing of sold products (5)

        

Iron ore processing (6)

   205.6-322.6    197.2-299.6    201.2-317.4    194.1-309.5 

Copper processing

   5.2    5.1    5.2    4.2 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total processing of sold products

   210.8-327.8    202.3-304.7    206.4-322.6    198.3-313.7 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Use of sold products

        

Metallurgical coal (6)

   33.7-108.2    34.7-111.4    35.0-112.3    32.5-105.5 

Energy coal (7)

   56.4    67.0    71.0    72.1 

Natural gas (7)

   20.6    28.3    36.4    38.3 

Crude oil and condensates (7)

   17.9    23.3    29.6    33.1 

Natural gas liquids (7)

   1.9    2.8    4.5    5.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total use of sold products

   130.5-205.0    156.0-232.7    176.5-253.8    181.1-254.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Scope 3 refers to all other indirect GHG emissions (not included in Scope 2) from activities across our value chain, including upstream emissions related to the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels; downstream emissions related to the processing and use of our products; upstream and downstream transportation and distribution; and emissions from ournon-operated joint ventures. Scope 3 emissions have been calculated using methodologies consistent with the GHGGreenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard. Scope 3 emissions reporting necessarily requires a degree of overlap in reporting boundaries due to our involvement at multiple points in the life cycle of the commodities we produce and consume. A significant example of this is that Scope 3 emissions reported under the ‘Processing of sold products’ category include the processing of our iron ore to steel. This third party activity also consumes metallurgical coal as an input, a portion of which is produced by us. For reporting purposes, we account for Scope 3 emissions from combustion of metallurgical coal with all other fossil fuels under the ‘Use of sold products’ category, such that a portion of metallurgical coal emissions is accounted for under two categories. This is an expected outcome of emissions reporting between the different scopes defined under standard GHG accounting practices and is not considered to detract from the overall value of our Scope 3 emissions disclosure. This double counting means that the emissions reported under each category should not be added up, as to do so would give an inflated total figure. For this reason, we do not report a total Scope 3 emissions figure. More information on the calculation methodologies, assumptions and key references used in the preparation of our Scope 3 emissions data can be found in the associated BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Calculation Methodology, available at bhp.com/climate.

 

(2)

FY2017 and FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US) to 31 October 2019 and Continuing operations.

(3) 

Includes product transport where freight costs are covered by BHP, for example under Cost and Freight (CFR) or similar terms, as well as purchased transport services for process inputs to our operations.

 

(4)(3)

Product transport where freight costs are not covered by BHP, for example under Free on Board (FOB) or similar terms.

 

(4)

For BHP, this category covers the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (on an equity basis) from our assets that are owned as a joint venture but not operated by BHP.

(5)

All iron ore production is assumed to be processed into steel and all copper metal production is assumed to be processed into copper wire for end use. Processing of nickel, zinc, gold, silver, ethane and uranium oxide is not currently included, as production volumes are much lower than iron ore and copper and a large range of possible end uses apply. Processing/refining of petroleum products is also excluded as these emissions are considered immaterial compared to theend-use product combustion reported in the ‘Use of sold products’ category.

 

(6) 

Scope 3 emissions reported under the ‘Processing of sold products’ category include the processing of our iron ore to steel. This third party activity also consumes metallurgical coal as an input, a portion of which is produced by us. For the higher-end estimate, we account for Scope 3 emissions from combustion of metallurgical coal with all other fossil fuels under the ‘Use of sold products’ category, such that a portion of metallurgical coal emissions is accounted for under two categories. The low-end estimate apportions the emission factor for steel between iron ore and metallurgical coal inputs. The low-end estimate for iron ore only accounts for BHP’s Scope 3 emissions from iron ore and does not account for BHP’s or third party coal used in the steelmaking process. Scope 3 emissions from BHP’s coal are captured in the ‘Use of sold products’ category under metallurgical coal.

(7)

All crude oil and condensates are conservatively assumed to be refined and combusted as diesel. Energy coal, Natural gas and Natural gas liquids are assumed to be combusted.

Climate Investment Program

BHP will invest at least US$400 million over the five-year life of the Climate Investment Program (CIP), announced in July 2019. The CIP will invest in emissions reduction projects across our operated assets and value chain. It is a demonstration of our commitment to taking a product stewardship role in relation to our full value chain. Initial investments will focus on reducing emissions at our Minerals (Australia and Americas) operated assets and addressing Scope 3 emissions in the steelmaking sector, particularly emerging technologies that have the potential to be scaled for widespread application. During FY2020, potential CIP projects have requested approximately US$350 million over five years. Establishing a robust pipeline is critical to drive prioritisation of the best projects across our operated assets and value chain, and to ensure that our emissions targets can be met alongside safety, production and cost targets.

Natural climate solutions

Investing in natural ecosystems is a cost-effective and immediately available solution to mitigate climate change. BHP works to support the development of market mechanisms that channel private sector finance into projects that increase carbon storage or avoid GHG emissions through conservation, restoration and improved management of landscapes and wetlands, such as REDD+(1). Our REDD+ strategy was broadened in FY2020 to include investments in reforestation, afforestation and ‘blue’ carbon – the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems (e.g. mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses). We focus on project support, governance and market stimulation for carbon credits generated by these projects.

In CY2020, BHP established our Carbon Offset strategy that describes how we propose that a quantity of carbon offsets be procured and from the mid-2020s onwards retired voluntarily at regular intervals. While we will prioritise emissions reductions within our operated assets to meet our medium-term target, by including offsets as an element of our climate change strategy, BHP will also continue to support a range of projects that offer sustainability co-benefits, including support for local communities and biodiversity conservation.

For more information, refer to the BHP Climate Change Report 2020 at bhp.com/climate.

 

(7)(1)

CoversREDD+ is the Scope 1United Nations (UN) program for reducing emissions from deforestation and 2 emissions (on an equity basis) from our assets that are owned as a joint venture but not operated by BHP.forest degradation.

Scope 3 emissions reporting necessarily requires a degree of overlap in reporting boundaries due to our involvement at multiple points in the life cycle of the commodities we produce and consume. A significant example of this is that Scope 3 emissions reported under the ‘Processing of sold products’ category in the table above include the processing of our iron ore to steel. This third party activity also consumes metallurgical coal as an input, a portion of which is produced by us. For reporting purposes, we account for Scope 3 emissions from combustion of metallurgical coal with all other fossil fuels under the ‘Use of sold products’ category, such that a portion of metallurgical coal emissions is accounted for under two categories.

75


This is an expected outcome of emissions reporting between the different scopes defined under standard GHG accounting practices and is not considered to detract from the overall value of our Scope 3 emissions disclosure. This double counting means that the emissions reported under each category should not be added up, as to do so would give an inflated total figure. For this reason, we do not report a total Scope 3 emissions figure. Further details of the calculation methodologies, assumptions and key references used in the preparation of our Scope 3 emissions data can be found in the associated Scope 3 calculation methodology document available online at bhp.com/climate.

Accelerating the development of carbon capture and storage

We are working in partnership with others across our value chain to accelerate the development of technologies with the potential to reduce emissions from the processing and use of our products. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a key low emissions technology with the potential to play a pivotal role in reducing emissions from industrial processes, such as steel production, as well as emissions from the power sector and from oil and gas production.

While we recognise progress is required in developing policy frameworks to support the wider deployment of this technology, our CCS investments and partnerships focus on mechanisms to reduce costs and accelerate development timeframes. Our investments include activities aimed at knowledge sharing from commercial-scale projects, development of sectoral deployment road maps and funding for research and development at leading universities and research institutes.

For further information, refer to our Sustainability Report 2019, available online at bhp.com.

Supporting the development of climate change solutions

In July 2019, our CEO Andrew Mackenzie announced that BHP’s Board had approved a new Climate Investment Program that will invest in technologies to reduce emissions, and research and development of potential future solutions.

The Program will build on BHP’s existing program of investing in low emissions technologies and carbon capture and storage. It includes a total investment amount of US$400 million over five years from FY2020. Investments will target operational emissions reduction and potential reductions of Scope 3 emissions, including from the processing and use of our products.

The Program will target mature and disruptive technologies, designed to achieve both near-term emissions outcomes and longer-term, higher-risk goals. We expect technology investment to be critical in meeting our short- and medium-term targets for operational emissions reduction, our long-term goal of operationalnet-zero emissions, and our goals for addressing Scope 3 emissions. The Program will also drive investment in nature-based solutions.

Contributing to the global response

Climate change is a global challenge that requires collaboration. We prioritise working with others to enhance the global policycollaboration, and market response.

Promoting market mechanisms to reduce global emissions

In addition to measures to reduce our emissions, we support the development of market mechanisms that reduce global GHG emissions through projects that generate carbon credits.

Our climate change strategy includes a focus on reducing emissions from deforestation through support for REDD+, the UN program that aims to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. For example, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Conservation International (CI) we developed afirst-of-its-kind US$152 million Forests Bond, issued by the IFC in 2016. We provide a price-support mechanism for the bond, which supports the Kasigau Corridor REDD project in Kenya. During FY2019, we purchased additional carbon credits from the Kasigau Corridor project.

In partnership with CI and Baker McKenzie, we developed the Finance for Forests (F4F) initiative in FY2018, which aims to share our experiences to help encourage replication of these investments and provide a suite of innovative financial mechanisms to channel private sector investment in REDD+.

Supporting the development of effective climate and energy policy

Industryindustry has a key role to play in supporting policy development. We engage with governments and other stakeholders to contribute to the development of an effective, long-term policy framework that can deliver a measured transition to a lowerlow carbon economy. We prioritise working with others to enhance the global policy and market response and support the development of market mechanisms that reduce global GHG emissions through projects that generate carbon credits.

We believe that polices to spur rapid action should be implemented in an equitable manner to address competitiveness concerns and achieve lowest cost abatement.

76


We believe an effective policy framework should include a complementary set of measures, including a globally consistent price on carbon, support for low emissions technologyand negative emissions technologies and measures to build resilience. We are a signatory to the UNFCCC ‘Paris Pledge’ (which brings together cities, regions, companies and investors in support of the Paris Agreement) and the World Bank’s Putting‘Putting a Price on CarbonCarbon’ statement, and a partner in the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, a global initiative that brings together leaders from industry, government, academia and civil society with the goal of putting in place effective carbon pricing policies. Our CEO Andrew Mackenzie has also been appointed to the World Bank’s High-Level Commission on Carbon Pricing and Competitiveness.

We also advocate for a framework of policy settings that will accelerate the deployment of CCS. We arecarbon capture, utilisation and storage and/or carbon capture and storage (CCUS). Modelling of 2°C and 1.5°C scenarios consistently highlight the critical role of low emissions and negative emissions technologies. This is why BHP is committed to catalysing action to accelerate CCUS commercialisation at scale and acceptable cost and is a member of the Global CCS Institute and the UK Government’s Council on Carbon Capture Usage and Storage.

Industry association membershipreview

BHP is a member of industry associations around the world. We believe industry associations havecan perform a number of functions that can lead to better outcomes on policy, practice and standards.

Over the capacity to play a key role in advancing the development of standards, best practices and constructive policy that are of benefit to members, the economy and society. We also recognisepast five years, there ishas been increasing stakeholder interest in the nature and role of industry associations and the extent to which the positions of industry associations on key issues are aligned with those of member companies.

We were one of the first major companies to review our alignment with the advocacy positions on climate and energy policy takenplayed by industry associations in public policy debates, particularly in the context of climate change policy. We published our first industry association review in 2017, which sought to whichidentify ‘material differences’ between BHP and our member associations on climate change policy. We repeated this exercise in 2018 and 2019. For the latter, we belong,have broadened our methodology to capture additional organisations and to shareprovide an assessment of the findingsextent of overall alignment between BHP and outcomesour association memberships on climate change policy. Outcomes from our 2019 review are set out in our 2019 Industry Association Review Report available at bhp.com.

Following that 2019 review, we commenced a process to understand how we could further enhance our overall approach to industry associations to ensure we maximise the value of this review publicly. Our initial review wasour memberships. We have also taken further steps to address investor expectations around climate change advocacy by industry associations by engaging with a broad range of stakeholders from around the world, including investors, civil society groups, community groups and industry associations. As a result of that feedback, we decided to make the following key changes to our approach to industry associations:

We developed and published our Global Climate Policy Standards(1), which are intended to provide greater clarity on how our climate change policy positions should be reflected in our own advocacy and that of associations to which we belong.

We announced our intention to work with the various associations that represent the minerals sector in December 2017.Australia to develop and agree a protocol on policy advocacy, the purpose of which would be to define the policy areas on which the associations advocate, having regard to their jurisdictional responsibilities.

We continueannounced our intention to monitorwork with key associations in Australia to develop and publish an annual advocacy plan, the climatepurpose of which is to provide stakeholders with greater transparency on the policy priorities and energy policy positionsactivities of the associations.

We made a number of enhancements to our own disclosure of our industry association memberships, and to keep our memberships of industry associations that hold an active position on climate and energy policy under review. A further review of our industry associations was commenced during FY2019.

Moreprovide more information on our approach tomaterial association memberships, disclose in ‘real time’ if a relevant association substantially departs from our climate change policy standards, and update our industry associations, including our updated register of material differences on climate and energy policy, is available online at bhp.com.association review process.

(1)

https://www.bhp.com/our-approach/operating-with-integrity/industry-associations-bhps-approach/

Managing risk and opportunity

We recognise the physical andnon-physical impacts of climate change may affect our assets, productivity, the markets in which we sell our products and the communities in which we operate. Risks related to the potential physical impacts of climate change include acute risks resulting from increased severity of extreme weather events and chronic risks resulting from longer-term changes in climate patterns.Non-physical In order to strengthen our approach to adapting to actual or potential physical impacts of climate change, BHP undertook a series of assessments and engagements in FY2020. These included a questionnaire for our operated assets, industry benchmarking assessment, internal policy review and extensive engagements across BHP. We take a risk-based approach to adaptation, including consideration of the potential vulnerabilities of our operated assets, investments, portfolio, communities, ecosystems and our suppliers and customers across the value chain.

Transition risks arise from a variety of policy, regulatory, legal, technological, market and marketother societal responses to the challenges posed by climate change and the transition to a lowerlow carbon economy.

A broader discussion of our climate-related risk factors and risk management approach is provided in the risk factors set out in section 1.5.4, as part of our Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)-aligned disclosures throughout this Report,well as described below.

Adapting toin the physical impacts of climate change

We take a risk-based approach to adapting to the physical impacts of climate change. We work with globally recognised agencies to obtain regional analyses of climate science to inform resilience planning at an asset level and improve our understanding of the potential climate vulnerabilities of our operations and communities where we operate.

Our operations are required to build climate resilience into their activities through compliance with theOur Requirements for Environment andBHP Climate Changestandard. We also require new investments to assess and manage risks associated with the forecast physical impacts of climate change. As well as this ongoing business resilience planning, we continue to look Report 2020 at ways we can contribute to community and ecosystem resilience.

Evaluating the resilience of our portfolio

We consider the impacts of climate change in our strategy process. We recognise the world could respond in a number of different ways to address climate change. We use a broad range of scenarios to consider how divergent policy, technology, market and societal outcomes could impact our portfolio, including low plausibility, extreme shock events. We also continually monitor a range of data sources to identify climate change-related developments that would serve as a call to action for us to reassess the resilience of our portfolio.

Our investment evaluation process includes an assessment ofnon-quantifiable risks, such as those that could impact the people and environment that underpin our contribution to social value. The process has also incorporated market and sector-based carbon prices for more than a decade.

Our Climate Change: Portfolio Analysis (2015) and Climate Change: Portfolio Analysis – Views after Paris (2016) reports, which are available online at bhp.com/climate, describe in more detail how we have used scenario analysis to evaluate the resilience of our portfolio to both an orderly and a more rapid transition to a 2°C world. We will update our portfolio analysis in FY2020, evaluating the potential impacts of a broader range of scenarios including a transition to well below 2°C.

77


We are committed to keeping our stakeholders informed of the potential impact of climate change on our business and continue to review and consider developing best practices and evolving stakeholder expectations.climate.

Engagement and disclosure

Our climate change strategy is supported by active engagement with our stakeholders, including investors, policymakers andnon-governmental organisations, and with peer companies where appropriate.

We periodically holdone-on-one and group meetings with investors and their advisers to explain our approach to climate change. In FY2019, our climate-related investor engagement included meetings held in Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States.

We also seek input and insight from external experts, such as the BHP Forum on Corporate Responsibility (FCR). The FCR, which is composed of civil society leaders and BHP executives, has played a critical role in the development of our position on climate change. During FY2019, the FCR met twice, with one of the meetings including discussion of the review of our climate change strategy.

Informed by this engagement, we regularly review our approach to climate change in response to emerging scientific knowledge, changes in global climate policy and regulation, developments in low emissions technologies and evolving stakeholder expectations.

Climate-related financial disclosures

BHP was one of the first companies to align our climate-related disclosures with the recommendations of the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We believe the TCFD recommendations represent an important step towards establishing a widely accepted framework for climate-related financial risk disclosure and we have been a firm supporter of this work. Our Vice President of Sustainability and Climate Change, Dr Fiona Wild, is a member of the Task Force.

We are committed to continuing to work with the TCFD and our peers in the resources sector to support the wider adoption of the TCFD recommendations and the development of more effective disclosure practices within the sector.

As responding toMore information on climate change is available at bhp.com/climate as well as in the BHP Climate Change Report 2020.

1.7.9     Community

Engaging with communities

At the centre of our approach to engaging and building social value is our commitment to respecting stakeholders. We believe we are successful when we have established meaningful long-term relationships that understand local cultures and their priorities, and when we have supported resilient and diversified local economies with benefits that continue beyond the life of our assets.

Our engagement approach seeks to develop and maintain open, honest relationships built on trust. Only with these attributes can we understand the real and perceived impacts of our activities and how we can partner with communities to contribute to long-term social value.

Our Code of Conduct and the Our Requirements for Community standard govern our actions and aspiration to make a positive contribution to communities where we have a presence and minimise adverse impacts where these cannot be avoided.

Community and human rights are Group Risks under our Risk Framework. In FY2020, we undertook work to update and align the Community risk profile with the Risk Framework. The Community risk profile now captures risk events linked to business activities, for example the impact of business transformation, community dependency on BHP and a human rights breach within our operated assets or value chain; and external factors, including changing societal expectations, community unrest and protests, and the impacts on communities of an integraleconomic downturn. We have a suite of systems, processes and tools to help us understand, plan, implement and evaluate our engagement activities and to ensure all these activities are conducted in a culturally sensitive and socially inclusive manner. These include social baseline analysis, social impact and opportunity assessments, human rights impact assessments, stakeholder mapping and community perception surveys.

In FY2020, all our operated assets had stakeholder engagement management plans in place. These engagement plans and our engagement activities are based on an understanding and analysis of the local context. As an example of our engagement activities, in FY2020, our BMA team in Queensland met quarterly through community consultative committees and special reference groups to discuss community preparedness related to innovation and technology. In Chile, through multi-stakeholder dialogue tables we engaged with Indigenous communities on environmental and technical information, and the implementation of Indigenous peoples plans.

Aligned with our internal standards, social impact and opportunity assessments were conducted in the United States, Chile and Trinidad and Tobago in FY2020. Primary findings across our Chilean operated assets included the impacts on Indigenous peoples, community health and marine water quality with opportunities to promote local sustainable development, diversify economic activity and improve the quality and access to education. Across North America and Trinidad and Tobago impacts identified were those on fisheries and wildlife and coastal environments affecting livelihoods, with opportunities to support capacity development, and education and employment outcomes.

We are committed to enabling communities to express their views, experiences, concerns and complaints related to us and our activities. Throughout FY2020, community members’ primary concerns as reported by our operated assets through their engagement with communities were related to jobs and youth unemployment, local community development and the environment. More information on community concerns across the regions can be found at bhp.com/sustainability.

In FY2020, we received 114 community complaints globally across our operated assets with the majority of complaints relating to odour and noise. This is an 18 per cent decrease in complaints received compared to FY2019. We did not record any significant community incidents in FY2020, therefore meeting our five-year public target of no significant community events between FY2017 and FY2022.(19) In FY2020, there were no protest events or project delays as a result of community concerns, community or stakeholder resistance or protest, or armed conflict in relation to BHP’s operations. Our planned review of asset-level complaints and grievance mechanisms at our operated assets, for global consistency and to ensure they meet the standards required under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights was delayed as a result of COVID-19. Our community teams focused on the response to the pandemic during this period and the review is now planned to be completed in FY2021.

(19)

A significant event resulting from BHP operated activities is one with an actual severity rating of four and above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum performance requirements for risk.

In FY2020, we had no reported artisanal or small-scale mining on or adjacent to our operations. As part of our commitment to respecting human rights, BHP recognises water access, sanitation and hygiene as human rights and acknowledges the traditional, spiritual and cultural connections to water, as outlined in our Water Stewardship Position Statement. Engaging with communities on water risks is an integral component of our water stewardship work. We continued to strengthen our engagement with stakeholders on water-related risks (both threats and opportunities) in FY2020 at the community and catchment levels.

More information is available at bhp.com/environment/water.

Social investment

Social investment is one of the tools in our overall approach to contributing to the creation of social value. Social investment is our voluntary contribution towards projects or donations with the primary purpose of contributing to the resilience of the communities where we have a presence and the environment, aligned with our broader business priorities. We have a long-standing commitment to invest not less than 1 per cent of pre-tax profits(20) in voluntary social and environmental initiatives. Using research and through a collaborative approach, we work with our diverse range of stakeholders to understand and identify social needs and existing resources through which we can design our social investment to create meaningful outcomes for communities. We partner with appropriate organisations to deliver our social investment initiatives, including our employee Matched Giving Program.

Aligned with the UNSDGs, our Social Investment Framework underpins our voluntary social investment approach and provides a consistent framework for our local, regional, national and global investments. The framework and Social Investment Strategy are reviewed regularly, most recently in FY2020, to ensure we evolve our focus with that of communities, understand their ambitions and create enduring positive outcomes.

Our voluntary social investment in FY2020 totalled US$149.63 million, consisting of US$113.83 million in direct community development and environment projects and donations, US$12.03 million equity share to non-operated joint venture social investment programs, a US$12 million donation to the BHP Foundation(21) and US$1.85 million under the Matched Giving Program. Administrative costs to facilitate direct social investment activities totalled US$8.58 million and US$1.33 million supported the operations of the BHP Foundation.

Our FY2020 social investment increased by 60 percent compared with FY2019 as a result of a higher 1 per cent commitment (calculated on a three year rolling average) and our investments to support the COVID-19 response and recovery efforts across our locations.

In line with our Social Investment Framework, we support projects that enhance human capability and inclusion through increasing the number of people with improved health and wellbeing, access to quality education and vocational training, and enhanced livelihood opportunities. Through our social investment contribution, more than 427,000 students participated in community projects and 1,747 people received job-related training through our community partners. More than 840 scholarships were awarded, including 465 to young Indigenous peoples and 436 to young women.

We aim to contribute to enduring environmental and social benefits in addition to the dedicated work of our HSE team through biodiversity conservation, water stewardship and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through our social investments 12,300 hectares of land was managed for conservation.

We aim to contribute to good governance with a focus on reducing corruption, enhancing transparency and strengthening institutions. Through our investments, almost 770 non-government and community-based organisations and more than 790 small businesses participated in capacity building activities, and 143 of these were Indigenous organisations. In addition, 21 organisations we partner with received dedicated anti-corruption training.

Crisis response and disaster relief

FY2020 saw challenges to the health and livelihoods of communities across the world. We work closely with communities to understand where our efforts to support response and resilience initiatives are best placed during an emergency event. For information about our social investment initiatives in response to the social unrest in Chile, the Australian bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, refer to section 1.4.6 and bhp.com/sustainability.

Local economic growth

We support the growth of local businesses in the regions where we operate and are committed to sourcing and promoting locally available products and services. Our operated assets develop local procurement plans that identify opportunities for local suppliers, including small businesses, to deliver capacity building and employment creation initiatives. These initiatives are designed to be sustainable post BHP’s presence in the region.

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Our voluntary social investment is calculated as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit.

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The BHP Foundation is a charitable organisation established and funded by BHP, which works in partnership with internationally recognised institutions, think tanks and non-government organisations to address some of the most critical sustainable development challenges facing society that are directly relevant to the resources sector.

During FY2020, 12 per cent of our total external expenditure was with local suppliers. An additional 84 per cent of our supply expenditure was located within the regions in which we operate.

Our expenditure with local suppliers in FY2020 was mostly in Chile (15 per cent), Australia (11 per cent), the United States (9 per cent) and Trinidad and Tobago (2 per cent). These percentages are of our total external expenditure within that context.

In addition to procuring locally, where possible, we employ local people (refer to section 1.6.1) and support broader regional and national economies by paying taxes and royalties.

Human rights

We are committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, and operating in a manner consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the UNGC Ten Principles.

Our Code of Conduct sets the standards of behaviour and commitments for our people, as well as our contractors, suppliers and others who perform work for BHP (when under relevant contractual obligations). Our Human Rights Policy Statement sets out our expectations of our people, business partners and other relevant parties to respect human rights. The commitments in Our Code of Conduct and Human Rights Policy Statement are implemented through mandatory minimum performance requirements in the Our Requirements standards.

We recognise we have the potential to directly impact, contribute to or be linked to human rights impacts on people. This is through our active operations, closed and legacy assets, value chain activities and relationships with business partners. We continued to work collaboratively with stakeholders in FY2020 to understand the rights most at risk by our activities and to build awareness across our functions and operated assets about respecting rights.

Human rights is a Group Risk within the Environment, climate change and community Group Risk category under our Risk Framework. In FY2020, we revised human rights risk assessments for our Global Asset Services office in Manila and completed a human rights risk assessment at a major Australian project. The application of our risk identification, assessment and management processes in FY2020 considered potential scenarios, including security, supply chain, and labour conditions, which may lead to a breach of human rights. Also in FY2020, we continued our pilot of a globally consistent methodology for human rights impact assessments (HRIA) across several locations, including legacy sites, and work commenced on HRIAs for WAIO and in Minerals Americas. Although HRIAs may identify potential impacts to be considered in human rights assessments, they are separate processes from those risk assessments and include engagement with external stakeholders.

As a result of the need to cease face-to-face engagement with communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the HRIA conducted for WAIO did not include a site visit or focus group engagement activities. Recognising that the standard HRIA process requires inclusion of these engagement practices with external stakeholders, we have conducted interviews through web-conferencing and included additional questions in the WAIO community perception survey to inform the HRIA with the perspectives of community members, suppliers and other key stakeholders. Our operated assets are required to complete HRIAs at least every three years (and review them whenever there are changes that may affect the impact) and we plan to complete them across our operated assets during FY2021.

In FY2020, no resettlements or physical or economic displacement of families and communities occurred as a result of the activities of our operated assets.

Our risk of an actual or perceived failure to prevent or mitigate an adverse human rights impact linked to BHP’s supply chain (directly or indirectly), including maritime activities, was reviewed in FY2020. For more information, refer to our Modern Slavery Statement FY2020 available at bhp.com.

Relevant internal practitioners worked closely with our Commercial function to include human rights in the program of work to design and implement our Value Chain Sustainability strategy (refer to section 1.7.7). This looked at opportunities to leverage relationships with customers, suppliers and operations,business partners to enhance recognition of human rights across their activities alongside other sustainability issues, including climate change and environment.

In FY2020, we released our TCFD-aligned disclosureshuman rights training video, available for people across our workforce and business partners. Human rights training is currently mandated for our Corporate Affairs team including Community and Indigenous Affairs, Government Relations and Communications teams and the Procurement and Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence teams in our Commercial function. The training is made available within BHP’s internal training system and publicly available at bhp.com.

Modern slavery

In FY2020, BHP participated in multi-industry forums to work towards reporting under the new Australian modern slavery legislation. Our Modern Slavery Statement FY2020, prepared under the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) and the Australian Modern Slavery Act (2018), is available at bhp.com. The Statement outlines BHP’s detailed approach to understanding and identifying and managing modern slavery and human trafficking risks in our supply chain and own operations.

Indigenous peoples

We recognise and respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and acknowledge the connection they have to the natural environment, which can be found throughouttangible and intangible. We recognise our activities impact on Indigenous peoples and we are committed to working together to ensure BHP is an enabling partner with Indigenous peoples with a genuine understanding of their views and interests.

BHP’s Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement articulates our approach to engagement and support for Indigenous peoples and our commitment to the ICMM Position Statement on Indigenous Peoples and Mining. Our Indigenous Peoples Strategy guides the implementation of our Policy Statement.

We commenced a review of our Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement and Strategy in early FY2020. This review involved consultation with Indigenous leaders and analysis of leading practice to understand changes in policy and practice since our approach was articulated in 2014. We plan to publish updated guidance in FY2021. In FY2020, we met our public target to have active Regional Indigenous Peoples Plans in place across relevant regions. Each plan includes our approach to governance, economic empowerment and social and cultural support with Indigenous stakeholders globally and has been developed to respect Indigenous rights, align with respective regulatory requirements and reflect local Indigenous stakeholder needs.

Aligned with the economic empowerment pillar of our Regional Indigenous Peoples Plan for South America, in FY2020 we conducted employability studies across Indigenous communities and completed an Indigenous employee identification survey of our workforce. In FY2020 in Minerals Australia we saw a 28 per cent growth in BHP’s direct spend with Indigenous businesses across our operated assets, increasing to AU$98 million of which AU$42.4 million was with BHP Considered Traditional Owner businesses. We also increased by 44 per cent the number of Indigenous businesses we directly procured from in Minerals Australia and the number of BHP Considered Traditional Owner businesses(22) by 37 per cent.

We strive for a sustainable approach to our operations and to work in partnership with Indigenous communities to ensure they benefit from our presence over the long term, and that each stage of development is informed by their views. Our relationships are based on regular and extensive discussions on a range of issues including our extractive activities and broader support for Indigenous peoples, including employment and local procurement opportunities. We seek to avoid or minimise impacts to cultural heritage, through planning and ongoing consultation with Indigenous communities. Our processes provide opportunities for Indigenous stakeholders to identify those sites, places, structures and objects that are culturally or traditionally significant and to be consulted and engaged in relation to decisions regarding the protection and management of those sites.

In October 2019, BHP submitted an application for a government approval related to Aboriginal heritage sites at our South Flank project under construction in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The approval was granted in May 2020 following extensive consultation with the Traditional Owners, the Banjima people. Nonetheless, consistent with our approach to cultural heritage, BHP confirmed in June 2020 that it would not disturb the sites covered by the approval without further consultation with the Traditional Owners. BHP supports the Western Australian Government’s current process to reform and update its cultural heritage legislation. BHP has made submissions to the Government in support of this Report. reform.

In Chile, our Indigenous affairs and environment teams work closely with Indigenous stakeholders to identify sites of cultural significance, as outlined in the Minerals Americas Indigenous Peoples Plan. As part of the approvals for the Cerro Colorado environmental assessment, we have cultural heritage monitoring commitments that we execute in partnership with the relevant Indigenous communities and these continued to be monitored during FY2020.

More information on community is available at bhp.com/sustainability.

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Refers to any business, formal collaboration or joint venture that is at least 50 per cent owned by an Aboriginal Traditional Owner(s) from one of the lands or waters upon which BHP holds interests in connection with its mining businesses specific to this contract’s asset, unless otherwise defined in a native title agreement or other formal agreement.

Case study: Sustainability at Escondida and Spence

Continued sustainability improvements at our Escondida and Spence copper operations in Chile in FY2020 have placed them on track to be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy sources by mid-2020s and have eliminated the extraction of groundwater from operational supply purposes at Escondida 10 years ahead of schedule.

Minerals Americas secured four renewable power agreements for the operations during the year, to replace two coal-based power purchase agreements, which accounted for 8 per cent of Chile’s power demand.

The table below showsrenewable power contracts will displace 3 million tonnes of CO2 per year from 2022 and reduce 70 per cent of Minerals Americas’ greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of around 700,000 combustion engine cars.

The contracts will also reduce power costs despite the US$780 million provision in BHP’s December 2019 half-year financial results related to the early termination of the existing coal-based power purchase agreements. In August 2020, as part of the project optimisation, Escondida and Spence negotiated more competitive terms for the early termination. Taking this into account, the new contracts offer a 22 per cent power unit cost reduction from FY2022 onwards.

With the growing use of desalination, Escondida ceased groundwater extraction for operational supply purposes from the high Andean aquifers during the year, a move that had been originally scheduled for FY2030. By investing in desalination capability to shift from groundwater to seawater usage, we are taking pressure off the Atacama Desert water resources surrounding the mines. This is important because, with the expected gradual decline of grades at Escondida and Spence over the coming years, the mines will need more water and power to maintain production.

These initiatives demonstrate how BHP can deliver both social value and financial value – by securing more sustainable power sources, eliminating groundwater usage and reducing operating costs.

More information on how Escondida is breaking the water-energy nexus, see our disclosurescase study at bhp.com.

1.7.10    Tailings storage facilities

Ensuring the integrity of our tailings storage facilities (TSFs) is a primary focus across our operations. Our aspiration is to eliminate the risk of catastrophic TSF failure at our operations and we are working with others and sharing our progress in an effort to make this Reporta reality.

In 2015, following the tragic failure of the Fundão dam at Samarco, BHP immediately initiated a Dam Risk Review to assess the management of significant TSFs both active and inactive. Following the Brumadinho event, BHP established a Tailings Taskforce that reports to the Executive Leadership Team and the Board’s Sustainability Committee. The Tailings Taskforce is accountable for accelerating our short-, medium- and long-term strategies and working to ensure best practice is embedded. In FY2021, upon completion of its current mandate, the Tailings Taskforce will conclude and transfer ownership to the Centres of Excellence which will continue to support and sustain the program of work for BHP.

Governance

Over the past year, work progressed on our continuous improvement and assurance of our operated TSFs. We commenced an update to our standard that governs how we approach TSF failure risks, including business planning, risk assessments and management of change. This standard, along with our standards on risk management, requires us to take a risk-based approach and sets out key considerations, such as working with our communities and external stakeholders and building our emergency management plans.

In FY2020, critical work progressed on the governance and controls of our TSF risk. We completed a Priority Group Risk Review of TSF failure risks across some of our highest-rated consequence sites, based on the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) classification system, with findings and recommendations reported to the Risk and Audit Committee and Sustainability Committee (further information on the Priority Group Risk Review process is provided in section 1.5.4). The Tailings Taskforce has continued with reviews of TSF failure risks across our assets with findings incorporated into risk remediation plans. These processes partner leading industry experts with our technical leads to review and enhance BHP’s global tailings governance framework. This process was in addition to other governance activities, including Dam Safety Reviews, Independent Tailings Review Boards and project specific Independent Peer Reviews. Our Risk Appetite Statement was updated to include a qualitative statement for the new Planning and Technical Group Risk category, which covers TSF failure risks. Key risk indicators (KRIs) were set by management to help monitor performance against our risk appetite, including KRIs that monitor data relating to dam integrity and design, overtopping/flood management and emergency response planning.

We are currently expanding our capability of a satellite monitoring program to better manage geotechnical risk through the use of remote monitoring technologies, including interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) (ground deformation monitoring technology). InSAR technology can detect critical changes/movements related to potential dam failure risks early and monitor these changes over time. This control is intended to enable identification, analysis, monitoring and management of ground displacements or other indicators associated with tailings and water storage facilities.

We are also progressing a simplified and formalised global database for all BHP TSF information. This database will integrate and centralise our data collection to enhance data preservation, security and reliability. This key governance control is intended to produce data efficiency gains and improved oversight of our global TSFs. For example, we expect to be able to respond more quickly and easily to stakeholder requests by maintaining a dynamic and efficient TSF database.

More information on our management of TSFs and global governance strategy is available at bhp.com.

Strategy

Our short-term strategy is focused on improving KRI performance in line with defined targets. Asset-based studies at our operated assets are being conducted on how to seek to reduce and mitigate potential downstream impacts particularly focused on population at risk (PAR). This is resulting in a diverse range of options to mitigate the PAR risk at our TSF sites. For example we have created physical barriers (such as the diversion wall at our Whaleback site) and the ongoing relocation of a legacy tailings facility from historic underground copper mining at our Miami Avenue site within our legacy asset portfolio. The diverse nature of our sites requires unique solutions and this work continues as a priority for FY2021.

Our medium- and long-term strategies focus on progressing the development of technologies to improve tailings management storage and working to ultimately eliminate the risk of catastrophic TSF failure. These asset-specific strategies have started with concepts for dewatering, stabilisation, reprocessing and reuse of tailings. We will work to identify key initiatives around the reprocessing and reuse of tailings by assessing technology options on cost, feasibility and the ability to support the elimination of tailings production.

Transparency

We support more detailed transparency and integrated disclosure around TSF management and will work with our industry partners to help make sure the disclosure is consistently applied and informs better TSF stewardship. We support and have contributed to the development of the new Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, which has been developed as an international standard for safer tailings management, co-convened with the ICMM, the UN Environment Programme and the Principles for Responsible Investing. We are assisting the ICMM Tailings Working Group to contribute to improvements in tailings storage management across the mining industry. We are participants in other tailings working groups, including those associated with the Canadian Dam Association, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Minerals Council of Australia, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, and Fundación Chile. We have also participated in the Investor Mining and Tailings Safety Initiative, an investor-led engagement convening institutional investors active in extractive industries, including major asset owners and asset managers.

BHP’s operated and non-operated tailings portfolio

The classifications described herein align to the TCFD recommendationsCanadian Dam Association’s classification system. It is important to note the TSF classification is a risk management tool. It reflects the modelled, hypothetical most significant possible failure and whereconsequences without controls. It does not reflect the relevant information can be found.current physical stability of the dam and it is possible for dam classifications to change over time, for example, following changes to the operating context of a dam. As such, this data represents the status of the portfolio as of June 2020. The dam classification informs the design, surveillance and review components of risk management and, therefore, dams that will likely have a greater level of consequence as a result of failure will have more rigorous requirements than dams that will have a lesser level of consequence.

LocationIn total, we have 70 TSFs(1) at our operated assets, 29 of TCFD-aligned disclosureswhich are of upstream design. Of the 70 operated facilities, we have four classified as extreme and a further 16 classified as very high. Thirteen of our operated facilities are active. The substantial inactive portfolio (57) at our operated assets is due largely to the number of historic tailings facilities associated with our North American legacy assets portfolio.

There are nine TSFs at our non-operated joint ventures, which are all located in the Americas. There are two active tailings facilities: Antamina in Peru, which is of downstream/centreline construction and Cantor TSF at Cerrejón in Colombia, which is of downstream construction. In addition, there are seven inactive facilities. These include: two upstream facilities at Samarco (Germano) in Brazil that are being decommissioned following the February 2019 rulings by the Brazilian Government on upstream dams in Brazil; three upstream inactive facilities and one inactive modified centreline facility at Resolution Copper in the United States; and one downstream inactive facility at Bullmoose in Canada.

LOGO

 

TCFD recommendationBHP disclosureReference
Governance – Disclose the organisation’s governance around climate-related risks and opportunities(1)

a) Describe the Board’s oversightThe number of climate-related risks and opportunities.Risk management1.6.4
Board skills and experience – climate change2.8
Sustainability committee – role and focus2.13.4
b) Describe management’s role in assessing and managingclimate-related risks and opportunities.Risk management1.6.4
Climate change – managing risk and opportunity1.10.8
Sustainability committee – role and focus2.13.4
FY2019 STIP performance outcomes3.3.2
Note 11 Property, plant and equipment – Impairment ofnon-current assets5.1.6
Strategy – Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunitiesTailings storage facilities (TSFs) is based on the organisation’s businesses, strategy, and financial planning where such information is material

a) Describedefinition agreed to by the climate-related risks and opportunitiesICMM Tailings Advisory Group. We have an increase of 3 TSFs from our Church of England submission in 2019 due to the organisation has identified overupadated BHP definition of TSF following the short, medium, and long term.Risk management – Risk factors (climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and energy)1.6.4
Climate change – managing risk and opportunity1.10.8submission.

 

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(2)
TCFD recommendationBHP disclosureReference
b) Describe

The following classifications align to the impact of climate-related risks and opportunitiesCDA classification system. It is important to note that the classification is based on the organisation’s businesses, strategy,modelled, hypothetical most significant failure mode and financial planning.

Risk management – Risk factors (climate change, greenhouse gas emissionsconsequences possible without controls, and energy)1.6.4
Climate change – managing risk and opportunity1.10.8
c) Describenot on the resiliencecurrent physical stability of the organisation’s strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario.Climate change – evaluating the resilience of our portfolio1.10.8
Risk management – Disclose how the organisation identifies, assesses, and manages climate-related risks

dam.

a) Describe the organisation’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks.Risk management1.6.4
b) Describe the organisation’s processes for managing climate-related risks.Risk management – Risk factors (climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and energy)1.6.4
c) Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks are integrated into the organisation’s overall risk management.Risk management1.6.4
Non-financial KPIs – sustainability KPIs1.5.2
Risk management – Risk factors (climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and energy)1.6.4
Metrics and targets – Disclose the metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities where such information is material

a) Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess climate-related risks and opportunities in line with its strategy and risk management process.Non-financial KPIs – sustainability KPIs1.5.2
Climate change – Operational emissions1.10.8
Climate change – Scope 3 emissions1.10.8
b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the related risks.Non-financial KPIs – sustainability KPIs1.5.2
Climate change – operational emissions performance1.10.8
Climate change – Scope 3 emissions performance1.10.8
Climate change data6.5
c) Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage climate-related risks and opportunities and performance against targets.Non-financial KPIs – sustainability KPIs1.5.2
Climate change – operational emissions performance1.10.8
FY2019 STIP performance outcomes3.3.2

 

(3)

For the purpose of this chart, ANCOLD and other classifications have been converted to their CDA equivalent. Hamburgo and Island Copper tailings facilities are not considered dams and are, therefore, not subject to classification: Hamburgo TSF at Escondida is an inactive facility where tailings were deposited into a natural depression; and Island Copper TSF in Canada, acquired in the 1980s, is also an inactive facility. Tailings at Island Copper were deposited in the ocean under an approved licence and environment impact assessment. This historic practice ceased in the 1990s. We have since committed to not dispose of mine waste rock or tailings in river or marine environments. SP1 TSF and SP2/3 TSF in Australia are currently undergoing detailed studies to understand their CDA classification.

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(4)

Other includes dams of a design that combines upstream, downstream and centerline, and the two non-dam tailings facilities of Hamburgo TSF in Chile and Island Copper TSF in Canada.

(5)

Inactive includes facilities not in operational use, under reclamation, reclaimed, closed and/or in post-closure care and maintenance.


1.11    1.7.11    Not required for US reporting

1.8    Samarco

The Fundão dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Fundão tailings dam operated by Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) failed. Samarco is a non-operated joint venture (NOJV) owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale), with each having a 50 per cent shareholding.

A significant volume of tailings (39.2 million cubic metres (m3) of water and mud-like waste resulting from the iron ore beneficiation process) was released. Tragically, 19 people died – five community members and 14 people who were working on the dam when it failed. The communities of Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu de Baixo were flooded. A number of other communities further downstream in the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo were also affected by the tailings, as was the environment of the Rio Doce basin.

Our businessesresponse and support for Fundação Renova

More than four years into the recovery process, we remain committed to the remediation of and compensation for the impacts to the people and the environment in the Rio Doce region, in a challenging and complex operating context.

The Framework Agreement entered into between Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil and the relevant Brazilian authorities in March 2016 established Fundação Renova, a not-for-profit, private foundation that has developed and is implementing 42 remediation and compensatory programs to restore the environment and re-establish affected communities. As well as remediating the impacts of the dam failure, Fundação Renova is implementing a range of compensatory actions aimed at leaving a lasting, positive legacy for the people and environment of the Rio Doce.

BHP Brasil provides support to Fundação Renova’s operations through representation on the Board of Trustees and Board Committees, providing technical expertise and regular peer engagement on issues such as safety, risk management, human rights and compliance.

While restart of Samarco’s operations remains a focus and is expected to provide a positive effect on livelihoods in impacted communities, restart will only occur, among other considerations, if it is safe, and has the support of the community. Samarco has a valid operation licence and there are no further legal restrictions to operate.

In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, some actions were taken to reduce labour in the field for filtration plant construction and operational readiness activities without a significant impact on the restart schedule. Samarco worked to re-establish a normal roster regime while respecting all the measures and controls implemented as a result of COVID-19, such as social distancing, use of masks, access control, temperature scanning and packed meals distribution, with the aim for restarting operations in FY2021.

Fundação Renova

Fundação Renova’s staff of approximately 660 people is supported by about 7,100 contractors. Its CY2020 budget is R$4.7 billion.

It has an extensive governance structure which includes representatives from the Brazilian Federal and State Governments, local municipalities and environmental agencies. On 25 June 2018, Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil signed a Governance Agreement to include other parties to the supervision bodies and governance of Fundação Renova, i.e. the Public Prosecutors’ Office and the Public Defence Office. The Governance Agreement established local commissions to enable the active participation of the affected people in the decision-making process, by submitting proposals and recommendations for works to be performed by Fundação Renova.

By June 2020, a network of 21 local commissions had been established along the Rio Doce.

Resettlement

One of Fundação Renova’s priority social programs is the relocation and rebuilding of the communities of Bento Rodrigues, Paracatu de Baixo and Gesteira. A key to the success of this program is the participation of affected community members, their technical advisers, State Prosecutors, municipal leaders, regulators and other interested parties.

The process of collective resettlement involves designing new towns on land that has been chosen by the community, to be as close as possible to the previous layout. It requires attending to the wishes and needs of the families and communities, while also meeting permitting requirements.

In Bento Rodrigues, the public school, other public buildings and infrastructure are under construction and, as of June 2020, 35 of the 222 homes were under construction. Progress has been slower than anticipated primarily due to delays in the permitting process. The full return to regular numbers of field staff and construction capacity is uncertain and dependent on the evolving nature of the pandemic, safety protocols implemented to prevent exposure to COVID-19 on site and any restrictions imposed by authorities in the region.

By June 2020, construction of infrastructure and public buildings in Paracatu de Baixo was under way and eight of the 96 planned houses were under construction.

In December 2018, land was purchased for the resettlement of 37 families of Gesteira following a protracted negotiation with the landowner. The urban plan is being designed with the community. Families of Gesteira also have the option of a ‘letter of credit’ so they can choose to buy a property elsewhere.

In addition to these three community resettlements, 14 families from the rural area chose to rebuild their houses on their previous property, and of these, eight houses have been rebuilt and delivered to the families.

A total of 126 families have chosen not to join the collective resettlement of their previous community. Fundação Renova is assisting them and 46 properties have been purchased for these families (as of June 2020).

Financial assistance and compensation

Fundação Renova had paid R$2.5 billion in indemnification and financial aid up to June 2020.

Fundação Renova has distributed about 14,750 financial assistance cards to those whose livelihoods were impacted by the dam failure, including registered and informal commercial fisherfolk who had their activities affected due to the imposition of fishing restrictions in the Rio Doce in Minas Gerais and ban along the coast of Espírito Santo. The monthly payments are designed to provide support to affected people and their families pending the re-establishment of conditions that enable them to resume their economic activities.

Fundação Renova is also undertaking a substantial mediated compensation program to fairly compensate all individuals impacted by the dam failure. It comprises two key components:

More than 270,000 people participated in the water damages program to compensate for temporary water interruption and were paid a total of approximately R$280 million.

The general damages component covers all other impacts, including loss of life, injury, property, business impacts, loss of income and moral damages. More than 10,000 families have been paid a total of approximately R$910 million.

Compensation represents approximately 32 per cent of Fundação Renova’s R$4.7 billion CY2020 budget.

Of the 19 fatalities, 16 families have been fully indemnified and one partially. The remaining two families are still in legal negotiations.

Other socio-economic programs

Fundação Renova continues to implement a wide range of socio-economic programs in areas such as health and social protection, education, small business development, economic diversification, Indigenous peoples and traditional communities (i.e. sand-gold miners):

Fundação Renova is working on two fronts in the area of health: (i) conducting a human health risk assessment to quantify potential risk associated with the environmental impact of the Fundão dam failure prior to conducting the epidemiological and toxicological studies, as recommended by the Health Technical Chamber and Sub-Secretariat of Health Surveillance and Security and (ii) supporting the public management of municipalities by strengthening existing municipal structures in clinical care and social protection.

Fundação Renova seeks to foster the local economy on the following fronts:

encouraging local employment opportunities in its own workforce and through its contractors

promoting the economic diversification of municipalities, especially those that rely on mining

encouraging mechanisms to stimulate economic development

restoring productive capacity to micro and small companies

Actions to protect and restore the quality of life of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities aim to repair and compensate for the social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts.

Fundação Renova has listening, dialogue and social participation as guiding practices for its actions with the affected communities. More than 110,000 people have attended collective meetings.

Additional compensatory actions are underway to construct new water and sewage treatment facilities and improve existing ones that were impacted by Fundão failure. Rio Doce was an industrial river before November 2015, with inadequate and inefficient water and sewage treatment. Raw sewage was, and continues to be, discharged directly into the river.

Environmental remediation

Fundação Renova successfully concluded works to stabilise the impacted land areas by June 2019. The riverbanks and floodplains were vegetated, river margins stabilised and, in general, water and sediment qualities returned to historic conditions. Long-term remediation work is continuing with landowners and regulators to re-establish agricultural production and riparian margins with native vegetation.

The tailings have low concentrations of trace metals; however, the background concentrations of some elements are elevated in the area due to natural conditions or previous human activity. BHP has continued working with Fundação Renova to make sure robust data is collected, the assessment methodologies are consistent with Brazilian and international standards, and clear causes for any potential health impacts are identified so that health authorities have accurate information to support their decision-making.

Results from water and sediment quality, aquatic habitat and fish surveys demonstrate that the river ecology downstream of the Candonga reservoir and along the coast has recovered from any tailings-related impacts. Upstream of the Candonga reservoir, sediment volumes in the river channel have slowed the recovery of habitats and aquatic fauna diversity and abundance compared to downstream of the reservoir. However Fundação Renova’s work is intended to support natural system dynamics of the river to enhance the recovery of habitats and aquatic ecology

In December 2019, Fundação Renova successfully and safely removed the Linhares barrier in the Pequeno River, allowing the free flow of water between the river and the Juparanã lake.

Relevant legal proceedings: Key decisions on the fishing bans in Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais and other priority areas

In 2016, the Federal Court of Linhares imposed a ban on fishing activities in the coastal area of the state of Espírito Santo. The request to revoke the injunction was denied on 10 July 2020.

In April 2020, Fundação Renova challenged the precautionary conservation restriction preventing fishing for native fish species in the Rio Doce in Minas Gerais state. To date, the restriction remains in place.

Since January 2020, the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte has opened discussion over 12 enforcement proceedings linked to the R$20 billion and R$155 billion public civil claims. These enforcement proceedings seek to expedite the remediation process related to the Fundão dam failure. The claims for these proceedings are mostly related to programs provided for in the Agreements and actions executed by Fundação Renova. Issues covered by these 12 new proceedings include environmental recovery, human health, food safety regarding fish and agricultural products irrigated with Rio Doce water and ecological risk assessment, resettlement of affected communities, infrastructure and development, registration and indemnities, resumption of economic activities, water supply for human consumption and hiring of technical advisers to impacted people among other key delivery areas.

Key decisions expected for resettlement

On 8 January 2020, the Mariana Court extended the deadline for final delivery of the collective resettlements of Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu de Baixo works, enforceable by potential fines for non-compliance, until 27 February 2021. BHP Brasil, Vale and Samarco appealed this decision given the factors impacting delays that are outside of the control of Fundação Renova. A final ruling is pending.

BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and BHP Brasil are involved in legal proceedings relating to the Samarco dam failure. For more information on the significant legal proceedings in which BHP is currently involved, refer to section 6.6.

Progress on our commitments

Following the investigation into the causes of the dam failure, Samarco and its shareholders implemented specific actions to help prevent a similar event from occurring, including a plan to decommission the Germano dam.

Due to legislative changes in Brazil, Samarco is currently progressing plans for the accelerated decommissioning of its upstream tailings dams (the Germano dam complex). Plans for the decommissioning are at a basic design level. Funding for CY2020 and CY2021 was approved by the BHP Board in April 2020, including for initial buttressing services, spillway construction and regrading activities. Preliminary works started in April and a small impact on schedule has been experienced due to COVID-19.

For information on our ongoing management of tailings dams, refer to section 1.7.10. More information on the health, safety and environmental performance at our NOJVs is available at bhp.com.

1.9    Portfolio: Our business

The maps in this section should be read in conjunction with the information on mining operations table in section 6.1.6.2.

1.11.11.9.1    Locations

BHP locations (includes non-operated operations)

LOGO

LOGO

(1)

Non-operated joint venture.

1.9.2    Minerals Australia

The Minerals Australia asset group includes operated assets in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

Copper asset

Olympic Dam

 

LOGOLOGO

Overview

Located 560 kilometres north of Adelaide, Olympic Dam is one of the world’s most significant deposits of copper, gold, silver and uranium.

Olympic Dam is made upconsists of underground and surface operations and operates a fully integrated processing facility from ore to metal. Ore mined underground is hauled by an automated train system to crushing, storage and ore hoisting facilities, or trucked directly to the surface via declines.

The processing plantmetallurgical complex consists of two grinding, circuits in which high-quality copper concentrate is extracted from sulphide ore through a flotation extraction process. Olympic Dam has a fully integrated metallurgical complex with a grinding and concentrating circuit,leach circuits, a hydrometallurgical plant incorporating solvent extraction circuits for copper and uranium, a copper smelter, a copper refinery and a recovery circuit for precious metals.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

Olympic Dam began operating its thirdachieved solid underground mine performance in FY2020 with strong development metres, as well as record annual gold production. Underground development into the Southern Mine Area progressed to plan over the year, and provided access ramp or decline, opening upto higher copper grade ore. Preparatory work was undertaken in the southern mine area. The new decline, known asSeptember 2019 quarter related to the Kalta decline, supports productivity and potential growth atreplacement of the mine as it improves traffic flow for Olympic Dam’s underground trucking fleet.

BHP’s research and development trials into heap leaching technology were successfully completed. Heap leaching works by drip-feeding acid through a large stockpile (or heap) of ore to leach out metals. The program, which began in 2012, was conductedrefinery crane with the support ofphysical replacement and commissioning expected to be completed in the South Australian Government and confirmed the viability of the technology.March 2021 quarter.

Looking ahead

In November 2018, BHP announced a discovery 65 kilometres southeast of Olympic Dam. A potential new iron oxide, copper and gold mineralised system was uncovered as part of our ongoing copper exploration program. The resultsPreparations are stillwell advanced for the next Smelter Campaign Maintenance to be executed early in an early phase and more geological information is required.

FY2022. Olympic Dam has a range of future growth options to considerunder consideration as part of its sustained, long-term growth strategy, includingfrom incremental debottlenecking through to large scale investments. A third phase of exploration drilling on the Brownfield Expansion project.

The Brownfield ExpansionOak Dam project has been completed with additional geotechnical and geo-metallurgical data collected to assist in the potential to resultunderstanding of the deposit. Further drilling will be conducted in production growing at Olympic Dam to approximately 240–300 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa).

80FY2021, which will inform our next steps with the project.


Iron oreOre asset

Western Australia Iron Ore

 

LOGOLOGO

Overview

Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) is an integrated system of four processing hubs and five mines connected by more than 1,000 kilometres of rail infrastructure and port facilities in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia.

WAIO’s Pilbara reserve base is relatively concentrated, allowing development to be planned around integrated mining hubs that are connected to the mines and satellite orebodies by conveyors or spur lines. This approach enables the value of installed infrastructure to be maximised by using the same processing plant and rail infrastructure for a number of orebodies.

The oreOre is crushed, beneficiated (where necessary) and blended at each processing hub – Newman operations, Yandi, Mining Area C and Jimblebar – to create high-grade lump and fines products. Iron ore products are then transported along the Port Hedland–Newman rail line to the Finucane Island and Nelson Point port facilities at Port Hedland.

There are four main WAIO joint ventures (JVs): Mt Newman, Yandi, Mt Goldsworthy and Jimblebar. BHP’s interest in each of the joint ventures is 85 per cent, with Mitsui and ITOCHU owning the remaining 15 per cent. The joint ventures are unincorporated, except Jimblebar.

BHP, Mitsui and ITOCHU are also participants in the POSMAC JV, a joint venture with a subsidiary of POSCO that involves the sublease of parts of one of WAIO’s existing mineral leases. The ore from the POSMAC JV is sold to the Mt Goldsworthy JV.

All ore is transported by rail on the Mt Newman JV and Mt Goldsworthy JV rail lines to the port facilities. WAIO’s port facilities at Nelson Point are owned by the Mt Newman JV and Finucane Island is owned by the Mt Goldsworthy JV.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

Construction of the US$3.6 billion (100 per cent basis) South Flank project started in July 2018 and by the end of FY2019FY2020 was overall 76 per cent complete.

WAIO achieved record production in FY2020 of 248 million tonnes (Mt) (compared to 238 Mt in FY2019), with higher volumes reflecting record production at Jimblebar and Yandi. Weather impacts from Tropical Cyclone Blake and Tropical Cyclone Damien were offset by strong performance across the supply chain, with significant improvements in productivity and reliability following a series of targeted maintenance programs over the past four years.

We continue to be a low-cost iron ore producer with cost reductions and volume creep enabled through the BHP Operating System, debottlenecking initiatives across the supply chain, and technology and improvements in our maintenance strategies.

WAIO continues to focus on operating safely, implementing a series of preventative measures designed to minimise the spread of COVID-19. To meet border controls introduced by the Western Australian Government, more than 30 per cent complete.900 employees and contractors in business critical roles have temporarily relocated to Western Australia, including the majority of people in specialist roles who are based interstate, such as train drivers and train load out operators. These employees remain in Western Australia.

In October 2019, BHP submitted an application for a government approval related to Aboriginal heritage sites at our South Flank project under construction in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The approval was granted in May 2020 following extensive consultation with the Traditional Owners, the Banjima people. Nonetheless, consistent with our approach to cultural heritage, BHP confirmed in June 2020 that it would not disturb the sites covered by the approval without further consultation with the Traditional Owners. BHP supports the Western Australian Government’s current process to reform and update its cultural heritage legislation. BHP has made submissions to the Government in support of this reform.

Looking ahead

South Flank remains on track to deliver first ore in CY2021 and is expected to produce 80 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), replacing volumes from Yandi, as Yandi reaches its end of economic life in theearly-to-mid 2020s. mine life.

For more information about South Flank, refer to section 6.4.6.5.

WAIO production was broadly unchanged in FY2019 comparedcontinues to FY2018. This was a positive result given the production impacts, including a train derailment in November 2018focus on productivity and Tropical Cyclone Veronica in March 2019.

Jimblebar had record production of 58.5 million tonnes (Mt) in FY2019, compared to 55.8 Mt in FY2018.

A range of cost and improvement initiatives contributed to productivity, including changes to maintenance planning, materials handling and truck fleet utilisation.

Looking ahead

South Flank is expected to reach its peak construction workforce of around 3,000 people as the project moves into the second full year of construction.

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Within WAIO, our focus will remain ondebottlenecking, while transitioning critical supply chain stability, quality improvementprojects to deliver strong returns and operating discipline.

In addition to equipment productivity, prioritisationoperational stability. Underpinning this success will be the embedment of resource recovery optimisation and stable supply of high-quality product to market will continue. There will also be a focus on embedding our transformation programs, into the WAIOlabour productivity and operational efficiencies across our business. For example, the BHP Operating System is currently being deployed at Port, in the Perth Repair Centre and at Jimblebar and will soon be deployed at Mining Area C, Nickel West’s Mt Keith operations and our Integrated Remote Operations Centre during FY2020.

CoalMetallurgical coal assets

Our metallurgical coal assets in Australia consist ofopen-cut and underground mines. At ouropen-cut mines, overburden is removed after blasting, using either draglines or truck and shovel. CoalThe metallurgical coal (also called steelmaking coal) is then extracted using excavators or loaders and loaded onto trucks to be taken to stockpiles or directly to a beneficiation facility.

At our underground mine, steelmaking coal is extracted by either longwall or continuous miner. The coalIt is then transported to stockpiles on the surface by conveyor.

CoalSteelmaking coal from stockpiles is crushed and, for a number of the operations, washed and processed through a coal preparation plant. Domestic coalIt is transported to nearby customers via conveyor or rail, while export coal isthen transported to ports on trains. Single and multi-user rail and port infrastructure is used as part of the steelmaking coal supply chain.

 

LOGOLOGO

Queensland Coal

Overview

Queensland Coal comprises the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) assets in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland, Australia.

The Bowen Basin’s high-quality metallurgicalsteelmaking coals are ideally suited to efficient blast furnace operations. The region’s proximity to Asian customers means it is well positioned to competitively supply the seaborne market.

Queensland Coal has access to key infrastructure in the Bowen Basin, including a modern, multi-user rail network and its own coal loading terminal at Hay Point, located near the city of Mackay. Queensland Coal also has contracted capacity at three other multi-user port facilities – the Port of Gladstone (RG Tanna Coal Terminal), Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Abbot Point Coal Terminal.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)

BMA

BMA is Australia’s largest coal producer and supplier of seaborne metallurgical coal. It is owned 50:50 by BHP and Mitsubishi Development.

BMA operates seven Bowen Basin mines (Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Daunia, Peak Downs, Saraji, Blackwater and Caval Ridge) and owns and operates the Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay. BMA also owns Norwich Park Mine, which is in care and maintenance. With the exception of the Broadmeadow underground longwall operation, BMA’s mines areopen-cut, using draglines and truck and shovel fleets for overburden removal.

BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC)BMC

BMC owns and operates twoopen-cut metallurgical coal mines in the Bowen Basin – South Walker Creek Mine and Poitrel Mine. BMC is owned by BHP (80 per cent) and Mitsui and Co (20 per cent).

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South Walker Creek Mine is located on the eastern flank of the Bowen Basin, 35 kilometres west of the town of Nebo and 132 kilometres west of the Hay Point Port facilities. Poitrel Mine is situated southeast of the town of Moranbah and beganopen-cut operations in October 2006.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

BMA completed the saleQueensland Coal achieved record underground coal mined at Broadmeadow of the Gregory Crinum Mine2.43 Mt (compared to Sojitz Corporation on 27 March 2019. In addition to the sale of the mine to Sojitz, BMA has provided Sojitz funding for rehabilitation of existing areas of disturbance2.12 Mt in FY2019) and record annual production at the site.

For BMA, the construction of the Caval Ridge Southern Circuit (CRSC) projectof 4.35 Mt (compared to 3.97 Mt in the Bowen Basin was completed with the first conveyingFY2019) and Poitrel of coal4.13 Mt (compared to 4.07 Mt in October 2018. The CRSC project includes an11-kilometre overland conveyor system that transports coal from Peak Downs Mine to the coal handling preparation plant at the nearby Caval Ridge Mine, enabling utilisation of the latent capacity of the Caval Ridge coal handling preparation plant.FY2019).

The introduction of productivityProductivity initiatives targeting system hours, the haul cycle, payload, our trucking strategy and enabling activities were initiatedintroduced in FY2019 to improvepre-strip productivity across the Queensland Coal business. By further improving our productivity in truck and shovel operations, we expect to accelerate the rate at which coal is uncovered and ensure a continuous feed for ourto the wash plants.

Theplants remained on track, with FY2020 focused on improvements in payload and cycle times. Through the Integrated Remote Operations Centre, has been focusedwe continued to build on ultra-classthe ultra class truck utilisation improvements, optimising truck allocation and minimising process delays with in-shift, real-time operational performance management and increased integration through the useoutbound supply chain.

With a continued focus on safety in FY2020, Queensland Coal achieved its lowest ever total recordable injury frequency rate and BMA achieved a step change across lead and lag indicators attributed to the implementation of analyticskey work programs enabling alignment of health and technology to optimiseon-circuit trucks. This has minimised process delayssafety procedures across all operations and through effective refuelling, meal breaks and shift change practices and embedded improvementsinvestment in the24-hour mine planning process. implementation of more than 120 additional hard controls.

Looking ahead

ForQueensland Coal will continue to focus on safety with BMA continued delivery of initiativesfurther embedding the programs and improved operating discipline through the site-level integrated operational plans are expected to support delivery of productivity improvement. In the medium term, trucking performance is expected to improve to benchmark rates, as well as the realisation of transformation initiative benefits, through leveraging latent coal handling preparation plantstandards implemented in FY2020, and logistics capacity.

BMA’s safety performance requires significant improvement. With three fatalities over the last four years, BMA is focusing its efforts to drive a change in safety through the consistent application of improved safety standards, increasing the standardisation of work, improving the quality of task-based risk assessments and decreasing fatal risk exposure throughfurther investment in hard controls.

BMC will work to continue to improve the quality ofimproving safety outcomes through field leadership, hazard reporting and risk management at boththe South Walker Creek and Poitrel Mines, and the Red Mountain coal handling preparation plant. We

For BMA, strong asset-level alignment of operating discipline and integrated operational plans ensure we focus on maximising value through the supply chain. This will be achieved by focusing on bottleneck processes to smooth coal flows leveraging latent coal handling preparation plant and logistics capacity. Medium-term plans remain focused on lifting trucking performance to benchmark rates thereby leveraging the benefits of our transformation program and achieving results in the areas implemented.

Autonomous trucks are being implemented at two Queensland Coal sites. Daunia with 34 autonomous trucks and Goonyella Riverside with 86 autonomous trucks. Deployment at both sites is expected to be completed early in CY2022.

BMC will also plan to focus on improving truck and shovel productivity to ensure optimal utilisation of ourthe coal handling preparation plants. BMC will reopen Ramp 10 at Poitrel to increase available mining areas, target delivery of the Mulgrave Resource Area 2C project at South Walker Creek to release lower strip ratio resources in the medium term,plants, and continue to prioritise lowlow-capital debottlenecking opportunities. BMC will plan to mitigate short-term COVID-19-related price impacts by reducing high cost production and capitalde-bottlenecking opportunities.

83 expenditure, but retain the ability to respond should higher prices emerge.


New South Wales Energy Coal

 

LOGOLOGO

Overview

New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) consists of the Mt Arthur Coalopen-cut energy coal mine in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia. TheHistorically, the site produceshas produced coal for domestic and international customers in the energy sector.sector, but has shifted to international customers only from the second half of FY2020.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

In October 2018, BHP awarded Thiess a mining services contract to completeend-to-end mining services in the Ayredale and Roxburgh pits (referred to as Mt Arthur South) over five years. Thiess was identified as the preferred contractor, with expertise in existing operations at the southern area of the main pit and terrace mining techniques demonstrated at nearby operations. Under the new contract, Thiess is appointed statutory mine operator of Mt Arthur South, with scope including vegetation clearing, mine planning, drill and blast, overburden and coal mining.

BHP will remain mine and lease holder of Mt Arthur South and Mt Arthur North, and mine operator of Mt Arthur North.

Looking ahead

During FY2020, NSWEC is transitioningtransitioned to a strategy of optimising product quality. Volume is expected to decreaseThis has resulted in a reduction in volumes and unit costs toan increase in the short term. We expect that benefits of the multiple elevated roadways project and continued improvements to truck and shovel productivity will lead to lower unit costs in the medium term.short term, but overall increased realised value. Production volumes were also impacted by unfavourable weather impacts from December 2019 to February 2020, partially offset by strong performance in the June 2020 quarter driven by record truck utilisation

Truck productivity improvements were delivered in the second half of FY2020, enabling a step-change improvement across our mining fleets. Annualised truck hours improved by 20 per cent, cycle times reduced by 10 per cent and payload increased by 3 per cent, supported by maintenance strategies and practices that enabled equipment availability in excess of 90 per cent.

In FY2020, BHP completed an optimisation of the NSWEC outbound supply chain commercial arrangements through a partial divestment of shares and stapled capacity at the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group terminal. The total export capacity of the asset remains unchanged and the transaction has facilitated a more competitive cost position.

Looking ahead

NSWEC continues to plan for the most productive path through steeply dipping resources (the monocline) and securing the required regulatory approval to continue operations post FY2026. Work is underway to review mine planning and operating alternatives to structurally reduce costs in the near term and ensure a viable mining operation which is resilient during low price cycles.

Nickel West

 

LOGOLOGO

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Overview

Nickel West is a fully integratedmine-to-market nickel business. All nickel operations (mines, concentrators, a smelter and refinery) are located in Western Australia. The integrated business adds value throughout our nickel supply chain, with the majority of Nickel West’s current production sold as refined metal in the form of powder and briquettes.

Low-grade disseminated sulphide ore is mined from the largeopen-pit operation at Mt Keith. The ore is crushed and processedon-site to produce nickel concentrate. High-grade nickel sulphide ore is mined at the Cliffs, and Leinster underground mines and Rocky’s Rewardopen-pit mine. The ore is processed through a concentrator and dryer at Leinster. Nickel West’s concentrator plant infacility at Kambalda processes concentratematerial purchased from third parties through its dryer, with its mill currently on care and maintenance.parties.

The three streams of nickel concentrate come together at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie nickel smelter. The smelter uses a flash furnace to smelt concentrate to produce nickel matte. Nickel WestThe Kwinana nickel refinery then refines granulated nickel matte from the Kalgoorlie smelter into premium-grade nickel powder and briquettes containing 99.8 per centhigh-grade refined nickel. Nickel matte and metal are exported to overseas markets via the Port of Fremantle.

Key developments in FY2019FY2020

The Nickel West made significantresource transition involving the construction of three new mines continued to progress during FY2020, with two of these mines now in FY2019 on its transition to become a leading supplierfull production.

The Mt Keith satellite mine (Yakabindie) entered production in December 2019 and is now the primary source of feed to the battery materials market, selling more than 70 per cent of itsMt Keith concentrator.

The Venus underground mine transitioned to full production in September 2019, with ore hoisted to this sectorthe Leinster concentrator.

Leinster B11 (the first block cave to be developed by BHP, located beneath the Leinster underground mine) proceeded in FY2019. In addition, it was announced that Nickel West will be retained inline with expectations, with development ore hoisted to the BHP portfolio.Leinster concentrator.

Construction of a nickel sulphate plant at the Kwinana Nickel Refinery is underway. Stage 1 is expected to produce up to 100 ktpa of nickel sulphate.

In FY2019, Nickel West signed an agreement withto acquire the traditional ownersHoneymoon Well development project on 19 June 2020 and the remaining 50 per cent interest in the Albion Downs North and Jericho exploration joint ventures, located approximately 50 kilometres from Mt Keith. Completion of the land surroundingagreement is subject to a number of conditions, including government and used bythird party approvals.

Looking ahead

We continue to focus on finalising Nickel West’s operations inresource transition. Leinster B11 block cave is expected to commence the northern Goldfields. In addition to formalising BHP’s relationship withundercut phase during the Tjiwarl people, the agreement provides support for the Mt Keith Satellite mine development, which will supply additionalfirst half of FY2021, providing increasing quantities of ore to the Mt Keith concentrator. Work has begun onLeinster concentrator as the Mt Keith Satellite mine development with excavation of the northern pit (Six Mile Well) and construction of the haul road.

Work has commenced at our underground Venus Mine near Leinster and work on the new main ventilation shaft and pastefill plant are progressing well. Nickel West will operate the underground infrastructure for the Venus mine.

Development on the undercut for Leinster B11 (block cave) is proceeding in line with expectations, with key underground infrastructure recommissioned and in use.

Looking aheadproject progresses to full caving.

Nickel West also offers a number of development options and potential enhancements to its resource position through exploration and processing innovation. Our short-term focusThese opportunities are being explored in parallel with incremental debottlenecking opportunities at the concentrators and the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter.

Nickel West is the upstream segmentexpected to complete construction of the nickel value chain through increased exploration activities in Western Australia and continuing nickel mine development in the northern Goldfields.

First production from the nickel sulphate plant located at the Kwinana Nickel Refinery is expectednickel refinery in the first half of CY2020.

First ore from the Mt Keith Satellite project is expected by the end of CY2019. Additional capacity from the project will be matched to meet the Mt Keith mill requirements.

We expectFY2021, with first production ore from the Leinster B11 undercutproduct due in the second half of CY2020, pending external approvals.

85FY2021. This stage (Stage 1) is expected to produce approximately 100 ktpa of nickel sulphate.


Case study:

South Flank update

BHP continues to be committed to creating shared value for local economies in the places in which we operate. Our investment in South Flank is also an investment in Western Australian-based businesses. By the end of June 2019, we had awarded more than A$3.3 billion of work on South Flank – 78 per cent of which is Australian-based work, including 37 per cent that is Pilbara based and 39 per cent that is based in the rest of Western Australia.

Two of these local operators, Monadelphous and Clough, deliver significant structural, mechanical, process, electrical and instrumentation works for South Flank. When operational, South Flank will be the largest producing iron ore mine BHP has ever developed, integrating the latest advances in autonomous-ready fleets and digital connectivity.

Monadelphous, an Australian engineering group headquartered in Perth, has been contracted to expand an existing stockyard within the rail loop, resulting in the creation of 600 jobs. We have worked with Monadelphous for more than 20 years on construction and maintenance projects.

Similarly, Clough, a Western Australian engineering and construction business celebrating 100 years of local operation in CY2019, has been contracted to construct the South Flank ore handling plant and coarse ore stockpile. BHP expects more than 600 ongoing operational roles over the life of the25-year mine.

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1.11.21.9.3    Minerals Americas

The Minerals Americas asset group includes projects, operated assets andnon-operated joint ventures in Canada, Chile, Peru, the United States, Colombia and Brazil.

Operated assets

Copper

LOGO

Our operated copper assets in the Americas, Escondida and Pampa Norte are open-cut mines. At these mines, overburden is removed after blasting, using truck and shovel. Ore is then extracted and further processed into high-quality copper concentrate or cathodes. Copper concentrate is obtained through a grinding and flotation process, while copper cathodes are produced through a leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning process. Copper concentrate is transported to portsthe port via pipeline, while cathodes are transported by either rail or road. From the port,ports, copper is exported to our customers around the world.

For the majority of the June 2020 quarter, our Chilean assets operated with a reduction in their operational workforces of approximately 35 per cent to incorporate measures in response to COVID-19. We have implemented a comprehensive plan for COVID-19, including various hygiene and health controls and a proactive testing regime for people before entering sites and boarding transportation.

We will continue to maintain operational measures that protect the health and wellbeing of our workforce while COVID-19 remains a major health risk, in line with Our Charter values. As a result, we anticipate continuing to operate our Chilean assets with a reduced workforce until these controls can be relaxed.

LOGO

Escondida (Chile)

Overview

We own 57.5 per cent of the Escondida mine, a leading producer of copper concentrate and cathodes located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Escondida’s two pits feed three concentrator plants, as well as two leaching operations (oxide and sulphide).

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

Escondida copper production in FY2019 decreasedFY2020 increased by 64 per cent to 1,1351,185 kilotonnes (kt), as a consequencesupported by record average concentrator throughput of an371 kilotonnes per day (ktpd), which offset expected 12 per centgrade decline, in copper grades, partially offset by a record level of ore milled reflecting a full year of operationstoppages associated with three concentrators.the social unrest and COVID-19 impacts.

The Escondida Water Supply Expansion (EWSE) project progressed according to schedule during FY2019was completed on time and is expected to deliver its first waterbudget in December 2019. Following the first halfcompletion of FY2020. Thethe EWSE project, comprisesEscondida has eliminated water drawdown from aquifers for operational supply 10 years ahead of its FY2030 target.

The Centre of Integrated Operations (CIO) was inaugurated in July 2019 in BHP’s Santiago office and has since provided remote control services to the expansionmine and process areas of the Escondida Water Supply conveyance systemand Spence. The CIO enables an operation that is safer and more productive by 1,300 litres per secondreducing people on-site and the desalination water production by 800 litres per second. This project is keyallowing them to enabling Escondida achieve its production plans while also reducing its reliance on groundwater sources. The proportion of desalinated waterwork in use at Escondida at the end of FY2019 was 40 per cent.a collaborative space.

On 17 August 2018, Escondida successfully completed negotiations with Union N°1 and signed a new collective agreement, effective for 36 months from 1 August 2018. On 17 April 2019, Escondida reached an agreement with an intercompany union that includes 105 workers that were formerly part of Union N°1.

Looking ahead

Production of between 1,160940 and 1,2301,030 kt is expected for FY2020, reflectingFY2021, with a further upliftdecline in ore milled and higher recoveries atcopper grade of concentrator feed of approximately 4 per cent. Lower volumes reflect the cathode process.

Escondida plansneed to continue to unlock latentbalance mine development and production requirements, with processing capacity throughat concentrators and leaching plants, as a result of a reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19. It is expected that production levels are likely to be impacted in FY2022 as a result of reduced operational workforce and material movement in FY2021. Guidance of an annual average of 1,200 kt of copper production over the maximisation of concentrator throughput, increased use of the cathode circuit and improvements in mine fleet performance. This will be enabled by focusing on continuous improvement and leveraged by the implementation of thenext five years remains unchanged.

The BHP Operating System deployment and the Maintenance Centreautomated truck trial initiatives are expected to be completed in FY2021. In addition, Escondida will be undertaking studies on different material handling technologies to build an integrated suite of Excellence. We will also implementmaterial handling projects that aims to combine innovative and disruptive technology projectsand equipment solutions to enhance our decision makingincrease mine productivity and automate key activities. improve costs competitiveness.

We expect these initiatives will allow Escondida to operate with a medium-term unit cost of less than US$1.151.10 per pound despite the continuation of grade decline and the increasing water costs as we progress toward our goal to cease freshwater usage altogether by CY2030.costs.

 

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LOGOLOGO

Pampa Norte (Chile)

Overview

Pampa Norte consists of two wholly owned assets in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile – Spence and Cerro Colorado. Spence and Cerro Colorado produce high-quality copper cathodes through leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning processes.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

Pampa Norte copper production for FY2019FY2020 decreased by 72 per cent to 247243 kt, mostlymainly due to a fire event in the electrowinning plant at Spence in September 2018, which had a production impact of 18 kt. This was partially offset by a 1914 per cent increasedecline in production at Cerro Colorado due to higher throughput and recoveries.stacked ore grade.

The Spence Growth Option (SGO) to construct a 95 kilotonnes per day (ktpd)ktpd ore concentrator and the outsourcing of a 1,000 litre per second desalination plant progressed accordingis 93 per cent complete. As a result of measures put in place to schedule and atreduce the endspread of FY2019 had an overall progress of 60 per cent. The project is expected to incrementally increase copper production capacity by approximately 185 ktpa, withCOVID-19, first production is now expected between December 2020 and March 2021. The commissioning of the desalination plant and capitalisation of the associated US$600 million lease (approximate) will now occur in the first half of FY2021. For more information about SGO, refer to section 6.4.

In July 2018, Compañía Minera Cerro Colorado and its Supervisors and Staff Union signed a new collective agreement for 36 months, effective from 1 July 2018. In September 2018, Cerro Colorado and the Operators and Maintainers Union N°1 signed a new collective agreement for 36 months, effective from 1 September 2018.

On December 2018, BHP terminated the sale agreement of Cerro Colorado to the private equity manager, EMR Capital, as the financing conditions were not met by the buyer. BHP will continue to operate Cerro Colorado.6.5.

Looking ahead

Production at Pampa Nortefor FY2021 is expected to be between 230240 and 250270 kt, in FY2020, despitereflecting the reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19, the start-up of the SGO project and expected 11grade decline of approximately 7 per cent decline incent.

SGO will produce first copper grades across both operations. Plansbetween December 2020 and March 2021 and plans are on track to redesign the approach to operations at Spence to optimally balance the requirements of the concentrate and cathodes processes, as well as changes in the loading and hauling fleet following completionprocesses. The first batch of the SGO. Spence will introduce a new Ultra-Classultra-class truck fleet overarrived at Spence in FY2020 and the medium term, with the firstremaining units are expected to arrive during FY2020. This change, along with technology enabled solutions,in the next two years. The BHP Operating System deployment at Spence started in January 2020 and is expected to leadcontinue during FY2021. Similar to reduced healthEscondida, Spence will be undertaking studies on various material handling technologies, such as automated trucks, trolley assistance and safety risksin-pit crushers and operating costs.conveyors to increase mine productivity and improve cost competitiveness.

Production atOn 1 July 2020, Cerro Colorado is expectedannounced it had started a four-month process to remain relatively stable during FY2020. The commissioningadjust its mine plan to reduce throughput and costs to achieve improved cash returns and ensure viable mining operations for the remaining period of a recovery optimisation project is expected to be completed duringits current environmental licence, which expires at the first halfend of FY2020.

88CY2023.


Potash

LOGO

Potash is a potassium-rich salt mainly used in fertiliser to improve the quality and yield of agricultural production. As an essential nutrient for plant growth, potash is a vital link in the global food supply chain. The demands on that supply chain are intensifying; there will be more people to feed in future, as well as rising calorific intake comprising more varied diets. The strains this will place on finite land supply mean sustainable increases in crop yields will be crucial and potash fertilisers will be critical in replenishing our soils.

LOGO

Jansen Potash Project (Canada)

Overview

BHP holds exploration permits and mining leases covering approximately 9,600 square kilometerskilometres in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The Jansen Potash Project is located approximately 140 kilometerskilometres east of Saskatoon. We currently own 100 per cent of the Project.

Jansen’s large resource endowment provides the opportunity to develop it in stages, with anticipated initial capacity of between 4.3 and 4.5 Mtpa for Jansen Stage 1, with sequenced brownfield expansions of up to 12 Mtpa (4 Mtpa per stage).

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

HavingFocus in FY2020 was on safely excavatedinstalling new work platforms, called Galloways, into the two7.3-metre diameter service and production shafts to their full depths in August 2018, focus turned to preparingenable the temporary liners forinstallation of the final watertight composite concrete and steel liners and removingfrom a depth of approximately 900 metres. At the two shaft boring roadheader (SBR) machines that excavatedend of FY2020, the shafts. The SBRs were removed from the shafts in April 2019.current scope of work was 86 per cent complete.

The service shaft and production shaft are 1,005 metres and 975 metres deep, respectively. Jansen is intended to mine the Lower Patience Lake potash formation, which lies between 935 metres and 940 metres.

Looking ahead

Future work will include installingcontinuing to install the watertight composite concrete and steel final liners from a depthliners. In June 2020, final shaft lining work for the Jansen Potash Project, which was reduced to focus on one shaft as part of approximately 800 metres upwardsour COVID-19 response plan to reduce our on-site interprovincial workforce, was resumed in both shafts. We expectBHP continues to assess the impacts of COVID-19 and the temporary reduction in construction activity. Timing for completion of the shafts continues to be completed in the first half of CY2021 and we continue to assess how to reduce risk and unlock value as we conclude this work. At the end of FY2019, the current scope of work was 84 per cent complete. under review.

We will continue the selection of a port option on the North American west coast from which Jansen’s potash would be exported. As with all decisions relating to the deployment of capital, the next steps of the Project will be assessed in line with our Capital Allocation Framework.

Non-operated minerals joint ventures

BHP holds interests in companies and joint ventures that we do not operate. Ournon-operated minerals joint ventures (NOJVs) include Antamina (33.75 per cent ownership), Resolution Copper (45 per cent ownership), Cerrejón (33.33 per cent ownership) and Samarco (50 per cent ownership).

For more information on Samarco and Fundação Renova, refer to section 1.8.

We engage with our NOJV partners and operator companies through our NOJV team, which seeks to sustainably maximise returns through managing risk. While NOJVs have their own operating and management standards, we seek to enhance governance processes and influence operator companies to adopt international standards (within the limits of the relevant joint venture agreements).

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Since the creation of the NOJV team, our focus has been to reinforce strong practices in governance, risk management and value optimisation. Our achievements

During the COVID-19 pandemic, BHP supported some of the work by the operator at certain of our NOJVs to date include:address risks associated with the pandemic, including temporary shutdowns and restart. Subject matter experts from NOJV partners (including BHP) provided input to relevant NOJV operators in relation to HSE, communications and community engagement issues during the pandemic.

Governance: We continue to work in our NOJV boards and committees to improve governance practices and standards, benchmarking against best practice. In collaboration with our shareholder partners,Throughout FY2020, we identify and implement annual governance improvement plans for each operator company.

Risk management: Our FY2019 strategy continued to focus on understandingpositively influencing the NOJV operator’s risk management processes and influencing themNOJVs to align with international standards (including ISO 31000). This included analysing and challenging completeness of their risk profilesprofile and prioritising management of those risks.

The NOJV team also continued to support the NOJVs to improve their operating performance and cost competitiveness in a challenging environment, delivering significant capital optimisation across the Antamina, Cerrejón and Resolution joint ventures and strengthening the capital returns from each of the operations.

More information on the health, safety and environment performance at our NOJVs is available in our Sustainability Report 2019, available online at bhp.com.

Non-operated minerals joint ventures

Copper

 

LOGOLOGO

Antamina (Peru)

Overview

We own 33.75 per cent of Antamina, a large,low-cost copper and zinc mine in north central Peru. Antamina is a joint venture between BHP (33.75 per cent), Glencore (33.75 per cent), Teck Resources (22.5 per cent) and Mitsubishi Corporation (10 per cent), and is operated independently by Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. Antaminaby-products include molybdenum and silver.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

Antamina continues to focus its efforts on safety and health improvements. Copper production for FY2019 increasedFY2020 decreased by 615 per cent to 147125 kt withand zinc decreasingdecreased by 1810 per cent to 9888 kt reflecting higherlower copper head grades and lower zinc head grades,the impact of operating with a reduced workforce following a six-week shutdown during the June 2020 quarter in line with the mine plan. Throughout FY2019,response to COVID-19.

During FY2020, Antamina progressed studies to debottleneck the operationcontinued with a strong focus on evaluating new technologiesdeveloping a robust technology roadmap to secure a more sustainable operation in the long term and to maintain cost competitiveness. The three-year Antamina Union Agreement was signedhas progressed studies to debottleneck the operation through mine mechanisation projects and the first phase is expected to be completed in June 2019, expiring on 31 July 2021.the next three years.

Antamina announced its intent to submit its Modified Environmental Impact Assessment (MEIA) for its life extension project from CY2028 to CY2036, which includes extension of current approved tailings capacity, additional waste dumps and new pit design.

Antamina’s operations were suspended between 13 April and 26 May 2020 due to COVID-19 implications. Strict controls were applied during the demobilisation to safeguard the health of workers and local communities. At the end of FY2020, its operations were at a ramp-up stage, while complying with government COVID-19 requirements and applying sector international standards for health and safety.

During the COVID-19 emergency, Antamina intensified its contribution to local communities, helping the Regional Government to strengthen its capabilities to cope with the pandemic, providing medical equipment, launching initiatives for local farmers and entrepreneurs to support the local economy (through the program Reactiva Ancash), and distributing food aid.

Looking ahead

Copper production of between 120 and 140 kt, and zinc production of between 140 and 160 kt is expected for FY2021.

Antamina remainswill remain focused on improving productivity and reducing unit cash costs. Copper productioncosts by identifying new technologies and innovative solutions in line with the technology roadmap. In addition, Antamina will continue to embed a culture of approximately 135 ktdiversity and zinc production of approximately 110 ktinclusion in its strategy and monitor the MEIA process, seeking final approval in a reasonable timeframe and community engagement. Once the MEIA process is expected in FY2020.finalised, it is anticipated Antamina will update its reserve and resource statement to reflect an approved life extension to CY2036.

Resolution Copper (United States)

Overview

We holdBHP holds a 45 per cent interest in the Resolution Copper project in the US state of Arizona, which is operated by Rio Tinto (55 per cent interest). Resolution Copper is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in the world and has the potential to become the largest copper producer in North America. The Resolution Copper deposit lies more than 1,600 metres beneath the surface. Resolution Copper is working with regulators and the community to plan the development of the resource and obtain the necessary permits.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

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Restoration ofThe shaft No. 9 sinking project involves deepening the historic No. 9 shaft, originally constructed in 1971, was successfully completed safely and on budget in December 2018. The second phase of the project is to deepen the shaft from its current depth at 1,460 metres below the surface to a final depth of 2,086 metres and linklinking it with the existing No. 10 shaft via development activities underground. This project is on track with respect to schedule and budget. In December 2019, it passed the one-mile (1,600 metre) mark with zero safety events; a major milestone for shaft sinking works in the United States.

During FY2019,The multi-year National Environmental Policy Act permitting process and community engagement are progressing positively. The US Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on 9 August 2019 and the comment period closed on 7 November 2019.

Resolution project continued to move forward to identify the best development pathway for the project. The multi-year National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process and community engagement are progressing positively. Ourproject as the PFS-A study progressed. BHP’s share of project expenditure for FY2019FY2020 was US$85103 million.

Looking ahead

We remain focused on supporting Resolution Copper on optimising the Resolution Copper project and working with the operator, Rio Tinto, to develop the project in a manner that creates sustainable benefits for all stakeholders. The next key milestones for the project will take place in the June 2020 quarter with the completion of a final version of the environmental impact study and in the December 2020 quarter with the completion of the selection phase. A single preferred investment alternative is yet to be selected.

Coal

 

LOGOLOGO

Cerrejón (Colombia)

Overview

We have aone-third 33.33 per cent interest in Cerrejón, which owns, operates and markets (through an independent company) one of the world’s largestopen-cut energy coal mines, located in the La Guajira province of Colombia. Cerrejón alsois an equal partnership joint venture with Anglo American and Glencore. Cerrejón has lease agreements for several mining areas and owns and operates integrated rail and port facilitiesfacilities. Coal product is marketed through which the majority of its productionan independent company and is exported mainly to European, North American and South American customers.customers; a minor proportion is exported to Asia.

Cerrejón’s coal assets consist ofn makes anopen-cut mine with several pits. Overburden is removed after blasting, using truck and shovel. Coal is then extracted using excavators or loaders and loaded onto trucks to be taken to stockpiles.

Coal from stockpiles is crushed, of which a certain portion is washed and processed through the coal preparation plant. Export coal is transported important contribution to the port via a150-kilometre railway.Colombian economy and to the region of La Guajira, employing local people, contributing through taxes and royalties and investing in social and environmental initiatives. Cerrejón is also working with local Indigenous groups to address concerns raised by them in relation to the impacts of Cerrejón’s operations on their communities.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

FY2019FY2020 concluded with stable safety and operational performance at Cerrejón. Production declined 13by 23 per cent to 9,230 kt7 Mt in FY2019,FY2020, due to severe weather impactsa temporary shutdown and workforce reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on higher-quality products due to market adjustment. Cerrejón reduced its operational costs by 15 per cent, which allowed it to remain cash flow neutral in spite of the decline in coal price.

Cerrejón supported the local community of La Guajira during the COVID-19 emergency by providing drinking water, food parcels and medical equipment, including the donation of a lower volume plan comparedlaboratory to carry out COVID-19 molecular testing in the community. Cerrejón continues to engage with FY2018.communities and ensure its stakeholders are informed about the protocols and controls they have in place to keep the workforce and communities safe.

Looking ahead

Cerrejón is focused on stability of throughput with current installed capacity, targeting higher calorific value coal and securing the necessary permitsmarket diversification. Production is expected to access ore reserves.be approximately 7 Mt in FY2021.

Iron Ore

 

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Iron ore

LOGOLOGO

Samarco (Brazil)

BHP Billiton Brasil LimitadaLtda (BHP Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale) each have a 50 per cent shareholding in Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco), the owner of the Samarco iron ore mine in Brazil.

Overview

As a result of the tragic failure of the Fundão dam at Samarco in November 2015, operations at Samarco remain suspended.

Samarco comprises a mine and three concentrators located in the state of Minas Gerais and four pellet plants and a port located in Anchieta in the state of Espírito Santo. Three400-kilometre pipelines connect the mine site to the pelletising facilities.

Samarco’s main product is iron ore pellets. Prior to the suspension of operations, the extraction and beneficiation of iron ore were conducted at the Germano facilities in the municipalities of Mariana and Ouro Preto. Front end loaders were used to extract the ore and convey it from the mines. Ore beneficiation then occurred in concentrators, where crushing, milling, desliming and flotation processes produced iron ore concentrate. The concentrate would leave the concentrators as slurry and be pumped through the slurry pipelines from the Germano facilities to the pelletising plants in Ubu, Anchieta, where the concentrate was processed into pellets. The iron ore pellets were then heat treated. The pellet output was stored in a stockpile yard before being shipped out of the Samarco-owned Port of Ubu in Anchieta.

All geotechnical structures within the Germano facilities, including tailings dams, are monitored 24 hours a day by Samarco, using more than 650800 pieces of monitoring and safety equipment, including cameras, weather forecast stations, drones and accelerometers. In addition, sirens are installed along the river up to 10080 kilometres downstream of Samarco. Geotechnical engineers and technicians monitor data from the instrumentation in an Integrated Monitoring Control Room,integrated monitoring control room, undertake daily field inspections and perform monthly third party audits.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

The new Santarém dam was commissionedSamarco operations restart consists of three main pillars: Alegria Sul pit tailings disposal system, LOC (corrective operational licence) issuance and is operating as planned and drainage preparation commenced at the bottom area of the Fundão Valley, which is part of the Degraded Area Recovery Plan. Thefiltration plant construction together with operations readiness activities. Alegria Sul pit tailings disposal system implementation commenced and services completion is expectedwas completed in September 2019. The LOC was issued on 25 October 2019. US$44 million for BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s share was approved to fund the restart of production at Samarco from a single concentrator in the second half of CY2020 or early CY2021 (BHP mid-view is January 2021). The funds will be used for the first phase of installation of tailings filtration infrastructure and operational readiness activities. Work related to the construction of the filtration plant and operations readiness activities have been slowed as a result of a reduced workforce as part of our COVID-19 response without a significant impact on the restart schedule.

BHP Brasil and Vale approved the filtration plant and operational readiness activities investment in November 2019 and dam decommissioning program investment for CY2020–2021 was approved in April 2020.

Following Vale’s Brumadinho dam tragedy on 25 January 2019, Brazil’s National Mining Agency (ANM) announced a requirement for all upstream construction tailings dams to be decommissioned by various dates, depending on their size. The relevant deadlineAs required under the regulatory requirements, a dam decommissioning conceptual design was filed with the ANM in August 2019 and a basic design was filed with the ANM in December 2019. Field works started in April 2020 for the program, which includes the decommissioning of the Germano Main Pitpit dam and Germano main dam (including the main dam and the Sela, Tulipa and Selinha saddle dykes) to guarantee the long-term stability of the structures, as well as final regrading of the impoundment area and, finally, environmental rehabilitation.

Construction of a new retaining dam, following the failure of the Fundão dam, is September 2025now complete and was the last structure to be built in the Fundão valley to ensure the remaining tailings would not be remobilised. Further work relating to the starting dyke for the future tailings and waste piles is now incorporated into the Germano Main Dam is September 2027.decommissioning program. This work will be completed by Samarco has hired STANTEC, an international consulting company, to develop a detailed designfollowing transfer of the decommissioning plan for the Germano facilities, to be submitted by December 2019.

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In May 2019, Brazil’s National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) attested to the safe consumption in certain quantities of fish and crustaceansprogram from the Doce River basin and coastal region, within daily limits of 200 grams per adult and 50 grams per child. Given the significant impacts of the fishing bans on the livelihoods of commercial and subsistence fisherfolk and the social cohesion within their communities, BHP Billiton Brasil has continued providing technical support to Fundação Renova to accelerate the collection of data to address the concerns of regulators and the community. This includes analysis of the safety of fish for human consumption and the status of fish populations to support lifting of the fishing bans that currently remain in place.September 2019.

Looking ahead

The developmentSamarco business plan considers an operations restart with one concentrator and tailings filtering, which changes the tailings disposal from the use of tailings dams to disposal of the coarse portion of the tailings in dry stack piles and the disposal of slimes in a previously mined out pit. Samarco is focused on completing the filtration plant construction for dry stacking and completing operational readiness activities. All filters are now installed and the electrical and mechanical installation services are progressing.

As part of the dam decommissioning plan forprocess, the Germano facilitiespit dam gallery plugging and the Germano main dam preliminary services have started. Samarco is the highest priority for Samarco. The plan will include the design of downstream reinforcement, a surface drainage management systemlooking ahead to complete Germano main dam toe ground replacement, initial regrading and instrumentation and monitoring systems. Restart of Samarco’s operations also remains a focus, provided it is safe, economically viable and has the supportinitial excavation of the community. Activities required for the granting of licences by state and federal authorities are complete or near completion. These include completion of the Alegria Sul pit tailings disposal system and the construction of a new filtration plant.spillway in FY2021.

1.11.31.9.4    Petroleum

Conventional petroleum

BHP has owned oil and gas assets since the 1960s. We have a world-class portfolio of high-margin conventional assets located in the US Gulf of Mexico, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Algeria, as well as appraisal and exploration options in Mexico, Deepwaterdeepwater Trinidad and Tobago, Westernwestern Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Canada and Barbados. Our conventional petroleum business includes exploration, appraisal, development and production activities. We produce crude oil and condensate, gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) that are sold on the international spot market or delivered domestically under contracts with varying terms, depending on the location of the asset.

United StatesOur conventional petroleum business responded effectively to COVID-19, despite global market impacts in the second half of FY2020 as petroleum demand reduced due to collapsing transport activity. As always, the safety of our people came first and additional measures were put in place across each of our assets and projects to protect the health and safety of our workforce. All assets remained in operation as a result of these measures and through partnering with our communities, suppliers and contractors. Despite supply chain delays, all projects currently in execution remain on track to meet first production guidance.

 

LOGOLOGO

United States

Gulf of Mexico

Overview

Our US Gulf of Mexico assets are large, long-life and expandable.

We operate two fields in the US waters of the Gulf of Mexico – Shenzi (44 per cent interest) and Neptune (35 per cent interest).

We holdnon-operating interests in two other fields – Atlantis (44 per cent interest) and Mad Dog (23.9 per cent interest).

All our producing fields are located between 155 and 210 kilometres offshore from the US state of Louisiana. We also own 25 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively, of the companies that own and operate the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline. These pipelines transport oil and gas from the Green Canyon area, where our US Gulf of Mexico fields are located, to connecting pipelines that transport product onshore.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

The Mad Dog Phase 2 project, located in the Green Canyon area inof the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico, successfully progressed through FY2020 and remains on track for first production in CY2022. Mad Dog Phase 2 is an extension of the existing Mad Dog field.field and is one of the largest discovered and undeveloped resources in the Gulf of Mexico. The Mad Dog Phase 2 project is in response tobuilds on the successful Mad Dog South appraisal well, which confirmed significant hydrocarbons in the southern portion of this field. The project includesfield, and will include a new floating production facility with the capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross barrels of crude oil per day from up to 14 production wells. Production is expected to begin in CY2022.

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On 13 February 2019, the BHP Board approved the development of theThe Atlantis Phase 3 project, also located in the US Gulf of Mexico. TheGreen Canyon area, remained on schedule and on budget, achieving first production in July 2020. This project includes a subsea tie back of eight new production wells andaccessing infill resource opportunities identified through seismic imaging. Atlantis Phase 3 is expected to increase production by an estimated 38,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day at its peak.

For more information on Mad Dog Phase 2 and Atlantis Phase 3, refer to section 6.4.6.5.

Australia

 

LOGOLOGO

Overview

Bass Strait

We have produced oil and gas from Bass Strait (50 per cent interest) for overmore than 50 years. Our operations are located between 25 and 80 kilometres off the southeastern coast of Australia. The Gippsland Basin Joint Venture, operated by Esso Australia (a subsidiary of ExxonMobil), participated in the original discovery and development of hydrocarbons in the basin. The Kipper gas field under the Kipper Unit Joint Venture (32.5 per cent interest), also operated by Esso Australia, has brought online additional gas and liquids production that are processed via existing Gippsland Basin Joint Venture facilities.

The majority of our Bass Strait crude oil and condensate production is sold to local refineries in Australia. Gas is piped onshore to the Gippsland Joint Venture’s Longford processing facility, from where we sell our share of production to domestic retailers and end users. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is dispatched via pipeline, road tanker or sea tanker. Ethane is dispatched via pipeline to a petrochemical plant in western Melbourne.

North West Shelf

We are a joint venture participant in the North West Shelf project (12.5–16.67 per cent interest), located approximately 125 kilometres northwest of Dampier in Western Australia. The North West Shelf project supplies gas to the Western Australian domestic market and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to buyers primarily in Japan, South Korea and China.

North West Shelf gas is piped from offshore fields to the onshore Karratha Gas Plant for processing. LPG, condensate and LNG are transported to market by ship, while domestic gas is transported by theDampier-to-Bunbury and Pilbara Energy pipelines to buyers.

We are also a joint venture partner in four nearby oil fields – Cossack, Wanaea, Lambert and Hermes – produced through the Okha floating production, storage andoff-take (FPSO) facility (16.67 per cent interest) – Cossack, Wanaea, Lambert and Hermes.. All North West Shelf gas and oil joint ventures are operated by Woodside Energy Limited (Woodside).

Pyrenees

BHP operates six oil fields inthe Pyrenees which areFPSO facility, located offshore aroundapproximately 23 kilometres northwest ofoff Northwest Cape, Western Australia. The facility produces from six offshore fields. We had an effective 6362.36 per cent interest in the fields as at 30 June 20192020 based oninception-to-date production from two permits in which we have interests of 71.43 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. The development uses a FPSO facility.

Macedon

We are the operator of Macedon (71.43 per cent interest), an offshore gas field located around 75 kilometres west of Onslow, Western Australia and an onshore gas processing facility located around 17 kilometres southwest of Onslow.

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The operation consists of four subsea wells, with gas piped onshore to the processing plant. After processing, the gas is delivered into a pipeline and sold to the Western Australian domestic market.

Minerva

BHP operates the Minerva Joint Venture (90 per cent interest), a gas field located 11 kilometres south-southwest of Port Campbell in western Victoria. The operation consists of two subsea wells, with gas piped onshore to a processing plant. After processing, the gas is delivered into a pipeline and sold domestically.

On 3 September 2019, the Minerva gas field reached end-of-field life and production ceased at the Minerva gas plant. On 1 May 2018, BHP entered into an agreement for the sale of its interests in the onshore gas plant with subsidiaries of Cooper Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd. The agreement which is conditional on completion of regulatory approvals and assignments, providesprovided for the transfer of the plant and associated land after the cessation of current operations processing gas from the Minerva gas field. Following Minerva’send-of-field life, the wells will be plugged and abandoned.The sale was completed on 5 December 2019.

Key developments during FY2019

North West Shelf – Greater WesternFlank-B

The Greater WesternFlank-B project was sanctioned by the Board in December 2015 and represents the second phase of development of the core Greater Western Flank fields, behind the Greater WesternFlank-A development. It is located to the southwest of the existing Goodwyn A platform. The development comprises six fields and eight subsea wells. First production was achieved during the December 2018 quarter ahead of schedule and under budget.FY2020

Scarborough

In the March 2020 quarter, BHP holdsand Woodside (operator) agreed to align participating interests across the WA-1-R and WA-2-R titles resulting in BHP holding a 2526.5 per centnon-operated interest in Scarborough(WA-1-R) andeach title. BHP also holds a 50 per centnon-operated interest in Jupiter North Scarborough and Thebe titles(WA-61-R and WA-62-RWA-63-R) andWA-63-R),in the greater Scarborough area located offshore northwest Australia. OpportunitiesScarborough offers material growth potential in Western Australia and opportunities to develop the Scarborough gas field are being actively studied, includingprogressing.

BHP and Woodside also signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement to progress the potential to utilise available capacity at nearby onshore LNG processing facilities.

Woodside becameScarborough gas development during the operator of theWA-1-R lease in March 2018 following its acquisition of Esso’s working interest in the title. BHP has an option to acquire a further 10 per cent interest inWA-1-R from Woodside on equivalent terms to its Esso transaction. This option may be exercised at any time prior to the earlier of 31 December 2019 andquarter. Among other terms, this includes agreement on a competitive tariff for gas processing through the date the Scarborough Joint Venture approves entry into thefront-end engineering and design phase of the developmentPluto LNG facility. In March 2020, Woodside announced deferral of the Scarborough gas field.development to the second half of CY2021. A final investment decision by BHP continuesis expected to evaluate the option as we progress our assessment of the Scarborough development opportunity.align with this revised timing.

Bass Strait West Barracouta

The Bass StraitTwo new West Barracouta project was approved duringwells were completed under budget in the December 2018June 2020 quarter. The A$200 million investment (whichConstruction on production infrastructure linking the West Barracouta development to the existing Barracouta field is BHP’s share)currently underway. First gas is expected to producein CY2021.

North West Shelf Greater Western Flank

A final investment decision was reached for Greater Western Flank Phase 3 (GWF-3) and Lambert Deep in January 2020. This four well tie back will take advantage of existing infrastructure and first gas in CY2021, and help offset Bass Strait production decline and deliver competitive returns. The project includes a two well brownfield subsea tieback to existing Gippsland Basin Joint Venture facilities and is expected to supply the Australian domestic market.in CY2023.

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Other conventional petroleum assets

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago

BHP operates the Greater Angostura field (45 per cent interest in the production sharing contract), an integrated oil and gas development located offshore 40 kilometres east of Trinidad. The crude oil is sold on a spot basis to international markets, while the gas is sold domestically under term contracts.

Algeria

Our Algerian asset comprises an effective 29.329.2 per cent interest in the RODRhourde Ouled Djemma (ROD) Integrated Development, which consists of the ROD, SF SFNESif Fatima – Sif Fatima North East (SF SFNE) and four satellite oil fields that pump oil back to a dedicated processing train. The oil is sold on a spot basis to international markets. ROD Integrated Development is jointly operated by Sonatrach and ENI.

United Kingdom

On 30 November 2018, BHP completed the sale of our interests in the Bruce and Keith oil and gas fields in the United Kingdom to Serica Energy UK Ltd, with an effective date of 1 January 2018.

For more information, refer to section 1.13.1.

Key developments during FY2019FY2020

Building on our existing position in the region, Ruby is an offshore shallow water oil and gas development in Trinidad and Tobago that wouldwill consist of five production wells tied back into existing operated processing facilities. The BHP is the operator (68 per cent interest) and the project hasBoard approved its development on 8 August 2019 with an expected investment of US$283 million (which is BHP’s(BHP share). The project was approved by the BHP Board on 8 August 2019 with firstFirst production is targeted in CY2021. The relevant operating agreement requires at least two partiesproject is estimated to have the capacity to produce up to 16,000 gross barrels of oil per day and 6580 million gross standard cubic feet of natural gas per cent of the working interest to approve the investment.

Unconventional petroleum

Onshore US

The Onshore US sales process was completed on 31 October 2018, with the net proceeds of US$10.4 billion. The Fayetteville Onshore US gas assets were sold to a company owned by Merit Energy Company. BHP’s interests in the Eagle Ford, Haynesville and Permian Onshore US oil and gas assets were sold to BP America Production Company, a subsidiary of BP Plc.day.

For more information on Ruby, refer to note 27 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5.

966.5.


1.11.41.9.5    Commercial

The purpose of theBHP’s Commercial function is to optimisemaximises commercial and social value creation and minimiseminimises costs across ourthe end-to-end supply chain. The function is organised around our core value chain activities – Sales and Marketing; Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence; Procurement; and Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property – supported by short- and long-term market insights, strategy and planning activities, and close partnership with our assets.

Our Operating Model enables us to provide improved service levels to our assets and deliver optimised commercial outcomescustomers, by embeddingharnessing deep functionalsubject matter expertise, simpler processes and market insights.centralisation of standardised activities. By embracing our strategicend-to-end supply chain mandate and influencingpartnership with our suppliers and customers, to partner with BHP, the Commercial function also creates social value through supply chain integrity, community and sustainability focus.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and Marketing creates value by connectingconnects BHP’s resources to market through commercial expertise, optimised sales and operations planning, deep customer insights and proactive risk management. They present a single face to markets across multiple assets, thereby allowingwith a view to realising maximum value for our assets to focus on their operations.products.

Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence

Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence is accountable formanages BHP’s enterprise-wide transportation strategy and chartering ocean freight (toto meet BHP’s inbound and outbound transportation needs).needs. They work to ensure consistent safety standards across BHP’s maritime supply chain and lead the industry toward a safer and more sustainable global ecosystem. The team maintains a strong focusfocuses on supply chain excellence and on sourcing marine freight coverage at the lowest available cost.

Procurement

Our global Procurementsub-functions purchase all the goods and services that are used by our projects, our assets and functions. Procurement works with our business to optimise equipment performance, reduce operating costcosts and improve working capital. They manage supply chain risk and develop sustainable relationships with global suppliers and local businesses in our communities.the communities in which we operate.

Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property

Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property is accountable for the design and operation ofoperate our inbound supply chain networks for the delivery of spare parts, operating supplies and consumables to enable our assets to achieve superior performance.consumables. They design and operate our office workspaces globally to provide a collaborative and productive work environment for our employees and contractors.globally.

Market Analysis and Economics

Our Market Analysis and Economics team is responsible for developing the Company’sdevelops BHP’s independent view on the outlook for commodity demand and commodity prices. The team works closely with our Procurement, Maritime, and Sales and Marketingsub-functions to help optimiseend-to-end commercial value. The team also works closelyvalue, and with the Finance and External Affairs functions to help identify and respond tolong-run strategic changes in our operating environment.

Commercial: Strategically located close to our key markets and Assets

LOGO

97


1.121.10    Summary of financial performance

1.12.11.10.1    Group overview

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We publish our Consolidated Financial Statements in US dollars. All Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement information below has been derived from audited financial statements.Financial Statements. For more information, refer to section 5.

Unless otherwise stated, comparative financial information for FY2017, FY2016 and FY2015 has been restated to reflect the sale of the Onshore US assets, as required by IFRS 5/AASB 5‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’. Consolidated Balance Sheet information for these periods has not been restated as accounting standards do not require it.

Information in this section has been presented on a Continuing operations basis to exclude the contribution from Onshore US assets, and assets that were demerged with South32 in FY2015, unless otherwise noted. Details of the contribution of the Onshore US assets to the Group’s results are disclosed in note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5.

 

Year ended 30 June

US$M

 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015  2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 

Consolidated Income Statement (section 5.1.1)

          

Revenue (1)

  44,288  43,129  35,740  28,567  40,413   42,931  44,288  43,129  35,740  28,567 

Profit from operations

  16,113  15,996  12,554  2,804  12,887   14,421  16,113  15,996  12,554  2,804 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing operations

  9,520  7,744  6,694  (312 7,306   8,736  9,520  7,744  6,694  (312

Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations

  (335 (2,921 (472 (5,895 (4,428    (335 (2,921 (472 (5,895

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders (Attributable profit/(loss)) (2)

  8,306  3,705  5,890  (6,385 1,910   7,956  8,306  3,705  5,890  (6,385

Dividends per ordinary share – paid during the period (US cents)

  220.0  98.0  54.0  78.0  124.0   143.0  220.0  98.0  54.0  78.0 

Dividends per ordinary share – determined in respect of the period (US cents)

  235.0  118.0  83.0  30.0  124.0   120.0  235.0  118.0  83.0  30.0 

Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (US cents) (2)(3)

  160.3  69.6  110.7  (120.0 35.9   157.3  160.3  69.6  110.7  (120.0

Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (US cents) (2)(3)

  159.9  69.4  110.4  (120.0 35.8   157.0  159.9  69.4  110.4  (120.0

Basic earnings/(loss) from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents) (3)

  166.9  125.0  119.8  (10.2 119.6   157.3  166.9  125.0  119.8  (10.2

Diluted earnings/(loss) from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents) (3)

  166.5  124.6  119.5  (10.2 119.3   157.0  166.5  124.6  119.5  (10.2

Number of ordinary shares (million)

          

– At period end

  5,058  5,324  5,324  5,324  5,324   5,058  5,058  5,324  5,324  5,324 

– Weighted average

  5,180  5,323  5,323  5,322  5,318   5,057  5,180  5,323  5,323  5,322 
– Diluted  5,193  5,337  5,336  5,322  5,333   5,069  5,193  5,337  5,336  5,322 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (section 5.1.3) (4)

  

Total assets

  100,861  111,993  117,006  118,953  124,580   104,783  100,861  111,993  117,006  118,953 

Net assets

  51,824  60,670  62,726  60,071  70,545   52,246  51,824  60,670  62,726  60,071 

Share capital (including share premium)

  2,686  2,761  2,761  2,761  2,761   2,686  2,686  2,761  2,761  2,761 

Total equity attributable to BHP shareholders

  47,240  55,592  57,258  54,290  64,768   47,936  47,240  55,592  57,258  54,290 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (section 5.1.4)

          

Net operating cash flows (5)

  17,871  18,461  16,804  10,625  19,296   15,706  17,871  18,461  16,804  10,625 

Capital and exploration expenditure (6)

  7,566  6,753  5,220  7,711  13,412   7,640  7,566  6,753  5,220  7,711 

Other financial information

          

Net debt (7)(8)

  9,215  10,934  16,321  26,102  24,417   12,044  9,446  11,605  17,201  25,590 

Underlying attributable profit (7)

  9,124  8,933  6,732  1,215  7,109   9,060  9,124  8,933  6,732  1,215 

Underlying EBITDA (7)

  23,158  23,183  19,350  11,720  19,816   22,071  23,158  23,183  19,350  11,720 

Underlying EBIT (7)

  17,065  16,562  13,190  5,324  13,296   15,874  17,065  16,562  13,190  5,324 

Underlying basic earnings per share (US cents) (7)

  176.1  167.8  126.5  22.8  133.7   179.2  176.1  167.8  126.5  22.8 

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (per cent) (7)

  16.9  15.9  14.2  9.8  2.4 

 

(1)

FY2018 and FY2017 have been restated to reflect the impact of the accounting standard, IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which became effectivecame into effect from 1 July 2018 with restatements applied to comparative periods in section 5. FY2016 and FY2015 havehas not been restated. For more information on revenue, refer to note 2 ‘Revenue’ in section 5.

 

(2) 

Includes Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders.

 

(3)

For more information on earnings per share, refer to note 7 ‘Earnings per share’ in section 5.

 

98


(4) 

The Consolidated Balance Sheet for FY2018 includes the assets and liabilities held for sale in relation to Onshore US as IFRS 5/AASB 5‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ does not require the Consolidated Balance Sheet to be restated for comparative periods.

 

(5) 

Net operating cash flows are after dividends received, net interest paid and net taxation paid and includes Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations.

 

(6) 

Capital and exploration expenditure is presented on a cash basis and represents purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement in section 5 and includes purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from Discontinued operations. For more information, refer to note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5. Purchase of property, plant and equipment includes capitalised deferred stripping of US$1,022698 million for FY2019 (FY2018:FY2020 (FY2019: US$8801,022 million) and excludes capitalised interest. Exploration expenditure is capitalised in accordance with our accounting policies, as set out in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

 

(7) 

We use alternative performance measuresAlternative Performance Measures to reflect the underlying performance of the Group. Underlying attributable profit, and Underlying basic earnings per share and Underlying Return on Capital Employed includes Continuing and Discontinued operations. Refer to section 1.12.46.1 for a reconciliation of alternative performance measuresAlternative Performance Measures to their respective IFRS measure. Refer to section 1.12.56.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures.Alternative Performance Measures. Refer to note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5 for the composition of Net debt.

1.12.2

(8)

With effect from 1 July 2019, the net debt definition includes the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge cash and borrowings. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in net debt calculation. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from 1 July 2019, the current period ‘Total Interest bearing liabilities’ includes all leases under the new definition. The Group elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with no restatement of comparative periods. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5. Vessel lease contracts that are priced with reference to a freight index, which did not meet the definition of a lease under IAS 17, now meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16. These contracts are measured at each reporting date based on the prevailing freight index. The freight index has historically been volatile which creates significant short-term fluctuation in these liabilities. Continued volatility throughout FY2020 has meant that as of 1 January 2020, the Group excludes these liabilities from its net debt calculation.

1.10.2    Financial results

The following table expands on the Consolidated Income Statement in section 5.1.1, to provide more information on the revenue and expenses of the Group in FY2019.FY2020.

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
 2018
US$M
Restated
 2017
US$M
Restated
   2020
US$M
 2019
US$M
 2018
US$M
 

Continuing operations

        

Revenue (1)

   44,288  43,129  35,740    42,931  44,288  43,129 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other income

   393  247  662    777  393  247 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Employee benefits expense

   (4,032 (3,990 (3,694   (4,055 (4,032 (3,990

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

   (496 142  743    326  (496 142 

Raw materials and consumables used

   (4,591 (4,389 (3,830   (5,509 (4,591 (4,389

Freight and transportation

   (2,378 (2,294 (1,786   (1,981 (2,378 (2,294

External services

   (4,745 (4,786 (4,037   (4,404 (4,745 (4,786

Third party commodity purchases

   (1,069 (1,374 (1,060   (1,139 (1,069 (1,374

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

   147  93  (103   603  147  93 

Fair value of derivatives

   (422 (8 (208

Government royalties paid and payable

   (2,538 (2,168 (1,986   (2,362 (2,538 (2,168

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred and expensed in the current period

   (516 (641 (610   (517 (516 (641

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   (5,829 (6,288 (6,184   (6,112 (5,829 (6,288

Impairment of assets

   (264 (333 (193   (494 (264 (333

Operating lease rentals

   (405 (421 (391

Lease costs

   (675 (405 (421

All other operating expenses

   (1,306 (1,078 (989   (2,034 (1,298 (870
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,022 (27,527 (24,120   (28,775 (28,022 (27,527
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (546 147  272    (512 (546 147 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Profit from operations

   16,113  15,996  12,554    14,421  16,113  15,996 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net finance costs

   (1,064 (1,245 (1,417   (911 (1,064 (1,245

Total taxation expense

   (5,529 (7,007 (4,443   (4,774 (5,529 (7,007
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

   9,520  7,744  6,694    8,736  9,520  7,744 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Discontinued operations

        

Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations

   (335 (2,921 (472     (335 (2,921
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   9,185  4,823  6,222    8,736  9,185  4,823 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests

   879  1,118  332    780  879  1,118 

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   8,306  3,705  5,890    7,956  8,306  3,705 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes the sale of third party products.

Profit after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders increaseddecreased from a profit of US$3.7 billion in FY2018 to a profit of US$8.3 billion in FY2019.FY2019 to a profit of US$8.0 billion in FY2020.

Revenue of US$44.342.9 billion increaseddecreased by US$1.21.4 billion, or 3 per cent, from FY2018.FY2019. This increasedecrease was primarily attributable to lower average realised prices for coal, petroleum and copper, and lower volumes due to natural field decline at Petroleum and lower grade at Escondida and Spence, combined with planned maintenance across a number of our assets. This was partially offset by higher average realised prices for iron ore, petroleum and metallurgical coal, and higher sales volumes at WAIO as a result of record production at JimblebarWAIO, record average concentrator throughput at Escondida and the expiry of the Wheelarra Joint Venture. This was partially offset by lower average realised prices for copper and thermal coal, the impact from Tropical Cyclone Veronica and a train derailment at WAIO, lower volumes from Escondida (lower grade partially offset by record concentrator throughput) and Pampa Norte (fire at electrowinning plant at Spence and heavy rainfall), coupled with lower volumes from Petroleum due to planned Pyreneesdry-dock maintenance and natural field decline.improved operational stability. For information on our average realised prices and production of our commodities, refer to section 1.13.1.11.

99


Total expenses of US$28.028.8 billion increased by US$0.50.8 billion, or 23 per cent, from FY2018.FY2019. The increasedecrease in changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress of US$638822 million was primarily driven by higher recoveries at the leach pad andFY2019 inventory drawdowns as more ore was redirected to the concentratorsat Escondida in line with the Los Colorados Extension commissioning at Escondida, and inventory drawdown at Coal duecompared to Tropical Cyclone Trevor and general wet weather affecting all operations at Queensland Coal.planned rebuilds for operational stability following drawdowns in the prior year. Raw materials and consumables used increased by US$202918 million driven by higher diesel prices across the Group. Third party commodity purchases havecancellation of power contracts at Escondida and Spence as part of the shift towards 100 per cent renewable energy supply contracts. Freight and transportation decreased by US$305397 million driven primarily by a decrease in copper price. Government royalties paidthe adoption of IFRS 16 where freight costs related to continuous voyage charters were brought onto the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and payable have increased by US$370 million reflecting higher iron ore prices.depreciated. Depreciation and amortisation expense decreasedincreased by US$459283 million reflectingdriven by the adoption of IFRS 16 right-of-use assets partially offset by lower depreciation and amortisation at Petroleum (lowerin line with lower production at Shenzi andvolumes due to natural field decline. Impairment of assets increased by US$230 million driven by Cerro Colorado operations reflecting current mine plan. Other operating expenses increased by US$736 million driven by an increase in estimated remaining reserves at Atlantis) and lower depreciationdepletion of production stripping mainly at Escondida (increasedue to increased fine copper movement combined with closure provision adjustment for closed mines. Favourable movements in asset lifeforeign exchange (FX) affected the majority of the Escondida Water Supply project).cost categories.

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses of US$(546)(512) million hasin FY2020 decreased by US$69334 million from FY2018.FY2019. The decrease isreflects lower profits from Antamina and Cerrejón which was primarily due to lower prices and COVID-19-related outages offset by favourable FX movements on the Samarco dam failure provision updated assumptions relating to the fishing ban, financial assistance, compensation programs and resettlement of communities and Samarco Germano dam accelerated decommissioning provision following legislative changes in Brazil. This is coupled with lower coal production volumes at Cerrejón due to adverse weather and lower average realised prices for copper at Antamina in FY2019.provision.

Net finance costs of US$1.1 billion911 million decreased by US$0.2153 million, or 1514 per cent, from FY2018FY2019 mainly due to higherlower effective interest earned on increased term deposit holdingsrates and a lower average debt balance following the repayment on maturity of Group debt. For more information on net finance costs, refer to section 1.12.31.10.3 and note 1921 ‘Net debt’finance costs’ in section 5.

Total taxation expense of US$5.5 billion decreased4,774 million reduced by US$1.5 billion755 million from FY2018,FY2019. The decrease was primarily due to the impacts of thelower profits combined with FY2019 impacted by provisions for tax disputes and a higher net reduction in US tax reform in FY2018.credits related to Chilean taxes. For more information on income tax expense, refer to note 6 ‘Income tax expense’ in section 5.

Principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA

The following table describes the impact of the principal factors that affected Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA for FY2019FY2020 and relates them back to our Consolidated Income Statement. For information on the method of calculation of the principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA, refer to section 1.12.6.6.1.2.

With effect from 1 July 2019, the Change in volumes variance calculation has been changed to reference prior year price less variable unit cost instead of prior year Underlying EBITDA margin. This change to the Change in volumes variance calculation is offset in the Operating cash costs variance calculation. Management believes this amendment is useful because the entire impact of a Change in volumes will be reflected in one category instead of separately reporting the related fixed cost dilution impacts in the Operating cash costs category. Prior periods have not been restated for this change.

 

  Revenue
US$M
  Total expenses,
Other income
and (Loss)/profit
from equity
accounted
investments

US$M
  Profit from
operations

US$M
  Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments and
Exceptional
Items

US$M
  Underlying
EBITDA
US$M
 

Year ended 30 June 2018

     

Revenue

  43,129     

Other income

   247    

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (27,527   

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   147    
  

 

 

    

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and Profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (27,133   
   

 

 

   

Profit from operations

    15,996   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

     6,621  

Exceptional items

     566  
     

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

      23,183 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in sales prices

  1,591   (36  1,555      1,555 

Price-linked costs

     (353  (353     (353
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net price impact

  1,591   (389  1,202      1,202 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Productivity volumes

  304   (161  143      143 

Growth volumes

  (17  (58  (75     (75
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in volumes

  287   (219  68      68 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating cash costs

     (1,176  (1,176     (1,176

Exploration and business development

     142   142      142 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in controllable cash costs (2)

     (1,034  (1,034     (1,034
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

100


 Revenue
US$M
 Total expenses,
Other income
and (Loss)/profit
from equity
accounted
investments

US$M
 Profit from
operations

US$M
 Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments and
Exceptional
Items

US$M
 Underlying
EBITDA
US$M
 

Year ended 30 June 2019

     

Revenue

  44,288     

Other income

   393    

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,022   

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (546   
  

 

    

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and (Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (28,175   
   

 

   

Profit from operations

    16,113   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

     6,093  

Exceptional items

     952  
     

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

      23,158 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Change in sales prices

 (1,038 (54  (1,092     (1,092

Price-linked costs

    (12  (12     (12
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net price impact

 (1,038 (66  (1,104     (1,104
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Change in volumes

 (378 (34  (412     (412
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating cash costs

    223   223      223 

Exploration and business development

    (115  (115     (115
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Change in controllable cash costs (2)

    108   108      108 
 Revenue
US$M
 Total expenses,
Other income
and (Loss)/profit
from equity
accounted
investments

US$M
 Profit from
operations

US$M
 Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments and
Exceptional
Items

US$M
 Underlying
EBITDA
US$M
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Exchange rates

 (107 1,104   997      997  (66 1,020   954      954 

Inflation on costs

    (400  (400     (400    (298  (298     (298

Fuel and energy

    (180  (180     (180    77   77      77 

Non-cash

    81   81      81     (460  (460     (460

One-off items

 (350 (46  (396     (396 189  95   284      284 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Change in other costs

 (457 559   102      102  123  434   557      557 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Asset sales

    29   29      29     1   1      1 

Ceased and sold operations

 23  (264  (241     (241 (90 (328  (418     (418

Other

 (285 134   (151     (151 26  155   181      181 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

    528   528  (528   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

    (104  (104 104    

Exceptional items

    (386  (386 386        (501  (501 501    
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

     

Year ended 30 June 2020

     

Revenue

  44,288       42,931     

Other income

   393       777    

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,022      (28,775   

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (546      (512   
  

 

      

 

    

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and Profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (28,175   

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and (Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (28,510   
   

 

      

 

   

Profit from operations

    16,113       14,421   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

     6,093  

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

     6,606  

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

     (409 

Exceptional items

     952       1,453  
     

 

      

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

      23,158       22,071 

 

(1) 

Depreciation and impairments that we classify as exceptional items are excluded from depreciation, amortisation and impairments. Depreciation, amortisation and impairments includesnon-exceptional impairments of US$26485 million (FY2018:(FY2019: US$333264 million).

 

(2) 

Collectively, we refer to the change in operating cash costs and change in exploration and business development as change in controllable cash costs. Operating cash costs by definition do not includenon-cash costs. The change in operating cash costs also excludes the impact of exchange rates and inflation, changes in fuel and energy costs, changes in exploration and business development costs andone-off items. These items are excluded so as to provide a consistent measurement of changes in costs across all segments, based on the factors that are within the control and responsibility of the segment. Change in controllable cash costs and change in operating cash costs are not measures that are recognised by IFRS. They may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Higher

Lower average realised prices increaseddecreased Underlying EBITDA by US$1.61.1 billion in FY2019FY2020 reflecting higher iron ore,lower average realised prices for metallurgical and energy coal, petroleum and metallurgical coal prices,copper, partially offset by lower copperhigher average realised prices for iron ore and thermal coal prices. This was partially offset by an increase to price-linked costs of US$353 million mainly reflecting higher royalty charges.nickel.

ProductivityChange in volumes indecreased Underlying EBITDA improved by US$143412 million primarily as a result of record production at WAIO, Caval Ridge and Poitrel, record average concentrator throughput at Escondida and improved operational stability following the Los Colorados Extension commissioningprior period impacts of unplanned outages. These favourable movements were more than offset by the impacts from planned maintenance across a number of our assets (Queensland Coal, WAIO), unfavourable weather (Queensland Coal, WAIO, NSWEC), a change in product strategy at NSWEC to focus on higher-quality products, lower grade at Escondida and increased sales volumesSpence and Petroleum natural field decline across the portfolio.

Lower costs reflect strong cost performance driven by consumption efficiencies at WAIO (record production at JimblebarEscondida, favourable inventory movements across our assets in line with mine plans and improved material handling and equipment reliability),planned rebuilds for operational stability following drawdowns in the prior year, supported by further reductions in overheads, partially offset by lower head gradeincreased planned maintenance activities at Escondida,a number of assets during the WAIO train derailment and fire at the Spence electrowinning plant.year. This was partially offset by US$75 million lower growth volumes at Petroleum due to planned Pyreneesdry-dock maintenance, higher gas to liquids production mix and natural field decline partially offset by higher uptime in the US Gulf of Mexico and Australia and increased tax barrels in Trinidad and Tobago.

Higher costs reflect unfavourable fixed cost dilution related to unplanned production outages at Olympic Dam, WAIO, Spence and Nickel West during the first half of FY2019, higher strip ratios and contractor stripping costs at our Australian coal operations, inventory drawdowns related to the Los Colorados Extension commissioning, increased maintenance activities, partially offset by the benefit from higher overall volumes at Olympic Dam as a result of the smelter maintenance campaign in the prior year. This was partially offset by lower Petroleum exploration expense (the Ocean Bottom Node survey acquisitionbusiness development costs in Mexico following the Gulf of Mexico were less than the prior year impact of expensing the Scimitar well) and lower study costs (following development approval of the Escondida Water Supply Extension project in March 2018).

Overall, underlying improvements in productivity of US$1.0 billion were offset by the impact of unplanned production outagessuccessful exploration program at Olympic Dam, WAIO, Spence and Nickel West of US$0.8 billion during the December 2018 half year; higher than expected unit costs at Queensland Coal (lower volumes, wet weather and increased contractor stripping costs), New South Wales Energy Coal (higher strip ratio and contractor stripping costs) and Nickel West (mine plan changes) of US$0.4 billion; and grade decline in copper of US$0.8 billion.Trion.

A stronger US dollar against the Australian dollar and Chilean peso increased Underlying EBITDA by US$997954 million during the period.

Non-cash reflects higher deferred stripping depletion and lower overburden movement in line with mine plan at Escondida, decreasing Underlying EBITDA by US$460 million.

101Higher ceased and sold operations reflects higher closure and rehabilitation provision adjustments for closed mines of US$362 million, sale of our interests in the Bruce and Keith oil and gas fields in the prior period, and cessation of operations at Minerva in FY2020.

Other includes the favourable impacts from the first year of application of IFRS 16 Leases offset by lower profits from our equity accounted investments (Antamina and Cerrejón) due to lower prices and COVID-19 related outages.


Cash flow

The following table provides a summary of the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement contained in section 5.1.4 to show the key sources and uses of cash during the periods presented:

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
 2018
US$M
 2017
US$M
   2020
US$M
 2019
US$M
 2018
US$M
 

Cash generated from operations

   23,428  22,949  18,612    22,268  23,428  22,949 

Dividends received

   516  709  636    137  516  709 

Net interest paid

   (903 (887 (984   (840 (903 (887

Proceeds/(settlements) of cash management related instruments

   296  (292 (140   85  296  (292

Net taxation paid

   (5,940 (4,918 (2,248   (5,944 (5,940 (4,918
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations

   17,397  17,561  15,876    15,706  17,397  17,561 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations

   474  900  928      474  900 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   17,871  18,461  16,804    15,706  17,871  18,461 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (6,250 (4,979 (3,697   (6,900 (6,250 (4,979

Exploration expenditure

   (873 (874 (966   (740 (873 (874
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Subtotal: Capital and exploration expenditure

   (7,123 (5,853 (4,663   (7,640 (7,123 (5,853
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Exploration expenditure expensed and included in operating cash flows

   516  641  610    517  516  641 

Net investment and funding of equity accounted investments

   (630 204  (234   (618 (630 204 

Other investing activities

   (140 (52 563    125  (140 (52
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (7,377 (5,060 (3,724   (7,616 (7,377 (5,060
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Discontinued operations

   (443 (861 (437     (443 (861

Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash

   10,427            10,427    
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net investing cash flows

   2,607  (5,921 (4,161   (7,616 2,607  (5,921
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net repayment of interest bearing liabilities

   (2,514 (3,878 (5,501   (1,690 (2,514 (3,878

Sharebuy-back – BHP Group Limited

   (5,220           (5,220   

Dividends paid

   (11,395 (5,220 (2,921   (6,876 (11,395 (5,220

Dividends paid tonon-controlling interests

   (1,198 (1,582 (575   (1,043 (1,198 (1,582

Other financing activities

   (188 (171 (108   (143 (188 (171
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (20,515 (10,851 (9,105   (9,752 (20,515 (10,851
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Discontinued operations

   (13 (40 (28     (13 (40
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net financing cash flows

   (20,528 (10,891 (9,133   (9,752 (20,528 (10,891
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (10,477 1,649  3,510    (1,662 (10,477 1,649 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing operations

   (10,495 1,650  3,047    (1,662 (10,495 1,650 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations

   18  (1 463      18  (1
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash inflowsof US$17.915.7 billion decreased by US$0.62.2 billion. This decrease reflects increased costs (including outagesweaker commodity prices in coal and weather impact)petroleum and higher Australianfield and Chilean income tax payments in FY2019grade declines, partially offset by strong commoditystronger iron ore prices and record production from several of our operations.strong underlying performance across the portfolio.

Net investing cash inflowsoutflowsof US$2.67.6 billion increased by US$8.510.2 billion. The increaseThis reflects the proceeds from the divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash in FY2019, partially offset by continued investment in high-return latent capacity projects and increased investment in South Flank, Spence Growth Option and Mad Dog Phase 2 and the Spence Growth Option. Higher net investment and funding of equity accounted investments relate to the FY2018 cash receipt from Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group not repeating in FY2019 and investment in SolGold and Resolution.FY2020.

For more information and a breakdown of capital and exploration expenditure on a commodity basis, refer to section 1.13.1.11.

Net financing cash outflows of US$20.59.8 billion increaseddecreased by US$9.610.8 billion. This reflects theoff-marketbuy-backoff-market buy-back of BHP Group Limited shares of US$5.2 billion in December 2018, the special dividend of US$5.2 billion paid in January 2019 from the Onshore US asset sale (net proceeds) and higher dividends to BHP shareholders of US$1.0 billion partially offset by, lower repayments of interest bearing liabilities of US$1.60.8 billion and lower dividends tonon-controlling interests of US$0.40.2 billion, partially offset by higher dividends to BHP shareholders in FY2020 of US$0.7 billion.

For more information, refer to section 1.12.31.10.3 and note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5.

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 16.9 per cent increased by 1.0 per cent (FY2019: 15.9 per cent) reflecting the impact of the sale of Onshore US in FY2018. The Return on Capital Employed in FY2020 includes US$12.5 billion of Assets under Construction (average of ending balances for FY2020 of US$13.8 billion and FY2019 of US$11.1 billion) including major projects in Potash, Spence Growth Option, South Flank and Mad Dog which are not yet producing their planned contribution to earnings.

For more information on Assets under Construction refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Comparisons for the year ended 30 June 20182019 to 30 June 20172018 in connection with financialFinancial results, principalPrincipal factors affectingthat affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA and cashCash flow have been omitted from thisForm 20-F, but can be found in ourForm 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2018,2019, filed on 1817 September 2018.

1022019.


1.12.31.10.3    Debt and sources of liquidity

Our policies on debt and liquidity management have the following objectives:

 

a strong balance sheet through the cycle;cycle

 

diversification of funding sources;sources

 

maintain borrowings and excess cash predominantly in US dollars.dollars

Interest bearing liabilities, net debt and gearing

At the end of FY2019,FY2020, Interest bearing liabilities were US$24.827.0 billion (FY2018:(FY2019: US$26.824.8 billion) and Cash and cash equivalents were US$15.613.4 billion (FY2018:(FY2019: US$15.915.6 billion). This resulted in net debt(1) of US$9.212.0 billion, which represented a decreasean increase of US$1.72.6 billion compared with the net debt position at 30 June 2018.2019 primarily due to the application of IFRS 16. Gearing, which is the ratio of net debt to net debt plus net assets, was 15.118.7 per cent at 30 June 2019,2020, compared with 15.315.4 per cent at 30 June 2018.2019.

During FY2019,FY2020, the Group continued to reduce its debt. This included the decisiondecided not to refinance US$2.40.9 billion of Group-level debt (being €1.3(consisting of an A$1.0 billion bond and the remaining amount of European medium-term notes and US$0.8 billion of senior notes which matured in November 2018 and April 2019 respectively)the €600 million bond that matured). This both extended BHP’s average debt maturity profile and enhanced BHP’s capital structure.

At the subsidiary level, Escondida has refinanced US$0.30.5 billion of maturing long-term debt.

Funding sources

No new Group-level debt was issued in FY2019FY2020 and debt that matured during the year was not refinanced.

Our Group-level borrowing facilities are not subject to financial covenants. Certain specific financing facilities in relation to specific assets are the subject of financial covenants that vary from facility to facility, but this would be considered normal for such facilities. In addition to the Group’s uncommitted debt issuance programs, we hold the following committed standby facilities:

 

  Facility
available
2019

US$M
   Drawn
2019
US$M
   Undrawn
2019
US$M
   Facility
available
2018
US$M
   Drawn
2018
US$M
   Undrawn
2018
US$M
   Facility
available
2020

US$M
   Drawn
2020
US$M
   Undrawn
2020
US$M
   Facility
available
2019
US$M
   Drawn
2019
US$M
   Undrawn
2019
US$M
 

Revolving credit facility (2)

   6,000        6,000    6,000        6,000    5,500        5,500    6,000        6,000 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total financing facilities

   6,000        6,000    6,000        6,000    5,500        5,500    6,000        6,000 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

We use alternative performance measuresAlternative Performance Measures to reflect the underlying financial performance of BHP, refer to section 1.12.4.6.1. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 1.12.5.6.1.1. For the composition of net debt, refer to note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5.

 

(2) 

BHP’s revolving credit facility was refinanced on 10 October 2019 and is due to mature on 10 October 2024. The committed US$6.05.5 billion revolving credit facility operates as a back-stop to the Group’s uncommitted commercial paper program. The combined amount drawn under the facility or as commercial paper will not exceed US$6.05.5 billion. As at 30 June 2019,2020, US$ nil commercial paper was drawn (FY2018:(FY2019: US$ nil), therefore US$6.05.5 billion of committed facility was available to use (FY2018:(FY2019: US$6.0 billion). The revolving credit facility expires on 7 May 2021. A commitment fee is payable on the undrawn balance and an interest rate comprising an interbank rate plus a margin applies to any drawn balance. The agreed margins are typical for a credit facility extended to a company with BHP’s credit rating.

For more information on the maturity profile of our debt obligations and details of our standby and support agreements, refer to note 2122 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.

In BHP’s opinion, working capital is sufficient for its present requirements. BHP’s credit ratings are currentlyA2/P-1 outlook stable (Moody’s – long-term/short-term) andA/A-1 outlook stable (Standard & Poor’s – long-term/short-term). A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by an assigning rating agency. Any rating should be evaluated independently of any other information.

103


The following table expands on the net debt, to provide more information on the cash andnon-cash movements in FY2019.FY2020.

 

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
 2018
US$M
   2020
US$M
 2019
US$M
 

Net debt at the beginning of the financial year

    (10,934  (16,321    (9,446  (11,605
   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   17,871   18,461     15,706   17,871  

Net investing cash flows

   2,607   (5,921    (7,616  2,607  
  

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Free cash flow

    20,478   12,540     8,090   20,478 
   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

Carrying value of interest bearing liability repayments

   2,351   3,573     1,533   2,351  

Net settlements of interest bearing liabilities and debt related instruments

   (2,514  (3,878    (1,984  (2,781 

Sharebuy-back – BHP Group Limited

   (5,220           (5,220 

Dividends paid

   (11,395  (5,220    (6,876  (11,395 

Dividends paid tonon-controlling interests

   (1,198  (1,582    (1,043  (1,198 

Other financing activities (1)

   (201  (211    (143  (201 
   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

Other cash movements

    (18,177  (7,318    (8,513  (18,444
   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

Interest rate movements(2)

   (729  353  

Foreign exchange impacts on debt(3)

   311   (245 

Foreign exchange impacts on cash(3)

   (170  56  

Fair value adjustment on debt (including debt related instruments) (2)

   88   44  

Foreign exchange impacts on cash (including cash management related instruments)

   (26  94  

IFRS 16 leases taken on at 1 July

   (1,778     

Lease additions

   (363     

Others

   6   1     (96  (13 
   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

Non-cash movements

    (582  165     (2,175  125 
   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

Net debt at the end of the financial year

    (9,215  (10,934

Net debt at the end of the financial year (3)

    (12,044  (9,446
   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

Other financing activities mainly comprises purchases of shares by Employee Share Option Plan trusts of US$188143 million (FY2018:(FY2019: US$171188 million).

 

(2) 

InterestThe Group hedges against the volatility in both exchange and interest rates on debt, and also exchange on cash, with associated movements in derivatives reported in Other financial assets/liabilities as effective hedged derivatives (cross currency and interest rate movements reflect the movementswaps), in the markaccordance with accounting standards. For more information, refer to market (fair value) adjustment of corporate bond interest rates.note 22 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.

 

(3) 

Foreign exchange impacts reflectIncludes US$1,633 million of additional leases due to the revaluationimplementation of local currency debt and cash to US dollars, the Group’s functional currency.IFRS 16.

The Group hedges against the volatility in both exchange and interest rates on debt, and also exchange on cash, with associated movements in derivatives reported in Other financial assets/liabilities as effective hedged derivatives (cross currency and interest rate swaps), in accordance with accounting standards. For more information, refer to note 21 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 20182019 to 30 June 20172018 has been omitted from this Form20-F, but can be found in our Form20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2018,2019, filed on 1817 September 2018.2019.

1.12.41.10.4    Alternative performance measuresPerformance Measures

We use various alternative performance measuresAlternative Performance Measures (APMs) to reflect our underlying performance.

These indicatorsAPMs are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS, but are derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The APMs are consistent with how management reviews financial performance of the Group with the Board and the investment community.

Section 1.12.56.1, which is incorporated into the Strategic Report by reference, includes our APMs and Section 6.1.1 outlines why we believe the APMs are useful and the calculation methodology. We believe these APMs provide useful information, but they should not be considered as an indication of, or as a substitute for, statutory measures as an indicator of actual operating performance such(such as profit or net operating cash flowflow) or any other measure of financial performance or position presented in accordance with IFRS, or as a measure of a company’s profitability, liquidity or financial position.

The following tables provide reconciliations between the APMs and their nearest respective IFRS measure.

The measures and below reconciliations included in this section for the year ended 30 June 2019 and comparative periods are unaudited and have been derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exceptional items

To improve the comparability of underlying financial performance between reporting periods, some of our APMs adjust the relevant IFRS measures for exceptional items. For more information on exceptional items, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

Exceptional items are those gains or losses where their nature, including the expected frequency of the events giving rise to them, and amount is considered material to the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The exceptional items included within the Group’s profit from Continuing and Discontinued operations for the fiscal year are detailed below.

104


Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
  2017
US$M
 

Continuing operations

    

Revenue

          

Other income

   50      169 

Expenses excluding net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments

   (57  (57  (416

Depreciation and amortisation

         (212

Net impairments

         (5

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (945  (509  (172
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) from operations

   (952  (566  (636
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financial expenses

   (108  (84  (127

Financial income

          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net finance costs

   (108  (84  (127
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) before taxation

   (1,060  (650  (763
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income tax benefit/(expense)

   242   (2,320  (243

Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)

          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total taxation benefit/(expense)

   242   (2,320  (243
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing operations

   (818  (2,970  (1,006
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

    

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Discontinued operations

      (2,258   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   (818  (5,228  (1,006
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total exceptional items attributable tonon-controlling interests

         (164

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders

   (818  (5,228  (842
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders per share (US cents)

   (15.8  (98.2  (15.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted basic average number of shares (Million)

   5,180   5,323   5,323 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

105


APMs derived from Consolidated Income Statement

Underlying attributable profit

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
   2017
US$M
 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders

   8,306    3,705    5,890 

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders(1)

   818    5,228    842 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying attributable profit

   9,124    8,933    6,732 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

Underlying attributable profit – Continuing operations

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
  2017
US$M
 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders

   8,306    3,705   5,890 

Loss attributable to members of BHP for Discontinued operations

   342    2,947   485 

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders(1)

   818    5,228   842 

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders for Discontinued operations(1)

       (2,258   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying attributable profit – Continuing operations

   9,466    9,622   7,217 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

Underlying basic earnings per share

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US cents
   2018
US cents
   2017
US cents
 

Basic earnings per ordinary share

   160.3    69.6    110.7 

Exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders per share(1)

   15.8    98.2    15.8 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying basic earnings per ordinary share

   176.1    167.8    126.5 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

Underlying EBITDA

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
   2017
US$M
 

Profit from operations

   16,113    15,996    12,554 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)

   952    566    636 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying EBIT

   17,065    16,562    13,190 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   5,829    6,288    6,184 

Net impairments

   264    333    193 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)

           (217
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   23,158    23,183    19,350 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

Underlying EBITDA – Segment

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

  Petroleum   Copper   Iron Ore   Coal   Group and
unallocated
items/
elimination (2)
  Total Group 

Profit from operations

   2,220    2,587    8,426    3,400    (520  16,113 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)

           971        (19  952 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   1,560    1,835    1,653    632    149   5,829 

Net impairments

   21    128    79    35    1   264 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments(1)

                       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,801    4,550    11,129    4,067    (389  23,158 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

106


Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

  Petroleum   Copper  Iron Ore   Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
elimination (2)
  Total Group 

Profit from operations

   1,546    4,389   6,656    3,682   (277  15,996 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations(1)

          539       27   566 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   1,719    1,920   1,721    686   242   6,288 

Net impairments

   76    213   14    29   1   333 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

                     
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,341    6,522   8,930    4,397   (7  23,183 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2017

US$M

  Petroleum   Copper  Iron Ore   Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
elimination (2)
  Total Group 

Profit from operations

   1,367    1,460   6,994    3,214   (481  12,554 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations (1)

       546   203    (164  51   636 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   1,648    1,737   1,828    719   252   6,184 

Net impairments

   102    14   52    20   5   193 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

       (212      (5     (217
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,117    3,545   9,077    3,784   (173  19,350 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

(2)

Group and unallocated items includes functions and other unallocated operations, including Potash and Nickel West and consolidation adjustments.

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

  Profit from
operations
  Exceptional
items
included in
profit from
operations (1)
  Depreciation
and
amortisation
   Net
impairments
   Exceptional
item included
in Depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairments (1)
   Underlying
EBITDA
 

Potash

   (131     4            (127

Nickel West

   91      11            102 

Corporate and eliminations

   (480  (19  134    1        (364
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (520  (19  149    1        (389
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

  Profit from
operations
  Exceptional
items
included in
profit from
operations (1)
  Depreciation
and
amortisation
   Net
impairments
   Exceptional item
included
in Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments (1)
   Underlying
EBITDA
 

Potash

   (139     4            (135

Nickel West

   215      76            291 

Corporate and eliminations

   (353  27   162    1        (163
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (277  27   242    1        (7
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2017

US$M

  Profit from
operations
  Exceptional
items
included in
profit from
operations (1)
  Depreciation
and
amortisation
   Net
impairments
   Exceptional item
included
in Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments(1)
   Underlying
EBITDA
 

Potash

   (118     5    5        (108

Nickel West

   (43     87            44 

Corporate and eliminations

   (320  51   160            (109
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (481  51   252    5        (173
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

107


Underlying EBITDA margin

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

  Petroleum  Copper  Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/

elimination (4)
  Total Group 

Revenue – Group production

   5,920   9,729   17,223   9,102   1,116   43,090 

Revenue – Third party products

   10   1,109   32   19   28   1,198 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue

   5,930   10,838   17,255   9,121   1,144   44,288 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA – Group production(1)

   3,801   4,434   11,115   4,068   (389  23,029 

Underlying EBITDA – Third party products(1)

      116   14   (1     129 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,801   4,550   11,129   4,067   (389  23,158 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA(2)

   16  19  48  17   100

Underlying EBITDA margin(3)

   64  46  65  45   53

Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

  Petroleum  Copper  Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
elimination (4)
  Total Group 

Revenue – Group production

   5,396   11,432   14,756   8,887   1,222   41,693 

Revenue – Third party products

   12   1,349   54   2   19   1,436 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue

   5,408   12,781   14,810   8,889   1,241   43,129 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA – Group production(1)

   3,340   6,462   8,929   4,398   (8  23,121 

Underlying EBITDA – Third party products(1)

   1   60   1   (1  1   62 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,341   6,522   8,930   4,397   (7  23,183 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA (2)

   14  28  39  19   100

Underlying EBITDA margin(3)

   62  57  61  49   55

Year ended 30 June 2017

US$M

  Petroleum  Copper  Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
elimination (4)
  Total Group 

Revenue – Group production

   4,713   6,930   14,543   7,578   867   34,631 

Revenue – Third party products

   9   1,012   81      7   1,109 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue

   4,722   7,942   14,624   7,578   874   35,740 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA – Group production(1)

   3,114   3,522   9,054   3,784   (173  19,301 

Underlying EBITDA – Third party products(1)

   3   23   23         49 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,117   3,545   9,077   3,784   (173  19,350 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA (2)

   16  18  47  19   100

Underlying EBITDA margin(3)

   66  51  62  50   56

(1)

We differentiate sales of our production from sales of third party products to better measure the operational profitability of our operations as a percentage of revenue. These tables show the breakdown between our production and third party products, which is necessary for the calculation of the Underlying EBITDA margin and margin on third party products.

We engage in third party trading for the following reasons:

Production variability and occasional shortfalls from our assets means that we sometimes source third party materials to ensure a steady supply of product to our customers.

To optimise our supply chain outcomes, we may buy physical product from third parties.

To support the development of liquid markets, we will sometimes source third party physical product and manage risk through both the physical and financial markets.

(2)

Percentage contribution to Group Underlying EBITDA, excluding Group and unallocated items.

(3)

Underlying EBITDA margin excludes third party products.

(4)

Group and unallocated items includes functions and other unallocated operations, including Potash and Nickel West and consolidation adjustments. Revenue not attributable to reportable segments comprises the sale of freight and fuel to third parties. Exploration and technology activities are recognised within relevant segments.

108


Effective tax rate

  2019  2018  2017 

Year ended 30 June

 Profit before
taxation

US$M
  Income tax
expense

US$M
  %  Profit before
taxation
US$M
  Income tax
expense
US$M
  %  Profit before
taxation
US$M
  Income tax
expense
US$M
  % 

Statutory effective tax rate

  15,049   (5,529  36.7   14,751   (7,007  47.5   11,137   (4,443  39.9 

Adjusted for:

         

Exchange rate movements

     (25      (152      88  

Exceptional items(1)

  1,060   (242   650   2,320    763   243  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted effective tax rate

  16,109   (5,796  36.0   15,401   (4,839  31.4   11,900   (4,112  34.6 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.

APMs derived from Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Capital and exploration expenditure

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
   2017
US$M
 

Capital expenditure (purchases of property, plant and equipment)

   6,250    4,979    3,697 

Add: Exploration expenditure

   873    874    966 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and exploration expenditure (cash basis) – Continuing operations

   7,123    5,853    4,663 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and exploration expenditure – Discontinued operations

   443    900    555 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and exploration expenditure (cash basis) – Total operations

   7,566    6,753    5,218 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
  2017
US$M
 

Net operating cash flows

   17,871    18,461   16,804 

Net investing cash flows

   2,607    (5,921  (4,161
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   20,478    12,540   12,643 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flow – Continuing operations

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
  2017
US$M
 

Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations

   17,397   17,561   15,876 

Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (7,377  (5,060  (3,724
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flow – Continuing operations

   10,020   12,501   12,152 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

109


APMs derived from Consolidated Balance Sheet

Net debt and gearing ratio

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Interest bearing liabilities – Current

   1,661   2,736 

Interest bearing liabilities – Non current

   23,167   24,069 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest bearing liabilities

   24,828   26,805 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

   15,613   15,871 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net debt

   9,215   10,934 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets

   51,824   60,670 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gearing

   15.1  15.3

Net debt waterfall

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Net debt at the beginning of the period

   (10,934  (16,321
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   17,871   18,461 

Net investing cash flows

   2,607   (5,921

Net financing cash flows

   (20,528  (10,891
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   (50  1,649 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying value of interest bearing liability repayments

   2,351   3,573 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest rate movements

   (729  353 

Foreign exchange impacts on debt

   311   (245

Foreign exchange impacts on cash

   (170  56 

Others

   6   1 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-cash movements

   (582  165 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net debt at the end of the period

   (9,215  (10,934
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

110


Net operating assets

The following table reconciles Net operating assets for the Group to Net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet:

Year ended 30 June

  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Net assets

   51,824   60,670 

Less:Non-operating assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

   (15,613  (15,871

Trade and other receivables (1)

   (222  (36

Other financial assets (2)

   (1,188  (974

Current tax assets

   (124  (106

Deferred tax assets

   (3,764  (4,041

Assets held for sale (3)

      (11,939
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Add:Non-operating liabilities

   

Trade and other payables (4)

   328   363 

Interest bearing liabilities

   24,828   26,805 

Other financial liabilities (5)

   1,020   1,218 

Current tax payable

   1,546   1,773 

Non-current tax payable

   187   137 

Deferred tax liabilities

   3,234   3,472 

Liabilities held for sale (3)

      1,222 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating assets

   62,056   62,693 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating assets

   

Petroleum

   7,228   8,052 

Copper

   24,088   23,679 

Iron Ore

   17,486   18,320 

Coal

   9,674   9,853 

Group and unallocated items (6)

   3,580   2,789 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   62,056   62,693 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Represents loans to associates of US$33 million (FY2018: US$13 million), external finance receivable and accrued interest receivable of US$51 million (FY2018: US$23 million) included within other receivables.

(2)

Represents cross currency and interest rate swaps, forward exchange contracts of US$35 million (FY2018: US$140 million) and investment in shares and other investments (refer to note 21 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5) included in other financial assets.

(3)

Represents Onshore US assets and liabilities treated as held for sale.

(4)

Represents accrued interest payable included within other payables.

(5)

Represents cross currency and interest rate swaps (refer to note 21 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5) included in other financial liabilities.

(6)

Group and unallocated items include functions and other unallocated operations including Potash and Nickel West and consolidation adjustments.

111


1.12.5    Definition and calculation of alternative performance measures

Alternative performance measure (APM)Reasons why we believe the APMs are
useful
Calculation methodology

Underlying attributable profit

Allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items and is a performance indicator against which short-term incentive outcomes for our senior executives are measured. It is also the basis on which our dividend payout ratio policy is applied.Profit after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders excluding any exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders.

Underlying basic earnings per share

On a per share basis, allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.Underlying attributable profit divided by the weighted basic average number of shares.

Underlying EBITDA

Used to help assess current operational profitability excluding the impacts of sunk costs (i.e. depreciation from initial investment). Each is a measure that management uses internally to assess the performance of the Group’s segments and make decisions on the allocation of resources.Earnings before net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and exceptional items. Underlying EBITDA includes BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments and taxation expense/(benefit).

Underlying EBITDA margin

Underlying EBITDA excluding third party product EBITDA, divided by revenue excluding third party product revenue.

Underlying EBIT

Used to help assess current operational profitability excluding net finance costs and taxation expense (each of which are managed at the Group level), as well as Discontinued operations and any exceptional items.Earnings before net finance costs, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and any exceptional items. Underlying EBIT includes BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs and taxation expense/(benefit).

Capital and exploration expenditure

Used as part of our Capital Allocation Framework to assess efficient deployment of capital. Represents the total outflows of our operational investing expenditure.Purchases of property, plant and equipment and exploration expenditure.

Free cash flow

It is a key measure used as part of our Capital Allocation Framework. Reflects our operational cash performance inclusive of investment expenditure, which helps to highlight how much cash was generated in the period to be available for the servicing of debt and distribution to shareholders.Net operating cash flows less Net investing cash flows.

Net debt

Net debt shows the position of gross debt offset by cash immediately available to pay debt if required. Net debt, along with the gearing ratio, is used to monitor the Group’s capital management by relating Net debt relative to equity from shareholders.Interest bearing liabilities less Cash and cash equivalents for the Group at the reporting date.

Gearing ratio

Ratio of Net debt to Net debt plus Net assets.

Net operating assets

Enables a clearer view of the physical assets deployed to generate earnings by highlighting the net operating assets of the business separate from the financing and tax balances. This measure helps provide an indicator of the underlying performance of our assets and enhances comparability between them.Operating assets net of operating liabilities, including the carrying value of equity accounted investments and predominantly excludes cash balances, loans to associates, interest bearing liabilities, derivatives hedging our debt and tax balances.

112


Alternative performance measure (APM)Reasons why we believe the APMs are
useful
Calculation methodology

Adjusted effective tax rate

Provides an underlying tax rate to allow comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.Total taxation expense/(benefit) excluding exceptional items and exchange rate movements included in taxation expense/(benefit) divided by Profit before taxation and exceptional items.

Unit cost

Used to assess the controllable financial performance of the Group’s assets for each unit of production. Unit costs are adjusted for site specificnon-controllable factors to enhance comparability between the Group’s assets.

Ratio of Net costs of the assets to the equity share of sales tonnage. Net costs is defined as revenue less Underlying EBITDA and excludes freight and other costs, depending on the nature of each asset. Freight is excluded as the Group believes it provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group.

Conventional petroleum unit costs exclude:

•   exploration, development and evaluation expense as these costs do not represent our cost performance in relation to current production and the Group believes it provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group;

•   other costs that do not represent underlying cost performance of the business.

Escondida unit costs exclude:

•   by-product credits being the favourable impact ofby-products (such as gold or silver) to determine the directly attributable costs of copper production.

WAIO, Queensland Coal and NSWEC unit cash costs exclude royalties as these are costs that are not deemed to be under the Group’s control, and the Group believes exclusion provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group.

See section 1.13 for unit cost information.

1.12.6    Definition and calculation of principal factors

The method of calculation of the principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA is as follows:

Principal factorMethod of calculation

Change in sales prices

Change in average realised price for each operation from the prior period to the current period, multiplied by current period sales volumes.

Price-linked costs

Change in price-linked costs (mainly royalties) for each operation from the prior period to the current period, multiplied by current period sales volumes.

Productivity volumes

Change in sales volumes for each operation not included in the Growth category from the prior period to the current period, multiplied by the prior year Underlying EBITDA margin.

Growth volumes

Comprises: (1) Underlying EBITDA for operations that are new or acquired in the current period minus Underlying EBITDA for operations that are new or acquired in the prior period; (2) change in sales volumes for operations identified as a growth project from the prior period to the current period multiplied by the prior year Underlying EBITDA margin; and (3) change in sales volumes for our petroleum assets from the prior period to the current period multiplied by the prior year Underlying EBITDA margin.

Controllable cash costs

Total of operating cash costs and exploration and business development costs.

Operating cash costs

Change in total costs, other than price-linked costs, exchange rates, inflation on costs, fuel and energy costs,non-cash costs andone-off items as defined below for each operation from the prior period to the current period.

Exploration and business development

Exploration and business development expense in the current period minus exploration and business development expense in the prior period.

Exchange rates

Change in exchange rate multiplied by current period local currency revenue and expenses.

Inflation on costs

Change in inflation rate applied to expenses, other than depreciation and amortisation, price-linked costs, exploration and business development expenses, expenses in ceased and sold operations and expenses in new and acquired operations.

113


Principal factorMethod of calculation

Fuel and energy

Fuel and energy expense in the current period minus fuel and energy expense in the prior period.

Non-cash

Change in net impact of capitalisation and depletion of deferred stripping from the prior period to the current period.

One-off items

Change in costs exceeding apre-determined threshold associated with an unexpected event that had not occurred in the last two years and is not reasonably likely to occur within the next two years.

Asset sales

Profit/(loss) on the sale of assets or operations in the current period minus profit/(loss) on sale of assets or operations in the prior period.

Ceased and sold operations

Underlying EBITDA for operations that ceased or were sold in the current period minus Underlying EBITDA for operations that ceased or were sold in the prior period.

Share of operating profit from equity accounted investments

Share of operating profit from equity accounted investments for the current period minus share of operating profit from equity accounted investments in the prior period.

Other

Variances not explained by the above factors.

Productivity comprises changes in controllable cash costs, changes in volumes attributed to productivity and changes in capitalised exploration (being capitalised exploration in the current period less capitalised exploration in the prior period as reported in the cash flow statement).

114


1.131.11    Performance by commodity

Management believes the following financial information presented by commodity provides a meaningful indication of the underlying financial performance of the assets, including equity accounted investments, of each reportable segment. Information relating to assets that are accounted for as equity accounted investments areis shown to reflect BHP’s share, unless otherwise noted, to provide insight into the drivers of these assets.

For the purposes of this financial information, segments are reported on a statutory basis in accordance with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. The tables for each commodity include an ‘adjustment for equity accounted investments’ to reconcile the equity accounted results to the statutory segment results.

For a reconciliation of alternative performance measures to their respective IFRS measure and an explanation as to the use of Underlying EBITDA and Underlying EBIT in assessing our performance, refer to section 1.12.4.6.1. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 1.12.5.6.1.1. For more information as to the statutory determination of our reportable segments, refer to note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 5.

Unit costs (1) is one of the financial measures used to monitor the performance of our individual assets and is included in the analysis of each reportable segment.

1.13.1

(1)

For more information on alternative performance measures, refer to section 6.1.

1.11.1    Petroleum

Detailed below is financial information for our Petroleum assets excluding Onshore US for FY2019 and FY2018 and an analysis of Petroleum’s financial performance for FY2019FY2020 compared with FY2018.FY2019.

 

Year ended

30 June 2019

US$M

  Revenue (1)  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (8)
  Capital
expenditure
   Exploration
gross (2)
   Exploration
to profit (3)
 

Australia Production Unit (4)

   507   332   192   140   513   13     

Bass Strait

   1,237   915   427   488   2,217   32     

North West Shelf

   1,657   1,220   298   922   1,371   106     

Atlantis

   979   824   261   563   1,060   31     

Shenzi

   540   437   151   286   658   30     

Mad Dog

   319   268   59   209   1,232   362     

Trinidad/Tobago

   287   181   56   125   302   23     

Algeria

   258   201   26   175   49   7     

Exploration

      (388  58   (446  1,039        

Other (5)

   153   73   55   18   (109  41     
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum from Group production

   5,937   4,063   1,583   2,480   8,332   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closed mines (6)

      (260     (260  (1,104       

Third party products

   10                    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum

   5,947   3,803   1,583   2,220   7,228   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (7)

   (17  (2  (2                 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum statutory result

   5,930   3,801   1,581   2,220   7,228   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

115

Year ended

30 June 2020

US$M

  Revenue (4)  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
   Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross (6)
   Exploration
to profit (7)
 

Australia Production Unit (1)

   361   253   197   56   289    6    

Bass Strait

   1,102   761   449   312   1,796    87    

North West Shelf

   1,076   731   260   471   1,261    130    

Atlantis

   561   431   175   256   1,061    197    

Shenzi

   277   174   139   35   550    45    

Mad Dog

   216   164   64   100   1,551    375    

Trinidad/Tobago

   191   92   46   46   323    46    

Algeria

   159   111   12   99   60    16    

Exploration

      (394  41   (435  1,227    (1   

Other (2)

   104   (111  77   (188  129    8    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum from Group production

   4,047   2,212   1,460   752   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Third party products

   39   (2     (2              
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum

   4,086   2,210   1,460   750   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)

   (16  (3  (3                 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum statutory result

   4,070   2,207   1,457   750   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 


Year ended

30 June 2018

US$M

  Revenue (1) Underlying
EBITDA
 D&A Underlying
EBIT
 Net
operating
assets(8)
 Capital
expenditure
   Exploration
gross (2)
   Exploration
to profit (3)
 

Year ended

30 June 2019

Restated

US$M

  Revenue (4) Underlying
EBITDA
 D&A Underlying
EBIT
 Net
operating
assets (5)
 Capital
expenditure
   Exploration
gross (6)
   Exploration
to profit (7)
 

Australia Production Unit (4)(1)

   568  422  247  175  740           507  332  192  140  513  13     

Bass Strait

   1,285  948  494  454  2,504  29        1,237  915  427  488  2,217  32     

North West Shelf

   1,400  1,058  230  828  1,574  167        1,657  1,220  298  922  1,371  106     

Atlantis

   833  666  332  334  1,307  159        979  824  261  563  1,060  31     

Shenzi

   576  470  193  277  743  32        540  437  151  286  658  30     

Mad Dog

   229  160  50  110  947  189        319  268  59  209  1,232  362     

Trinidad/Tobago

   161  (53 38  (91 256  16        287  181  56  125  302  23     

Algeria

   234  186  28  158  37  6        258  201  26  175  49  7     

Exploration

     (516 127  (643 953             (388 58  (446 1,039        

Other (5)(2)

   126  54  59  (5 (142 58        153  73  55  18  (109 41     
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Petroleum from Group production

   5,412  3,395  1,798  1,597  8,919  656    709    592    5,937  4,063  1,583  2,480  8,332  645    685    409 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Closed mines (6)

     (52    (52 (867       

Third party products

   12  1     1              10                        
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Petroleum

   5,424  3,344  1,798  1,546  8,052  656    709    592    5,947  4,063  1,583  2,480  8,332  645    685    409 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (7)

   (16 (3 (3                 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)

   (17 (2 (2                 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Petroleum statutory result

   5,408  3,341  1,795  1,546  8,052  656    709    592    5,930  4,061  1,581  2,480  8,332  645    685    409 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Total Petroleum statutory result Revenue includes: crude oil US$3,171 million (2018: US$2,933 million), natural gas US$1,259 million (2018: US$1,124 million), LNG US$1,179 million (2018: US$920 million), NGL US$263 million (2018: US$294 million) and other US$58 million (2018: US$137 million) which includes third party products.

(2)

Includes US$297 million of capitalised exploration (2018: US$193 million).

(3)

Includes US$21 million of exploration expenditure previously capitalised, written off as impaired (included in depreciation and amortisation) (2018: US$76 million).

(4)

Australia Production Unit includes Macedon, Pyrenees and Minerva.

 

(5)(2) 

Predominantly divisional activities, business development, UK (divested in November 2018), Neptune and Genesis. Also includes the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline, which are equity accounted investments. The financial information for the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline presented above, with the exception of net operating assets, reflects BHP’s share.

 

(6)(3)

Comprises closed mining and smelting operations in Canada and the United States.

(7)

Total Petroleum statutory result Revenuerevenue excludes US$1716 million (2018:(2019: US$1617 million) revenue related to the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline. Total Petroleum statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$23 million (2018:(2019: US$32 million) D&A related to the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline.

 

(8)(4)

Total Petroleum statutory result revenue includes: crude oil US$2,033 million (2019: US$3,171 million), natural gas US$980 million (2019: US$1,259 million), LNG US$774 million (2019: US$1,179 million), NGL US$198 million (2019: US$263 million) and other US$85 million (2019: US$58 million) which includes third party products.

(5)

Refer to section 1.12.46.1 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 1.12.56.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

(6)

Includes US$170 million of capitalised exploration (2019: US$297 million).

(7)

Includes US$ nil of exploration expenditure previously capitalised, written off as impaired (included in depreciation and amortisation) (2019: US$21 million).

Key drivers of conventional petroleum’s financial results

Price overview

Trends in each of the major markets are outlined below.

Crude oil

Our average realised sales price for crude oil was US$66.5949.53 per barrel (FY2018:(FY2019: US$60.5766.59 per barrel). While crudeCrude oil prices were higher on average compared to the previous financial year, geopolitics and shifts in OPEC policy contributed to increased price volatility. Brent hit a four-year high in the first half of FY2019, ahead of US sanctions on Iran taking effect, but then fell sharply in December on mounting oversupply concerns. Deeper supply cuts by OPEC and itsnon-member allies (‘OPEC plus’), coupled with increased US sanctions and unplanned outages supported a recoverydropped significantly in the second half of FY2019. However, this was moderated by rising US supplyFY2020 due to a brief OPEC and concerns overits non-member allies’ (‘OPEC+’) price war in March 2020 and COVID-19, with Brent falling below US$20/bbl in April 2020 at the height of the global lockdowns and peak demand growthdestruction. The prices have partially recovered since then mainly due to swift output cuts from OPEC+ and a partial recovery in responsemobility. Very large storage builds flipped to ongoing trade tensions. A roughly balanced marketdraws in late May 2020, which allowed benchmark prices to move up to approximately US$40/bbl. Demand is expected in CY2019. Our long-termto recover to pre-COVID-19 levels no earlier than the end of CY2021. In our longer-term outlook, remains positive, underpinned by rising demand from the developing world and natural field decline.we believe oil will be attractive, even under a plausible low case, for a considerable time to come.

Liquefied natural gas

Our average realised sales price for LNG was US$9.437.26 per Mcf (FY2018:(FY2019: US$8.079.43 per Mcf). The Japan-Korea Marker (JKM) price for LNG reachedperformed poorly in FY2020, reflecting a three-year highdeepening oversupply situation. JKM hit an all-time low in September 2018 on strongApril 2020 as a slowdown in Asian demand growth in Asia, led by China.due to warm weather and COVID-19 and large increments of new supply coming online weighed on the market. Longer term, the commodity offers a combination of systematic base decline and an attractive demand trajectory. However, prices declined sharplygas resource is abundant and liquefaction infrastructure comes with large upfront costs and extended pay backs. North American exports are expected to provide the marginal supply across multiple longer-term scenarios for the LNG industry, with new supply likely to be required to balance the market in the second half as Asian demand slowed, while new supply volume increased. European imports increased substantiallyyear-on-year, playing a key role to help balance the market. We expect the market to remain well supplied through to CY2020. Our long-term outlook formiddle of this decade, or slightly later. Within global gas, LNG remains positive, underpinned by rising energy demand from emerging economies and the need for low emission and flexible fuels to supplement intermittent renewables. Depleting indigenous gas supplies are alsois expected to increase the dependence of some major consumers on the export market.

116gain share. Against this backdrop, LNG assets advantaged by their proximity to existing infrastructure or customers, or both, will be attractive.


Production

Total petroleumPetroleum production for FY2019 increasedFY2020 decreased by 110 per cent to 121109 MMboe.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids production decreased by 11 per cent to 49 MMboe as a resultdue to the impacts of higher uptime and stronger field performanceTropical Storm Barry in the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Cyclone Damien at Atlantis, Mad Dog andour North West Shelf offset byoperations, maintenance at Atlantis and natural field decline and aacross the portfolio. Weaker market conditions, including impacts from COVID-19, also contributed to lower volumes in the June 2020 quarter. This decline was partially offset by higher uptime at Pyrenees following the 70-day planned dry dock maintenance program during the prior year.

Natural gas production decreased by 9 per cent to 360 bcf, reflecting a decrease in both production and tax barrels (in accordance with the terms of our Production Sharing Contract) due to weaker market conditions in Trinidad and Tobago, impacts of maintenance and Tropical Cyclone Damien at Pyrenees.North West Shelf and natural field decline across the portfolio.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2020, FY2019 FY2018 and FY2017,FY2018, refer to section 6.2.6.3.

Financial results

Petroleum revenue for FY2019 increasedFY2020 decreased by US$522 million1.9 billion to US$5.94.1 billion. Gulf of Mexico, which includes Atlantis, Shenzi and Mad Dog, increaseddecreased by US$200784 million to US$1.81.1 billion. In Australia, Bass Strait and North West Shelf collectively increaseddecreased by US$209716 million to US$2.92.2 billion. The Trinidad Production Unit increaseddecreased by US$12696 million to US$0.30.2 billion while the Australian Production Unit, which includes Macedon, Pyrenees and Minerva, decreased by US$61146 million to US$0.50.4 billion.

Underlying EBITDA for Petroleum increaseddecreased by US$460 million1.9 billion to US$3.82.2 billion. Price impacts, net of price-linked costs, increaseddecreased Underlying EBITDA by US$599 million.1.1 billion. Controllable cash costs decreasedincreased by US$2730 million reflecting lower exploration expenses due to the ocean bottom node seismic survey acquisitionhigher business development costs in Mexico following the Gulf of Mexico less than the prior year impact of expensing the Scimitar well,successful exploration program at Trion, partially offset by additionallower maintenance activity at our Australian assets. Ceased and sold operations decreased by US$16776 million reflecting the revaluation of the closed mines provision partially offset by the sale of our interests in the Bruce and Keith oil and gas fields.fields in the prior period, and cessation of operations at Minerva in FY2020. Lower volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$75588 million mainly due to planned Pyreneesdry-dock maintenance, higher gas to liquids production mix, natural field decline across the portfolio, a decrease in tax barrels at Trinidad and an increase in overlift positions in Australia.Tobago, weaker market conditions, the impacts from Tropical Cyclone Barry and Tropical Cyclone Damien and planned maintenance at Atlantis. Other items such as exchange rate and inflation and revaluation of embedded derivatives in the Trinidad and Tobago gas contract also positivelynegatively impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$7627 million.

Conventional petroleumPetroleum unit costs increaseddecreased by 58 per cent to US$10.549.74 per barrel of oil equivalent due to additional planneda reduction in price-linked costs, cost efficiencies and lower maintenance activities at our Australian operations due to COVID-19, partially offset by higherlower volumes. The calculation of conventional petroleum unit costs is set out in the table below.

 

Conventional Petroleum unit costs (1)

(US$M)

  FY2019   FY2018 

Petroleum unit costs
US$M

  FY2020   FY2019 

Revenue

   5,930    5,408    4,070    5,930 

Underlying EBITDA

   4,061    3,393    2,207    4,061 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gross costs

   1,869    2,015    1,863    1,869 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Less: exploration expense (2)(1)

   388    516    394    388 

Less: freight

   152    152    110    152 

Less: development and evaluation

   46    34    166    46 

Less: other (3)(2)

   8    106    131    8 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net costs

   1,275    1,207    1,062    1,275 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Production (MMboe, equity share)

   121    120    109    121 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Cost per boe (US$) (4)

   10.54    10.06 

Cost per Boe (US$) (3)

   9.74    10.54 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Conventional petroleum assets exclude divisional activities reported in Other and closed mining and smelting operations in Canada and the United States.

(2)

Exploration expense represents conventional petroleum’s share of total exploration expense.

 

(3)(2) 

Other includesnon-cash profit on sales of assets, inventory movements, foreign exchange, provision for onerous lease contracts and the impact from the revaluation of embedded derivatives in the Trinidad and Tobago gas contract.

 

(4)(3) 

FY2019FY2020 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.72.0.67.

Delivery commitments

We have delivery commitments of natural gas and LNG in conventional petroleum of approximately 2.11 billion cubic feet through FY2034 (65(83 per cent Australia and Asia, 3517 per cent Trinidad). We haveothers), and crude and condensate delivery commitments of around 10.87 million barrels through FY2020 (51FY2021 (57 per cent United States, 4635 per cent Australia and Asia, 38 per cent others). We have sufficient proved reserves and production capacity to fulfil these delivery commitments.

We have obligationsobligation commitments of US$5343 million for contracted capacity on transportation pipelines and gathering systems through FY2024,FY2025, on which we are the shipper. The agreements have annual escalation clauses.

117


Other information

Drilling

The number of wells in the process of drilling and/or completion as of 30 June 20192020 was as follows:

 

  Exploratory wells   Development wells   Total   Exploratory wells   Development wells   Total 
  Gross   Net(1)   Gross   Net(1)   Gross   Net (1)   Gross   Net (1)   Gross   Net (1)   Gross   Net (1) 

Australia

                                   2    1    2    1 

United States

           5    1    5    1            26    8    26    8 

Other (2)

           1    1    1    1            1    0    1    0 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

           6    2    6    2            29    9    29    9 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

Represents our share of the gross well count.

 

(2) 

Other is comprised of Algeria.

Conventional petroleum

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2019,FY2020, which is presented on a cash basis within this section, was US$645909 million (FY2018:(FY2019: US$656645 million). While the majority of the expenditure in FY2019FY2020 was incurred by operating partners at our Australian and Gulf of Mexiconon-operated assets, we also incurred capital expenditure at our operated Australian, Gulf of Mexico, Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago assets.

Australia

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2019, which is presented on a cash basis within this section,FY2020 was US$151223 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

Scarborough gas field development

 

North West Shelf: Karratha Gas Plant refurbishment projects and external corrosion compliance and Greater WesternFlank-B subsea tie back well development;

 

Bass Strait: West Barracouta subsea tie back development and Snapper A21a development project and rationalisation of crude processing facility onshore.

Gulf of Mexico

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2019, which is presented on a cash basis within this section, was US$423 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:Nickel West

 

Atlantis: executionLOGO

Overview

Nickel West is a fully integrated mine-to-market nickel business. All nickel operations (mines, concentrators, a smelter and refinery) are located in Western Australia. The integrated business adds value throughout our nickel supply chain, with the majority of approved development on Atlantis Phase 3 Project;

Mad Dog: execution phaseNickel West’s current production sold as refined metal in the form of Phase 2 development, including ongoing drilling activity, with additional development activity on one wellpowder and briquettes.

Low-grade disseminated sulphide ore is mined from the large open-pit operation at Spar A.

Conventional petroleum explorationMt Keith. The ore is crushed and appraisalprocessed on-site to produce nickel concentrate. High-grade nickel sulphide ore is mined at the Cliffs, Leinster underground mines and Rocky’s Reward open-pit mine. The ore is processed through a concentrator and dryer at Leinster. Nickel West’s facility at Kambalda processes material purchased from third parties.

The majoritythree streams of nickel concentrate come together at the expenditure incurredKalgoorlie nickel smelter. The smelter uses a flash furnace to smelt concentrate to produce nickel matte. The Kwinana nickel refinery then refines granulated nickel matte from the Kalgoorlie smelter into premium-grade nickel powder and briquettes containing high-grade refined nickel. Nickel matte and metal are exported to overseas markets via the Port of Fremantle.

Key developments in FY2019 wasFY2020

The Nickel West resource transition involving the construction of three new mines continued to progress during FY2020, with two of these mines now in our focus areas, including Gulffull production.

The Mt Keith satellite mine (Yakabindie) entered production in December 2019 and is now the primary source of Mexico (US and Mexico) and Trinidad and Tobago. We also incurred expenditurefeed to the Mt Keith concentrator.

The Venus underground mine transitioned to full production in Canada.September 2019, with ore hoisted to the Leinster concentrator.

AccessLeinster B11 (the first block cave to be developed by BHP, located beneath the Leinster underground mine) proceeded in line with expectations, with development ore hoisted to the Leinster concentrator.

BHP was successful in its bidsNickel West signed an agreement to acquire a 100the Honeymoon Well development project on 19 June 2020 and the remaining 50 per cent interest in the Albion Downs North and operatorshipJericho exploration joint ventures, located approximately 50 kilometres from Mt Keith. Completion of twothe agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including government and third party approvals.

Looking ahead

We continue to focus on finalising Nickel West’s resource transition. Leinster B11 block cave is expected to commence the undercut phase during the first half of FY2021, providing increasing quantities of ore to the Leinster concentrator as the project progresses to full caving.

Nickel West also offers development options and potential enhancements to its resource position through exploration licences for blocks 8 and 12processing innovation. These opportunities are being explored in parallel with incremental debottlenecking opportunities at the concentrators and the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter.

Nickel West is expected to complete construction of the nickel sulphate plant located at the Kwinana nickel refinery in the Orphan Basin, offshore Eastern Canada. BHP’s aggregate bid amountfirst half of US$625 million reflects the costs of the drilling and seismic work likely to be performed during the exploration phase, although there is no minimum work program under the licence agreements. The maximum forfeiture amount under the licence agreements if no work is performed is approximately US$119 million for block 8 and US$38 million for block 12.

Exploration program expenditure details

Our gross expenditure on exploration was US$685 million in FY2019, of which US$388 million was expensed.

Exploration and appraisal wells drilled, or in the process of drilling, during the year included:

Well

Location

Target

BHP equity

Spud date

Water

depth

Total well
depth

Status

Victoria-1Trinidad and Tobago Block TTDAA 5Gas

65%

(BHP Operator)

12 June 20181,828 m3,282 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Bongos-1

Trinidad and Tobago

Block 14

Gas

70%

(BHP Operator)

20 July 20181,909 m2,469 mPlugged and abandonedFY2021, with first product due to mechanical failure
Bongos-2

Trinidad and Tobago

Block 14

Gas

70%

(BHP Operator)

22 July 20181,910 m5,151 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned

118


Well

Location

Target

BHP equity

Spud date

Water

depth

Total well
depth

Status

Samurai-2US Gulf of Mexico GC432Oil

50%

(Murphy Operator)

16 April 20181,088 m9,777 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned

Samurai-2 ST01

(sidetrack)

US Gulf of Mexico GC 476Oil

50%

(Murphy Operator)

25 August 20181,088 m10,088 mPlugged and abandoned (sidetrack)
Concepcion-1

Trinidad and Tobago

Block 5

Gas

65%

(BHP Operator)

30 September 20181,721 m3,506 mNo commercial hydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Trion-2DELMexico BlockAE-0093Oil

60%

(BHP Operator)

15 November 20182,379 m4,659 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned

Trion-2DEL

ST01

Mexico BlockAE-0093Oil

60%

(BHP Operator)

4 January 20192,379 m5,002 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Bele-1

Trinidad and Tobago

Block 23(a)

Gas

70%

(BHP Operator)

2 March 20192,102 m3,982 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Tuk-1

Trinidad and Tobago

Block 23(a)

Gas

70%

(BHP Operator)

24 April 20191,954 m4,511 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Hi-Hat-1

Trinidad and Tobago

Block 14

Gas

70%

(BHP Operator)

20 May 20191,782 m3,804 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Achernar-1Western AustraliaWA-28-PGas15.8% (Woodside Operator)2 May 2019122 m3,285 mDry hole; plugged and abandoned

In Trinidad and Tobago, we continued phase 2 of our deepwater drilling program.Victoria-1 andConcepcion-1 were drilled in our southern licences to further assess the commercial potential of the Magellan play.Victoria-1 encountered gas, whileConcepcion-1 did not encounter commercial hydrocarbons. Analysis is ongoing. Phase 2 drilling also includedBongos-2, which spud on 22 July 2018 and discovered gas in the Pliocene and Late Miocene.

Following theBongos-2 discovery, a Phase 3 drilling program in Trinidad and Tobago in the second half of FY2021. This stage (Stage 1) is expected to produce approximately 100 ktpa of nickel sulphate.

1.9.3    Minerals Americas

The Minerals Americas asset group includes projects, operated assets and non-operated joint ventures in Canada, Chile, Peru, the year included three wellsUnited States, Colombia and Brazil.

Operated assets

Copper

Our operated copper assets in the Americas, Escondida and Pampa Norte are (Bele-1,Tuk-1open-cut mines. At these mines, overburden is removed after blasting, using truck andHi-Hat-1) shovel. Ore is then extracted and further processed into high-quality copper concentrate or cathodes. Copper concentrate is obtained through a grinding and flotation process, while copper cathodes are produced through a leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning process. Copper concentrate is transported to establish additional volumesthe port via pipeline, while cathodes are transported by either rail or road. From the ports, copper is exported to our customers around the Bongos discovery. All three wells encountered gas and analysisworld.

For the majority of the results is ongoing.June 2020 quarter, our Chilean assets operated with a reduction in their operational workforces of approximately 35 per cent to incorporate measures in response to COVID-19. We have implemented a comprehensive plan for COVID-19, including various hygiene and health controls and a proactive testing regime for people before entering sites and boarding transportation.

In Mexico, we drilledWe will continue to maintain operational measures that protect the health and wellbeing of our first operated well at Trion, following acquisition of the discovery in 2017. Trion 2DEL encountered oilworkforce while COVID-19 remains a major health risk, in line with expectationsOur Charter values. As a result, we anticipate continuing to operate our Chilean assets with a reduced workforce until these controls can be relaxed.

LOGO

Escondida (Chile)

Overview

We own 57.5 per cent of the Escondida mine, a leading producer of copper concentrate and cathodes located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Escondida’s two pits feed three concentrator plants, as well as two leaching operations (oxide and sulphide).

Key developments during FY2020

Escondida copper production in FY2020 increased by 4 per cent to 1,185 kilotonnes (kt), supported by record average concentrator throughput of 371 kilotonnes per day (ktpd), which offset expected grade decline, stoppages associated with the social unrest and COVID-19 impacts.

The Escondida Water Supply Expansion (EWSE) project was followedcompleted on time and budget in December 2019. Following the completion of the EWSE project, Escondida has eliminated water drawdown from aquifers for operational supply 10 years ahead of its FY2030 target.

The Centre of Integrated Operations (CIO) was inaugurated in July 2019 in BHP’s Santiago office and has since provided remote control services to the mine and process areas of Escondida and Spence. The CIO enables an operation that is safer and more productive by areducing people down-dipon-site sidetrackand allowing them to delineatework in a collaborative space.

Looking ahead

Production of between 940 and 1,030 kt is expected for FY2021, with a decline in copper grade of concentrator feed of approximately 4 per cent. Lower volumes reflect the fieldneed to continue to balance mine development and provideproduction requirements, with processing capacity at concentrators and leaching plants, as a result of a reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19. It is expected that production levels are likely to be impacted in FY2022 as a result of reduced operational workforce and material movement in FY2021. Guidance of an annual average of 1,200 kt of copper production over the next five years remains unchanged.

The BHP Operating System deployment and automated truck trial initiatives are expected to be completed in FY2021. In addition, Escondida will be undertaking studies on different material handling technologies to build an integrated suite of material handling projects that aims to combine innovative and disruptive technology and equipment solutions to increase mine productivity and improve costs competitiveness.

We expect these initiatives will allow Escondida to operate with a medium-term unit cost of less than US$1.10 per pound despite the continuation of grade decline and the increasing water costs.

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Pampa Norte (Chile)

Overview

Pampa Norte consists of two wholly owned assets in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile – Spence and Cerro Colorado. Spence and Cerro Colorado produce high-quality copper cathodes through leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning processes.

Key developments during FY2020

Pampa Norte copper production for FY2020 decreased by 2 per cent to 243 kt, mainly due to a 14 per cent decline in stacked ore grade.

The Spence Growth Option (SGO) to construct a 95 ktpd ore concentrator and the outsourcing of a 1,000 litre per second desalination plant is 93 per cent complete. As a result of measures put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, first production is now expected between December 2020 and March 2021. The commissioning of the desalination plant and capitalisation of the associated US$600 million lease (approximate) will now occur in the first half of FY2021. For more information about SGO, refer to section 6.5.

Looking ahead

Production for FY2021 is expected to be between 240 and 270 kt, reflecting the oil water contact. Another appraisal well, Trion 3DEL, spudreduced operational workforce due to COVID-19, the start-up of the SGO project and expected grade decline of approximately 7 per cent.

SGO will produce first copper between December 2020 and March 2021 and plans are on 9 July 2019track to redesign the approach to operations at Spence to optimally balance the requirements of the concentrate and based on preliminary results,cathodes processes. The first batch of the well encountered oilultra-class truck fleet arrived at Spence in FY2020 and the remaining units are expected to arrive in the reservoir’snext two years. The BHP Operating System deployment at Spence started in January 2020 and is expected to continue during FY2021. Similar to Escondida, Spence will be undertaking studies on various material handling technologies, such as automated trucks, trolley assistance and up-dipin-pit crushers and conveyors to increase mine productivity and improve cost competitiveness.

On 1 July 2020, Cerro Colorado announced it had started a four-month process to adjust its mine plan to reduce throughput and costs to achieve improved cash returns and ensure viable mining operations for the remaining period of its current environmental licence, which expires at the end of CY2023.

Potash

Potash is a potassium-rich salt mainly used in fertiliser to improve the quality and yield of agricultural production. As an essential nutrient for plant growth, potash is a vital link in the global food supply chain. The demands on that supply chain are intensifying; there will be more people to feed in future, as well as rising calorific intake comprising more varied diets. The strains this will place on finite land supply mean sustainable increases in crop yields will be crucial and potash fertilisers will be critical in replenishing our soils.

LOGO

Jansen Potash Project (Canada)

Overview

BHP holds exploration permits and mining leases covering approximately 9,600 square kilometres in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The Jansen Potash Project is located approximately 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon. We currently own 100 per cent of the Project.

Jansen’s large resource endowment provides the opportunity to develop it in stages, with anticipated initial capacity of between 4.3 and 4.5 Mtpa for Jansen Stage 1, with sequenced brownfield expansions of up to 12 Mtpa (4 Mtpa per stage).

Key developments during FY2020

Focus in FY2020 was on safely installing new work platforms, called Galloways, into the two 7.3-metre diameter service and production shafts to enable the installation of the final watertight composite concrete and steel liners from all previous well intersections. Evaluationa depth of approximately 900 metres. At the end of FY2020, the current scope of work was 86 per cent complete.

The service shaft and analysisproduction shaft are 1,005 metres and 975 metres deep, respectively. Jansen is ongoing.intended to mine the Lower Patience Lake potash formation, which lies between 935 metres and 940 metres.

Looking ahead

Future work will include continuing to install the watertight composite concrete and steel final liners. In Australia,June 2020, final shaft lining work for the Jansen Potash Project, which was reduced to focus on one shaft as part of our COVID-19 response plan to reduce our on-site interprovincial workforce, was resumed in both shafts. BHP continues to assess the impacts of COVID-19 and the temporary reduction in construction activity. Timing for completion of the shafts continues to be under review.

We will continue the selection of a port option on the North West Shelf Joint Venture,American west coast from which Jansen’s potash would be exported. As with all decisions relating to the deployment of capital, the next steps of the Project will be assessed in line with our Capital Allocation Framework.

Non-operated minerals joint ventures

BHP holds interests in companies and joint ventures that we participateddo not operate. Our non-operated minerals joint ventures (NOJVs) include Antamina (33.75 per cent ownership), Resolution Copper (45 per cent ownership), Cerrejón (33.33 per cent ownership) and Samarco (50 per cent ownership).

For more information on Samarco and Fundação Renova, refer to section 1.8.

We engage with our NOJV partners and operator companies through our NOJV team, which seeks to sustainably maximise returns through managing risk. While NOJVs have their own operating and management standards, we seek to enhance governance processes and influence operator companies to adopt international standards (within the limits of the relevant joint venture agreements).

Since the creation of the NOJV team, our focus has been to reinforce strong practices in governance, risk management and value optimisation.

During theAchernar-1COVID-19 explorationpandemic, BHP supported some of the work by the operator at certain of our NOJVs to fulfiladdress risks associated with the pandemic, including temporary shutdowns and restart. Subject matter experts from NOJV partners (including BHP) provided input to relevant NOJV operators in relation to HSE, communications and community engagement issues during the pandemic.

Throughout FY2020, we continued positively influencing the NOJVs to align with international standards (including ISO 31000). This included analysing and challenging completeness of their risk profile and prioritising management of those risks.

The NOJV team also continued to support the NOJVs to improve their operating performance and cost competitiveness in a well commitmentchallenging environment, delivering significant capital optimisation across the Antamina, Cerrejón and Resolution joint ventures and strengthening the capital returns from each of the operations.

More information on the health, safety and environment performance at our NOJVs is available at bhp.com.

Copper

LOGO

Antamina (Peru)

Overview

We own 33.75 per cent of Antamina, a large, WA-28-Plow-cost exploration permit.copper and zinc mine in north central Peru. Antamina is a joint venture between BHP (33.75 per cent), Glencore (33.75 per cent), Teck Resources (22.5 per cent) and Mitsubishi Corporation (10 per cent), and is operated independently by Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. Antamina by-products include molybdenum and silver.

Key developments during FY2020

Antamina continues to focus its efforts on safety and health improvements. Copper production for FY2020 decreased by 15 per cent to 125 kt and zinc decreased by 10 per cent to 88 kt reflecting lower copper head grades and the impact of operating with a reduced workforce following a six-week shutdown during the June 2020 quarter in response to COVID-19.

During FY2020, Antamina continued with a strong focus on developing a robust technology roadmap to secure a more sustainable operation in the long term and to maintain cost competitiveness. Antamina has progressed studies to debottleneck the operation through mine mechanisation projects and the first phase is expected to be completed in the next three years.

Antamina announced its intent to submit its Modified Environmental Impact Assessment (MEIA) for its life extension project from CY2028 to CY2036, which includes extension of current approved tailings capacity, additional waste dumps and new pit design.

Antamina’s operations were suspended between 13 April and 26 May 2020 due to COVID-19 implications. Strict controls were applied during the demobilisation to safeguard the health of workers and local communities. At the end of FY2020, its operations were at a ramp-up stage, while complying with government COVID-19 requirements and applying sector international standards for health and safety.

During the COVID-19 emergency, Antamina intensified its contribution to local communities, helping the Regional Government to strengthen its capabilities to cope with the pandemic, providing medical equipment, launching initiatives for local farmers and entrepreneurs to support the local economy (through the program Reactiva Ancash), and distributing food aid.

Looking ahead

Copper production of between 120 and 140 kt, and zinc production of between 140 and 160 kt is expected for FY2021.

Antamina will remain focused on improving productivity and reducing unit cash costs by identifying new technologies and innovative solutions in line with the technology roadmap. In addition, Antamina will continue to embed a culture of diversity and inclusion in its strategy and monitor the MEIA process, seeking final approval in a reasonable timeframe and community engagement. Once the MEIA process is finalised, it is anticipated Antamina will update its reserve and resource statement to reflect an approved life extension to CY2036.

Resolution Copper (United States)

Overview

BHP holds a 45 per cent interest in the Resolution Copper project in the US state of Arizona, which is operated by Rio Tinto (55 per cent interest). Resolution Copper is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in the world and has the potential to become the largest copper producer in North America. The Resolution Copper deposit lies more than 1,600 metres beneath the surface. Resolution Copper is working with regulators and the community to plan the development of the resource and obtain the necessary permits.

Key developments during FY2020

The shaft No. 9 sinking project involves deepening the historic shaft from its current depth at 1,460 metres below the surface to a final depth of 2,086 metres and linking it with the existing No. 10 shaft via development activities underground. This project is on track with respect to schedule and budget. In December 2019, it passed the one-mile (1,600 metre) mark with zero safety events; a major milestone for shaft sinking works in the United States.

The multi-year National Environmental Policy Act permitting process and community engagement are progressing positively. The US Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on 9 August 2019 and the comment period closed on 7 November 2019.

Resolution continued to move forward to identify the best development pathway for the project as the PFS-A study progressed. BHP’s share of project expenditure for FY2020 was US$103 million.

Looking ahead

We remain focused on supporting Resolution Copper on optimising the project and working with the operator, Rio Tinto, to develop the project in a manner that creates sustainable benefits for all stakeholders.

Coal

LOGO

Cerrejón (Colombia)

Overview

We have a 33.33 per cent interest in Cerrejón, which owns, operates and markets (through an independent company) one of the world’s largest open-cut energy coal mines, located in the La Guajira province of Colombia. Cerrejón is an equal partnership joint venture with Anglo American and Glencore. Cerrejón has lease agreements for several mining areas and owns integrated rail and port facilities. Coal product is marketed through an independent company and is exported mainly to European, North American and South American customers; a minor proportion is exported to Asia.

Cerrejón makes an important contribution to the Colombian economy and to the region of La Guajira, employing local people, contributing through taxes and royalties and investing in social and environmental initiatives. Cerrejón is also working with local Indigenous groups to address concerns raised by them in relation to the impacts of Cerrejón’s operations on their communities.

Key developments during FY2020

FY2020 concluded with stable safety and operational performance at Cerrejón. Production declined by 23 per cent to 7 Mt in FY2020, due to a temporary shutdown and workforce reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on higher-quality products due to market adjustment. Cerrejón reduced its operational costs by 15 per cent, which allowed it to remain cash flow neutral in spite of the decline in coal price.

Cerrejón supported the local community of La Guajira during the COVID-19 emergency by providing drinking water, food parcels and medical equipment, including the donation of a laboratory to carry out COVID-19 molecular testing in the community. Cerrejón continues to engage with communities and ensure its stakeholders are informed about the protocols and controls they have in place to keep the workforce and communities safe.

Looking ahead

Cerrejón is focused on stability of throughput with current installed capacity, targeting higher calorific value coal and market diversification. Production is expected to be approximately 7 Mt in FY2021.

Iron Ore

LOGO

Samarco (Brazil)

BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale) each have a 50 per cent shareholding in Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco), the owner of the Samarco iron ore mine in Brazil.

Overview

As a result of the tragic failure of the Fundão dam at Samarco in November 2015, operations at Samarco remain suspended.

Samarco comprises a mine and three concentrators located in the state of Minas Gerais and four pellet plants and a port located in Anchieta in the state of Espírito Santo. Three 400-kilometre pipelines connect the mine site to the pelletising facilities.

All geotechnical structures within the Germano facilities, including tailings dams, are monitored 24 hours a day by Samarco, using more than 800 pieces of monitoring and safety equipment, including cameras, weather forecast stations, drones and accelerometers. In addition, sirens are installed along the river up to 80 kilometres downstream of Samarco. Geotechnical engineers and technicians monitor data from the instrumentation in an integrated monitoring control room, undertake daily field inspections and perform monthly third party audits.

Key developments during FY2020

Samarco operations restart consists of three main pillars: Alegria Sul pit tailings disposal system, LOC (corrective operational licence) issuance and filtration plant construction together with operations readiness activities. Alegria Sul pit tailings disposal system implementation was completed in September 2019. The LOC was issued on 25 October 2019. US$44 million for BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s share was approved to fund the restart of production at Samarco from a single concentrator in the second half of CY2020 or early CY2021 (BHP mid-view is January 2021). The funds will be used for the first phase of installation of tailings filtration infrastructure and operational readiness activities. Work related to the construction of the filtration plant and operations readiness activities have been slowed as a result of a reduced workforce as part of our COVID-19 response without a significant impact on the restart schedule.

BHP Brasil and Vale approved the filtration plant and operational readiness activities investment in November 2019 and dam decommissioning program investment for CY2020–2021 was approved in April 2020.

Following Vale’s Brumadinho dam tragedy on 25 January 2019, Brazil’s National Mining Agency (ANM) announced a requirement for all upstream construction tailings dams to be decommissioned by various dates, depending on their size. As required under the regulatory requirements, a dam decommissioning conceptual design was filed with the ANM in August 2019 and a basic design was filed with the ANM in December 2019. Field works started in April 2020 for the program, which includes the decommissioning of the Germano pit dam and Germano main dam (including the main dam and the Sela, Tulipa and Selinha saddle dykes) to guarantee the long-term stability of the structures, as well wasas final regrading of the impoundment area and, finally, environmental rehabilitation.

Construction of a dry holenew retaining dam, following the failure of the Fundão dam, is now complete and was pluggedthe last structure to be built in the Fundão valley to ensure the remaining tailings would not be remobilised. Further work relating to the starting dyke for the future tailings and abandoned.waste piles is now incorporated into the Germano decommissioning program. This work will be completed by Samarco following transfer of the program from Fundação Renova in September 2019.

Following

Looking ahead

The Samarco business plan considers an operations restart with one concentrator and tailings filtering, which changes theWildling-2 well tailings disposal from the use of tailings dams to disposal of the coarse portion of the tailings in FY2018dry stack piles and the disposal of slimes in a previously mined out pit. Samarco is focused on completing the filtration plant construction for dry stacking and completing operational readiness activities. All filters are now installed and the electrical and mechanical installation services are progressing.

As part of the dam decommissioning process, the Germano pit dam gallery plugging and the Germano main dam preliminary services have started. Samarco is looking ahead to complete Germano main dam toe ground replacement, initial regrading and initial excavation of the spillway in FY2021.

1.9.4    Petroleum

Conventional petroleum

BHP has owned oil and gas assets since the 1960s. We have a world-class portfolio of high-margin conventional assets located in the US Gulf of Mexico, technical work is continuingAustralia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Algeria, as we advance evaluationwell as appraisal and exploration options in Mexico, deepwater Trinidad and Tobago, western Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Canada and Barbados. Our conventional petroleum business includes exploration, appraisal, development and production activities. We produce crude oil and condensate, gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) that are sold on the international spot market or delivered domestically under contracts with varying terms, depending on location of the development options to optimise value of the resource discovered in this area.asset.

For information onOur conventional petroleum exploration, referbusiness responded effectively to section 1.6.3.

Outlook

InCOVID-19, despite global market impacts in the second half of FY2020 as petroleum demand reduced due to collapsing transport activity. As always, the safety of our conventional business, volumes are expectedpeople came first and additional measures were put in place across each of our assets and projects to be between 110protect the health and 116 MMboesafety of our workforce. All assets remained in FY2020operation as a result of planned maintenance atthese measures and through partnering with our communities, suppliers and contractors. Despite supply chain delays, all projects currently in execution remain on track to meet first production guidance.

LOGO

United States

Gulf of Mexico

Overview

Our US Gulf of Mexico assets are large, long-life and expandable.

We operate two fields in the US waters of the Gulf of Mexico – Shenzi (44 per cent interest) and Neptune (35 per cent interest).

We hold non-operating interests in two other fields – Atlantis (44 per cent interest) and naturalMad Dog (23.9 per cent interest).

All our producing fields are located between 155 and 210 kilometres offshore from the US state of Louisiana. We also own 25 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively, of the companies that own and operate the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline. These pipelines transport oil and gas from the Green Canyon area, where our US Gulf of Mexico fields are located, to connecting pipelines that transport product onshore.

Key developments during FY2020

The Mad Dog Phase 2 project, located in the Green Canyon area of the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico, successfully progressed through FY2020 and remains on track for first production in CY2022. Mad Dog Phase 2 is an extension of the existing Mad Dog field decline acrossand is one of the portfolio.largest discovered and undeveloped resources in the Gulf of Mexico. The project builds on the successful Mad Dog South appraisal well, which confirmed significant hydrocarbons in the southern portion of this field, and will include a new floating production facility with the capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross barrels of crude oil per day from up to 14 production wells.

Conventional unit costs areThe Atlantis Phase 3 project, also located in the Green Canyon area, remained on schedule and on budget, achieving first production in July 2020. This project includes a subsea tie back of eight new production wells accessing infill resource opportunities identified through seismic imaging. Atlantis Phase 3 is expected to be between US$10.50increase production by an estimated 38,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day at its peak.

For more information on Mad Dog Phase 2 and US$11.50 per barrel (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) in FY2020 reflecting the impact of lower volumes, partially offset by lower maintenance activities at our Australian assets. In the medium term, we expect an increase in unit costsAtlantis Phase 3, refer to less than US$13 per barrel (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) as a result of natural field decline.section 6.5.

Conventional petroleum capital expenditure of approximately US$1.2 billion is planned in FY2020. Conventional petroleum capital expenditure for FY2020 includes US$1.1 billion of development and US$0.1 billion of maintenance.Australia

 

119LOGO

Overview

Bass Strait

We have produced oil and gas from Bass Strait (50 per cent interest) for more than 50 years. Our operations are located between 25 and 80 kilometres off the southeastern coast of Australia. The Gippsland Basin Joint Venture, operated by Esso Australia (a subsidiary of ExxonMobil), participated in the original discovery and development of hydrocarbons in the basin. The Kipper gas field under the Kipper Unit Joint Venture (32.5 per cent interest), also operated by Esso Australia, has brought online additional gas and liquids production that are processed via existing Gippsland Basin Joint Venture facilities.

The majority of our Bass Strait crude oil and condensate production is sold to local refineries in Australia. Gas is piped onshore to the Gippsland Joint Venture’s Longford processing facility, from where we sell our share of production to domestic retailers and end users. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is dispatched via pipeline, road tanker or sea tanker. Ethane is dispatched via pipeline to a petrochemical plant in western Melbourne.

North West Shelf

We are a joint venture participant in the North West Shelf project (12.5–16.67 per cent interest), located approximately 125 kilometres northwest of Dampier in Western Australia. The North West Shelf project supplies gas to the Western Australian domestic market and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to buyers primarily in Japan, South Korea and China.

North West Shelf gas is piped from offshore fields to the onshore Karratha Gas Plant for processing. LPG, condensate and LNG are transported to market by ship, while domestic gas is transported by the Dampier-to-Bunbury and Pilbara Energy pipelines to buyers.

We are also a joint venture partner in four nearby oil fields – Cossack, Wanaea, Lambert and Hermes – produced through the Okha floating production, storage and off-take (FPSO) facility (16.67 per cent interest). All North West Shelf gas and oil joint ventures are operated by Woodside Energy Limited (Woodside).


A US$0.7 billion explorationPyrenees

BHP operates the Pyrenees FPSO facility, located approximately 23 kilometres off Northwest Cape, Western Australia. The facility produces from six offshore fields. We had an effective 62.36 per cent interest in the fields as at 30 June 2020 based on inception-to-date production from two permits in which we have interests of 71.43 per cent and appraisal program40 per cent, respectively.

Macedon

We are the operator of Macedon (71.43 per cent interest), an offshore gas field located around 75 kilometres west of Onslow, Western Australia and an onshore gas processing facility located around 17 kilometres southwest of Onslow.

The operation consists of four subsea wells, with gas piped onshore to the processing plant. After processing, the gas is planned for FY2020.delivered into a pipeline and sold to the Western Australian domestic market.

Onshore US: Discontinued operationsMinerva

BHP operates the Minerva Joint Venture (90 per cent interest), a gas field located 11 kilometres south-southwest of Port Campbell in western Victoria. The operation consists of two subsea wells, with gas piped onshore to a processing plant. After processing, the gas is delivered into a pipeline and sold domestically.

On 283 September 2019, the Minerva gas field reached end-of-field life and production ceased at the Minerva gas plant. On 1 May 2018, BHP completedentered into an agreement for the sale of 100its interests in the onshore gas plant with subsidiaries of Cooper Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd. The agreement provided for the transfer of the plant and associated land after the cessation of current operations processing gas from the Minerva gas field. The sale was completed on 5 December 2019.

Key developments during FY2020

Scarborough

In the March 2020 quarter, BHP and Woodside (operator) agreed to align participating interests across the WA-1-R and WA-2-R titles resulting in BHP holding a 26.5 per cent interest in each title. BHP also holds a 50 per cent non-operated interest in Jupiter and Thebe titles (WA-61-R and WA-63-R) in the greater Scarborough area located offshore northwest Australia. Scarborough offers material growth potential in Western Australia and opportunities to develop the Scarborough gas field are progressing.

BHP and Woodside also signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement to progress the Scarborough gas development during the December 2019 quarter. Among other terms, this includes agreement on a competitive tariff for gas processing through the Pluto LNG facility. In March 2020, Woodside announced deferral of the issued share capitalScarborough gas development to the second half of CY2021. A final investment decision by BHP Billiton Petroleum (Arkansas) Inc.is expected to align with this revised timing.

Bass Strait West Barracouta

Two new West Barracouta wells were completed under budget in the June 2020 quarter. Construction on production infrastructure linking the West Barracouta development to the existing Barracouta field is currently underway. First gas is expected in CY2021.

North West Shelf Greater Western Flank

A final investment decision was reached for Greater Western Flank Phase 3 (GWF-3) and 100Lambert Deep in January 2020. This four well tie back will take advantage of existing infrastructure and first gas is expected in CY2023.

Other conventional petroleum assets

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago

BHP operates the Greater Angostura field (45 per cent interest in the production sharing contract), an integrated oil and gas development located offshore 40 kilometres east of Trinidad. The crude oil is sold on a spot basis to international markets, while the gas is sold domestically under term contracts.

Algeria

Our Algerian asset comprises an effective 29.2 per cent interest in the Rhourde Ouled Djemma (ROD) Integrated Development, which consists of the membership interestsROD, Sif Fatima – Sif Fatima North East (SF SFNE) and four satellite oil fields that pump oil back to a dedicated processing train. The oil is sold to international markets. ROD Integrated Development is jointly operated by Sonatrach and ENI.

Key developments during FY2020

Building on our existing position in the region, Ruby is an offshore shallow water oil and gas development in Trinidad and Tobago that will consist of five production wells tied back into existing operated processing facilities. The BHP Billiton Petroleum (Fayetteville) LLC, which held the Fayetteville assets, for a gross cash considerationBoard approved its development on 8 August 2019 with an expected investment of US$0.3 billion.283 million (BHP share). First production is targeted in CY2021. The project is estimated to have the capacity to produce up to 16,000 gross barrels of oil per day and 80 million gross standard cubic feet of natural gas per day.

On 31 October 2018, BHP completedFor more information on Ruby, refer to section 6.5.

1.9.5    Commercial

BHP’s Commercial function maximises commercial and social value and minimises costs across the saleend-to-end supply chain. The function is organised around our core value chain activities – Sales and Marketing; Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence; Procurement; and Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property – supported by short- and long-term market insights, strategy and planning activities, and close partnership with our assets.

Our Operating Model enables us to provide improved service levels to our assets and customers, by harnessing deep subject matter expertise, simpler processes and centralisation of 100 per centstandardised activities. By embracing our strategic end-to-end supply chain mandate and partnership with our suppliers and customers, the Commercial function also creates social value through supply chain integrity, community and sustainability focus.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and Marketing connects BHP’s resources to market through commercial expertise, optimised sales and operations planning, deep customer insights and proactive risk management. They present a single face to markets across multiple assets, with a view to realising maximum value for our products.

Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence

Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence manages BHP’s enterprise-wide transportation strategy and chartering ocean freight to meet BHP’s inbound and outbound transportation needs. They work to ensure consistent safety standards across BHP’s maritime supply chain and lead the industry toward a safer and more sustainable global ecosystem. The team focuses on supply chain excellence and sourcing marine freight coverage at the lowest available cost.

Procurement

Our global Procurement sub-functions purchase the goods and services used by our projects, assets and functions. Procurement works with our business to optimise equipment performance, reduce operating costs and improve working capital. They manage supply chain risk and develop sustainable relationships with global suppliers and local businesses in the communities in which we operate.

Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property

Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property design and operate our inbound supply chain networks for the delivery of spare parts, operating supplies and consumables. They design and operate our office workspaces globally.

Market Analysis and Economics

Our Market Analysis and Economics team develops BHP’s independent view on the outlook for commodity demand and commodity prices. The team works with our Procurement, Maritime, and Sales and Marketing sub-functions to help optimise end-to-end commercial value, and with the Finance and External Affairs functions to identify and respond to long-run strategic changes in our operating environment.

1.10    Summary of financial performance

1.10.1    Group overview

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We publish our Consolidated Financial Statements in US dollars. All Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement information below has been derived from audited Financial Statements. For more information, refer to section 5.

Information in this section has been presented on a Continuing operations basis to exclude the contribution from Onshore US assets, unless otherwise noted. Details of the issued share capitalcontribution of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the BHP subsidiary that held the Eagle Ford (being Black Hawk and Hawkville), Haynesville and Permian assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$10.3 billion (net of preliminary customary completion adjustments of US$0.2 billion).

While the effective date at which the right to economic profits transferred to the purchasers was 1 July 2018, the Group continued to control the Onshore US assets until the completion dates of their respective transactions. As such, the Group continued to recognise its share of revenue, expenses, net finance costs and associated income tax expense related to the operation until the completion date. In addition, the Group provided transitional services to the buyer, which ceased in July 2019. Results from the Onshore US assetsGroup’s results are disclosed as Discontinued operations. For further information, refer toin note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2018 to 30 June 2017 has been omitted from this Form20-F, but can be found in our Form20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2018, filed on 18 September 2018.

1.13.2    Copper

Detailed below is financial information for our Copper assets for FY2019 and FY2018 and an analysis of Copper’s financial performance for FY2019 compared with FY2018.

Year ended

30 June 2019

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (7)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
  Exploration
to profit
 

Escondida (1)

  6,876   3,384   1,245   2,139   12,726   1,036   

Pampa Norte (2)

  1,502   701   381   320   2,937   1,194   

Antamina (3)

  1,144   723   108   615   1,345   229   

Olympic Dam

  1,351   273   331   (58  7,133   485   

Other (3)(4)

     (315  8   (323  (53  21   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Copper from Group production

  10,873   4,766   2,073   2,693   24,088   2,965   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products

  1,109   116      116         
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper

  11,982   4,882   2,073   2,809   24,088   2,965   66   65 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (5)

  (1,144  (332  (110  (222     (230  (4  (3
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper statutory result

  10,838   4,550   1,963   2,587   24,088   2,735   62   62 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2018

US$M

 Revenue (6)  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (7)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
  Exploration
to profit
 

Escondida (1)

  8,346   4,921   1,601   3,320   13,666   997   

Pampa Norte (2)

  1,831   924   298   626   1,967   757   

Antamina (3)

  1,305   955   111   844   1,313   183   

Olympic Dam

  1,255   267   228   39   6,937   669   

Other (3)(4)

     (193  8   (201  (204  5   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Copper from Group production

  12,737   6,874   2,246   4,628   23,679   2,611   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products

  1,349   60      60         
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper

  14,086   6,934   2,246   4,688   23,679   2,611   53   53 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (5)

  (1,305  (412  (113  (299     (183      
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper statutory result

  12,781   6,522   2,133   4,389   23,679   2,428   53   53 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June

US$M

 2020  2019  2018  2017  2016 

Consolidated Income Statement (section 5.1.1)

     

Revenue (1)

  42,931   44,288   43,129   35,740   28,567 

Profit from operations

  14,421   16,113   15,996   12,554   2,804 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing operations

  8,736   9,520   7,744   6,694   (312

Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations

     (335  (2,921  (472  (5,895

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders (Attributable profit/(loss)) (2)

  7,956   8,306   3,705   5,890   (6,385

Dividends per ordinary share – paid during the period (US cents)

  143.0   220.0   98.0   54.0   78.0 

Dividends per ordinary share – determined in respect of the period (US cents)

  120.0   235.0   118.0   83.0   30.0 

Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (US cents) (2)(3)

  157.3   160.3   69.6   110.7   (120.0

Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (US cents) (2)(3)

  157.0   159.9   69.4   110.4   (120.0

Basic earnings/(loss) from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents) (3)

  157.3   166.9   125.0   119.8   (10.2

Diluted earnings/(loss) from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents) (3)

  157.0   166.5   124.6   119.5   (10.2

Number of ordinary shares (million)

     

– At period end

  5,058   5,058   5,324   5,324   5,324 

– Weighted average

  5,057   5,180   5,323   5,323   5,322 
– Diluted  5,069   5,193   5,337   5,336   5,322 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (section 5.1.3) (4)

                    

Total assets

  104,783   100,861   111,993   117,006   118,953 

Net assets

  52,246   51,824   60,670   62,726   60,071 

Share capital (including share premium)

  2,686   2,686   2,761   2,761   2,761 

Total equity attributable to BHP shareholders

  47,936   47,240   55,592   57,258   54,290 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (section 5.1.4)

     

Net operating cash flows (5)

  15,706   17,871   18,461   16,804   10,625 

Capital and exploration expenditure (6)

  7,640   7,566   6,753   5,220   7,711 

Other financial information

     

Net debt (7)(8)

  12,044   9,446   11,605   17,201   25,590 

Underlying attributable profit (7)

  9,060   9,124   8,933   6,732   1,215 

Underlying EBITDA (7)

  22,071   23,158   23,183   19,350   11,720 

Underlying EBIT (7)

  15,874   17,065   16,562   13,190   5,324 

Underlying basic earnings per share (US cents) (7)

  179.2   176.1   167.8   126.5   22.8 

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (per cent) (7)

  16.9   15.9   14.2   9.8   2.4 

 

(1)

Escondida is consolidated underFY2018 and FY2017 have been restated to reflect the impact of the accounting standard, IFRS 10 and reported15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which came into effect from 1 July 2018 with restatements applied to comparative periods in section 5. FY2016 has not been restated. For more information on a 100 per cent basis.revenue, refer to note 2 ‘Revenue’ in section 5.

 

(2) 

Includes SpenceLoss after taxation from Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders.

(3)

For more information on earnings per share, refer to note 7 ‘Earnings per share’ in section 5.

(4)

The Consolidated Balance Sheet for FY2018 includes the assets and Cerro Colorado.liabilities held for sale in relation to Onshore US as IFRS 5/AASB 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ does not require the Consolidated Balance Sheet to be restated for comparative periods.

(5)

Net operating cash flows are after dividends received, net interest paid and net taxation paid and includes Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations.

(6)

Capital and exploration expenditure is presented on a cash basis and represents purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement in section 5 and includes purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from Discontinued operations. For more information, refer to note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5. Purchase of property, plant and equipment includes capitalised deferred stripping of US$698 million for FY2020 (FY2019: US$1,022 million) and excludes capitalised interest. Exploration expenditure is capitalised in accordance with our accounting policies, as set out in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

(7)

We use Alternative Performance Measures to reflect the underlying performance of the Group. Underlying attributable profit, Underlying basic earnings per share and Underlying Return on Capital Employed includes Continuing and Discontinued operations. Refer to section 6.1 for a reconciliation of Alternative Performance Measures to their respective IFRS measure. Refer to section 6.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Alternative Performance Measures. Refer to note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5 for the composition of Net debt.

(8)

With effect from 1 July 2019, the net debt definition includes the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge cash and borrowings. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in net debt calculation. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from 1 July 2019, the current period ‘Total Interest bearing liabilities’ includes all leases under the new definition. The Group elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with no restatement of comparative periods. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5. Vessel lease contracts that are priced with reference to a freight index, which did not meet the definition of a lease under IAS 17, now meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16. These contracts are measured at each reporting date based on the prevailing freight index. The freight index has historically been volatile which creates significant short-term fluctuation in these liabilities. Continued volatility throughout FY2020 has meant that as of 1 January 2020, the Group excludes these liabilities from its net debt calculation.

1.10.2    Financial results

The following table expands on the Consolidated Income Statement in section 5.1.1, to provide more information on the revenue and expenses of the Group in FY2020.

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Continuing operations

    

Revenue (1)

   42,931   44,288   43,129 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other income

   777   393   247 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Employee benefits expense

   (4,055  (4,032  (3,990

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

   326   (496  142 

Raw materials and consumables used

   (5,509  (4,591  (4,389

Freight and transportation

   (1,981  (2,378  (2,294

External services

   (4,404  (4,745  (4,786

Third party commodity purchases

   (1,139  (1,069  (1,374

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

   603   147   93 

Fair value of derivatives

   (422  (8  (208

Government royalties paid and payable

   (2,362  (2,538  (2,168

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred and expensed in the current period

   (517  (516  (641

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   (6,112  (5,829  (6,288

Impairment of assets

   (494  (264  (333

Lease costs

   (675  (405  (421

All other operating expenses

   (2,034  (1,298  (870
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,775  (28,022  (27,527
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (512  (546  147 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit from operations

   14,421   16,113   15,996 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net finance costs

   (911  (1,064  (1,245

Total taxation expense

   (4,774  (5,529  (7,007
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

   8,736   9,520   7,744 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

    

Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations

      (335  (2,921
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   8,736   9,185   4,823 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

   780   879   1,118 

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   7,956   8,306   3,705 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Includes the sale of third party products.

Profit after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders decreased from a profit of US$8.3 billion in FY2019 to a profit of US$8.0 billion in FY2020.

Revenue of US$42.9 billion decreased by US$1.4 billion, or 3 per cent, from FY2019. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower average realised prices for coal, petroleum and copper, and lower volumes due to natural field decline at Petroleum and lower grade at Escondida and Spence, combined with planned maintenance across a number of our assets. This was partially offset by higher average realised prices for iron ore, record production at WAIO, record average concentrator throughput at Escondida and improved operational stability. For information on our average realised prices and production of our commodities, refer to section 1.11.

Total expenses of US$28.8 billion increased by US$0.8 billion, or 3 per cent, from FY2019. The decrease in changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress of US$822 million was primarily driven by FY2019 inventory drawdowns at Escondida in line with the Los Colorados Extension commissioning compared to planned rebuilds for operational stability following drawdowns in the prior year. Raw materials and consumables used increased by US$918 million driven by the cancellation of power contracts at Escondida and Spence as part of the shift towards 100 per cent renewable energy supply contracts. Freight and transportation decreased by US$397 million driven by the adoption of IFRS 16 where freight costs related to continuous voyage charters were brought onto the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and depreciated. Depreciation and amortisation expense increased by US$283 million driven by the adoption of IFRS 16 right-of-use assets partially offset by lower depreciation and amortisation at Petroleum in line with lower production volumes due to natural field decline. Impairment of assets increased by US$230 million driven by Cerro Colorado operations reflecting current mine plan. Other operating expenses increased by US$736 million driven by an increase in depletion of production stripping mainly at Escondida due to increased fine copper movement combined with closure provision adjustment for closed mines. Favourable movements in foreign exchange (FX) affected the majority of cost categories.

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses of US$(512) million in FY2020 decreased by US$34 million from FY2019. The decrease reflects lower profits from Antamina and Cerrejón which was primarily due to lower prices and COVID-19-related outages offset by favourable FX movements on the Samarco dam failure provision.

Net finance costs of US$911 million decreased by US$153 million, or 14 per cent, from FY2019 mainly due to lower effective interest rates and lower average debt balance following the repayment on maturity of Group debt. For more information on net finance costs, refer to section 1.10.3 and note 21 ‘Net finance costs’ in section 5.

Total taxation expense of US$4,774 million reduced by US$755 million from FY2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower profits combined with FY2019 impacted by provisions for tax disputes and a higher net reduction in US tax credits related to Chilean taxes. For more information on income tax expense, refer to note 6 ‘Income tax expense’ in section 5.

Principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA

The following table describes the impact of the principal factors that affected Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA for FY2020 and relates them back to our Consolidated Income Statement. For information on the method of calculation of the principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA, refer to section 6.1.2.

With effect from 1 July 2019, the Change in volumes variance calculation has been changed to reference prior year price less variable unit cost instead of prior year Underlying EBITDA margin. This change to the Change in volumes variance calculation is offset in the Operating cash costs variance calculation. Management believes this amendment is useful because the entire impact of a Change in volumes will be reflected in one category instead of separately reporting the related fixed cost dilution impacts in the Operating cash costs category. Prior periods have not been restated for this change.

  Revenue
US$M
  Total expenses,
Other income
and (Loss)/profit
from equity
accounted
investments

US$M
  Profit from
operations

US$M
  Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments and
Exceptional
Items

US$M
  Underlying
EBITDA
US$M
 

Year ended 30 June 2019

     

Revenue

  44,288     

Other income

   393    

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,022   

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (546   
  

 

 

    

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and (Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (28,175   
   

 

 

   

Profit from operations

    16,113   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

     6,093  

Exceptional items

     952  
     

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

      23,158 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in sales prices

  (1,038  (54  (1,092     (1,092

Price-linked costs

     (12  (12     (12
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net price impact

  (1,038  (66  (1,104     (1,104
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in volumes

  (378  (34  (412     (412
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating cash costs

     223   223      223 

Exploration and business development

     (115  (115     (115
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in controllable cash costs (2)

     108   108      108 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exchange rates

  (66  1,020   954      954 

Inflation on costs

     (298  (298     (298

Fuel and energy

     77   77      77 

Non-cash

     (460  (460     (460

One-off items

  189   95   284      284 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in other costs

  123   434   557      557 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Asset sales

     1   1      1 

Ceased and sold operations

  (90  (328  (418     (418

Other

  26   155   181      181 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

     (104  (104  104    

Exceptional items

     (501  (501  501    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2020

     

Revenue

  42,931     

Other income

   777    

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,775   

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (512   
  

 

 

    

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and (Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (28,510   
   

 

 

   

Profit from operations

    14,421   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

     6,606  

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

     (409 

Exceptional items

     1,453  
     

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

      22,071 

(1)

Depreciation and impairments that we classify as exceptional items are excluded from depreciation, amortisation and impairments. Depreciation, amortisation and impairments includes non-exceptional impairments of US$85 million (FY2019: US$264 million).

(2)

Collectively, we refer to the change in operating cash costs and change in exploration and business development as change in controllable cash costs. Operating cash costs by definition do not include non-cash costs. The change in operating cash costs also excludes the impact of exchange rates and inflation, changes in fuel and energy costs, changes in exploration and business development costs and one-off items. These items are excluded so as to provide a consistent measurement of changes in costs across all segments, based on the factors that are within the control and responsibility of the segment. Change in controllable cash costs and change in operating cash costs are not measures that are recognised by IFRS. They may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Lower average realised prices decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$1.1 billion in FY2020 reflecting lower average realised prices for metallurgical and energy coal, petroleum and copper, partially offset by higher average realised prices for iron ore and nickel.

Change in volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$412 million primarily as a result of record production at WAIO, Caval Ridge and Poitrel, record average concentrator throughput at Escondida and improved operational stability following the prior period impacts of unplanned outages. These favourable movements were more than offset by the impacts from planned maintenance across a number of our assets (Queensland Coal, WAIO), unfavourable weather (Queensland Coal, WAIO, NSWEC), a change in product strategy at NSWEC to focus on higher-quality products, lower grade at Escondida and Spence and Petroleum natural field decline across the portfolio.

Lower costs reflect strong cost performance driven by consumption efficiencies at Escondida, favourable inventory movements across our assets in line with mine plans and planned rebuilds for operational stability following drawdowns in the prior year, supported by further reductions in overheads, partially offset by increased planned maintenance activities at a number of assets during the year. This was offset by higher business development costs in Mexico following the successful exploration program at Trion.

A stronger US dollar against the Australian dollar and Chilean peso increased Underlying EBITDA by US$954 million during the period.

Non-cash reflects higher deferred stripping depletion and lower overburden movement in line with mine plan at Escondida, decreasing Underlying EBITDA by US$460 million.

Higher ceased and sold operations reflects higher closure and rehabilitation provision adjustments for closed mines of US$362 million, sale of our interests in the Bruce and Keith oil and gas fields in the prior period, and cessation of operations at Minerva in FY2020.

Other includes the favourable impacts from the first year of application of IFRS 16 Leases offset by lower profits from our equity accounted investments (Antamina and Cerrejón) due to lower prices and COVID-19 related outages.

Cash flow

The following table provides a summary of the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement contained in section 5.1.4 to show the key sources and uses of cash during the periods presented:

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Cash generated from operations

   22,268   23,428   22,949 

Dividends received

   137   516   709 

Net interest paid

   (840  (903  (887

Proceeds/(settlements) of cash management related instruments

   85   296   (292

Net taxation paid

   (5,944  (5,940  (4,918
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations

   15,706   17,397   17,561 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations

      474   900 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   15,706   17,871   18,461 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (6,900  (6,250  (4,979

Exploration expenditure

   (740  (873  (874
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal: Capital and exploration expenditure

   (7,640  (7,123  (5,853
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exploration expenditure expensed and included in operating cash flows

   517   516   641 

Net investment and funding of equity accounted investments

   (618  (630  204 

Other investing activities

   125   (140  (52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (7,616  (7,377  (5,060
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Discontinued operations

      (443  (861

Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash

      10,427    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investing cash flows

   (7,616  2,607   (5,921
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net repayment of interest bearing liabilities

   (1,690  (2,514  (3,878

Share buy-back – BHP Group Limited

      (5,220   

Dividends paid

   (6,876  (11,395  (5,220

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

   (1,043  (1,198  (1,582

Other financing activities

   (143  (188  (171
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (9,752  (20,515  (10,851
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Discontinued operations

      (13  (40
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net financing cash flows

   (9,752  (20,528  (10,891
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,662  (10,477  1,649 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing operations

   (1,662  (10,495  1,650 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations

      18   (1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash inflows of US$15.7 billion decreased by US$2.2 billion. This reflects weaker commodity prices in coal and petroleum and field and grade declines, partially offset by stronger iron ore prices and strong underlying performance across the portfolio.

Net investing cash outflows of US$7.6 billion increased by US$10.2 billion. This reflects the proceeds from the divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash in FY2019, partially offset by continued investment in high-return latent capacity projects and investment in South Flank, Spence Growth Option and Mad Dog 2 in FY2020.

For more information and a breakdown of capital and exploration expenditure on a commodity basis, refer to section 1.11.

Net financing cash outflows of US$9.8 billion decreased by US$10.8 billion. This reflects the off-market buy-back of BHP Group Limited shares of US$5.2 billion in December 2018, the special dividend of US$5.2 billion paid in January 2019 from the Onshore US asset sale (net proceeds), lower repayments of interest bearing liabilities of US$0.8 billion and lower dividends to non-controlling interests of US$0.2 billion, partially offset by higher dividends to BHP shareholders in FY2020 of US$0.7 billion.

For more information, refer to section 1.10.3 and note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5.

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 16.9 per cent increased by 1.0 per cent (FY2019: 15.9 per cent) reflecting the impact of the sale of Onshore US in FY2018. The Return on Capital Employed in FY2020 includes US$12.5 billion of Assets under Construction (average of ending balances for FY2020 of US$13.8 billion and FY2019 of US$11.1 billion) including major projects in Potash, Spence Growth Option, South Flank and Mad Dog which are not yet producing their planned contribution to earnings.

For more information on Assets under Construction refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Comparisons for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 in connection with Financial results, Principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA and Cash flow have been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.10.3    Debt and sources of liquidity

Our policies on debt and liquidity management have the following objectives:

a strong balance sheet through the cycle

diversification of funding sources

maintain borrowings and excess cash predominantly in US dollars

Interest bearing liabilities, net debt and gearing

At the end of FY2020, Interest bearing liabilities were US$27.0 billion (FY2019: US$24.8 billion) and Cash and cash equivalents were US$13.4 billion (FY2019: US$15.6 billion). This resulted in net debt (1) of US$12.0 billion, which represented an increase of US$2.6 billion compared with the net debt position at 30 June 2019 primarily due to the application of IFRS 16. Gearing, which is the ratio of net debt to net debt plus net assets, was 18.7 per cent at 30 June 2020, compared with 15.4 per cent at 30 June 2019.

During FY2020, the Group decided not to refinance US$0.9 billion of Group-level debt (consisting of an A$1.0 billion bond and the remaining amount of the €600 million bond that matured). This extended BHP’s average debt maturity profile and enhanced BHP’s capital structure.

At the subsidiary level, Escondida refinanced US$0.5 billion of maturing long-term debt.

Funding sources

No new Group-level debt was issued in FY2020 and debt that matured during the year was not refinanced.

Our Group-level borrowing facilities are not subject to financial covenants. Certain specific financing facilities in relation to specific assets are the subject of financial covenants that vary from facility to facility, but this would be considered normal for such facilities. In addition to the Group’s uncommitted debt issuance programs, we hold the following committed standby facilities:

   Facility
available
2020

US$M
   Drawn
2020
US$M
   Undrawn
2020
US$M
   Facility
available
2019
US$M
   Drawn
2019
US$M
   Undrawn
2019
US$M
 

Revolving credit facility (2)

   5,500        5,500    6,000        6,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financing facilities

   5,500        5,500    6,000        6,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

We use Alternative Performance Measures to reflect the underlying financial performance of BHP, refer to section 6.1. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 6.1.1. For the composition of net debt, refer to note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5.

(2)

BHP’s revolving credit facility was refinanced on 10 October 2019 and is due to mature on 10 October 2024. The committed US$5.5 billion revolving credit facility operates as a back-stop to the Group’s uncommitted commercial paper program. The combined amount drawn under the facility or as commercial paper will not exceed US$5.5 billion. As at 30 June 2020, US$ nil commercial paper was drawn (FY2019: US$ nil), therefore US$5.5 billion of committed facility was available to use (FY2019: US$6.0 billion). A commitment fee is payable on the undrawn balance and an interest rate comprising an interbank rate plus a margin applies to any drawn balance. The agreed margins are typical for a credit facility extended to a company with BHP’s credit rating.

For more information on the maturity profile of our debt obligations and details of our standby and support agreements, refer to note 22 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.

In BHP’s opinion, working capital is sufficient for its present requirements. BHP’s credit ratings are currently A2/P-1 outlook stable (Moody’s – long-term/short-term) and A/A-1 outlook stable (Standard & Poor’s – long-term/short-term). A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by an assigning rating agency. Any rating should be evaluated independently of any other information.

The following table expands on the net debt, to provide more information on the cash and non-cash movements in FY2020.

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
 

Net debt at the beginning of the financial year

    (9,446   (11,605
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   15,706    17,871  

Net investing cash flows

   (7,616   2,607  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flow

    8,090    20,478 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying value of interest bearing liability repayments

   1,533    2,351  

Net settlements of interest bearing liabilities and debt related instruments

   (1,984   (2,781 

Share buy-back – BHP Group Limited

       (5,220 

Dividends paid

   (6,876   (11,395 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

   (1,043   (1,198 

Other financing activities (1)

   (143   (201 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other cash movements

    (8,513   (18,444
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment on debt (including debt related instruments) (2)

   88    44  

Foreign exchange impacts on cash (including cash management related instruments)

   (26   94  

IFRS 16 leases taken on at 1 July

   (1,778     

Lease additions

   (363     

Others

   (96   (13 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash movements

    (2,175   125 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt at the end of the financial year (3)

    (12,044   (9,446
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Other financing activities mainly comprises purchases of shares by Employee Share Option Plan trusts of US$143 million (FY2019: US$188 million).

(2)

The Group hedges against the volatility in both exchange and interest rates on debt, and also exchange on cash, with associated movements in derivatives reported in Other financial assets/liabilities as effective hedged derivatives (cross currency and interest rate swaps), in accordance with accounting standards. For more information, refer to note 22 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.

 

(3) 

Antamina, SolGoldIncludes US$1,633 million of additional leases due to the implementation of IFRS 16.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 has been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.10.4    Alternative Performance Measures

We use various Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to reflect our underlying performance.

These APMs are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS, but are derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The APMs are consistent with how management reviews financial performance of the Group with the Board and the investment community.

Section 6.1, which is incorporated into the Strategic Report by reference, includes our APMs and Section 6.1.1 outlines why we believe the APMs are useful and the calculation methodology. We believe these APMs provide useful information, but they should not be considered as an indication of, or as a substitute for, statutory measures as an indicator of actual operating performance (such as profit or net operating cash flow) or any other measure of financial performance or position presented in accordance with IFRS, or as a measure of a company’s profitability, liquidity or financial position.

1.11    Performance by commodity

Management believes the following financial information presented by commodity provides a meaningful indication of the underlying financial performance of the assets, including equity accounted investments, of each reportable segment. Information relating to assets that are accounted for as equity accounted investments is shown to reflect BHP’s share, unless otherwise noted, to provide insight into the drivers of these assets.

For the purposes of this financial information, segments are reported on a statutory basis in accordance with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. The tables for each commodity include an ‘adjustment for equity accounted investments’ to reconcile the equity accounted results to the statutory segment results.

For a reconciliation of alternative performance measures to their respective IFRS measure and an explanation as to the use of Underlying EBITDA and Underlying EBIT in assessing our performance, refer to section 6.1. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 6.1.1. For more information as to the statutory determination of our reportable segments, refer to note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 5.

Unit costs (1) is one of the financial measures used to monitor the performance of our individual assets and is included in the analysis of each reportable segment.

(1)

For more information on alternative performance measures, refer to section 6.1.

1.11.1    Petroleum

Detailed below is financial information for our Petroleum assets excluding Onshore US for FY2019 and an analysis of Petroleum’s financial performance for FY2020 compared with FY2019.

Year ended

30 June 2020

US$M

  Revenue (4)  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
   Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross (6)
   Exploration
to profit (7)
 

Australia Production Unit (1)

   361   253   197   56   289    6    

Bass Strait

   1,102   761   449   312   1,796    87    

North West Shelf

   1,076   731   260   471   1,261    130    

Atlantis

   561   431   175   256   1,061    197    

Shenzi

   277   174   139   35   550    45    

Mad Dog

   216   164   64   100   1,551    375    

Trinidad/Tobago

   191   92   46   46   323    46    

Algeria

   159   111   12   99   60    16    

Exploration

      (394  41   (435  1,227    (1   

Other (2)

   104   (111  77   (188  129    8    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum from Group production

   4,047   2,212   1,460   752   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Third party products

   39   (2     (2              
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum

   4,086   2,210   1,460   750   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)

   (16  (3  (3                 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum statutory result

   4,070   2,207   1,457   750   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2019

Restated

US$M

  Revenue (4)  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
   Exploration
gross (6)
   Exploration
to profit (7)
 

Australia Production Unit (1)

   507   332   192   140   513   13     

Bass Strait

   1,237   915   427   488   2,217   32     

North West Shelf

   1,657   1,220   298   922   1,371   106     

Atlantis

   979   824   261   563   1,060   31     

Shenzi

   540   437   151   286   658   30     

Mad Dog

   319   268   59   209   1,232   362     

Trinidad/Tobago

   287   181   56   125   302   23     

Algeria

   258   201   26   175   49   7     

Exploration

      (388  58   (446  1,039        

Other (2)

   153   73   55   18   (109  41     
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum from Group production

   5,937   4,063   1,583   2,480   8,332   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Third party products

   10                        
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum

   5,947   4,063   1,583   2,480   8,332   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)

   (17  (2  (2                 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum statutory result

   5,930   4,061   1,581   2,480   8,332   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Australia Production Unit includes Macedon, Pyrenees and ResolutionMinerva.

(2)

Predominantly divisional activities, business development, UK (divested in November 2018), Neptune and Genesis. Also includes the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline, which are equity accounted investmentsinvestments. The financial information for the Caesar oil pipeline and their financial informationthe Cleopatra gas pipeline presented above, with the exception of net operating assets, reflects BHP Group’sBHP’s share.

 

(4)(3)

Predominantly comprises divisional activities, greenfield explorationTotal Petroleum statutory result revenue excludes US$16 million (2019: US$17 million) revenue related to the Caesar oil pipeline and business development. Includes Resolutionthe Cleopatra gas pipeline. Total Petroleum statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$3 million (2019: US$2 million) D&A related to the Caesar oil pipeline and SolGold (acquired in October 2018).the Cleopatra gas pipeline.

(4)

Total Petroleum statutory result revenue includes: crude oil US$2,033 million (2019: US$3,171 million), natural gas US$980 million (2019: US$1,259 million), LNG US$774 million (2019: US$1,179 million), NGL US$198 million (2019: US$263 million) and other US$85 million (2019: US$58 million) which includes third party products.

 

(5)

Total Copper statutory result Revenue excludes US$1,144 million (2018: US$1,305 million) revenue related to Antamina. Total Copper statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$110 million (2018: US$113 million) D&A and US$222 million (2018: US$299 million) net finance costs and taxation expense related to Antamina, Resolution and SolGold that are also included in Underlying EBIT. Total Copper Capital expenditure excludes US$229 million (2018: US$183 million) related to Antamina and US$1 million (2018: US$ nil) related to SolGold. Exploration gross excludes US$4 million (2018: US$ nil) related to SolGold of which US$3 million (2018: US$ nil) was expensed.

120


(6)

Comparative financial information has been restated for the new accounting standard, IFRS15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which became effective from 1 July 2018.

(7)

Refer to section 1.12.46.1 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 1.12.5 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

Key drivers of Copper’s financial results

Price overview

Our average realised sales price for FY2019 was US$2.62 per pound (FY2018: US$3.00 per pound). Copper prices decreased in FY2019 as rising global trade uncertainty affected investor sentiment. Labour negotiations in Chile and Peru during CY2018 went relatively smoothly with limited volume disruptions. Despite the lower price, refined copper stocks at exchanges decreasedyear-on-year. In the near term, incremental mine production from committed projects and rising scrap availability should continue to meet demand needs. In the longer term, we expect demand to grow steadily, led by a solid performance in traditionalend-use sectors. Exposure to the electrification megatrend provides some upside. A deficit is expected to emerge early to middle of next decade as grade declines, a rise in costs and a scarcity of high-quality future development opportunities are likely to constrain the industry’s ability to cheaply meet this demand growth.

Production

Total Copper production for FY2019 decreased by 4 per cent to 1.7 Mt.

Escondida copper production decreased by 6 per cent to 1,135 kt, as an expected 12 per cent decline in copper grade was partially offset by record average concentrator throughput of 344 ktpd. Pampa Norte copper production decreased by 7 per cent to 247 kt, due to adverse weather impacts and a production outage at Spence following a fire at the electrowinning plant in September 2018. This was partially offset by record ore milled at Spence and Cerro Colorado after implementing maintenance improvement initiatives as part of our broader transformation program. Olympic Dam copper production increased by 17 per cent to 160 kt as a result of the major smelter maintenance campaign in the prior period, which was partially offset by an unplanned acid plant outage in August 2018 and two minor production outages relating to the smelter and to the refinery crane during the year. Antamina copper production increased by 6 per cent to 147 kt and zinc production decreased by 18 per cent to 98 kt, reflecting higher copper head grades and lower zinc head grades, in line with the mine plan.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2019, FY2018 and FY2017, refer to section 6.2.

Financial results

Copper revenue decreased by US$1.9 billion to US$10.8 billion in FY2019. Escondida revenue decreased by US$1.5 billion to US$6.9 billion.

Underlying EBITDA for Copper decreased by US$2.0 billion to US$4.6 billion. Price impacts, net of price-linked costs, decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$1.3 billion. Lower volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$315 million mainly driven by lower grades at Escondida and lower production at Pampa Norte after a fire at the electrowinning plant at Spence and heavy rainfall, partially offset by a record concentrator throughput at Escondida following the Los Colorados Extension commissioning and record ore milled at Pampa Norte.

Controllable cash costs increased by US$321 million, mainly due to Olympic Dam unfavourable fixed cost dilution related to the acid plant outage, Escondida inventory drawdowns related to the Los Colorados Extension commissioning, change in estimated recoverable copper contained in the Escondida sulphide leach pad which benefited costs in the prior year andend-of-negotiation bonus payments. This was partially offset by the Olympic Dam acid plant outage self-insurance recoveries, inventory movements at Pampa Norte and the benefit from higher overall volumes at Olympic Dam as a result of the smelter maintenance campaign in the prior year.

Unit costs at Escondida increased by 7 per cent to US$1.14 per pound, driven by an expected 12 per cent decline in copper grade and labour settlement costs. The calculation of Escondida unit costs is set out in the table below.

   Escondida unit costs 

US$M

  FY2019   FY2018 

Revenue

   6,876    8,346 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,384    4,921 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross costs

   3,492    3,425 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:by-product credits

   490    447 

Less: freight

   149    123 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net costs

   2,853    2,855 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales (kt, equity share)

   1,131    1,209 

Sales (Mlb, equity share)

   2,493    2,664 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost per pound (US$) (1)

   1.14    1.07 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

FY2019 based on average exchange rates of AUD/USD 0.72 and USD/CLP 673.

121


Outlook

Total Copper production of between 1,705 and 1,820 kt is expected in FY2020. Escondida production of between 1,160 and 1,230 kt is expected in FY2020, underpinned by a further uplift in concentrator throughput to compensate grade decline. Production at Pampa Norte is expected to be between 230 and 250 kt in FY2020, as the Spence Growth Option continues to progress on schedule and budget, with initial production targeted in FY2021. At Olympic Dam, production is expected to be between 180 and 205 kt in FY2020 reflecting improved operational performance, partially offset by planned maintenance related to the replacement of the refinery crane.

Escondida unit costs are expected to increase to between US$1.20 and US$1.35 per pound (based on an average exchange rate of USD/CLP 683) in FY2020 reflecting lowerby-product credits and higher deferred stripping costs. The impact of a decline in copper grade of approximately 5 per cent is expected to be offset by increased concentrator throughput. In the medium term, unit costs are expected to remain less than US$1.15 per pound (based on an average exchange rate of USD/CLP 683) with expected higher power and water costs offset by transformation programs focused on efficiency improvements and optimised maintenance strategies.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2018 to 30 June 2017 has been omitted from this Form20-F, but can be found in our Form20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2018, filed on 18 September 2018.

1.13.3    Iron Ore

Detailed below is financial information for our Iron Ore assets for FY2019 and FY2018 and an analysis of Iron Ore’s financial performance for FY2019 compared with FY2018.

Year ended

30 June 2019

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross (1)
  Exploration
to profit
 

Western Australia Iron Ore

  17,066   11,053   1,707   9,346   19,208   1,600   

Samarco (2)

              (1,908     

Other (3)

  157   62   25   37   186   11   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Iron Ore from Group production

  17,223   11,115   1,732   9,383   17,486   1,611   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products (4)

  32   14      14         
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore

  17,255   11,129   1,732   9,397   17,486   1,611   93   41 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments

                        
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore statutory result

  17,255   11,129   1,732   9,397   17,486   1,611   93   41 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2018

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross (1)
  Exploration
to profit
 

Western Australia Iron Ore

  14,596   8,869   1,721   7,148   19,406   1,047   

Samarco (2)

              (1,278     

Other (3)

  160   60   14   46   192   27   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Iron Ore from Group production

  14,756   8,929   1,735   7,194   18,320   1,074   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products (4)

  54   1      1         
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore

  14,810   8,930   1,735   7,195   18,320   1,074   84   44 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments

                        
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore statutory result

  14,810   8,930   1,735   7,195   18,320   1,074   84   44 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Includes US$52 million of capitalised exploration (2018: US$40 million).

(2)

Samarco is an equity accounted investment and its financial information presented above, with the exception of net operating assets, reflects BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s share. All financial impacts following the Samarco dam failure have been reported as exceptional items in both reporting periods.

(3)

Predominantly comprises divisional activities, towage services, business development and ceased operations.

(4)

Includes inter-segment and external sales of contracted gas purchases.

(5)

Refer to section 1.12.4 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 1.12.56.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

 

(6)

Includes US$170 million of capitalised exploration (2019: US$297 million).

122


(7)

Includes US$ nil of exploration expenditure previously capitalised, written off as impaired (included in depreciation and amortisation) (2019: US$21 million).

Key drivers of Iron Ore’sconventional petroleum’s financial results

Price overview

Iron Ore’sTrends in each of the major markets are outlined below.

Crude oil

Our average realised sales price for FY2019crude oil was US$66.6849.53 per wet metric tonne (wmt) (FY2018:barrel (FY2019: US$56.7166.59 per wmt)barrel). Crude oil prices dropped significantly in the second half of FY2020 due to a brief OPEC and its non-member allies’ (‘OPEC+’) price war in March 2020 and COVID-19, with Brent falling below US$20/bbl in April 2020 at the height of the global lockdowns and peak demand destruction. The prices have partially recovered since then mainly due to swift output cuts from OPEC+ and a partial recovery in mobility. Very large storage builds flipped to draws in late May 2020, which allowed benchmark prices to move up to approximately US$40/bbl. Demand is expected to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels no earlier than the end of CY2021. In our longer-term outlook, we believe oil will be attractive, even under a plausible low case, for a considerable time to come.

Liquefied natural gas

Our average realised sales price for LNG was US$7.26 per Mcf (FY2019: US$9.43 per Mcf). The Platts 62% Fe Iron Ore Fines index has been elevated sinceJapan-Korea Marker (JKM) price for LNG performed poorly in FY2020, reflecting a deepening oversupply situation. JKM hit an all-time low in April 2020 as a slowdown in Asian demand growth due to warm weather and COVID-19 and large increments of new supply coming online weighed on the tailings dam collapse in Brazil disruptedmarket. Longer term, the commodity offers a combination of systematic base decline and an attractive demand trajectory. However, gas resource is abundant and liquefaction infrastructure comes with large upfront costs and extended pay backs. North American exports are expected to provide the marginal supply across multiple longer-term scenarios for the LNG industry, with new supply likely to be required to balance the market in late January 2019. In addition to the decline in Brazilian exports, prices responded to stronger than expected Chinese pig iron production and cyclone disruptions to Australian supply. In the longer term, supplymiddle of this decade, or slightly later. Within global gas, LNG is expected to returngain share. Against this backdrop, LNG assets advantaged by their proximity to a more normal trajectory and the marginal tonne being provided by a higher cost, lowervalue-in-use exporter from Australiaexisting infrastructure or Brazil.customers, or both, will be attractive.

Production

Total Iron OrePetroleum production from WAIO for FY2019 was broadly unchanged at 238 Mt, or 270 Mt on a 100FY2020 decreased by 10 per cent basis. This reflected recordto 109 MMboe.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids production at Jimblebar and inventory impacts from the Mt Whaleback fire in the prior period offsetdecreased by 11 per cent to 49 MMboe due to the impacts of plannedTropical Storm Barry in the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Cyclone Damien at our North West Shelf operations, maintenance at Atlantis and natural field decline across the portfolio. Weaker market conditions, including impacts from COVID-19, also contributed to lower volumes in September 2018,the June 2020 quarter. This decline was partially offset by higher uptime at Pyrenees following the 70-day dry dock maintenance program during the prior year.

Natural gas production decreased by 9 per cent to 360 bcf, reflecting a train derailmentdecrease in November 2018both production and tax barrels (in accordance with the terms of our Production Sharing Contract) due to weaker market conditions in Trinidad and Tobago, impacts of maintenance and Tropical Cyclone Veronica in March 2019.Damien at North West Shelf and natural field decline across the portfolio.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2020, FY2019 FY2018 and FY2017,FY2018, refer to section 6.2.6.3.

Financial results

Total Iron OrePetroleum revenue increasedfor FY2020 decreased by US$2.41.9 billion to US$17.34.1 billion. Gulf of Mexico, which includes Atlantis, Shenzi and Mad Dog, decreased by US$784 million to US$1.1 billion. In Australia, Bass Strait and North West Shelf collectively decreased by US$716 million to US$2.2 billion. The Trinidad Production Unit decreased by US$96 million to US$0.2 billion in FY2019.while the Australian Production Unit, which includes Macedon, Pyrenees and Minerva, decreased by US$146 million to US$0.4 billion.

Underlying EBITDA for Iron Ore increasedPetroleum decreased by US$2.21.9 billion to US$11.12.2 billion. Price impact,impacts, net of price-linked costs, increaseddecreased Underlying EBITDA by US$2.11.1 billion. HigherControllable cash costs increased by US$30 million reflecting higher business development costs in Mexico following the successful exploration program at Trion, partially offset by lower maintenance activity at our Australian assets. Ceased and sold operations decreased by US$76 million reflecting the sale of our interests in the Bruce and Keith oil and gas fields in the prior period, and cessation of operations at Minerva in FY2020. Lower volumes increaseddecreased Underlying EBITDA by US$382588 million driven by record productionmainly due to natural field decline across the portfolio, a decrease in tax barrels at Jimblebar, expiry ofTrinidad and Tobago, weaker market conditions, the Wheelarra joint venture and improved supply chain reliability and performance. This was partially offset by a train derailment and the impactimpacts from Tropical Cyclone Veronica. Lower controllable cash costs from favourable inventory movements partially offset by increasedBarry and Tropical Cyclone Damien and planned maintenance activities increasedat Atlantis. Other items such as exchange rate and inflation also negatively impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$10327 million.

WAIOPetroleum unit costs decreased by 18 per cent to US$14.169.74 per tonne reflecting higher volumes, continued productivity improvementsbarrel of oil equivalent due to a reduction in price-linked costs, cost efficiencies and favourable exchange movements,lower maintenance activities at our Australian operations due to COVID-19, partially offset by the impacts of a train derailment and Tropical Cyclone Veronica.lower volumes. The calculation of WAIOconventional petroleum unit costs is set out in the table below.

 

WAIO unit costs (US$M)

  FY2019   FY2018 

Petroleum unit costs
US$M

  FY2020   FY2019 

Revenue

   17,066    14,596    4,070    5,930 

Underlying EBITDA

   11,053    8,869    2,207    4,061 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gross costs

   6,013    5,727    1,863    1,869 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Less: exploration expense (1)

   394    388 

Less: freight

   1,308    1,276    110    152 

Less: royalties

   1,322    1,075 

Less: development and evaluation

   166    46 

Less: other (2)

   131    8 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net costs

   3,383    3,376    1,062    1,275 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Sales (kt, equity share)

   238,836    236,771 

Production (MMboe, equity share)

   109    121 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Cost per tonne (US$) (1)

   14.16    14.26 

Cost per Boe (US$) (3)

   9.74    10.54 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

FY2019Exploration expense represents conventional petroleum’s share of total exploration expense.

(2)

Other includes non-cash profit on sales of assets, inventory movements, foreign exchange, provision for onerous lease contracts and the impact from the revaluation of embedded derivatives in the Trinidad and Tobago gas contract.

(3)

FY2020 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.72.0.67.

OutlookDelivery commitments

WAIO productionWe have delivery commitments of between 242natural gas and 253 Mt, or between 273 and 286 Mt on a 100LNG of approximately 1 billion cubic feet through FY2034 (83 per cent basis is expected in FY2020. This reflects a significant maintenance program at Port Hedland designed to improve productivityAustralia and provide a stable base for our tightly coupled supply chain as we sustainably increase production towards 290 Mtpa (100Asia, 17 per cent basis)others), and crude and condensate commitments of 7 million barrels through FY2021 (57 per cent United States, 35 per cent Australia and Asia, 8 per cent others). As partWe have sufficient proved reserves and production capacity to fulfil these delivery commitments.

We have obligation commitments of this, a major car dumper maintenance campaign is plannedUS$43 million for contracted capacity on transportation pipelines and gathering systems through FY2025, on which we are the September 2019 quarter, with a corresponding impact expected on production.

WAIO unit costs are expected to decrease to between US$13 and US$14 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) in FY2020. In the medium term, we expect to lower our unit costs to less than US$13 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70).

shipper. The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2018 to 30 June 2017 has been omitted from this Form20-F, but can be found in ourForm 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2018, filed on 18 September 2018.

123agreements have annual escalation clauses.


1.13.4    CoalOther information

Detailed below is financial information for our Coal assets for FY2019 and FY2018 and an analysisDrilling

The number of Coal’s financial performance for FY2019 compared with FY2018.wells in the process of drilling and/or completion as of 30 June 2020 was as follows:

 

Year ended

30 June 2019

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
  Exploration
to profit
 

Queensland Coal

  7,679   3,722   532   3,190   8,232   549   

New South Wales Energy Coal (1)

  1,527   431   166   265   920   102   

Colombia (1)

  698   274   101   173   853   104   

Other (2)

  2   (110  2   (112  (331  5   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Coal from Group production

  9,906   4,317   801   3,516   9,674   760   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products

  19   (1     (1        
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Coal

  9,925   4,316   801   3,515   9,674   760   23   15 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)(4)

  (804  (249  (134  (115     (105      
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Coal statutory result

  9,121   4,067   667   3,400   9,674   655   23   15 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2018

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
  Exploration
to profit
 

Queensland Coal

  7,388   3,647   596   3,051   8,355   391   

New South Wales Energy Coal (1)

  1,605   652   149   503   994   18   

Colombia (1)

  818   395   95   300   883   54   

Other (2)

     (10  3   (13  (379     
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Coal from Group production

  9,811   4,684   843   3,841   9,853   463   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products

  2   (1     (1        
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Coal

  9,813   4,683   843   3,840   9,853   463   21   21 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)(4)

  (924  (286  (128  (158     (54      
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Coal statutory result

  8,889   4,397   715   3,682   9,853   409   21   21 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Exploratory wells   Development wells   Total 
   Gross   Net (1)   Gross   Net (1)   Gross   Net (1) 

Australia

           2    1    2    1 

United States

           26    8    26    8 

Other (2)

           1    0    1    0 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

           29    9    29    9 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group and Cerrejón are equity accounted investments and their financial information presented above withRepresents our share of the exception of net operating assets reflects BHP Group’s share.gross well count.

 

(2) 

Predominantly comprises divisional activities and ceased operations.Other is comprised of Algeria.

Conventional petroleum

(3)

Total Coal statutory result Revenue excludes US$698 million (2018: US$818 million) revenue related to Cerrejón. Total Coal statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$101 million (2018: US$95 million) D&A and US$70 million (2018: US$108 million) net finance costs and taxation expense related to Cerrejón, that are also included in Underlying EBIT. Total Coal statutory result Capital expenditure excludes US$104 million (2018: US$54 million) related to Cerrejón.

(4)

Total Coal statutory result Revenue excludes US$106 million (2018: US$106 million) revenue related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group. Total Coal statutory result excludes US$78 million (2018: US$83 million) Underlying EBITDA, US$33 million (2018: US$33 million) D&A and US$45 million (2018: US$50 million) Underlying EBIT related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group until future profits exceed accumulated losses. Total Coal Capital expenditure excludes US$1 million (2018: US$ nil) related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group.

(5)

Refer to section 1.12.4 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 1.12.5 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

Key driversBHP’s net share of Coal’s financial results

Price overviewcapital development expenditure in FY2020, which is presented on a cash basis within this section, was US$909 million (FY2019: US$645 million). While the majority of the expenditure in FY2020 was incurred by operating partners at our Australian and Gulf of Mexico non-operated assets, we also incurred capital expenditure at our operated Australian, Gulf of Mexico, Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago assets.

Metallurgical coalAustralia

Our average realised sales price for FY2019BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2020 was US$199.61 per tonne for hard coking coal (FY2018: US$194.59 per tonne) and US$130.18 per tonne for weak coking coal (FY2018: US$131.70 per tonne). Metallurgical coal prices reached a high in the middle of FY2019 amid supply constraints in Queensland on account of wet weather conditions. Prices eased from this peak due to weaker demand from India and uncertainties around Chinese imports. In the short term, supply should continue to improve with additional volumes expected from various regions. Within this broader view, the application of China’s coal supply reform, and the design and enforcement of safety, environmental and water stewardship requirements will be critical signposts to monitor. Over the longer term, emerging markets such as India are expected to support seaborne demand growth. High-quality metallurgical coals will continue to offer steelmakersvalue-in-use benefits.223 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

 

124Scarborough gas field development


Energy coal

Our average realised sales price for FY2019 was US$77.90 per tonne (FY2018: US$86.94 per tonne). The Newcastle 6,000 kcal/kg price reached its peak in July 2018 and gradually declined over the course of FY2019. Weaker demand in North Asia, driven by increased nuclear and renewable power generation, and slower restocking post the winter season, weighed on price. Tighter import controls and softer demand from China also contributed to lower prices, particularly for the lower-heat 5,500 kcal/kg coals. In the long term, global energy coal demand is expected to grow only modestly, with Indian and South East Asian demand offsetting weakness in OECD countries amidst slowing demand from China.

Production

Metallurgical coal production for FY2019 was broadly flat at 42 Mt, or 75 Mt on a 100 per cent basis. At Queensland Coal, record annual production was achieved at BMC due to improved wash plant performance and increased yields at South Walker Creek and higher wash plant throughput at Poitrel. Despite record stripping, BMA’s production decreased slightly due to unfavourable weather impacts and lower wash plant yields during the year. Energy coal production decreased 6 per cent to 27 Mt, as record stripping performance was offset by higher strip ratios and lower wash plant yields at New South Wales Energy Coal, and due to adverse weather and its impacts on mine sequencing at Cerrejón.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2019, FY2018 and FY2017, refer to section 6.2.

Financial results

Coal revenue increased by US$0.2 billion to US$9.1 billion in FY2019.

Underlying EBITDA for Coal decreased by US$330 million to US$4.1 billion. Prices, net of price-linked costs, decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$115 million. Controllable cash costs decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$415 million driven by increased contractor stripping activity and rates coupled with higher planned maintenance activity at Queensland Coal, and unfavourable inventory movements and increased contractor mining and stripping activity at New South Wales Energy Coal. Higher volumes increased Underlying EBITDA by US$103 million supported by record production at South Walker Creek and Poitrel and prior year impacts from lower volumes at Broadmeadow (roof conditions) and Blackwater (geotechnical issues).

Queensland Coal unit costs increased by 2 per cent to US$69 per tonne, mainly due to wet weather impacts and higher strip ratios, diesel prices and contractor stripping costs, partially offset by favourable exchange rate movements. New South Wales Energy Coal unit costs increased by 10 per cent to US$50 per tonne, as a result of higher strip ratios and contractor stripping costs, and unfavourable inventory movements. This was partially offset by the impact of favourable exchange rate movements. The calculation of Queensland Coal’s and New South Wales Energy Coal’s unit costs is set out in the table below.

 

   Queensland Coal unit costs   NSWEC unit costs 

US$M

  FY2019   FY2018   FY2019   FY2018 

Revenue

   7,679    7,388    1,421    1,501 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,722    3,647    353    569 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross costs

   3,957    3,741    1,068    932 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: freight

   156    150         

Less: royalties

   805    740    114    111 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net costs

   2,996    2,851    954    821 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales (kt, equity share)

   43,145    41,899    19,070    18,022 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost per tonne (US$) (1)

   69.44    68.04    50.03    45.56 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

North West Shelf: Karratha Gas Plant refurbishment projects and external corrosion compliance

 

(1)

FY2019 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.72.

Outlook

Metallurgical coal production is expected to be between 41Bass Strait: West Barracouta subsea tie back development and 45 Mt, or 73 and 79 Mt on a 100 per cent basis, in FY2020. With major wash plant shutdowns at Goonyella, Peak Downs and Caval Ridge planned in the September 2019 quarter, volumes are expected to be larger in the last three quarters of FY2020. Energy coal production is expected to be between approximately 24 to 26 Mt in FY2020.

Queensland Coal unit costs are expected to be between US$67 and US$74 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) in FY2020, as a result of increased wash plant maintenance and local inflationary pressures. In the medium term, we expect to lower our unit costs to between US$54 and US$61 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) reflecting higher volumes, lower strip ratios, optimised maintenance strategies and efficiency improvements from our transformation programs.

125Snapper A21a development project


New South Wales Energy Coal unit costs are expected to be between US$55 and US$61 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) in FY2020 reflecting increased stripping costs and lower volumes as we continue to progress through the monocline, increase development stripping and focus on higher-quality products. In the medium term, unit costs are expected to be between US$46 and US$50 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70), reflecting ongoing progression through the monocline and our focus on higher-quality products.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2018 to 30 June 2017 has been omitted from this Form20-F, but can be found in our Form20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2018, filed on 18 September 2018.

1.13.5    Other assets

Nickel West

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Overview

Nickel West is a fully integrated mine-to-market nickel business. All nickel operations (mines, concentrators, a smelter and refinery) are located in Western Australia. The integrated business adds value throughout our nickel supply chain, with the majority of Nickel West’s current production sold as refined metal in the form of powder and briquettes.

Low-grade disseminated sulphide ore is mined from the large open-pit operation at Mt Keith. The ore is crushed and processed on-site to produce nickel concentrate. High-grade nickel sulphide ore is mined at the Cliffs, Leinster underground mines and Rocky’s Reward open-pit mine. The ore is processed through a concentrator and dryer at Leinster. Nickel West’s facility at Kambalda processes material purchased from third parties.

The three streams of nickel concentrate come together at the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter. The smelter uses a flash furnace to smelt concentrate to produce nickel matte. The Kwinana nickel refinery then refines granulated nickel matte from the Kalgoorlie smelter into premium-grade nickel powder and briquettes containing high-grade refined nickel. Nickel matte and metal are exported to overseas markets via the Port of Fremantle.

Key developments in FY2020

The Nickel West resource transition involving the construction of three new mines continued to progress during FY2020, with two of these mines now in full production.

The Mt Keith satellite mine (Yakabindie) entered production in December 2019 and is now the primary source of feed to the Mt Keith concentrator.

The Venus underground mine transitioned to full production in September 2019, with ore hoisted to the Leinster concentrator.

Leinster B11 (the first block cave to be developed by BHP, located beneath the Leinster underground mine) proceeded in line with expectations, with development ore hoisted to the Leinster concentrator.

Nickel West signed an agreement to acquire the Honeymoon Well development project on 19 June 2020 and the remaining 50 per cent interest in the Albion Downs North and Jericho exploration joint ventures, located approximately 50 kilometres from Mt Keith. Completion of the agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including government and third party approvals.

Looking ahead

We continue to focus on finalising Nickel West’s resource transition. Leinster B11 block cave is expected to commence the undercut phase during the first half of FY2021, providing increasing quantities of ore to the Leinster concentrator as the project progresses to full caving.

Nickel West also offers development options and potential enhancements to its resource position through exploration and processing innovation. These opportunities are being explored in parallel with incremental debottlenecking opportunities at the concentrators and the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter.

Nickel West is expected to complete construction of the nickel sulphate plant located at the Kwinana nickel refinery in the first half of FY2021, with first product due in the second half of FY2021. This stage (Stage 1) is expected to produce approximately 100 ktpa of nickel sulphate.

1.9.3    Minerals Americas

The Minerals Americas asset group includes projects, operated assets and non-operated joint ventures in Canada, Chile, Peru, the United States, Colombia and Brazil.

Operated assets

Copper

Our operated copper assets in the Americas, Escondida and Pampa Norte are open-cut mines. At these mines, overburden is removed after blasting, using truck and shovel. Ore is then extracted and further processed into high-quality copper concentrate or cathodes. Copper concentrate is obtained through a grinding and flotation process, while copper cathodes are produced through a leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning process. Copper concentrate is transported to the port via pipeline, while cathodes are transported by either rail or road. From the ports, copper is exported to our customers around the world.

For the majority of the June 2020 quarter, our Chilean assets operated with a reduction in their operational workforces of approximately 35 per cent to incorporate measures in response to COVID-19. We have implemented a comprehensive plan for COVID-19, including various hygiene and health controls and a proactive testing regime for people before entering sites and boarding transportation.

We will continue to maintain operational measures that protect the health and wellbeing of our workforce while COVID-19 remains a major health risk, in line with Our Charter values. As a result, we anticipate continuing to operate our Chilean assets with a reduced workforce until these controls can be relaxed.

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Escondida (Chile)

Overview

We own 57.5 per cent of the Escondida mine, a leading producer of copper concentrate and cathodes located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Escondida’s two pits feed three concentrator plants, as well as two leaching operations (oxide and sulphide).

Key developments during FY2020

Escondida copper production in FY2020 increased by 4 per cent to 1,185 kilotonnes (kt), supported by record average concentrator throughput of 371 kilotonnes per day (ktpd), which offset expected grade decline, stoppages associated with the social unrest and COVID-19 impacts.

The Escondida Water Supply Expansion (EWSE) project was completed on time and budget in December 2019. Following the completion of the EWSE project, Escondida has eliminated water drawdown from aquifers for operational supply 10 years ahead of its FY2030 target.

The Centre of Integrated Operations (CIO) was inaugurated in July 2019 in BHP’s Santiago office and has since provided remote control services to the mine and process areas of Escondida and Spence. The CIO enables an operation that is safer and more productive by reducing people on-site and allowing them to work in a collaborative space.

Looking ahead

Production of between 940 and 1,030 kt is expected for FY2021, with a decline in copper grade of concentrator feed of approximately 4 per cent. Lower volumes reflect the need to continue to balance mine development and production requirements, with processing capacity at concentrators and leaching plants, as a result of a reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19. It is expected that production levels are likely to be impacted in FY2022 as a result of reduced operational workforce and material movement in FY2021. Guidance of an annual average of 1,200 kt of copper production over the next five years remains unchanged.

The BHP Operating System deployment and automated truck trial initiatives are expected to be completed in FY2021. In addition, Escondida will be undertaking studies on different material handling technologies to build an integrated suite of material handling projects that aims to combine innovative and disruptive technology and equipment solutions to increase mine productivity and improve costs competitiveness.

We expect these initiatives will allow Escondida to operate with a medium-term unit cost of less than US$1.10 per pound despite the continuation of grade decline and the increasing water costs.

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Pampa Norte (Chile)

Overview

Pampa Norte consists of two wholly owned assets in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile – Spence and Cerro Colorado. Spence and Cerro Colorado produce high-quality copper cathodes through leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning processes.

Key developments during FY2020

Pampa Norte copper production for FY2020 decreased by 2 per cent to 243 kt, mainly due to a 14 per cent decline in stacked ore grade.

The Spence Growth Option (SGO) to construct a 95 ktpd ore concentrator and the outsourcing of a 1,000 litre per second desalination plant is 93 per cent complete. As a result of measures put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, first production is now expected between December 2020 and March 2021. The commissioning of the desalination plant and capitalisation of the associated US$600 million lease (approximate) will now occur in the first half of FY2021. For more information about SGO, refer to section 6.5.

Looking ahead

Production for FY2021 is expected to be between 240 and 270 kt, reflecting the reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19, the start-up of the SGO project and expected grade decline of approximately 7 per cent.

SGO will produce first copper between December 2020 and March 2021 and plans are on track to redesign the approach to operations at Spence to optimally balance the requirements of the concentrate and cathodes processes. The first batch of the ultra-class truck fleet arrived at Spence in FY2020 and the remaining units are expected to arrive in the next two years. The BHP Operating System deployment at Spence started in January 2020 and is expected to continue during FY2021. Similar to Escondida, Spence will be undertaking studies on various material handling technologies, such as automated trucks, trolley assistance and in-pit crushers and conveyors to increase mine productivity and improve cost competitiveness.

On 1 July 2020, Cerro Colorado announced it had started a four-month process to adjust its mine plan to reduce throughput and costs to achieve improved cash returns and ensure viable mining operations for the remaining period of its current environmental licence, which expires at the end of CY2023.

Potash

Potash is a potassium-rich salt mainly used in fertiliser to improve the quality and yield of agricultural production. As an essential nutrient for plant growth, potash is a vital link in the global food supply chain. The demands on that supply chain are intensifying; there will be more people to feed in future, as well as rising calorific intake comprising more varied diets. The strains this will place on finite land supply mean sustainable increases in crop yields will be crucial and potash fertilisers will be critical in replenishing our soils.

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Jansen Potash Project (Canada)

Overview

BHP holds exploration permits and mining leases covering approximately 9,600 square kilometres in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The Jansen Potash Project is located approximately 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon. We currently own 100 per cent of the Project.

Jansen’s large resource endowment provides the opportunity to develop it in stages, with anticipated initial capacity of between 4.3 and 4.5 Mtpa for Jansen Stage 1, with sequenced brownfield expansions of up to 12 Mtpa (4 Mtpa per stage).

Key developments during FY2020

Focus in FY2020 was on safely installing new work platforms, called Galloways, into the two 7.3-metre diameter service and production shafts to enable the installation of the final watertight composite concrete and steel liners from a depth of approximately 900 metres. At the end of FY2020, the current scope of work was 86 per cent complete.

The service shaft and production shaft are 1,005 metres and 975 metres deep, respectively. Jansen is intended to mine the Lower Patience Lake potash formation, which lies between 935 metres and 940 metres.

Looking ahead

Future work will include continuing to install the watertight composite concrete and steel final liners. In June 2020, final shaft lining work for the Jansen Potash Project, which was reduced to focus on one shaft as part of our COVID-19 response plan to reduce our on-site interprovincial workforce, was resumed in both shafts. BHP continues to assess the impacts of COVID-19 and the temporary reduction in construction activity. Timing for completion of the shafts continues to be under review.

We will continue the selection of a port option on the North American west coast from which Jansen’s potash would be exported. As with all decisions relating to the deployment of capital, the next steps of the Project will be assessed in line with our Capital Allocation Framework.

Non-operated minerals joint ventures

BHP holds interests in companies and joint ventures that we do not operate. Our non-operated minerals joint ventures (NOJVs) include Antamina (33.75 per cent ownership), Resolution Copper (45 per cent ownership), Cerrejón (33.33 per cent ownership) and Samarco (50 per cent ownership).

For more information on Samarco and Fundação Renova, refer to section 1.8.

We engage with our NOJV partners and operator companies through our NOJV team, which seeks to sustainably maximise returns through managing risk. While NOJVs have their own operating and management standards, we seek to enhance governance processes and influence operator companies to adopt international standards (within the limits of the relevant joint venture agreements).

Since the creation of the NOJV team, our focus has been to reinforce strong practices in governance, risk management and value optimisation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, BHP supported some of the work by the operator at certain of our NOJVs to address risks associated with the pandemic, including temporary shutdowns and restart. Subject matter experts from NOJV partners (including BHP) provided input to relevant NOJV operators in relation to HSE, communications and community engagement issues during the pandemic.

Throughout FY2020, we continued positively influencing the NOJVs to align with international standards (including ISO 31000). This included analysing and challenging completeness of their risk profile and prioritising management of those risks.

The NOJV team also continued to support the NOJVs to improve their operating performance and cost competitiveness in a challenging environment, delivering significant capital optimisation across the Antamina, Cerrejón and Resolution joint ventures and strengthening the capital returns from each of the operations.

More information on the health, safety and environment performance at our NOJVs is available at bhp.com.

Copper

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Antamina (Peru)

Overview

We own 33.75 per cent of Antamina, a large, low-cost copper and zinc mine in north central Peru. Antamina is a joint venture between BHP (33.75 per cent), Glencore (33.75 per cent), Teck Resources (22.5 per cent) and Mitsubishi Corporation (10 per cent), and is operated independently by Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. Antamina by-products include molybdenum and silver.

Key developments during FY2020

Antamina continues to focus its efforts on safety and health improvements. Copper production for FY2020 decreased by 15 per cent to 125 kt and zinc decreased by 10 per cent to 88 kt reflecting lower copper head grades and the impact of operating with a reduced workforce following a six-week shutdown during the June 2020 quarter in response to COVID-19.

During FY2020, Antamina continued with a strong focus on developing a robust technology roadmap to secure a more sustainable operation in the long term and to maintain cost competitiveness. Antamina has progressed studies to debottleneck the operation through mine mechanisation projects and the first phase is expected to be completed in the next three years.

Antamina announced its intent to submit its Modified Environmental Impact Assessment (MEIA) for its life extension project from CY2028 to CY2036, which includes extension of current approved tailings capacity, additional waste dumps and new pit design.

Antamina’s operations were suspended between 13 April and 26 May 2020 due to COVID-19 implications. Strict controls were applied during the demobilisation to safeguard the health of workers and local communities. At the end of FY2020, its operations were at a ramp-up stage, while complying with government COVID-19 requirements and applying sector international standards for health and safety.

During the COVID-19 emergency, Antamina intensified its contribution to local communities, helping the Regional Government to strengthen its capabilities to cope with the pandemic, providing medical equipment, launching initiatives for local farmers and entrepreneurs to support the local economy (through the program Reactiva Ancash), and distributing food aid.

Looking ahead

Copper production of between 120 and 140 kt, and zinc production of between 140 and 160 kt is expected for FY2021.

Antamina will remain focused on improving productivity and reducing unit cash costs by identifying new technologies and innovative solutions in line with the technology roadmap. In addition, Antamina will continue to embed a culture of diversity and inclusion in its strategy and monitor the MEIA process, seeking final approval in a reasonable timeframe and community engagement. Once the MEIA process is finalised, it is anticipated Antamina will update its reserve and resource statement to reflect an approved life extension to CY2036.

Resolution Copper (United States)

Overview

BHP holds a 45 per cent interest in the Resolution Copper project in the US state of Arizona, which is operated by Rio Tinto (55 per cent interest). Resolution Copper is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in the world and has the potential to become the largest copper producer in North America. The Resolution Copper deposit lies more than 1,600 metres beneath the surface. Resolution Copper is working with regulators and the community to plan the development of the resource and obtain the necessary permits.

Key developments during FY2020

The shaft No. 9 sinking project involves deepening the historic shaft from its current depth at 1,460 metres below the surface to a final depth of 2,086 metres and linking it with the existing No. 10 shaft via development activities underground. This project is on track with respect to schedule and budget. In December 2019, it passed the one-mile (1,600 metre) mark with zero safety events; a major milestone for shaft sinking works in the United States.

The multi-year National Environmental Policy Act permitting process and community engagement are progressing positively. The US Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on 9 August 2019 and the comment period closed on 7 November 2019.

Resolution continued to move forward to identify the best development pathway for the project as the PFS-A study progressed. BHP’s share of project expenditure for FY2020 was US$103 million.

Looking ahead

We remain focused on supporting Resolution Copper on optimising the project and working with the operator, Rio Tinto, to develop the project in a manner that creates sustainable benefits for all stakeholders.

Coal

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Cerrejón (Colombia)

Overview

We have a 33.33 per cent interest in Cerrejón, which owns, operates and markets (through an independent company) one of the world’s largest open-cut energy coal mines, located in the La Guajira province of Colombia. Cerrejón is an equal partnership joint venture with Anglo American and Glencore. Cerrejón has lease agreements for several mining areas and owns integrated rail and port facilities. Coal product is marketed through an independent company and is exported mainly to European, North American and South American customers; a minor proportion is exported to Asia.

Cerrejón makes an important contribution to the Colombian economy and to the region of La Guajira, employing local people, contributing through taxes and royalties and investing in social and environmental initiatives. Cerrejón is also working with local Indigenous groups to address concerns raised by them in relation to the impacts of Cerrejón’s operations on their communities.

Key developments during FY2020

FY2020 concluded with stable safety and operational performance at Cerrejón. Production declined by 23 per cent to 7 Mt in FY2020, due to a temporary shutdown and workforce reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on higher-quality products due to market adjustment. Cerrejón reduced its operational costs by 15 per cent, which allowed it to remain cash flow neutral in spite of the decline in coal price.

Cerrejón supported the local community of La Guajira during the COVID-19 emergency by providing drinking water, food parcels and medical equipment, including the donation of a laboratory to carry out COVID-19 molecular testing in the community. Cerrejón continues to engage with communities and ensure its stakeholders are informed about the protocols and controls they have in place to keep the workforce and communities safe.

Looking ahead

Cerrejón is focused on stability of throughput with current installed capacity, targeting higher calorific value coal and market diversification. Production is expected to be approximately 7 Mt in FY2021.

Iron Ore

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Samarco (Brazil)

BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale) each have a 50 per cent shareholding in Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco), the owner of the Samarco iron ore mine in Brazil.

Overview

As a result of the tragic failure of the Fundão dam at Samarco in November 2015, operations at Samarco remain suspended.

Samarco comprises a mine and three concentrators located in the state of Minas Gerais and four pellet plants and a port located in Anchieta in the state of Espírito Santo. Three 400-kilometre pipelines connect the mine site to the pelletising facilities.

All geotechnical structures within the Germano facilities, including tailings dams, are monitored 24 hours a day by Samarco, using more than 800 pieces of monitoring and safety equipment, including cameras, weather forecast stations, drones and accelerometers. In addition, sirens are installed along the river up to 80 kilometres downstream of Samarco. Geotechnical engineers and technicians monitor data from the instrumentation in an integrated monitoring control room, undertake daily field inspections and perform monthly third party audits.

Key developments during FY2020

Samarco operations restart consists of three main pillars: Alegria Sul pit tailings disposal system, LOC (corrective operational licence) issuance and filtration plant construction together with operations readiness activities. Alegria Sul pit tailings disposal system implementation was completed in September 2019. The LOC was issued on 25 October 2019. US$44 million for BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s share was approved to fund the restart of production at Samarco from a single concentrator in the second half of CY2020 or early CY2021 (BHP mid-view is January 2021). The funds will be used for the first phase of installation of tailings filtration infrastructure and operational readiness activities. Work related to the construction of the filtration plant and operations readiness activities have been slowed as a result of a reduced workforce as part of our COVID-19 response without a significant impact on the restart schedule.

BHP Brasil and Vale approved the filtration plant and operational readiness activities investment in November 2019 and dam decommissioning program investment for CY2020–2021 was approved in April 2020.

Following Vale’s Brumadinho dam tragedy on 25 January 2019, Brazil’s National Mining Agency (ANM) announced a requirement for all upstream construction tailings dams to be decommissioned by various dates, depending on their size. As required under the regulatory requirements, a dam decommissioning conceptual design was filed with the ANM in August 2019 and a basic design was filed with the ANM in December 2019. Field works started in April 2020 for the program, which includes the decommissioning of the Germano pit dam and Germano main dam (including the main dam and the Sela, Tulipa and Selinha saddle dykes) to guarantee the long-term stability of the structures, as well as final regrading of the impoundment area and, finally, environmental rehabilitation.

Construction of a new retaining dam, following the failure of the Fundão dam, is now complete and was the last structure to be built in the Fundão valley to ensure the remaining tailings would not be remobilised. Further work relating to the starting dyke for the future tailings and waste piles is now incorporated into the Germano decommissioning program. This work will be completed by Samarco following transfer of the program from Fundação Renova in September 2019.

Looking ahead

The Samarco business plan considers an operations restart with one concentrator and tailings filtering, which changes the tailings disposal from the use of tailings dams to disposal of the coarse portion of the tailings in dry stack piles and the disposal of slimes in a previously mined out pit. Samarco is focused on completing the filtration plant construction for dry stacking and completing operational readiness activities. All filters are now installed and the electrical and mechanical installation services are progressing.

As part of the dam decommissioning process, the Germano pit dam gallery plugging and the Germano main dam preliminary services have started. Samarco is looking ahead to complete Germano main dam toe ground replacement, initial regrading and initial excavation of the spillway in FY2021.

1.9.4    Petroleum

Conventional petroleum

BHP has owned oil and gas assets since the 1960s. We have a world-class portfolio of high-margin conventional assets located in the US Gulf of Mexico, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Algeria, as well as appraisal and exploration options in Mexico, deepwater Trinidad and Tobago, western Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Canada and Barbados. Our conventional petroleum business includes exploration, appraisal, development and production activities. We produce crude oil and condensate, gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) that are sold on the international spot market or delivered domestically under contracts with varying terms, depending on location of the asset.

Our conventional petroleum business responded effectively to COVID-19, despite global market impacts in the second half of FY2020 as petroleum demand reduced due to collapsing transport activity. As always, the safety of our people came first and additional measures were put in place across each of our assets and projects to protect the health and safety of our workforce. All assets remained in operation as a result of these measures and through partnering with our communities, suppliers and contractors. Despite supply chain delays, all projects currently in execution remain on track to meet first production guidance.

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United States

Gulf of Mexico

Overview

Our US Gulf of Mexico assets are large, long-life and expandable.

We operate two fields in the US waters of the Gulf of Mexico – Shenzi (44 per cent interest) and Neptune (35 per cent interest).

We hold non-operating interests in two other fields – Atlantis (44 per cent interest) and Mad Dog (23.9 per cent interest).

All our producing fields are located between 155 and 210 kilometres offshore from the US state of Louisiana. We also own 25 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively, of the companies that own and operate the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline. These pipelines transport oil and gas from the Green Canyon area, where our US Gulf of Mexico fields are located, to connecting pipelines that transport product onshore.

Key developments during FY2020

The Mad Dog Phase 2 project, located in the Green Canyon area of the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico, successfully progressed through FY2020 and remains on track for first production in CY2022. Mad Dog Phase 2 is an extension of the existing Mad Dog field and is one of the largest discovered and undeveloped resources in the Gulf of Mexico. The project builds on the successful Mad Dog South appraisal well, which confirmed significant hydrocarbons in the southern portion of this field, and will include a new floating production facility with the capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross barrels of crude oil per day from up to 14 production wells.

The Atlantis Phase 3 project, also located in the Green Canyon area, remained on schedule and on budget, achieving first production in July 2020. This project includes a subsea tie back of eight new production wells accessing infill resource opportunities identified through seismic imaging. Atlantis Phase 3 is expected to increase production by an estimated 38,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day at its peak.

For more information on Mad Dog Phase 2 and Atlantis Phase 3, refer to section 6.5.

Australia

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Overview

Bass Strait

We have produced oil and gas from Bass Strait (50 per cent interest) for more than 50 years. Our operations are located between 25 and 80 kilometres off the southeastern coast of Australia. The Gippsland Basin Joint Venture, operated by Esso Australia (a subsidiary of ExxonMobil), participated in the original discovery and development of hydrocarbons in the basin. The Kipper gas field under the Kipper Unit Joint Venture (32.5 per cent interest), also operated by Esso Australia, has brought online additional gas and liquids production that are processed via existing Gippsland Basin Joint Venture facilities.

The majority of our Bass Strait crude oil and condensate production is sold to local refineries in Australia. Gas is piped onshore to the Gippsland Joint Venture’s Longford processing facility, from where we sell our share of production to domestic retailers and end users. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is dispatched via pipeline, road tanker or sea tanker. Ethane is dispatched via pipeline to a petrochemical plant in western Melbourne.

North West Shelf

We are a joint venture participant in the North West Shelf project (12.5–16.67 per cent interest), located approximately 125 kilometres northwest of Dampier in Western Australia. The North West Shelf project supplies gas to the Western Australian domestic market and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to buyers primarily in Japan, South Korea and China.

North West Shelf gas is piped from offshore fields to the onshore Karratha Gas Plant for processing. LPG, condensate and LNG are transported to market by ship, while domestic gas is transported by the Dampier-to-Bunbury and Pilbara Energy pipelines to buyers.

We are also a joint venture partner in four nearby oil fields – Cossack, Wanaea, Lambert and Hermes – produced through the Okha floating production, storage and off-take (FPSO) facility (16.67 per cent interest). All North West Shelf gas and oil joint ventures are operated by Woodside Energy Limited (Woodside).

Pyrenees

BHP operates the Pyrenees FPSO facility, located approximately 23 kilometres off Northwest Cape, Western Australia. The facility produces from six offshore fields. We had an effective 62.36 per cent interest in the fields as at 30 June 2020 based on inception-to-date production from two permits in which we have interests of 71.43 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively.

Macedon

We are the operator of Macedon (71.43 per cent interest), an offshore gas field located around 75 kilometres west of Onslow, Western Australia and an onshore gas processing facility located around 17 kilometres southwest of Onslow.

The operation consists of four subsea wells, with gas piped onshore to the processing plant. After processing, the gas is delivered into a pipeline and sold to the Western Australian domestic market.

Minerva

BHP operates the Minerva Joint Venture (90 per cent interest), a gas field located 11 kilometres south-southwest of Port Campbell in western Victoria. The operation consists of two subsea wells, with gas piped onshore to a processing plant. After processing, the gas is delivered into a pipeline and sold domestically.

On 3 September 2019, the Minerva gas field reached end-of-field life and production ceased at the Minerva gas plant. On 1 May 2018, BHP entered into an agreement for the sale of its interests in the onshore gas plant with subsidiaries of Cooper Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd. The agreement provided for the transfer of the plant and associated land after the cessation of current operations processing gas from the Minerva gas field. The sale was completed on 5 December 2019.

Key developments during FY2020

Scarborough

In the March 2020 quarter, BHP and Woodside (operator) agreed to align participating interests across the WA-1-R and WA-2-R titles resulting in BHP holding a 26.5 per cent interest in each title. BHP also holds a 50 per cent non-operated interest in Jupiter and Thebe titles (WA-61-R and WA-63-R) in the greater Scarborough area located offshore northwest Australia. Scarborough offers material growth potential in Western Australia and opportunities to develop the Scarborough gas field are progressing.

BHP and Woodside also signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement to progress the Scarborough gas development during the December 2019 quarter. Among other terms, this includes agreement on a competitive tariff for gas processing through the Pluto LNG facility. In March 2020, Woodside announced deferral of the Scarborough gas development to the second half of CY2021. A final investment decision by BHP is expected to align with this revised timing.

Bass Strait West Barracouta

Two new West Barracouta wells were completed under budget in the June 2020 quarter. Construction on production infrastructure linking the West Barracouta development to the existing Barracouta field is currently underway. First gas is expected in CY2021.

North West Shelf Greater Western Flank

A final investment decision was reached for Greater Western Flank Phase 3 (GWF-3) and Lambert Deep in January 2020. This four well tie back will take advantage of existing infrastructure and first gas is expected in CY2023.

Other conventional petroleum assets

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago

BHP operates the Greater Angostura field (45 per cent interest in the production sharing contract), an integrated oil and gas development located offshore 40 kilometres east of Trinidad. The crude oil is sold on a spot basis to international markets, while the gas is sold domestically under term contracts.

Algeria

Our Algerian asset comprises an effective 29.2 per cent interest in the Rhourde Ouled Djemma (ROD) Integrated Development, which consists of the ROD, Sif Fatima – Sif Fatima North East (SF SFNE) and four satellite oil fields that pump oil back to a dedicated processing train. The oil is sold to international markets. ROD Integrated Development is jointly operated by Sonatrach and ENI.

Key developments during FY2020

Building on our existing position in the region, Ruby is an offshore shallow water oil and gas development in Trinidad and Tobago that will consist of five production wells tied back into existing operated processing facilities. The BHP Board approved its development on 8 August 2019 with an expected investment of US$283 million (BHP share). First production is targeted in CY2021. The project is estimated to have the capacity to produce up to 16,000 gross barrels of oil per day and 80 million gross standard cubic feet of natural gas per day.

For more information on Ruby, refer to section 6.5.

1.9.5    Commercial

BHP’s Commercial function maximises commercial and social value and minimises costs across the end-to-end supply chain. The function is organised around our core value chain activities – Sales and Marketing; Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence; Procurement; and Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property – supported by short- and long-term market insights, strategy and planning activities, and close partnership with our assets.

Our Operating Model enables us to provide improved service levels to our assets and customers, by harnessing deep subject matter expertise, simpler processes and centralisation of standardised activities. By embracing our strategic end-to-end supply chain mandate and partnership with our suppliers and customers, the Commercial function also creates social value through supply chain integrity, community and sustainability focus.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and Marketing connects BHP’s resources to market through commercial expertise, optimised sales and operations planning, deep customer insights and proactive risk management. They present a single face to markets across multiple assets, with a view to realising maximum value for our products.

Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence

Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence manages BHP’s enterprise-wide transportation strategy and chartering ocean freight to meet BHP’s inbound and outbound transportation needs. They work to ensure consistent safety standards across BHP’s maritime supply chain and lead the industry toward a safer and more sustainable global ecosystem. The team focuses on supply chain excellence and sourcing marine freight coverage at the lowest available cost.

Procurement

Our global Procurement sub-functions purchase the goods and services used by our projects, assets and functions. Procurement works with our business to optimise equipment performance, reduce operating costs and improve working capital. They manage supply chain risk and develop sustainable relationships with global suppliers and local businesses in the communities in which we operate.

Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property

Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property design and operate our inbound supply chain networks for the delivery of spare parts, operating supplies and consumables. They design and operate our office workspaces globally.

Market Analysis and Economics

Our Market Analysis and Economics team develops BHP’s independent view on the outlook for commodity demand and commodity prices. The team works with our Procurement, Maritime, and Sales and Marketing sub-functions to help optimise end-to-end commercial value, and with the Finance and External Affairs functions to identify and respond to long-run strategic changes in our operating environment.

1.10    Summary of financial performance

1.10.1    Group overview

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We publish our Consolidated Financial Statements in US dollars. All Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement information below has been derived from audited Financial Statements. For more information, refer to section 5.

Information in this section has been presented on a Continuing operations basis to exclude the contribution from Onshore US assets, unless otherwise noted. Details of the contribution of the Onshore US assets to the Group’s results are disclosed in note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5.

Year ended 30 June

US$M

 2020  2019  2018  2017  2016 

Consolidated Income Statement (section 5.1.1)

     

Revenue (1)

  42,931   44,288   43,129   35,740   28,567 

Profit from operations

  14,421   16,113   15,996   12,554   2,804 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing operations

  8,736   9,520   7,744   6,694   (312

Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations

     (335  (2,921  (472  (5,895

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders (Attributable profit/(loss)) (2)

  7,956   8,306   3,705   5,890   (6,385

Dividends per ordinary share – paid during the period (US cents)

  143.0   220.0   98.0   54.0   78.0 

Dividends per ordinary share – determined in respect of the period (US cents)

  120.0   235.0   118.0   83.0   30.0 

Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (US cents) (2)(3)

  157.3   160.3   69.6   110.7   (120.0

Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (US cents) (2)(3)

  157.0   159.9   69.4   110.4   (120.0

Basic earnings/(loss) from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents) (3)

  157.3   166.9   125.0   119.8   (10.2

Diluted earnings/(loss) from Continuing operations per ordinary share (US cents) (3)

  157.0   166.5   124.6   119.5   (10.2

Number of ordinary shares (million)

     

– At period end

  5,058   5,058   5,324   5,324   5,324 

– Weighted average

  5,057   5,180   5,323   5,323   5,322 
– Diluted  5,069   5,193   5,337   5,336   5,322 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (section 5.1.3) (4)

                    

Total assets

  104,783   100,861   111,993   117,006   118,953 

Net assets

  52,246   51,824   60,670   62,726   60,071 

Share capital (including share premium)

  2,686   2,686   2,761   2,761   2,761 

Total equity attributable to BHP shareholders

  47,936   47,240   55,592   57,258   54,290 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (section 5.1.4)

     

Net operating cash flows (5)

  15,706   17,871   18,461   16,804   10,625 

Capital and exploration expenditure (6)

  7,640   7,566   6,753   5,220   7,711 

Other financial information

     

Net debt (7)(8)

  12,044   9,446   11,605   17,201   25,590 

Underlying attributable profit (7)

  9,060   9,124   8,933   6,732   1,215 

Underlying EBITDA (7)

  22,071   23,158   23,183   19,350   11,720 

Underlying EBIT (7)

  15,874   17,065   16,562   13,190   5,324 

Underlying basic earnings per share (US cents) (7)

  179.2   176.1   167.8   126.5   22.8 

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (per cent) (7)

  16.9   15.9   14.2   9.8   2.4 

(1)

FY2018 and FY2017 have been restated to reflect the impact of the accounting standard, IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which came into effect from 1 July 2018 with restatements applied to comparative periods in section 5. FY2016 has not been restated. For more information on revenue, refer to note 2 ‘Revenue’ in section 5.

(2)

Includes Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders.

(3)

For more information on earnings per share, refer to note 7 ‘Earnings per share’ in section 5.

(4)

The Consolidated Balance Sheet for FY2018 includes the assets and liabilities held for sale in relation to Onshore US as IFRS 5/AASB 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ does not require the Consolidated Balance Sheet to be restated for comparative periods.

(5)

Net operating cash flows are after dividends received, net interest paid and net taxation paid and includes Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations.

(6)

Capital and exploration expenditure is presented on a cash basis and represents purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement in section 5 and includes purchases of property, plant and equipment plus exploration expenditure from Discontinued operations. For more information, refer to note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5. Purchase of property, plant and equipment includes capitalised deferred stripping of US$698 million for FY2020 (FY2019: US$1,022 million) and excludes capitalised interest. Exploration expenditure is capitalised in accordance with our accounting policies, as set out in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

(7)

We use Alternative Performance Measures to reflect the underlying performance of the Group. Underlying attributable profit, Underlying basic earnings per share and Underlying Return on Capital Employed includes Continuing and Discontinued operations. Refer to section 6.1 for a reconciliation of Alternative Performance Measures to their respective IFRS measure. Refer to section 6.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Alternative Performance Measures. Refer to note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5 for the composition of Net debt.

(8)

With effect from 1 July 2019, the net debt definition includes the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge cash and borrowings. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in net debt calculation. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from 1 July 2019, the current period ‘Total Interest bearing liabilities’ includes all leases under the new definition. The Group elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with no restatement of comparative periods. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5. Vessel lease contracts that are priced with reference to a freight index, which did not meet the definition of a lease under IAS 17, now meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16. These contracts are measured at each reporting date based on the prevailing freight index. The freight index has historically been volatile which creates significant short-term fluctuation in these liabilities. Continued volatility throughout FY2020 has meant that as of 1 January 2020, the Group excludes these liabilities from its net debt calculation.

1.10.2    Financial results

The following table expands on the Consolidated Income Statement in section 5.1.1, to provide more information on the revenue and expenses of the Group in FY2020.

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Continuing operations

    

Revenue (1)

   42,931   44,288   43,129 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other income

   777   393   247 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Employee benefits expense

   (4,055  (4,032  (3,990

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

   326   (496  142 

Raw materials and consumables used

   (5,509  (4,591  (4,389

Freight and transportation

   (1,981  (2,378  (2,294

External services

   (4,404  (4,745  (4,786

Third party commodity purchases

   (1,139  (1,069  (1,374

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

   603   147   93 

Fair value of derivatives

   (422  (8  (208

Government royalties paid and payable

   (2,362  (2,538  (2,168

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred and expensed in the current period

   (517  (516  (641

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   (6,112  (5,829  (6,288

Impairment of assets

   (494  (264  (333

Lease costs

   (675  (405  (421

All other operating expenses

   (2,034  (1,298  (870
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,775  (28,022  (27,527
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (512  (546  147 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit from operations

   14,421   16,113   15,996 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net finance costs

   (911  (1,064  (1,245

Total taxation expense

   (4,774  (5,529  (7,007
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

   8,736   9,520   7,744 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

    

Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations

      (335  (2,921
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   8,736   9,185   4,823 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

   780   879   1,118 

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   7,956   8,306   3,705 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Includes the sale of third party products.

Profit after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders decreased from a profit of US$8.3 billion in FY2019 to a profit of US$8.0 billion in FY2020.

Revenue of US$42.9 billion decreased by US$1.4 billion, or 3 per cent, from FY2019. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower average realised prices for coal, petroleum and copper, and lower volumes due to natural field decline at Petroleum and lower grade at Escondida and Spence, combined with planned maintenance across a number of our assets. This was partially offset by higher average realised prices for iron ore, record production at WAIO, record average concentrator throughput at Escondida and improved operational stability. For information on our average realised prices and production of our commodities, refer to section 1.11.

Total expenses of US$28.8 billion increased by US$0.8 billion, or 3 per cent, from FY2019. The decrease in changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress of US$822 million was primarily driven by FY2019 inventory drawdowns at Escondida in line with the Los Colorados Extension commissioning compared to planned rebuilds for operational stability following drawdowns in the prior year. Raw materials and consumables used increased by US$918 million driven by the cancellation of power contracts at Escondida and Spence as part of the shift towards 100 per cent renewable energy supply contracts. Freight and transportation decreased by US$397 million driven by the adoption of IFRS 16 where freight costs related to continuous voyage charters were brought onto the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and depreciated. Depreciation and amortisation expense increased by US$283 million driven by the adoption of IFRS 16 right-of-use assets partially offset by lower depreciation and amortisation at Petroleum in line with lower production volumes due to natural field decline. Impairment of assets increased by US$230 million driven by Cerro Colorado operations reflecting current mine plan. Other operating expenses increased by US$736 million driven by an increase in depletion of production stripping mainly at Escondida due to increased fine copper movement combined with closure provision adjustment for closed mines. Favourable movements in foreign exchange (FX) affected the majority of cost categories.

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses of US$(512) million in FY2020 decreased by US$34 million from FY2019. The decrease reflects lower profits from Antamina and Cerrejón which was primarily due to lower prices and COVID-19-related outages offset by favourable FX movements on the Samarco dam failure provision.

Net finance costs of US$911 million decreased by US$153 million, or 14 per cent, from FY2019 mainly due to lower effective interest rates and lower average debt balance following the repayment on maturity of Group debt. For more information on net finance costs, refer to section 1.10.3 and note 21 ‘Net finance costs’ in section 5.

Total taxation expense of US$4,774 million reduced by US$755 million from FY2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower profits combined with FY2019 impacted by provisions for tax disputes and a higher net reduction in US tax credits related to Chilean taxes. For more information on income tax expense, refer to note 6 ‘Income tax expense’ in section 5.

Principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA

The following table describes the impact of the principal factors that affected Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA for FY2020 and relates them back to our Consolidated Income Statement. For information on the method of calculation of the principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA, refer to section 6.1.2.

With effect from 1 July 2019, the Change in volumes variance calculation has been changed to reference prior year price less variable unit cost instead of prior year Underlying EBITDA margin. This change to the Change in volumes variance calculation is offset in the Operating cash costs variance calculation. Management believes this amendment is useful because the entire impact of a Change in volumes will be reflected in one category instead of separately reporting the related fixed cost dilution impacts in the Operating cash costs category. Prior periods have not been restated for this change.

  Revenue
US$M
  Total expenses,
Other income
and (Loss)/profit
from equity
accounted
investments

US$M
  Profit from
operations

US$M
  Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments and
Exceptional
Items

US$M
  Underlying
EBITDA
US$M
 

Year ended 30 June 2019

     

Revenue

  44,288     

Other income

   393    

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,022   

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (546   
  

 

 

    

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and (Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (28,175   
   

 

 

   

Profit from operations

    16,113   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

     6,093  

Exceptional items

     952  
     

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

      23,158 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in sales prices

  (1,038  (54  (1,092     (1,092

Price-linked costs

     (12  (12     (12
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net price impact

  (1,038  (66  (1,104     (1,104
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in volumes

  (378  (34  (412     (412
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating cash costs

     223   223      223 

Exploration and business development

     (115  (115     (115
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in controllable cash costs (2)

     108   108      108 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exchange rates

  (66  1,020   954      954 

Inflation on costs

     (298  (298     (298

Fuel and energy

     77   77      77 

Non-cash

     (460  (460     (460

One-off items

  189   95   284      284 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in other costs

  123   434   557      557 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Asset sales

     1   1      1 

Ceased and sold operations

  (90  (328  (418     (418

Other

  26   155   181      181 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

     (104  (104  104    

Exceptional items

     (501  (501  501    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2020

     

Revenue

  42,931     

Other income

   777    

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (28,775   

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (512   
  

 

 

    

Total other income, expenses excluding net finance costs and (Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (28,510   
   

 

 

   

Profit from operations

    14,421   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

     6,606  

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

     (409 

Exceptional items

     1,453  
     

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

      22,071 

(1)

Depreciation and impairments that we classify as exceptional items are excluded from depreciation, amortisation and impairments. Depreciation, amortisation and impairments includes non-exceptional impairments of US$85 million (FY2019: US$264 million).

(2)

Collectively, we refer to the change in operating cash costs and change in exploration and business development as change in controllable cash costs. Operating cash costs by definition do not include non-cash costs. The change in operating cash costs also excludes the impact of exchange rates and inflation, changes in fuel and energy costs, changes in exploration and business development costs and one-off items. These items are excluded so as to provide a consistent measurement of changes in costs across all segments, based on the factors that are within the control and responsibility of the segment. Change in controllable cash costs and change in operating cash costs are not measures that are recognised by IFRS. They may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Lower average realised prices decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$1.1 billion in FY2020 reflecting lower average realised prices for metallurgical and energy coal, petroleum and copper, partially offset by higher average realised prices for iron ore and nickel.

Change in volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$412 million primarily as a result of record production at WAIO, Caval Ridge and Poitrel, record average concentrator throughput at Escondida and improved operational stability following the prior period impacts of unplanned outages. These favourable movements were more than offset by the impacts from planned maintenance across a number of our assets (Queensland Coal, WAIO), unfavourable weather (Queensland Coal, WAIO, NSWEC), a change in product strategy at NSWEC to focus on higher-quality products, lower grade at Escondida and Spence and Petroleum natural field decline across the portfolio.

Lower costs reflect strong cost performance driven by consumption efficiencies at Escondida, favourable inventory movements across our assets in line with mine plans and planned rebuilds for operational stability following drawdowns in the prior year, supported by further reductions in overheads, partially offset by increased planned maintenance activities at a number of assets during the year. This was offset by higher business development costs in Mexico following the successful exploration program at Trion.

A stronger US dollar against the Australian dollar and Chilean peso increased Underlying EBITDA by US$954 million during the period.

Non-cash reflects higher deferred stripping depletion and lower overburden movement in line with mine plan at Escondida, decreasing Underlying EBITDA by US$460 million.

Higher ceased and sold operations reflects higher closure and rehabilitation provision adjustments for closed mines of US$362 million, sale of our interests in the Bruce and Keith oil and gas fields in the prior period, and cessation of operations at Minerva in FY2020.

Other includes the favourable impacts from the first year of application of IFRS 16 Leases offset by lower profits from our equity accounted investments (Antamina and Cerrejón) due to lower prices and COVID-19 related outages.

Cash flow

The following table provides a summary of the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement contained in section 5.1.4 to show the key sources and uses of cash during the periods presented:

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Cash generated from operations

   22,268   23,428   22,949 

Dividends received

   137   516   709 

Net interest paid

   (840  (903  (887

Proceeds/(settlements) of cash management related instruments

   85   296   (292

Net taxation paid

   (5,944  (5,940  (4,918
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations

   15,706   17,397   17,561 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations

      474   900 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   15,706   17,871   18,461 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (6,900  (6,250  (4,979

Exploration expenditure

   (740  (873  (874
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal: Capital and exploration expenditure

   (7,640  (7,123  (5,853
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exploration expenditure expensed and included in operating cash flows

   517   516   641 

Net investment and funding of equity accounted investments

   (618  (630  204 

Other investing activities

   125   (140  (52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (7,616  (7,377  (5,060
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Discontinued operations

      (443  (861

Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash

      10,427    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investing cash flows

   (7,616  2,607   (5,921
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net repayment of interest bearing liabilities

   (1,690  (2,514  (3,878

Share buy-back – BHP Group Limited

      (5,220   

Dividends paid

   (6,876  (11,395  (5,220

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

   (1,043  (1,198  (1,582

Other financing activities

   (143  (188  (171
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (9,752  (20,515  (10,851
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Discontinued operations

      (13  (40
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net financing cash flows

   (9,752  (20,528  (10,891
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,662  (10,477  1,649 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing operations

   (1,662  (10,495  1,650 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations

      18   (1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash inflows of US$15.7 billion decreased by US$2.2 billion. This reflects weaker commodity prices in coal and petroleum and field and grade declines, partially offset by stronger iron ore prices and strong underlying performance across the portfolio.

Net investing cash outflows of US$7.6 billion increased by US$10.2 billion. This reflects the proceeds from the divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash in FY2019, partially offset by continued investment in high-return latent capacity projects and investment in South Flank, Spence Growth Option and Mad Dog 2 in FY2020.

For more information and a breakdown of capital and exploration expenditure on a commodity basis, refer to section 1.11.

Net financing cash outflows of US$9.8 billion decreased by US$10.8 billion. This reflects the off-market buy-back of BHP Group Limited shares of US$5.2 billion in December 2018, the special dividend of US$5.2 billion paid in January 2019 from the Onshore US asset sale (net proceeds), lower repayments of interest bearing liabilities of US$0.8 billion and lower dividends to non-controlling interests of US$0.2 billion, partially offset by higher dividends to BHP shareholders in FY2020 of US$0.7 billion.

For more information, refer to section 1.10.3 and note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5.

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 16.9 per cent increased by 1.0 per cent (FY2019: 15.9 per cent) reflecting the impact of the sale of Onshore US in FY2018. The Return on Capital Employed in FY2020 includes US$12.5 billion of Assets under Construction (average of ending balances for FY2020 of US$13.8 billion and FY2019 of US$11.1 billion) including major projects in Potash, Spence Growth Option, South Flank and Mad Dog which are not yet producing their planned contribution to earnings.

For more information on Assets under Construction refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Comparisons for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 in connection with Financial results, Principal factors that affect Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA and Cash flow have been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.10.3    Debt and sources of liquidity

Our policies on debt and liquidity management have the following objectives:

a strong balance sheet through the cycle

diversification of funding sources

maintain borrowings and excess cash predominantly in US dollars

Interest bearing liabilities, net debt and gearing

At the end of FY2020, Interest bearing liabilities were US$27.0 billion (FY2019: US$24.8 billion) and Cash and cash equivalents were US$13.4 billion (FY2019: US$15.6 billion). This resulted in net debt (1) of US$12.0 billion, which represented an increase of US$2.6 billion compared with the net debt position at 30 June 2019 primarily due to the application of IFRS 16. Gearing, which is the ratio of net debt to net debt plus net assets, was 18.7 per cent at 30 June 2020, compared with 15.4 per cent at 30 June 2019.

During FY2020, the Group decided not to refinance US$0.9 billion of Group-level debt (consisting of an A$1.0 billion bond and the remaining amount of the €600 million bond that matured). This extended BHP’s average debt maturity profile and enhanced BHP’s capital structure.

At the subsidiary level, Escondida refinanced US$0.5 billion of maturing long-term debt.

Funding sources

No new Group-level debt was issued in FY2020 and debt that matured during the year was not refinanced.

Our Group-level borrowing facilities are not subject to financial covenants. Certain specific financing facilities in relation to specific assets are the subject of financial covenants that vary from facility to facility, but this would be considered normal for such facilities. In addition to the Group’s uncommitted debt issuance programs, we hold the following committed standby facilities:

   Facility
available
2020

US$M
   Drawn
2020
US$M
   Undrawn
2020
US$M
   Facility
available
2019
US$M
   Drawn
2019
US$M
   Undrawn
2019
US$M
 

Revolving credit facility (2)

   5,500        5,500    6,000        6,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financing facilities

   5,500        5,500    6,000        6,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

We use Alternative Performance Measures to reflect the underlying financial performance of BHP, refer to section 6.1. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 6.1.1. For the composition of net debt, refer to note 19 ‘Net debt’ in section 5.

(2)

BHP’s revolving credit facility was refinanced on 10 October 2019 and is due to mature on 10 October 2024. The committed US$5.5 billion revolving credit facility operates as a back-stop to the Group’s uncommitted commercial paper program. The combined amount drawn under the facility or as commercial paper will not exceed US$5.5 billion. As at 30 June 2020, US$ nil commercial paper was drawn (FY2019: US$ nil), therefore US$5.5 billion of committed facility was available to use (FY2019: US$6.0 billion). A commitment fee is payable on the undrawn balance and an interest rate comprising an interbank rate plus a margin applies to any drawn balance. The agreed margins are typical for a credit facility extended to a company with BHP’s credit rating.

For more information on the maturity profile of our debt obligations and details of our standby and support agreements, refer to note 22 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.

In BHP’s opinion, working capital is sufficient for its present requirements. BHP’s credit ratings are currently A2/P-1 outlook stable (Moody’s – long-term/short-term) and A/A-1 outlook stable (Standard & Poor’s – long-term/short-term). A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by an assigning rating agency. Any rating should be evaluated independently of any other information.

The following table expands on the net debt, to provide more information on the cash and non-cash movements in FY2020.

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
 

Net debt at the beginning of the financial year

    (9,446   (11,605
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   15,706    17,871  

Net investing cash flows

   (7,616   2,607  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flow

    8,090    20,478 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying value of interest bearing liability repayments

   1,533    2,351  

Net settlements of interest bearing liabilities and debt related instruments

   (1,984   (2,781 

Share buy-back – BHP Group Limited

       (5,220 

Dividends paid

   (6,876   (11,395 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

   (1,043   (1,198 

Other financing activities (1)

   (143   (201 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other cash movements

    (8,513   (18,444
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment on debt (including debt related instruments) (2)

   88    44  

Foreign exchange impacts on cash (including cash management related instruments)

   (26   94  

IFRS 16 leases taken on at 1 July

   (1,778     

Lease additions

   (363     

Others

   (96   (13 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash movements

    (2,175   125 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt at the end of the financial year (3)

    (12,044   (9,446
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Other financing activities mainly comprises purchases of shares by Employee Share Option Plan trusts of US$143 million (FY2019: US$188 million).

(2)

The Group hedges against the volatility in both exchange and interest rates on debt, and also exchange on cash, with associated movements in derivatives reported in Other financial assets/liabilities as effective hedged derivatives (cross currency and interest rate swaps), in accordance with accounting standards. For more information, refer to note 22 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.

(3)

Includes US$1,633 million of additional leases due to the implementation of IFRS 16.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 has been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.10.4    Alternative Performance Measures

We use various Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to reflect our underlying performance.

These APMs are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS, but are derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The APMs are consistent with how management reviews financial performance of the Group with the Board and the investment community.

Section 6.1, which is incorporated into the Strategic Report by reference, includes our APMs and Section 6.1.1 outlines why we believe the APMs are useful and the calculation methodology. We believe these APMs provide useful information, but they should not be considered as an indication of, or as a substitute for, statutory measures as an indicator of actual operating performance (such as profit or net operating cash flow) or any other measure of financial performance or position presented in accordance with IFRS, or as a measure of a company’s profitability, liquidity or financial position.

1.11    Performance by commodity

Management believes the following financial information presented by commodity provides a meaningful indication of the underlying financial performance of the assets, including equity accounted investments, of each reportable segment. Information relating to assets that are accounted for as equity accounted investments is shown to reflect BHP’s share, unless otherwise noted, to provide insight into the drivers of these assets.

For the purposes of this financial information, segments are reported on a statutory basis in accordance with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. The tables for each commodity include an ‘adjustment for equity accounted investments’ to reconcile the equity accounted results to the statutory segment results.

For a reconciliation of alternative performance measures to their respective IFRS measure and an explanation as to the use of Underlying EBITDA and Underlying EBIT in assessing our performance, refer to section 6.1. For the definition and method of calculation of alternative performance measures, refer to section 6.1.1. For more information as to the statutory determination of our reportable segments, refer to note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 5.

Unit costs (1) is one of the financial measures used to monitor the performance of our individual assets and is included in the analysis of each reportable segment.

(1)

For more information on alternative performance measures, refer to section 6.1.

1.11.1    Petroleum

Detailed below is financial information for our Petroleum assets excluding Onshore US for FY2019 and an analysis of Petroleum’s financial performance for FY2020 compared with FY2019.

Year ended

30 June 2020

US$M

  Revenue (4)  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
   Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross (6)
   Exploration
to profit (7)
 

Australia Production Unit (1)

   361   253   197   56   289    6    

Bass Strait

   1,102   761   449   312   1,796    87    

North West Shelf

   1,076   731   260   471   1,261    130    

Atlantis

   561   431   175   256   1,061    197    

Shenzi

   277   174   139   35   550    45    

Mad Dog

   216   164   64   100   1,551    375    

Trinidad/Tobago

   191   92   46   46   323    46    

Algeria

   159   111   12   99   60    16    

Exploration

      (394  41   (435  1,227    (1   

Other (2)

   104   (111  77   (188  129    8    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum from Group production

   4,047   2,212   1,460   752   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Third party products

   39   (2     (2              
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum

   4,086   2,210   1,460   750   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)

   (16  (3  (3                 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum statutory result

   4,070   2,207   1,457   750   8,247    909   564    394 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2019

Restated

US$M

  Revenue (4)  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
   Exploration
gross (6)
   Exploration
to profit (7)
 

Australia Production Unit (1)

   507   332   192   140   513   13     

Bass Strait

   1,237   915   427   488   2,217   32     

North West Shelf

   1,657   1,220   298   922   1,371   106     

Atlantis

   979   824   261   563   1,060   31     

Shenzi

   540   437   151   286   658   30     

Mad Dog

   319   268   59   209   1,232   362     

Trinidad/Tobago

   287   181   56   125   302   23     

Algeria

   258   201   26   175   49   7     

Exploration

      (388  58   (446  1,039        

Other (2)

   153   73   55   18   (109  41     
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum from Group production

   5,937   4,063   1,583   2,480   8,332   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Third party products

   10                        
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum

   5,947   4,063   1,583   2,480   8,332   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)

   (17  (2  (2                 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Petroleum statutory result

   5,930   4,061   1,581   2,480   8,332   645    685    409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Australia Production Unit includes Macedon, Pyrenees and Minerva.

(2)

Predominantly divisional activities, business development, UK (divested in November 2018), Neptune and Genesis. Also includes the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline, which are equity accounted investments. The financial information for the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline presented above, with the exception of net operating assets, reflects BHP’s share.

(3)

Total Petroleum statutory result revenue excludes US$16 million (2019: US$17 million) revenue related to the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline. Total Petroleum statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$3 million (2019: US$2 million) D&A related to the Caesar oil pipeline and the Cleopatra gas pipeline.

(4)

Total Petroleum statutory result revenue includes: crude oil US$2,033 million (2019: US$3,171 million), natural gas US$980 million (2019: US$1,259 million), LNG US$774 million (2019: US$1,179 million), NGL US$198 million (2019: US$263 million) and other US$85 million (2019: US$58 million) which includes third party products.

(5)

Refer to section 6.1 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 6.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

(6)

Includes US$170 million of capitalised exploration (2019: US$297 million).

(7)

Includes US$ nil of exploration expenditure previously capitalised, written off as impaired (included in depreciation and amortisation) (2019: US$21 million).

Key drivers of conventional petroleum’s financial results

Price overview

Trends in each of the major markets are outlined below.

Crude oil

Our average realised sales price for crude oil was US$49.53 per barrel (FY2019: US$66.59 per barrel). Crude oil prices dropped significantly in the second half of FY2020 due to a brief OPEC and its non-member allies’ (‘OPEC+’) price war in March 2020 and COVID-19, with Brent falling below US$20/bbl in April 2020 at the height of the global lockdowns and peak demand destruction. The prices have partially recovered since then mainly due to swift output cuts from OPEC+ and a partial recovery in mobility. Very large storage builds flipped to draws in late May 2020, which allowed benchmark prices to move up to approximately US$40/bbl. Demand is expected to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels no earlier than the end of CY2021. In our longer-term outlook, we believe oil will be attractive, even under a plausible low case, for a considerable time to come.

Liquefied natural gas

Our average realised sales price for LNG was US$7.26 per Mcf (FY2019: US$9.43 per Mcf). The Japan-Korea Marker (JKM) price for LNG performed poorly in FY2020, reflecting a deepening oversupply situation. JKM hit an all-time low in April 2020 as a slowdown in Asian demand growth due to warm weather and COVID-19 and large increments of new supply coming online weighed on the market. Longer term, the commodity offers a combination of systematic base decline and an attractive demand trajectory. However, gas resource is abundant and liquefaction infrastructure comes with large upfront costs and extended pay backs. North American exports are expected to provide the marginal supply across multiple longer-term scenarios for the LNG industry, with new supply likely to be required to balance the market in the middle of this decade, or slightly later. Within global gas, LNG is expected to gain share. Against this backdrop, LNG assets advantaged by their proximity to existing infrastructure or customers, or both, will be attractive.

Production

Total Petroleum production for FY2020 decreased by 10 per cent to 109 MMboe.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids production decreased by 11 per cent to 49 MMboe due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Barry in the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Cyclone Damien at our North West Shelf operations, maintenance at Atlantis and natural field decline across the portfolio. Weaker market conditions, including impacts from COVID-19, also contributed to lower volumes in the June 2020 quarter. This decline was partially offset by higher uptime at Pyrenees following the 70-day dry dock maintenance program during the prior year.

Natural gas production decreased by 9 per cent to 360 bcf, reflecting a decrease in both production and tax barrels (in accordance with the terms of our Production Sharing Contract) due to weaker market conditions in Trinidad and Tobago, impacts of maintenance and Tropical Cyclone Damien at North West Shelf and natural field decline across the portfolio.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2020, FY2019 and FY2018, refer to section 6.3.

Financial results

Petroleum revenue for FY2020 decreased by US$1.9 billion to US$4.1 billion. Gulf of Mexico, which includes Atlantis, Shenzi and Mad Dog, decreased by US$784 million to US$1.1 billion. In Australia, Bass Strait and North West Shelf collectively decreased by US$716 million to US$2.2 billion. The Trinidad Production Unit decreased by US$96 million to US$0.2 billion while the Australian Production Unit, which includes Macedon, Pyrenees and Minerva, decreased by US$146 million to US$0.4 billion.

Underlying EBITDA for Petroleum decreased by US$1.9 billion to US$2.2 billion. Price impacts, net of price-linked costs, decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$1.1 billion. Controllable cash costs increased by US$30 million reflecting higher business development costs in Mexico following the successful exploration program at Trion, partially offset by lower maintenance activity at our Australian assets. Ceased and sold operations decreased by US$76 million reflecting the sale of our interests in the Bruce and Keith oil and gas fields in the prior period, and cessation of operations at Minerva in FY2020. Lower volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$588 million mainly due to natural field decline across the portfolio, a decrease in tax barrels at Trinidad and Tobago, weaker market conditions, the impacts from Tropical Cyclone Barry and Tropical Cyclone Damien and planned maintenance at Atlantis. Other items such as exchange rate and inflation also negatively impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$27 million.

Petroleum unit costs decreased by 8 per cent to US$9.74 per barrel of oil equivalent due to a reduction in price-linked costs, cost efficiencies and lower maintenance activities at our Australian operations due to COVID-19, partially offset by lower volumes. The calculation of conventional petroleum unit costs is set out in the table below.

Petroleum unit costs
US$M

  FY2020   FY2019 

Revenue

   4,070    5,930 

Underlying EBITDA

   2,207    4,061 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross costs

   1,863    1,869 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: exploration expense (1)

   394    388 

Less: freight

   110    152 

Less: development and evaluation

   166    46 

Less: other (2)

   131    8 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net costs

   1,062    1,275 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Production (MMboe, equity share)

   109    121 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost per Boe (US$) (3)

   9.74    10.54 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Exploration expense represents conventional petroleum’s share of total exploration expense.

(2)

Other includes non-cash profit on sales of assets, inventory movements, foreign exchange, provision for onerous lease contracts and the impact from the revaluation of embedded derivatives in the Trinidad and Tobago gas contract.

(3)

FY2020 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.67.

Delivery commitments

We have delivery commitments of natural gas and LNG of approximately 1 billion cubic feet through FY2034 (83 per cent Australia and Asia, 17 per cent others), and crude and condensate commitments of 7 million barrels through FY2021 (57 per cent United States, 35 per cent Australia and Asia, 8 per cent others). We have sufficient proved reserves and production capacity to fulfil these delivery commitments.

We have obligation commitments of US$43 million for contracted capacity on transportation pipelines and gathering systems through FY2025, on which we are the shipper. The agreements have annual escalation clauses.

Other information

Drilling

The number of wells in the process of drilling and/or completion as of 30 June 2020 was as follows:

   Exploratory wells   Development wells   Total 
   Gross   Net (1)   Gross   Net (1)   Gross   Net (1) 

Australia

           2    1    2    1 

United States

           26    8    26    8 

Other (2)

           1    0    1    0 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

           29    9    29    9 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Represents our share of the gross well count.

(2)

Other is comprised of Algeria.

Conventional petroleum

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2020, which is presented on a cash basis within this section, was US$909 million (FY2019: US$645 million). While the majority of the expenditure in FY2020 was incurred by operating partners at our Australian and Gulf of Mexico non-operated assets, we also incurred capital expenditure at our operated Australian, Gulf of Mexico, Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago assets.

Australia

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2020 was US$223 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

Scarborough gas field development

North West Shelf: Karratha Gas Plant refurbishment projects and external corrosion compliance

Bass Strait: West Barracouta subsea tie back development and Snapper A21a development project

Gulf of Mexico

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2020 was US$617 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

Atlantis: execution of approved development on Atlantis Phase 3 Project and Brownfield subsea tie back to existing Atlantis facility in Gulf of Mexico

Mad Dog: execution phase of Phase 2 development

Trinidad and Tobago

BHP’s net share of capital development expenditure in FY2020 was US$46 million. The expenditure was primarily related to:

Ruby: execution of approved development of Block 3a resources in the Ruby and Delaware reservoirs

Conventional petroleum exploration and appraisal

The majority of the expenditure incurred in FY2020 was in our focus areas, including Gulf of Mexico (US and Mexico) and Trinidad and Tobago. We also incurred expenditure in Canada.

Access

In the US Gulf of Mexico, we expanded our acreage positions through lease sale participation. In FY2020, the regulator awarded two blocks(1) in Green Canyon, central Gulf of Mexico and 19 blocks(2) in the western Gulf of Mexico. In July 2020, the regulator awarded two blocks(3) in Green Canyon, central Gulf of Mexico and three blocks(4) in the western Gulf of Mexico.

In Barbados, the offshore exploration licences for the Carlisle Bay and Bimshire blocks were declared effective as of 27 January 2020. The first exploration phase is a three-year program with commitment of seismic data.

(1)

Leases were awarded in blocks: GC124 and GC168.

(2)

Leases were awarded in blocks: GB721, GB630, GB574, GB575, GB619, GB676, GB677, EB655, EB656, EB701, GB762, GB805, GB806, GB851, GB852, GB895, GB672, GB716 and GB760.

(3)

Leases were awarded in blocks: GC80 and GC123.

(4)

Leases were awarded in blocks: AC36, AC80 and AC81.

Exploration program expenditure details

Our gross expenditure on exploration was US$564 million in FY2020, of which US$394 million was expensed.

Exploration and appraisal wells drilled, or in the process of drilling, during the year included:

Well

Location

Target

BHP equity

Spud date

Water
depth

Total well
depth

Status

Trion-3DEL

Mexico

Block

AE-0093

Oil

60%

(BHP operator)

9 July 20192,596 m4,615 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Boom-1

Trinidad & Tobago

Block 14

Gas

70%

(BHP operator)

28 August 20192,207 m5,035 mHydrocarbons encountered; plugged and abandoned
Carnival-1

Trinidad & Tobago

Block 14

Gas

70%

(BHP operator)

30 September 20192,119 m4,347 mDry hole; plugged and abandoned

In Trinidad and Tobago, we drilled two exploration wells in our northern licences and completed Phase 4 of our deepwater drilling campaign in the first half of FY2020. The campaign included two wells; Boom-1 encountered hydrocarbons and Carnival-1 was a dry hole. Technical work is ongoing to evaluate an appraisal program, development planning and commercial options for the discoveries in the Northern Gas play.

In Mexico, we drilled the Trion 3DEL appraisal well in the first half of FY2020 where we encountered oil in the reservoirs up dip from all previous well intersections. The results provided greater confidence around the scale, and quality, of the resource and we now have sufficient information to underpin development planning.

In Eastern Canada, technical evaluation is ongoing on our two licences in the Orphan Basin to support exploration well planning.

For information on conventional petroleum exploration, refer to section 1.5.3.

Outlook

In our conventional business, volumes are expected to be between 95 and 102 MMboe in FY2021 as a result of expected lower gas demand in Eastern Australia and Trinidad and Tobago, the previously announced delay of several small and medium sized projects with short lifecycles and natural field decline across the portfolio.

Unit costs are expected to be between US$11 and US$12 per barrel (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) in FY2021 reflecting the impact of lower volumes and forecasted lower price-linked costs. In the medium-term, we expect an increase in unit costs to less than US$13 per barrel (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) as a result of natural field decline.

Petroleum capital and exploration expenditure of approximately US$1.6 billion is now planned in FY2021 as a result of a delay of the Scarborough gas development and several small and medium sized projects, and an approximately US$250 million reduction in our exploration and appraisal program.

Onshore US: Discontinued operations

On 28 September 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of BHP Billiton Petroleum (Arkansas) Inc. and 100 per cent of the membership interests in BHP Billiton Petroleum (Fayetteville) LLC, which held the Fayetteville assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$0.3 billion.

On 31 October 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the BHP subsidiary that held the Eagle Ford (being Black Hawk and Hawkville), Haynesville and Permian assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$10.3 billion (net of preliminary customary completion adjustments of US$0.2 billion). Results from the Onshore US assets are disclosed as Discontinued operations.

For further information, refer to note 28 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 has been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.11.2    Copper

Detailed below is financial information for our Copper assets for FY2020 and FY2019 and an analysis of Copper’s financial performance for FY2020 compared with FY2019.

Year ended

30 June 2020

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (6)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
  Exploration
to profit
 

Escondida (1)

  6,719   3,535   1,143   2,392   12,013   919   

Pampa Norte (2)

  1,395   599   316   283   3,187   955   

Antamina (3)

  832   468   114   354   1,453   205   

Olympic Dam

  1,463   212   291   (79  7,651   538   

Other (3)(4)

     (202  58   (260  103   22   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Copper from Group production

  10,409   4,612   1,922   2,690   24,407   2,639   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products

  1,089   41      41         
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper

  11,498   4,653   1,922   2,731   24,407   2,639   62   57 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (5)

  (832  (306  (165  (141     (205  (8  (3
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper statutory result

  10,666   4,347   1,757   2,590   24,407   2,434   54   54 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2019

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (6)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
  Exploration
to profit
 

Escondida (1)

  6,876   3,384   1,245   2,139   12,726   1,036   

Pampa Norte (2)

  1,502   701   381   320   2,937   1,194   

Antamina (3)

  1,144   723   108   615   1,345   229   

Olympic Dam

  1,351   273   331   (58  7,133   485   

Other (3)(4)

     (315  8   (323  (53  21   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Copper from Group production

  10,873   4,766   2,073   2,693   24,088   2,965   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products

  1,109   116      116         
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper

  11,982   4,882   2,073   2,809   24,088   2,965   66   65 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (5)

  (1,144  (332  (110  (222     (230  (4  (3
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Copper statutory result

  10,838   4,550   1,963   2,587   24,088   2,735   62   62 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Escondida is consolidated under IFRS 10 and reported on a 100 per cent basis.

(2)

Includes Spence and Cerro Colorado.

(3)

Antamina, SolGold and Resolution are equity accounted investments and their financial information presented above with the exception of net operating assets reflects BHP Group’s share.

(4)

Predominantly comprises divisional activities, greenfield exploration and business development. Includes Resolution and SolGold (acquired in October 2018).

(5)

Total Copper statutory result revenue excludes US$832 million (2019: US$1,144 million) revenue related to Antamina. Total Copper statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$165 million (2019: US$110 million) D&A and US$141 million (2019: US$222 million) net finance costs and taxation expense related to Antamina, Resolution and SolGold that are also included in Underlying EBIT. Total Copper Capital expenditure excludes US$205 million (2019: US$229 million) related to Antamina and US$ nil (2019: US$1 million) related to SolGold. Exploration gross excludes US$8 million (2019: US$4 million) related to SolGold of which US$3 million (2019: US$3 million) was expensed.

(6)

Refer to section 6.1 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 6.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

Key drivers of Copper’s financial results

Price overview

Our average realised sales price for FY2020 was US$2.50 per pound (FY2019: US$2.62 per pound). Copper prices fell sharply in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic but have since rebounded, first on improving sentiment towards pro-growth assets, and more recently on news of COVID-19 related supply-side challenges. In the medium term, we believe that the effect of the pandemic will be to delay the timing of the anticipated structural deficit for copper by one or two years from prior expectations. Longer term, traditional end-use demand is expected to be solid, while broad exposure to the electrification mega-trend offers attractive upside. Our view is that the price setting marginal tonne a decade from now will come from either a lower-grade brownfield expansion in a lower-risk jurisdiction, or a higher-grade greenfield project in a higher-risk jurisdiction. Prices are expected to rise on the back of grade decline, resource depletion, increased input costs, water constraints and a scarcity of high-quality future development opportunities after a poor decade for industry-wide exploration.

Production

Total Copper production for FY2020 increased by 2 per cent to 1,724 kt.

Escondida copper production increased by 4 per cent to 1,185 kt, with record June 2020 quarter concentrator throughput of 382 ktpd lifting annual concentrator throughput to a record 371 ktpd. This offsets the impact of a 3 per cent decline in copper grade, stoppages associated with the social unrest in Chile (7 kt impact) and a reduced workforce due to COVID-19 preventative measures.

Pampa Norte copper production decreased by 2 per cent to 243 kt, with strong operating performance offset by grade decline of approximately 14 per cent.

Olympic Dam copper production increased by 7 per cent to 172 kt supported by solid underground mine performance with strong development metres achieved, record grade and the prior period acid plant outage. This was partially offset by the impact of planned preparatory work undertaken in the September 2019 quarter related to the replacement of the refinery crane and unplanned downtime at the smelter during the March 2020 quarter.

Antamina copper production decreased by 15 per cent to 125 kt and zinc production decreased by 10 per cent to 88 kt, reflecting lower copper head grades and the impacts of operating with a reduced workforce and a six-week shutdown during the June 2020 quarter in response to COVID-19.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2020, FY2019 and FY2018, refer to section 6.3.

Financial results

Copper revenue decreased by US$0.2 billion to US$10.7 billion in FY2020. Escondida revenue decreased by US$0.2 billion to US$6.7 billion.

Underlying EBITDA for Copper decreased by US$0.2 billion to US$4.3 billion. Price impacts, net of price-linked costs, decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$0.3 billion. Higher volumes increased Underlying EBITDA by US$112 million mainly driven by record concentrator throughput at Escondida, offset by expected lower concentrator head grade and lower by-product volumes. Higher copper volumes at Olympic Dam were supported by solid underground mine performance, record grade and the prior period acid plant outage. Increased volumes at Spence reflecting greater operating stability partially offset by expected grade decline.

Controllable cash costs decreased by US$221 million, due to strong cost performance driven by consumption efficiencies at Escondida, and end-of-negotiation bonus payments at Escondida and Cerro Colorado in the prior year. A favourable inventory movement at Escondida due to higher ore movement in line with planned development phase of the mines was partially offset by a higher inventory drawdown at Spence and a lower build of inventory at Olympic Dam due to the prior period outages, and the Olympic Dam acid plant outage self-insurance recoveries in the prior period.

Non-cash costs increased by US$451 million due to increased deferred stripping depletion at Escondida in line with planned development phase of the mines. Other items such as exchange rate and net of inflation, positively impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$210 million.

Unit costs at Escondida decreased by 11 per cent to US$1.01 per pound, reflecting record concentrator throughput, strong cost management and favourable inventory and exchange rate movements. This decrease was achieved despite the impact of a 3 per cent decline in copper grade, lower by-product credits, higher desalinated water costs and higher deferred stripping costs.

Escondida unit costs    

US$M

  FY2020   FY2019 

Revenue

   6,719    6,876 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,535    3,384 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross costs

   3,184    3,492 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: by-product credits

   407    490 

Less: freight

   178    149 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net costs

   2,599    2,853 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales (kt)

   1,164    1,131 

Sales (Mlb)

   2,567    2,493 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost per pound (US$) (1)(2)

   1.01    1.14 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

FY2020 based on average exchange rates of USD/CLP 771.

(2)

FY2020 excludes COVID-19 related costs of US$0.01 per pound that are reported as exceptional items.

Outlook

Total Copper production of between 1,480 and 1,645 kt is expected in FY2021. Escondida production of between 940 and 1,030 kt is expected in FY2021, as a result of COVID-19 impacts and a decline in copper concentrator feed grade of approximately 4 per cent. Production at Pampa Norte is expected to be between 240 and 270 kt in FY2021, reflecting the reduced operational workforce due to COVID-19, the start-up of the Spence Growth Option project and expected grade decline of approximately 7 per cent. At Olympic Dam, production is expected to be between 180 and 205 kt in FY2021.

Escondida unit costs are expected to be between US$1.00 and US$1.25 per pound (based on an average exchange rate of USD/CLP 769) in FY2021 reflecting lower volumes partially offset by lower stripping costs. In the medium term, unit costs have been revised to less than US$1.10 per pound reflecting updated guidance exchange rates (based on an average exchange rate of USD/CLP 769), with expected higher power and water costs offset by further operational efficiency improvements and optimised maintenance strategies.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 has been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.11.3    Iron Ore

Detailed below is financial information for our Iron Ore assets for FY2020 and FY2019 and an analysis of Iron Ore’s financial performance for FY2020 compared with FY2019.

Year ended

30 June 2020

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (4)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross (5)
  Exploration
to profit
 

Western Australia Iron Ore

  20,663   14,508   1,606   12,902   20,177   2,326   

Samarco (1)

              (2,045     

Other (2)

  119   53   24   29   268   2   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Iron Ore from Group production

  20,782   14,561   1,630   12,931   18,400   2,328   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products (3)

  15   (7     (7        
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore

  20,797   14,554   1,630   12,924   18,400   2,328   87   47 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments

                        
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore statutory result

  20,797   14,554   1,630   12,924   18,400   2,328   87   47 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2019

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (4)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross (5)
  Exploration
to profit
 

Western Australia Iron Ore

  17,066   11,053   1,707   9,346   19,208   1,600   

Samarco (1)

              (1,908     

Other (2)

  157   62   25   37   186   11   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Iron Ore from Group production

  17,223   11,115   1,732   9,383   17,486   1,611   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products (3)

  32   14      14         
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

�� 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore

  17,255   11,129   1,732   9,397   17,486   1,611   93   41 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments

                        
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Iron Ore statutory result

  17,255   11,129   1,732   9,397   17,486   1,611   93   41 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Samarco is an equity accounted investment and its financial information presented above, with the exception of net operating assets, reflects BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s share. All financial impacts following the Samarco dam failure have been reported as exceptional items in both reporting periods.

(2)

Predominantly comprises divisional activities, towage services, business development and ceased operations.

(3)

Includes inter-segment and external sales of contracted gas purchases.

(4)

Refer to section 6.1 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 6.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

(5)

Includes US$40 million of capitalised exploration (2019: US$52 million).

Key drivers of Iron Ore’s financial results

Price overview

Iron Ore’s average realised sales price for FY2020 was US$77.36 per wet metric tonne (wmt) (FY2019: US$66.68 per wmt). The Platts 62% Fe Iron Ore Fines price index has been elevated since the Brumadinho tailings dam tragedy in Brazil first disrupted the market in late January 2019. In the last half year, the combination of strong Chinese pig iron production and constrained exports from Brazil have more than offset record shipments from Australia and weakness in ex-China regions. Prices can be expected to ease as Brazilian supply recovers. In the long term, prices are expected to be determined by high cost production, on a value-in-use adjusted basis, from Australia or Brazil. Quality differentiation will remain a factor in determining iron ore prices. China’s demand for iron ore is expected to be lower than today in the second half of the 2020s as crude steel production plateaus and the scrap-to-steel ratio rises. At the same time, the likelihood of new supply of iron ore from West Africa has increased. This implies that it will be even more important to create competitive advantage and to grow value through driving exceptional operational performance.

Production

Total Iron Ore production from WAIO for FY2020 increased by 4 per cent to 248 Mt (281 Mt on a 100 per cent basis).

WAIO achieved record production, with higher volumes reflecting record production at Jimblebar and Yandi. Weather impacts from Tropical Cyclone Blake and Tropical Cyclone Damien were offset by strong performance across the supply chain, with significant improvements in productivity and reliability following a series of targeted maintenance programs over the past four years.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2020, FY2019 and FY2018, refer to section 6.3.

Financial results

Total Iron Ore revenue increased by US$3.5 billion to US$20.8 billion in FY2020.

Underlying EBITDA for Iron Ore increased by US$3.4 billion to US$14.6 billion including favourable price impacts, net of price-linked costs, of US$2.4 billion. Higher volumes increased Underlying EBITDA by US$523 million driven by record production at Jimblebar and Yandi, and significant improvements in productivity and reliability across the supply chain following a series of targeted maintenance programs over the past four years. This was partially offset by the impacts from Tropical Cyclone Blake and Tropical Cyclone Damien.

Other items such as exchange rate, inflation and one-off items (including prior year impact of Tropical Cyclone Veronica) positively impacted Underlying EBITDA by US$516 million.

WAIO unit costs decreased by 11 per cent to US$12.63 per tonne reflecting record volumes following strong performance and continued productivity improvements across the supply chain and favourable exchange movements. The calculation of WAIO unit costs is set out in the table below.

WAIO unit costs

US$M

  FY2020   FY2019 

Revenue

   20,663    17,066 

Underlying EBITDA

   14,508    11,053 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross costs

   6,155    6,013 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: freight

   1,459    1,308 

Less: royalties

   1,531    1,322 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net costs

   3,165    3,383 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales (kt, equity share)

   250,598    238,836 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost per tonne (US$) (1)(2)

   12.63    14.16 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

FY2020 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.67.

(2)

FY2020 excludes COVID-19 related costs of US$0.30 per tonne (including US$0.04 per tonne of demurrage) that are reported as exceptional items.

Outlook

WAIO production of between 244 and 253 Mt, or between 276 and 286 Mt on a 100 per cent basis, is expected in FY2021.

WAIO unit costs are expected to be between US$13 and US$14 per tonne (based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70). In the medium term, we expect to lower our unit costs to less than US$13 per tonne (based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70).

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 has been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.11.4    Coal

Detailed below is financial information for our Coal assets for FY2020 and FY2019 and an analysis of Coal’s financial performance for FY2020 compared with FY2019.

Year ended

30 June 2020

US$M

 Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
  Exploration
to profit
 

Queensland Coal

  5,357   1,935   684   1,251   8,168   523   

New South Wales Energy Coal (1)

  972   (19  152   (171  841   73   

Colombia (1)

  364   69   112   (43  776   24   

Other (2)

     (155  11   (166  (276  8   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Coal from Group production

  6,693   1,830   959   871   9,509   628   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Third party products

                    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Coal

  6,693   1,830   959   871   9,509   628   22   9 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)(4)

  (451  (198  (138  (60     (25      
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Coal statutory result

  6,242   1,632   821   811   9,509   603   22   9 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2019

US$M

  Revenue  Underlying
EBITDA
  D&A  Underlying
EBIT
  Net
operating
assets (5)
  Capital
expenditure
  Exploration
gross
   Exploration
to profit
 

Queensland Coal

   7,679   3,722   532   3,190   8,232   549    

New South Wales Energy Coal (1)

   1,527   431   166   265   920   102    

Colombia (1)

   698   274   101   173   853   104    

Other (2)

   2   (110  2   (112  (331  5    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Total Coal from Group production

   9,906   4,317   801   3,516   9,674   760    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Third party products

   19   (1     (1         
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Coal

   9,925   4,316   801   3,515   9,674   760   23    15 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for equity accounted investments (3)(4)

   (804  (249  (134  (115     (105       
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Coal statutory result

   9,121   4,067   667   3,400   9,674   655   23    15 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group and Cerrejón are equity accounted investments and their financial information presented above with the exception of net operating assets reflects BHP Group’s share.

(2)

Predominantly comprises divisional activities and ceased operations.

(3)

Total Coal statutory result revenue excludes US$364 million (2019: US$698 million) revenue related to Cerrejón. Total Coal statutory result Underlying EBITDA includes US$112 million (2019: US$101 million) D&A and US$25 million (2019: US$70 million) net finance costs and taxation expense related to Cerrejón, that are also included in Underlying EBIT. Total Coal statutory result Capital expenditure excludes US$24 million (2019: US$104 million) related to Cerrejón.

(4)

Total Coal statutory result revenue excludes US$87 million (2019: US$106 million) revenue related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group. Total Coal statutory result excludes US$61 million (2019: US$78 million) Underlying EBITDA, US$26 million (2019: US$33 million) D&A and US$35 million (2019: US$45 million) Underlying EBIT related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group until future profits exceed accumulated losses. Total Coal Capital expenditure excludes US$1 million (2019: US$1 million) related to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group.

(5)

Refer to section 6.1 for a reconciliation of Net operating assets to Net assets and section 6.1.1 for the definition and method of calculation of Net operating assets.

Key drivers of Coal’s financial results

Price overview

Metallurgical coal

Our average realised sales price for FY2020 was US$143.65 per tonne for hard coking coal (FY2019: US$199.61 per tonne) and US$92.59 per tonne for weak coking coal (FY2019: US$130.18 per tonne). Metallurgical coal prices were under downward pressure for most of FY2020. Broad-based demand weakness in all major import regions but China was a weight on the price. This was amplified during the second half of FY2020 with each of the major importers going into lockdown. In China, uncertainty regarding the approach to the volume of coal imports was an additional headwind for the physical trade at times. In the short term, metallurgical coal still has to navigate a difficult period as major importing regions manage their re-openings. COVID-19 permitting, a sustained improvement is possible in the second half of FY2021. Over time, premium-quality coking coals are expected to be particularly advantaged given the drive by steelmakers to improve blast furnace productivity, partly to reduce emissions intensity. We believe that a wholesale shift away from blast furnace steelmaking, which requires metallurgical coal, is still decades in the future given the high cost of conversion and operation associated with alternative steelmaking technologies.

Energy coal

Our average realised sales price for FY2020 was US$57.10 per tonne (FY2019: US$77.90 per tonne). The Newcastle 6,000 kcal/kg price reached its high for the financial year in July 2019. It then declined gradually over the course of the first half of FY2020, the rate of decline accelerated in second half of FY2020 due to lockdowns in major consumption markets. Tighter import controls at Chinese ports also contributed to lower prices. Longer term, we expect total primary energy derived from coal (power and non-power) to expand at a compound rate slower than that of global population growth.

Production

Metallurgical coal production for FY2020 decreased by 3 per cent to 41 Mt (73 Mt on a 100 per cent basis) as a result of significant wet weather events and geotechnical constraints at South Walker Creek. At Queensland Coal strong underlying operational performance, including record underground coal mined at Broadmeadow and record annual production at Caval Ridge and Poitrel, was offset by planned major wash plant shutdowns in the first half of the year and significantly higher rainfall during January and February 2020 compared with historical averages.

Energy coal production decreased by 16 per cent to 23 Mt. NSWEC production decreased by 12 per cent to 16 Mt as a result of the change in product strategy to focus on higher quality products and unfavourable weather impacts from December 2019 to February 2020. This was partially offset by a strong performance in the June 2020 quarter driven by record truck utilisation. Cerrejón production decreased by 23 per cent to 7 Mt due to a temporary shutdown during the June 2020 quarter in response to COVID-19, as well as a focus on higher quality products. The temporary shutdown lasted for approximately 6 weeks and allowed for completion of COVID-19 control measures to meet the Colombian Government’s regulations.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2020, FY2019 and FY2018, refer to section 6.3.

Financial results

Coal revenue decreased by US$2.9 billion to US$6.2 billion in FY2020.

Underlying EBITDA for Coal decreased by US$2.4 billion to US$1.6 billion including lower price impacts, net of price-linked costs, of US$2.1 billion. Controllable cash costs decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$124 million driven by increased maintenance costs at Queensland Coal due to major planned wash plant shutdowns and higher contractor costs due to the mobilisation of additional equipment to address increased strip ratio at South Walker Creek and increased contractor stripping at NSWEC. This was partially offset by favourable inventory movements as a result of good dragline performance. Lower volumes decreased Underlying EBITDA by US$374 million as a result of the change in NSWEC product strategy to focus on higher-quality products and unfavourable weather impacts from December 2019 to February 2020. There were lower volumes at Queensland Coal, as record annual production at Caval Ridge and Poitrel was offset by planned major wash plant shutdowns in the first half of the year and significantly higher rainfall across our operations in January and February 2020.

Queensland Coal unit costs decreased by 3 per cent to US$68 per tonne, due to a build in inventory, as a result of solid dragline performance across the majority of operations, and favourable impacts from exchange rate movements and the application of IFRS 16 Leases. This was partially offset by lower volumes due to significant wet weather during the March 2020 quarter and planned maintenance. NSWEC unit costs increased by 13 per cent to US$57 per tonne, reflecting lower volumes from the change in product strategy to focus on higher-quality products and unfavourable weather impacts, and higher stripping costs. The calculation of Queensland Coal’s and NSWEC’s unit costs is set out in the table below.

   Queensland Coal unit costs   NSWEC unit costs 

US$M

  FY2020   FY2019   FY2020  FY2019 

Revenue

   5,357    7,679    886   1,421 

Underlying EBITDA

   1,935    3,722    (79  353 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross costs

   3,422    3,957    965   1,068 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: freight

   147    156        

Less: royalties

   498    805    68   114 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net costs

   2,777    2,996    897   954 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sales (kt, equity share)

   41,086    43,145    15,868   19,070 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cost per tonne (US$) (1)(2)

   67.59    69.44    56.53   50.03 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

FY2020 based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.67.

(2)

FY2020 excludes COVID-19 related costs of US$0.37 per tonne and US$0.06 per tonne that are reported as exceptional items relating to Queensland Coal and NSWEC respectively.

Outlook

Metallurgical coal production is expected to be between 40 and 44 Mt, or 71 and 77 Mt on a 100 per cent basis, in FY2021, a similar level to the prior year as it reflects an expected deterioration in market outlook due to the impact of COVID-19. With Blackwater returning to full capacity towards the end of the September 2020 quarter after flooding in the March 2020 quarter, volumes will be weighted to the second half of the year. Energy coal production is expected to be between 22 and 24 Mt in FY2021.

Queensland Coal unit costs are expected to be between US$69 and US$75 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) in FY2021, as a result of higher strip ratios and contractor stripping costs partially offset by higher volumes and improved productivity. In the medium term, we expect to lower our unit costs to between US$58 and US$66 per tonne (based on an exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70). This reflects reduced volumes due to a focus on higher quality coals and a market responsive approach to bringing new tonnes into the markets.

NSWEC unit costs are expected to be between US$55 and US$59 per tonne (based on an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.70) in FY2021. Work is underway at NSWEC to review mine planning and operating alternatives to structurally reduce costs in the near term and ensure a viable mining operation which is resilient during low price cycles.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 has been omitted from this Form 20-F, but can be found in our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, filed on 17 September 2019.

1.11.5    Other assets

Nickel West

Key drivers of Nickel West’s financial results

Price overview

Our average realised sales price for FY2019FY2020 was US$12,46213,860 per tonne (FY2018:(FY2019: US$12,59112,462 per tonne). The average nickel price in FY2020 was 13 per cent higher than FY2019, was similarmainly due to the previous financial year. Decreasinghigher prices in the first half of FY2020 (+25 per cent year-on-year). Prices started moving up in July 2019 as rumours of Indonesia’s ore export ban being brought forward circulated and, following confirmation of the year could be attributedban, moved to trade uncertainty and a slow-downtheir highest monthly average since FY2015 in industrial activities, while improvements inSeptember 2019. Prices dropped at the beginning of the second half were linkedof FY2020 due to stronger stainless steel output in China. Exchange stocksthe impact of refined nickel metal continued to decline throughout FY2019.the COVID-19 pandemic, but recovered from April onwards, supported by macro and market sentiment factors. In the near term, we expect Indonesian supply of stainless steel and nickel intermediatespig iron (NPI) to continue to grow. However,grow, offsetting lost production in China. Longer term, we believe that nickel will be a substantial beneficiary of the industry wide impactglobal electrification mega-trend and that nickel sulphides will be particularly attractive given the relatively lower cost of Indonesia’sproduction of battery-suitable class-1 nickel ore export policiesthan for laterites, which will set the long-run nickel price. This view is a sourcesupported by our assessment of uncertainty. In the long term, the battery sector is expected to provide stronglikely rate of growth in demand for high-purity nickel supply.electric vehicles and of the likely battery chemistry that will underpin this.

Production

Nickel West production in FY2019FY2020 decreased by 68 per cent to 8780 kt following a firedue to the major quadrennial maintenance shutdowns at the Kwinana refinery and the Kalgoorlie smelter, in September 2018.as well as planned routine maintenance at the concentrators.

For more information on individual asset production in FY2020, FY2019 FY2018 and FY2017,FY2018, refer to section 6.2.6.3.

Financial results

Lower production and lowerpartially offset by higher realised sales prices resulted in revenue decreasing by US$1044 million to US$1.2 billion in FY2019.FY2020.

Underlying EBITDA for Nickel West decreased by US$189139 million to a loss of US$10237 million in FY2019 due toFY2020 reflecting lower volumes as a result of the major quadrennial maintenance shutdowns at the refinery and the smelter, as well as costs associated with the transition toand ramp-up of new ore bodies, which resulted in a drawdown of inventoriesmines. This decrease was partially offset by higher prices and unfavourable fixed cost dilution from reduced volumes at Leinsterfavourable inventory and Mt Keith, and the impact from a fire at the Kalgoorlie smelter in the December 2018 half year.exchange rate movements.

Potash

Potash recorded an Underlying EBITDA loss of US$127 million in FY2019, compared toFY2020, and a loss of US$135127 million in FY2018.FY2019.

The comparison for the year ended 30 June 20182019 to 30 June 20172018 has been omitted from this Form20-F, but can be found in our Form20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2018,2019, filed on 1817 September 2018.

1262019.


1.141.12    Other information

Application of critical accounting policies, judgements and estimates

The preparation of the Financial Statements requires management to make judgements and estimates and form assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the Financial Statements. OnAll judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on most current facts and circumstances and are reassessed on an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgements and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. Management bases its judgements and estimates on historical experience and on other factors it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of the reported amounts that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

The Group has identified a number of critical accounting policies under which significant judgements, estimates and assumptions are made. Actual results may differ for these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. This may materially affect financial results and the financial position to be reported in future. Thesefuture periods.

The Group’s critical accounting policies where significant judgements, estimates and assumptions applied are as follows:

 

significant events – Samarco dam failure;failure

 

taxation;taxation

 

inventories;inventories

 

exploration and evaluation;evaluation

 

development expenditure;expenditure

 

overburden removal costs;costs

 

depreciation of property, plant and equipment;equipment

 

impairments ofnon-current assets – recoverable amount;amount

 

closure and rehabilitation provisions.provisions

leases

impairment of investments accounted for using the equity method

In accordance with IFRS, we are required to include information regarding the nature of the judgements and estimates, and potential impacts on our financial results or financial position in the Financial Statements. This information can be found in section 5.1.

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

We identified our principal market risks in section 1.6.4.1.5.4. A description of how we manage our market risks, including both quantitative and qualitative information about our market risk sensitive instruments outstanding at 30 June 2019,2020, is contained in note 2122 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.1.

Off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual commitments

Information in relation to our materialoff-balance sheet arrangements, principally contingent liabilities, commitments for capital expenditure and commitments under leases at 30 June 20192020 is provided in note 32 ‘Commitments’11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’, note 20 ‘Leases’ and note 33 ‘Contingent liabilities’ in section 5.1.

Subsidiary information

Information about our significant subsidiaries is included in note 2829 ‘Subsidiaries’ in section 5.1 and in Exhibit 8.1 – List of Subsidiaries.

Related party transactions

Related party transactions are outlined in note 3132 ‘Related party transactions’ in section 5.1.

Significant changes since the end of the year

Significant changes since the end of the year are outlined in note 34 ‘Subsequent events’ in section 5.1.

The Strategic Report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board.

Ken MacKenzie

ChairmanChair

Dated: 53 September 2019

1272020


Section 2

Section 2

Governance at BHP

In this section

2.1 Governance at BHP

2.2 Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team

2.3 Shareholder engagement

2.4 Role and responsibilities of the Board

2.5 Board membership

2.6 Chairman

2.7 Renewal andre-election

2.8 Director skills, experience and attributes

2.9 Director induction, training and development

2.10 Independence

2.11 Board evaluation

2.12 Board meetings and attendance

2.13 Board committees

2.14 Risk management governance structure

2.15 Management

2.16 Our conduct

2.17 Market disclosure

2.18 Remuneration

2.19 Directors’ share ownership

2.20 Conformance with corporate governance standards

2.21 Additional UK disclosure

128

2.1 Chair’s letter  142
2.2 Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team  143
2.2.1 Board of Directors  143
2.2.2 Executive Leadership Team  152
2.3 Role and responsibilities of the Board  155
2.4 Board meetings and attendance  156
2.5 Key Board activities during FY2020  156
2.6 Stakeholder engagement  159
2.6.1 Shareholder engagement  159
2.6.2 Workforce engagement  162
2.7 Director skills, experience and attributes  163
2.8 Board evaluation  166
2.9 Nomination and Governance Committee Report  167
2.10 Risk and Audit Committee Report  171
2.11 Sustainability Committee Report  178
2.12 Remuneration Committee Report  179
2.13 Risk management governance structure  181
2.14 Management  181
2.15 Our conduct  182
2.16 Market disclosure  183
2.17 Conformance with corporate governance standards  183
2.18 Additional UK disclosure  185


2.1    Governance at BHPChair’s letter

2.1.1    Chairman’s letter

‘In this unprecedented year, through our people’s steadfast commitment to keeping our operations running safely, we have continued to contribute to local economies through the jobs we create and the taxes and royalties we pay.’

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

Dear Shareholder,

At the 2018 Annual General Meeting, I once again discussedWe have made good progress on our key priorities of safety, our portfolio, capital discipline, culture and capability and culture, and social value. We made good progress with these prioritiesvalue during FY2019, and I want to touch on a few aspects here that are relevant to governance.FY2020.

Safety

Safety remains our first priority. We never forgetOur highest priority is the impact a fatality has on the families, friends and colleagues. The tragic deathsafety of our colleague Allan Houston at BMA’s Saraji Mine in Queensland was a stark reminder of this. The results of an investigation into the fatality were considered by both the Sustainability Committee and the Board, and for the first time in many years, the cause was unable to be determined. However, our investigation identified a number of improvement areas and work is underway to implement these. Leaders have also shared findings broadly through interactive safety briefings with employees and contractors in our operations and the communities in which we operate. There were no fatalities at all sitesour operations in FY2020 and major offices.our injury frequency rates are trending in the right direction. Our focus must remain on exceptional safety performance and eliminating near misses with fatality potential.

With regards to Samarco,Nearly five years have passed since the Board has continued to focus on respondingtragic dam failure at Samarco. We remain committed to the tragedy.full and fair remediation and compensation of impacts to the people and the environment in the Rio Doce region, in a challenging and complex operating context. Please see section 1.71.8 for information on our ongoing response to the Samarco dam failure.response.

Portfolio

At BHP, our strategy is to have the best capabilities, commodities and assets to create long-term shareholder value and high returns. DuringWe continue to invest and plan for the future while at the same time delivering strong cash returns to our shareholders. Our commodity portfolio has remained resilient throughout FY2020.

We believe our products will play an essential role in a decarbonising world, and will help us grow value for many decades to come. We are confident that we have the right portfolio to meet the world’s needs today and for the energy transition to a low carbon future. We are pleased to release the BHP Climate Change Report this year, we continued to reshape the portfolio with the completion of the salewhich contains a detailed review of our Onshore US assetsupdated portfolio analysis, comparing two BHP planning cases; a non-linear, higher temperature Climate Crisis scenario, and a new 1.5°C scenario, as well as a set of challenging targets and goals for net proceeds of US$10.4 billion.

In addition, we have continued to explore for petroleumemissions reduction across our business and copper assets. In Petroleum the Board approved US$696 million in funding to develop the Atlantis Phase 3 project in the US Gulf of Mexico, and US$256 million in funding to drill an additional appraisal well and perform further studies in the Trion field in Mexico, along with the successful bid for exploration blocks in the offshore Orphan Basin in Eastern Canada. In copper we confirmed the potential new iron oxide, copper and gold mineralised system located 65 kilometres south east of Olympic Dam. Our US$2.46 billion Spence Growth Option project in Chile, which is expected to extend the mining operations by more than 50 years, is on schedule and on budget.value chain.

Capital discipline

OurBHP’s strong balance sheet, disciplined approach and Capital Allocation Framework remains keyallows us to how we assess decisions aboutweather downturns and unexpected issues, such as the deploymentCOVID-19 pandemic, from a position of capital. financial strength.

At the end of FY2020, BHP had six major projects under development in copper, iron ore, potash and petroleum, with a combined budget of US$11.4 billion over the life of the projects.

During FY2019,FY2020, we have kept capital expenditure below US$8 billion per annum and reduced ourwith net debt toat US$9.2 billion, reflecting strong cash generation. As a result of the sale of our Onshore US assets, BHP also completed the return12 billion. The Board announced total dividends of US$10.4 billion1.20 per share in respect of FY2020, equivalent to shareholders througha 67 per cent payout ratio. This is the combination of anoff-market buyback and a special dividend. These returns, when added to dividends determined in FY2019, delivered record annualthird consecutive year cash returns to shareholders.shareholders have exceeded US$6 billion.

Culture and capability

There is significant opportunity ahead to create more shareholder value from BHP’s assets. This will be made possibleOur approach to developing our culture and capability is underpinned by building capability in our leaders consistent with the practices set out in the BHP Operating System. We invest in our people and capability to support exceptional performance. We aim to build on our engaged, empowered and inclusive culture that drives continuous improvement with strengthened self-accountability, performance edge, a hunger to learn and improve, and a commercial mindset.

Social value through BHP’s Transformation work.COVID-19

We recognise that we must work with others to address issues and opportunities, inside and outside the mine gate, and we must work with a range of stakeholders to create mutual benefit. That is consistent with our longer-term interests and those of our shareholders. Without the overt support of the communities where we operate and other stakeholders, BHP cannot succeed. That is why social value is a company priority and is embedded in late 2018, a dedicated Transformation Officeour five-year planning process. Our immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic clearly demonstrates the positive contribution we have made this year, where it was establishedneeded most. In this unprecedented year, through our people’s steadfast commitment to focus on simplification, workforce capabilitykeeping our operations running safely, we have continued to contribute to local economies through the jobs we create and the taxes and royalties we pay. This includes employing hundreds of additional people from the local regions where we operate, establishing social investment funds to accelerate adoption ofhelp protect the technology requiredmost vulnerable from infection, and reducing payment terms for small, local and Indigenous businesses to deliver greater efficiencies.support our host communities around the world.

The Transformation programs will make BHP saferWe also contribute to social value through trust and operations more efficienttransparency. In FY2020, our total direct economic contribution was US$37.2 billion. This includes payments to supply partners, wages and predictable. They will also help develop workforce capability so that our people are equipped for the rapid pace of change that lies ahead.

Alongside a leanemployee benefits, dividends to shareholders, and agile management culture, transformation has the potentialtaxes and royalties to unlock value worth billions of dollars in the short and medium term.governments.

Board composition

The Board has 1112 members, including the CEO. I am a proponent of a relatively small Board. However, for a company like BHP, which has four key Board committees,Committees, a Board size of 10 to 12 is appropriate. In addition, diversity remains a focus, and BHP has an aspirationaspirational goal to achieve gender balance on our Board by FY2025.

As referenced in last year’s Corporate Governance Statement, we have a refreshed board skills matrix which we have used through FY2019 in our Board succession planning. This year, Wayne Murdy retired from the Board after the 2018 Annual General Meetings (AGMs). On behalf of shareholders, I thank Wayne for his dedicated service and leadership.CY2025.

We alsohave previously stated that our searchwe were searching for a newan additional Non-executive Director with mining experience. Gary Goldberg, who has more than 35 years of global mining industry experience, was well under wayincluding in executive, operational and strategic roles, joined the Board on 1 April 2019February 2020.

When we updated our Board Skills and Experience Matrix in 2018, we identified a need to further deepen the understanding of technology on our Board, and we focused on attracting that experience. As a result, in May 2020 we announced the appointment of Dion Weisler and Xiaoqun Clever.

Dion Weisler was appointed Ian Cockerill to the Board. Ianwith effect from 1 June 2020. Dion has extensive miningglobal executive experience, including in chief executive operational, strategicofficer and technicaloperational roles. He was formerlyserved as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Anglo Coal and Gold Fields Limited, and a senior executive with AngloGold Ashanti and Anglo American Group. IanHP Inc. from 2015 to 2019. He has considerable public company board experience, including as Chairmanhaving recently joined the board of Polymetal International plc,Intel Corporation and as a formerNon-executiveDirector of Orica Limited, Ivanhoe Mines LtdThermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. since 2017 and Endeavour Mining Corporation, and the former Chairman of Blackrock World Mining Trust plc.HP Inc. from 2015 until 2019.

129


Susan Kilsby also joinedXiaoqun Clever will join the Board on 1 April 2019. SheOctober 2020. Xiaoqun has extensiveover 20 years of global experience in financetechnology with a focus on software engineering, data and strategy, havinganalytics, cybersecurity and digitalisation. She held severalvarious roles in global investment banking. From 1996 to 2014, she held senior executive roles at Credit Suisse, including as a Senior Adviser,with SAP SE, Ringier AG and ChairmanProSiebenSat.1 Media SE. She currently serves on the board of EMEA MergersCapgemini SE, Infineon Technologies AG and Acquisitions. Susan brings to the BHP Board herNon-executive experience across multiple industries. Until recently, she was the Chairman of Shire plc and Senior Independent Director of BBA Aviation plc. She is currently aNon-executive Director of Unilever N.V and Unilever plc, Diageo plc and Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.Amadeus IT Group SA.

I would also wantlike to acknowledge Carolyn Hewson, aLindsay Maxsted and Shriti Vadera – members of Board member for overmore than nine years, whoyears. Lindsay will be retiring from the Board,retire on 4 September this year and Shriti will retire, as planned, at this year’s Annual General Meeting. On behalf of her colleagues on the Board, I thank Lindsay for his counsel and the many employees she has closely interacted with over her term, I wantfor his exceptional contribution to thank Carolyn for her counsel on the Board and as ChairmanChair of the RemunerationRisk and Audit Committee. CarolynI also thank Shriti for her support to me as Senior Independent Director and her commitment to our shareholders through her regular engagement. Shriti has made an outstanding contribution to BHP and we wish her all the very bestBHP.

Executive Leadership team renewal

The Board appointed Mike Henry as BHP’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January, replacing Andrew Mackenzie. Mike is a strong advocate for the future.

Socialresources industry, driving higher standards of safety and contributing to our local communities and global stakeholders. He is committed to unlocking and accelerating greater value

Throughout its history, in our assets and operations. In doing so he will make BHP has recognised its corporate responsibility. Over the last decade, the business landscape has shiftedsafer, leaner, high performing and the expectations offuture fit. Andrew was instrumental in turning BHP into a simpler and more productive company, and one that is financially stronger and sharply focused on value for shareholders and stakeholders have changed.society. I would like to thank Andrew for his outstanding contribution as CEO.

As a Company, we recognise we must work with others to address issuesConclusion

Transparency and opportunities, both inside and outside the mine gate, and we must work with a range of stakeholders to make a positive contribution. That is consistent with our longer-term interests and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Without the overt support of communities and other stakeholders, BHP cannot succeed.

We also strive to build social value through trust and transparency. That is why we disclose that in FY2019, our total direct economic contribution was US$46.2 billion. This includes payments to suppliers, wages and employee benefits, dividends to shareholders, and taxes and royalties to government.

We consider social value throughout the value chain, from our local operational footprint,listening to our impact on society. We continue to focus on local businesses through initiatives such as the Local Buying Program to support suppliers in our communities. We also take a global perspective. This year we announced measures to address global warming, including a five-year US$400 million Climate Investment Program (CIP).

Conclusion

stakeholders help us make better decisions. During the past year, I have continued to meet with many of our institutional shareholders along with members of our retail shareholder base. Direct engagement with investors remains invaluable to the Board and the management of BHP.

I have also continuedcontinue to visit as many of our operations around the world.as I can. These visits reinforce the quality of BHP’s assets and people, which gives me confidence that BHPwe can create long-term value for our shareholders.

Ken MacKenzie

Chairman

130Chair


2.1.2    Governance structure

Our philosophy of governance goes beyond compliance. We believe high-quality governance supports long-term value creation: simply put, good governance is good business. Our approach is to adopt what we consider to be the best of the prevailing governance standards in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In the same spirit, we do not see governance as just a matter for the Board. Good governance is also the responsibility of executive management and is embedded throughout BHP. In this, the Board and management are guided byOur Charter values, including our value of Sustainability, in how we operate our business, interact with our stakeholders and plan for the future.

Update on governance reforms in Australia and the United Kingdom

In July 2018, the Financial Reporting Council released the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code and the Guidance on Board Effectiveness. The UK Code emphasises the importance of demonstrating, through reporting, how the governance of a company contributes to its long-term sustainable success and achieves wider objectives. We agree that good governance contributes to sustainable success, and we recognise the renewed emphasis on a business building trust by forging strong relationships with key stakeholders. We also understand the importance of a corporate culture that is aligned with BHP’s purpose and strategy, and which promotes integrity and includes diversity.

As anticipated in last year’s Annual Report, BHP is well placed to comply with the UK Code. We have begun implementing new policies and procedures in line with the new Code, and will report against it in full in next year’s Annual Report.

One of the main UK Code changes relates to how the Board engages with the workforce and takes into account their views. During the year under review, the Board for example:

visited operational sites in a number of countries and engaged with a broad cross-section of the working population, both in the field and in small-group discussions and meetings to hear first-hand the views our people;

during a Board meeting in Brisbane, met with employees in a range of settings and at multiple levels to hear their perspectives, and learn more about theirday-to-day work experience including working in one of our Integrated Remote Operations Centres and a virtual reality underground mine walkthrough;

attended the annual HSEC awards, which celebrate excellence in HSEC implementation, and met with employees and award finalists to hear their improvement ideas and projects;

heard from a range of employees at each Board meeting on topics such as the health and safety of our people, workforce relations, our purpose as a company, human rights, conduct concerns and diversity;

participated in ahalf-day immersive in Melbourne led by employees on different transformation projects and their impact on the experience of our workforce, communities and suppliers;

discussed the results of the annual employee Engagement and Perception Survey which covers employees’ engagement levels, the state of the culture and level of inclusiveness and development.

The Board continues to consider additional mechanisms for workforce engagement.

In addition, the Terms of Reference of the Remuneration Committee have been updated so that the Committee will periodically review workforce remuneration and related policies and the alignment of incentives and reward with the Group’s culture and will also engage with the workforce to explain how executive remuneration aligns with the wider company pay policy. The Board is finalising its approach to ensure it meets the spirit of the revised UK Code and more details on employee engagement and the other Code provisions will be provided in the 2020 Annual Report.

The Fourth Edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations was released in February 2019 and takes effect from 1 July 2020. We are currently reviewing our practices to determine any changes needed to align fully with the revised Principles and Recommendations and will adopt early to the extent possible.

BHP governance structure

The following diagram describes the governance framework at BHP. It shows the interaction between our shareholders and the Board, as well as the relationship between the Board and the CEO. It also illustrates the flow of delegation from shareholders.

Robust processes are in place to ensure the delegation flows through the Board and its committees to the CEO, the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and into the organisation. At the same time, accountability flows upwards from the Group to shareholders. This process helps ensure alignment with shareholders.

Our Charter is central to the governance framework of BHP. It embodies our corporate purpose, strategy and values and defines when we are successful. We foster a culture that values and rewards high ethical standards, personal and corporate integrity and respect for others.

131


BHP governance structure

LOGO

2.2     Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team

2.2.1     Board of Directors

Ken MacKenzie

BEng, FIEA, FAICD, 5556

ChairmanChair and IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since September 2016.

ChairmanChair of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc from 1 September 2017.

Skills and experience:Mr MacKenzie has extensive global and executive experience and a deeply strategic approach, with a focus on capital discipline and the creation of long-term shareholder value. He has insight and understanding in relation to organisational culture, the external environment, the diverse interests of our stakeholders and emerging issues related to the creation of social value.

Mr MacKenzieKen was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Amcor Limited, a global packaging company with operations in over 40 countries, from 2005 until 2015. During his23-year career with Amcor, Mr MacKenzieKen gained extensive experience across all of Amcor’s major business segments in developed and emerging markets in the Americas, Australia, Asia and Europe.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Advisory Board member of American Securities Capital Partners LLC (since January 2016)

 

Former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Amcor Limited (from July 2005 to April 2015)

Former Advisory Board member of Adamantem Capital (from September 2016 to May 2019)

 

Former Senior Adviser to McKinsey & Company (from January 2016 to June 2017)

Former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Amcor Limited (from July 2005 to April 2015)

Board Committee membership:

 

ChairmanChair of the Nomination and Governance Committee

Andrew MackenzieMike Henry

BSc (Geology), PhD (Chemistry), 6254

Non-independent Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since May 2013.

Mr MackenzieJanuary 2020. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 10 May 2013.1 January 2020.

132


Skills and experience:Mr MackenzieHenry has over 30 years’ experience including in oilthe global mining and gas, minerals, strategypetroleum industry, spanning operational, commercial, safety, technology and capital discipline over long-term cycles, technology, global markets, public policy and commodity value chains. He also hasnon-executive director experience.marketing roles.

Mr MackenzieMike joined BHP in November 2008 as2003, initially in business development and then in marketing and trading of a range of mineral and petroleum commodities based in The Hague, where he was also accountable for BHP’s ocean freight operations. He went on to hold various positions in the Company, including President Operations Minerals Australia, President Coal, President HSE, Marketing and Technology, and Chief ExecutiveNon-Ferrous, with responsibility for over half of BHP’s 100,000 strong workforce across four continents. HeMarketing Officer. Mike was appointed Chief Executive Officer in May 2013. on 1 January 2020 and has been a member of the Executive Leadership Team since 2011.

Prior to joining BHP, Mr Mackenzie held various executive roles at Rio Tinto, including as Chief Executive of DiamondsMike worked in the resources industry in Canada, Japan and Minerals, and at BP, where he held a number of senior roles, including as Group Vice President for Technology and Engineering, and Group Vice President for Chemicals. Mr Mackenzie was previously anon-executive director of Centrica plc.Australia.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Fellow of the Royal Society of London (since May 2014)

Director (since May 2013)Council member and Deputy Chair (since November 2017)Treasurer of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) (since 2020)

Former Director of the Grattan Institute (from May 2013 to November 2017)

FormerNon-executive Director of Centrica plc (from September 2005 to May 2013)

Terry Bowen

BAcct, FCPA, MAICD, 5253

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since October 2017.

Skills and experience:Mr Bowen has significant executive experience across a range of diversified industries. He has deep financial expertise, and extensive experience in capital allocation discipline, commodity value chains and strategy.

Terry is currently Chair of the Operations Group at BGH Capital, and a Non-executive Director of Transurban Group.

Prior to this, Terry served as Managing Partner and Head of Operations at BGH Capital. He also previously served as an Executive Director and Finance Director of Wesfarmers Limited from 2009 to 2017, which included chairing a number of Wesfarmers’ operating divisions. Wesfarmers is a conglomerate with interests predominantly in Australian and New Zealand retail, chemicals, fertilisers, coal mining and industrial and safety products. Prior to this, Mr BowenTerry held various senior executive roles within Wesfarmers, including as Finance Director of Coles, Managing Director of Industrial and Safety and Finance Director of Wesfarmers Landmark. He also served as the inaugural Chief Financial Officer of Jetstar Airways Limited from 2003 to 2005 and before this, held senior finance roles over an11-year career with Tubemakers of Australia Limited. Mr BowenTerry is a former Director of Gresham Partners and past President of the National Executive of the Group of 100 Inc. He is also currently the Head of the Operations Group at BGH Capital.

The Board is satisfied that Mr BowenTerry meets the criteria for financial experience as outlined in the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (UK Code), competence in accounting and auditing as required by the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Corporate GovernanceAuthority (FCA) Disclosure and Transparency Rules and the audit committee financial expert requirements under the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Rules. In addition, he is the Board’s nominated ‘audit committee financial expert’ for the purposes of the US Securities and Exchange Commission Rules.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Non-executive Director of Transurban Group (since February 2020)

Director of Navitas Pty Limited (since July 2019)

Chair (since 2020) and Former Head of the Operations Group at BGH Capital (since 2018)(from January 2018 to January 2020)

 

Director of West Coast Eagles Football Club (since May 2017)

Director of Navitas (since 2019)

 

Former Executive Director and Finance Director of Wesfarmers Limited (from April 2009 to November 2017)

 

Former ChairmanChair of West Australian Opera Company Incorporated (from July 2014 to December 2017)

 

Former Director of Gresham Partners Holdings Limited and Gresham Partners Group Limited (from April 2009 to August 2017)

Former Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research Incorporated (from 2010 to 2013)

Former Chief Financial Officer of Jetstar Airways Limited (from 2003 to 2005)

Board Committee membership:

 

MemberChair of the Risk and Audit Committee

133


Malcolm Broomhead

AO, MBA, BE, FAICD, 6768

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since March 2010.

Skills and experience:Mr Broomhead has extensive experience as anon-executive director of global organisations, and as a chief executive of large global industrial and mining companies. Mr BroomheadMalcolm has a broad strategic perspective and understanding of the long-term cyclical nature of the resources industry and commodity value chains, with proven health, safety and environment, and capital allocation performance.

Mr BroomheadMalcolm was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Orica Limited (a global mining services and chemicals company) from 2001 until September 2005. Prior to joining Orica, he held a number of senior positions at North Limited, including Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and, prior to that, held senior management positions with Halcrow (UK), MIM Holdings, Peko Wallsend and Industrial Equity.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

ChairmanChair of Orica Limited (since January 2016) and a Director (since December 2015)

 

Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (since July 2014)

Former ChairmanChair of Asciano Limited (from October 2009 to August 2016)

 

Former Director of Coates Group Holdings Pty Ltd (from January 2008 to July 2013)

 

Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (since July 2014)

Former ChairmanChair of the Australia China One Belt One Road Advisory Board (from August 2016 to February 2019)

Board Committee membership:

 

ChairmanMember of the Sustainability Committee

 

Member of the Nomination and Governance Committee

Ian Cockerill

MSc (Mineral Production Management)(Mining and Mineral Engineering), BSc (Hons.) (Geology), AMP – Oxford Templeton College, 6566

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since April 2019.

Skills and experience:Mr Cockerill has extensive global mining operational, project and executive experience having initially trained as a geologist. He was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American Coal and Chief Executive Officer and President of Gold Fields Limited, and a senior executive with AngloGold Ashanti and Anglo American Group. Mr CockerillIan is the ChairmanChair of Polymetal International plc.plc and Non-executive Director of I-Pulse Inc.

Mr CockerillIan is the former ChairmanChair of BlackRock World Mining Trust plc and the former Lead Independent Director of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd and former Director of Orica Limited and Endeavour Mining Corporation. He is a Director of the Leadership for Conservation in Africa (a not-for-profit organisation) and is the Chair of Conservation 360, a Botswanan conservation NGO dealing with anti-poaching initiatives. He is a former Director of Business Leadership South Africa, the South African Business Trust and the World Gold Council.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

ChairmanChair of Polymetal International plc (since April 2019)

Non-executive Director of I-Pulse Inc (since September 2010)

 

Former Director of Orica Limited (from 2010 to August 2019)

 

Former Director (from 2013 to 2019) and ChairmanChair (from 2016 to May 2019) of BlackRock World Mining Trust plc

 

Former Director (from 2011 to June 2019) and Lead Independent Director (from 2012 to June 2019) of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd

 

Former Director of Endeavour Mining Corporation (from 2013 to 2019)

 

Former Executive Director and executive ChairmanChair (from 2010 to 2013) andNon-executive ChairmanChair (from 2013 to 2017) of Petmin Limited

 

Former ChairmanChair of Hummingbird Resources plc (from 2009 to 2014)

Board Committee membership:

 

Member of the Risk and Audit Committee

 

Member of the Sustainability Committee

134


Anita Frew

BA (Hons), MRes, Hon. D.Sc, 6263

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since September 2015.

Skills and experience:Ms Frew has an extensive breadth ofnon-executive experience in diverse industries, including chemicals, engineering, industrial and finance. In particular, Ms FrewAnita has valuable insight and experience in the creation of shareholder value, organisational change, mergers and acquisitions, financial andnon-financial risk, and health, safety and environment.

Ms FrewAnita is the ChairmanChair of Croda International Plc (a British speciality chemicals company) and until recently, was also the Deputy ChairmanChair and Senior Independent Director of Lloyds Banking Group Plc. Prior to this, she was the ChairmanChair of Victrex Plc, Senior Independent Director of Aberdeen Asset Management Plc and IMI Plc and aNon-executive Director of Northumbrian Water.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Director (since March 2015) and ChairmanChair (since September 2015) of Croda International Plc

 

Former Director (since 2010)(from 2010 to May 2020), Deputy Chairman (sinceChair (from December 2014)2014 to May 2020) and Senior Independent Director (since(from May 2017)2017 to December 2019) of Lloyds Banking Group Plc

 

Former Senior Independent Director of Aberdeen Asset Management Plc (from October 2004 to September 2014)

 

Former Senior Independent Director of IMI Plc (from March 2006 to May 2015)

 

Former ChairmanChair of Victrex Plc (from 2008 to October 2014)

Board Committee membership:

 

Member of the Remuneration Committee

 

Member of the Risk and Audit Committee

Carolyn HewsonGary Goldberg

AO, BEc (Hons), MA, FAICD, 64BS, MBA, 61

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since March 2010.February 2020.

Skills and experience:Ms HewsonMr Goldberg has extensiveover 35 years of global executive experience, including deep experience in mining, strategy, risk, commodity value chain, capital allocation discipline and public policy. Gary served as the Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest gold producers, Newmont Corporation, from 2013 until October 2019, with responsibility for Newmont’s 37,000 employees and contractors, and operations in United States, Australia, Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Ghana and Suriname. Prior to joining Newmont, Gary was President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto Minerals, and served in executive leadership roles in Rio Tinto’s coal, gold, copper and industrial minerals businesses.

Gary is the former Vice Chair of the World Gold Council and the former Treasurer of the International Council on Mining and Metals, and previously served as Chair of the National Mining Association in the United States from 2008 to 2010. Gary also has non-executive director experience, in a numberhaving previously served on the board of sectors, as well as executive experience in financial markets, risk management and investment management. Through hernon-executive roles, Ms Hewson brings a breadth of experience and insight on strategy and portfolio optimisation through cycles, financial andnon-financial risk, social value, organisational culture and the changing external environment.

Ms Hewson is a former investment banker with over 35 years’ experience in the finance sector. She was previously an Executive Director of Schroders AustraliaPort Waratah Coal Services Limited and has extensive financial markets, risk management and investment management expertise. Ms Hewson is a former Director of Stockland Group, BT Investment Management Limited, Westpac Banking Corporation, AMP Limited, CSR Limited, AGL Energy Limited, the Australian Gas Light Company, South Australian Water and the Economic Development Board of South Australia.Rio Tinto Zimbabwe.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Member of Federal Government Growth Centres Advisory Committee (since January 2015)Former Advisor, Newmont (from October 2019 to March 2020)

 

DirectorFormer President and Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure SA (since JanuaryNewmont Corporation (from 2013 to October 2019)

 

Former Director (from 2013 to October 2019) and Treasurer (from 2017 to October 2019) of Stockland Group (from March 2009 to September 2018)the International Council on Mining and Metals

 

Former Trustee Westpac FoundationVice Chair of World Gold Council (from May 20152017 to 2019)

 

Former MemberCo-Chair of Australian Federal Government Financial Systems InquiryWorld Economic Forum Mining and Metals Governors (from January 20142016 to December 2014)2017)

Former Member of the Advisory Board of Nanosonics Limited (from June 2007 to August 2015)

Former Director of BT Investment Management Limited (from December 2007 to December 2013)

Former Director of Australian Charities Fund Operations Limited (from June 2000 to February 2014)

Former Director and Patron of the Neurosurgical Research Foundation (from April 1993 to December 2013)

Former Trustee and Chairman of Westpac Buckland Fund (from January 2011 to December 2013) and Chairman of Westpac Matching Gifts Limited (from August 2011 to December 2013), together known as the Westpac Foundation

Former Director of Westpac Banking Corporation (from February 2003 to June 2012)

135


Board Committee membership:

 

ChairmanMember of the Remuneration Committee

 

Member of the Nomination and GovernanceSustainability Committee

Susan Kilsby

MBA, BA, 6061

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since April 2019.

Skills and experience:Ms Kilsby has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, and finance and strategy, having held several roles in global investment banking. From 1996 to 2014, she held senior executive roles at Credit Suisse, including as a Senior Adviser,Advisor, and ChairmanChair of EMEA Mergers and Acquisitions. Ms KilsbySusan also hasnon-executive experience across multiple industries. Until recently, sheSusan was previously the ChairmanChair of Shire plc and the Senior Independent Director at BBA Aviation plc. Ms KilsbyShe is currently the Senior Independent Director of Diageo plc, and aNon-executive Director of Unilever N.V and Unilever plc, Diageo plc and Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.Inc and Unilever N.V and Unilever plc.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Director (since 2018) and Senior Independent Director (since October 2019) of Diageo plc (since 2018)

 

Director of Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. (since 2015)

 

Director of Unilever N.V and Unilever plc (since August 2019)

 

Member of the UK Takeover Panel

 

Former Director (from 2011 to 2019) and ChairmanChair (from 2014 to 2019) of Shire plc

 

Former Director (from 2012 to 2019) and Senior Independent Director (from 2016 to 2019) of BBA Aviation Plcplc

 

Former Director of Goldman Sachs International (from 2016 to 2018)

 

Former Director of Keurig Green Mountain (from 2013 to 2016)2015)

 

Former Director of Coca-Cola HBC (from 2013 to 2015)

Former Director of L’Occitane International (from 2010 to 2012)

Board Committee membership:

 

Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Member of the RemunerationNomination and Governance Committee

Lindsay Maxsted

DipBus (Gordon), FCA, FAICD, 6566

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since March 2011.

Skills and experience:Mr Maxsted has extensiveover 10 years’ experience innon-executive roles, including as chairmanchair of two global companies.Mr Maxsted Lindsay is also a corporate recovery specialist who has managed a number of Australia’s largest corporate insolvency and restructuring engagements and, until 2011, continued to undertake consultancy work in the restructuring advisory field. He was the Chief Executive Officer of KPMG Australia between 2001 and 2007.

Mr MaxstedLindsay has a breadth of understanding and insight in relation to the creation of long-termshareholder value through cycles, financial andnon-financial risk, capital allocation discipline and the external environment.

The Board is satisfied that Mr MaxstedLindsay meets the criteria for recent and relevant financial experience as outlined in the UK Corporate Governance Code, and competence in accounting and auditing as required by the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Corporate GovernanceFCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules. In addition, he is the Board’s nominated ‘audit committee financial expert’ for the purposes of the SEC Rules.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Chairman of Westpac Banking Corporation (since December 2011) and a Director (since March 2008)

ChairmanChair of Transurban Group (since August 2010) and a Director (since March 2008)

 

Director and Honorary Treasurer of Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute (since June 2005)

Former Chair (from December 2011 to March 2020) and Director (from March 2008 to March 2020) of Westpac Banking Corporation

Board Committee membership:

 

ChairmanMember of the Risk and Audit Committee

136


John Mogford

BEng, 6667

IndependentNon-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since October 2017.

Skills and experience: Mr Mogford has significant global executive experience, including in oil and gas, capital allocation discipline, commodity value chains and health, safety and environment. Mr MogfordJohn has also held roles as anon-executive director on a number of boards.

Mr MogfordJohn spent the majority of his career in various leadership, technical and operational roles at BP Plc. He was the Managing Director and an Operating Partner of First Reserve, a large global energy focused private equity firm, from 2009 until 2015, during which he served on the boards of First Reserve’s investee companies, including as ChairmanChair of Amromco Energy LLC and White Rose Energy Ventures LLP. Mr MogfordJohn retired from the boards of Weir Group Plc and one of First Reserve’s portfolio companies, DOF Subsea AS, in 2018, and is currently aNon-executivenon-executive Directordirector of ERM Worldwide Group Limited.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

Non-executive Director of ERM Worldwide Group Limited (since 2015)

 

FormerNon-executive Director of Network Rail Limited (from 2016 to 2017)

 

Former Managing Director (from 2012 to 2015) and Operating Partner (from 2009 to 2012) of First Reserve Corporation

 

FormerNon-executive Director of Midstates Petroleum Company Inc. (from 2011 to 2016)

 

FormerNon-executive Director of CHC Group Limited (from 2014 to 2015) and CHC Helicopters SA (from 2012 to 2015)

 

FormerNon-executive Director of DOF Subsea AS (from 2009 to 2018)

 

FormerNon-executive Director of Weir Group Plc (from 2008 to 2018)

Board Committee membership:

 

MemberChair of the Sustainability Committee

Shriti Vadera

MA, 5758

Senior Independent Director, BHP Group Plc

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since January 2011.

Skills and experience:Ms Vadera brings wide-ranging and global experience in economics, public policy and strategy, as well as deep understanding and insight in relation to global and emerging markets and the macro-politicalmacro political and economic environment.

Ms VaderaShriti has held executive roles and has broad and extensive non-executive experience. She is Chairmancurrently Chair of Santander UK Group Holdings Plc and Santander UK Plc, a Non-executive Director of Prudential Plc, and is expected to become the next Chair of Prudential from 1 January 2021. Shriti was formerly aNon-executive Director of AstraZeneca Plc from(from 2011 to 2018.2018). She was an investment banker with S G Warburg/UBS from 1984 to 1999, on the Council of Economic Advisers, HM Treasury from 1999 to 2007, Minister in the UK Department of International Development in 2007, Minister in the Cabinet Office and Business Department from 2008 to 2009 with responsibility for dealing with the financial crisis and G20 Adviser from 2009 to 2010. Ms VaderaShriti advised governments, banks and investors on the Eurozone crisis, banking sector, debt restructuring and markets from 2010 to 2014.

Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

 

ChairmanNon-executive Director of Prudential Plc (since May 2020)

Chair of Santander UK Group Holdings Plc and Santander UK Plc (since March 2015)

 

Former Non-executiveDirector of AstraZeneca Plc (from January 2011 to December 2018)

Former Trustee of Oxfam (from 2000 to 2005)

Board Committee membership:

 

Member of the Nomination and Governance Committee

 

Member of the Remuneration Committee

Dion Weisler

137BASc (Computing), Honorary Doctor of Laws, 53

Independent Non-executive Director

Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc since June 2020.

Skills and experience: Mr Weisler has extensive global executive experience, including in chief executive officer and operational roles. In particular, Dion has valuable transformation and commercial experience in the global information technology sector, a focus on capital discipline, as well as perspectives on current and emerging ESG issues.

Dion served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of HP Inc. from 2015 to 2019 and after stepping down from his President and CEO role, remained at HP Inc. as a Director and Senior Executive Adviser until May 2020. Prior to joining HP in 2012, Dion held a number of senior executive roles at Lenovo Group Limited, including as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Product and Mobile Internet Digital Home Groups, and as Vice President and General Manager, South East Asia. Dion also has experience at Telstra Corporation as the General Manager Conferencing and Collaboration, and from 1987 to 2001 held various positions at Acer Inc., including as Managing Director, Acer UK. Dion is currently a Non-executive Director of Intel Corporation and Thermo Fisher Scientific.


Other directorships and offices (current and recent):

Director of Intel Corporation (since June 2020)

Director of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (since 2017)

Former President and Chief Executive Officer (from 2015 to October 2019), Director (from 2015 to May 2020), and Senior Executive Adviser (from November 2019 to May 2020) at HP Inc.

Board Committee membership:

Member of the Remuneration Committee

Caroline Cox

BA (Hons), MA, LLB, BCL, 4950

Group General Counsel & Company Secretary and ChairmanChair of the Disclosure Committee

Ms Cox was appointed Group Company Secretary of BHP effective March 2019. Ms Cox joined BHP in 2015 as Vice President Legal and was appointed Group General Counsel in March 2016, a role she continues to hold. Prior to BHP, Ms Cox was a Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, a firm she was with for 11 years, specialising in cross-border regulatory investigations, inquiries and disputes. Earlier in her career, Ms Cox was a solicitor at the Canadian law firm, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt and clerked for Judges at the Alberta Court of Appeal and Court of Queen’s Bench.

138For information on the announced appointment of Christine O’Reilly as an independent non-executive Director, please refer to Exhibit 15.3.


2.2.2     Executive Leadership Team

Andrew MackenzieAthalie Williams

BA (Hons), FAHRI, 50

Chief People Officer

Ms Williams joined BHP in 2007 and was appointed to the role of President, Human Resources in January 2015. Athalie’s title changed to Chief People Officer effective 1 July 2015. She has previously held senior Human Resources positions, including Vice President Human Resources Marketing, Vice President Human Resources for the Uranium business and Group HR Manager, Executive Resourcing & Development. Prior to BHP, Athalie was an organisation strategy adviser with Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) and National Australia Bank. She is a member of Chief Executive Women and a Director of the BHP Foundation.

Daniel Malchuk

BEng, MBA, 54

President Operations, Minerals Americas

Mr Malchuk was appointed President Operations, Minerals Americas in February 2016 and is based in Santiago, Chile. Previously he was President of the Copper Business. Danny has held a number of roles in BHP, including President Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel, President of Minerals Exploration, and Vice President Strategy and Development Base Metals. He has worked in four countries with BHP, since joining the Company in April 2002.

Edgar Basto

BSc, (Geology)Metallurgy, 53

President, Minerals Australia

Mr Basto was appointed President Minerals Australia on 1 July 2020 and is responsible for BHP’s iron ore and nickel operations in Western Australia, metallurgical and energy coal in Queensland and New South Wales, and copper in South Australia. Edgar was Asset President of Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) from March 2016 and Acting President Operations Minerals Australia from November 2019. Edgar has held senior leadership roles across a range of commodities including iron ore, copper, coal and nickel, and has deep technical capability in both mining and smelting operations. Originally from Colombia, Edgar has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Metallurgical Engineering) from the Universidad Industrial de Santander. He joined BHP in 1989.

Geoff Healy

BEc, LLB, 54

Chief External Affairs Officer

Mr Healy joined BHP as Chief Legal Counsel in June 2013 and was appointed Chief External Affairs Officer in February 2016. Prior to joining BHP, Geoff was a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills for 16 years and a member of its Global Partnership Council, working widely across its network of Australian and international offices.

Geraldine Slattery

BSc, Physics, MSc, International Management (Oil & Gas), PhD51

President Operations, Petroleum

Ms Slattery joined BHP in 1994 and was appointed President Operations, Petroleum in March 2019. Geraldine has 25 years of experience with BHP, most recently as Asset President Conventional and prior to that in several senior operational and business leadership roles across the Petroleum business in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

Laura Tyler

BSc (Geology (Hons)), MSc (Mining Engineering), 53

Chief Geoscientist

Ms Tyler joined BHP in 2004 and was appointed Chief Geoscientist in 2019 in addition to her role as Asset President of Olympic Dam. Previously, Laura was Chief of Staff to the CEO, Asset President of the Cannington Mine and held technical and operational roles at the EKATI Diamond Mine in Canada and corporate HSEC in London. Prior to joining BHP, Laura worked for Western Mining Corporation, Newcrest Mining and Mount Isa Mines in various technical and operational roles.

Mike Henry

BSc (Chemistry), 6254

Chief Executive Officer

(See section 2.2.1 for biography)

Peter Beaven

BAcc, CA, 5253

Chief Financial Officer

Mr Beaven was appointed Chief Financial Officer in October 2014. Previously he was the President of Copper and prior to that appointment in May 2013, President of Base Metals, President of BHP’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, UBS Warburg, Kleinwort Benson and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Geoff Healy

BEc, LLB, 53

Chief External Affairs Officer

As noted in section 2.5, Peter will continue as CFO until 30 November 2020 to provide ongoing leadership through to Mr Healy joined BHP as Chief Legal Counsel in June 2013Lamont’s commencement, and was appointed Chief External Affairs Officer in February 2016. Prior to joining BHP,will support Mr Healy was a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills for 16 years and a member of its Global Partnership Council, working widely across its network of Australian and international offices.

Mike Henry

BSc (Chemistry), 53

President Operations, Minerals Australia

Mr Henry joined BHP in 2003. He served as President, Coal from January 2015 to February 2016 whenLamont with handover into early 2021, after which he was appointed President Operations, Minerals Australia. Prior to January 2015, he was President, HSE, Marketing & Technology. His earlier career with BHP included a number of commercial roles covering Minerals and Petroleum, including the role of Chief Marketing Officer.will leave BHP.

Diane Jurgens

BSEE, MSEE, MBA, 57

Chief Technology Officer

Ms Jurgens joined BHP in 2015 and was appointed Chief Technology Officer in February 2016. Prior to joining BHP, Ms Jurgens was based in China for nearly 10 years, serving as Board Member and Managing Director of Shanghai OnStar Telematics Company, in addition to prior roles as Chief Information Officer and Strategy Board member for General Motors’ International and China Operations. Ms Jurgens’ early career was with the Boeing Company where she worked for 12 years in engineering, information technology and business development leadership roles.

Daniel Malchuk

BEng, MBA, 53

President Operations, Minerals Americas

Mr Malchuk was appointed President Operations, Minerals Americas in February 2016 based in Santiago, Chile. Previously he was President of the Copper Business. Mr Malchuk has held a number of roles in BHP, including President Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel, President of Minerals Exploration, and Vice President Strategy and Development Base Metals. He has worked in four countries with BHP, since joining the Company in April 2002.

139


Vandita Pant

BCom (Hons), MBA, Business Administration, 4950

Chief Commercial Officer

Ms Pant joined BHP in 2016 and was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in July 2019, with global accountabilities for Marketing, Procurement, Maritime and Logistics and for developing the Company’sBHP’s views on global commodities markets. Prior to this role she was Group Treasurer and Head of Europe. Before joining BHP, she held roles with ABN Amro and Royal Bank of Scotland and has lived and worked in Singapore, India, Japan and the UK.United Kingdom.

Jonathan Price

MEng (Hons), Metallurgy & Materials Science, MBA, Business Administration, 43

Chief Transformation Officer2.3     Role and responsibilities of the Board

Mr Price joined BHP in 2006governance structure

Shareholders

The Board uses formal and informal communication channels to understand the views of shareholders to ensure they are represented in governing BHP. For more information on shareholder engagement, refer to section 2.6.1.

Board

BHP’s purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world (our purpose). Our strategy is to have the best capabilities, best commodities and best assets, to create long-term value and high returns (our strategy). Transformation, capital discipline and social value enable the successful execution of our strategy.

Independence – The Non-executive Directors are considered by the Board to be independent of management. They are free from any business relationship or other circumstance that could materially interfere with the exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement. For more information on the process for assessing independence, refer to section 2.9.

Composition – The Board currently has 12 members. The Board believes there is an appropriate balance between Executive and Non-executive Directors to promote shareholder interests and govern BHP effectively. The Board has fewer Executive Directors than is common for UK-listed companies, but its composition is appropriate for the Dual Listed Company structure and is in line with Australian-listed company practice. In addition, the Board has extensive access to members of senior management who frequently attend Board meetings. Management makes presentations and engages in discussions with Directors, answers questions and provides input and perspective on their areas of responsibility. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) attends all Board meetings. The Board, led by the Chair, also holds discussions in the absence of management at each Board meeting. The Directors of BHP, along with their profiles, are listed in section 2.2.1.

Role and responsibilities of the Board

Matters reserved for the Board include:

The role of the Board, as set out in the Board Governance Document, isto represent shareholders and promote and protect the interests of BHP in the short and long term. The Board considers the interests of the Group’s shareholders as a whole and the interests of other relevant stakeholders.

The Board Governance Document is a statement of the practices and processes the Board has adopted to fulfil its responsibilities. It includes the processes the Board has implemented to undertake its own tasks and activities; the matters it has reserved for its own consideration and decision-making; the authority it has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), including the limits on the way the CEO can execute that authority; and guidance on the relationship between the Board and the CEO.

Succession

•   CEO appointment and determination of the terms of the appointment

•   Approval of the appointment of Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members, and material changes to the organisational structure involving direct reports to the CEO

Strategic matters

•   Strategy, annual budgets, balance sheet management and funding strategy

•   Determination of commitments, capital and non-capital items, acquisitions and divestments above specified limits

Monitoring

•   Performance assessment of the CEO and the Group

•   Approving the Group’s values, Our Code of Conduct, purpose and risk appetite

•   Management of Board composition processes and performance

The Group Company Secretary is accountable to the Board and advises the Chair and, through the Chair, the Board and individual Directors on all matters of governance process.

Reporting and regulation

•   Determination and adoption of documents (including the publication of reports and statements to shareholders) that are required by the Group’s constitutional documents, statute or by other external regulation

The Board Governance Document isavailable at bhp.com/governance.

Chair

CEO
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board and ensuring it operates to the highest governance standards.The CEO is accountable to the Board for the authority that is delegated to the CEO and for the performance of the Group. The CEO works in a constructive partnership with the Board and is required to report regularly to the Board on progress.

Board Committees

The Board has established Committees to assist it in exercising its authority, including monitoring the performance of BHP to gain assurance that progress is being made towards our purpose within the limits imposed by the Board.

Each of the permanent Committees has terms of reference under which authority is delegated by the Board.

These are available at bhp.com/governance.

Nomination and Governance
Committee

Risk and Audit Committee

Sustainability Committee

Remuneration

Committee

Oversees and monitors renewal and succession planning and advises and makes recommendations on the Group’s governance practices

(See section 2.9)

Oversees and monitors financial reporting, other periodic reporting and external and internal audit and risk

(See section 2.10)

Oversees and monitors material health, safety, environmental and community matters and social value

(See section 2.11)

Oversees and monitors remuneration policy

(See section 2.12)

2.4     Board meetings and was appointed Chief Transformation Officer in March 2019. Prior to this, he was Transformation Director, and held senior roles in Nickel, Marketing, Iron Ore, and Finance, where he has worked with governments, joint venture partners, customers, industry peers, investors and advisors. Before joining BHP, he held roles at ABN AMRO investment bank in London, servicing metals and mining clients through a period of industry consolidation.

Geraldine Slattery

BSc, Physics, MSc, International Management (Oil & Gas), 50

President Operations, Petroleumattendance

Ms Slattery joinedThe Board meets as often as required. Directors must allocate sufficient time to BHP to perform their responsibilities effectively, including adequate time to prepare for Board meetings. During FY2020, the Board met 13 times. Twelve meetings were held in 1994Australia and was appointed President Operations, Petroleum in March 2019. Ms Slattery has 25 years’ of experience with BHP, most recently as Asset President Conventional, and prior to that in several senior operational and business leadership roles across the Petroleum businessone in the United Kingdom,Kingdom. The normal schedule, which includes Board meetings in the UK and in another global office location, was disrupted due to the travel impacts of COVID-19 resulting in virtual board meetings, and additional meetings were held regarding COVID-19. In total, four of the meetings were ad hoc – scheduled during the year.

Members of the ELT and other members of senior management attended meetings of the Board by invitation, with the CFO attending each meeting.

Board and Board Committee attendance in FY2020

Scheduled
Board
Ad hoc
Board
Risk and Audit
Committee
Nomination
and Governance
Committee
Remuneration
Committee
Sustainability
Committee

Tenure as at

30 June 2020(1)

Terry Bowen

9/94/411/112 years 9 months

Malcolm Broomhead

9/94/44/45/510 years 3 months

Ian Cockerill

9/94/410/11(2)5/51 year 3 months

Anita Frew

9/94/411/116/64 years 10 months

Gary Goldberg

3/33/33/33/35 months

Mike Henry

3/33/36 months

Carolyn Hewson

4/41/12/23/3Retired on 7 November 2019

Susan Kilsby

9/92/4(3)1/16/61 year 3 months

Andrew Mackenzie

6/61/1Retired on 31 December 2019

Ken Mackenzie

9/94/44/43 years 10 months

Lindsay Maxsted

9/94/411/119 years 3 months

John Mogford

9/94/45/52 years 9 months

Shriti Vadera

9/94/44/46/69 years 5 months

Dion Weisler

1/11/11 month

Table indicates the number of scheduled and ad hoc meetings attended and held during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or committee.

(1)

See section 2.9 for further discussion about tenure.

(2)

Ian Cockerill was unable to attend the Risk and Audit Committee meeting on 15 August 2019 due to pre-existing Board commitments in a transitional year. Ian provided detailed comments to the Chair of the Committee ahead of the meeting.

(3)

Susan Kilsby was unable to attend ad hoc Board calls which were scheduled at short notice, on 30 October 2019 and 17 March 2020, due to pre-existing Board commitments and COVID-related travel disruptions. Ms Kilsby provided detailed comments to the Chair in advance of both meetings.

2.5     Key Board activities during FY2020

Adoption of governance reforms in Australia and the United States.Kingdom

Laura TylerIn July 2018, the Financial Reporting Council released the UK Code and the Guidance on Board Effectiveness, and we comply in full. We also comply with the third edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (ASX Third Edition) published by the ASX Limited’s Corporate Governance Council. In addition, we comply with the majority of the recommendations contained in the fourth edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (ASX Fourth Edition) which was released in February 2019.

BSc (Geology (Hons)), MSc (Mining Engineering), 52

During FY2020, BHP implemented new policies and procedures in line with the UK Code and the ASX Fourth Edition, with an emphasis in seven main areas. These are: enhanced role for the Board in relation to codes of conduct and whistleblowing: risk assessment and management; diversity; requirement to disclose certain policies; consideration of stakeholder interests; engagement with the workforce and oversight of workforce policies and practices; and an enhanced role for the Board in relation to culture.

Chief Geoscientist

Board Governance Document and committee Terms of Reference updatesThe Board Governance Document was updated to reflect our revised approach to risk management and reporting, and to reference the Board’s role in assessment and monitoring. In addition, areas relating to how information flows to the Board were clarified, and changes were made to reflect BHP’s revised purpose and strategy. Committee Terms of Reference were also updated as set out below.
Enhanced role for the Board in relation to codes of conduct and whistleblowingFrom a UK perspective, the main changes are to ensure the Code of Conduct and whistleblowing are a Board-level responsibility, rather than a Committee responsibility, and to ensure the scope of reporting is ‘any matters of concern’. The RAC Terms of Reference confirm that the RAC provides a report-out to the Board, which includes significant Code of Conduct matters reported to the RAC at its meetings. In addition, an independent investigations team has been maintained within Ethics and Compliance, and its investigations and investigation trends are regularly reported to the RAC. (See sections 2.10 (effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management) and 2.15.)
Risk assessment and managementThe revised UK Code and ASX Fourth Edition were taken into account in the design of the Group Risk Framework and approach to risk management and reporting. In addition, the Board Governance Document and RAC Terms of Reference were amended to reflect our updated approach to risk management and reporting, including the importance of the Board having oversight of both financial and non-financial risks, the RAC assisting the Board in monitoring that the Group is operating with due regard to the risk appetite set by the Board, and that the Group Risk Framework deals adequately with contemporary and emerging risks. (See section 2.10.)
Diversity of the board and senior management, and enhanced role for nomination committee

The Board Governance Document was aligned with new UK Code provisions by ensuring that appointments and succession plans for both Board and senior management are both led by the Nomination and Governance Committee.

At the end of CY2020 we will have 33 per cent women on the Board.(See sections 1.6.1 and 2.9.)

Requirement to disclose certain policiesBHP already disclosed its Communications Policy and OurCode of Conduct. The ‘Speaking up’ and ‘Anti-corruption’ sections of Our Code of Conduct cover BHP’s whistle-blower and anti-bribery and corruption policies. Our Market Disclosure policy has been updated for periodic market disclosures, including verification procedures. (See section 2.16.)
Consideration of stakeholder interestsBHP’s strategic framework, focus on social value, our purpose statement, section 172 statement, and risk appetite statement all reflect the consideration of external stakeholders in decision-making. (See sections 1.4.3 and 2.6.)
Engagement with the workforce and oversight of workforce policies and practices

The Board and its Committees receive information related to the workforce through a range of channels, including direct engagement at Board meetings and site visits, the Engagement and Perception Survey (EPS) findings, gender pay gap reports, and updates from the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief People Officer.

In addition, as part of implementing the UK Code, the Chief People Officer presented to the Board a review of workforce policies and practices to ensure these are consistent with the Group’s values and support its long-term sustainable success. (See sections 1.4.3, 1.6 and 2.6.2.)

Enhanced role for the Board in relation to cultureThe Board, supported by the Committees, considers a range of qualitative and quantitative information in relation to culture and monitors and assesses culture on an ongoing basis for alignment with our strategy, purpose and values. Board and committee papers include workforce planning in the context of COVID-19, Engagement and Perception Survey results, inclusion and diversity update, RAC report-outs on Code of Conduct investigations, the culture and capability required to execute the strategy, and culture as a part of asset reviews. The Board Governance Document was updated to expressly reference the Board’s role in relation to assessing and monitoring culture. (See sections 1.6, 2.6.2, 2.7 and 2.15.)

Ms Tyler joined

CEO and ELT succession

A major piece of work for the Board during FY2020 was CEO succession. For BHP, succession of the CEO is an ongoing process, which continues to work well in 2004developing internal candidates for this critical role. This year, Andrew Mackenzie retired as CEO and Mike Henry was appointed CEO from 1 January 2020. The Board took account of Mike’s 30 years’ experience in the global mining and petroleum industry, spanning operational, commercial, safety, technology and marketing roles. As set out in section 1.4.3, in the 45 days between being announced CEO-Elect and becoming CEO, Mike Henry spent time engaging with employees from every asset and almost all major offices. In addition, Mike was able to get out and meet with other key stakeholders before COVID-19 struck, and COVID-19 has subsequently reinforced the advantages of an internal appointment. A critical component of succession at ELT level and below is the existence of a robust senior leadership program that operates across multiple organisational levels to build, develop, renew, recruit and promote our leaders. The Board is actively engaged and oversees the development of the senior team. Following his appointment, Mike Henry has begun to announce the new senior management team and continued focus on assets and their performance.

In June 2020, we announced the appointment of Mr Lamont as Chief GeoscientistFinancial Officer, effective 1 December 2020. David has been the CFO of the ASX-listed global biotech company CSL Limited since January 2016. Prior to joining CSL, he was the CFO and an Executive Director at MMG from 2010. Peter Beaven will continue as CFO until 30 November 2020 to provide ongoing leadership through to Mr Lamont’s commencement, and will support Mr Lamont with handover into early 2021, after which he will leave BHP.

In August 2020, CEO Mike Henry announced new roles and appointments on the ELT. Ragnar Udd will become President Minerals Americas, effective 1 November 2020, replacing Daniel Malchuk. Mr Malchuk will continue in 2019the role until that time, and leave BHP at the end of CY2020. Laura Tyler commenced in addition tothe new role of Chief Technical Officer on 1 September 2020. This role is an expansion of her current position on the ELT as Chief Geoscientist. She will relinquish her concurrent role as Asset President of Olympic Dam. Previously, Ms Tyler wasCaroline Cox will become Chief of Staff to the CEO, Asset President of the Cannington Mine, and held technical and operational roles at the EKATI Diamond Mine in Canada and corporate HSEC in London. Prior to joining BHP, Ms Tyler worked for Western Mining Corporation, Newcrest Mining and Mount Isa Mines in various technical and operational roles.

Athalie Williams

BA (Hons), FAHRI, 49

Chief People Officer

Ms Williams joined BHP in 2007 and was appointed to the role of President, Human Resources in January 2015. Ms Williams’ title changed to Chief PeopleExternal Affairs Officer, effective 1 July 2015. She has previously held senior Human Resources positions, including Vice President Human Resources Marketing, Vice President Human Resources forNovember 2020, replacing Geoff Healy. Mr Healy will continue in the Uranium businessrole until that time, and Group HR Manager, Executive Resourcing & Development. Prior toleave BHP Ms Williams was an organisation strategy adviser with Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) and National Australia Bank. Ms Williams is a memberat the end of CY2020. Johan van Jaarsveld commenced in the new role of Chief Executive Women and a Director ofDevelopment Officer on 1 September 2020.

Key matters considered by the BHP Foundation.Board during FY2020 are outlined below.

 

140
Chair’s mattersBoard composition, succession planning, performance and culture

•   CEO succession

•   CEO transition update

•   Approval of the appointment of the new CFO

•   Committee succession

•   Board composition and succession

•   Board evaluation

•   Inclusion and diversity update and FY2020 targets

•   Corporate governance updates

•   Board culture framework

Strategic mattersCapital allocation (CAF, capital prioritisation and development outcomes)

•   Dividend policy and dividend recommendations

•   Capital prioritisation and portfolio development options

•   Capital execution watch list

Funding (annual budgets, balance sheet management, liquidity management)

•   COVID-19 financial impacts, balance sheet and forecasts

•   Two-year budget

•   Funding updates

Portfolio (Group scenarios, commodity and asset review, growth options, approving commitments, capital and non-capital items and acquisitions and divestments above a specified threshold,and geopolitical and macro-environmental impacts)

•   COVID-19 update – including safety measures, wellbeing steps, workforce planning and community support

•   Portfolio review – options and alternatives

•   Risk Appetite Statement

•   Climate change scenarios and stakeholder analysis

•   Climate change – medium-term target, Scope 3 emissions, investment fund


•   Circular economy

•   Samarco strategy, funding and communications

•   Germano dam decommissioning

•   Energy Coal review

•   Petroleum plan

•   Jansen Potash project

•   Trinidad and Tobago gas

•   Resolution Copper project

•   Mexico Trion project update

•   Rail technology

•   Economic and geopolitical risk

•   Escondida and Spence power purchase agreements

Social value and other significant items

•   Social value update

•   Industry associations review

•   Shareholder requisitioned resolutions

•   World Class Functions

•   Vendor rationalisation

•   Culture and capability

•   EPS survey and COVID-19 wellbeing survey

Monitoring and assurance mattersIncludes matters and/or documents required by the Group’s constitutional documents, statute or by other external regulation

•   Tailings dams updates

•   Investor relations reports

•   CEO reports, including CEO transition

•   HSEC reports

•   RAC report-outs

•   Sustainability Committee report-outs, including site visit report-outs

•   Nomination and Governance Committee report-outs

•   Remuneration Committee report-outs

•   Approval of the CEO’s remuneration

•   Reviewing and approving the Annual Reporting suite

•   Site visits

2.32.6     Stakeholder engagement

There are multiple ways the views of stakeholders, beyond shareholders (section 2.6.1) and the workforce (section 2.6.2), are brought to the Board and its Committees. For example, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) updates, site visits involving engagement with community members and government, and engagement with the Forum on Corporate Responsibility. In addition, the RAC receives reports on engagement with regulators. It also receives reports on material litigation and disputes with third parties and complaints raised through the speak-up hotline, EthicsPoint, which allows our workforce to raise concerns in confidence. The strategic framework, focus on social value, our new purpose and Risk Appetite Statement reflect the significance of external stakeholders in decision-making.

The Annual Report includes additional information on our stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations. For more information, refer to sections 1.4.3, 1.6 and 1.7.

2.6.1     Shareholder engagement

Part of the Board’s commitment to high-quality governance is expressed through the approach BHP takes to engaging and communicating with itsour shareholders. The Board uses formal and informal communication channels to understand and take into account the views of shareholders.

We encourage shareholders to make their views known to us. Shareholders can contact us at any time through our Investor Relations team, with contact details available at bhp.com. In addition, shareholders can communicate with us and our registrar electronically.

Our shareholders are based around the globe. As well as the two AGMs, which are an important part of the governance and investor engagement process, the Board uses a range of formal and informal communication channels to understand the views of shareholders. This ensures the Board represents shareholders in governing BHP. We regularly engage with institutional shareholders and investor representative organisations in Australia, South Africa, Europe and the United States. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss governance and strategy of BHP. The meetings are an important opportunity to build relationships and to engage directly with governance managers, fund managers and governance advisers. The Chairman and the CEO also meet regularly with retail shareholder representatives and their members, such as the Australian Shareholders’ Association, the UK Shareholders’ Association and ShareSoc.

We take a coordinated approach to engagement on corporate governance and during FY2019, we responded to a wide range of shareholders, their representatives andnon-governmental organisations. Issues covered included tailings dams, Samarco,non-operated joint ventures, industry associations, tax and transparency, corporate purpose, remuneration, human rights, climate change, social value and workforce relations. Engagement with other stakeholder groups, includingnon-governmental organisations, is outlined in section 1.10.LOGO

Investor engagement in FY2019FY2020

 

Topic

  

Led by

  

Purpose

  

FY2019FY2020 activity

Strategy, governance and remuneration  ChairmanGroup Chair  Discuss Board priorities and seek shareholder feedback.feedback  

Meetings held in July 2018with institutional investors in Australia, the UK and in May 2019 in the US. The Chairman alsoIn addition, the Chair participated in the Remunerationremuneration consultation meetings in Australia and the UK referenced below.in July 2019.

 

Retail shareholder event,Meetings with retail shareholders in Australia held in conjunction with the Australian Shareholders’ Association and in July 2018, in linethe UK with our intention to make this annual. Event in June 2019 withthe UK Shareholders’ Association and Sharesoc.

Remuneration  ChairmanChair of the Remuneration Committee, Vice President Reward and Vice President, Group Governance  Remuneration policy consultation  Meetings held in Australia in April 2019 and the UK in MayJuly 2019.
Climate change and environmental, social and governance (ESG)BoardDirect feedbackDirect engagement between a panel of institutional investors and the Board at the virtual Board meeting in June 2020.
Strategy, finance and operating performance  CEO, CFO, senior management and Investor Relations  Update shareholders on results or other key announcements. We also engage with other capital providers;providers, for example, through meetings with bondholders.bondholders  

Live webcasts of importantkey announcements.

 

Face-to-face investor meetings held in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain,the UK and the US.

Debt investor Virtual meetings were held in London in September.

Debt investor teleconferences held in August 2018 and February 2019 were attended bywith investors in Australia, Hong Kong SAR (China), Denmark, France, Singapore,Germany, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the US.

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Topic

  

Led by

  

Purpose

  

FY2019FY2020 activity

Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC)  

Debt investor meetings held in London in October 2019 with investors from the Netherlands, Singapore, the UK and the US, along with ad hoc meetings.

Debt investor teleconferences held in August 2019 and February 2020 with investors in the Netherlands, the UK and the US.

Management led engagement with retail investors in Australia in September 2019, and the Investor Relations team conducted retail broker briefings.

Industry associationsCEO, External Affairs, Group GovernanceEngaged with investors on shareholder resolutions, the 2019 Industry Association Review and a new approach to industry association membershipMultiple calls and face-to-face meetings were held between September 2019 and March 2020 with investors globally. This included face-to-face engagement between the CEO and certain investors in December 2019. In January 2020, briefings were held in Sydney, Melbourne, London, Edinburgh and Amsterdam. In March 2020, BHP commenced a global engagement and dialogue process with stakeholders to explore how the Group could improve its approach to industry associations, including to address issues raised by investors in our engagement on the 2019 shareholder resolutions.
Social value and HSECHead of External Affairs and Head of Health, Safety and Environment  Update investors on key HSEC issues.issues  Meetings held in Australia in September and in2019, the UK and Europe in October tore-align with2019, and the release of the Sustainability Report andUS in JuneDecember 2019 following the appointment of a new Group Head of HSE.about BHP’s approach to social value.
Corporate Governance strategy and briefingsESG matters  ESG, Group Governance and Investor Relations  Provides a conduit to enable the Board and its committeesCommittees to remain abreast of evolvingbe up to date with investor expectations and to continuously enhanceimprove the governance processes of BHP.BHP  Meetings held in Australia and the UKMultiple forms of engagement with investors throughout the year on a wide range of topics. For example, responded to enquiries on topics including diversity and the US in March. Multiple briefings oninclusion, cultural heritage, tailings dams, Samarco, non-operated joint ventures, industry associations, climate risk, biodiversity, water stewardship, COVID-19, workforce mental health and an update in June in Australia and the UK covering BHP’s approach to tailings dams. Conversations relating to remuneration were also held with the Vice President Reward in August 2018 in advance of the broader consultation about the remuneration policy.thermal coal.

Climate change

  Vice President, Sustainability and Climate Change  Update investors on our strategy on climate change.change strategy  Ad hoc meetings held in Australia, Europe and the US, throughout the year.including engagement with Climate Action 100+ regarding our climate change response (e.g. offsets, Scope 3 goals, medium-term target, portfolio analysis and industry associations).
Annual General MeetingsBoard and Senior Management, and external auditorRespond to investor queriesInformation on our AGMs is available at bhp.com/meetings.

Shareholder communications

Shareholders can communicate

2.6.2     Workforce engagement

The Board has arrangements in place for workforce engagement, and has built on these arrangements further following the implementation of the UK Code. Alongside section 1.4.3, the table below describes the ways the Board engaged with BHPour workforce in FY2020, and our registrar electronically. Shareholders can contact us at any time through our Investor Relations team,how workforce considerations impacted key decisions. The Board considers these arrangements to be effective as they enable the Board to hear first-hand from a cross-section of the workforce, and to engage with contact details available online at bhp.com. Shareholderthem interactively (e.g. during site visits and analyst feedback is sharedsome Board briefing sessions), with the opportunity to consider the feedback received in subsequent Board through the Chairman, the Senior Independent Director, the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, other Directors, the CEO, the CFO and the Group Company Secretary. In addition, Investor Relations and Group Governance provide regular reports to the Board on shareholder and governance manager feedback and analysis. This approach provides a robust mechanism to ensure that Directors are aware of issues raised and have a good understanding of current shareholder views.

Annual General Meetings

The AGMs provide a forum to facilitate the sharing of shareholder views and are important events in the BHP calendar. These meetings provide an update for shareholders on our performance and offer an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions and vote.

Key members of management, including the CEO and CFO, are present and available to answer questions. The External Auditor attends the AGMs and is also available to answer questions.

Proceedings at shareholder meetings are webcast live from our website. Copies of the speeches delivered by the Chairman and CEO to the AGMs are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website. A summary of proceedings and the outcome of voting on the items of business are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website as soon as they are available following completion of the BHP Group Limited AGM.

142


Information relating to our AGMs is available online at bhp.com/meetings.

Understanding shareholder views

LOGO

2.4    Role and responsibilities of the Board

The Board’s role is to represent the shareholders. It is accountable to shareholders for creating and delivering value through the effective governance of BHP. This role requires a high-performing Board, with all Directors contributing to the Board’s collective decision-making processes.

TheBoard Governance Document is a statement of the practices and processes the Board has adopted to discharge its responsibilities. It includes the processes the Board has implemented to undertake its own tasks and activities; the matters it has reserved for its own consideration and decision-making; the authority it has delegated to the CEO, including the limits on the way in which the CEO can execute that authority; and guidance on the relationship between the Board and the CEO.

TheBoard Governance Document specifies the role of the Chairman, the membership of the Board and the role and conduct ofNon-executive Directors. It also provides that the Group Company Secretary is accountable to the Board and advises the Chairman and, through the Chairman, the Board and individual Directors on all matters of governance process.

The CEO is required to report regularly to the Board in a spirit of openness and trust on the progress being made by BHP. Open dialogue between individual members of the Board and the CEO and other members of the management team is encouraged to enable Directors to gain a better understanding of the Group.

For more information, refer to sections 2.5 to 2.8.

TheBoard Governance Document isavailable online at bhp.com/governance.

Matters reserved for Board decisiondiscussions.

 

TopicEngagement

practice

  

MatterDescription

Succession

Site visits
Directors visited operational sites in several countries and informally engaged with a cross-section of our workforce in the field, in small group discussions and meetings to hear first-hand the views of our people.
Deep divesIn February 2020, Directors participated in an interactive presentation from Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) employees. The employees shared their perspectives on issues including peer comparison, strategic risks, people and investment options.
Board meetings  

AppointmentDirectors hear from employees, up to several levels below the CEO, at each Board meeting. Topics include the health and safety of our people, culture, ethics and compliance, workforce relations, response to COVID-19, our purpose, human rights, conduct concerns and diversity.

Members of our workforce are able to raise matters of concern either through one of the CEOmeans described below, or through our 24-hour speak-up helpline, EthicsPoint (see section 2.15). This helps to ensure Board oversight of culture and determinationmanagement response to serious conduct contrary to Our Charter and Our Code of the terms of the appointment.

Succession planning for direct reports to the CEO.

Approval of the appointment of executives reporting to the CEO and membership of the ELT, and material changes to the organisational structure involving direct reports to the CEO.

Conduct.

Strategic matters

Employee survey results
  

Strategy, annual budgets, balance sheet management and funding strategy.

Determination of commitments, capital andnon-capital items, acquisitions and divestments above specified thresholds.

Setting dividend policy and determining dividends.

Market risk management strategy and limits.

143


Topic

Matter

Monitoring

Performance assessmentDirectors discussed the results of the CEOFY2019 Employee Engagement and Perception Survey, which provided insights on developing our culture and the Groupareas of focus for FY2020. The results showed that our commitment to leadership development and the remuneration of the CEO.

Management of Board composition processesa focus on trust and performance.

Reviewcare remain critically important to a vibrant culture that underpins performance and monitoring systems of risk management and internal control.

Establishment and assessment of measurable diversity objectives.

transformation.
Reporting and regulationWellbeing survey results  

DeterminationDirectors were provided with details of employee feedback from a regular COVID-19 wellbeing survey. By reviewing the data and adoptionopen comments, our leaders are working to address key concerns for our people including challenges related to managing their health (working from home, lack of documents (including the publicationexercise, poor sleep and diet), workload (lack of reportsclear barriers and statements to shareholders) that are required by the Group’s constitutional documents, statute or by other external regulation.

Determinationwork hours in work-from-home situations), family (home schooling) and approval of matters that are required by the Group’s constitutional documents, statute or by other external regulation to be determined or approved by the Board.

social isolation (particularly in mining camps and for young people).

Key Board activities during FY2019

The Board considered a range of matters during FY2019, as outlined below.

Strategic mattersCapital allocation (Capital Allocation Framework, capital prioritisation and development outcomes)

•   Dividend policy and dividend recommendations

•   Capital prioritisation and portfolio development options

•   Capital execution watchlist

•   Sale of Onshore US distribution options and considerations

Funding (annual budgets, balance sheet management, liquidity management)

•   Two-year budget, including transformation

•   Funding updates

•   Euro medium-term note renewal

•   Distribution of sale of Onshore US proceeds

Portfolio (Group scenarios, commodity and asset review, growth options, approving commitments, capital andnon-capital items and acquisitions and divestments above a specified threshold, and geopolitical and macro-environmental impacts)

•   Portfolio review – options and alternatives

•   Transformation overview and initiatives

•   Risk appetite statement

•   Group scenarios – signposts update

•   Commodity price protocols

•   Transaction updates

•   Climate change

•   Samarco strategy update and funding

•   Energy Coal review

•   Nickel West review

•   Nickel commodity attractiveness

•   Petroleum exploration

•   Atlantis project overview and execution

•   Appraisal well funding – Trion Mexico

•   Jansen

•   Autonomous haulage

Monitoring and assurance matters

Includes matters and/or documents required by the Group’s constitutional documents, statute or by other external regulation

•   Saraji fatality ICAM

•   Tailings dams

•   BHP purpose

•   Investor relations reports

•   CEO reports

•   HSEC reports

•   Risk and Audit Committee report-outs

•   Sustainability Committee report-outs, including Site Visit report-outs

•   Nomination and Governance Committee report-outs

•   Remuneration Committee report-outs

•   Approval of the CEO’s remuneration

•   Reviewing and approving the Annual Report suite

•   Site visits and Board meetings held outside of Melbourne and London

144


Chairman’s mattersBoard composition, succession planning, performance and culture

•   Committee succession

•   Board composition and succession

•   Board evaluation

•   Inclusion and diversity update and FY2019 targets

•   Reviewing the ELT succession and talent pipeline

•   Corporate Governance updates

•   Board culture framework

2.5    Board membership

The Board currently has 11 members. TheNon-executive Directors are considered by the Board to be independent of management and free from any business relationship or other circumstance that could materially interfere with the exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement. For more information on the process for assessing independence, refer to section 2.10.

The Nomination and Governance Committee retains the services of external recruitment specialists to assist in the identification of potential candidates for the Board.

The Board believes there is an appropriate balance between Executive andNon-executive Directors to promote shareholder interests and govern BHP effectively. While the Board includes a smaller number of Executive Directors than is common forUK-listed companies, its composition is appropriate for the Dual Listed Company structure and is in line with Australian-listed company practice. In addition, the Board has extensive access to members of senior management who frequently attend Board meetings, where they make presentations and engage in discussions with Directors, answer questions and provide input and perspective on their areas of responsibility. The CFO attends all Board meetings. The Board, led by the Chairman, also holds discussions in the absence of management at each Board meeting.

The Directors of BHP, along with their biographical details, are listed in section 2.2.1.

Inclusion and diversity

Our Charter and theOur Requirements for Human Resourcesstandardguide management on all aspects of human resource management, including inclusion and diversity. Underpinning theOur Requirements standards and supporting the achievement of diversity across BHP are principles and measurable objectives that define our approach to diversity and our focus on creating an inclusive work environment.

The Board considers that many facets of diversity are required for the Board, as set out in section 2.8, in order to meet the corporate purpose. Diversity is a core consideration in ensuring the Board and its committees have the right blend of perspectives so that the Board oversees BHP effectively for shareholders.

Part of the Board’s role is to consider and approve measurable objectives for workforce diversity each financial year and to assess annually both the objectives and our progress in achieving those objectives. This progress will continue to be disclosed in the Annual Report, along with the proportion of women in our workforce, in senior management positions and on the Board, with our aspirational goal being to achieve gender balance across the business and the Board by CY2025. For more information on inclusion and diversity at BHP, including our progress against our measurable objectives and our employee profile more generally, refer to section 1.9.

2.6    Chairman

Mr MacKenzie was considered by the Board to be independent on his appointment as Chairman and was an independentNon-executive Director from his appointment to the Board effective 22 September 2016. The Board considered that none of Mr MacKenzie’s other commitments (set out in section 2.2.1) interfered with the discharge of his responsibilities to BHP during the year under review. The Board is satisfied that as Chairman, Mr MacKenzie made sufficient time available to serve BHP effectively.

2.7    Renewal andre-election

Renewal

BHP adopts a structured and rigorous approach to Board succession planning. We consider Board size, tenure and the skills, experience and attributes required to effectively govern and manage risk within BHP. This process is continuous and planning is based on a nine-year tenure, allowing the Board to ensure we have the right balance on the Board between experience and fresh perspectives, noting the value ofnon-executive and executive experience. It also ensures the Board continues to befit-for-purpose and evolves to take account of the rapidly changing external environment and BHP’s circumstances. Further information is set out in section 2.13.3 Nomination and Governance Committee Report.

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When considering new appointments to the Board, the Nomination and Governance Committee oversees the preparation of a role description, which includes the criteria and attributes set out in theBoard Governance Documentand section 2.8, which is provided to an external search firm retained to conduct a global search.

Once a candidate is identified, the Board, with the assistance of external consultants, conducts appropriate background and reference checks. The candidate is also interviewed by each Board member ahead of the Board deciding whether to appoint the candidate to the Board.

The Board has adopted a letter of appointment that contains the terms on whichNon-executive Directors will be appointed, including the basis upon which they will be indemnified by the Group. The letter of appointment clearly defines the role of Directors, including the expectations in terms of independence, participation, time commitment and continuous improvement.

A copy of the terms of appointment forNon-executive Directors is available online atbhp.com/governance.

Directorre-election

The Board adopted a policy in 2011, consistent with the UK Corporate Governance Code, under which all Directors must seekre-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. The Board believes annualre-election promotes and supports accountability to shareholders. The combined voting outcome of the BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Limited 2018 AGMs was that each Director received more than 96.9 per cent in support of theirre-election.

Board support forre-election is not automatic. Directors who are seekingre-election are subject to a performance appraisal overseen by the Nomination and Governance Committee. Annualre-election effectively means all Directors are subject to a performance appraisal annually. The Board, on the recommendation of the Nomination and Governance Committee, makes a determination as to whether it will endorse a retiring Director forre-election. The Board will not endorse a Director forre-election if his or her performance is not considered satisfactory. The Notice of Meeting provides information that is material to a shareholder’s decision whether or not tore-elect a Director, including whether or notre-election is supported by the Board.

2.8    Director skills, experience and attributes

Skills, experience and attributes required

The Board and its Nomination and Governance Committee work to ensure that the Board continues to have the right balance necessary to dischargefulfil its responsibilities in accordance with the highest standards of governance.responsibilities. The requirements for Board composition are articulateddescribed in an overarching statement, with the desired skills and experience included in the skills and experience matrix.matrix below. All Directors are expected to comply with the Group’s Code of Conduct, act with integrity, lead by example and promote the desired culture.

The overarching statement, skills, experience and attributes take into account,consider and respond to both the external environment and BHP’s core business characteristics, including:

 

BHP’s strategy and the long-term cyclical nature of the business;business

 

that BHP is a global natural resources company operating in global markets;markets

 

the continued need to focus on financial andnon-financial riskrisks (including HSEC risks);risks and the risks identified) (see section 1.5.4)

 

the increasing challenge related to social value and the many stakeholders that are impacted by BHP, including civil society, communities, investors, government, regulators, customers and employees;employees

 

the increasing importance of technology and innovation to the sustainability of BHP;BHP

 

ongoing and continued focus on capital allocation and improving shareholder and capital returns.returns

Overarching statement of Board requirements

The BHP Board will be diverse in terms of gender, background, nationality, skills, expertisegeography, age, personal strengths and geographic location.social and ethnic backgrounds. The Board will comprise Directors who have proven past performance and the level of business, executive andnon-executive experience required to:

 

provide the breadth and depth of understanding necessary to effectively create long-term shareholder value;value

 

protect and promote the interests of BHP and its social licence to operate;operate

 

ensure the talent, capability and culture of the GroupBHP to support the long-term delivery of BHP’s strategy.our strategy

Attributes

The Board considers thatbelieves each of theNon-executive DirectorsDirector has the followingthese attributes: sufficient time to undertake the responsibilities of the role; honesty and integrity; and a preparedness to question, challenge and critique. The Executive Director brings additional perspectives to the Board through a deeper understanding of BHP’s business andday-to-day operations.

146


Skills matrix

During FY2018, the Nomination and Governance Committee and the Board conducted a review of theThe Board skills matrix which took into accountidentifies the skills and experience the Board requiresneeds for the next period of BHP’s development, having regard toconsidering BHP’s circumstances and the changing external environment.environment as referred to above.

Fewer Directors meet each of the skills and experience contained in the updatedcurrent matrix than wasin the case previously.matrix used prior to FY2019. This is intentional to create a more diverse and well-rounded Board, but all Directors satisfy both the overarching statement and hold the key attributes. Furtherattributes discussed above. The Board collectively meets all the skills and experience set out in the skills matrix, and the matrix below reflects the Board composition as at 30 June 2020. For more information abouton the skills and attributes of each Director is set out in their biographies.the Directors, refer to section 2.2.1.

Skills and experience

 

Board

 

Total Directors

  1112 

Mining

  34 
Senior Executiveexecutive who has deep operating or technical mining experience with a large company operating in multiple countries; successfully optimised and led a suite of large, global, complex operating assets that have delivered consistent and sustaining levels of high performance (related to cost, returns and throughput); successfully led exploration projects with proven results and performance; delivered large capital projects that have been successful in terms of performance and returns; and a proven record in terms of health, safety and environmental performance and results. 

Oil and gas

2

Senior executive who has deep technical and operational oil and gas experience with a large company operating in multiple countries; successfully led production operations that have delivered consistent and sustaining levels of high performance (related to cost, returns and throughput); successfully led exploration projects with proven results and performance; delivered large capital projects that have been successful in terms of performance and returns; and a proven record in terms of health, safety and environmental performance and results.

 2

Global experience

7

Global experience working in multiple geographies over an extended period of time, including a deep understanding of and experience with global markets, and the macro-political and economic environment.

Strategy

  9 

Strategy

Experience in enterprise-wide strategy development and implementation in industries with long cycles, and developing and leading business transformation strategies.

Risk

  11 

Risk

Experience and deep understanding of systemic risk and monitoring risk management frameworks and controls, and the ability to identify key emerging and existing risks to the organisation.

 12

Commodity value chain expertise

6

End-to-end value or commodity chain experience – understanding of consumers, marketing demand drivers (including specific geographic markets) and other aspects of commodity chain development.

 8

Financial expertise

11/2 (1)

Extensive relevant experience in financial regulation and the capability to evaluate financial statements and understand key financial drivers of the business, bringing a deep understanding of corporate finance, internal financial controls and experience probing the adequacy of financial and risk controls.

 12(1)

Relevant public policy expertise

3

Extensive experience specifically and explicitly focused on public policy or regulatory matters, including ESG (in particular climate change) and community issues, social responsibility and transformation, and economic issues.

 4

Health, safety, environment and community

7

Extensive experience with complex workplace health, safety, environmental and community risks and frameworks.

 8

Technology

2

Recent experience and expertise with the development, selection and implementation of leading and business transforming technology and innovation, and responding to digital disruption.

 4

Capital allocation and cost efficiency

7

Extensive direct experience gained through a senior executive role in capital allocation discipline, cost efficiency and cash flow, with proven long-term performance.

 10

 

(1) 

ElevenTwelve Directors meet the criteria of financial expertise outlined above. Two of these Directors also meet the criteria for recent and relevant financial experience as outlined in the UK Corporate Governance Code, competence in accounting and auditing as required by the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Corporate GovernanceFCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules in DTR7 and the audit committee financial expert requirements under the US Securities and Exchange Commission rules.Rules.

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Board skills and experience: Climate change

The strategic issues facing the Board change over time. It is important the Board is able to identify these issues and access the best possible advice.

Climate change is a multi-faceted issue that affects investment decisions, our portfolio, oversight of the sustainability of our operations and engagement with government, investors, suppliers and customers. The Board includes an appropriate mix of skills and experience to understand the implications of climate change on our operations, market and society.

Climate change is treated as a Board-level governance issue and is discussed regularly, including during Board strategy discussions, portfolio review and investment decisions, and in the context of scenario triggers and signposts. The Sustainability Committee spends a significant amount of time considering systemic climate change matters relating to the resilience of and opportunities for BHP’s portfolio.

As a Board-level governance issue requiring experience of managing in the context of uncertainty and an understanding of the risk environment of the Group, theNon-executive Directors bring relevant experience to our climate change discussions.

Board members bring significant sectoral experience whichfrom a range of sectors including resources, energy, finance, technology and public policy. This equips them to consider potential implications of climate change on the GroupBHP and its operational capacity. Board members also possess extensive experience in energy, governance and sustainability. There is also wide-ranging experience in finance, economics and public policy, which helps BHPcapacity, as well as understand the nature of the debate and the international policy response as it develops. In addition, there is a deep understanding of systemic risk and the potential impacts on our portfolio.

Collectively, this means the Board has the experience and skills to assist the Group in the optimal allocation of financial, capital and human resources for the creation of long-term shareholder value. It also means the Board understands the importance of meeting the expectations of stakeholders, including in respect of the natural environment.

To enhance that experience, the

The Board has taken a number of measures to ensure that its decisions are appropriately informed by climate change science and expert advisers.

The Board seeks the input of management (including Dr Fiona Wild, our Vice President Sustainability and Climate Change), and other independent advisers. In addition, our Forum on Corporate Responsibility (which advises the Board on sustainability issues and includes Don Henry, former CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation and Changhua Wu, former Greater China Director, the Climate Group) advises operational management teams and other independent advisers.engages with the Sustainability Committee and the Board as appropriate.

During FY2020, the year the Board received an updateBoard:

undertook a deep dive relating to the Group’s climate change strategy and approvedstrategy. This included discussion about climate change scenarios and discussions on relative commodity attractiveness, including under a Climate Crisis scenario and a 1.5°C scenario. In addition, stakeholder attitudes, including those of investors, were considered in relation to climate change and the direction and momentum of the evolution of those expectations

held discussions on a range of actions to support ongoing delivery,other climate-related topics including the role of industry associations in climate policy advocacy, investor and government views on climate change issues (including in the context of shareholder requisitioned resolutions), reviews of supply and demand analysis and portfolio planning

Following extensive discussion by the ELT and the Sustainability Committee during FY2020, in August 2020, the Board approved our medium-term target, Scope 3 emission goals and the strengthening the linkof links between emissions performance and executive remuneration establishingand climate change performance measures.

For more information, refer to section 1.7.8 and the Climate Change Report 2020.

LOGO

2.8    Board evaluation

The Board is committed to transparency in assessing the performance of Directors. The Board conducts regular evaluations of its performance, the performance of its Committees, the Group Chair, Directors and the governance processes that support the Board’s work.

The evaluation considers the balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge of the Group and the Board, its diversity, including gender diversity, and how the Board works together as a new medium-term, science-based target for scope oneunit.

LOGO

*

May be internally or externally facilitated assessment. Our approach is to conduct an externally facilitated assessment of the Board or Directors and committees at least every three years.

External Board review

As set out in last year’s Annual Report, the Board conducted an external evaluation using Consilium Board Review (Consilium), which considered Board, committee and two emissions in lineChair effectiveness, and assessed the Directors’ contribution. Consilium does not have any other connection with the Paris Agreement,Group or individual Directors.

This evaluation was completed in FY2020 with improvements agreed and implemented, including the reintroduction of an annual strategy day (in addition to the existing strategy sessions held at each Board meeting); and additional deep dives on BHP’s operations. Actions undertaken during FY2020 included an annual strategy day between the Board and the framework forELT, which was heavily focused on the portfolio, climate change and the impacts of COVID-19. In addition, the Board had a Climate Investment Program, which includesdeep dive on WAIO in February 2020 and site visits (including by new Directors) as described in the Training and Development table in section 2.9.

It was considered that Board composition could be improved by appointing Directors with experience in technology, Asian markets and mining. These factors were taken into account in the appointments of Gary Goldberg, Dion Weisler and Xiaoqun Clever. For more information, refer to section 2.1.

Director review

In FY2020, an amountassessment was conducted of US$400 million as set outDirectors’ performance with the assistance of an external service provider (Lintstock). Lintstock does not have any other connection with the Group or individual Directors. It has been used previously by the CEOGroup.

The assessment of Directors focused on the contribution of each Director to the work of the Board and its Committees, and the expectations of Directors as specified in July 2019.BHP’s governance framework. The performance of Directors was assessed against criteria including those described in the first three points in section 2.7.

In addition, the assessment focused on whether each Director contributes to Board tenurecohesion and diversity (as at 30 June 2019)effective relationships with fellow Directors, commits the time required to fulfil their role and effectively performs their responsibilities. Directors were asked to comment on areas where their fellow Directors contribute the greatest value and on potential areas for development.

Lintstock sought feedback from and provided feedback to the Chair and the Senior Independent Director, which was then discussed with the Directors.

LOGOAs a result of these outcomes, the review supported the Board’s decision to endorse those Directors standing for re-election.

Committee assessments

148Following an assessment of its work, each committee concluded it had met its terms of reference in FY2020.


2.9    Nomination and Governance Committee Report

Role and focus

The Nomination and Governance Committee assists the Board in ensuring it comprises individuals who are best able to fulfil the responsibilities of a Director and who have regard to the highest standards of governance, the strategic direction of BHP and the diversity aspirations of the Board. It does so by focusing on:

the succession planning process for the Board and its Committees, including the identification of suitable candidates for appointment to the Board considering the skills, experience, independence and knowledge required on the Board, as well as the attributes required of potential Directors

the succession planning process for the Chair

the succession planning process for the CEO and periodic evaluation of the process

Board and Director performance evaluation, including evaluation of Directors seeking re-election prior to their endorsement by the Board as described in section 2.8

the provision of appropriate training and development opportunities for Directors

the independence of Non-executive Directors

the time required from Non-executive Directors

the assessment and, if appropriate, authorisation of situations of actual and potential conflict notified by Directors

BHP’s corporate governance practices

The Nomination and Governance Committee met four times during FY2020. In addition to regular business, the Committee considered CEO succession, the appointment as Non-executive Directors of Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler, Xiaoqun Clever with effect from 1 October, and the retirement of Lindsay Maxsted on 4 September 2020, and Shriti Vadera after the 2020 AGMs. The Committee also oversaw other targeted searches for Non-executive Director candidates in FY2020, which are continuing.

External recruitment specialists

The Committee retained the services of external recruitment specialists. Russell Reynolds and MWM Consulting assisted with Non-executive Director candidate searches during FY2020. These recruitment specialists do not have any connection with the Group or any Director.

Nomination and Governance Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

Ken MacKenzie (Chair)

Chair of the BoardMember for whole period4/4

Malcolm Broomhead

YesMember for whole period4/4

Carolyn Hewson

YesMember until 7 November 20192/2

Susan Kilsby

YesMember from 1 April 20201/1

Shriti Vadera

YesMember for whole period4/4

Committee activities in FY2020

Succession planning processes

CEO succession

Implementation of the skills and experience matrix

Identification of suitable Non-executive Director candidates

Board and committee succession

Partnering with new search firms regarding candidate searches

Technology and mining Non-executive Director search

Evaluation and training

Board evaluation and Director development

2020 training and development program

Director induction

Committee assessment

Corporate governance practices

Independence of Non-executive Directors

Authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflict

Advisory Committees

Corporate Governance Statement

Governance update – Section 172 mapping

Implementing provisions from the UK Code and the ASX Fourth Edition

Updated Director Deed of Indemnity Insurance and Access

Updated Terms of Appointment for Directors

Crisis management

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Policy on inclusion and diversity

The Board and management believe diversity is required to meet our purpose, which is outlined in section 1.6.1. Diversity is key to ensuring the Board and its Committees have the right blend of perspectives so that the Board oversees BHP effectively for shareholders. In CY2019, we updated the Nomination and Governance Committee Terms of Reference to explicitly refer to age, social and ethnic backgrounds and personal strengths. This is in addition to diversity of gender, nationality and geography.

Our aspiration is to achieve gender balance on our Board, among our senior executives and across our workforce by CY2025. We therefore welcome the ongoing Hampton-Alexander initiative for all FTSE 100 Boards to have at least 33 per cent female representation by the end of CY2020, and the objective of having at least 30 per cent of Directors of each gender in accordance with the ASX Fourth Edition. Our aspiration includes a fixed target of maintaining the level of Board diversity above 33 per cent, and we will be aligned with this requirement from 1 October 2020. We therefore satisfy the guidance in both the ASX Fourth Edition and also the UK Code. In addition, as at 30 June 2020, gender diversity among senior management (defined as the ELT plus Company Secretary and their direct reports) was 31 per cent.

We also welcome the final Parker Report into ethnic diversity of UK boards and continue to seek additional ethnic diversity on our Board, and throughout BHP. On our Board we meet the target of having ‘at least one Director of colour by 2021’ as recommended by the Parker Review.

Part of the Board’s role continues to be to consider and approve BHP’s measurable objectives for workforce diversity each financial year and to oversee our progress in achieving those objectives. For more information, including our progress against our FY2020 measurable objectives and our employee profile more generally, refer to sections 1.6.1 and 1.6.2.

Renewal and re-election

The Board adopted a policy in 2011, consistent with the UK Code, under which all Directors must seek re-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. The Board believes annual re-election promotes and supports accountability to shareholders.

When considering new appointments, the Board’s Nomination and Governance Committee takes the following approach:

Step 1: Rigorous approachBHP adopts a structured and rigorous approach to Board succession planning and oversees the development of a diverse pipeline. The Nomination and Governance Committee considers Board diversity, size, tenure and the skills, experience and attributes needed to effectively govern and manage risk within BHP.
Step 2: Continuous approachThis process is continuous and for Non-executive Directors planning is based on a nine-year tenure as a guide, allowing the Board to ensure the right balance on the Board between experience and fresh perspectives. It also ensures the Board continues to be fit-for-purpose and evolves to take account of the changing external environment and BHP’s circumstances. It also prepares pipelines for Nomination and Governance Committee membership, considering relevant skills and requirements.
Step 3: Role descriptionWhen considering new appointments to the Board, the Nomination and Governance Committee oversees the preparation of a role description, which includes the criteria and attributes described in the Board Governance Document and section 2.7.
Step 4: Selection and appointment of search firmThe role description is provided to an external search firm retained to conduct a global search based on the Board’s criteria.
Step 5: Board interviewsThe shortlisted candidates are considered by the Nomination and Governance Committee and interviewed by the Chair initially. Meetings for selected candidates are held with each Board member ahead of the Board deciding whether to appoint the candidate.

Step 6: Committee recommendationThe Nomination and Governance Committee recommends the Board appoint the preferred candidate.
Step 7: Background checksThe Board, with the assistance of external consultants, conducts appropriate background and reference checks.
Step 8: Letter of appointmentThe Board has adopted a letter of appointment that contains the terms on which Non-executive Directors will be appointed, including the basis upon which they will be indemnified by the Group. The letter of appointment defines the role of Directors, including the expectations in terms of independence, participation, time commitment and continuous improvement. Written agreements are in place for all Non-executive Directors.

A copy of the terms of appointment for Non-executive Directors is available atbhp.com/governance.

Senior management succession

A robust senior management succession process is also conducted to ensure pipeline stability for critical roles. A talent deep dive is conducted by the Board at least once a year to evaluate these pipelines. Senior management succession is viewed from a five-year perspective that considers the readiness of successors across time horizons, contexts and future capability demands. Select Board members are involved in the interview process for executive-level appointments one level below the CEO, and occasionally for roles two levels below the CEO. BHP has a written agreement with each ELT member setting out the terms of their appointment. Further information about CEO and ELT succession is set out in sections 2.1 and 2.5.

Director induction, training and development

The development of industry and Group knowledge is a continuous and ongoing process. The Board’s development activity reflects the diversification of the portfolio through the provision of regular updates to Directors on BHP’s assets, commodities, geographies and markets, and on the changing external environment, to enable the Board to remainup-to-date.

Upon appointment, each newNon-executive Director undertakes an induction program specifically tailored to his or hertheir needs.

A copy of an indicative induction program is available online at bhp.com/governance.

Following the induction program,Non-executive Directors participate in continuous improvement activities (Training(training and Development Program)development program), which are overseen by the Nomination and Governance Committee. The Trainingtraining and Development Programdevelopment program covers a range of matters of a business nature, including environmental, social and governance matters.matters and provides updates on BHP’s assets, commodities, geographies and markets. Programs are designed and periodically reviewed to maximise effectiveness, and the effectivenessresults of the Directors throughout their tenure and reflect their individualDirector performance evaluations.evaluations are incorporated into these programs.

Training and development in FY2019FY2020

 

Area

  

Purpose

  

FY2019FY2020 activity

Briefings and development sessions

  Provide each Director with a deeper understanding of the activities, environment, key issues and direction of the assets, along with HSEC and public policy considerations.  

•   Transformation initiatives

•   BHP and China 2035Strategy day with the ELT

 

•   Climate change sessions

 

•   Market overviewsBriefing on ESG issues from senior investor representative

 

•   HSEC Awards

•   Virtual reality underground mine walkthrough

•   Integrated Remote Operations Centre tourWAIO deep dive

Site visits

  Briefings on the assets, operations and other relevant issues and meetings with key personnel. During FY2020, several site visits were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.  

•   WesternBMA, Metallurgical Coal, Australia Iron Ore, Iron Ore,(Group Chair only)

•   Jansen, Potash, Canada

•   Nickel West, Nickel, Australia

 

•   Escondida, Copper, Chile

•   Spence, Copper, Chile

•   BMA (Hay Point, Broadmeadow, Goonyella, Peak Downs), MetallurgicalNSWEC, Thermal Coal, Australia

 

•   Integrated Remote Operated Centre, Metallurgical Coal,Olympic Dam, Copper, Australia

•   Santiago office and Escondida, Copper, Chile (Group Chair only)

These sessions and site visits also allow an opportunity to discuss in detail the changing risk environment and the potential for impacts on the achievement of our corporate purpose and strategy. For information on the management of principal risks, refer to section 1.6.4.1.5.4.

The Chairman throughoutThroughout the year, the Chair discusses development areas with each Director. Board committees in turnCommittees review and agree their training needs.needs for more briefings. The benefit of this approach is that induction and learning opportunities can be tailored to Directors’ committee memberships, as well as the Board’s specific areas of focus. This approach also ensures a coordinated process in relation toon succession planning, Board renewal, training and development and committee composition, whichcomposition.

These processes are all relevant to the Nomination and Governance Committee’s role in identifying appropriateNon-executive Director candidates.

Each Board committee provides a standing invitation for anyNon-executive Director to attend committee meetings (rather than just limiting attendance to committee members). Committee agendas and papers are provided to all Directors to ensure Directorsthey are aware of matters to be considered by the committees and any Director can elect to attend meetings where appropriate.considered.

149


2.10    Independence

The Board is committed to ensuring a majority of Directors isare independent. The Board considers that all of the currentNon-executive Directors, including the Chairman,Chair, are independent.

Process to determine independence

The Board has adopted a policy whichthat it uses to determine the independence of its Directors. This determination is carried out upon appointment, annually and at any other time where the changedchange in circumstances of a Director warrant reconsideration.

A copy of the policy on Independence of Directors is available online at bhp.com/governance.

Under the policy, an ‘independent’ Director is one who is:‘independent of management and any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with the exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement by the Director or the Director’s ability to act in the best interests of the BHP Group’.

Where a Director is considered by the Board to be independent but is affected by circumstances that appear relevant to the Board’s assessment of independence, the Board has undertaken to explain the reasons why it reached its conclusion. In applying the independence test, the Board considers relationships with management, major shareholders, subsidiary and associated companies and other parties with whom BHP transacts business againstpre-determined materiality thresholds, all of which are set out in the policy.

Tenure

As atAt the end of the year under review,FY2020, Malcolm Broomhead, and Carolyn Hewson, who werewas appointed in March 2010, Shriti Vadera, appointed in January 2011 and Lindsay Maxsted, appointed in March 2011, had each served on the Board for more than nine years. The Board does not believe that their tenure materially interferes with their ability to act in the best interests of the Group.BHP. The Board believes they have retained independence of character and judgement and have not formed associations with management (or others) that might compromise their ability to exercise independent judgement or act in the best interests of the Group. The Board was comfortable extending Mr Broomhead’s tenure for another year from the FY2020 AGMs in order to provide continued access to his corporate memory and his extensive experience in the mining sector. Mr Maxsted will retire on 4 September 2020, having completed the handover of the Risk and Audit Committee Chair position to Terry Bowen, and seen through the Group’s FY2020 financial reporting schedule. As previously disclosed, Ms Vadera is not standing for re-election at the 2020 AGMs.

Relationships and associations

Lindsay Maxsted was the CEO of KPMG in Australia from 2001 until 2007. The Board believes this prior relationship with KPMG does(BHP’s former external auditor) did not materially interfere with Mr Maxsted’s exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement, or his ability to act in the best interests of BHP.BHP while KPMG was the Group’s auditor. The Board has determined, consistent with its policy on the independence of Directors, that Mr Maxsted is independent. The Board notes in particular that:

at the time of his appointment to the Board, more than three years had elapsed since Mr Maxsted’s retirement from KPMG. The Director independence rules and guidelines that apply to the Group – which are a combination of Australian, UK and US rules and guidelines – all use three years as the benchmark ‘cooling off’ period for former audit firm partners;

Mr Maxsted has no financial (e.g. pension, retainer or advisory fee) or consulting arrangements with KPMG;

Mr Maxsted was not part of the KPMG audit practice after 1980, and while at KPMG was not in any way involved in, or able to influence, any audit activity associated with BHP.

The Board believes Mr Maxsted’s financial acumen and extensive experience in the corporate restructuring field to be important in the discharge of the Board’s responsibilities. His membership of the Board and Chairmanship of the Risk and Audit Committee are considered by the Board to be appropriate and desirable.

Some of the Directors hold or have previously held positions in companies with whichthat BHP has commercial relationships.relationships with. Those positions and companies are set outlisted in the Director profiles in section 2.2.1. The Board has assessed all of the relationships between the Group and the companies in which our Directors hold or held positions, and has concluded that in all cases the relationships do not interfere with the Directors’ exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement or their ability to act in the best interests of BHP.

A specific instance isFor example, Malcolm Broomhead and Ian Cockerill who were both Directors of Orica Limited (a company with which BHP has commercial dealings)dealings with) during the year under review.FY2020. Orica provides commercial explosives, blasting systems and mineral processing chemicals and services to the mining and resources industry, among others. Mr Cockerill was appointed to the Orica Board in 2010 (prior to his appointment to the BHP Board) and Mr Broomhead was appointed to the Orica Board in 2016 (after his appointment to the BHP Board). At the time of Mr Broomhead’s appointment to the Board of Orica, and at the time of IanMr Cockerill’s appointment to the Board of BHP, the BHP Board assessed the relationship between BHP and Orica and determined (and remains satisfied) that Mr Broomhead and Mr Cockerill arewere, during FY2020, and Mr Broomhead remains, able to apply objective, unfettered and independent judgement and to act in the best interests of BHP. IanMr Cockerill retired from the Board of Orica duringin August 2019.

Transactions during FY2019FY2020 that amounted to related party transactions with Directors or Director-related entities under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are outlined in note 3132 ‘Related party transactions’ in section 5.

Conflicts of interest

BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association allow the Directors to authorise conflicts and potential conflicts where appropriate. A procedure operates to ensure the disclosure of conflicts and for the consideration and, if appropriate, the authorisation of those conflicts by non-conflicted Directors. The Nomination and Governance Committee supports the Board in this process by reviewing requests from Directors for authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflict and making recommendations to the Board. It also regularly reviews any situations of actual or potential conflict that have previously been authorised by the Board and makes recommendations on whether the authorisation remains appropriate. In addition, in accordance with Australian law, if a situation arises for consideration where a Director has a material personal interest, the affected Director takes no part in decision-making unless authorised by non-interested Directors. Provisions for Directors’ interests are set out in the Constitution of BHP Group Limited.

The terms of reference for the Nomination and Governance Committee are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.10     Risk and Audit Committee Report

Role and focus

The RAC assists the Board in monitoring the decisions and actions of the CEO and the Group and gaining assurance that progress is being made towards achieving our purpose within the limits imposed by the Board, as described in the Board Governance Document.

The RAC oversees:

 

150the integrity of BHP’s Financial Statements and Annual Report

the appointment, performance and remuneration of the External Auditor and integrity of the external audit process

the effectiveness of the systems of risk management, including financial and non-financial risk, and internal control

the plans, performance, objectivity and leadership of the Internal Audit function and the integrity of the internal audit process

capital management (capital structure and funding, and capital management planning and initiatives) and other matters

For more information on our approach to risk management, refer to section 1.5.4.

The RAC met 11 times during FY2020. For information on Committee members’ qualifications, which include competence relevant to the mining sector, refer to section 2.2.1.

The terms of reference for the RAC were updated in FY2020 to align with revisions made to the UK Code, the ASX Fourth Edition, and the revised Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference that were approved by the Board in August 2019.

Risk and Audit Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

Lindsay Maxsted (Chair until 1 May 2020)

YesMember for whole period11/11

Terry Bowen (Chair from 1 May 2020)(1)

YesMember for whole period11/11

Ian Cockerill(2)

YesMember for whole period10/11

Anita Frew

YesMember for whole period11/11

(1)

Mr Bowen is the Committee’s financial expert nominated by the Board.

(2)

Mr Cockerill was unable to attend the RAC meeting scheduled for 15 August 2019 due to the need to fly to London at that time in order to attend another board meeting in London the following day. As this was his transitional year, there were some inevitable clashes with pre-existing meetings, and this was one that could not be resolved. Since then, all meetings have been rescheduled where necessary to avoid clashes. Mr Cockerill provided detailed comments to the Chair of the Committee ahead of the meeting.

Committee activities in FY2020

Integrity of Financial Statements and funding matters

Accounting matters for consideration, materiality limits, half-year and full-year results

Commentary and explanatory notes to the Financial Statements

Closure and rehabilitation provision

Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance

Financial governance procedures

Reserves and resources

FY2020 portfolio valuation review

Weighted average cost of capital review

Funding updates

Business RAC meetings

Inter-company loans and group guarantees update

Deed of Cross Guarantee

External auditor and integrity of the audit process

External audit report

External audit letters of engagement, external audit fees and non-audit services

Management and external auditor closed sessions

Audit plan, review of performance and quality of service

Ernst & Young (EY) independence and non-audit services

EY audit transition

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management

Material risk reports

Approach to emerging risks

Group risk profile

Viability statement

Robust risk assessment

Practical application of the new Risk Framework

Updates to and review of the Risk Appetite Statement and confirmation that the Group is operating with due regard to that appetite

Monitoring performance against risk appetite through key risk indicators

Approval of the internal audit plan, plan principles and regular reports on progress against the internal audit plan

Cultural assessments in internal audits

Matters of note arising from internal audits

Internal audit reports

Internal assessments of performance of Internal Audit and Advisory

Fraud report

Committee and Group Assurance Officer and Chief Risk Officer closed sessions

Ethics and compliance reports, grievance and investigation processes

Insurance update and Directors’ and Officers’ insurance update

Tax updates

Material disputes updates

Data protection and privacy risk update

Updates on control framework and risks regarding COVID-19

Other governance matters

Samarco dam failure provision

Tailings storage facility failure material risk

Escondida, Cerro Colorado, BMA guarantees

Revolving credit facility

Sexual harassment material risk

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Update of the Internal Audit and Advisory Terms of Reference

Update of the Provision of Audit and Other Services Policy by the External Auditor

Fair, balanced and understandable

The RAC confirmed its view to the Board that BHP’s Annual Report 2020 taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable. For the Board’s statement on the Annual Report, refer to the Directors’ Report in section 4.

In making this assessment, the RAC considers the substantial governance framework that is in place for the Annual Report. This includes management representation letters, certifications, RAC oversight of the Financial Statements and other financial governance procedures focused on the financial section of the Annual Report, together with verification procedures for the narrative reporting section of the Annual Report.

Integrity of Financial Statements

The RAC assists the Board in assuring the integrity of the Financial Statements. The RAC evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board about the appropriateness of accounting policies and practices, areas of judgement, compliance with accounting standards, stock exchange and legal requirements and the results of the external audit. It reviews the half-yearly and annual Financial Statements and makes recommendations on specific actions or decisions (including formal adoption of the Financial Statements and reports) the Board should consider in order to maintain the integrity of the Financial Statements.

CEO and CFO assurance

For the FY2020 full year and half year, the CEO and CFO have certified that BHP’s financial records have been properly maintained and the FY2020 Financial Statements present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of our financial condition and operating results and are in accordance with accounting standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

The CEO and CFO have also certified to the Board that the Financial Statements for the full year and half year are founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and the system is operating efficiently and effectively.

Significant issues

In addition to the Group’s key judgements and estimates disclosed throughout the FY2020 Financial Statements, the Committee considered these significant issues relating to financial reporting:

Carrying value of long-term assets

The assessment of carrying values of long-term assets uses a number of significant judgements and estimates.

The Committee examined management’s review of impairment triggers and potential impairment charges or reversals for the Group’s cash generating units.

Specific consideration was given to the most recent short, medium and long-term price forecasts (including the significant petroleum price volatility observed to date in CY2020), expected production volumes and updated development plans, operating and capital costs, the impacts of climate change and COVID-19, discount rates and other market indicators of fair value.

The Committee concurred with management’s conclusion on significant impairments recognised, including the impairment of Cerro Colorado,and that no impairment reversals were appropriate.

Conclusions from these reviews are reflected in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Samarco dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Samarco Mineração S.A (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil experienced a tailings dam failure that resulted in a release of mine tailings, flooding the community of Bento Rodrigues and impacting other communities downstream. Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Brasil and Vale S.A.

BHP Brasil’s 50 per cent interest in Samarco is accounted for as an equity accounted joint venture investment.

Samarco’s provisions and contingent liabilities

The Committee reviewed updates to matters relating to the Samarco dam failure, including developments on existing and new legal proceedings, and changes to the estimated costs of remediation and compensation.

BHP Brasil’s loss from Equity Accounted Investments includes impairments arising from working capital funding provided to Samarco and revisions to the Samarco dam failure and Germano decommissioning provisions during the year ended 30 June 2020.


Potential direct financial impacts to BHP Brasil

The Committee considered:

changes to the estimated cost of remediation and compensatory programs under the Framework Agreement

developments in existing and new legal proceedings, on the provision related to the Samarco dam failure and related disclosures

the provisions recognised and contingent liabilities disclosed by BHP Brasil or other BHP entities

Based on currently available information, the Committee concluded that the accounting for the equity investment in Samarco, the provision recognised by BHP Brasil (including the decommissioning of the Germano tailings dam complex) and contingent liabilities disclosed in the Group’s Financial Statements are appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ in section 5.

Closure and rehabilitation provisions

Determining the closure and rehabilitation provision is a complex area requiring significant judgement and estimates, particularly given the timing and quantum of future costs, the unique nature of each site and the long timescales involved.

The Committee considered the various changes in estimates for closure and rehabilitation provisions recognised during the year, including a reduction to the discount rates applied.

Specific consideration was given to the results of the most recently completed survey data and characterisation activity, changes to current cost estimates and the appropriate inclusion of contingency in cost estimates to allow for both known and residual risks. The Committee concluded that the assumptions and inputs for closure and rehabilitation cost estimates were reasonable and the related provisions recorded were appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 14 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’ in section 5.

Impact of new accounting standards

The Group adopted IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 July 2019. The Committee reviewed management’s analysis of the accounting outcomes and disclosure requirements for the Group, including the treatment of leases within the Group’s net debt definitions.

In addition, the Committee:

considered and approved the early adoption, for FY2020, of amendments to accounting standards relating to interest rate benchmark reforms

noted that the Group is in the process of evaluating the implications of the IFRS Interpretations Committee agenda decision ‘Income Taxes – Multiple tax consequences of recovering an asset’ and approved that any changes to the Group’s accounting policy for income tax will be implemented from 1 July 2020 on a retrospective basis

For more information, refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5.

Impact of COVID-19

The Committee considered the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the Group’s FY2020 financial reporting, including:

the recognition and disclosure of costs incurred by the Group that are directly attributable to COVID-19

the impact on key judgements and estimates, particularly those relating to impairment indicator assessments

The Committee concluded that the management’s judgements and the disclosure of the COVID-19 directly attributable costs were appropriate.

External Auditor

The RAC manages the relationship with the External Auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the reappointment of the External Auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other terms of engagement and makes a recommendation to the Board.

The lead audit engagement partners for EY in Australia and the United Kingdom (together, ‘EY’) were appointed for commencement from 1 July 2019.

Audit tender and transition

BHP confirms during FY2020 it was in compliance with the provisions of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Consistent with the UK and EU requirements in regard to audit firm tender and rotation, the Committee conducted an audit tender process during FY2017 to appoint a new external auditor.

In August 2017, consistent with the Committee’s recommendation, the Board announced it had selected EY to be the Group’s auditor from the financial year beginning 1 July 2019, subject to shareholder approval, which was received at the AGMs in 2019. During FY2019, the RAC received updates from EY on the audit transition and preparation for commencement of its audit, including EY’s process in meeting all relevant independence criteria, audit plan for commencement from 1 July 2019 and reports on any non-audit services.

KPMG was the auditor during FY2019 and FY2018, and EY was the auditor during FY2020.

Evaluation of External Auditor and external audit process

The RAC evaluates the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor and the quality and effectiveness of the external audit arrangements. As part of this evaluation, the RAC considers specified criteria, including delivering value to shareholders and BHP, and also assesses the adequacy of the external audit process with emphasis on quality, effectiveness and performance. It does so through a range of means, including:

the Committee considers the External Audit Plan, in particular to gain assurance that it is tailored to reflect changes in circumstances from the prior year

throughout the year, the Committee meets with the audit partners, particularly the lead Australian and UK audit engagement partners, without management present

following the completion of the audit, the Committee considers the quality of the External Auditor’s performance drawing on survey results. The survey is based on a two-way feedback model where the BHP and EY teams assess each other against a range of criteria. The criteria against which the BHP team evaluates EY’s performance include ethics and integrity, insight, service quality, communication, reporting and responsiveness

reviewing the terms of engagement of the External Auditor

discussing with the audit engagement partners the skills and experience of the broader audit team

reviewing audit quality inspection reports on EY published by the UK Financial Reporting Council in considering the effectiveness of the audit

In addition, the RAC reviews the integrity, independence and objectivity of the External Auditor and assesses whether there is any element of the relationship that impairs or appears to impair the External Auditor’s judgement or independence. The External Auditor also certifies its independence to the RAC.

Non-audit services

Although the External Auditor does provide some non-audit services, the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor are safeguarded through restrictions on the provision of these services with some services prohibited from being undertaken, including services where the External Auditor:

may be required to audit its own work

participates in activities that would normally be undertaken by management

is remunerated through a ‘success fee’ structure

acts in an advocacy role for BHP

The RAC has adopted a policy entitled ‘Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor’ covering the RAC’s pre-approval policies and procedures to maintain the independence of the External Auditor. This policy was reviewed and updated in FY2020, including to reflect only those services permitted to be provided by the External Auditor in the revised Ethical Standard published by the UK Financial Reporting Council.

Our policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor is available at bhp.com/governance.

In addition to audit services, the External Auditor is permitted to provide other (non-audit) services that are not and are not perceived to be in conflict with their role. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act and guidance contained in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Release 2004-001, certain specific activities are listed in our policy that have been ‘pre-approved’ by the RAC.

The categories of ‘pre-approved’ services are:

Audit services – work that constitutes the agreed scope of the statutory audit and includes the statutory audits of BHP and its entities (including interim reviews). This category also includes work that is reasonably related to the performance of an audit or review and is a logical extension of the audit or review scope. The RAC monitors the audit services engagements and if necessary, approves any changes in terms and conditions resulting from changes in audit scope, Group structure or other relevant events.

Audit-related and other assurance services – work that is outside the scope of the statutory audit but is consistent with the role of the external statutory auditor, is of an assurance or compliance nature, is work the External Auditor must or is best placed to undertake and is permissible under the relevant applicable standard.

Activities outside the scope of the categories above are not ‘pre-approved’ and must be approved by the RAC prior to engagement, regardless of the dollar value involved. In addition, any engagement for other services with a value over US$100,000, even if listed as a ‘pre-approved’ service, requires the approval of the RAC. All engagements for other services whether ‘pre-approved’ or not and regardless of the dollar value involved are reported quarterly to the RAC.

While not prohibited by BHP’s policy, any proposed non-audit engagement of the External Auditor relating to internal control (such as a review of internal controls) requires specific prior approval from the RAC. With the exception of the external audit of BHP’s Financial Statements, any engagement identified that contains an internal control-related element is not considered to be pre-approved. In addition, while the categories of ‘pre-approved’ services include a list of certain pre-approved services, the use of the External Auditor to perform these services will always be subject to our overriding governance practices as articulated in the policy.

In addition, the RAC did not approve any services during the year ended 30 June 2020 pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of SEC Regulation S-X (provision of services other than audit).

Fees paid to BHP’s External Auditor during FY2020 for audit and other services were US$16.7 million, of which 75 per cent comprised audit fees (including the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as amended (SOX)), 11 per cent for audit-related fees, 2 per cent was for tax fees and 12 per cent for all other fees. Details of the fees paid are set out in note 35 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 5.

Based on the review by the RAC, the Board is satisfied that the External Auditor is independent.

Business Risk and Audit Committees

Business Risk and Audit Committees (Business RACs), covering each asset group, assist management in providing the information to enable the RAC to fulfil its responsibilities. They are management committees and perform an important monitoring function in the governance of BHP. Meetings take place annually as part of our financial governance framework.

As management committees, the appropriate member of the ELT participates, but the committee is chaired by a member of the RAC. Each committee also includes the Group Financial Controller, the Chief Risk Officer and the Group Assurance Officer.

Significant operational and risk matters raised at Business RAC meetings are reported to the RAC by management.

Risk function

The Risk function’s role is to create and maintain the Group’s Risk Framework, and to support, verify, oversee and provide insight on the effective application of the Risk Framework for all risks, including strategic, operational and emerging risks.

The RAC assists the Board with the oversight of risk management, although the Board retains accountability for BHP’s risk profile. In addition, the Board requires the CEO to implement a system of control for identifying and managing risk. The Directors, through the RAC, review the systems that have been established, regularly review the effectiveness of those systems and monitor that necessary actions have been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified from that review. The RAC regularly reports to the Board to enable the Board to review our Risk Framework at least annually to confirm that the Risk Framework continues to be sound and that BHP is operating with regard to the risk appetite set by the Board. A review was undertaken during FY2020, resulting in refinements to BHP’s Risk Framework. For more information, refer to section 1.5.4.

Internal Audit

The Internal Audit function is carried out by Internal Audit and Advisory (IAA). IAA provides assurance on whether risk management, internal control and governance processes are adequate and functioning. The Internal Audit function is independent of the External Auditor. The RAC evaluates and, if thought fit, approves the terms of reference of IAA, the staffing levels and its scope of work to ensure it is appropriate in light of the key risks we face. It also reviews and approves the annual internal audit plan and monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the internal audit activities.

The RAC approves the appointment and dismissal of the Group Assurance Officer and assesses their performance, independence and objectivity. The position was held throughout the period by Rama Devarajan who reported directly to the RAC. During the period, functional oversight of IAA was provided by the Chief External Affairs Officer.

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management (RAC and Board)

In delegating authority to the CEO, the Board has established CEO limits, outlined in the Board Governance Document. Limits on the CEO’s authority require the CEO to ensure there is a system of control in place for identifying and managing risk in BHP. Through the RAC, the Directors regularly review these systems for their effectiveness. These reviews include assessing whether processes continue to meet evolving external governance requirements.

The RAC oversees and reviews the internal controls and risk management systems. Any material breaches of Our Code, including breaches of our anti-bribery and corruption requirements, as well as any material incidents reported under our ‘speaking up with confidence’ requirements are reported quarterly to the RAC by the Chief Compliance Officer. These reports are then communicated to the Board through the report-out process. In undertaking this role, the RAC reviews:

procedures for identifying, assessing and managing material risks and controlling their impact on the Group, and other stakeholders where relevant, and the operational effectiveness of these procedures

processes and systems for managing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting

the Group’s strategy and standards for insurance

the Group’s standards and procedures for reporting reserves and resources

the Group’s standards and procedures for closure and rehabilitation provision

standards and practices for detecting, reporting and preventing fraud, serious breaches of business conduct and whistle-blowing procedures supporting reporting to the Committee

procedures for ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory and legal requirements

arrangements for the protection of the Group’s information and data systems and other non-physical assets

operational effectiveness of the Business RAC structures

overseeing the adequacy of the internal controls and allocation of responsibilities for monitoring internal financial controls

Section 1.5.4 includes a description of the Group’s principal risks that could result in events or circumstances that might threaten BHP’s business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity and reputation and also provides an explanation of how those risks are managed.

During FY2020, management presented an assessment of the material risks facing BHP and the level of effectiveness of risk management over the material business risks. The reviews were overseen by the RAC, with findings and recommendations reported to the Board. In addition to considering key risks facing BHP, the Board assessed the effectiveness of internal controls over key risks identified through the work of the Board Committees.

The Board is satisfied with the effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems.

Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, the effectiveness of BHP’s internal control over financial reporting has been evaluated based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Controls – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as at 30 June 2020. There were no material weaknesses in BHP’s internal controls over financial reporting identified by management as at 30 June 2020.

BHP has engaged our independent registered public accounting firm, EY, to issue an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting for inclusion in the Financial Statements section of the Annual Report and the Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during FY2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. This includes COVID-19, which only had a minor impact on internal controls over financial reporting in relation to both the number and nature of controls that were impacted.

During FY2020, the RAC reviewed our compliance with the obligations imposed by SOX, including evaluating and documenting internal controls as required by section 404 of SOX.

Management’s assessment of disclosure controls and procedures

Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as at 30 June 2020. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the material financial and non-financial information required to be disclosed by BHP, including in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarised and reported on a timely basis and this information is accumulated and communicated to BHP’s management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation, management (including the CEO and CFO) has concluded that as at 30 June 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing that reasonable assurance.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

In the design and evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, management was required to apply its judgement in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

The terms of reference for the RAC are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.11     Sustainability Committee Report

Role and focus

The Sustainability Committee assists the Board in overseeing the Group’s health, safety, environmental and community (HSEC) performance and governance responsibilities, and the adequacy of the Group’s HSEC framework.

The Group’s HSEC framework consists of:

the CEO limits outlined in the Board Governance Document. The Board Governance Document establishes the remit of the Board and delegates authority to the CEO, including in respect of the HSEC Management System, subject to CEO limits

the Sustainability Committee, which is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the adequacy of the Group’s HSEC Framework and HSEC Management System (among other things)

the HSEC Management System, established by management in accordance with the CEO’s delegated authority. The HSEC Management System provides the processes, resources, structures and performance standards for the identification, management and reporting of HSEC risks and the investigation of any HSEC incidents

a robust and independent internal audit process overseen by the RAC, in accordance with its terms of reference

independent advice on HSEC matters, which may be requested by the Board and its Committees where deemed necessary in order to meet their respective obligations

Our approach to sustainability is reflected in Our Charter, which defines our values, purpose and how we measure success, and in our sustainability performance targets, which define our public commitments to HSEC. HSEC considerations are also taken into account in employee and executive remuneration. For more information, refer to Sustainability in section 1.7 and section 3.

The Committee oversees the preparation and presentation of sustainability disclosures by management. This year, BHP has included material sustainability content in this Annual Report. The Sustainability Committee reviewed and recommended to the Board the approval of these disclosures in section 1.6 and 1.7 and the sustainability performance data in section 6.6, along with the Modern Slavery Statement FY2020. These disclosures identify our targets for HSEC matters and our performance against those targets. Our targets rely on fact-based measurement and quality data, and reflect a desire to move BHP to a position of industry leadership.

Our sustainability reporting, including additional case studies and a databook of key ESG and sustainability data is available at bhp.com.

For information on our material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and how we manage or intend to manage those risks, refer to section 1.5.4.

Activities of the Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee met five times during FY2020 and continued to assist the Board in its oversight of HSEC issues and performance. The Committee considered the Group’s approach to climate change throughout the year. More information on our approach to climate change, is set out in section 1.7.8. For more information on our approach to tailings storage facilities, refer to section 1.7.10. The Committee also continues to monitor our water stewardship work and for more information on our water stewardship performance, see section 6.6.

Members of the Sustainability Committee also visited several sites during FY2020. During these site visits, Committee members received briefings on HSEC matters and the management of material HSEC risks, and met with key personnel. These visits offer access to a diverse cross-section of the workforce from frontline through to the leadership team, including, where possible, risk and control owners. During FY2020, several site visits were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Sustainability Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

John Mogford (Chair from 7 November 2019)

YesMember for whole period5/5

Malcolm Broomhead (Chair until 6 November 2019)

YesMember for whole period5/5

Ian Cockerill

YesMember for whole period5/5

Gary Goldberg

YesMember from 1 February 20203/3

Committee activities in FY2020

Assurance and adequacy of HSEC framework and HSEC management system

Key HSEC risks, including tailings storage facility failure, climate change-related risks, and fatalities

Audit planning and reporting on HSEC risks and processes

Contractor management

Event management solution demonstration

Review of the HSE function and Group HSE Officer

Compliance and reporting

Compliance with HSEC legal and regulatory requirements

Updates on key legal and regulatory changes

Consideration of threshold for reporting HSEC matters to the Committee

Sustainability reporting, including consideration of processes for preparation and assurance provided by EY

Social value and ESG metrics

Performance

Performance of BHP on HSEC matters

Considering proposed HSEC key performance indicators (KPIs) for Key Management Personnel scorecard and considering performance against these KPIs

Monitoring against the FY2018–FY2022 HSEC performance targets

Update on Samarco remediation and the Fundação Renova

BHP tailings dam review and actions

Saraji mine fatality investigation

Performance and key issues on sustainable development and community relations, including community issues update

Social value update, including investor feedback

Scope 3 emissions goals

Medium-term operational (Scope 1 and 2) greenhouse gas emissions target

Link between climate change performance and executive remuneration

Other governance matters

Induction, training and development of Committee members

Site visits and site visit reports

Modern Slavery Statement FY2020

Sustainable development governance

Our approach to HSEC and sustainable development governance is characterised by:

the Sustainability Committee assisting the Board to oversee material HSEC matters and risks across BHP, including seeking continuous improvement and policy advocacy as applicable

management having primary responsibility for the design and implementation of an effective HSEC management system

management having accountability for HSEC performance

the HSE function and Community sub-function providing advice and guidance directly to the Sustainability Committee and the Board

the Board, Sustainability Committee and management seeking input and insight from external experts, such as the BHP Forum on Corporate Responsibility

clear links between executive remuneration and HSEC performance

For information on the key areas of focus for the Committee, management and the HSE function and Community sub-function, refer to section 1.7.

Social investment

We continued to monitor our progress on our social investment and met our target for investments in community programs. For more information, refer to section 1.7.9.

The terms of reference for the Sustainability Committee are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.12     Remuneration Committee Report

Role and focus

The Remuneration Committee assists the Board in overseeing:

the remuneration policy and its specific application to the CEO and other ELT members and its general application to all employees

the adoption of annual and long-term incentive plans

the determination of levels of reward for the CEO and approval of reward for other members of the ELT

the annual evaluation of the performance of the CEO, by giving guidance to the Chair

leaving entitlements

the preparation of the Remuneration Report for inclusion in the Annual Report

compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements associated with remuneration matters

the review, at least annually, of remuneration by gender

The Sustainability Committee and the RAC assist the Remuneration Committee in determining appropriate HSEC and financial metrics, respectively, to be included in senior executive scorecards and in assessing performance against those measures.

The Remuneration Committee met six times during FY2020 and also considered some matters out of session. Susan Kilsby was appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 7 November 2019. She served on the Committee from her appointment to the Board in April 2019, which provided an appropriate transition to become Chair. She also has relevant skills and experience, including her current appointment as the Chair of the remuneration committee of Diageo plc and as a member of the compensation committee of Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. She therefore satisfies the requirement for the incoming Chair to have served on a remuneration committee for at least 12 months.

Some of the items the Committee discussed are described below. For more information on the Committee’s work, refer to the Remuneration Report in section 3.

The terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee were updated following the release of the new versions of the UK Code and the ASX Fourth Edition. In addition, areas in need of clarification were identified during the recent ASIC Corporate Governance Taskforce’s review (e.g. how information flows to the Board).

Remuneration Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

Susan Kilsby (Chair from 7 November 2019)

YesMember for whole period6/6

Anita Frew

YesMember for whole period6/6

Gary Goldberg

YesMember from 1 February 20203/3

Carolyn Hewson (Chair and member until 7 November 2019)

YesMember until 7 November 20193/3

Dion Weisler

YesMember from 1 June 20201/1

Shriti Vadera

YesMember for whole period6/6

Committee activities in FY2020

Remuneration of the ELT and the Board

Remuneration policy review

Remuneration of CEO and other ELT members and Group Company Secretary

Remuneration arrangements for new ELT members

Retirement arrangements for former CEO

Consideration of COVID-19 impacts

KPIs, performance levels, award outcomes

FY2021 HSEC scorecard – climate enhanced

Long-Term Incentive Plan sector peer group review

Chair fees

Other remuneration matters

Workforce remuneration and engagement

Shareplus enrolment update

Remuneration by gender

Shareholder engagement

Corporate Governance Code provisions

Other

Induction, training and development program

Board committee procedures, including closed sessions

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Remuneration

Details of our remuneration policies and practices, and the remuneration paid to the Directors (Executive and Non-executive) and other members of the Key Management Personnel, are set out in the Remuneration Report in section 3.

The terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.13     Risk management governance structure

Identifying and managing risk are central to achieving our purpose. For information on our approach to risk and risk governance, including the role of the BHP Board and its Committees, refer to section 1.5.4.

2.14     Management

Below the level of the Board, key management decisions are made by the CEO, the ELT, management committees and members of management who have delegated authority.

Management committees consider BHP’s risks and controls. Strategic risks (both threats and opportunities) arising from changes in our business environment are regularly reviewed by the ELT and discussed by the Board.

Performance evaluation for executives

The performance of executives and other senior employees is reviewed on an annual basis. For the members of the ELT, this review includes their contribution, engagement and interaction at Board level. The annual performance review process considers the performance of executives against criteria designed to capture ‘what�� is achieved and ‘how’ it is achieved. All performance assessments of executives include how effective they have been in undertaking their role; what they have achieved against their specified key performance indicators; how they match up to the behaviours prescribed in our leadership model; and how those behaviours align with Our Charter values.

A performance evaluation as outlined was conducted for all members of the ELT during FY2020. For the CEO, the performance evaluation was led by the Chair of the Board on behalf of all the Non-executive Directors, and was discussed with the Remuneration Committee.

LOGO

2.15     Our conduct

Our Charter and Our Code of Conduct

Our Code is based on Our Charter values. Our Code sets out standards of behaviour for our people when using BHP resources, in their dealings with governments and communities, third parties and each other. Our Code describes the behaviours expected to support a safe, respectful and legally compliant working environment and includes our policies on speaking up, anti-bribery and corruption.

Our Charter and OurCode are accessible to all our people and external stakeholdersat bhp.com.

BHP’s EthicsPoint

We have mechanisms in place for anyone to raise a report if they feel Our Code has been breached.

Employees and contractors can raise their concerns through a number of channels, including through line leaders. Anyone, including external stakeholders and the public, can lodge a concern, in the form of a report, either online in EthicsPoint, or via the 24-hour, multilingual call service. Reporters of misconduct can choose to raise their concern anonymously.

Reports received are assigned by the Ethics Team to an investigator, line leader or team for investigation or resolution as appropriate, in accordance with internal policy and process documents. Both the reporting and investigations processes are transparent and summary information is accessible to all BHP employees via BHP’s intranet.

Reports raised via EthicsPoint provide valuable insight into culture and organisational learning. All significant Code of Conduct matters, and key trends from investigations, are reported to the RAC. These are then reported to the Board as part of its report-out as set out in section 2.5. The most serious breaches of Our Code are also reported to the Integrity Working Group, which is accountable for oversight of the operational effectiveness of the Investigations Framework, including oversight of investigations completed by the Central Investigations team. The Integrity Working Group is chaired by the Chief Compliance Officer and comprises of a number of Senior Leaders across BHP.

2.16     Market disclosure

We have disclosure controls in place for periodic disclosures, including the Operational Review, our results announcements, debt investor documents (such as the prospectus for the Euro or Australian Medium Term Notes) and Annual Report documents, which must comply with relevant regulatory requirements. Additional details about these verification processes can be found in the Periodic Disclosure – Disclosure Controls document at bhp.com. To safeguard the effective dissemination of information, we have developed mandatory minimum performance requirements for market disclosure, which outline how we identify and distribute information to shareholders and market participants and sets out the role of the Disclosure Committee in managing compliance with market disclosure obligations. Further, where an announcement is determined to be material by the Disclosure Committee, the Board receives a copy promptly after it has been made. Where BHP gives a new and substantive investor or analyst presentation, it releases a copy of the presentation materials on the ASX Market Announcements Platform ahead of the presentation.

As a result of COVID-19, we introduced extra monitoring and disclosure controls. These included: increasing the regularity and breadth of information gathered from management (including Finance, Supply, Marketing, Legal, and Operational teams); more regular updates to the Disclosure Committee; and more regular discussions with UBS (our corporate broker in the UK), as well as our Investor Relations team. This enabled BHP to assess the materiality of developments and stay across market expectations, dynamics and emerging best practice.

A copy of the market disclosure and communications document is available at bhp.com/governance.

Copies of announcements to the stock exchanges on which BHP is listed, investor briefings, Financial Statements, the Annual Report and other relevant information can be found at bhp.com. To receive email alerts of news releases, subscribe at bhp.com.

2.17     Conformance with corporate governance standards

Our compliance with the governance standards in our home jurisdictions of Australia and the United Kingdom, and with the governance requirements that apply to us as a result of our New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing and our registration with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States, is summarised in this Corporate Governance Statement, the Remuneration Report, the Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements.

The UK Code (available at: frc.org.uk) and the ASX Principles and Recommendations (available at www.asx.com/au) require the Board to consider the application of the relevant corporate governance principles, while recognising that departures from those principles are appropriate in some circumstances. The Board considers that during FY2020 it applied the Principles and complied with the provisions set out in the 2018 edition of the UK Code, and complied with the ASX Third Edition, with no exceptions.

Our Appendix 4G, which summarises our compliance with the ASX Third Edition is available at bhp.com/governance.

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are registrants with the SEC in the United States. Each company is classified as a foreign private issuer and each has American Depositary Shares listed on the NYSE.

We have reviewed the governance requirements applicable to foreign private issuers under SOX, including the rules promulgated by the SEC and the rules of the NYSE, and are satisfied that we comply with those requirements.

Under NYSE rules, foreign private issuers such as BHP are required to disclose any significant ways our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under the NYSE corporate governance standards. After a comparison of our corporate governance practices with the requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE-Listed Company Manual followed by US companies, a significant difference was identified:

Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act requires NYSE-listed companies to ensure their audit committees are directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the External Auditor unless the company’s governing law or documents or other home country legal requirements require or permit shareholders to ultimately vote on or approve these matters. While the RAC is directly responsible for remuneration and oversight of the External Auditor, the ultimate responsibility for appointment and retention of the External Auditor rests with our shareholders, in accordance with UK law and our constitutional documents. The RAC does, however, make recommendations to the Board on these matters, which are reported to shareholders.

Compliance with the UK Code

This table describes how BHP has applied the Principles of the UK Code

Board leadership and our purpose

•   Long-term sustainable success – we believe we put the long-term sustainable success of BHP at the centre of what we do (section 1.4.2 and 1.4.3).

•   Purpose, values, strategy and culture – we renewed our purpose in FY2019 to better capture the aspirations of all our stakeholders (sections 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6 and 1.7).

•   Performance measurement and control framework (sections 1.4 and 6.6).

•   Responsibilities to shareholders and stakeholders (sections 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6.1 and 2.6).

•   Workforce policies and practices (sections 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6.1, 1.6.2 and 2.6).

Composition, succession and evaluation

•   Appointments – we have a rigorous process in place for Board appointments, and to consider succession having regard to diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds and personal strengths (section 2.9).

•   Skills matrix – we have an appropriate mix of skills, experience and knowledge on the Board and in 2018 revised our skills matrix (section 2.7). Section 2.9 provides information on tenure and Board renewal.

•   Director review – the contribution of each Director to the work of the Board and its Committees, the expectations of Directors as specified in BHP’s governance framework and the performance of Directors. The review confirmed that each Director continues to contribute effectively (section 2.8).

Division of responsibilities

•   Chair of the Board – the Chair leads the Board and is responsible for its effectiveness and the effective contribution from all Non-executive Directors (section 2.3).

•   Board composition – the Board operates effectively with the appropriate balance of executives and Non-executives and believes the roles of the Chair and the CEO should be separated (section 2.3).

•   Non-executive Directors have sufficient time to meet their responsibilities – when we appoint new Directors we ensure they have sufficient time to undertake their responsibilities and are able to offer challenge, strategic guidance and specialist advice (section 2.2.1).

•   Time and resources – the Board ensures it has the necessary time, resources, policies and processes in place as part of its evaluation process (section 2.8).

Audit Risk and Internal Control

•   Internal and external audit independence – we understand the importance of ensuring these lines of defence remain independent (section 2.10).

•   Fair balanced and understandable – the Board presents a fair balanced and understandable assessment of BHP’s position and prospects (section 2.10).

•   Management and oversight of risk – our risk and control environment is monitored and overseen by the Risk and Audit Committee. The Board, Risk and Audit Committee, and Sustainability Committee considered emerging and principal risk during the year (sections 1.5.4, 2.5, 2.10 and 2.11).

Remuneration

•   Policies and practices – remuneration is designed to support our strategy and long-term sustainable success (section 3).

•   Formal and transparent procedure – we have formal and transparent procedures in place, and routinely engage with investors for their feedback (section 2.6.1).

•   Use of discretion – we have used discretion to adjust the formulaic remuneration outcomes (section 3).

2.18     Additional UK disclosure

The information specified in the UK FCA Disclosure and Transparency Rules, DTR 7.2.6, is located elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Directors’ Report in section 4 provides cross-references to where the information is located.

This Corporate Governance Statement was current and approved by the Board on 3 September 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

3 September 2020

Section 3

Remuneration Report

In this section

This Remuneration Report describes the remuneration policies, practices, outcomes and governance for the KMP of BHP.

BHP’s DLC structure means that we are subject to remuneration disclosure requirements in the United Kingdom and Australia. This results in some complexity in our disclosures, as there are some key differences in the requirements and the information that must be disclosed. For example, UK requirements give shareholders the right to a binding vote on the remuneration policy every three years and as a result, the remuneration policy needs to be described in a separate section in the Remuneration Report. Our remuneration policy is set out in section 3.2. In Australia, BHP is required to make certain disclosures for KMP as defined by the Australian Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and IFRS.

The UK requirements focus on the remuneration of Executive and Non-executive Directors. At BHP, this is our Board, including the CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. In contrast, the Australian requirements focus on the remuneration of KMP, defined as those who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group directly or indirectly. KMP includes the Board, as well as certain members of our senior executive team.

After due consideration, the Committee has determined the KMP for FY2020 comprised the following roles: all Non-executive Directors, the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the President Minerals Australia, the President Minerals Americas, and the President Petroleum.

The following individuals have held their positions and were KMP for the whole of FY2020, unless stated otherwise:

Mike Henry, CEO and Executive Director (from 1 January 2020) and President Minerals Australia (to 31 December 2019)

Andrew Mackenzie, CEO and Executive Director (to 31 December 2019)

Peter Beaven, Chief Financial Officer

Daniel Malchuk, President Minerals Americas

Geraldine Slattery, President Petroleum

Non-executive Directors - see section 3.3.14 for details of the Non-executive Directors, including dates of appointment or cessation (where relevant)

Contents   
3.1  Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair  188
3.2  Remuneration policy report  191
  Remuneration policy for the Executive Director  191
  Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors  198
3.3  Annual report on remuneration  200
  Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)  200
  Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEOs)  211
  Remuneration for Non-executive Directors  213
  Remuneration governance  215
  Other statutory disclosures  216

Abbreviation

Item

AGM

Annual General Meeting

CDP

Cash and Deferred Plan

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

DEP

Dividend Equivalent Payment

DLC

Dual Listed Company

ELT

Executive Leadership Team

GHG

Greenhouse Gas

GSTIP

Group Short-Term Incentive Plan

HPIF

High Potential Injury Frequency

HSEC

Health, Safety, Environment and Community

IFRS

International Financial Reporting Standards
KMPKey Management Personnel
KPIKey Performance Indicator
LTIPLong-Term Incentive Plan
MAPManagement Award Plan
MSRMinimum Shareholding Requirement
OIFOccupational Illness Frequency
ROCEReturn on Capital Employed
STIPShort-Term Incentive Plan
TRIFTotal Recordable Injury Frequency
TSRTotal Shareholder Return

3.1    Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to introduce BHP’s Remuneration Report for the financial year to 30 June 2020, which is my first since assuming the Remuneration Committee Chair role, and I am looking forward to engaging with shareholders as the Committee undertakes its work. During FY2020, the Committee has continued its focus on achieving remuneration outcomes that fairly reflect the performance of BHP, and which are aligned to the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders.

FY2020 has been an unprecedented year, with the COVID-19 pandemic having widespread impacts on lives, society and the global economy. In the face of this, BHP employees have rallied in line with the Group’s purpose and values, working very effectively to keep the business running and performing strongly, and keeping each other safe.

I would like to thank my predecessor as Remuneration Committee Chair, Carolyn Hewson, for her leadership and for establishing a Committee with a strong foundation of policies, principles and practices upon which our decisions are able to be made. This is especially so in the unpredictable times in which we find ourselves. We have also made other changes to the Committee this year. New Directors Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler have joined Anita Frew and Shriti Vadera on the Committee and I would like to thank all members for their contributions.

Remuneration policy

The Committee sought and received approval from shareholders at last year’s AGMs for a revised remuneration policy, with almost 94 per cent of votes in favour, and we believe the policy will serve stakeholders well. The key changes approved for the CEO were:

A change in the balance of incentive arrangements comprising:

a significantly reduced LTIP grant size of 200 per cent of base salary (on a face value basis), down from 400 per cent

a CDP with a longer term focus than the former STIP. The CDP outcome is delivered one-third as a cash award, with two-thirds delivered in equity, as two-year and five-year deferred share awards each of equivalent value to the cash award. This aligns participants’ incentive remuneration with performance over the short-, medium- and long-term

These two changes in combination did not materially alter the target value or vesting profile of incentive remuneration, but resulted in a 12 per cent reduction in the maximum possible remuneration for a year.

A significant reduction in the pension contribution rate to 10 per cent of base salary, down from 25 per cent (noting that the estimated workforce average is approximately 11.5 per cent of base salary). As a result of this change, fixed remuneration for the CEO role has been reduced by 12 per cent and overall target remuneration reduced by 4 per cent.

The introduction of a two-year post-retirement shareholding requirement.

While these changes took effect from 1 July 2019, existing short- and long-term equity awards made under prior policies remain on foot and will vest, subject to existing service and performance conditions, over coming years.

We were also pleased to again receive strong support for our overall Remuneration Report from shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, with approximately 96 per cent voting ‘for’ the report. This continues our strong shareholder support over the past five years, where on average almost 97 per cent have voted in favour.

The Committee strives to implement the remuneration policy in a considered way:

We test the CEO’s remuneration against CEO roles in other global companies of similar complexity, size, reach and industry. The remuneration also reflects the CEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience. This detailed benchmarking ensures BHP’s executive remuneration packages are competitive enough to attract and retain talented executives, without being excessive. External benchmarking shows the CEO’s target remuneration package is below the average for similar global companies and importantly, can only be realised as actual remuneration if performance targets are met.

The CEO’s remuneration is deliberately tied to the performance of the business, with the majority of remuneration delivered in BHP shares, not cash. The CEO also has a minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary, which continues for two years post-retirement. This aligns the CEO to the experience of BHP’s shareholders.

The exercise of reasonable downward discretion has been a feature of BHP’s approach over many years where the status quo or a formulaic outcome does not align with the overall shareholder experience, and this remains unchanged.

The Committee is focussed on having and applying a remuneration policy and approach that supports the Group’s strategy and enables us to attract, retain and motivate the executives critical to delivering the best outcomes for all of BHP’s stakeholders. In addition, the Committee is cognisant of the need to navigate the priorities of differing jurisdictions.

COVID-19

In early 2020, BHP began to experience the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. All BHP employees have come together as one team to deal with the issues faced and despite the challenges, BHP’s results have been strong. The CEO and other ELT members have provided strong and effective leadership through this period, and the Committee is proud of the way BHP’s employees have found new ways of working, collaborated to solve problems, supported each other and their communities, and aligned around a common goal.

Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, in FY2020 BHP has not needed to furlough any employees without pay, has not sought any government assistance, and did not raise additional equity. In addition, BHP’s strong, safe operational performance through this year, together with solid profitability, enabled the Board to announce a robust final dividend payable to shareholders in September 2020. This follows a record interim dividend paid to shareholders in March 2020, and continues the delivery of strong and consistent returns to shareholders. The COVID-19 pandemic increased costs and reduced volumes during FY2020, which negatively impacted executive remuneration outcomes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, BHP has been especially conscious of contributing to the communities in which we operate, by doing all it can to keep employees, their families and their communities safe and healthy. BHP took action to slow the spread of COVID-19 into the workforce by investing in more transportation capacity, restricting travel to the operations and protecting at-risk workers. BHP has also created hundreds of operational jobs across our Minerals Australia business, funded local health and social programs in the communities where BHP operates, and for the Company’s small, local and Indigenous suppliers, BHP reduced the time taken to pay their invoices to help address the financial stress they might otherwise face as a result of the pandemic.

Decisions and activities of the Committee

A key element of the Committee’s work during the year was the remuneration implications of CEO succession. Mike Henry was appointed CEO and Executive Director effective 1 January 2020. Mike’s fixed remuneration on appointment was set at US$1.870 million per annum, which included a base salary of US$1.700 million per annum plus a pension contribution of 10 per cent of base salary. This level of fixed pay was a reduction of 12 per cent from Andrew Mackenzie’s fixed pay of US$2.125 million per annum. Mike participates in the CDP and LTIP in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.

Andrew Mackenzie stepped down as CEO and a Director of the Group on 31 December 2019, and he retired from BHP on 31 March 2020. The terms of Andrew’s departure announced on 23 December 2019 reflected the Group’s remuneration policy and the rules of our incentive arrangements and leaving entitlements as approved by shareholders. Further information in respect of this is provided in sections 3.3.13 and 3.3.24.

Other key decisions and activities of the Committee during FY2020 included:

Completing the 2019 review of the remuneration policy and seeking and gaining the approval of shareholders at the 2019 AGMs

Considering remuneration for other members of the ELT and the Group Company Secretary

Aligning the determination of CDP equity award sizes to a 12-month pricing approach, also used for LTIP awards, to minimise potential volatility over time

Setting and reviewing outcomes against performance measures and conditions of relevant incentive plans

Redesigning, with the support of the Sustainability Committee, the HSEC component of the CDP scorecard to give greater weight and transparency to climate change

Reviewing the fee for the BHP Chair

Reviewing and adopting changes and improvements flowing from regulatory requirements and guidance, which in turn helps us improve our processes and approaches

Engaging with shareholders and other key stakeholders

Undertaking regular reviews of workforce engagement, workforce remuneration and related policies, remuneration by gender and the annual Shareplus enrolment update

CEOs’ remuneration

The scorecard against which the CEO’s annual performance is assessed comprises stretching performance measures, including HSEC, financial and individual performance elements. For FY2020, the Remuneration Committee has assessed Mike Henry’s and Andrew Mackenzie’s performance and determined CDP outcomes of 96 per cent for each of them, against the target of 100 per cent (and the maximum of 150 per cent), with the outcomes prorated to reflect their periods as CEO.

These outcomes took into account BHP’s strong HSEC performance during the year, with no fatalities recorded, and improvements in all key health and safety indicators, while environment and community outcomes were broadly in line with expectations. Financial and operating performance was strong, yet fell slightly short of the stretching targets set at the commencement of the year.

While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted BHP, society and the global economy, the Group maintained continuity of operations while keeping employees healthy and safe. Despite this, there were significant costs and other impacts of COVID-19 to BHP’s financial results for FY2020. The direct costs have been recorded as an exceptional item in the financial statements. Nevertheless, the Committee concluded that, while these COVID-19 related costs were outside the control of management, they, together with the volume impacts of COVID-19, should flow through to the financial measures for CDP scorecard purposes, thereby reducing the remuneration outcome for executives from what they would have otherwise been. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee also considered each of the CEOs’ performance against their individual objectives. For Mike, this included assuming the CEO role, redefining and restructuring the ELT, enhancing the performance improvement focus, strategy review, portfolio value and options analysis, accelerating gender balance aspirations, and the work of the Tailings Dams Taskforce. For Andrew, this included enhancing the value of the portfolio, maximising performance options, and maintaining a robust ELT succession slate. The Committee considered both Mike’s and Andrew’s performance against their individual objectives to be in line with target.

While the CEOs’ scorecard outcomes were determined at 96 per cent of target and the scorecard outcomes for other Executive KMP were on average marginally ahead of target, the short-term incentive pool applicable to the majority of BHP employees below the ELT level was above target. This was considered appropriate and due recognition, given the excellent performance across BHP’s whole workforce in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, where, despite this, strong safety performance and operational continuity was achieved during FY2020.

The vesting outcome for the 2015 LTIP against the relative TSR performance conditions was 48 per cent, and this is the first vesting under the program since 2014. BHP outperformed the sector peer group significantly, but did not meet the performance threshold for vesting against the MSCI World index. This 48 per cent level of vesting is aligned with the long-term average vesting under the LTIP since its inception 16 years ago. Consistent with prior practice, the Board and Committee has conducted a holistic review of business performance over the prior five years since grant to ensure this level of vesting was appropriate.

Further details in respect of overall remuneration outcomes for the year for the CEOs, together with information on how the outcomes are aligned to performance during FY2020, are provided in section 3.3. As at the date of this report, Mike’s shareholding meets the minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary.

For FY2021, the Committee determined that Mike’s base salary remains unchanged at US$1.700 million per annum, as it was at the time of his appointment. In addition, the other components of his total target remuneration (pension contributions, benefits, CDP and LTIP) also remain unchanged. A summary of Mike’s arrangements for FY2021 is set out below.

FY2021 CEO remuneration

 Fixed remuneration CDPLTIP

•  Base salary US$1.700 million per annum.

•  No change to base salary.

•  Pension contribution 10 per cent of base salary.

•   Target cash award of 80 per cent of base salary (maximum 120 per cent).

•   Plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years, respectively.

•   Three performance categories:

–   HSEC – 25 per cent

–   Financial – 50 per cent

–   Individual performance – 25 per cent

•   The annual LTIP grant is based on a face value of 200 per cent of base salary.

•   Our LTIP awards have rigorous relative TSR performance hurdles measured over five yeans.

We have also addressed last year’s commitment to clarify and strengthen the link between executive remuneration and climate change for FY2021. The weighting on climate change is now 10 per cent of the 25 per cent HSEC weighting in the CDP scorecard, which compares to circa 4 per cent allocated to climate change in the prior STIP, and we have enhanced the disclosure of climate change-related performance targets. Further details are set out in section 3.3.9.

Mike is BHP’s only Executive Director, however, the Committee has also reviewed the base salaries and total target remuneration packages for other Executive KMP and determined that there would be no increases to base salaries as a consequence of that review, and that other aspects of their remuneration arrangements would remain unchanged.

Remuneration outcomes for the Chair and Non-executive Directors

Fees for the Chair and Non-executive Directors are reviewed annually and are benchmarked against peer companies. No changes to the Chair’s fee will be made for FY2021. This follows a review in 2017, where a decision was made to reduce the Chair’s annual fee by approximately 8 per cent from US$0.960 million to US$0.880 million with effect from 1 July 2017, which followed an earlier reduction, effective 1 July 2015, of approximately 13 per cent from US$1.100 million to US$0.960 million.

Base fee levels for Non-executive Directors will also remain unchanged, after they were also reduced effective 1 July 2015 by approximately 6 per cent, from US$0.170 million to US$0.160 million per annum. Prior to the above reductions in fee levels for the Chair and Non-executive Directors, their fees had remained unchanged since 2011.

Summary

With the COVID-19 pandemic this year, FY2020 has presented many challenges, not only for BHP, but also for many other companies, governments, employees, families and communities across the world. On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, I would like to recognise the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of all of our employees. They have aligned around a common cause, and through their steadfast commitment, they have remained safe and healthy, continued to support their communities, and enabled BHP to generate strong results for all stakeholders.

The Committee believes the remuneration outcomes for FY2020 reflect an appropriate alignment between pay and performance during the year and are also fair in terms of the global context in which decisions have been made. We are confident that shareholders will recognise this as a continuation of our long-held approach. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with, and the support of, BHP’s shareholders, and I very much look forward to meeting shareholders face-to-face when once again we are able to do so. As always, we welcome your feedback and comments on any aspect of this Report.

Susan Kilsby

Chair, Remuneration Committee

3 September 2020

3.2    Remuneration policy report

BHP has an overarching remuneration policy that guides the Remuneration Committee’s decisions. Under UK legislation, shareholders have the opportunity to vote on our remuneration policy every three years, with binding effect in regard to the Directors (including the CEO). Under Australian legislation, shareholders also have the opportunity to vote on our remuneration policy in conjunction with the broader Remuneration Report, each year at the AGMs as it applies to all KMP under a non-binding advisory vote. Our remuneration policy, which was approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, has not changed and is repeated below.

Remuneration policy for the Executive Director

This section only refers to the remuneration policy for our CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. If any other executive were to be appointed an Executive Director, this remuneration policy would apply to that new role.

3.2.1    Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Base salary

A competitive base salary is paid in order to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO, and to provide appropriate remuneration for this important role in the Group.

•  Base salary, denominated in US dollars, is broadly aligned with salaries for comparable roles in global companies of similar global complexity, size, reach and industry, and reflects the CEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience.

•  Base salary is reviewed annually with effect from 1 September. Reviews are informed, but not led, by benchmarking to comparable roles (as above), changes in responsibility and general economic conditions. Substantial weight is also given to the general base salary increases for employees.

•  Base salary is not subject to separate performance conditions.

8% increase per annum (annualised) or inflation if higher in Australia.

Pension contributions (2)

Provides a market-competitive level of post-employment benefits provided to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.

•  Pension contributions are benchmarked to comparable roles in global companies and have been determined after considering the pension contributions provided to the wider workforce.

•  A choice of funding vehicles is offered, including a defined contribution plan, an unfunded retirement savings plan, an international retirement plan or a self-managed superannuation fund. Alternatively, a cash payment may be provided in lieu.

A pension contribution rate of 10% of base salary applies.

Benefits

Provides personal insurances, relocation benefits and tax assistance where BHP’s structure gives rise to tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions, and a market-competitive level of benefits to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.

•  Benefits may be provided, as determined by the Committee, and currently include costs of private family health insurance, death and disability insurance, car parking and personal tax return preparation in the required countries where BHP has requested the CEO relocate internationally, or where BHP’s DLC structure requires personal tax returns in multiple jurisdictions.

•  Costs associated with business-related travel for the CEO’s spouse/partner, including for Board meetings, may be covered. Where these costs are deemed to be taxable benefits for the CEO, BHP may reimburse the CEO for these tax costs.

•  The CEO is eligible to participate in Shareplus, BHP’s all-employee share purchase plan.

•  A relocation allowance and assistance is provided only where a change of location is made at BHP’s request. The Group’s mobility policies generally provide for ‘one-off’ payments with no material trailing entitlements.

Benefits as determined by the Committee but to a limit not exceeding 10% of base salary and (if applicable) a one-off taxable relocation allowance up to US$700,000.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

CDP

The purpose of the CDP is to encourage and focus the CEO’s efforts on the delivery of the Group’s strategic priorities for the relevant financial year to deliver short, medium and long-term success, and to motivate the CEO to strive to achieve stretch performance objectives.

The performance measures for each year are chosen on the basis that they are expected to have a significant short, medium and long-term impact on the success of the Group.

Delivery of two-thirds of CDP awards in deferred shares encourages a longer-term focus aligned to that of shareholders.

Setting performance measures and targets

•  The Committee sets a balanced scorecard of short, medium and long-term elements including HSEC, financial and individual performance measures, with targets and relative weightings at the beginning of the financial year in order to appropriately motivate the CEO to achieve outperformance that contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Group and shareholder wealth creation.

•  Specific financial measures will constitute the largest weighting and are derived from the annual budget as approved by the Board for the relevant financial year.

•  Appropriate HSEC measures that are consistent with the Group’s long-term five-year public HSEC targets, and their weightings, are determined by the Remuneration Committee with the assistance of the Sustainability Committee.

•  Individual measures are an important element of effective performance management, and are a combination of quantitative and qualitative targets. They are aligned with medium and long-term strategy aspirations that are intended to drive long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

•  For HSEC and for individual measures the target is ordinarily expressed in narrative form and will be disclosed near the beginning of the performance period. However, the target for each financial measure will be disclosed retrospectively. In the rare instances where this may not be prudent on grounds of commercial sensitivity, we will seek to explain why and give an indication of when the target may be disclosed.

•  Should any other performance measures be added at the discretion of the Committee, we will determine the timing of disclosure of the relevant target with due consideration of commercial sensitivity.

Assessment of performance

•  At the conclusion of the financial year, the CEO’s achievement against each measure is assessed by the Remuneration Committee and the Board, with guidance provided by other relevant Board Committees in respect of HSEC and other measures, and a CDP award determined. If performance is below the threshold level for any measure, no CDP award will be provided in respect of that portion of the CDP award opportunity.

•  The Board believes this method of assessment is transparent, rigorous and balanced, and provides an appropriate, objective and comprehensive assessment of performance.

•  In the event that the Remuneration Committee does not consider the outcome that would otherwise apply to be a true reflection of the performance of the Group or should it consider that individual performance or other circumstances makes this an inappropriate outcome, it retains the discretion to not provide all or a part of any CDP award. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended award outcomes.

Maximum award

A cash award of 120% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

Target performance

A cash award of 80% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for target performance on all measures.

Threshold performance

A cash award of 40% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for threshold performance on all measures.

Minimum award

Zero.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Delivery of award

•   CDP awards are provided under the CDP as cash and two awards of deferred shares, each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

•   The awards of deferred shares comprise rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future at the end of the deferral periods. Before the awards vest (or are exercised), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee also has a discretion to settle CDP awards in cash.

Underpin, malus and clawback

•   To ensure any vesting of five-year deferred shares under the CDP is underpinned by satisfactory performance post-grant, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year vesting period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

•   Both cash and deferred share CDP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described in section 3.2.2.

LTIP

The purpose of the LTIP is to focus the CEO’s efforts on the achievement of sustainable long-term value creation and success of the Group (including appropriate management of business risks).

It also encourages retention through long-term share exposure for the CEO over the five-year performance period (consistent with the long-term nature of resources), and aligns the long-term interests of the CEO and shareholders.

The LTIP aligns the CEO’s reward with sustained shareholder wealth creation in excess of that of relevant comparator group(s), through the relative TSR performance condition.

Relative TSR performance condition

•   The LTIP award is conditional on achieving five-year relative TSR (3) performance conditions as set out below.

•   The relevant comparator group(s) and the weighting between relevant comparator group(s) will be determined by the Committee in relation to each LTIP grant.

Level of performance required for vesting

•   Vesting of the award is dependent on BHP’s TSR relative to the TSRof relevant comparator group(s) over a five-year performance period.

•   25% of the award will vest where BHP’s TSR is equal to the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s), as measured over the performance period. Where TSR is below the median, awards will not vest.

•   Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s) up to a nominated level of TSR outperformance (4) over the relevant comparator group(s), as determined by the Committee, above which 100% of the award will vest.

•   Where the TSR performance condition is not met, there is no retesting and awards will lapse. The Committee also retains discretion to lapse any portion or all of the award where it considers the vesting outcome is not appropriate given Group or individual performance. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended outcomes.

Maximum award

Face value of 200% of base salary. (6)

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Relative TSR has been chosen as an appropriate measure as it allows for an objective external assessment over a sustained period on a basis that is familiar to shareholders.

Further performance measures

•   The Committee may add further performance conditions, in which case the vesting of a portion of any LTIP award may instead be linked to performance against the new condition(s). However, the Committee expects that in the event of introducing an additional performance condition(s), the weighting on relative TSR would remain the majority weighting.

Delivery of award

•   LTIP awards are provided under the LTIP approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGMs. When considering the value of the award to be provided, the Committee primarily considers the face value of the award, and also considers its fair value which includes consideration of the performance conditions.(5)

•   LTIP awards consist of rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future if the performance and service conditions are met. Before vesting (or exercise), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee has a discretion to settle LTIP awards in cash.

Underpin, malus and clawback

•   If the specified performance conditions are satisfied in part or in full, to ensure any vesting of LTIP awards is underpinned by satisfactory performance through the performance period, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year performance period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

•   LTIP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described in section 3.2.2.

(1)

UK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase that is annualised it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the regulations.

(2)

Pension contributions maximum column wording has been updated to reflect the leadership transition of Executive Director and CEO on 1 January 2020 and the current application of policy with respect to pension contribution rate for Mike Henry. The FY2019 remuneration report policy table wording reflected the application of Andrew Mackenzie’s contribution rate: ’For the existing CEO, the current pension contribution rate of 25 per cent of base salary will reduce as follows: 25 per cent of base salary to 30 June 2020; 20 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2020; 15 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2021; 10 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards. For a new appointment, the pension contribution rate will be 10 per cent of base salary immediately.’

(3)

BHP’s TSR is a weighted average of the TSRs of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

(4)

Maximum vesting is determined with reference to a position against each comparator group.

(5)

Fair value is calculated by the Committee’s independent adviser and is different to fair value used for IFRS disclosures (which do not take into account forfeiture conditions on the awards). It reflects outcomes weighted by probability, taking into account the difficulty of achieving the performance conditions and the correlation between these and share price appreciation, together with other factors, including volatility and forfeiture risks. The current fair value is 41 per cent of the face value of an award, which may change should the Committee vary elements (such as adding a performance measure or altering the level of relative TSR outperformance).

(6)

In order to ensure there is a fair transitional outcome for participants, the LTIP grant made in late CY2019 was based on 400 per cent face value basis in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2017, with potential vesting five years later in mid-CY2024. The first five-year deferred shares that result from performance under the CDP for FY2020 will be granted in late CY2020 and will first vest five years later in mid-CY2025. The LTIP grant to be made in late CY2020 will be made on the reduced 200 per cent face value basis, with potential vesting five years later also in mid-CY2025.

The Remuneration Committee’s discretion in respect of each remuneration component applies up to the maximum shown in the table above. Any remuneration elements awarded or granted under the previous remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2014 and 2017, but which have not yet vested or been awarded or paid, shall continue to be capable of vesting, awarded or payment made on their existing terms.

3.2.2    Malus and clawback

The CDP, LTIP and STIP rule provisions allow the Committee to reduce or clawback awards in the following circumstances:

the participant acting fraudulently or dishonestly or being in material breach of their obligations to the Group

where BHP becomes aware of a material misstatement or omission in the Financial Statements of a Group company or the Group

any circumstances occur that the Committee determines in good faith to have resulted in an unfair benefit to the participant

These malus and clawback provisions apply whether or not awards are made in the form of cash or equity, whether or not the equity has vested, and whether or not employment is ongoing.

3.2.3    Potential remuneration outcomes

The Remuneration Committee recognises that market forces necessarily influence remuneration practices and it strongly believes the fundamental driver of remuneration outcomes should be business performance. It also believes that overall remuneration should be fair to the individual, such that remuneration levels accurately reflect the CEO’s responsibilities and contributions, and align with the expectations of our shareholders, while considering the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce.

The amount of remuneration actually received each year depends on the achievement of superior business and individual performance generating sustained shareholder value. Before deciding on the final incentive outcomes for the CEO, the Committee first considers the achievement against the pre-determined performance conditions. The Committee then applies its overarching discretion on the basis of what it considers to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced. When the CEO was appointed in January 2020 the Board advised him that the Committee would exercise its discretion on the basis of what it considered to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced.

In this way, the Committee believes it can set a remuneration level for the CEO that is sufficient to incentivise him and that is also fair to him and commensurate with shareholder expectations and prevailing market conditions.

The diagram below provides the scenario for the potential total remuneration of the CEO at different levels of performance.

LOGO

Minimum: consists of fixed remuneration, which comprises base salary (US$1.700 million), pension contributions (10 per cent of base salary) and other benefits (notional 10 per cent of base salary).

Target: consists of fixed remuneration, target CDP (a cash award of 80 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively) and target LTIP. The LTIP target value is based on the fair value of the award, which is 41 per cent of the face value of 200 per cent of base salary. The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards.

Maximum: consists of fixed remuneration, maximum CDP (a cash award of 120 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively), and maximum LTIP (face value of 200 per cent of base salary). The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards. All other things being equal, if the share price at vesting of LTIP awards was 50 per cent higher than the share price at grant, then the total maximum value would be US$13.260 million.

The maximum opportunity represented above is the most that could potentially be paid of each remuneration component, as required by UK regulations. It does not reflect any intention by the Group to award that amount. The Remuneration Committee reviews relevant benchmarking data and industry practices, and believes the maximum remuneration opportunity is appropriate.

3.2.4    Approach to recruitment and promotion remuneration

The remuneration policy as set out in section 3.2 of this Report will apply to the remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited or promoted CEO, or for another Executive Director should one be appointed. A market-competitive level of base salary will be provided. The pension contributions, benefits and variable pay will be in accordance with the remuneration policy table in section 3.2.1.

For external appointments, the Remuneration Committee may determine that it is appropriate to provide additional cash and/or equity components to replace any remuneration forfeited or not received from a former employer. It is anticipated that any foregone equity awards would be replaced by equity. The value of the replacement remuneration would not be any greater than the fair value of the awards foregone or not received (as determined by the Committee’s independent adviser). The Committee would determine appropriate service conditions and performance conditions within BHP’s framework, taking into account the conditions attached to the foregone awards. The Committee is mindful of limiting such payments and not providing any more compensation than is necessary. For any internal CEO (or another Executive Director) appointment, any entitlements provided under former arrangements will be honoured according to their existing terms.

3.2.5    Service contracts and policy on loss of office

The terms of employment for the CEO are formalised in his employment contract. Key terms of the current contract and relevant payments on loss of office are shown below. If a new CEO or another Executive Director was appointed, similar contractual terms would apply, other than where the Remuneration Committee determines that different terms should apply for reasons specific to the individual or circumstances.

The CEO’s current contract has no fixed term. It can be terminated by BHP on 12 months’ notice. BHP can terminate the contract immediately by paying base salary plus pension contributions for the notice period. The CEO must give 12 months’ notice for voluntary resignation(1). The table below sets out the basis on which payments on loss of office may be made.

Leaving reason (2)(3)

Voluntary

resignation

Termination for
cause

Death, serious

injury, illness,

disability or total

and permanent

disablement

Cessation of

employment as agreed

with the Board (4)

Base salary

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

•  No payment will be made.

•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

Pension contributions

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

•  No contributions will be provided.

•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

Benefits

•  May continue to be provided during the notice period.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will lapse.

•  No benefits will be provided.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will lapse.

•  May continue to be provided for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will vest in full.

•  May continue to be provided for year in which employment ceases.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will vest in full.

Leaving reason (2)(3)

Voluntary

resignation

Termination for
cause

Death, serious

injury, illness,

disability or total

and permanent

disablement

Cessation of

employment as agreed

with the Board (4)

CDP/STIP – cash and deferred shares

Where the CEO leaves either during or after the end of the financial year, but before an award is provided.

•  No cash award will be paid.

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  No cash award will be paid.

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year.

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will vest in full and, where applicable become exercisable.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year.

•  Unvested two-year CDP/STIP deferred shares and a pro rata portion (based on the proportion of the vesting period served) of unvested five-year CDP deferred shares continue to be held on the existing terms for the deferral period before vesting (subject to Committee discretion to lapse some or all of the award).

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

LTIP – unvested and vested but unexercised awards

•  Unvested awards will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  Unvested awards will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  Unvested awards will vest in full.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for remaining exercise period.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  A pro rata portion of unvested awards (based on the proportion of the performance period served) will continue to be held subject to the LTIP rules and terms of grant. The balance will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

(1)

Notice period for voluntary resignation updated to reflect the terms of the new Executive Director and CEO employment contract effective on 1 January 2020.

(2)

If the Committee deems it necessary, BHP may enter into agreements with a CEO, which may include the settlement of liabilities in return for payment(s), including reimbursement of legal fees subject to appropriate conditions; or to enter into new arrangements with the departing CEO (for example, entering into consultancy arrangements).

(3)

In the event of a change in control event (for example, takeover, compromise or arrangement, winding up of the Group) as defined in the CDP, STIP and LTIP rules:

base salary, pension contributions and benefits will be paid until the date of the change of control event

in relation to the CDP and STIP: the Committee may determine that a cash payment be made in respect of performance during the current financial year and all unvested two-year deferred shares would vest in full and, in relation to the CDP, all unvested five-year deferred shares would vest prorata (based on the proportion of the vesting period served up to the date of the change of control event)

the Committee may determine that unvested LTIP awards will either (i) be prorated (based on the proportion of the performance period served up to the date of the change of control event) and vest to the extent the Committee determines appropriate (with reference to performance against the performance condition up to the date of the change of control event and expectations regarding future performance) or (ii) be lapsed if the Committee determines the holders will participate in an acceptable alternative employee equity plan as a term of the change of control event

(4)

Defined as occurring when a participant leaves BHP due to forced early retirement, retrenchment or redundancy, termination by mutual agreement or retirement with the agreement of the Group, or such other circumstances that do not constitute resignation or termination for cause.

Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors

Our Non-executive Directors are paid in line with the UK Corporate Governance Code (2018 edition) and the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition).

3.2.6    Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component

Remuneration component

and link to strategy

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Fees

Competitive base fees are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals, and to provide appropriate remuneration for the role undertaken.

Committee fees are provided to recognise the additional responsibilities, time and commitment required.

•  The Chair is paid a single fee for all responsibilities.

•  Non-executive Directors are paid a base fee and relevant committee membership fees.

•  Committee Chairs and the Senior Independent Director are paid an additional fee to reflect their extra responsibilities.

•  All fee levels are reviewed annually and any changes are effective from 1 July.

•  Fees are set at a competitive level based on benchmarks and advice provided by external advisers. Fee levels reflect the size and complexity of the Group, the multi-jurisdictional environment arising from the DLC structure, the multiple stock exchange listings and the geographies in which the Group operates. The economic environment and the financial performance of the Group are taken into account. Consideration is also given to salary reviews across the rest of the Group.

•  Where the payment of pension contributions is required by law, these contributions are deducted from the Director’s overall fee entitlements.

8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on a per fee basis.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Benefits

Competitive benefits are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals and adequately remunerate them for the role undertaken, including the considerable travel burden.

•  Travel allowances are paid on a per-trip basis reflecting the considerable travel burden imposed on members of the Board as a consequence of the global nature of the organisation and apply when a Director needs to travel internationally to attend a Board meeting or site visits at our multiple geographic locations.

•  As a consequence of the DLC structure, Non-executive Directors are required to prepare personal tax returns in Australia and the UK, regardless of whether they reside in one or neither of those countries. They are accordingly reimbursed for the costs of personal tax return preparation in whichever of the UK and/or Australia is not their place of residence (including payment of the tax cost associated with the provision of the benefit).

8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on a per-trip basis.

Up to a limit not exceeding 20% of fees.

Variable pay (CDP and LTIP)

•  Non-executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any CDP or LTIP award arrangements.

Payments on early termination

•  There are no provisions in any of the Non-executive Directors’ appointment arrangements for compensation payable on early termination of their directorship.

(1)

UK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase that is annualised it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the regulations.

Approach to recruitment remuneration

The ongoing remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited Non-executive Director will reflect the remuneration policy in place for other Non-executive Directors, comprising fees and benefits as set out in the table above. No variable remuneration (CDP and LTIP award arrangements) will be provided to newly recruited Non-executive Directors.

Letters of appointment and policy on loss of office

The standard letter of appointment for Non-executive Directors is available at bhp.com. The Board has adopted a policy consistent with the UK Corporate Governance Code, under which all Non-executive Directors must seek re-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. As such, no Non-executive Directors seeking re-election have an unexpired term in their letter of appointment. A Non-executive Director may resign on reasonable notice. No payments are made to Non-executive Directors on loss of office.

3.2.7    How remuneration policy is set

The Remuneration Committee sets the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. The Committee is briefed on and considers prevailing market conditions, the competitive environment and the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce. The Committee takes into account the annual base salary increases for our employee population when determining any change in the CEO’s base salary. Salary increases in Australia, where the CEO is located, are particularly relevant as they reflect the local economic conditions.

The principles that underpin the remuneration policy for the CEO are the same as those that apply to other employees, although the CEO’s arrangements have a greater emphasis on and a higher proportion of remuneration in the form of performance-related variable pay. Similarly, the performance measures used to determine variable pay outcomes for the CEO and all other employees are linked to the delivery of our strategy and behaviours that are aligned to the values in Our Charter.

Although BHP does not consult directly with employees on CEO and other Executive KMP remuneration, the Group conducts regular employee engagement surveys that give employees an opportunity to provide feedback on a wide range of employee matters. Further, many employees are ordinary shareholders through our all-employee share purchase plan, Shareplus, and therefore have the opportunity to vote on AGM resolutions. In addition, in line with changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Remuneration Committee is considering additional means of engaging with the workforce to explain how executive remuneration aligns with wider Group pay policy.

As part of the Board’s commitment to good governance, the Committee also considers shareholder views, together with those of the wider community, when setting the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. We are committed to engaging and communicating with shareholders regularly and, as our shareholders are spread across the globe, we are proactive with our engagement on remuneration and governance matters with institutional shareholders and investor representative organisations. Feedback from shareholders and investors is shared with and used as input into decision-making by the Board and Remuneration Committee in respect of our remuneration policy and its application. The Committee considers that this approach provides a robust mechanism to ensure Directors are aware of matters raised, have a good understanding of current shareholder views, and can formulate policy and make decisions as appropriate. We encourage shareholders to always make their views known to us by directly contacting our Investor Relations team (contact details available at bhp.com).

3.3    Annual report on remuneration

This section of the Report shows the impact of the remuneration policy in FY2020 and how remuneration outcomes are linked to actual performance.

Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)

3.3.1    Single total figure of remuneration

This section shows a single total figure of remuneration as prescribed under UK requirements. It is a measure of actual remuneration received, rather than a figure calculated in accordance with IFRS (which is detailed in note 24 ‘Employee share ownership plan’ section 5). As Mike Henry assumed the role of CEO and became an Executive Director on 1 January 2020, the FY2020 actual remuneration shown relates to the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020. The FY2020 actual remuneration for Andrew Mackenzie relates to the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019, on which date he ceased to be CEO and an Executive Director. The components of remuneration are detailed in the remuneration policy table in section 3.2.1.

US$(’000)

      Base salary   Benefits (1)   Pension (2)   Total
fixed
   CDP/
STIP (3)
  LTIP (4)   Total
variable
   Single
total
figure
 

Mike Henry

   FY2020    850    6    85    941    1,959   3,169    5,128    6,069 

Andrew Mackenzie

   FY2020    850    55    213    1,118    1,306(5)   0    1,306    2,424 
   FY2019    1,700    100    425    2,225    1,306   0    1,306    3,531 

(1)

Includes private family health insurance, spouse business-related travel, car parking and personal tax return preparation in required countries.

(2)

Pension contributions for Andrew Mackenzie in FY2019 and FY2020 (until the date he ceased as CEO and Executive Director) were made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 25 per cent of base salary). Mike Henry’s FY2020 pension contributions were also made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 10 per cent of base salary which applied for a new Executive Director appointment). Pension contributions for both were made into the international retirement plan.

(3)

FY2020 CDP award is provided one-third in cash and two-thirds in deferred equity (on the terms of the CDP) as shown in the table below. FY2019 STIP award was provided half in cash and half in deferred equity (on the terms of the STIP) as shown in the table below. No discretion was applied to the STIP awards when determining vesting of awards in FY2019 or FY2020.

(4)

Mike Henry’s LTIP award value is based on the full award he received in 2015 when he was President Coal (prior to becoming, and with no proration applied for time as, CEO and Executive Director). The value is based on 48 per cent of the award vesting, including a DEP amount of US$0.548 million paid in shares. The value delivered through share price appreciation between the date of grant and the vesting date was US$1.410 million. The value of Andrew Mackenzie’s vested LTIP award (which vested after Andrew retired from BHP) is detailed in section 3.3.24. No discretion was applied to the LTIP awards when determining vesting of awards for FY2020.

(5)

Andrew Mackenzie’s prorated CDP award for FY2020 was provided as cash covering the one-third cash component and the two-year deferred equity component. Nothing has been or will be granted or paid in respect of the remaining one-third, i.e. the five-year deferred equity award.

For Mike Henry, the single total figure of remuneration is calculated on the basis of his appointment on 1 January 2020. There have been no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contribution since that date. For Andrew Mackenzie, the single total figure of remuneration is calculated on the on the basis of his period as CEO and Executive Director up until 31 December 2019. There were no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contributions prior to the date of his cessation as CEO and Executive Director. Details of remuneration received in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020 are set out in section 3.3.24. Changes from prior year outcomes of CDP/STIP and LTIP are set out below.

CDP / STIP

LTIP

Mike HenryFY2020CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. One-third was provided in cash in September 2020, one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2023, and one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2026.Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2020, 48 per cent of Mike’s 192,360 awards from the 2015 LTIP (granted to him when he was President Coal before he was appointed CEO and Executive Director) have vested, and the remaining awards have lapsed. The value of the vested awards is inclusive of a DEP, which is paid in shares.
Andrew MackenzieFY2020Prorated CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. Two-thirds of the award was paid in cash in September 2020 covering the cash and two-year deferred equity portion. Nothing has been or will be granted or paid in respect of the remaining one-third of the award i.e. the five-year deferred equity portion.Details of Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award (which vested after Andrew retired from BHP) are set out in section 3.3.24.
FY2019STIP awarded for FY2019 performance. Half was provided in cash in September 2019 and half deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2022.Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2019, all of Andrew’s 224,859 awards from the 2014 LTIP did not vest and have lapsed. The value of the awards is zero and no DEP has been paid in respect of these awards.

3.3.2    FY2020 CDP performance outcomes

The Board and Remuneration Committee assessed both CEOs’ CDP outcomes (for the period they were, respectively, in the CEO role) in light of the Group’s performance in FY2020, taking into account each CEO’s performance against the KPIs in their CDP scorecards. Despite strong operational and financial performance in FY2020, when assessing performance against the targets set at the commencement the year the Board and Committee determined that the CDP outcome for Mike Henry for FY2020 is 96 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which represents an outcome of 64 per cent against maximum) and that the CDP outcome for Andrew Mackenzie for FY2020 is also 96 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which also represents an outcome of 64 per cent against maximum). The Board and Committee believe these outcomes are appropriately aligned with the shareholder experience and the interests of the Group’s other stakeholders.

The CEOs’ CDP scorecard outcomes for FY2020 are summarised in the following tables, including a narrative description of each performance measure and the CEOs’ level of achievement, as determined by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board. The level of performance for each measure is determined based on a range of thresholds (the minimum necessary to qualify for any reward outcome), target (where the performance requirements are met), and maximum (where the performance requirements are significantly exceeded).

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HSEC

The HSEC targets for the CEOs are aligned to the Group’s suite of HSEC five-year public targets as set out in section 1.7. As it has done for several years, the Remuneration Committee seeks guidance each year from the Sustainability Committee when assessing HSEC performance against scorecard targets. The Remuneration Committee has taken a holistic view of Group performance in critical areas, including any matters outside the scorecard targets which the Sustainability Committee considers relevant.

The performance commentary below is provided against the scorecard targets, which were set on the basis of operated assets only.

HSEC measures

Scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure outcome

FatalitiesNil fatalities at operated assets.

The weighting of fatalities is 10 percentage points of the 25 percentage points allocated to the HSEC category, and represents the greatest weighting of all HSEC items. Our imperative as a Group is to continue to build our focus on fatality prevention and safety through leadership, verification and effective risk management. Historically, this fatality measure has had a zero outcome in years where a fatality occurred.

There were no fatalities during FY2020 at operated assets, and accordingly the maximum outcome against this measure has been awarded.

Maximum.
Environmental and community incidentsNil significant environmental and community incidents at operated assets.There were no significant environmental and community incidents during FY2020 at operated assets. This element carries a lesser weighting than for fatalities, as there have historically not been as many significant incidents.Target.
HPIF, TRIF and OIFImproved performance compared with FY2019 results.HPIF is a critical lead indicator which provides insight into our performance on preventing future fatalities. It decreased year-on-year by 23% during FY2020. TRIF performance in FY2020 of 4.2 is also lower by 11% than the 4.7 recorded in FY2019. In addition, OIF performance in FY2020 of 2.46 is lower by 7% than the 2.64 recorded last year.Between target and maximum, closer to maximum.
Risk management

Operated assets to have controls for fatal risks verified as part of Field Leadership activities with fatal risk control improvement plans developed and executed and increased levels of in-field coaching.

Achieve 90% compliance for critical control verification and execution tasks.

All operated assets substantially increased levels of coaching of Field Leadership, thereby improving the quality of leader engagement, which exceeded target. The reduction in the rates of identified critical control failures was ahead of target. The implementation of critical control observation schedules covering all critical controls and improved discipline in closing actions created when critical controls have failed were in line with targets set.Above target.
Health, environmental and community and social value initiativesAll operated assets to achieve 100% of planned targets in respect of occupational exposure reduction, mental health, water and GHG, social value plans, quality of life, community perceptions and community complaints.Targeted asset level improvements were exceeded for mental health activities and social value and community plans and activities (which have all been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic), and targets were met in respect of GHG reduction. However, we fell short on occupational exposure reduction targets and, despite meeting our water withdrawal reduction target, didn’t complete certain asset level actions regarding our water stewardship.Target overall (i.e. a blend of the above, on and below target).

The outcome against the HSEC KPI for FY2020 was 32 per cent against the target of 25 per cent. As a Group-level outcome, this applied to both Mike and Andrew for their time as CEO.

Financial

ROCE is underlying profit after taxation (excluding after-taxation finance costs and exceptional items) divided by average capital employed. ROCE is the key financial KPI against which CDP outcomes for our senior executives are measured and is, in our view, a relevant measure to assess the financial performance of the Group for this purpose. While ROCE excludes exceptional items, the Remuneration Committee reviews each exceptional item to assess if it should be included in the result for the purposes of deriving the ROCE CDP outcome.

When we are assessing management’s performance, we make adjustments to the ROCE result to allow for changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange movements and other material items to ensure the assessment appropriately measures outcomes that are within the control and influence of the Group and its executives. Of these, changes in commodity prices have historically been the most material due to volatility in prices and the impact on Group revenue and ROCE.

Financial
measure

Scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure
outcome
ROCE

For FY2020, the target for ROCE was 19.9%, with a threshold of 16.3% and a maximum of 21.1%.

The target ROCE is derived from the Group’s approved annual budget. It is the Group’s practice to build a material element of stretch performance into the budget. Achievement of this stretching ROCE target will result in a target CDP outcome. The threshold and maximum are a fair range of ROCE outcomes that represent a lower limit of underperformance below which no CDP award should be made, and an upper limit of outperformance that would represent the maximum CDP award.

Because a material element of stretch performance is built into the budget (and hence the ROCE target derived from the budget), together with physical and regulatory asset constraints, the performance range around target is subject to a greater level of downside risk than there is upside opportunity. Accordingly, the range between threshold and target is greater than that between target and maximum. For maximum, the Committee takes care not to create leveraged incentives that encourage executives to push for short-term performance that goes beyond our risk appetite and current operational capacity. The Committee retains, and has a track record of applying, downward discretion to ensure that the CDP outcome is appropriately aligned with the overall performance of the Group for the year, and is fair to management and shareholders.

ROCE of 16.9% was reported by BHP for FY2020. Adjusted for the factors outlined below, ROCE is 18.2%, which is below target. The following adjustments were made to ensure the outcomes appropriately reflect the performance of management for the year:

•   The impacts of movements in commodities prices and exchange rates increased ROCE by 1.2%.

•   Adjustments for other material items ordinarily made to ensure the outcomes reflect the performance of management for the year increased ROCE by 0.3%, mainly due to the exclusion of the impacts of unusually severe weather events during FY2020.

•   Having reviewed the FY2020 exceptional items (as described in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5), the Committee determined they should not be considered for the purposes of determining the ROCE CDP outcome, with the exception of the exceptional item in relation to the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic on BHP’s FY2020 results. The Committee concluded that, while this was outside the control of management, the direct costs and volume impacts of COVID-19 should flow through to the ROCE outcomes for CDP scorecard purposes. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This adjustment reduced ROCE by 0.2%. Beyond this, the Committee concluded that no further action was required in respect of exceptional items.

The key drivers of the ROCE performance being below target at 18.2% were:

•   In Minerals Australia and despite record volumes at Western Australia Iron Ore, Caval Ridge and Poitrel and record coal mined at Broadmeadow, production was lower than expected at Western Australian Iron Ore, Coal and Olympic Dam due mainly to reliability issues and shutdown timing, together with higher maintenance and contractor costs.

•   In Minerals Americas lower production than expected at Escondida (despite mill throughout being at record levels) and Pampa Norte due to unplanned maintenance, equipment failures and lower recoveries, partly offset by better than expected cost performance.

•   In Petroleum lower market demand for petroleum products resulted in lower than expected production volumes at Trinidad and Bass Strait, particularly in the last quarter of FY2020, together with extended maintenance in Australia impacting volumes, partly offset by better than expected cost performance.

Below
target.

The outcome against the ROCE KPI for FY2020 was 39 per cent against the target of 50 per cent. As a Group-level outcome, this outcome applied to Mike and Andrew for their time as CEO.

Individual performance measures for the CEOs

Individual measures for the CEOs are determined at the commencement of the financial year (or at the time of appointment for a new CEO). The application of personal measures remains an important element of effective performance management. These measures seek to provide a balance between the financial and non-financial performance requirements that maintain our position as a leader in our industry. The CEOs’ individual measures for FY2020 included contribution to BHP’s overall performance and the management team, and also the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of the CEO role as specified by the Board, as set out in the tables below.

Mike Henry

Individual
measures

Individual scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure
outcome

Safety and sustainability

•   Future plan for reduction in near misses.

•   Risk management embedded.

•   Climate change next steps.

•   Near misses reduced significantly in FY2020 from FY2019; analysis completed and future action plans completed to achieve further significant reductions.

•   Material risks recorded appropriately, and agreed risk appetites being embedded in the business.

•   Next stage of climate change plans delivered.

Target.
Performance

•   Team restructuring.

•   BHP Operating System implementation.

•   Gender representation advanced.

•   New ELT members appointed, Technology and Transformation restructured, World Class Functions benefits accelerated, Operations Committee established.

•   BHP Operating System deployment proceeding according to plan, with volume and safety benefits delivered, as well as supporting compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

•   Positive improvements in gender representation in the second half, after a slow start to FY2020. By 30 June 2020 gender diversity had increased 2.0 percentage points to 26.5%, up from 24.5% at 30 June 2019, for a cumulative increase of 8.9 percentage points from 17.6% at 30 June 2016.

Target.
Portfolio

•   Portfolio value improvement.

•   Strategy review improvement.

•   Samarco strategy implemented.

•   Significant progress achieved on portfolio enhancement activities in spite of the challenges faced during the year with COVID-19, social unrest in Chile and unprecedented market volatility in oil and gas, including progressing agreed capital and operational options and projects at Petroleum, Escondida, Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and Olympic Dam.

•   Developed an improved review process for our portfolio and strategy around existing portfolio and growth options, and successfully conducted a large portion of the process, including significant Board engagement. The process is ongoing and will complete during 2020.

•   While the agreed Samarco strategy has been executed consistent with the principles to achieve fair and reasonable compensation and remediation, there have been some delays due to COVID-19 and further work and focus is required in FY2021. Insurance recoveries have been progressed, class actions are being actively managed and the first phase of dam decommissioning has been approved.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above, on and below target).
Tailings dams

•   Tailings Dam Taskforce work.

•   Long-term strategy development.

•   Delivered the work of the Tailings Dam Taskforce in accordance with agreed plans, schedules and targets, together with accelerating dam remediation activities across the Group.

•   Developed a long-term tailings management strategy to deliver step change risk reduction within 10 years.

Target.

Andrew Mackenzie

Individual
measures

Individual scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure
outcome

Performance

•   Deliver value through Transformation.

•   Risk management embedded.

•   BHP Operating System implementation, value chain automation and World Class Functions activities on-track.

•   Material risks being recorded appropriately, and agreed risk appetites being embedded in the business.

Target.
Tailings dams

•   Tailings Dam Taskforce work.

•   Long-term strategy development.

•   Progressed the work of the Tailings Dam Taskforce in accordance with agreed plans, schedules and targets.

•   Progressed a long-term tailings management strategy to deliver step change risk reduction within 10 years.

Target.
Portfolio

•   Maximise the value of the current portfolio.

•   Progress delivery of value and returns from future options.

•   Exploration success.

•   Identified projects and options in Petroleum, Escondida, Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and Olympic Dam progressed according to plans.

•   Future option projects continue to progress well, including identified options in Petroleum, Copper and Potash.

•   Achieved positive exploration outcomes, with extensions to the lives and reserves of conventional oil and gas fields.

Target.
Culture and capability

•   Gender representation advanced.

•   Maintain a robust succession slate.

•   Notwithstanding positive improvements in gender representation in the second half, there was a slow start to FY2020 in the first half. By 31 December 2019 gender diversity had increased to 24.8%, up from 24.5% at 30 June 2019.

•   A robust slate of potential successors to the CEO role and other ELT roles has been achieved through a deliberate focus on a strong long-term talent pool of candidates, evidenced by internal appointments to several key roles during the year.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above and below target).
Social value

•   Manage risks to protect operating licence.

•   Samarco strategy implemented.

•   Create opportunities to enhance social value.

•   Continued to manage risks by meeting commitments to our workforce, partners, communities and governments through health and safety, the public commitment to and implementation of the climate change strategy including an action plan around our public commitments, and managing water permits, Native Title agreements and social investments.

•   Progress made in implementing the agreed Samarco strategy, however there were some delays and further work and focus required.

•   Continued to work closely with our communities and collaborate with various local, regional and global stakeholders, new employment models are building better outcomes for employees, and have a leading position on social value through placing a high value on the long-term needs of society and the environment.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above, on and below target).

Overall, it was considered that the performance of both Mike and Andrew against their individual measures KPI was as expected for their respective periods as CEO. Accordingly, they were each awarded an outcome of 25 per cent, which is equal to target.

3.3.3    LTIP performance outcomes

LTIP vesting based on performance to June 2020

The five-year performance period for the 2015 LTIP ended on 30 June 2020. Mike Henry’s 2015 LTIP award comprised 192,360 awards (granted as President Coal prior to his appointment as CEO) and Andrew Mackenzie’s 2015 LTIP award comprised 322,765 awards (reduced from 339,753 awards originally granted prorated for time served at the time of departure). Vesting is subject to achievement of the relative TSR performance conditions and any discretion applied by the Remuneration Committee (see section 3.3.5).

Testing the performance condition

For the award to vest in full, TSR must exceed the Peer Group TSR (for 67 per cent of the award) and the Index TSR (for 33 per cent of the award) by an average of 5.5 per cent per year for five years, being 30.7 per cent in total compounded over the performance period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2020. TSR includes returns to BHP shareholders in the form of share price movements along with dividends paid and reinvested in BHP (including cash and in-specie dividends).

BHP’s TSR performance was positive 29.0 per cent over the five-year period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2020. This is above the weighted median Peer Group TSR of positive 9.6 per cent and below the Index TSR of positive 38.5 per cent over the same period. This level of performance results in 48 per cent vesting for the 2015 LTIP award, and accordingly 48 per cent of Mike Henry’s awards and Andrew Mackenzie’s retained awards have vested, and 52 per cent have lapsed. No compensation or DEP was paid in relation to the lapsed awards. The value of Mike’s vested 2015 LTIP award has been reported in section 3.3.1 and the value of Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award has been reported in section 3.3.24.

The graph below shows BHP’s performance relative to comparator groups.

BHP vs. Peer Group and Index TSR over the 2015 LTIP cycle

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3.3.4    LTIP allocated during FY2020

Following shareholder approval at the 2019 AGMs, LTIP awards (in the form of performance rights) were granted to Mike Henry (in his role as President Minerals Australia) and Andrew Mackenzie (in his role as CEO) on 20 November 2019. The first LTIP grant to be made to Mike as the new CEO under the terms of the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 will be awarded in late CY2020 and will be made on the reduced 200 per cent of base salary (face value).

The face value and fair value of the awards granted on 20 November 2019 are shown in the table below. The face value of Mike’s award is 350 per cent of his base salary of US$1.100 million at the time of grant. The face value of Andrew’s award is 400 per cent of his base salary of US$1.700 million.

The fair value of the awards is ordinarily calculated by multiplying the face value of the award by the fair value factor of 41 per cent (for the current plan design, as determined by the independent adviser to the Committee).The number of LTIP awards for both Mike and Andrew as detailed below was determined based on the US$ face value of base salary and calculated using the average share price and US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2019.

   

Number of LTIP
awards

  

Face value

US$(‘000)

  

Face value

% of salary

  

Fair value

US$(‘000)

  

Fair value

% of salary

  

% of max(1)

Mike Henry

  153,631  3,850  350  1,579  144  100

Andrew Mackenzie

      271,348(2)  6,800  400  2,788  164  100

(1)

The allocation is 100 per cent of the maximum award that was able to be provided under the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs.

(2)

Subsequently reduced to 40,702 awards on a pro rata basis for time served.

Terms of the LTIP award

In addition to those LTIP terms set in the remuneration policy for the CEO approved by shareholders in 2019, the Remuneration Committee has determined:

Performance period

•   1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024

Performance conditions

•   An averaging period of six months will be used in the TSR calculations.

•   BHP’s TSR relative to the weighted median TSR of sector peer companies selected by the Committee (Peer Group TSR) and the MSCI World index (Index TSR) will determine the vesting of 67% and 33% of the award, respectively.

•   Each company in the peer group is weighted by market capitalisation. The maximum weighting for any one company is 25% and the minimum is set at 0.4% to reduce sensitivity to any single peer company.

•   For the whole of either portion of the award to vest, BHP’s TSR must be at or exceed the weighted 80th percentile of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Threshold vesting (25% of each portion of the award) occurs where BHP’s TSR equals the weighted 50th percentile of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the weighted 50th and 80th percentiles.

Sector peer group companies(1)(2)

•   Resources (85%): Anglo American, Fortescue Metals, Freeport-McMoRan, Glencore, Rio Tinto, Southern Copper, Teck Resources, Vale.

•   Oil and gas (15%): Anadarko Petroleum(3), Apache, BP, Canadian Natural Res., Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell, Woodside Petroleum.

(1)

From December 2016, BG Group and Peabody Energy were removed from the comparator group. BG Group was acquired by Royal Dutch Shell and Peabody Energy had become a significantly less comparable peer.

(2)

From November 2018, CONSOL Energy was removed from the comparator group, as due to its internal restructuring it had become a less comparable peer.

(3)

Anadarko Petroleum was acquired by Occidental Petroleum in August 2019.

3.3.5    Overarching discretion and vesting underpin

The rules of the CDP, LTIP and STIP and the terms and conditions of the awards give the Committee an overarching discretion to reduce the number of awards that will vest, notwithstanding the fact that the performance condition for partial or full vesting, as tested following the end of the performance period, or the relevant service conditions, have been met.

This holistic, qualitative judgement, which is applied as an underpin test before final vesting is confirmed, is an important risk management tool to ensure vesting is not simply driven by a formula or the passage of time that may give unexpected or unintended remuneration outcomes.

The Committee considers its discretion carefully each year. It considers performance holistically over the five-year period, including a five-year ’look back’ on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

Having undertaken this review, the Committee considered its discretion in respect of equity awards due to vest in August 2020. In respect of the STIP two-year deferred shares (granted in November 2018 in respect of performance in FY2018), the Committee chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed the STIP awards to vest in full. In respect of the LTIP five-year performance shares (granted in December 2015), the formulaic outcome of the 2015 LTIP was a 48 per cent vesting. Having undertaken the ‘look back’ review, the Committee concluded the vesting outcome was appropriate given Group and individual performance, and chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed 48 per cent of the LTIP awards to vest. There is no upwards discretion available to the Remuneration Committee in respect of the LTIP, as the overarching discretion may only reduce the number of awards that may vest.

3.3.6    CEO remuneration and returns to shareholders

10-year CEO remuneration

The table below shows the single total figure of remuneration for Mike Henry, Andrew Mackenzie and Marius Kloppers over the last 10 years along with the proportion of maximum opportunity earned for each type of incentive.

Executive DirectorBusiness Risk and Audit Committees

Business Risk and Audit Committees (Business RACs), covering each asset group, assist management in providing the information to enable the RAC to fulfil its responsibilities. They are management committees and perform an important monitoring function in the governance of BHP. Meetings take place annually as part of our financial governance framework.

As management committees, the appropriate member of the ELT participates, but the committee is chaired by a member of the RAC. Each committee also includes the Group Financial Controller, the Chief Risk Officer and the Group Assurance Officer.

Significant operational and risk matters raised at Business RAC meetings are reported to the RAC by management.

Risk function

The Executive Director, Andrew Mackenzie,Risk function’s role is not considered independent becauseto create and maintain the Group’s Risk Framework, and to support, verify, oversee and provide insight on the effective application of his executive responsibilities. Mr Mackenzie does not hold directorships in any other company included in the ASX 100 or FTSE 100.

Conflicts of interestRisk Framework for all risks, including strategic, operational and emerging risks.

The UK Companies Act 2006 requires that BHP Directors avoid a situation where they have or can have an unauthorised direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict,RAC assists the Board with the Group’s interests, unless approved bynon-interested Directors.oversight of risk management, although the Board retains accountability for BHP’s risk profile. In accordance withaddition, the UK Companies Act 2006, BHP Group Plc’s ArticlesBoard requires the CEO to implement a system of Association allowcontrol for identifying and managing risk. The Directors, through the Directors to authorise conflicts and potential conflicts where appropriate. A procedure operates to ensureRAC, review the disclosure of conflicts and forsystems that have been established, regularly review the consideration and, if appropriate, the authorisationeffectiveness of those conflicts bynon-conflicted Directors.systems and monitor that necessary actions have been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified from that review. The Nomination and Governance Committee supports the Board in this process by reviewing requests from Directors for authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflict and making recommendationsRAC regularly reports to the Board and by regularly reviewing any situations of actual or potential conflict that have previously been authorised byto enable the Board to review our Risk Framework at least annually to confirm that the Risk Framework continues to be sound and making recommendations regarding whetherthat BHP is operating with regard to the authorisation remains appropriate. In addition, in accordance with Australian law, if a situation arises for consideration in which a Director has a material personal interest, the affected Director takes no part in decision-making unless authorised bynon-interested Directors. Provisions for Directors’ interests arerisk appetite set out in the Constitution of BHP Group Limited.

In FY2019, there was one occasion where a commercial dealing between BHP and Orica was considered by the Board. At its June 2019 meeting, the Board considered a prospective explosives contract between BHPA review was undertaken during FY2020, resulting in refinements to BHP’s Risk Framework. For more information, refer to section 1.5.4.

Internal Audit

The Internal Audit function is carried out by Internal Audit and Orica. On that occasion, relevant papers were withheldAdvisory (IAA). IAA provides assurance on whether risk management, internal control and both Mr Broomheadgovernance processes are adequate and Mr Cockerill stepped outfunctioning. The Internal Audit function is independent of the meeting room. They therefore played no roleExternal Auditor. The RAC evaluates and, if thought fit, approves the terms of reference of IAA, the staffing levels and its scope of work to ensure it is appropriate in light of the decision-making, in accordance with relevant legal requirementskey risks we face. It also reviews and approves the BHP Articlesannual internal audit plan and monitors and reviews the effectiveness of Association and Constitution.

2.11    Board evaluationthe internal audit activities.

The Board is committed to transparency in assessingRAC approves the performance of Directors. The Board conducts regular evaluations of its performance, the performance of its committees, the Chairman, individual Directorsappointment and the governance processes that support the Board’s work. The Board evaluation process comprises both assessment and review, as summarised in the diagram below.

The evaluation considers the balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledgedismissal of the Group Assurance Officer and assesses their performance, independence and objectivity. The position was held throughout the period by Rama Devarajan who reported directly to the RAC. During the period, functional oversight of IAA was provided by the Chief External Affairs Officer.

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management (RAC and Board)

In delegating authority to the CEO, the Board its overall diversity,has established CEO limits, outlined in the Board Governance Document. Limits on the CEO’s authority require the CEO to ensure there is a system of control in place for identifying and managing risk in BHP. Through the RAC, the Directors regularly review these systems for their effectiveness. These reviews include assessing whether processes continue to meet evolving external governance requirements.

The RAC oversees and reviews the internal controls and risk management systems. Any material breaches of Our Code, including gender diversity,breaches of our anti-bribery and howcorruption requirements, as well as any material incidents reported under our ‘speaking up with confidence’ requirements are reported quarterly to the Board works together as a unit.

Evaluation process

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 *

May be internally or externally facilitated assessment. Our approach is to conduct an externally facilitated assessment of the Board or Directors and committees at least every three years.

Directors provide anonymous feedback on their peers’ performance and individual contributionsRAC by the Chief Compliance Officer. These reports are then communicated to the Board which is passedthrough the report-out process. In undertaking this role, the RAC reviews:

procedures for identifying, assessing and managing material risks and controlling their impact on the Group, and other stakeholders where relevant, and the operational effectiveness of these procedures

processes and systems for managing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting

the Group’s strategy and standards for insurance

the Group’s standards and procedures for reporting reserves and resources

the Group’s standards and procedures for closure and rehabilitation provision

standards and practices for detecting, reporting and preventing fraud, serious breaches of business conduct and whistle-blowing procedures supporting reporting to the Committee

procedures for ensuring compliance with relevant Director viaregulatory and legal requirements

arrangements for the Chairman. In respectprotection of the Chairman’sGroup’s information and data systems and other non-physical assets

operational effectiveness of the Business RAC structures

overseeing the adequacy of the internal controls and allocation of responsibilities for monitoring internal financial controls

Section 1.5.4 includes a description of the Group’s principal risks that could result in events or circumstances that might threaten BHP’s business model, future performance, feedback is provided directlysolvency or liquidity and reputation and also provides an explanation of how those risks are managed.

During FY2020, management presented an assessment of the material risks facing BHP and the level of effectiveness of risk management over the material business risks. The reviews were overseen by the RAC, with findings and recommendations reported to the Senior Independent Director. External independent advisers are engagedBoard. In addition to assist with these processes, as necessary. The involvement of an independent third party has assisted in the evaluation processes being rigorous and fair, and ensuring continuous improvement in the operation ofconsidering key risks facing BHP, the Board and committees, as well asassessed the contributionseffectiveness of individual Directors.

Director assessment

The assessment of individual Directors focuses on the contribution of the Director tointernal controls over key risks identified through the work of the Board Committees.

The Board is satisfied with the effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems.

Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, the effectiveness of BHP’s internal control over financial reporting has been evaluated based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Controls – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as at 30 June 2020. There were no material weaknesses in BHP’s internal controls over financial reporting identified by management as at 30 June 2020.

BHP has engaged our independent registered public accounting firm, EY, to issue an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting for inclusion in the Financial Statements section of the Annual Report and the expectationsAnnual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during FY2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. This includes COVID-19, which only had a minor impact on internal controls over financial reporting in relation to both the number and nature of Directorscontrols that were impacted.

During FY2020, the RAC reviewed our compliance with the obligations imposed by SOX, including evaluating and documenting internal controls as specified inrequired by section 404 of SOX.

Management’s assessment of disclosure controls and procedures

Management, with the Group’s governance framework. The performanceparticipation of individual Directors is assessed against a rangeour CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of criteria, including the ability of the Director to:

focus on creating long-term shareholder value;

contribute to the development of strategy;

understand the major risks affecting BHP;

provide clear direction to management;

contribute to Board effectiveness;

151


contribute to discussions relating to organisational culture and behaviour;

commit the time required to fulfil the role and perform their responsibilities effectively;

listen to and respect the ideas of fellow Directors and members of management.

Board effectiveness

The effectiveness of the Boarddesign and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as a wholeat 30 June 2020. Disclosure controls and of its committees is assessed againstprocedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the accountabilities set outmaterial financial and non-financial information required to be disclosed by BHP, including in theBoard Governance Document reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarised and each committee’s terms of reference. Matters consideredreported on a timely basis and this information is accumulated and communicated to BHP’s management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation, management (including the CEO and CFO) has concluded that as at 30 June 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in evaluations include the:providing that reasonable assurance.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of discussionany system of disclosure controls and debate at Boardprocedures, including the possibility of human error and committee meetings;

effectivenessthe circumvention or overriding of the Board’scontrols and committees’ processesprocedures. Even effective disclosure controls and relationship with management;

quality and timelinessprocedures can only provide reasonable assurance of meeting agendas, Board and committee papers and secretariat support;

composition of the Board and each committee, focusing on the blend of skills, experience, independence and knowledge of the Group and its diversity, including geographic location, nationality and gender.

The process is managed by the Chairman, with feedback on the Chairman’s performance being provided to him by the Senior Independent Director. For information on the performance review process for executives, refer to section 2.15.

Assessments conducted in respect of FY2019

During FY2019, the Board commenced an external evaluation using Consilium, which has no other connection with the Group. This covered Board, Committee and Chairman effectiveness, along with an individual assessment of the Directors. The Board evaluation focused on Board performance, the value of individual contributions, training and development, Board and committee succession and composition, support provided by Group Governance, considerations for further improvement and external engagement. The evaluation included seeking feedback from the CEO, ELT, Group Company Secretary and senior management. These assessments were completed in early FY2020 and have been discussed with the Board.

In addition, a Board committee assessment was undertaken, which required each committee member to consider the relevant committee’s compliance with its respective terms of reference. The Board considered its compliance with theBoard Governance Document.

The outcomes of the assessment for each committee are set out in the following relevant sections.

Director review

An assessment of Directors’ performance was conducted in respect of FY2019. The assessments were undertaken with the assistance of an external service provider (Consilium), which does not have any other connection with the Group. TheConsilium-led assessment of the individual Directors focused on consistently taking the perspective of creating shareholder value, contributing to Board cohesion and effective relationships with fellow Directors, and committing the time required to fulfilachieving their role and effectively perform their responsibilities. Directors were specifically asked to comment on areas where their fellow directors contribute the greatest value and on potential areas for development.

Consilium sought feedback and provided it to the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director, and this was then discussed with the Directors. Feedback on the performance of the Chairman was discussed in a closed session without the Chairman or CEO present. The outcomes of the review supported the Board’s decision to endorse all Directors standing forre-election.

Board evaluation in action

A number of improvements were agreed and implemented following the FY2019 Board and committee evaluation. The key areas of agreed focus were to further enhance agenda planning; include an annual strategy day between the Board and the ELT, in addition to the strategy sessions held at each Board meeting; and provide further opportunities to increase the detailed understanding of the operations and transformation, including through updates to the Board induction program and continuation of asset reviews at Board meetings.

2.12    Board meetings and attendance

The Board meets as often as is appropriate to fulfil its role. Directors are required to allocate sufficient time to BHP to perform their responsibilities effectively, including adequate time to prepare for Board meetings. During the reporting year, the Board met 10 times, with eight of those meetings held in Australia and two in the United Kingdom. Regularly scheduled Board meetings generally run over three days (including committee meetings and Director training and development sessions).

Members of the ELT and other members of senior management attended meetings of the Board by invitation, with the CFO attending each meeting.

Attendance at Board and standing Board committee meetings during FY2019 is set out in the following table.

152control objectives.


BoardIn the design and Board Committee attendance in FY2019

  Board  Risk
and Audit
  Nomination and
Governance
  Remuneration  Sustainability  

Tenure as at 30 June 2019

  A  B  A  B  A  B  A  B  A  B   

Terry Bowen

  10   10   11   10 (2)                    1 year 9 months

Malcolm Broomhead

  10   10         6   6         5   5  9 years 3 months

Ian Cockerill

  2   2   2   2               2   2  3 months

Anita Frew

  10   9 (1)   11   11         5   5        3 years 10 months

Carolyn Hewson

  10   10         6   6   5   5        9 years 3 months

Susan Kilsby

  2   2               2   2        3 months

Andrew Mackenzie

  10   10                          6 years 3 months

Ken MacKenzie

  10   10         6   6         3   3  2 years 10 months

Lindsay Maxsted

  10   10   11   11                    8 years 3 months

John Mogford

  10   10                     5   5  1 year 9 months

Wayne Murdy

  5   5   5   5         2   2        Retired on 2 November 2018

Shriti Vadera

  10   10         6   6   5   5        8 years 5 months

Column A: Scheduled indicates the numberevaluation of scheduled andad-hoc meetings held during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or committee.

Column B: Attended indicates the number of scheduled andad-hoc meetings attended by the Director during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or committee. The following Directors were not able to attend certain meetings:

(1)

Ms Frew did not attend the meeting on 19 March due to an administrative oversight by BHP.

(2)

Mr Bowen was unable to attend the RAC meeting on 12 February due to a prior engagement.

2.13    Board committees

The Board has established committees to assist it in exercising its authority, including monitoring the performance of BHP to gain assurance that progress is being made towards the corporate purpose within the limits imposed by the Board.

Each of the permanent committees has terms of reference under which authority is delegated by the Board.

Group Governance provides secretariat services for each of the committees. Committee meeting agendas, papers and minutes are made available to all members of the Board. Subject to appropriateour disclosure controls and procedures, management was required to apply its judgement in evaluating the overriding scrutinycost-benefit relationship of the Board, Committee Chairmen are free to use whatever resources they consider necessary to discharge their responsibilities.

Reports from each of the committees follow.possible controls and procedures.

The terms of reference for each committeethe RAC are available online at bhp.com/governance.

2.13.1    Risk and Audit2.11     Sustainability Committee Report

Role and focus

The roleSustainability Committee assists the Board in overseeing the Group’s health, safety, environmental and community (HSEC) performance and governance responsibilities, and the adequacy of the RiskGroup’s HSEC framework.

The Group’s HSEC framework consists of:

the CEO limits outlined in the Board Governance Document. The Board Governance Document establishes the remit of the Board and delegates authority to the CEO, including in respect of the HSEC Management System, subject to CEO limits

the Sustainability Committee, which is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the adequacy of the Group’s HSEC Framework and AuditHSEC Management System (among other things)

the HSEC Management System, established by management in accordance with the CEO’s delegated authority. The HSEC Management System provides the processes, resources, structures and performance standards for the identification, management and reporting of HSEC risks and the investigation of any HSEC incidents

a robust and independent internal audit process overseen by the RAC, in accordance with its terms of reference

independent advice on HSEC matters, which may be requested by the Board and its Committees where deemed necessary in order to meet their respective obligations

Our approach to sustainability is reflected in Our Charter, which defines our values, purpose and how we measure success, and in our sustainability performance targets, which define our public commitments to HSEC. HSEC considerations are also taken into account in employee and executive remuneration. For more information, refer to Sustainability in section 1.7 and section 3.

The Committee (RAC)oversees the preparation and presentation of sustainability disclosures by management. This year, BHP has included material sustainability content in this Annual Report. The Sustainability Committee reviewed and recommended to the Board the approval of these disclosures in section 1.6 and 1.7 and the sustainability performance data in section 6.6, along with the Modern Slavery Statement FY2020. These disclosures identify our targets for HSEC matters and our performance against those targets. Our targets rely on fact-based measurement and quality data, and reflect a desire to move BHP to a position of industry leadership.

Our sustainability reporting, including additional case studies and a databook of key ESG and sustainability data is available at bhp.com.

For information on our material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and how we manage or intend to manage those risks, refer to section 1.5.4.

Activities of the Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee met five times during FY2020 and continued to assist the Board in monitoringits oversight of HSEC issues and performance. The Committee considered the decisions and actions ofGroup’s approach to climate change throughout the CEO and the Group and to gain assurance that progress is being made towards achieving the corporate purpose within the limits imposed by the Board, as set out in theBoard Governance Document.

153


The RAC discharges its responsibilities by overseeing:

the integrity of BHP’s Financial Statements and Annual Report;

the appointment, performance and remuneration of the External Auditor and integrity of the external audit process;

the effectiveness of the systems of risk management and internal control;

the plans, performance, objectivity and leadership of the Internal Audit function and the integrity of the internal audit process;

capital management (capital structure and funding, and capital management planning and initiatives) and other matters.

For moreyear. More information abouton our approach to risk management, refer to section 1.6.4.

The RAC met 11 times during FY2019. Information on meeting attendance by Committee members is included in the following table and information on Committee members’ qualifications, which includes competence relevant to the mining sector,climate change, is set out in section 2.2.1.1.7.8. For more information on our approach to tailings storage facilities, refer to section 1.7.10. The Committee also continues to monitor our water stewardship work and for more information on our water stewardship performance, see section 6.6.

In additionMembers of the Sustainability Committee also visited several sites during FY2020. During these site visits, Committee members received briefings on HSEC matters and the management of material HSEC risks, and met with key personnel. These visits offer access to a diverse cross-section of the workforce from frontline through to the regular business of the year, the Committee discussed mattersleadership team, including, those set out in the following diagram. The viability statementwhere possible, risk and the Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust risk assessment are in section 1.6.4. Statements relatingcontrol owners. During FY2020, several site visits were cancelled due to tendering of the external audit contract, significant matters relating to the Financial Statements and the process for evaluating the External Auditor are set out in the following diagram.COVID-19 restrictions.

Risk and AuditSustainability Committee members during the year

 

Name

  

Independent

  

Status

  

Attendance

Lindsay Maxsted (Chairman) (1)John Mogford (Chair from 7 November 2019)

  Yes  Member for whole period  11/115/5

Terry Bowen (2)Malcolm Broomhead (Chair until 6 November 2019)

  Yes  Member for whole period  10/115/5

Ian Cockerill

  Yes  Member from 1 April 2019for whole period  2/25/5

Gary Goldberg

YesMember from 1 February 20203/3

Committee activities in FY2020

Assurance and adequacy of HSEC framework and HSEC management system

Key HSEC risks, including tailings storage facility failure, climate change-related risks, and fatalities

Audit planning and reporting on HSEC risks and processes

Contractor management

Event management solution demonstration

Review of the HSE function and Group HSE Officer

Compliance and reporting

Compliance with HSEC legal and regulatory requirements

Updates on key legal and regulatory changes

Consideration of threshold for reporting HSEC matters to the Committee

Sustainability reporting, including consideration of processes for preparation and assurance provided by EY

Social value and ESG metrics

Performance

Performance of BHP on HSEC matters

Considering proposed HSEC key performance indicators (KPIs) for Key Management Personnel scorecard and considering performance against these KPIs

Monitoring against the FY2018–FY2022 HSEC performance targets

Update on Samarco remediation and the Fundação Renova

BHP tailings dam review and actions

Saraji mine fatality investigation

Performance and key issues on sustainable development and community relations, including community issues update

Social value update, including investor feedback

Scope 3 emissions goals

Medium-term operational (Scope 1 and 2) greenhouse gas emissions target

Link between climate change performance and executive remuneration

Other governance matters

Induction, training and development of Committee members

Site visits and site visit reports

Modern Slavery Statement FY2020

Sustainable development governance

Our approach to HSEC and sustainable development governance is characterised by:

the Sustainability Committee assisting the Board to oversee material HSEC matters and risks across BHP, including seeking continuous improvement and policy advocacy as applicable

management having primary responsibility for the design and implementation of an effective HSEC management system

management having accountability for HSEC performance

the HSE function and Community sub-function providing advice and guidance directly to the Sustainability Committee and the Board

the Board, Sustainability Committee and management seeking input and insight from external experts, such as the BHP Forum on Corporate Responsibility

clear links between executive remuneration and HSEC performance

For information on the key areas of focus for the Committee, management and the HSE function and Community sub-function, refer to section 1.7.

Social investment

We continued to monitor our progress on our social investment and met our target for investments in community programs. For more information, refer to section 1.7.9.

The terms of reference for the Sustainability Committee are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.12     Remuneration Committee Report

Role and focus

The Remuneration Committee assists the Board in overseeing:

the remuneration policy and its specific application to the CEO and other ELT members and its general application to all employees

the adoption of annual and long-term incentive plans

the determination of levels of reward for the CEO and approval of reward for other members of the ELT

the annual evaluation of the performance of the CEO, by giving guidance to the Chair

leaving entitlements

the preparation of the Remuneration Report for inclusion in the Annual Report

compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements associated with remuneration matters

the review, at least annually, of remuneration by gender

The Sustainability Committee and the RAC assist the Remuneration Committee in determining appropriate HSEC and financial metrics, respectively, to be included in senior executive scorecards and in assessing performance against those measures.

The Remuneration Committee met six times during FY2020 and also considered some matters out of session. Susan Kilsby was appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 7 November 2019. She served on the Committee from her appointment to the Board in April 2019, which provided an appropriate transition to become Chair. She also has relevant skills and experience, including her current appointment as the Chair of the remuneration committee of Diageo plc and as a member of the compensation committee of Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. She therefore satisfies the requirement for the incoming Chair to have served on a remuneration committee for at least 12 months.

Some of the items the Committee discussed are described below. For more information on the Committee’s work, refer to the Remuneration Report in section 3.

The terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee were updated following the release of the new versions of the UK Code and the ASX Fourth Edition. In addition, areas in need of clarification were identified during the recent ASIC Corporate Governance Taskforce’s review (e.g. how information flows to the Board).

Remuneration Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

Susan Kilsby (Chair from 7 November 2019)

YesMember for whole period6/6

Anita Frew

  Yes  Member for whole period  11/116/6

Wayne MurdyGary Goldberg

YesMember from 1 February 20203/3

Carolyn Hewson (Chair and member until 7 November 2019)

  Yes  Member until 27 November 20182019  5/53/3

Dion Weisler

YesMember from 1 June 20201/1

Shriti Vadera

YesMember for whole period6/6

Committee activities in FY2020

Remuneration of the ELT and the Board

Remuneration policy review

Remuneration of CEO and other ELT members and Group Company Secretary

Remuneration arrangements for new ELT members

Retirement arrangements for former CEO

Consideration of COVID-19 impacts

KPIs, performance levels, award outcomes

FY2021 HSEC scorecard – climate enhanced

Long-Term Incentive Plan sector peer group review

Chair fees

Other remuneration matters

Workforce remuneration and engagement

Shareplus enrolment update

Remuneration by gender

Shareholder engagement

Corporate Governance Code provisions

Other

Induction, training and development program

Board committee procedures, including closed sessions

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Remuneration

Details of our remuneration policies and practices, and the remuneration paid to the Directors (Executive and Non-executive) and other members of the Key Management Personnel, are set out in the Remuneration Report in section 3.

The terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.13     Risk management governance structure

Identifying and managing risk are central to achieving our purpose. For information on our approach to risk and risk governance, including the role of the BHP Board and its Committees, refer to section 1.5.4.

2.14     Management

Below the level of the Board, key management decisions are made by the CEO, the ELT, management committees and members of management who have delegated authority.

Management committees consider BHP’s risks and controls. Strategic risks (both threats and opportunities) arising from changes in our business environment are regularly reviewed by the ELT and discussed by the Board.

Performance evaluation for executives

The performance of executives and other senior employees is reviewed on an annual basis. For the members of the ELT, this review includes their contribution, engagement and interaction at Board level. The annual performance review process considers the performance of executives against criteria designed to capture ‘what�� is achieved and ‘how’ it is achieved. All performance assessments of executives include how effective they have been in undertaking their role; what they have achieved against their specified key performance indicators; how they match up to the behaviours prescribed in our leadership model; and how those behaviours align with Our Charter values.

A performance evaluation as outlined was conducted for all members of the ELT during FY2020. For the CEO, the performance evaluation was led by the Chair of the Board on behalf of all the Non-executive Directors, and was discussed with the Remuneration Committee.

LOGO

2.15     Our conduct

Our Charter and Our Code of Conduct

Our Code is based on Our Charter values. Our Code sets out standards of behaviour for our people when using BHP resources, in their dealings with governments and communities, third parties and each other. Our Code describes the behaviours expected to support a safe, respectful and legally compliant working environment and includes our policies on speaking up, anti-bribery and corruption.

Our Charter and OurCode are accessible to all our people and external stakeholdersat bhp.com.

BHP’s EthicsPoint

We have mechanisms in place for anyone to raise a report if they feel Our Code has been breached.

Employees and contractors can raise their concerns through a number of channels, including through line leaders. Anyone, including external stakeholders and the public, can lodge a concern, in the form of a report, either online in EthicsPoint, or via the 24-hour, multilingual call service. Reporters of misconduct can choose to raise their concern anonymously.

Reports received are assigned by the Ethics Team to an investigator, line leader or team for investigation or resolution as appropriate, in accordance with internal policy and process documents. Both the reporting and investigations processes are transparent and summary information is accessible to all BHP employees via BHP’s intranet.

Reports raised via EthicsPoint provide valuable insight into culture and organisational learning. All significant Code of Conduct matters, and key trends from investigations, are reported to the RAC. These are then reported to the Board as part of its report-out as set out in section 2.5. The most serious breaches of Our Code are also reported to the Integrity Working Group, which is accountable for oversight of the operational effectiveness of the Investigations Framework, including oversight of investigations completed by the Central Investigations team. The Integrity Working Group is chaired by the Chief Compliance Officer and comprises of a number of Senior Leaders across BHP.

2.16     Market disclosure

We have disclosure controls in place for periodic disclosures, including the Operational Review, our results announcements, debt investor documents (such as the prospectus for the Euro or Australian Medium Term Notes) and Annual Report documents, which must comply with relevant regulatory requirements. Additional details about these verification processes can be found in the Periodic Disclosure – Disclosure Controls document at bhp.com. To safeguard the effective dissemination of information, we have developed mandatory minimum performance requirements for market disclosure, which outline how we identify and distribute information to shareholders and market participants and sets out the role of the Disclosure Committee in managing compliance with market disclosure obligations. Further, where an announcement is determined to be material by the Disclosure Committee, the Board receives a copy promptly after it has been made. Where BHP gives a new and substantive investor or analyst presentation, it releases a copy of the presentation materials on the ASX Market Announcements Platform ahead of the presentation.

As a result of COVID-19, we introduced extra monitoring and disclosure controls. These included: increasing the regularity and breadth of information gathered from management (including Finance, Supply, Marketing, Legal, and Operational teams); more regular updates to the Disclosure Committee; and more regular discussions with UBS (our corporate broker in the UK), as well as our Investor Relations team. This enabled BHP to assess the materiality of developments and stay across market expectations, dynamics and emerging best practice.

A copy of the market disclosure and communications document is available at bhp.com/governance.

Copies of announcements to the stock exchanges on which BHP is listed, investor briefings, Financial Statements, the Annual Report and other relevant information can be found at bhp.com. To receive email alerts of news releases, subscribe at bhp.com.

2.17     Conformance with corporate governance standards

Our compliance with the governance standards in our home jurisdictions of Australia and the United Kingdom, and with the governance requirements that apply to us as a result of our New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing and our registration with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States, is summarised in this Corporate Governance Statement, the Remuneration Report, the Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements.

The UK Code (available at: frc.org.uk) and the ASX Principles and Recommendations (available at www.asx.com/au) require the Board to consider the application of the relevant corporate governance principles, while recognising that departures from those principles are appropriate in some circumstances. The Board considers that during FY2020 it applied the Principles and complied with the provisions set out in the 2018 edition of the UK Code, and complied with the ASX Third Edition, with no exceptions.

Our Appendix 4G, which summarises our compliance with the ASX Third Edition is available at bhp.com/governance.

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are registrants with the SEC in the United States. Each company is classified as a foreign private issuer and each has American Depositary Shares listed on the NYSE.

We have reviewed the governance requirements applicable to foreign private issuers under SOX, including the rules promulgated by the SEC and the rules of the NYSE, and are satisfied that we comply with those requirements.

Under NYSE rules, foreign private issuers such as BHP are required to disclose any significant ways our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under the NYSE corporate governance standards. After a comparison of our corporate governance practices with the requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE-Listed Company Manual followed by US companies, a significant difference was identified:

Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act requires NYSE-listed companies to ensure their audit committees are directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the External Auditor unless the company’s governing law or documents or other home country legal requirements require or permit shareholders to ultimately vote on or approve these matters. While the RAC is directly responsible for remuneration and oversight of the External Auditor, the ultimate responsibility for appointment and retention of the External Auditor rests with our shareholders, in accordance with UK law and our constitutional documents. The RAC does, however, make recommendations to the Board on these matters, which are reported to shareholders.

Compliance with the UK Code

This table describes how BHP has applied the Principles of the UK Code

Board leadership and our purpose

•   Long-term sustainable success – we believe we put the long-term sustainable success of BHP at the centre of what we do (section 1.4.2 and 1.4.3).

•   Purpose, values, strategy and culture – we renewed our purpose in FY2019 to better capture the aspirations of all our stakeholders (sections 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6 and 1.7).

•   Performance measurement and control framework (sections 1.4 and 6.6).

•   Responsibilities to shareholders and stakeholders (sections 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6.1 and 2.6).

•   Workforce policies and practices (sections 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6.1, 1.6.2 and 2.6).

Composition, succession and evaluation

•   Appointments – we have a rigorous process in place for Board appointments, and to consider succession having regard to diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds and personal strengths (section 2.9).

•   Skills matrix – we have an appropriate mix of skills, experience and knowledge on the Board and in 2018 revised our skills matrix (section 2.7). Section 2.9 provides information on tenure and Board renewal.

•   Director review – the contribution of each Director to the work of the Board and its Committees, the expectations of Directors as specified in BHP’s governance framework and the performance of Directors. The review confirmed that each Director continues to contribute effectively (section 2.8).

Division of responsibilities

•   Chair of the Board – the Chair leads the Board and is responsible for its effectiveness and the effective contribution from all Non-executive Directors (section 2.3).

•   Board composition – the Board operates effectively with the appropriate balance of executives and Non-executives and believes the roles of the Chair and the CEO should be separated (section 2.3).

•   Non-executive Directors have sufficient time to meet their responsibilities – when we appoint new Directors we ensure they have sufficient time to undertake their responsibilities and are able to offer challenge, strategic guidance and specialist advice (section 2.2.1).

•   Time and resources – the Board ensures it has the necessary time, resources, policies and processes in place as part of its evaluation process (section 2.8).

Audit Risk and Internal Control

•   Internal and external audit independence – we understand the importance of ensuring these lines of defence remain independent (section 2.10).

•   Fair balanced and understandable – the Board presents a fair balanced and understandable assessment of BHP’s position and prospects (section 2.10).

•   Management and oversight of risk – our risk and control environment is monitored and overseen by the Risk and Audit Committee. The Board, Risk and Audit Committee, and Sustainability Committee considered emerging and principal risk during the year (sections 1.5.4, 2.5, 2.10 and 2.11).

Remuneration

•   Policies and practices – remuneration is designed to support our strategy and long-term sustainable success (section 3).

•   Formal and transparent procedure – we have formal and transparent procedures in place, and routinely engage with investors for their feedback (section 2.6.1).

•   Use of discretion – we have used discretion to adjust the formulaic remuneration outcomes (section 3).

2.18     Additional UK disclosure

The information specified in the UK FCA Disclosure and Transparency Rules, DTR 7.2.6, is located elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Directors’ Report in section 4 provides cross-references to where the information is located.

This Corporate Governance Statement was current and approved by the Board on 3 September 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Ken MacKenzie

Chair

3 September 2020

Section 3

Remuneration Report

In this section

This Remuneration Report describes the remuneration policies, practices, outcomes and governance for the KMP of BHP.

BHP’s DLC structure means that we are subject to remuneration disclosure requirements in the United Kingdom and Australia. This results in some complexity in our disclosures, as there are some key differences in the requirements and the information that must be disclosed. For example, UK requirements give shareholders the right to a binding vote on the remuneration policy every three years and as a result, the remuneration policy needs to be described in a separate section in the Remuneration Report. Our remuneration policy is set out in section 3.2. In Australia, BHP is required to make certain disclosures for KMP as defined by the Australian Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and IFRS.

The UK requirements focus on the remuneration of Executive and Non-executive Directors. At BHP, this is our Board, including the CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. In contrast, the Australian requirements focus on the remuneration of KMP, defined as those who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group directly or indirectly. KMP includes the Board, as well as certain members of our senior executive team.

After due consideration, the Committee has determined the KMP for FY2020 comprised the following roles: all Non-executive Directors, the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the President Minerals Australia, the President Minerals Americas, and the President Petroleum.

The following individuals have held their positions and were KMP for the whole of FY2020, unless stated otherwise:

Mike Henry, CEO and Executive Director (from 1 January 2020) and President Minerals Australia (to 31 December 2019)

Andrew Mackenzie, CEO and Executive Director (to 31 December 2019)

Peter Beaven, Chief Financial Officer

Daniel Malchuk, President Minerals Americas

Geraldine Slattery, President Petroleum

Non-executive Directors - see section 3.3.14 for details of the Non-executive Directors, including dates of appointment or cessation (where relevant)

Contents   
3.1  Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair  188
3.2  Remuneration policy report  191
  Remuneration policy for the Executive Director  191
  Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors  198
3.3  Annual report on remuneration  200
  Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)  200
  Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEOs)  211
  Remuneration for Non-executive Directors  213
  Remuneration governance  215
  Other statutory disclosures  216

Abbreviation

Item

AGM

Annual General Meeting

CDP

Cash and Deferred Plan

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

DEP

Dividend Equivalent Payment

DLC

Dual Listed Company

ELT

Executive Leadership Team

GHG

Greenhouse Gas

GSTIP

Group Short-Term Incentive Plan

HPIF

High Potential Injury Frequency

HSEC

Health, Safety, Environment and Community

IFRS

International Financial Reporting Standards
KMPKey Management Personnel
KPIKey Performance Indicator
LTIPLong-Term Incentive Plan
MAPManagement Award Plan
MSRMinimum Shareholding Requirement
OIFOccupational Illness Frequency
ROCEReturn on Capital Employed
STIPShort-Term Incentive Plan
TRIFTotal Recordable Injury Frequency
TSRTotal Shareholder Return

3.1    Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to introduce BHP’s Remuneration Report for the financial year to 30 June 2020, which is my first since assuming the Remuneration Committee Chair role, and I am looking forward to engaging with shareholders as the Committee undertakes its work. During FY2020, the Committee has continued its focus on achieving remuneration outcomes that fairly reflect the performance of BHP, and which are aligned to the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders.

FY2020 has been an unprecedented year, with the COVID-19 pandemic having widespread impacts on lives, society and the global economy. In the face of this, BHP employees have rallied in line with the Group’s purpose and values, working very effectively to keep the business running and performing strongly, and keeping each other safe.

I would like to thank my predecessor as Remuneration Committee Chair, Carolyn Hewson, for her leadership and for establishing a Committee with a strong foundation of policies, principles and practices upon which our decisions are able to be made. This is especially so in the unpredictable times in which we find ourselves. We have also made other changes to the Committee this year. New Directors Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler have joined Anita Frew and Shriti Vadera on the Committee and I would like to thank all members for their contributions.

Remuneration policy

The Committee sought and received approval from shareholders at last year’s AGMs for a revised remuneration policy, with almost 94 per cent of votes in favour, and we believe the policy will serve stakeholders well. The key changes approved for the CEO were:

A change in the balance of incentive arrangements comprising:

a significantly reduced LTIP grant size of 200 per cent of base salary (on a face value basis), down from 400 per cent

a CDP with a longer term focus than the former STIP. The CDP outcome is delivered one-third as a cash award, with two-thirds delivered in equity, as two-year and five-year deferred share awards each of equivalent value to the cash award. This aligns participants’ incentive remuneration with performance over the short-, medium- and long-term

These two changes in combination did not materially alter the target value or vesting profile of incentive remuneration, but resulted in a 12 per cent reduction in the maximum possible remuneration for a year.

A significant reduction in the pension contribution rate to 10 per cent of base salary, down from 25 per cent (noting that the estimated workforce average is approximately 11.5 per cent of base salary). As a result of this change, fixed remuneration for the CEO role has been reduced by 12 per cent and overall target remuneration reduced by 4 per cent.

The introduction of a two-year post-retirement shareholding requirement.

While these changes took effect from 1 July 2019, existing short- and long-term equity awards made under prior policies remain on foot and will vest, subject to existing service and performance conditions, over coming years.

We were also pleased to again receive strong support for our overall Remuneration Report from shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, with approximately 96 per cent voting ‘for’ the report. This continues our strong shareholder support over the past five years, where on average almost 97 per cent have voted in favour.

The Committee strives to implement the remuneration policy in a considered way:

We test the CEO’s remuneration against CEO roles in other global companies of similar complexity, size, reach and industry. The remuneration also reflects the CEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience. This detailed benchmarking ensures BHP’s executive remuneration packages are competitive enough to attract and retain talented executives, without being excessive. External benchmarking shows the CEO’s target remuneration package is below the average for similar global companies and importantly, can only be realised as actual remuneration if performance targets are met.

The CEO’s remuneration is deliberately tied to the performance of the business, with the majority of remuneration delivered in BHP shares, not cash. The CEO also has a minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary, which continues for two years post-retirement. This aligns the CEO to the experience of BHP’s shareholders.

The exercise of reasonable downward discretion has been a feature of BHP’s approach over many years where the status quo or a formulaic outcome does not align with the overall shareholder experience, and this remains unchanged.

The Committee is focussed on having and applying a remuneration policy and approach that supports the Group’s strategy and enables us to attract, retain and motivate the executives critical to delivering the best outcomes for all of BHP’s stakeholders. In addition, the Committee is cognisant of the need to navigate the priorities of differing jurisdictions.

COVID-19

In early 2020, BHP began to experience the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. All BHP employees have come together as one team to deal with the issues faced and despite the challenges, BHP’s results have been strong. The CEO and other ELT members have provided strong and effective leadership through this period, and the Committee is proud of the way BHP’s employees have found new ways of working, collaborated to solve problems, supported each other and their communities, and aligned around a common goal.

Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, in FY2020 BHP has not needed to furlough any employees without pay, has not sought any government assistance, and did not raise additional equity. In addition, BHP’s strong, safe operational performance through this year, together with solid profitability, enabled the Board to announce a robust final dividend payable to shareholders in September 2020. This follows a record interim dividend paid to shareholders in March 2020, and continues the delivery of strong and consistent returns to shareholders. The COVID-19 pandemic increased costs and reduced volumes during FY2020, which negatively impacted executive remuneration outcomes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, BHP has been especially conscious of contributing to the communities in which we operate, by doing all it can to keep employees, their families and their communities safe and healthy. BHP took action to slow the spread of COVID-19 into the workforce by investing in more transportation capacity, restricting travel to the operations and protecting at-risk workers. BHP has also created hundreds of operational jobs across our Minerals Australia business, funded local health and social programs in the communities where BHP operates, and for the Company’s small, local and Indigenous suppliers, BHP reduced the time taken to pay their invoices to help address the financial stress they might otherwise face as a result of the pandemic.

Decisions and activities of the Committee

A key element of the Committee’s work during the year was the remuneration implications of CEO succession. Mike Henry was appointed CEO and Executive Director effective 1 January 2020. Mike’s fixed remuneration on appointment was set at US$1.870 million per annum, which included a base salary of US$1.700 million per annum plus a pension contribution of 10 per cent of base salary. This level of fixed pay was a reduction of 12 per cent from Andrew Mackenzie’s fixed pay of US$2.125 million per annum. Mike participates in the CDP and LTIP in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.

Andrew Mackenzie stepped down as CEO and a Director of the Group on 31 December 2019, and he retired from BHP on 31 March 2020. The terms of Andrew’s departure announced on 23 December 2019 reflected the Group’s remuneration policy and the rules of our incentive arrangements and leaving entitlements as approved by shareholders. Further information in respect of this is provided in sections 3.3.13 and 3.3.24.

Other key decisions and activities of the Committee during FY2020 included:

Completing the 2019 review of the remuneration policy and seeking and gaining the approval of shareholders at the 2019 AGMs

Considering remuneration for other members of the ELT and the Group Company Secretary

Aligning the determination of CDP equity award sizes to a 12-month pricing approach, also used for LTIP awards, to minimise potential volatility over time

Setting and reviewing outcomes against performance measures and conditions of relevant incentive plans

Redesigning, with the support of the Sustainability Committee, the HSEC component of the CDP scorecard to give greater weight and transparency to climate change

Reviewing the fee for the BHP Chair

Reviewing and adopting changes and improvements flowing from regulatory requirements and guidance, which in turn helps us improve our processes and approaches

Engaging with shareholders and other key stakeholders

Undertaking regular reviews of workforce engagement, workforce remuneration and related policies, remuneration by gender and the annual Shareplus enrolment update

CEOs’ remuneration

The scorecard against which the CEO’s annual performance is assessed comprises stretching performance measures, including HSEC, financial and individual performance elements. For FY2020, the Remuneration Committee has assessed Mike Henry’s and Andrew Mackenzie’s performance and determined CDP outcomes of 96 per cent for each of them, against the target of 100 per cent (and the maximum of 150 per cent), with the outcomes prorated to reflect their periods as CEO.

These outcomes took into account BHP’s strong HSEC performance during the year, with no fatalities recorded, and improvements in all key health and safety indicators, while environment and community outcomes were broadly in line with expectations. Financial and operating performance was strong, yet fell slightly short of the stretching targets set at the commencement of the year.

While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted BHP, society and the global economy, the Group maintained continuity of operations while keeping employees healthy and safe. Despite this, there were significant costs and other impacts of COVID-19 to BHP’s financial results for FY2020. The direct costs have been recorded as an exceptional item in the financial statements. Nevertheless, the Committee concluded that, while these COVID-19 related costs were outside the control of management, they, together with the volume impacts of COVID-19, should flow through to the financial measures for CDP scorecard purposes, thereby reducing the remuneration outcome for executives from what they would have otherwise been. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee also considered each of the CEOs’ performance against their individual objectives. For Mike, this included assuming the CEO role, redefining and restructuring the ELT, enhancing the performance improvement focus, strategy review, portfolio value and options analysis, accelerating gender balance aspirations, and the work of the Tailings Dams Taskforce. For Andrew, this included enhancing the value of the portfolio, maximising performance options, and maintaining a robust ELT succession slate. The Committee considered both Mike’s and Andrew’s performance against their individual objectives to be in line with target.

While the CEOs’ scorecard outcomes were determined at 96 per cent of target and the scorecard outcomes for other Executive KMP were on average marginally ahead of target, the short-term incentive pool applicable to the majority of BHP employees below the ELT level was above target. This was considered appropriate and due recognition, given the excellent performance across BHP’s whole workforce in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, where, despite this, strong safety performance and operational continuity was achieved during FY2020.

The vesting outcome for the 2015 LTIP against the relative TSR performance conditions was 48 per cent, and this is the first vesting under the program since 2014. BHP outperformed the sector peer group significantly, but did not meet the performance threshold for vesting against the MSCI World index. This 48 per cent level of vesting is aligned with the long-term average vesting under the LTIP since its inception 16 years ago. Consistent with prior practice, the Board and Committee has conducted a holistic review of business performance over the prior five years since grant to ensure this level of vesting was appropriate.

Further details in respect of overall remuneration outcomes for the year for the CEOs, together with information on how the outcomes are aligned to performance during FY2020, are provided in section 3.3. As at the date of this report, Mike’s shareholding meets the minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary.

For FY2021, the Committee determined that Mike’s base salary remains unchanged at US$1.700 million per annum, as it was at the time of his appointment. In addition, the other components of his total target remuneration (pension contributions, benefits, CDP and LTIP) also remain unchanged. A summary of Mike’s arrangements for FY2021 is set out below.

FY2021 CEO remuneration

 Fixed remuneration CDPLTIP

•  Base salary US$1.700 million per annum.

•  No change to base salary.

•  Pension contribution 10 per cent of base salary.

•   Target cash award of 80 per cent of base salary (maximum 120 per cent).

•   Plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years, respectively.

•   Three performance categories:

–   HSEC – 25 per cent

–   Financial – 50 per cent

–   Individual performance – 25 per cent

•   The annual LTIP grant is based on a face value of 200 per cent of base salary.

•   Our LTIP awards have rigorous relative TSR performance hurdles measured over five yeans.

We have also addressed last year’s commitment to clarify and strengthen the link between executive remuneration and climate change for FY2021. The weighting on climate change is now 10 per cent of the 25 per cent HSEC weighting in the CDP scorecard, which compares to circa 4 per cent allocated to climate change in the prior STIP, and we have enhanced the disclosure of climate change-related performance targets. Further details are set out in section 3.3.9.

Mike is BHP’s only Executive Director, however, the Committee has also reviewed the base salaries and total target remuneration packages for other Executive KMP and determined that there would be no increases to base salaries as a consequence of that review, and that other aspects of their remuneration arrangements would remain unchanged.

Remuneration outcomes for the Chair and Non-executive Directors

Fees for the Chair and Non-executive Directors are reviewed annually and are benchmarked against peer companies. No changes to the Chair’s fee will be made for FY2021. This follows a review in 2017, where a decision was made to reduce the Chair’s annual fee by approximately 8 per cent from US$0.960 million to US$0.880 million with effect from 1 July 2017, which followed an earlier reduction, effective 1 July 2015, of approximately 13 per cent from US$1.100 million to US$0.960 million.

Base fee levels for Non-executive Directors will also remain unchanged, after they were also reduced effective 1 July 2015 by approximately 6 per cent, from US$0.170 million to US$0.160 million per annum. Prior to the above reductions in fee levels for the Chair and Non-executive Directors, their fees had remained unchanged since 2011.

Summary

With the COVID-19 pandemic this year, FY2020 has presented many challenges, not only for BHP, but also for many other companies, governments, employees, families and communities across the world. On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, I would like to recognise the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of all of our employees. They have aligned around a common cause, and through their steadfast commitment, they have remained safe and healthy, continued to support their communities, and enabled BHP to generate strong results for all stakeholders.

The Committee believes the remuneration outcomes for FY2020 reflect an appropriate alignment between pay and performance during the year and are also fair in terms of the global context in which decisions have been made. We are confident that shareholders will recognise this as a continuation of our long-held approach. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with, and the support of, BHP’s shareholders, and I very much look forward to meeting shareholders face-to-face when once again we are able to do so. As always, we welcome your feedback and comments on any aspect of this Report.

Susan Kilsby

Chair, Remuneration Committee

3 September 2020

3.2    Remuneration policy report

BHP has an overarching remuneration policy that guides the Remuneration Committee’s decisions. Under UK legislation, shareholders have the opportunity to vote on our remuneration policy every three years, with binding effect in regard to the Directors (including the CEO). Under Australian legislation, shareholders also have the opportunity to vote on our remuneration policy in conjunction with the broader Remuneration Report, each year at the AGMs as it applies to all KMP under a non-binding advisory vote. Our remuneration policy, which was approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, has not changed and is repeated below.

Remuneration policy for the Executive Director

This section only refers to the remuneration policy for our CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. If any other executive were to be appointed an Executive Director, this remuneration policy would apply to that new role.

3.2.1    Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Base salary

A competitive base salary is paid in order to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO, and to provide appropriate remuneration for this important role in the Group.

•  Base salary, denominated in US dollars, is broadly aligned with salaries for comparable roles in global companies of similar global complexity, size, reach and industry, and reflects the CEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience.

•  Base salary is reviewed annually with effect from 1 September. Reviews are informed, but not led, by benchmarking to comparable roles (as above), changes in responsibility and general economic conditions. Substantial weight is also given to the general base salary increases for employees.

•  Base salary is not subject to separate performance conditions.

8% increase per annum (annualised) or inflation if higher in Australia.

Pension contributions (2)

Provides a market-competitive level of post-employment benefits provided to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.

•  Pension contributions are benchmarked to comparable roles in global companies and have been determined after considering the pension contributions provided to the wider workforce.

•  A choice of funding vehicles is offered, including a defined contribution plan, an unfunded retirement savings plan, an international retirement plan or a self-managed superannuation fund. Alternatively, a cash payment may be provided in lieu.

A pension contribution rate of 10% of base salary applies.

Benefits

Provides personal insurances, relocation benefits and tax assistance where BHP’s structure gives rise to tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions, and a market-competitive level of benefits to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.

•  Benefits may be provided, as determined by the Committee, and currently include costs of private family health insurance, death and disability insurance, car parking and personal tax return preparation in the required countries where BHP has requested the CEO relocate internationally, or where BHP’s DLC structure requires personal tax returns in multiple jurisdictions.

•  Costs associated with business-related travel for the CEO’s spouse/partner, including for Board meetings, may be covered. Where these costs are deemed to be taxable benefits for the CEO, BHP may reimburse the CEO for these tax costs.

•  The CEO is eligible to participate in Shareplus, BHP’s all-employee share purchase plan.

•  A relocation allowance and assistance is provided only where a change of location is made at BHP’s request. The Group’s mobility policies generally provide for ‘one-off’ payments with no material trailing entitlements.

Benefits as determined by the Committee but to a limit not exceeding 10% of base salary and (if applicable) a one-off taxable relocation allowance up to US$700,000.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

CDP

The purpose of the CDP is to encourage and focus the CEO’s efforts on the delivery of the Group’s strategic priorities for the relevant financial year to deliver short, medium and long-term success, and to motivate the CEO to strive to achieve stretch performance objectives.

The performance measures for each year are chosen on the basis that they are expected to have a significant short, medium and long-term impact on the success of the Group.

Delivery of two-thirds of CDP awards in deferred shares encourages a longer-term focus aligned to that of shareholders.

Setting performance measures and targets

•  The Committee sets a balanced scorecard of short, medium and long-term elements including HSEC, financial and individual performance measures, with targets and relative weightings at the beginning of the financial year in order to appropriately motivate the CEO to achieve outperformance that contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Group and shareholder wealth creation.

•  Specific financial measures will constitute the largest weighting and are derived from the annual budget as approved by the Board for the relevant financial year.

•  Appropriate HSEC measures that are consistent with the Group’s long-term five-year public HSEC targets, and their weightings, are determined by the Remuneration Committee with the assistance of the Sustainability Committee.

•  Individual measures are an important element of effective performance management, and are a combination of quantitative and qualitative targets. They are aligned with medium and long-term strategy aspirations that are intended to drive long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

•  For HSEC and for individual measures the target is ordinarily expressed in narrative form and will be disclosed near the beginning of the performance period. However, the target for each financial measure will be disclosed retrospectively. In the rare instances where this may not be prudent on grounds of commercial sensitivity, we will seek to explain why and give an indication of when the target may be disclosed.

•  Should any other performance measures be added at the discretion of the Committee, we will determine the timing of disclosure of the relevant target with due consideration of commercial sensitivity.

Assessment of performance

•  At the conclusion of the financial year, the CEO’s achievement against each measure is assessed by the Remuneration Committee and the Board, with guidance provided by other relevant Board Committees in respect of HSEC and other measures, and a CDP award determined. If performance is below the threshold level for any measure, no CDP award will be provided in respect of that portion of the CDP award opportunity.

•  The Board believes this method of assessment is transparent, rigorous and balanced, and provides an appropriate, objective and comprehensive assessment of performance.

•  In the event that the Remuneration Committee does not consider the outcome that would otherwise apply to be a true reflection of the performance of the Group or should it consider that individual performance or other circumstances makes this an inappropriate outcome, it retains the discretion to not provide all or a part of any CDP award. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended award outcomes.

Maximum award

A cash award of 120% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

Target performance

A cash award of 80% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for target performance on all measures.

Threshold performance

A cash award of 40% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for threshold performance on all measures.

Minimum award

Zero.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Delivery of award

•   CDP awards are provided under the CDP as cash and two awards of deferred shares, each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

•   The awards of deferred shares comprise rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future at the end of the deferral periods. Before the awards vest (or are exercised), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee also has a discretion to settle CDP awards in cash.

Underpin, malus and clawback

•   To ensure any vesting of five-year deferred shares under the CDP is underpinned by satisfactory performance post-grant, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year vesting period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

•   Both cash and deferred share CDP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described in section 3.2.2.

LTIP

The purpose of the LTIP is to focus the CEO’s efforts on the achievement of sustainable long-term value creation and success of the Group (including appropriate management of business risks).

It also encourages retention through long-term share exposure for the CEO over the five-year performance period (consistent with the long-term nature of resources), and aligns the long-term interests of the CEO and shareholders.

The LTIP aligns the CEO’s reward with sustained shareholder wealth creation in excess of that of relevant comparator group(s), through the relative TSR performance condition.

Relative TSR performance condition

•   The LTIP award is conditional on achieving five-year relative TSR (3) performance conditions as set out below.

•   The relevant comparator group(s) and the weighting between relevant comparator group(s) will be determined by the Committee in relation to each LTIP grant.

Level of performance required for vesting

•   Vesting of the award is dependent on BHP’s TSR relative to the TSRof relevant comparator group(s) over a five-year performance period.

•   25% of the award will vest where BHP’s TSR is equal to the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s), as measured over the performance period. Where TSR is below the median, awards will not vest.

•   Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s) up to a nominated level of TSR outperformance (4) over the relevant comparator group(s), as determined by the Committee, above which 100% of the award will vest.

•   Where the TSR performance condition is not met, there is no retesting and awards will lapse. The Committee also retains discretion to lapse any portion or all of the award where it considers the vesting outcome is not appropriate given Group or individual performance. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended outcomes.

Maximum award

Face value of 200% of base salary. (6)

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Relative TSR has been chosen as an appropriate measure as it allows for an objective external assessment over a sustained period on a basis that is familiar to shareholders.

Further performance measures

•   The Committee may add further performance conditions, in which case the vesting of a portion of any LTIP award may instead be linked to performance against the new condition(s). However, the Committee expects that in the event of introducing an additional performance condition(s), the weighting on relative TSR would remain the majority weighting.

Delivery of award

•   LTIP awards are provided under the LTIP approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGMs. When considering the value of the award to be provided, the Committee primarily considers the face value of the award, and also considers its fair value which includes consideration of the performance conditions.(5)

•   LTIP awards consist of rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future if the performance and service conditions are met. Before vesting (or exercise), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee has a discretion to settle LTIP awards in cash.

Underpin, malus and clawback

•   If the specified performance conditions are satisfied in part or in full, to ensure any vesting of LTIP awards is underpinned by satisfactory performance through the performance period, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year performance period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

•   LTIP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described in section 3.2.2.

 

(1)

Mr MaxstedUK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase that is annualised it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the Committee’s financial expert nominated by the Board.regulations.

 

(2)

Mr Bowen was unablePension contributions maximum column wording has been updated to attendreflect the meetingleadership transition of Executive Director and CEO on 12 February 2019 due1 January 2020 and the current application of policy with respect to pension contribution rate for Mike Henry. The FY2019 remuneration report policy table wording reflected the application of Andrew Mackenzie’s contribution rate: ’For the existing CEO, the current pension contribution rate of 25 per cent of base salary will reduce as follows: 25 per cent of base salary to 30 June 2020; 20 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2020; 15 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2021; 10 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards. For a new appointment, the pension contribution rate will be 10 per cent of base salary immediately.’

(3)

BHP’s TSR is a weighted average of the TSRs of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

(4)

Maximum vesting is determined with reference to a prior engagement.position against each comparator group.

(5)

Fair value is calculated by the Committee’s independent adviser and is different to fair value used for IFRS disclosures (which do not take into account forfeiture conditions on the awards). It reflects outcomes weighted by probability, taking into account the difficulty of achieving the performance conditions and the correlation between these and share price appreciation, together with other factors, including volatility and forfeiture risks. The current fair value is 41 per cent of the face value of an award, which may change should the Committee vary elements (such as adding a performance measure or altering the level of relative TSR outperformance).

(6)

In order to ensure there is a fair transitional outcome for participants, the LTIP grant made in late CY2019 was based on 400 per cent face value basis in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2017, with potential vesting five years later in mid-CY2024. The first five-year deferred shares that result from performance under the CDP for FY2020 will be granted in late CY2020 and will first vest five years later in mid-CY2025. The LTIP grant to be made in late CY2020 will be made on the reduced 200 per cent face value basis, with potential vesting five years later also in mid-CY2025.

The Remuneration Committee’s discretion in respect of each remuneration component applies up to the maximum shown in the table above. Any remuneration elements awarded or granted under the previous remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2014 and 2017, but which have not yet vested or been awarded or paid, shall continue to be capable of vesting, awarded or payment made on their existing terms.

3.2.2    Malus and clawback

The CDP, LTIP and STIP rule provisions allow the Committee activitiesto reduce or clawback awards in FY2019

Integrity of Financial Statements and funding mattersthe following circumstances:

 

Accounting matters for consideration, materiality limits, half-year and full-year resultsthe participant acting fraudulently or dishonestly or being in material breach of their obligations to the Group

 

SOX compliance, reserves and resourceswhere BHP becomes aware of a material misstatement or omission in the Financial Statements of a Group company or the Group

 

Capital Allocation Frameworkany circumstances occur that the Committee determines in good faith to have resulted in an unfair benefit to the participant

These malus and clawback provisions apply whether or not awards are made in the form of cash or equity, whether or not the equity has vested, and whether or not employment is ongoing.

3.2.3    Potential remuneration outcomes

The Remuneration Committee recognises that market forces necessarily influence remuneration practices and it strongly believes the fundamental driver of remuneration outcomes should be business performance. It also believes that overall remuneration should be fair to the individual, such that remuneration levels accurately reflect the CEO’s responsibilities and contributions, and align with the expectations of our shareholders, while considering the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce.

The amount of remuneration actually received each year depends on the achievement of superior business and individual performance generating sustained shareholder value. Before deciding on the final incentive outcomes for the CEO, the Committee first considers the achievement against the pre-determined performance conditions. The Committee then applies its overarching discretion on the basis of what it considers to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced. When the CEO was appointed in January 2020 the Board advised him that the Committee would exercise its discretion on the basis of what it considered to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced.

In this way, the Committee believes it can set a remuneration level for the CEO that is sufficient to incentivise him and that is also fair to him and commensurate with shareholder expectations and prevailing market conditions.

The diagram below provides the scenario for the potential total remuneration of the CEO at different levels of performance.

LOGO

Minimum: consists of fixed remuneration, which comprises base salary (US$1.700 million), pension contributions (10 per cent of base salary) and other benefits (notional 10 per cent of base salary).

Target: consists of fixed remuneration, target CDP (a cash award of 80 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively) and target LTIP. The LTIP target value is based on the fair value of the award, which is 41 per cent of the face value of 200 per cent of base salary. The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards.

Maximum: consists of fixed remuneration, maximum CDP (a cash award of 120 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively), and maximum LTIP (face value of 200 per cent of base salary). The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards. All other things being equal, if the share price at vesting of LTIP awards was 50 per cent higher than the share price at grant, then the total maximum value would be US$13.260 million.

The maximum opportunity represented above is the most that could potentially be paid of each remuneration component, as required by UK regulations. It does not reflect any intention by the Group to award that amount. The Remuneration Committee reviews relevant benchmarking data and industry practices, and believes the maximum remuneration opportunity is appropriate.

3.2.4    Approach to recruitment and promotion remuneration

The remuneration policy as set out in section 3.2 of this Report will apply to the remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited or promoted CEO, or for another Executive Director should one be appointed. A market-competitive level of base salary will be provided. The pension contributions, benefits and variable pay will be in accordance with the remuneration policy table in section 3.2.1.

For external appointments, the Remuneration Committee may determine that it is appropriate to provide additional cash and/or equity components to replace any remuneration forfeited or not received from a former employer. It is anticipated that any foregone equity awards would be replaced by equity. The value of the replacement remuneration would not be any greater than the fair value of the awards foregone or not received (as determined by the Committee’s independent adviser). The Committee would determine appropriate service conditions and performance conditions within BHP’s framework, taking into account the conditions attached to the foregone awards. The Committee is mindful of limiting such payments and not providing any more compensation than is necessary. For any internal CEO (or another Executive Director) appointment, any entitlements provided under former arrangements will be honoured according to their existing terms.

3.2.5    Service contracts and policy on loss of office

The terms of employment for the CEO are formalised in his employment contract. Key terms of the current contract and relevant payments on loss of office are shown below. If a new CEO or another Executive Director was appointed, similar contractual terms would apply, other than where the Remuneration Committee determines that different terms should apply for reasons specific to the individual or circumstances.

The CEO’s current contract has no fixed term. It can be terminated by BHP on 12 months’ notice. BHP can terminate the contract immediately by paying base salary plus pension contributions for the notice period. The CEO must give 12 months’ notice for voluntary resignation(1). The table below sets out the basis on which payments on loss of office may be made.

Leaving reason (2)(3)

Voluntary

resignation

Termination for
cause

Death, serious

injury, illness,

disability or total

and permanent

disablement

Cessation of

employment as agreed

with the Board (4)

Base salary

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

•  No payment will be made.

•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

Pension contributions

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

•  No contributions will be provided.

•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

Benefits

•  May continue to be provided during the notice period.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will lapse.

•  No benefits will be provided.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will lapse.

•  May continue to be provided for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will vest in full.

•  May continue to be provided for year in which employment ceases.

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

•  Any unvested Shareplus matched shares held will vest in full.

Leaving reason (2)(3)

Voluntary

resignation

Termination for
cause

Death, serious

injury, illness,

disability or total

and permanent

disablement

Cessation of

employment as agreed

with the Board (4)

CDP/STIP – cash and deferred shares

Where the CEO leaves either during or after the end of the financial year, but before an award is provided.

•  No cash award will be paid.

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  No cash award will be paid.

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year.

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will vest in full and, where applicable become exercisable.

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year.

•  Unvested two-year CDP/STIP deferred shares and a pro rata portion (based on the proportion of the vesting period served) of unvested five-year CDP deferred shares continue to be held on the existing terms for the deferral period before vesting (subject to Committee discretion to lapse some or all of the award).

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

LTIP – unvested and vested but unexercised awards

•  Unvested awards will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  Unvested awards will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  Unvested awards will vest in full.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for remaining exercise period.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

•  A pro rata portion of unvested awards (based on the proportion of the performance period served) will continue to be held subject to the LTIP rules and terms of grant. The balance will lapse.

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

(1)

Notice period for voluntary resignation updated to reflect the terms of the new Executive Director and CEO employment contract effective on 1 January 2020.

(2)

If the Committee deems it necessary, BHP may enter into agreements with a CEO, which may include the settlement of liabilities in return for payment(s), including reimbursement of legal fees subject to appropriate conditions; or to enter into new arrangements with the departing CEO (for example, entering into consultancy arrangements).

(3)

In the event of a change in control event (for example, takeover, compromise or arrangement, winding up of the Group) as defined in the CDP, STIP and LTIP rules:

base salary, pension contributions and benefits will be paid until the date of the change of control event

 

Funding updatein relation to the CDP and net debt targetSTIP: the Committee may determine that a cash payment be made in respect of performance during the current financial year and all unvested two-year deferred shares would vest in full and, in relation to the CDP, all unvested five-year deferred shares would vest prorata (based on the proportion of the vesting period served up to the date of the change of control event)

 

Euro medium-term note program updatethe Committee may determine that unvested LTIP awards will either (i) be prorated (based on the proportion of the performance period served up to the date of the change of control event) and vest to the extent the Committee determines appropriate (with reference to performance against the performance condition up to the date of the change of control event and expectations regarding future performance) or (ii) be lapsed if the Committee determines the holders will participate in an acceptable alternative employee equity plan as a term of the change of control event

 

(4)

Defined as occurring when a participant leaves BHP due to forced early retirement, retrenchment or redundancy, termination by mutual agreement or retirement with the agreement of the Group, or such other circumstances that do not constitute resignation or termination for cause.

FY2019 portfolio valuation reviewRemuneration policy for Non-executive Directors

Our Non-executive Directors are paid in line with the UK Corporate Governance Code (2018 edition) and the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition).

3.2.6    Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component

 

Remuneration component

and link to strategy

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Fees

Competitive base fees are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals, and to provide appropriate remuneration for the role undertaken.

Committee fees are provided to recognise the additional responsibilities, time and commitment required.

•  The Chair is paid a single fee for all responsibilities.

•  Non-executive Directors are paid a base fee and relevant committee membership fees.

•  Committee Chairs and the Senior Independent Director are paid an additional fee to reflect their extra responsibilities.

•  All fee levels are reviewed annually and any changes are effective from 1 July.

•  Fees are set at a competitive level based on benchmarks and advice provided by external advisers. Fee levels reflect the size and complexity of the Group, the multi-jurisdictional environment arising from the DLC structure, the multiple stock exchange listings and the geographies in which the Group operates. The economic environment and the financial performance of the Group are taken into account. Consideration is also given to salary reviews across the rest of the Group.

•  Where the payment of pension contributions is required by law, these contributions are deducted from the Director’s overall fee entitlements.

8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on a per fee basis.

Cost of capital and country risk premium review

Remuneration component

and link to strategy

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Benefits

Competitive benefits are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals and adequately remunerate them for the role undertaken, including the considerable travel burden.

•  Travel allowances are paid on a per-trip basis reflecting the considerable travel burden imposed on members of the Board as a consequence of the global nature of the organisation and apply when a Director needs to travel internationally to attend a Board meeting or site visits at our multiple geographic locations.

•  As a consequence of the DLC structure, Non-executive Directors are required to prepare personal tax returns in Australia and the UK, regardless of whether they reside in one or neither of those countries. They are accordingly reimbursed for the costs of personal tax return preparation in whichever of the UK and/or Australia is not their place of residence (including payment of the tax cost associated with the provision of the benefit).

8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on a per-trip basis.

Up to a limit not exceeding 20% of fees.

Variable pay (CDP and LTIP)

•  Non-executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any CDP or LTIP award arrangements.

Payments on early termination

•  There are no provisions in any of the Non-executive Directors’ appointment arrangements for compensation payable on early termination of their directorship.

 

(1)

UK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase that is annualised it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the regulations.

Approach to recruitment remuneration

The ongoing remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited Non-executive Director will reflect the remuneration policy in place for other Non-executive Directors, comprising fees and benefits as set out in the table above. No variable remuneration (CDP and LTIP award arrangements) will be provided to newly recruited Non-executive Directors.

Letters of appointment and policy on loss of office

The standard letter of appointment for Non-executive Directors is available at bhp.com. The Board has adopted a policy consistent with the UK Corporate Governance Code, under which all Non-executive Directors must seek re-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. As such, no Non-executive Directors seeking re-election have an unexpired term in their letter of appointment. A Non-executive Director may resign on reasonable notice. No payments are made to Non-executive Directors on loss of office.

3.2.7    How remuneration policy is set

The Remuneration Committee sets the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. The Committee is briefed on and considers prevailing market conditions, the competitive environment and the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce. The Committee takes into account the annual base salary increases for our employee population when determining any change in the CEO’s base salary. Salary increases in Australia, where the CEO is located, are particularly relevant as they reflect the local economic conditions.

The principles that underpin the remuneration policy for the CEO are the same as those that apply to other employees, although the CEO’s arrangements have a greater emphasis on and a higher proportion of remuneration in the form of performance-related variable pay. Similarly, the performance measures used to determine variable pay outcomes for the CEO and all other employees are linked to the delivery of our strategy and behaviours that are aligned to the values in Our Charter.

Although BHP does not consult directly with employees on CEO and other Executive KMP remuneration, the Group conducts regular employee engagement surveys that give employees an opportunity to provide feedback on a wide range of employee matters. Further, many employees are ordinary shareholders through our all-employee share purchase plan, Shareplus, and therefore have the opportunity to vote on AGM resolutions. In addition, in line with changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Remuneration Committee is considering additional means of engaging with the workforce to explain how executive remuneration aligns with wider Group pay policy.

Business RAC meetings

Deed of cross guarantee

External auditor and integrityAs part of the audit processBoard’s commitment to good governance, the Committee also considers shareholder views, together with those of the wider community, when setting the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. We are committed to engaging and communicating with shareholders regularly and, as our shareholders are spread across the globe, we are proactive with our engagement on remuneration and governance matters with institutional shareholders and investor representative organisations. Feedback from shareholders and investors is shared with and used as input into decision-making by the Board and Remuneration Committee in respect of our remuneration policy and its application. The Committee considers that this approach provides a robust mechanism to ensure Directors are aware of matters raised, have a good understanding of current shareholder views, and can formulate policy and make decisions as appropriate. We encourage shareholders to always make their views known to us by directly contacting our Investor Relations team (contact details available at bhp.com).

3.3    Annual report on remuneration

This section of the Report shows the impact of the remuneration policy in FY2020 and how remuneration outcomes are linked to actual performance.

Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)

3.3.1    Single total figure of remuneration

This section shows a single total figure of remuneration as prescribed under UK requirements. It is a measure of actual remuneration received, rather than a figure calculated in accordance with IFRS (which is detailed in note 24 ‘Employee share ownership plan’ section 5). As Mike Henry assumed the role of CEO and became an Executive Director on 1 January 2020, the FY2020 actual remuneration shown relates to the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020. The FY2020 actual remuneration for Andrew Mackenzie relates to the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019, on which date he ceased to be CEO and an Executive Director. The components of remuneration are detailed in the remuneration policy table in section 3.2.1.

 

External audit report

US$(’000)

      Base salary   Benefits (1)   Pension (2)   Total
fixed
   CDP/
STIP (3)
  LTIP (4)   Total
variable
   Single
total
figure
 

Mike Henry

   FY2020    850    6    85    941    1,959   3,169    5,128    6,069 

Andrew Mackenzie

   FY2020    850    55    213    1,118    1,306(5)   0    1,306    2,424 
   FY2019    1,700    100    425    2,225    1,306   0    1,306    3,531 

 

(1)

Includes private family health insurance, spouse business-related travel, car parking and personal tax return preparation in required countries.

External audit letters

(2)

Pension contributions for Andrew Mackenzie in FY2019 and FY2020 (until the date he ceased as CEO and Executive Director) were made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 25 per cent of base salary). Mike Henry’s FY2020 pension contributions were also made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 10 per cent of base salary which applied for a new Executive Director appointment). Pension contributions for both were made into the international retirement plan.

(3)

FY2020 CDP award is provided one-third in cash and two-thirds in deferred equity (on the terms of the CDP) as shown in the table below. FY2019 STIP award was provided half in cash and half in deferred equity (on the terms of the STIP) as shown in the table below. No discretion was applied to the STIP awards when determining vesting of awards in FY2019 or FY2020.

(4)

Mike Henry’s LTIP award value is based on the full award he received in 2015 when he was President Coal (prior to becoming, and with no proration applied for time as, CEO and Executive Director). The value is based on 48 per cent of the award vesting, including a DEP amount of US$0.548 million paid in shares. The value delivered through share price appreciation between the date of grant and the vesting date was US$1.410 million. The value of Andrew Mackenzie’s vested LTIP award (which vested after Andrew retired from BHP) is detailed in section 3.3.24. No discretion was applied to the LTIP awards when determining vesting of awards for FY2020.

(5)

Andrew Mackenzie’s prorated CDP award for FY2020 was provided as cash covering the one-third cash component and the two-year deferred equity component. Nothing has been or will be granted or paid in respect of the remaining one-third, i.e. the five-year deferred equity award.

For Mike Henry, the single total figure of engagement, external audit feesremuneration is calculated on the basis of his appointment on 1 January 2020. There have been no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contribution since that date. For Andrew Mackenzie, the single total figure of remuneration is calculated on the on the basis of his period as CEO andnon-audit services

Management Executive Director up until 31 December 2019. There were no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contributions prior to the date of his cessation as CEO and external auditor closed sessions

Audit plan, reviewExecutive Director. Details of performanceremuneration received in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020 are set out in section 3.3.24. Changes from prior year outcomes of CDP/STIP and quality of service

EY independence andnon-audit services

EY audit transition and preliminary audit plan

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management

Material risk report

Group risk profile

Group risk framework including the risk appetite statement and priority group risk review

Regular reports on progress against the internal audit plan

Matters of note arising from internal audits

Internal audit reports

Internal assessments of performance of Internal Audit and Assurance

Fraud and misappropriation report

Committee and Group Assurance Officer and Chief Risk Officer closed sessions

Ethics and compliance report

154LTIP are set out below.


CDP / STIP

LTIP

Mike HenryFY2020CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. One-third was provided in cash in September 2020, one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2023, and one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2026.Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2020, 48 per cent of Mike’s 192,360 awards from the 2015 LTIP (granted to him when he was President Coal before he was appointed CEO and Executive Director) have vested, and the remaining awards have lapsed. The value of the vested awards is inclusive of a DEP, which is paid in shares.
Andrew MackenzieFY2020Prorated CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. Two-thirds of the award was paid in cash in September 2020 covering the cash and two-year deferred equity portion. Nothing has been or will be granted or paid in respect of the remaining one-third of the award i.e. the five-year deferred equity portion.Details of Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award (which vested after Andrew retired from BHP) are set out in section 3.3.24.
FY2019STIP awarded for FY2019 performance. Half was provided in cash in September 2019 and half deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2022.Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2019, all of Andrew’s 224,859 awards from the 2014 LTIP did not vest and have lapsed. The value of the awards is zero and no DEP has been paid in respect of these awards.

Insurance update3.3.2    FY2020 CDP performance outcomes

The Board and Directors’Remuneration Committee assessed both CEOs’ CDP outcomes (for the period they were, respectively, in the CEO role) in light of the Group’s performance in FY2020, taking into account each CEO’s performance against the KPIs in their CDP scorecards. Despite strong operational and Officers’ insurance updatefinancial performance in FY2020, when assessing performance against the targets set at the commencement the year the Board and Committee determined that the CDP outcome for Mike Henry for FY2020 is 96 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which represents an outcome of 64 per cent against maximum) and that the CDP outcome for Andrew Mackenzie for FY2020 is also 96 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which also represents an outcome of 64 per cent against maximum). The Board and Committee believe these outcomes are appropriately aligned with the shareholder experience and the interests of the Group’s other stakeholders.

Material disputes update

Other governance mattersThe CEOs’ CDP scorecard outcomes for FY2020 are summarised in the following tables, including a narrative description of each performance measure and the CEOs’ level of achievement, as determined by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board. The level of performance for each measure is determined based on a range of thresholds (the minimum necessary to qualify for any reward outcome), target (where the performance requirements are met), and maximum (where the performance requirements are significantly exceeded).

 

LOGO

HSEC

The HSEC targets for the CEOs are aligned to the Group’s suite of HSEC five-year public targets as set out in section 1.7. As it has done for several years, the Remuneration Committee seeks guidance each year from the Sustainability Committee when assessing HSEC performance against scorecard targets. The Remuneration Committee has taken a holistic view of Group performance in critical areas, including any matters outside the scorecard targets which the Sustainability Committee considers relevant.

Inter-company loans and group guarantees updateThe performance commentary below is provided against the scorecard targets, which were set on the basis of operated assets only.

 

HSEC measures

Scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure outcome

FatalitiesNil fatalities at operated assets.

The weighting of fatalities is 10 percentage points of the 25 percentage points allocated to the HSEC category, and represents the greatest weighting of all HSEC items. Our imperative as a Group is to continue to build our focus on fatality prevention and safety through leadership, verification and effective risk management. Historically, this fatality measure has had a zero outcome in years where a fatality occurred.

There were no fatalities during FY2020 at operated assets, and accordingly the maximum outcome against this measure has been awarded.

Maximum.
Environmental and community incidentsNil significant environmental and community incidents at operated assets.There were no significant environmental and community incidents during FY2020 at operated assets. This element carries a lesser weighting than for fatalities, as there have historically not been as many significant incidents.Target.
HPIF, TRIF and OIFImproved performance compared with FY2019 results.HPIF is a critical lead indicator which provides insight into our performance on preventing future fatalities. It decreased year-on-year by 23% during FY2020. TRIF performance in FY2020 of 4.2 is also lower by 11% than the 4.7 recorded in FY2019. In addition, OIF performance in FY2020 of 2.46 is lower by 7% than the 2.64 recorded last year.Between target and maximum, closer to maximum.
Risk management

Operated assets to have controls for fatal risks verified as part of Field Leadership activities with fatal risk control improvement plans developed and executed and increased levels of in-field coaching.

Achieve 90% compliance for critical control verification and execution tasks.

All operated assets substantially increased levels of coaching of Field Leadership, thereby improving the quality of leader engagement, which exceeded target. The reduction in the rates of identified critical control failures was ahead of target. The implementation of critical control observation schedules covering all critical controls and improved discipline in closing actions created when critical controls have failed were in line with targets set.Above target.
Health, environmental and community and social value initiativesAll operated assets to achieve 100% of planned targets in respect of occupational exposure reduction, mental health, water and GHG, social value plans, quality of life, community perceptions and community complaints.Targeted asset level improvements were exceeded for mental health activities and social value and community plans and activities (which have all been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic), and targets were met in respect of GHG reduction. However, we fell short on occupational exposure reduction targets and, despite meeting our water withdrawal reduction target, didn’t complete certain asset level actions regarding our water stewardship.Target overall (i.e. a blend of the above, on and below target).

The outcome against the HSEC KPI for FY2020 was 32 per cent against the target of 25 per cent. As a Group-level outcome, this applied to both Mike and Andrew for their time as CEO.

Financial

ROCE is underlying profit after taxation (excluding after-taxation finance costs and exceptional items) divided by average capital employed. ROCE is the key financial KPI against which CDP outcomes for our senior executives are measured and is, in our view, a relevant measure to assess the financial performance of the Group for this purpose. While ROCE excludes exceptional items, the Remuneration Committee reviews each exceptional item to assess if it should be included in the result for the purposes of deriving the ROCE CDP outcome.

When we are assessing management’s performance, we make adjustments to the ROCE result to allow for changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange movements and other material items to ensure the assessment appropriately measures outcomes that are within the control and influence of the Group and its executives. Of these, changes in commodity prices have historically been the most material due to volatility in prices and the impact on Group revenue and ROCE.

Financial
measure

Scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure
outcome
ROCE

For FY2020, the target for ROCE was 19.9%, with a threshold of 16.3% and a maximum of 21.1%.

The target ROCE is derived from the Group’s approved annual budget. It is the Group’s practice to build a material element of stretch performance into the budget. Achievement of this stretching ROCE target will result in a target CDP outcome. The threshold and maximum are a fair range of ROCE outcomes that represent a lower limit of underperformance below which no CDP award should be made, and an upper limit of outperformance that would represent the maximum CDP award.

Because a material element of stretch performance is built into the budget (and hence the ROCE target derived from the budget), together with physical and regulatory asset constraints, the performance range around target is subject to a greater level of downside risk than there is upside opportunity. Accordingly, the range between threshold and target is greater than that between target and maximum. For maximum, the Committee takes care not to create leveraged incentives that encourage executives to push for short-term performance that goes beyond our risk appetite and current operational capacity. The Committee retains, and has a track record of applying, downward discretion to ensure that the CDP outcome is appropriately aligned with the overall performance of the Group for the year, and is fair to management and shareholders.

ROCE of 16.9% was reported by BHP for FY2020. Adjusted for the factors outlined below, ROCE is 18.2%, which is below target. The following adjustments were made to ensure the outcomes appropriately reflect the performance of management for the year:

•   The impacts of movements in commodities prices and exchange rates increased ROCE by 1.2%.

•   Adjustments for other material items ordinarily made to ensure the outcomes reflect the performance of management for the year increased ROCE by 0.3%, mainly due to the exclusion of the impacts of unusually severe weather events during FY2020.

•   Having reviewed the FY2020 exceptional items (as described in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5), the Committee determined they should not be considered for the purposes of determining the ROCE CDP outcome, with the exception of the exceptional item in relation to the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic on BHP’s FY2020 results. The Committee concluded that, while this was outside the control of management, the direct costs and volume impacts of COVID-19 should flow through to the ROCE outcomes for CDP scorecard purposes. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This adjustment reduced ROCE by 0.2%. Beyond this, the Committee concluded that no further action was required in respect of exceptional items.

The key drivers of the ROCE performance being below target at 18.2% were:

•   In Minerals Australia and despite record volumes at Western Australia Iron Ore, Caval Ridge and Poitrel and record coal mined at Broadmeadow, production was lower than expected at Western Australian Iron Ore, Coal and Olympic Dam due mainly to reliability issues and shutdown timing, together with higher maintenance and contractor costs.

•   In Minerals Americas lower production than expected at Escondida (despite mill throughout being at record levels) and Pampa Norte due to unplanned maintenance, equipment failures and lower recoveries, partly offset by better than expected cost performance.

•   In Petroleum lower market demand for petroleum products resulted in lower than expected production volumes at Trinidad and Bass Strait, particularly in the last quarter of FY2020, together with extended maintenance in Australia impacting volumes, partly offset by better than expected cost performance.

Below
target.

The outcome against the ROCE KPI for FY2020 was 39 per cent against the target of 50 per cent. As a Group-level outcome, this outcome applied to Mike and Andrew for their time as CEO.

Individual performance measures for the CEOs

Individual measures for the CEOs are determined at the commencement of the financial year (or at the time of appointment for a new CEO). The application of personal measures remains an important element of effective performance management. These measures seek to provide a balance between the financial and non-financial performance requirements that maintain our position as a leader in our industry. The CEOs’ individual measures for FY2020 included contribution to BHP’s overall performance and the management team, and also the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of the CEO role as specified by the Board, as set out in the tables below.

Tax/royalty disputes updateMike Henry

 

Individual
measures

Individual scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure
outcome

Safety and sustainability

•   Future plan for reduction in near misses.

•   Risk management embedded.

•   Climate change next steps.

•   Near misses reduced significantly in FY2020 from FY2019; analysis completed and future action plans completed to achieve further significant reductions.

•   Material risks recorded appropriately, and agreed risk appetites being embedded in the business.

•   Next stage of climate change plans delivered.

Target.
Performance

•   Team restructuring.

•   BHP Operating System implementation.

•   Gender representation advanced.

•   New ELT members appointed, Technology and Transformation restructured, World Class Functions benefits accelerated, Operations Committee established.

•   BHP Operating System deployment proceeding according to plan, with volume and safety benefits delivered, as well as supporting compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

•   Positive improvements in gender representation in the second half, after a slow start to FY2020. By 30 June 2020 gender diversity had increased 2.0 percentage points to 26.5%, up from 24.5% at 30 June 2019, for a cumulative increase of 8.9 percentage points from 17.6% at 30 June 2016.

Target.
Portfolio

•   Portfolio value improvement.

•   Strategy review improvement.

•   Samarco strategy implemented.

•   Significant progress achieved on portfolio enhancement activities in spite of the challenges faced during the year with COVID-19, social unrest in Chile and unprecedented market volatility in oil and gas, including progressing agreed capital and operational options and projects at Petroleum, Escondida, Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and Olympic Dam.

•   Developed an improved review process for our portfolio and strategy around existing portfolio and growth options, and successfully conducted a large portion of the process, including significant Board engagement. The process is ongoing and will complete during 2020.

•   While the agreed Samarco strategy has been executed consistent with the principles to achieve fair and reasonable compensation and remediation, there have been some delays due to COVID-19 and further work and focus is required in FY2021. Insurance recoveries have been progressed, class actions are being actively managed and the first phase of dam decommissioning has been approved.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above, on and below target).
Tailings dams

•   Tailings Dam Taskforce work.

•   Long-term strategy development.

•   Delivered the work of the Tailings Dam Taskforce in accordance with agreed plans, schedules and targets, together with accelerating dam remediation activities across the Group.

•   Developed a long-term tailings management strategy to deliver step change risk reduction within 10 years.

Target.

New accounting standards updateAndrew Mackenzie

 

Individual
measures

Individual scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure
outcome

Performance

•   Deliver value through Transformation.

•   Risk management embedded.

•   BHP Operating System implementation, value chain automation and World Class Functions activities on-track.

•   Material risks being recorded appropriately, and agreed risk appetites being embedded in the business.

Target.
Tailings dams

•   Tailings Dam Taskforce work.

•   Long-term strategy development.

•   Progressed the work of the Tailings Dam Taskforce in accordance with agreed plans, schedules and targets.

•   Progressed a long-term tailings management strategy to deliver step change risk reduction within 10 years.

Target.
Portfolio

•   Maximise the value of the current portfolio.

•   Progress delivery of value and returns from future options.

•   Exploration success.

•   Identified projects and options in Petroleum, Escondida, Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and Olympic Dam progressed according to plans.

•   Future option projects continue to progress well, including identified options in Petroleum, Copper and Potash.

•   Achieved positive exploration outcomes, with extensions to the lives and reserves of conventional oil and gas fields.

Target.
Culture and capability

•   Gender representation advanced.

•   Maintain a robust succession slate.

•   Notwithstanding positive improvements in gender representation in the second half, there was a slow start to FY2020 in the first half. By 31 December 2019 gender diversity had increased to 24.8%, up from 24.5% at 30 June 2019.

•   A robust slate of potential successors to the CEO role and other ELT roles has been achieved through a deliberate focus on a strong long-term talent pool of candidates, evidenced by internal appointments to several key roles during the year.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above and below target).
Social value

•   Manage risks to protect operating licence.

•   Samarco strategy implemented.

•   Create opportunities to enhance social value.

•   Continued to manage risks by meeting commitments to our workforce, partners, communities and governments through health and safety, the public commitment to and implementation of the climate change strategy including an action plan around our public commitments, and managing water permits, Native Title agreements and social investments.

•   Progress made in implementing the agreed Samarco strategy, however there were some delays and further work and focus required.

•   Continued to work closely with our communities and collaborate with various local, regional and global stakeholders, new employment models are building better outcomes for employees, and have a leading position on social value through placing a high value on the long-term needs of society and the environment.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above, on and below target).

Overall, it was considered that the performance of both Mike and Andrew against their individual measures KPI was as expected for their respective periods as CEO. Accordingly, they were each awarded an outcome of 25 per cent, which is equal to target.

3.3.3    LTIP performance outcomes

LTIP vesting based on performance to June 2020

The five-year performance period for the 2015 LTIP ended on 30 June 2020. Mike Henry’s 2015 LTIP award comprised 192,360 awards (granted as President Coal prior to his appointment as CEO) and Andrew Mackenzie’s 2015 LTIP award comprised 322,765 awards (reduced from 339,753 awards originally granted prorated for time served at the time of departure). Vesting is subject to achievement of the relative TSR performance conditions and any discretion applied by the Remuneration Committee (see section 3.3.5).

Testing the performance condition

For the award to vest in full, TSR must exceed the Peer Group TSR (for 67 per cent of the award) and the Index TSR (for 33 per cent of the award) by an average of 5.5 per cent per year for five years, being 30.7 per cent in total compounded over the performance period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2020. TSR includes returns to BHP shareholders in the form of share price movements along with dividends paid and reinvested in BHP (including cash and in-specie dividends).

ManagementBHP’s TSR performance was positive 29.0 per cent over the five-year period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2020. This is above the weighted median Peer Group TSR of data protectionpositive 9.6 per cent and privacy risks updatebelow the Index TSR of positive 38.5 per cent over the same period. This level of performance results in 48 per cent vesting for the 2015 LTIP award, and accordingly 48 per cent of Mike Henry’s awards and Andrew Mackenzie’s retained awards have vested, and 52 per cent have lapsed. No compensation or DEP was paid in relation to the lapsed awards. The value of Mike’s vested 2015 LTIP award has been reported in section 3.3.1 and the value of Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award has been reported in section 3.3.24.

The graph below shows BHP’s performance relative to comparator groups.

 

World Class Functions

 

Technology risksBHP vs. Peer Group and Index TSR over the 2015 LTIP cycle

 

LOGO

3.3.4    LTIP allocated during FY2020

Following shareholder approval at the 2019 AGMs, LTIP awards (in the form of performance rights) were granted to Mike Henry (in his role as President Minerals Australia) and Andrew Mackenzie (in his role as CEO) on 20 November 2019. The first LTIP grant to be made to Mike as the new CEO under the terms of the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 will be awarded in late CY2020 and will be made on the reduced 200 per cent of base salary (face value).

The face value and fair value of the awards granted on 20 November 2019 are shown in the table below. The face value of Mike’s award is 350 per cent of his base salary of US$1.100 million at the time of grant. The face value of Andrew’s award is 400 per cent of his base salary of US$1.700 million.

The fair value of the awards is ordinarily calculated by multiplying the face value of the award by the fair value factor of 41 per cent (for the current plan design, as determined by the independent adviser to the Committee).The number of LTIP awards for both Mike and Andrew as detailed below was determined based on the US$ face value of base salary and calculated using the average share price and US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2019.

   

Number of LTIP
awards

  

Face value

US$(‘000)

  

Face value

% of salary

  

Fair value

US$(‘000)

  

Fair value

% of salary

  

% of max(1)

Mike Henry

  153,631  3,850  350  1,579  144  100

Andrew Mackenzie

      271,348(2)  6,800  400  2,788  164  100

(1)

The allocation is 100 per cent of the maximum award that was able to be provided under the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs.

(2)

Subsequently reduced to 40,702 awards on a pro rata basis for time served.

FinancialTerms of the LTIP award

In addition to those LTIP terms set in the remuneration policy for the CEO approved by shareholders in 2019, the Remuneration Committee has determined:

Performance period

•   1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024

Performance conditions

•   An averaging period of six months will be used in the TSR calculations.

•   BHP’s TSR relative to the weighted median TSR of sector peer companies selected by the Committee (Peer Group TSR) and the MSCI World index (Index TSR) will determine the vesting of 67% and 33% of the award, respectively.

•   Each company in the peer group is weighted by market capitalisation. The maximum weighting for any one company is 25% and the minimum is set at 0.4% to reduce sensitivity to any single peer company.

•   For the whole of either portion of the award to vest, BHP’s TSR must be at or exceed the weighted 80th percentile of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Threshold vesting (25% of each portion of the award) occurs where BHP’s TSR equals the weighted 50th percentile of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the weighted 50th and 80th percentiles.

Sector peer group companies(1)(2)

•   Resources (85%): Anglo American, Fortescue Metals, Freeport-McMoRan, Glencore, Rio Tinto, Southern Copper, Teck Resources, Vale.

•   Oil and gas (15%): Anadarko Petroleum(3), Apache, BP, Canadian Natural Res., Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell, Woodside Petroleum.

(1)

From December 2016, BG Group and Peabody Energy were removed from the comparator group. BG Group was acquired by Royal Dutch Shell and Peabody Energy had become a significantly less comparable peer.

(2)

From November 2018, CONSOL Energy was removed from the comparator group, as due to its internal restructuring it had become a less comparable peer.

(3)

Anadarko Petroleum was acquired by Occidental Petroleum in August 2019.

3.3.5    Overarching discretion and vesting underpin

The rules of the CDP, LTIP and STIP and the terms and conditions of the awards give the Committee an overarching discretion to reduce the number of awards that will vest, notwithstanding the fact that the performance condition for partial or full vesting, as tested following the end of the performance period, or the relevant service conditions, have been met.

This holistic, qualitative judgement, which is applied as an underpin test before final vesting is confirmed, is an important risk management tool to ensure vesting is not simply driven by a formula or the passage of time that may give unexpected or unintended remuneration outcomes.

The Committee considers its discretion carefully each year. It considers performance holistically over the five-year period, including a five-year ’look back’ on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance proceduresand conduct.

Having undertaken this review, the Committee considered its discretion in respect of equity awards due to vest in August 2020. In respect of the STIP two-year deferred shares (granted in November 2018 in respect of performance in FY2018), the Committee chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed the STIP awards to vest in full. In respect of the LTIP five-year performance shares (granted in December 2015), the formulaic outcome of the 2015 LTIP was a 48 per cent vesting. Having undertaken the ‘look back’ review, the Committee concluded the vesting outcome was appropriate given Group and individual performance, and chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed 48 per cent of the LTIP awards to vest. There is no upwards discretion available to the Remuneration Committee in respect of the LTIP, as the overarching discretion may only reduce the number of awards that may vest.

3.3.6    CEO remuneration and returns to shareholders

10-year CEO remuneration

The table below shows the single total figure of remuneration for Mike Henry, Andrew Mackenzie and Marius Kloppers over the last 10 years along with the proportion of maximum opportunity earned for each type of incentive.

Business RiskExternal Auditor

The RAC manages the relationship with the External Auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the reappointment of the External Auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other terms of engagement and makes a recommendation to the Board.

The lead audit engagement partners for EY in Australia and the United Kingdom (together, ‘EY’) were appointed for commencement from 1 July 2019.

Audit tender and transition

BHP confirms during FY2020 it was in compliance with the provisions of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit CommitteesCommittee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Business RiskConsistent with the UK and Audit Committees, covering each asset group, assist managementEU requirements in providingregard to audit firm tender and rotation, the information necessaryCommittee conducted an audit tender process during FY2017 to allowappoint a new external auditor.

In August 2017, consistent with the Committee’s recommendation, the Board announced it had selected EY to be the Group’s auditor from the financial year beginning 1 July 2019, subject to shareholder approval, which was received at the AGMs in 2019. During FY2019, the RAC received updates from EY on the audit transition and preparation for commencement of its audit, including EY’s process in meeting all relevant independence criteria, audit plan for commencement from 1 July 2019 and reports on any non-audit services.

KPMG was the auditor during FY2019 and FY2018, and EY was the auditor during FY2020.

Evaluation of External Auditor and external audit process

The RAC evaluates the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor and the quality and effectiveness of the external audit arrangements. As part of this evaluation, the RAC considers specified criteria, including delivering value to dischargeshareholders and BHP, and also assesses the adequacy of the external audit process with emphasis on quality, effectiveness and performance. It does so through a range of means, including:

the Committee considers the External Audit Plan, in particular to gain assurance that it is tailored to reflect changes in circumstances from the prior year

throughout the year, the Committee meets with the audit partners, particularly the lead Australian and UK audit engagement partners, without management present

following the completion of the audit, the Committee considers the quality of the External Auditor’s performance drawing on survey results. The survey is based on a two-way feedback model where the BHP and EY teams assess each other against a range of criteria. The criteria against which the BHP team evaluates EY’s performance include ethics and integrity, insight, service quality, communication, reporting and responsiveness

reviewing the terms of engagement of the External Auditor

discussing with the audit engagement partners the skills and experience of the broader audit team

reviewing audit quality inspection reports on EY published by the UK Financial Reporting Council in considering the effectiveness of the audit

In addition, the RAC reviews the integrity, independence and objectivity of the External Auditor and assesses whether there is any element of the relationship that impairs or appears to impair the External Auditor’s judgement or independence. The External Auditor also certifies its responsibilities. Theyindependence to the RAC.

Non-audit services

Although the External Auditor does provide some non-audit services, the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor are safeguarded through restrictions on the provision of these services with some services prohibited from being undertaken, including services where the External Auditor:

may be required to audit its own work

participates in activities that would normally be undertaken by management committees

is remunerated through a ‘success fee’ structure

acts in an advocacy role for BHP

The RAC has adopted a policy entitled ‘Provision of Audit and perform an important monitoring functionOther Services by the External Auditor’ covering the RAC’s pre-approval policies and procedures to maintain the independence of the External Auditor. This policy was reviewed and updated in FY2020, including to reflect only those services permitted to be provided by the External Auditor in the overall governancerevised Ethical Standard published by the UK Financial Reporting Council.

Our policy on Provision of BHP. The meetings take place annually as part of our financial governance framework.Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor is available at bhp.com/governance.

As management committees,In addition to audit services, the responsible memberExternal Auditor is permitted to provide other (non-audit) services that are not and are not perceived to be in conflict with their role. In accordance with the requirements of the Executive Leadership Team participates,Exchange Act and guidance contained in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Release 2004-001, certain specific activities are listed in our policy that have been ‘pre-approved’ by the RAC.

The categories of ‘pre-approved’ services are:

Audit services – work that constitutes the agreed scope of the statutory audit and includes the statutory audits of BHP and its entities (including interim reviews). This category also includes work that is reasonably related to the performance of an audit or review and is a logical extension of the audit or review scope. The RAC monitors the audit services engagements and if necessary, approves any changes in terms and conditions resulting from changes in audit scope, Group structure or other relevant events.

Audit-related and other assurance services – work that is outside the scope of the statutory audit but is consistent with the committeerole of the external statutory auditor, is chairedof an assurance or compliance nature, is work the External Auditor must or is best placed to undertake and is permissible under the relevant applicable standard.

Activities outside the scope of the categories above are not ‘pre-approved’ and must be approved by the RAC prior to engagement, regardless of the dollar value involved. In addition, any engagement for other services with a membervalue over US$100,000, even if listed as a ‘pre-approved’ service, requires the approval of the RAC. Each committee also includesAll engagements for other services whether ‘pre-approved’ or not and regardless of the Group Financial Controller, the Chief Risk Officer and the Group Assurance Officer.

Significant operational and risk matters raised at Business RAC meetingsdollar value involved are reported quarterly to the RACRAC.

While not prohibited by management.

Activities undertaken by RAC during FY2019

Fair, balanced and understandable

Directors are requiredBHP’s policy, any proposed non-audit engagement of the External Auditor relating to confirm that they consider the Annual Report, takeninternal control (such as a whole,review of internal controls) requires specific prior approval from the RAC. With the exception of the external audit of BHP’s Financial Statements, any engagement identified that contains an internal control-related element is not considered to be fair, balanced and understandable and providespre-approved. In addition, while the information necessary for shareholders to assess BHP’s position, performance, business model and strategy.

BHP hascategories of ‘pre-approved’ services include a substantial governance framework in place forlist of certain pre-approved services, the Annual Report. This includes management representation letters, certifications, RAC oversightuse of the Financial Statements and a range of other financial governance procedures focused on the financial section of the Annual Report, together with verification procedures for the narrative reporting section of the Report.

The RAC advises the Board on whether the Annual Report meets the fair, balanced and understandable requirement. The process to support the giving of this confirmation involved the following:

ensuring all individuals involved in the preparation of any part of the Annual Report are briefed on the fair, balanced and understandable requirement through training sessions for each content manager that detail the key attributes of ‘fair, balanced and understandable’;

employees who have been closely involved in the preparation of the Financial Statements review the entire narrative for the fair, balanced and understandable requirement, and sign off an appropriatesub-certification;

key members of the team preparing the Annual Report confirm they have taken the fair, balanced and understandable requirement into account and they have raised, with the Annual Report project team, any concerns they have in relation to meeting this requirement;

the Annual Report suitesub-certification incorporates a fair, balanced and understandable declaration;

in relation to the requirement for the auditor to review parts of the narrative report for consistency with the audited Financial Statements, asking the External Auditor to raise any issues of inconsistency at an early stage.

As a result ofperform these services will always be subject to our overriding governance practices as articulated in the process outlined above, the RAC, and then the Directors, were able to confirm their view that BHP’s Annual Report 2019 taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable. For the Board’s statement on the Annual Report, refer to the Directors’ Report in section 4.

Integrity of Financial Statements

The RAC assists the Board in assuring the integrity of the Financial Statements. The RAC evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board about the appropriateness of accounting policies and practices, areas of judgement, compliance with accounting standards, stock exchange and legal requirements and the results of the external audit. It reviews the half-yearly and annual Financial Statements and makes recommendations on specific actions or decisions (including formal adoption of the Financial Statements and reports) the Board should consider in order to maintain the integrity of the Financial Statements.

For the FY2019 full-year and the half-year, the CEO and CFO have certified that BHP’s financial records have been properly maintained and that the FY2019 Financial Statements present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of our financial condition and operating results and are in accordance with accounting standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

155


Significant issuespolicy.

In addition, to the Group’s key judgements and estimates disclosed throughout the FY2019 Financial Statements, the Committee also considered the following significant issues relating to financial reporting:

Carrying value of long-term assets

The assessment of carrying values of long-term assets uses a number of significant judgements and estimates.

The Committee examined management’s review of impairment triggers and potential impairment charges or reversals for the Group’s cash generating units.

The results of impairment assessments for the Jansen potash assets in Canada were reviewed and the Committee concluded that no impairment was required.

Specific consideration was given to the most recent short, medium and long-term price forecasts, sanction date, expected production volumes and ramp up development plans, operating and capital costs, discount rates and other market indicators of fair value.

Conclusions from these reviews are reflected in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Samarco dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Samarco Mineração S.A (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil experienced a tailings dam failure that resulted in a release of mine tailings, flooding the community of Bento Rodrigues and impacting other communities downstream. Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Limitada (BHP Billiton Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale). BHP Billiton Brasil’s 50 per cent interest in Samarco is accounted for as an equity accounted joint venture investment.

Samarco’s provisions and contingent liabilities

The Committee reviewed updates to matters relating to the Samarco dam failure, including developments on existing and new legal proceedings, and changes to the estimated costs of remediation and provisions relating to the decommissioning of Samarco’s Germano tailings dam complex.

BHP Billiton Brasil has recognised a share of additional losses recorded by SamarcoRAC did not approve any services during the year ended 30 June 2019.2020 pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of SEC Regulation S-X (provision of services other than audit).

Potential direct financial impactsFees paid to BHP Billiton Brasil

The Committee considered:

the impactBHP’s External Auditor during FY2020 for audit and other services were US$16.7 million, of Brazilian Government legislation requiring the accelerated decommissioning of upstream raised tailings dams, specifically for Samarco’s Germano tailings dam complex;

the accounting implications of funding provided to the Renova Foundation and Samarco to support activities under the Framework Agreement, carry out remediation and stabilisation work and support Samarco’s operations;

changes to the estimated cost of remediation and compensation Programs under the Framework Agreement;

developments in existing and new legal proceedings, on the provision related to the Samarco dam failure and related disclosures;

the provisions recognised and contingent liabilities disclosed by BHP Billiton Brasil or other BHP entities.

Based on currently available information, the Committee concluded that the accounting for the equity investment in Samarco, the provision recognised by BHP Billiton Brasilwhich 75 per cent comprised audit fees (including the decommissioningUS Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as amended (SOX)), 11 per cent for audit-related fees, 2 per cent was for tax fees and 12 per cent for all other fees. Details of the Germano tailings dam complex) and contingent liabilities disclosedfees paid are set out in the Group’s Financial Statements are appropriate.

For further information refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’35 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 5.

Onshore US divestment

The Committee considered and concurred withBased on the accounting implications of the completion of the Group’s Onshore US asset divestment, including the allocation of revenue and costs to discontinuing operations and tax accounting of the divestment. The Committee also reviewed the disclosure of the Financial Statement impacts resulting from the divestment including the discontinued operations disclosure.

Conclusions from these reviews are reflected in note 27 ‘Discontinued operations’ in section 5.

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Impact of new accounting standards

The Committee considered and approved accounting policy changes resulting from the application of new standards and interpretations commencing 1 July 2019, including IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’.

The Committee reviewed management’s analysis of the adoption implications for the Group, including the selection of transition options, and concurred with its recommendations.

For further information, refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5.

Tax and royalty liabilities

The Group is subject to a range of tax and royalty matters across many jurisdictions. The Committee considered updates on changes to the wider tax landscape, estimates and judgements supporting the measurement and disclosure of tax and royalty provisions and contingent liabilities including the following:

tax risks (including transfer pricing risks) arising from the Group’s cross-border operations and transactions, including settlement of the transfer pricing dispute with the Australian Taxation Office relating to the Group’s marketing operations in Singapore;

settlement of a dispute with the Western Australian Government in relation to a long-standing deduction madereview by the Group and its Joint Venture Partners inRAC, the calculation of royalties;

other matters where uncertainty exists in the application of the law.

The Committee concluded that provisions recognised and contingent liabilities disclosed for these matters were appropriate considering the range of possible outcomes, currently available information and legal advice obtained.

For further information refer to notes 6 ‘Income tax expense’ and 33 ‘Contingent liabilities’ in section 5.

Closure and rehabilitation provisions

Determining the closure and rehabilitation provisionBoard is a complex area requiring significant judgement and estimates, particularly given the timing and quantum of future costs, the unique nature of each site and the long timescales involved.

The Committee considered the various changes in estimates for closure and rehabilitation provisions recognised during the year. Consideration was given to the results of the most recently completed surveying data, current cost estimates and appropriate inclusion of contingency in cost estimates to allow for both known and residual risks. The Committee concludedsatisfied that the assumptions and inputs for closure and rehabilitation cost estimates were reasonable and the related provisions recorded were appropriate.External Auditor is independent.

For further information, refer to note 14 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’ in section 5.

External Auditor

The RAC manages the relationship with the External Auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the reappointment of the External Auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other terms of engagement and makes a recommendation to the Board. There are no contractual obligations that restrict the RAC’s capacity to recommend a particular firm for appointment as auditor.

The lead audit engagement partners for KPMGEY in Australia and the United Kingdom (together, (‘KPMG’‘EY’)), were rotated every five years. The most recent Australian audit engagement partner was appointed at the start of FY2015, while the UK audit engagement partner took formal responsibility at the start of FY2018 following a transition period. Audit engagement partners have been appointed in Australia and the United Kingdom to represent EY for commencement from 1 July 2019.

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant /

Audit tender and transition

BHP confirms that during FY2019FY2020 it was in compliance with the provisions of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Consistent with the UK and EU requirements in regard to audit firm tender and rotation, the Committee conducted an audit tender process during FY2017 to appoint a new external auditor.

In August 2017, consistent with the Committee’s recommendation, the Board announced that it had selected EY to be appointed as the Group’s auditor from the financial year beginning 1 July 2019, subject to shareholder approval. The Board intends to seek shareholder approval, which was received at the AGMs in 2019 of the appointment of EY as external auditor. KPMG, BHP’s current external auditor, did not participate in the tender due to UK and EU requirements which require a new external auditor to be in place by 1 July 2023. KPMG’s appointment as external auditor will come to an end on completion of its procedures on BHP’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2019 and the filing of the relatedForm-20F.

157


2019. During the financial years ended 30 June 2018 and 2019 and the subsequent interim period through to 17 September 2019, (1) KPMG has not issued any reports on the financial statements of BHP or on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting that contained an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were the auditors’ reports of BHP qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, and (2) there has not been any disagreement over any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to KPMG’s satisfaction would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its auditor’s reports for such years, or any “reportable event” as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) ofForm 20-F.

BHP has provided KPMG with a copy of the foregoing disclosure and has requested that they furnish BHP with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not they agree with the above statements. A copy of such letter is filed as an Exhibit to this 2019Form 20-F.

During FY2018 and FY2019, BHP did not consult with EY regarding: (i) the application of accounting principles to any specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) ofForm 20-F or reportable event as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) ofForm 20-F.

In FY2019, the RAC received updates from EY on the audit transition and preparation for commencement of its audit, including EY’s process in meeting all relevant independence criteria, audit plan for commencement from 1 July 2019 and reports on anynon-audit services.

KPMG was the auditor during FY2019 and FY2018, and EY was the auditor during FY2020.

Evaluation of External Auditor and external audit process

The RAC evaluates the performanceobjectivity and independence of the External Auditor during its termand the quality and effectiveness of appointment againstthe external audit arrangements. As part of this evaluation, the RAC considers specified criteria, including delivering value to shareholders and BHP, and also assesses the effectivenessadequacy of the external audit process.process with emphasis on quality, effectiveness and performance. It does so through a range of means:means, including:

 

the Committee considers the External Audit Plan, in particular to gain assurance that it is tailored to reflect changes in circumstances from the prior year;year

 

throughout the year, the Committee meets with the audit partners, particularly the lead Australian and UK audit engagement partners, without management present;present

 

following the completion of the audit, the Committee considers the quality of the External Auditor’s performance drawing on survey results. The survey is based on atwo-way feedback model where the BHP and KPMGEY teams assess each other against a range of criteria. The criteria against which the BHP team evaluates KPMG’sEY’s performance include ethics and integrity, insight, service quality, communication, and reporting and responsiveness;responsiveness

 

reviewing the terms of engagement of the External Auditor;Auditor

 

discussing with the audit engagement partners the skills and experience of the broader audit team;team

 

reviewing audit quality inspection reports on KPMGEY published by the UK Financial Reporting Council in considering the effectiveness of the audit;audit

overseeing (and approving where relevant)non-audit services as described below.

TheIn addition, the RAC also reviews the integrity, independence and objectivity of the External Auditor and assesses whether there is any element of the relationship that impairs or appears to impair the External Auditor’s judgement or independence. This review includes:

confirming the External Auditor is, in its judgement, independent of BHP;

obtaining from the External Auditor an account of all relationships between the External Auditor and BHP;

monitoring the number of former employees of the External Auditor currently employed in senior positions within BHP;

considering the various relationships between BHP and the External Auditor;

determining whether the compensation of individuals employed by the External Auditor who conduct the audit is tied to the provision ofnon-audit services;

reviewing the economic importance of BHP to the External Auditor.

The External Auditor also certifies its independence to the RAC.

Non-audit services

Although the External Auditor does provide somenon-audit services, the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor are safeguarded through restrictions on the provision of these services. For example, certain types ofnon-auditservices may bewith some services prohibited from being undertaken, by the External Auditor only with the prior approval of the RAC (as described in this section), while other services may not be undertaken at all, including services where the External Auditor:

 

may be required to audit its own work;work

 

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participates in activities that would normally be undertaken by management;management

 

is remunerated through a ‘success fee’ structure;structure

 

acts in an advocacy role for BHP.BHP

The RAC has adopted a policy entitled ‘Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor’ covering the RAC’spre-approval policies and procedures to maintain the independence of the External Auditor. This policy was reviewed and updated in FY2020, including to reflect only those services permitted to be provided by the External Auditor in the revised Ethical Standard published by the UK Financial Reporting Council.

Our policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor is available online at bhp.com/governance.

In addition to audit services, the External Auditor is permitted to provide other(non-audit) services that are not and are not perceived to be in conflict with the role of the External Auditor.their role. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act and guidance contained in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Release2004-001, certain specific activities are listed in our detailed policy that have been‘pre-approved’ by the RAC.

The categories of‘pre-approved’ services are as follows:are:

 

Audit and audit-related services – work that constitutes the agreed scope of the statutory audit and includes the statutory audits of BHP and its entities (including interim reviews). This category also includes work that is reasonably related to the performance of an audit or review and is a logical extension of the audit or review scope. The RAC monitors the audit services engagements and if necessary, approves any changes in terms and conditions resulting from changes in audit scope, Group structure or other relevant events.

 

OtherAudit-related and other assurance services – work that is outside the required scope of the statutory audit but is consistent with the role of the external statutory auditor, is of an assurance or compliance nature, and is work the External Auditor must or is best placed to undertake.undertake and is permissible under the relevant applicable standard.

Other services – work of an advisory nature that does not compromiseActivities outside the independencescope of the External Auditor.

Activitiescategories above are not listed specifically are therefore not‘pre-approved’ and must be approved by the RAC prior to engagement, regardless of the dollar value involved. Additionally,In addition, any engagement for other services with a value over US$100,000, even if listed as a‘pre-approved’ service, requires the approval of the RAC. All engagements for other services whether‘pre-approved’ or not and regardless of the dollar value involved are reported quarterly to the RAC.

While not specifically prohibited by BHP’s policy, any proposednon-audit engagement of the External Auditor relating to internal control (such as a review of internal controls or assistance with implementing the regulatory requirements, including those of the Exchange Act)controls) requires specific prior approval from the RAC. With the exception of the external audit of BHP’s Financial Statements, any engagement identified that contains an internal control-related element is not considered to bepre-approved. In addition, while the categories of‘pre-approved’ services include a list of certainpre-approved services, the use of the External Auditor to perform suchthese services will always be subject to our overriding governance practices as articulated in the policy.

An exception can be made to the policy where it is in BHP’s interests and appropriate arrangements are put in place to ensure the integrity and independence of the External Auditor. Any such exception requires the specific prior approval of the RAC and must be reported to the Board. No exceptions were approved during the year ended 30 June 2019.

In addition, the RAC approved nodid not approve any services during the year ended 30 June 20192020 pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule2-01 of SEC RegulationS-X (provision of services other than audit).

Fees paid to BHP’s External Auditor during FY2019FY2020 for audit and other services were US$14.516.7 million, of which 6475 per cent comprised audit fees 32 per cent related to legislative requirements (including the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as amended (SOX)) and 4, 11 per cent for audit-related fees, 2 per cent was for tax fees and 12 per cent for all other services.fees. Details of the fees paid are set out in note 35 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 5.

Based on the review by the RAC, the Board is satisfied that the External Auditor is independentindependent.

Business Risk and thatAudit Committees

Business Risk and Audit Committees (Business RACs), covering each asset group, assist management in providing the incoming auditorinformation to enable the RAC to fulfil its responsibilities. They are management committees and perform an important monitoring function in the governance of BHP. Meetings take place annually as part of our financial governance framework.

As management committees, the appropriate member of the ELT participates, but the committee is chaired by a member of the RAC. Each committee also independent.includes the Group Financial Controller, the Chief Risk Officer and the Group Assurance Officer.

Significant operational and risk matters raised at Business RAC meetings are reported to the RAC by management.

Risk function

The Risk function’s role is to create and maintain the Group’s Risk Framework, and to support, verify, oversee and provide insight on the effective application of the Risk function is to own the Group’s end to end Risk Framework to create, maintain, govern, support and report on the effective implementation of the risk management framework for all risks, (including material andnon-material,including strategic, operational reporting, compliance and emerging risks).risks.

The RAC assists the Board with the oversight of risk management, although the Board retains overall accountability for BHP’s risk profile. In addition, the Board specifically requires the CEO to implement a system of control for identifying and managing risk. The Directors, through the RAC, review the systems that have been established, for this purpose, regularly review the effectiveness of those systems and monitor that necessary actions have been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified from that review. The RAC regularly reports to the Board to enable the Board to review our Risk Framework. Refinements were madeFramework at least annually to confirm that the Risk Framework continues to be sound and that BHP is operating with regard to the risk appetite set by the Board. A review was undertaken during FY2020, resulting in refinements to BHP’s Risk Framework during FY2019.Framework. For more information, refer to section 1.6.4.1.5.4.

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Additional information about the effectiveness of risk management is set out as follows.

Internal Audit

The Internal Audit function is carried out by Internal Audit and Advisory (IAA). The role of IAA is to provide assurance as to whether risk management, internal control and governance processes are adequate and functioning. The Internal Audit function is independent of the External Auditor. The RAC evaluates and, if thought fit, approves the terms of reference of IAA, the staffing levels and its scope of work to ensure it is appropriate in light of the key risks we face. It also reviews and approves the annual internal audit plan and monitors and reviews the overall effectiveness of the internal audit activities.

The RAC also approves the appointment and dismissal of the Group Assurance Officer and assesses his or her performance, independence and objectivity. The position was held until September 2018 by Kirsty Wallace, when Rama Devarajan was appointed to the role. Both Ms Wallace and Mr Devarajan reported directly to the RAC. During the period, functional oversight of IAA was provided by the Chief External Affairs Officer.

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management (RAC and Board)

In delegating authority to the CEO, the Board has established CEO limits set out in theBoardCorporate Governance Document. Limits on the CEO’s authority require the CEO to ensure there is a system of control in place for identifying and managing risk in BHP. Through the RAC, the Directors review the systems that have been established for this purpose and regularly review their effectiveness. These reviews include assessing whether processes continue to meet evolving external governance requirements.

The RAC oversees and reviews the internal controls and risk management systems. In undertaking this role, the RAC reviews the following:

procedures for identifying material risks and controlling their impact on the Group, and the operational effectiveness of these procedures;Statement

 

processes and systems for managing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting;Governance update – Section 172 mapping

 

Implementing provisions from the Group’s strategyUK Code and standards in respect of insurance;the ASX Fourth Edition

 

the Group’s standardsUpdated Director Deed of Indemnity Insurance and procedures in respect of reporting of reserves and resources;Access

 

the Group’s standards and procedures in respectUpdated Terms of the closure and rehabilitation provision;Appointment for Directors

 

standards and practices for detecting, reporting and preventing fraud, serious breaches of business conduct and whistle-blowing procedures supporting reporting to the Committee;Crisis management

 

procedures for ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory and legal requirements;

arrangements for the protectionUpdate of the Group’s information and data systems and othernon-physical assets;Committee Terms of Reference

operational effectiveness of the Business RAC structures;

overseeing the adequacy of the internal controls and allocation of responsibilities for monitoring internal financial controls.

For more information on our approach to risk management, refer to section 1.6.4. Section 1.6.4 includes a description of the most significant Group risks which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial performance, financial condition, prospects or reputation, leading to a loss of long-term shareholder and/or investor confidence. Section 1.6.4 also provides an explanation of how those risks are managed.

During FY2019, management presented an assessment of the material business risks facing BHP and the level of effectiveness of risk management over the material business risks. The reviews were overseen by the RAC, with findings and recommendations reported to the Board. In addition to considering key risks facing BHP, the Board received an assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over key risks identified through the work of the Board committees.

The Board is satisfied with the effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems.

Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule13a-15(f) and Rule15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, the effectiveness of BHP’s internal control over financial reporting has been evaluated based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Controls – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as at 30 June 2019. There were no material weaknesses in BHP’s internal controls over financial reporting identified by management as at 30 June 2019.

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BHP has engaged our independent registered public accounting firms, KPMG and KPMG LLP, to issue an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting for inclusion in the Financial Statements section of the Annual Report and the Annual Report on Form20-F as filed with the SEC.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during FY2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

The CEO and CFO have certified to the Board that the Financial Statements for the full-year and half-year are founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and the system is operating efficiently and effectively.

During FY2019, the RAC reviewed our compliance with the obligations imposed by SOX, including evaluating and documenting internal controls as required by section 404 of SOX.

Management’s assessment of disclosure controls and procedures

Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as at 30 June 2019. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the material financial andnon-financial information required to be disclosed by BHP, including in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarised and reported on a timely basis and that such information is accumulated and communicated to BHP’s management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation, management, including the CEO and CFO, has concluded that as at 30 June 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing that reasonable assurance.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Further, in the design and evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, management was required to apply its judgement in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Committee assessment

Following the committee assessment, the RAC was satisfied that it had continued to meet its terms of reference in FY2019.

The terms of reference for the RAC are available online at bhp.com/governance.

2.13.2    Remuneration Committee Report

Role and focus

The role of the Remuneration Committee is to assist the Board in overseeing:

the remuneration policy and its specific application to the CEO and other Key Management Personnel (those who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group directly or indirectly), and its general application to all employees;

the adoption of annual and longer-term incentive plans;

the determination of levels of reward for the CEO and approval of reward for other Key Management Personnel;

the annual evaluation of the performance of the CEO, by giving guidance to the Chairman;

leaving entitlements;

the preparation of the Remuneration Report for inclusion in the Annual Report;

compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements associated with remuneration matters;

the review, at least annually, of remuneration by gender.

The Sustainability Committee and the Risk and Audit Committee assist the Remuneration Committee in determining appropriate HSEC and financial metrics, respectively, to be included in senior executive scorecards and in assessing performance against those measures.

The Remuneration Committee met five times during FY2019 and also considered some matters out of session. Information on meeting attendance by Committee members is included in the following table.

Certain items the Committee discussed are set out below. For full details of the Committee’s work on behalf of the Board, refer to the Remuneration Report in section 3.

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Remuneration Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

Carolyn Hewson (Chairman)

YesMember for whole period5/5

Anita Frew

YesMember for whole period5/5

Susan Kilsby

YesMember from 1 April 20192/2

Wayne Murdy

YesMember until 2 November 20182/2

Shriti Vadera

YesMember for whole period5/5

Committee activities in FY2019

Remuneration of the KMP and the Board

Remuneration policy review

Remuneration of CEO and other Key Management Personnel

KPIs, performance levels, award outcomes

Long-Term Incentive Plan sector peer group review

Chairman fees

Other remuneration matters

Shareplus enrolment update

Remuneration by gender

Director travel expenses policy

Shareholder engagement

Share plan rule update

UK BEIS Committee report

Corporate Governance code provisions

Proxy adviser consultation

Other

Induction, training and development program

Board committee procedures, including closed sessions

Committee assessment

Following the committee assessment, the Remuneration Committee was satisfied that it had continued to meet its terms of reference in FY2019. Subsequent to year end, updates were made to the terms of reference, to reflect the latest version of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

The terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee are available online at bhp.com/governance.

2.13.3    Nomination and Governance Committee Report

Role and focus

The role of the Nomination and Governance Committee is to assist the Board in ensuring that the Board comprises individuals who are best able to discharge the responsibilities of a Director, having regard to the highest standards of governance, the strategic direction of BHP and the diversity aspirations of the Board. It does so by focusing on:

the succession planning process for the Board and its committees, including the identification of suitable candidates for appointment to the Board taking into account the skills, experience, independence and knowledge required on the Board, as well as the attributes required of potential Directors;

the succession planning process for the Chairman;

the succession planning process for the CEO and periodic evaluation of the process;

Board and Director performance evaluation, including evaluation of Directors seekingre-election prior to their endorsement by the Board as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.11;

the provision of appropriate training and development opportunities for Directors;

the independence ofNon-executive Directors;

the time required fromNon-executive Directors;

the assessment and, if appropriate, authorisation of situations of actual and potential conflict notified by Directors;

BHP’s corporate governance practices.

For details on the Board succession planning process, refer to section 2.8.

The Nomination and Governance Committee met six times during FY2019. Information on meeting attendance by Committee members is included in the following table. In addition to the regular business of the year, the Committee considered the appointments of Ian Cockerill and Susan Kilsby asNon-executive Directors and the retirement of Wayne Murdy. The Committee also oversaw several other targeted searches forNon-executive Director candidates in FY2019 which are continuing.

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Board changes

Ian Cockerill and Susan Kilsby joined the Board on 1 April 2019. As set out in the 2018 Annual Report, Wayne Murdy retired with effect from 2 November 2018. Our search for a newNon-executive Director with mining experience commenced in FY2017 and the appointment of Ian Cockerill satisfies that requirement as he has extensive mining experience, including in chief executive, operational, strategic and technical roles. Susan Kilsby has extensive experience in finance and strategy, having held several roles in global investment banking. Both new Directors also bring extensiveNon-executive Director experience. Ian Cockerill was appointed to the Risk and Audit Committee and the Sustainability Committee, and Susan Kilsby was appointed to the Remuneration Committee.

Carolyn Hewson will retire from the Board after 2019 BHP Group Limited Annual General Meeting.

Board policyPolicy on inclusion and diversity

Our Charter and theOur Requirementsfor Human Resources standard guide management on all aspects of human resource management, including inclusion and diversity. Underpinning theOur Requirements standards and supporting the achievement of diversity across BHP are principles and measurable objectives that define our approach to diversity and our focus on creating an inclusive work environment.

The Board and management believe that many facets of diversity areis required in order to meet the corporateour purpose, as set outwhich is outlined in section 2.8.1.6.1. Diversity is a core consideration inkey to ensuring the Board and its committeesCommittees have the right blend of perspectives so that the Board oversees BHP effectively for shareholders.

The Board believes that critical mass In CY2019, we updated the Nomination and Governance Committee Terms of Reference to explicitly refer to age, social and ethnic backgrounds and personal strengths. This is important for diversity andin addition to diversity of all types remains a priority as the Board continues to be refreshedgender, nationality and renewed, as set out in section 2.8. We also have an aspirational goalgeography.

Our aspiration is to achieve gender balance on our Board, among our senior executives and across our workforce by CY2025. We therefore welcome the ongoing Hampton-Alexander initiative for all FTSE 100 Boards to have at least 33 per cent female representation by the end of CY2020, and the objective of having at least 30 per cent of Directors of each gender in accordance with the ASX Fourth Edition. Our aspiration includes a fixed target of maintaining the level of Board diversity above 33 per cent, and we will be aligned with this requirement from 1 October 2020. We therefore satisfy the guidance in both the ASX Fourth Edition and also the UK Code. In addition, as at 30 June 2020, gender diversity among senior management (defined as the ELT plus Company Secretary and their direct reports) was 31 per cent.

We also welcome the final Parker Report into ethnic diversity of UK boards and continue to seek additional ethnic diversity on our Board, and throughout BHP. On our Board we meet the target of having ‘at least one Director of colour by FY2025. We believe this will help create a more diverse, inclusive, empowered and connected workforce, underpinned2021’ as recommended byOur Charter values. the Parker Review.

Part of the Board’s role iscontinues to be to consider and approve BHP’s measurable objectives for workforce diversity each financial year and to oversee our progress in achieving those objectives. BHP’s progress will continue to be disclosed in the Annual Report, along with the proportion of women in our workforce, in senior management positions and on the Board. For more information, on inclusion and diversity at BHP, including our progress against our FY2019FY2020 measurable objectives and our employee profile more generally, refer to sections 1.9.11.6.1 and 1.9.2.1.6.2.

External recruitment specialistsRenewal and re-election

The Board adopted a policy in 2011, consistent with the UK Code, under which all Directors must seek re-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. The Board believes annual re-election promotes and supports accountability to shareholders.

When considering new appointments, the Board’s Nomination and Governance Committee retainedtakes the servicesfollowing approach:

Step 1: Rigorous approachBHP adopts a structured and rigorous approach to Board succession planning and oversees the development of a diverse pipeline. The Nomination and Governance Committee considers Board diversity, size, tenure and the skills, experience and attributes needed to effectively govern and manage risk within BHP.
Step 2: Continuous approachThis process is continuous and for Non-executive Directors planning is based on a nine-year tenure as a guide, allowing the Board to ensure the right balance on the Board between experience and fresh perspectives. It also ensures the Board continues to be fit-for-purpose and evolves to take account of the changing external environment and BHP’s circumstances. It also prepares pipelines for Nomination and Governance Committee membership, considering relevant skills and requirements.
Step 3: Role descriptionWhen considering new appointments to the Board, the Nomination and Governance Committee oversees the preparation of a role description, which includes the criteria and attributes described in the Board Governance Document and section 2.7.
Step 4: Selection and appointment of search firmThe role description is provided to an external search firm retained to conduct a global search based on the Board’s criteria.
Step 5: Board interviewsThe shortlisted candidates are considered by the Nomination and Governance Committee and interviewed by the Chair initially. Meetings for selected candidates are held with each Board member ahead of the Board deciding whether to appoint the candidate.

Step 6: Committee recommendationThe Nomination and Governance Committee recommends the Board appoint the preferred candidate.
Step 7: Background checksThe Board, with the assistance of external consultants, conducts appropriate background and reference checks.
Step 8: Letter of appointmentThe Board has adopted a letter of appointment that contains the terms on which Non-executive Directors will be appointed, including the basis upon which they will be indemnified by the Group. The letter of appointment defines the role of Directors, including the expectations in terms of independence, participation, time commitment and continuous improvement. Written agreements are in place for all Non-executive Directors.

A copy of external recruitment specialists. Heidrickthe terms of appointment for Non-executive Directors is available atbhp.com/governance.

Senior management succession

A robust senior management succession process is also conducted to ensure pipeline stability for critical roles. A talent deep dive is conducted by the Board at least once a year to evaluate these pipelines. Senior management succession is viewed from a five-year perspective that considers the readiness of successors across time horizons, contexts and Struggles, Russell Reynoldsfuture capability demands. Select Board members are involved in the interview process for executive-level appointments one level below the CEO, and MWM Consulting assistedoccasionally for roles two levels below the CEO. BHP has a written agreement with each ELT member setting out the terms of their appointment. Further information about CEO and ELT succession is set out in sections 2.1 and 2.5.

Director induction, training and development

Upon appointment, each new Non-executive Director candidate searches throughoutundertakes an induction program tailored to their needs.

A copy of an indicative induction program is available at bhp.com/governance.

Following the year.

induction program, Non-executive Directors participate in continuous improvement activities (training and development program), which are overseen by the Nomination and Governance Committee. The training and development program covers matters of a business nature, including environmental, social and governance matters and provides updates on BHP’s assets, commodities, geographies and markets. Programs are designed and periodically reviewed to maximise effectiveness, and the results of Director performance evaluations are incorporated into these programs.

Training and development in FY2020

Area

Purpose

FY2020 activity

Briefings and development sessions

Provide each Director with a deeper understanding of the activities, environment, key issues and direction of the assets, along with HSEC and public policy considerations.

•   Strategy day with the ELT

•   Climate change sessions

•   Briefing on ESG issues from senior investor representative

•   WAIO deep dive

Site visits

Briefings on the assets, operations and other relevant issues and meetings with key personnel. During FY2020, several site visits were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

•   BMA, Metallurgical Coal, Australia (Group Chair only)

•   Jansen, Potash, Canada

•   Nickel West, Nickel, Australia

•   NSWEC, Thermal Coal, Australia

•   Olympic Dam, Copper, Australia

•   Santiago office and Escondida, Copper, Chile (Group Chair only)

These sessions and site visits also allow an opportunity to discuss in detail the risk environment and the potential for impacts on the achievement of our purpose and strategy. For information on the management of principal risks, refer to section 1.5.4.

Throughout the year, the Chair discusses development areas with each Director. Board Committees review and agree their needs for more briefings. The benefit of this approach is that induction and learning opportunities can be tailored to Directors’ committee memberships, as well as the Board’s specific areas of focus. This approach also ensures a coordinated process on succession planning, Board renewal, training and development and committee composition.

These processes are all relevant to the Nomination and Governance Committee’s role in identifying appropriate Non-executive Director candidates.

Each Board committee provides a standing invitation for any Non-executive Director to attend committee meetings (rather than just limiting attendance to committee members). Committee agendas and papers are provided to all Directors to ensure they are aware of matters to be considered.

Independence

The Board is committed to ensuring a majority of Directors are independent. The Board considers that all of the current Non-executive Directors, including the Chair, are independent.

Process to determine independence

The Board has adopted a policy that it uses to determine the independence of its Directors. This determination is carried out upon appointment, annually and at any other time where the change in circumstances of a Director warrant reconsideration.

A copy of the policy on Independence of Directors is available at bhp.com/governance.

Tenure

At the end of FY2020, Malcolm Broomhead, who was appointed in March 2010, Shriti Vadera, appointed in January 2011 and Lindsay Maxsted, appointed in March 2011, had each served on the Board for more than nine years. The Board does not believe their tenure interferes with their ability to act in the best interests of BHP. The Board believes they have retained independence of character and judgement and have not formed associations with management (or others) that might compromise their ability to exercise independent judgement or act in the best interests of the Group. The Board was comfortable extending Mr Broomhead’s tenure for another year from the FY2020 AGMs in order to provide continued access to his corporate memory and his extensive experience in the mining sector. Mr Maxsted will retire on 4 September 2020, having completed the handover of the Risk and Audit Committee Chair position to Terry Bowen, and seen through the Group’s FY2020 financial reporting schedule. As previously disclosed, Ms Vadera is not standing for re-election at the 2020 AGMs.

Relationships and associations

Lindsay Maxsted was the CEO of KPMG in Australia from 2001 until 2007. The Board believes this prior relationship with KPMG (BHP’s former external auditor) did not materially interfere with Mr Maxsted’s exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement, or his ability to act in the best interests of BHP while KPMG was the Group’s auditor. The Board has determined, consistent with its policy on the independence of Directors, that Mr Maxsted is independent.

Some of the Directors hold or have previously held positions in companies that BHP has commercial relationships with. Those positions and companies are listed in the Director profiles in section 2.2.1. The Board has assessed the relationships between the Group and the companies in which our Directors hold or held positions, and has concluded that the relationships do not interfere with the Directors’ exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement or their ability to act in the best interests of BHP.

For example, Malcolm Broomhead and Ian Cockerill were Directors of Orica Limited (a company BHP has commercial dealings with) during FY2020. Orica provides commercial explosives, blasting systems and mineral processing chemicals and services to the mining and resources industry, among others. Mr Cockerill was appointed to the Orica Board in 2010 (prior to his appointment to the BHP Board) and Mr Broomhead was appointed to the Orica Board in 2016 (after his appointment to the BHP Board). At the time of Mr Broomhead’s appointment to the Board of Orica, and at the time of Mr Cockerill’s appointment to the Board of BHP, the BHP Board assessed the relationship between BHP and Orica and determined (and remains satisfied) that Mr Broomhead and Mr Cockerill were, during FY2020, and Mr Broomhead remains, able to apply objective, unfettered and independent judgement and to act in the best interests of BHP. Mr Cockerill retired from the Board of Orica in August 2019.

Transactions during FY2020 that amounted to related party transactions with Directors or Director-related entities under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are outlined in note 32 ‘Related party transactions’ in section 5.

Conflicts of interest

BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association allow the Directors to authorise conflicts and potential conflicts where appropriate. A procedure operates to ensure the disclosure of conflicts and for the consideration and, if appropriate, the authorisation of those conflicts by non-conflicted Directors. The Nomination and Governance Committee supports the Board in this process by reviewing requests from Directors for authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflict and making recommendations to the Board. It also regularly reviews any situations of actual or potential conflict that have previously been authorised by the Board and makes recommendations on whether the authorisation remains appropriate. In addition, in accordance with Australian law, if a situation arises for consideration where a Director has a material personal interest, the affected Director takes no part in decision-making unless authorised by non-interested Directors. Provisions for Directors’ interests are set out in the Constitution of BHP Group Limited.

The terms of reference for the Nomination and Governance Committee are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.10     Risk and Audit Committee Report

Role and focus

The RAC assists the Board in monitoring the decisions and actions of the CEO and the Group and gaining assurance that progress is being made towards achieving our purpose within the limits imposed by the Board, as described in the Board Governance Document.

The RAC oversees:

the integrity of BHP’s Financial Statements and Annual Report

the appointment, performance and remuneration of the External Auditor and integrity of the external audit process

the effectiveness of the systems of risk management, including financial and non-financial risk, and internal control

the plans, performance, objectivity and leadership of the Internal Audit function and the integrity of the internal audit process

capital management (capital structure and funding, and capital management planning and initiatives) and other matters

For more information on our approach to risk management, refer to section 1.5.4.

The RAC met 11 times during FY2020. For information on Committee members’ qualifications, which include competence relevant to the mining sector, refer to section 2.2.1.

The terms of reference for the RAC were updated in FY2020 to align with revisions made to the UK Code, the ASX Fourth Edition, and the revised Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference that were approved by the Board in August 2019.

Risk and Audit Committee members during the year

 

Name

  

Independent

  

Status

  Attendance

Ken MacKenzie (Chairman)

Chairman of the BoardMember for whole period6/6

Malcolm BroomheadLindsay Maxsted (Chair until 1 May 2020)

  Yes  Member for whole period  6/611/11

Carolyn HewsonTerry Bowen (Chair from 1 May 2020)(1)

  Yes  Member for whole period  6/611/11

Shriti VaderaIan Cockerill(2)

  Yes  Member for whole period  6/610/11

Anita Frew

YesMember for whole period11/11

(1)

Mr Bowen is the Committee’s financial expert nominated by the Board.

(2)

Mr Cockerill was unable to attend the RAC meeting scheduled for 15 August 2019 due to the need to fly to London at that time in order to attend another board meeting in London the following day. As this was his transitional year, there were some inevitable clashes with pre-existing meetings, and this was one that could not be resolved. Since then, all meetings have been rescheduled where necessary to avoid clashes. Mr Cockerill provided detailed comments to the Chair of the Committee ahead of the meeting.

Committee activities in FY2019FY2020

Succession planning processesIntegrity of Financial Statements and funding matters

 

Implementation of the new skillsAccounting matters for consideration, materiality limits, half-year and experience matrixfull-year results

 

Identification of suitableNon-executive Director candidatesCommentary and explanatory notes to the Financial Statements

 

BoardClosure and committee successionrehabilitation provision

 

Partnering with new search firms regarding candidate searches

Evaluation and training

Board evaluation approach for FY2019Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance

 

Board and Director performance evaluationFinancial governance procedures

 

Provision of appropriate trainingReserves and development opportunitiesresources

 

InductionFY2020 portfolio valuation review

Weighted average cost of capital review

Funding updates

Business RAC meetings

Inter-company loans and group guarantees update

Deed of Cross Guarantee

External auditor and integrity of the audit process

External audit report

External audit letters of engagement, external audit fees and non-audit services

Management and external auditor closed sessions

Audit plan, review of performance and quality of service

Ernst & Young (EY) independence and non-audit services

EY audit transition

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management

Material risk reports

Approach to emerging risks

Group risk profile

Viability statement

Robust risk assessment

Practical application of the new Risk Framework

Updates to and review of the Risk Appetite Statement and confirmation that the Group is operating with due regard to that appetite

Monitoring performance against risk appetite through key risk indicators

Approval of the internal audit plan, plan principles and regular reports on progress against the internal audit plan

Cultural assessments in internal audits

Matters of note arising from internal audits

Internal audit reports

Internal assessments of performance of Internal Audit and Advisory

Fraud report

 

Committee assessment

163


Corporate governance practices

Independence ofNon-executive Directorsand Group Assurance Officer and Chief Risk Officer closed sessions

 

Authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflictEthics and compliance reports, grievance and investigation processes

 

Insurance update and Directors’ and Officers’ insurance update

Tax updates

Material disputes updates

Data protection and privacy risk update

Updates on control framework and risks regarding COVID-19

Other governance matters

Samarco dam failure provision

Tailings storage facility failure material risk

Escondida, Cerro Colorado, BMA guarantees

Revolving credit facility

Sexual harassment material risk

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Update of the Internal Audit and Advisory Terms of Reference

Update of the Provision of Audit and Other Services Policy by the External Auditor

Fair, balanced and understandable

The RAC confirmed its view to the Board that BHP’s Annual Report 2020 taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable. For the Board’s statement on the Annual Report, refer to the Directors’ Report in section 4.

In making this assessment, the RAC considers the substantial governance framework that is in place for the Annual Report. This includes management representation letters, certifications, RAC oversight of the Financial Statements and other financial governance procedures focused on the financial section of the Annual Report, together with verification procedures for the narrative reporting section of the Annual Report.

Integrity of Financial Statements

The RAC assists the Board in assuring the integrity of the Financial Statements. The RAC evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board about the appropriateness of accounting policies and practices, areas of judgement, compliance with accounting standards, stock exchange and legal requirements and the results of the external audit. It reviews the half-yearly and annual Financial Statements and makes recommendations on specific actions or decisions (including formal adoption of the Financial Statements and reports) the Board should consider in order to maintain the integrity of the Financial Statements.

CEO and CFO assurance

For the FY2020 full year and half year, the CEO and CFO have certified that BHP’s financial records have been properly maintained and the FY2020 Financial Statements present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of our financial condition and operating results and are in accordance with accounting standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

The CEO and CFO have also certified to the Board that the Financial Statements for the full year and half year are founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and the system is operating efficiently and effectively.

Significant issues

In addition to the Group’s key judgements and estimates disclosed throughout the FY2020 Financial Statements, the Committee considered these significant issues relating to financial reporting:

Carrying value of long-term assets

The assessment of carrying values of long-term assets uses a number of significant judgements and estimates.

The Committee examined management’s review of impairment triggers and potential impairment charges or reversals for the Group’s cash generating units.

Specific consideration was given to the most recent short, medium and long-term price forecasts (including the significant petroleum price volatility observed to date in CY2020), expected production volumes and updated development plans, operating and capital costs, the impacts of climate change and COVID-19, discount rates and other market indicators of fair value.

The Committee concurred with management’s conclusion on significant impairments recognised, including the impairment of Cerro Colorado,and that no impairment reversals were appropriate.

Conclusions from these reviews are reflected in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Samarco dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Samarco Mineração S.A (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil experienced a tailings dam failure that resulted in a release of mine tailings, flooding the community of Bento Rodrigues and impacting other communities downstream. Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Brasil and Vale S.A.

BHP Brasil’s 50 per cent interest in Samarco is accounted for as an equity accounted joint venture investment.

Samarco’s provisions and contingent liabilities

The Committee reviewed updates to matters relating to the Samarco dam failure, including developments on existing and new legal proceedings, and changes to the estimated costs of remediation and compensation.

BHP Brasil’s loss from Equity Accounted Investments includes impairments arising from working capital funding provided to Samarco and revisions to the Samarco dam failure and Germano decommissioning provisions during the year ended 30 June 2020.

Potential direct financial impacts to BHP Brasil

The Committee considered:

changes to the estimated cost of remediation and compensatory programs under the Framework Agreement

developments in existing and new legal proceedings, on the provision related to the Samarco dam failure and related disclosures

the provisions recognised and contingent liabilities disclosed by BHP Brasil or other BHP entities

Based on currently available information, the Committee concluded that the accounting for the equity investment in Samarco, the provision recognised by BHP Brasil (including the decommissioning of the Germano tailings dam complex) and contingent liabilities disclosed in the Group’s Financial Statements are appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ in section 5.

Closure and rehabilitation provisions

Determining the closure and rehabilitation provision is a complex area requiring significant judgement and estimates, particularly given the timing and quantum of future costs, the unique nature of each site and the long timescales involved.

The Committee considered the various changes in estimates for closure and rehabilitation provisions recognised during the year, including a reduction to the discount rates applied.

Specific consideration was given to the results of the most recently completed survey data and characterisation activity, changes to current cost estimates and the appropriate inclusion of contingency in cost estimates to allow for both known and residual risks. The Committee concluded that the assumptions and inputs for closure and rehabilitation cost estimates were reasonable and the related provisions recorded were appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 14 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’ in section 5.

Impact of new accounting standards

The Group adopted IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 July 2019. The Committee reviewed management’s analysis of the accounting outcomes and disclosure requirements for the Group, including the treatment of leases within the Group’s net debt definitions.

In addition, the Committee:

considered and approved the early adoption, for FY2020, of amendments to accounting standards relating to interest rate benchmark reforms

noted that the Group is in the process of evaluating the implications of the IFRS Interpretations Committee agenda decision ‘Income Taxes – Multiple tax consequences of recovering an asset’ and approved that any changes to the Group’s accounting policy for income tax will be implemented from 1 July 2020 on a retrospective basis

For more information, refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5.

Impact of COVID-19

The Committee considered the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the Group’s FY2020 financial reporting, including:

the recognition and disclosure of costs incurred by the Group that are directly attributable to COVID-19

the impact on key judgements and estimates, particularly those relating to impairment indicator assessments

The Committee concluded that the management’s judgements and the disclosure of the COVID-19 directly attributable costs were appropriate.

External Auditor

The RAC manages the relationship with the External Auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the reappointment of the External Auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other terms of engagement and makes a recommendation to the Board.

The lead audit engagement partners for EY in Australia and the United Kingdom (together, ‘EY’) were appointed for commencement from 1 July 2019.

Audit tender and transition

BHP confirms during FY2020 it was in compliance with the provisions of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Consistent with the UK and EU requirements in regard to audit firm tender and rotation, the Committee conducted an audit tender process during FY2017 to appoint a new external auditor.

In August 2017, consistent with the Committee’s recommendation, the Board announced it had selected EY to be the Group’s auditor from the financial year beginning 1 July 2019, subject to shareholder approval, which was received at the AGMs in 2019. During FY2019, the RAC received updates from EY on the audit transition and preparation for commencement of its audit, including EY’s process in meeting all relevant independence criteria, audit plan for commencement from 1 July 2019 and reports on any non-audit services.

KPMG was the auditor during FY2019 and FY2018, and EY was the auditor during FY2020.

Evaluation of External Auditor and external audit process

The RAC evaluates the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor and the quality and effectiveness of the external audit arrangements. As part of this evaluation, the RAC considers specified criteria, including delivering value to shareholders and BHP, and also assesses the adequacy of the external audit process with emphasis on quality, effectiveness and performance. It does so through a range of means, including:

the Committee considers the External Audit Plan, in particular to gain assurance that it is tailored to reflect changes in circumstances from the prior year

throughout the year, the Committee meets with the audit partners, particularly the lead Australian and UK audit engagement partners, without management present

following the completion of the audit, the Committee considers the quality of the External Auditor’s performance drawing on survey results. The survey is based on a two-way feedback model where the BHP and EY teams assess each other against a range of criteria. The criteria against which the BHP team evaluates EY’s performance include ethics and integrity, insight, service quality, communication, reporting and responsiveness

reviewing the terms of engagement of the External Auditor

discussing with the audit engagement partners the skills and experience of the broader audit team

reviewing audit quality inspection reports on EY published by the UK Financial Reporting Council in considering the effectiveness of the audit

In addition, the RAC reviews the integrity, independence and objectivity of the External Auditor and assesses whether there is any element of the relationship that impairs or appears to impair the External Auditor’s judgement or independence. The External Auditor also certifies its independence to the RAC.

Non-audit services

Although the External Auditor does provide some non-audit services, the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor are safeguarded through restrictions on the provision of these services with some services prohibited from being undertaken, including services where the External Auditor:

may be required to audit its own work

participates in activities that would normally be undertaken by management

is remunerated through a ‘success fee’ structure

acts in an advocacy role for BHP

The RAC has adopted a policy entitled ‘Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor’ covering the RAC’s pre-approval policies and procedures to maintain the independence of the External Auditor. This policy was reviewed and updated in FY2020, including to reflect only those services permitted to be provided by the External Auditor in the revised Ethical Standard published by the UK Financial Reporting Council.

Our policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor is available at bhp.com/governance.

In addition to audit services, the External Auditor is permitted to provide other (non-audit) services that are not and are not perceived to be in conflict with their role. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act and guidance contained in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Release 2004-001, certain specific activities are listed in our policy that have been ‘pre-approved’ by the RAC.

The categories of ‘pre-approved’ services are:

Audit services – work that constitutes the agreed scope of the statutory audit and includes the statutory audits of BHP and its entities (including interim reviews). This category also includes work that is reasonably related to the performance of an audit or review and is a logical extension of the audit or review scope. The RAC monitors the audit services engagements and if necessary, approves any changes in terms and conditions resulting from changes in audit scope, Group structure or other relevant events.

Audit-related and other assurance services – work that is outside the scope of the statutory audit but is consistent with the role of the external statutory auditor, is of an assurance or compliance nature, is work the External Auditor must or is best placed to undertake and is permissible under the relevant applicable standard.

Activities outside the scope of the categories above are not ‘pre-approved’ and must be approved by the RAC prior to engagement, regardless of the dollar value involved. In addition, any engagement for other services with a value over US$100,000, even if listed as a ‘pre-approved’ service, requires the approval of the RAC. All engagements for other services whether ‘pre-approved’ or not and regardless of the dollar value involved are reported quarterly to the RAC.

While not prohibited by BHP’s policy, any proposed non-audit engagement of the External Auditor relating to internal control (such as a review of internal controls) requires specific prior approval from the RAC. With the exception of the external audit of BHP’s Financial Statements, any engagement identified that contains an internal control-related element is not considered to be pre-approved. In addition, while the categories of ‘pre-approved’ services include a list of certain pre-approved services, the use of the External Auditor to perform these services will always be subject to our overriding governance practices as articulated in the policy.

In addition, the RAC did not approve any services during the year ended 30 June 2020 pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of SEC Regulation S-X (provision of services other than audit).

Fees paid to BHP’s External Auditor during FY2020 for audit and other services were US$16.7 million, of which 75 per cent comprised audit fees (including the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as amended (SOX)), 11 per cent for audit-related fees, 2 per cent was for tax fees and 12 per cent for all other fees. Details of the fees paid are set out in note 35 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 5.

Based on the review by the RAC, the Board is satisfied that the External Auditor is independent.

Business Risk and Audit Committees

Business Risk and Audit Committees (Business RACs), covering each asset group, assist management in providing the information to enable the RAC to fulfil its responsibilities. They are management committees and perform an important monitoring function in the governance of BHP. Meetings take place annually as part of our financial governance framework.

As management committees, the appropriate member of the ELT participates, but the committee is chaired by a member of the RAC. Each committee also includes the Group Financial Controller, the Chief Risk Officer and the Group Assurance Officer.

Significant operational and risk matters raised at Business RAC meetings are reported to the RAC by management.

Risk function

The Risk function’s role is to create and maintain the Group’s Risk Framework, and to support, verify, oversee and provide insight on the effective application of the Risk Framework for all risks, including strategic, operational and emerging risks.

The RAC assists the Board with the oversight of risk management, although the Board retains accountability for BHP’s risk profile. In addition, the Board requires the CEO to implement a system of control for identifying and managing risk. The Directors, through the RAC, review the systems that have been established, regularly review the effectiveness of those systems and monitor that necessary actions have been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified from that review. The RAC regularly reports to the Board to enable the Board to review our Risk Framework at least annually to confirm that the Risk Framework continues to be sound and that BHP is operating with regard to the risk appetite set by the Board. A review was undertaken during FY2020, resulting in refinements to BHP’s Risk Framework. For more information, refer to section 1.5.4.

Corporate Governance Statement

 

Update on UK governance reformsGovernance update – Section 172 mapping

 

Implementing newprovisions from the UK Corporate Governance Code provisionsand the ASX Fourth Edition

Other governance matters

 

Updated Director Deed of Indemnity Insurance and Access

Updated Terms of Appointment for Directors

Crisis management

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Policy on inclusion and diversity

The Board and management advisory committees framework

Committee assessment

Followingbelieve diversity is required to meet our purpose, which is outlined in section 1.6.1. Diversity is key to ensuring the committee assessment,Board and its Committees have the right blend of perspectives so that the Board oversees BHP effectively for shareholders. In CY2019, we updated the Nomination and Governance Committee Terms of Reference to explicitly refer to age, social and ethnic backgrounds and personal strengths. This is in addition to diversity of gender, nationality and geography.

Our aspiration is to achieve gender balance on our Board, among our senior executives and across our workforce by CY2025. We therefore welcome the ongoing Hampton-Alexander initiative for all FTSE 100 Boards to have at least 33 per cent female representation by the end of CY2020, and the objective of having at least 30 per cent of Directors of each gender in accordance with the ASX Fourth Edition. Our aspiration includes a fixed target of maintaining the level of Board diversity above 33 per cent, and we will be aligned with this requirement from 1 October 2020. We therefore satisfy the guidance in both the ASX Fourth Edition and also the UK Code. In addition, as at 30 June 2020, gender diversity among senior management (defined as the ELT plus Company Secretary and their direct reports) was satisfied31 per cent.

We also welcome the final Parker Report into ethnic diversity of UK boards and continue to seek additional ethnic diversity on our Board, and throughout BHP. On our Board we meet the target of having ‘at least one Director of colour by 2021’ as recommended by the Parker Review.

Part of the Board’s role continues to be to consider and approve BHP’s measurable objectives for workforce diversity each financial year and to oversee our progress in achieving those objectives. For more information, including our progress against our FY2020 measurable objectives and our employee profile more generally, refer to sections 1.6.1 and 1.6.2.

Renewal and re-election

The Board adopted a policy in 2011, consistent with the UK Code, under which all Directors must seek re-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. The Board believes annual re-election promotes and supports accountability to shareholders.

When considering new appointments, the Board’s Nomination and Governance Committee takes the following approach:

Step 1: Rigorous approachBHP adopts a structured and rigorous approach to Board succession planning and oversees the development of a diverse pipeline. The Nomination and Governance Committee considers Board diversity, size, tenure and the skills, experience and attributes needed to effectively govern and manage risk within BHP.
Step 2: Continuous approachThis process is continuous and for Non-executive Directors planning is based on a nine-year tenure as a guide, allowing the Board to ensure the right balance on the Board between experience and fresh perspectives. It also ensures the Board continues to be fit-for-purpose and evolves to take account of the changing external environment and BHP’s circumstances. It also prepares pipelines for Nomination and Governance Committee membership, considering relevant skills and requirements.
Step 3: Role descriptionWhen considering new appointments to the Board, the Nomination and Governance Committee oversees the preparation of a role description, which includes the criteria and attributes described in the Board Governance Document and section 2.7.
Step 4: Selection and appointment of search firmThe role description is provided to an external search firm retained to conduct a global search based on the Board’s criteria.
Step 5: Board interviewsThe shortlisted candidates are considered by the Nomination and Governance Committee and interviewed by the Chair initially. Meetings for selected candidates are held with each Board member ahead of the Board deciding whether to appoint the candidate.

Step 6: Committee recommendationThe Nomination and Governance Committee recommends the Board appoint the preferred candidate.
Step 7: Background checksThe Board, with the assistance of external consultants, conducts appropriate background and reference checks.
Step 8: Letter of appointmentThe Board has adopted a letter of appointment that contains the terms on which Non-executive Directors will be appointed, including the basis upon which they will be indemnified by the Group. The letter of appointment defines the role of Directors, including the expectations in terms of independence, participation, time commitment and continuous improvement. Written agreements are in place for all Non-executive Directors.

A copy of the terms of appointment for Non-executive Directors is available atbhp.com/governance.

Senior management succession

A robust senior management succession process is also conducted to ensure pipeline stability for critical roles. A talent deep dive is conducted by the Board at least once a year to evaluate these pipelines. Senior management succession is viewed from a five-year perspective that considers the readiness of successors across time horizons, contexts and future capability demands. Select Board members are involved in the interview process for executive-level appointments one level below the CEO, and occasionally for roles two levels below the CEO. BHP has a written agreement with each ELT member setting out the terms of their appointment. Further information about CEO and ELT succession is set out in sections 2.1 and 2.5.

Director induction, training and development

Upon appointment, each new Non-executive Director undertakes an induction program tailored to their needs.

A copy of an indicative induction program is available at bhp.com/governance.

Following the induction program, Non-executive Directors participate in continuous improvement activities (training and development program), which are overseen by the Nomination and Governance Committee. The training and development program covers matters of a business nature, including environmental, social and governance matters and provides updates on BHP’s assets, commodities, geographies and markets. Programs are designed and periodically reviewed to maximise effectiveness, and the results of Director performance evaluations are incorporated into these programs.

Training and development in FY2020

Area

Purpose

FY2020 activity

Briefings and development sessions

Provide each Director with a deeper understanding of the activities, environment, key issues and direction of the assets, along with HSEC and public policy considerations.

•   Strategy day with the ELT

•   Climate change sessions

•   Briefing on ESG issues from senior investor representative

•   WAIO deep dive

Site visits

Briefings on the assets, operations and other relevant issues and meetings with key personnel. During FY2020, several site visits were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

•   BMA, Metallurgical Coal, Australia (Group Chair only)

•   Jansen, Potash, Canada

•   Nickel West, Nickel, Australia

•   NSWEC, Thermal Coal, Australia

•   Olympic Dam, Copper, Australia

•   Santiago office and Escondida, Copper, Chile (Group Chair only)

These sessions and site visits also allow an opportunity to discuss in detail the risk environment and the potential for impacts on the achievement of our purpose and strategy. For information on the management of principal risks, refer to section 1.5.4.

Throughout the year, the Chair discusses development areas with each Director. Board Committees review and agree their needs for more briefings. The benefit of this approach is that induction and learning opportunities can be tailored to Directors’ committee memberships, as well as the Board’s specific areas of focus. This approach also ensures a coordinated process on succession planning, Board renewal, training and development and committee composition.

These processes are all relevant to the Nomination and Governance Committee’s role in identifying appropriate Non-executive Director candidates.

Each Board committee provides a standing invitation for any Non-executive Director to attend committee meetings (rather than just limiting attendance to committee members). Committee agendas and papers are provided to all Directors to ensure they are aware of matters to be considered.

Independence

The Board is committed to ensuring a majority of Directors are independent. The Board considers that all of the current Non-executive Directors, including the Chair, are independent.

Process to determine independence

The Board has adopted a policy that it uses to determine the independence of its Directors. This determination is carried out upon appointment, annually and at any other time where the change in circumstances of a Director warrant reconsideration.

A copy of the policy on Independence of Directors is available at bhp.com/governance.

Tenure

At the end of FY2020, Malcolm Broomhead, who was appointed in March 2010, Shriti Vadera, appointed in January 2011 and Lindsay Maxsted, appointed in March 2011, had each served on the Board for more than nine years. The Board does not believe their tenure interferes with their ability to act in the best interests of BHP. The Board believes they have retained independence of character and judgement and have not formed associations with management (or others) that might compromise their ability to exercise independent judgement or act in the best interests of the Group. The Board was comfortable extending Mr Broomhead’s tenure for another year from the FY2020 AGMs in order to provide continued access to meethis corporate memory and his extensive experience in the mining sector. Mr Maxsted will retire on 4 September 2020, having completed the handover of the Risk and Audit Committee Chair position to Terry Bowen, and seen through the Group’s FY2020 financial reporting schedule. As previously disclosed, Ms Vadera is not standing for re-election at the 2020 AGMs.

Relationships and associations

Lindsay Maxsted was the CEO of KPMG in Australia from 2001 until 2007. The Board believes this prior relationship with KPMG (BHP’s former external auditor) did not materially interfere with Mr Maxsted’s exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement, or his ability to act in the best interests of BHP while KPMG was the Group’s auditor. The Board has determined, consistent with its termspolicy on the independence of referenceDirectors, that Mr Maxsted is independent.

Some of the Directors hold or have previously held positions in FY2019.companies that BHP has commercial relationships with. Those positions and companies are listed in the Director profiles in section 2.2.1. The Board has assessed the relationships between the Group and the companies in which our Directors hold or held positions, and has concluded that the relationships do not interfere with the Directors’ exercise of objective, unfettered or independent judgement or their ability to act in the best interests of BHP.

For example, Malcolm Broomhead and Ian Cockerill were Directors of Orica Limited (a company BHP has commercial dealings with) during FY2020. Orica provides commercial explosives, blasting systems and mineral processing chemicals and services to the mining and resources industry, among others. Mr Cockerill was appointed to the Orica Board in 2010 (prior to his appointment to the BHP Board) and Mr Broomhead was appointed to the Orica Board in 2016 (after his appointment to the BHP Board). At the time of Mr Broomhead’s appointment to the Board of Orica, and at the time of Mr Cockerill’s appointment to the Board of BHP, the BHP Board assessed the relationship between BHP and Orica and determined (and remains satisfied) that Mr Broomhead and Mr Cockerill were, during FY2020, and Mr Broomhead remains, able to apply objective, unfettered and independent judgement and to act in the best interests of BHP. Mr Cockerill retired from the Board of Orica in August 2019.

Transactions during FY2020 that amounted to related party transactions with Directors or Director-related entities under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are outlined in note 32 ‘Related party transactions’ in section 5.

Conflicts of interest

BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association allow the Directors to authorise conflicts and potential conflicts where appropriate. A procedure operates to ensure the disclosure of conflicts and for the consideration and, if appropriate, the authorisation of those conflicts by non-conflicted Directors. The Nomination and Governance Committee supports the Board in this process by reviewing requests from Directors for authorisation of situations of actual or potential conflict and making recommendations to the Board. It also regularly reviews any situations of actual or potential conflict that have previously been authorised by the Board and makes recommendations on whether the authorisation remains appropriate. In addition, in accordance with Australian law, if a situation arises for consideration where a Director has a material personal interest, the affected Director takes no part in decision-making unless authorised by non-interested Directors. Provisions for Directors’ interests are set out in the Constitution of BHP Group Limited.

The terms of reference for the Nomination and Governance Committee are available online at bhp.com/governance.

2.13.4    Sustainability2.10     Risk and Audit Committee Report

Role and focus

The RAC assists the Board in monitoring the decisions and actions of the CEO and the Group and gaining assurance that progress is being made towards achieving our purpose within the limits imposed by the Board, as described in the Board Governance Document.

The RAC oversees:

the integrity of BHP’s Financial Statements and Annual Report

the appointment, performance and remuneration of the External Auditor and integrity of the external audit process

the effectiveness of the systems of risk management, including financial and non-financial risk, and internal control

the plans, performance, objectivity and leadership of the Internal Audit function and the integrity of the internal audit process

capital management (capital structure and funding, and capital management planning and initiatives) and other matters

For more information on our approach to risk management, refer to section 1.5.4.

The RAC met 11 times during FY2020. For information on Committee members’ qualifications, which include competence relevant to the mining sector, refer to section 2.2.1.

The terms of reference for the RAC were updated in FY2020 to align with revisions made to the UK Code, the ASX Fourth Edition, and the revised Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference that were approved by the Board in August 2019.

Risk and Audit Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

Lindsay Maxsted (Chair until 1 May 2020)

YesMember for whole period11/11

Terry Bowen (Chair from 1 May 2020)(1)

YesMember for whole period11/11

Ian Cockerill(2)

YesMember for whole period10/11

Anita Frew

YesMember for whole period11/11

(1)

Mr Bowen is the Committee’s financial expert nominated by the Board.

(2)

Mr Cockerill was unable to attend the RAC meeting scheduled for 15 August 2019 due to the need to fly to London at that time in order to attend another board meeting in London the following day. As this was his transitional year, there were some inevitable clashes with pre-existing meetings, and this was one that could not be resolved. Since then, all meetings have been rescheduled where necessary to avoid clashes. Mr Cockerill provided detailed comments to the Chair of the Committee ahead of the meeting.

Committee activities in FY2020

Integrity of Financial Statements and funding matters

Accounting matters for consideration, materiality limits, half-year and full-year results

Commentary and explanatory notes to the Financial Statements

Closure and rehabilitation provision

Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance

Financial governance procedures

Reserves and resources

FY2020 portfolio valuation review

Weighted average cost of capital review

Funding updates

Business RAC meetings

Inter-company loans and group guarantees update

Deed of Cross Guarantee

External auditor and integrity of the audit process

External audit report

External audit letters of engagement, external audit fees and non-audit services

Management and external auditor closed sessions

Audit plan, review of performance and quality of service

Ernst & Young (EY) independence and non-audit services

EY audit transition

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management

Material risk reports

Approach to emerging risks

Group risk profile

Viability statement

Robust risk assessment

Practical application of the new Risk Framework

Updates to and review of the Risk Appetite Statement and confirmation that the Group is operating with due regard to that appetite

Monitoring performance against risk appetite through key risk indicators

Approval of the internal audit plan, plan principles and regular reports on progress against the internal audit plan

Cultural assessments in internal audits

Matters of note arising from internal audits

Internal audit reports

Internal assessments of performance of Internal Audit and Advisory

Fraud report

Committee and Group Assurance Officer and Chief Risk Officer closed sessions

Ethics and compliance reports, grievance and investigation processes

Insurance update and Directors’ and Officers’ insurance update

Tax updates

Material disputes updates

Data protection and privacy risk update

Updates on control framework and risks regarding COVID-19

Other governance matters

Samarco dam failure provision

Tailings storage facility failure material risk

Escondida, Cerro Colorado, BMA guarantees

Revolving credit facility

Sexual harassment material risk

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Update of the Internal Audit and Advisory Terms of Reference

Update of the Provision of Audit and Other Services Policy by the External Auditor

Fair, balanced and understandable

The RAC confirmed its view to the Board that BHP’s Annual Report 2020 taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable. For the Board’s statement on the Annual Report, refer to the Directors’ Report in section 4.

In making this assessment, the RAC considers the substantial governance framework that is in place for the Annual Report. This includes management representation letters, certifications, RAC oversight of the Financial Statements and other financial governance procedures focused on the financial section of the Annual Report, together with verification procedures for the narrative reporting section of the Annual Report.

Integrity of Financial Statements

The RAC assists the Board in assuring the integrity of the Financial Statements. The RAC evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board about the appropriateness of accounting policies and practices, areas of judgement, compliance with accounting standards, stock exchange and legal requirements and the results of the external audit. It reviews the half-yearly and annual Financial Statements and makes recommendations on specific actions or decisions (including formal adoption of the Financial Statements and reports) the Board should consider in order to maintain the integrity of the Financial Statements.

CEO and CFO assurance

For the FY2020 full year and half year, the CEO and CFO have certified that BHP’s financial records have been properly maintained and the FY2020 Financial Statements present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of our financial condition and operating results and are in accordance with accounting standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

The CEO and CFO have also certified to the Board that the Financial Statements for the full year and half year are founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and the system is operating efficiently and effectively.

Significant issues

In addition to the Group’s key judgements and estimates disclosed throughout the FY2020 Financial Statements, the Committee considered these significant issues relating to financial reporting:

Carrying value of long-term assets

The assessment of carrying values of long-term assets uses a number of significant judgements and estimates.

The Committee examined management’s review of impairment triggers and potential impairment charges or reversals for the Group’s cash generating units.

Specific consideration was given to the most recent short, medium and long-term price forecasts (including the significant petroleum price volatility observed to date in CY2020), expected production volumes and updated development plans, operating and capital costs, the impacts of climate change and COVID-19, discount rates and other market indicators of fair value.

The Committee concurred with management’s conclusion on significant impairments recognised, including the impairment of Cerro Colorado,and that no impairment reversals were appropriate.

Conclusions from these reviews are reflected in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.

Samarco dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Samarco Mineração S.A (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil experienced a tailings dam failure that resulted in a release of mine tailings, flooding the community of Bento Rodrigues and impacting other communities downstream. Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Brasil and Vale S.A.

BHP Brasil’s 50 per cent interest in Samarco is accounted for as an equity accounted joint venture investment.

Samarco’s provisions and contingent liabilities

The Committee reviewed updates to matters relating to the Samarco dam failure, including developments on existing and new legal proceedings, and changes to the estimated costs of remediation and compensation.

BHP Brasil’s loss from Equity Accounted Investments includes impairments arising from working capital funding provided to Samarco and revisions to the Samarco dam failure and Germano decommissioning provisions during the year ended 30 June 2020.

Potential direct financial impacts to BHP Brasil

The Committee considered:

changes to the estimated cost of remediation and compensatory programs under the Framework Agreement

developments in existing and new legal proceedings, on the provision related to the Samarco dam failure and related disclosures

the provisions recognised and contingent liabilities disclosed by BHP Brasil or other BHP entities

Based on currently available information, the Committee concluded that the accounting for the equity investment in Samarco, the provision recognised by BHP Brasil (including the decommissioning of the Germano tailings dam complex) and contingent liabilities disclosed in the Group’s Financial Statements are appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ in section 5.

Closure and rehabilitation provisions

Determining the closure and rehabilitation provision is a complex area requiring significant judgement and estimates, particularly given the timing and quantum of future costs, the unique nature of each site and the long timescales involved.

The Committee considered the various changes in estimates for closure and rehabilitation provisions recognised during the year, including a reduction to the discount rates applied.

Specific consideration was given to the results of the most recently completed survey data and characterisation activity, changes to current cost estimates and the appropriate inclusion of contingency in cost estimates to allow for both known and residual risks. The Committee concluded that the assumptions and inputs for closure and rehabilitation cost estimates were reasonable and the related provisions recorded were appropriate.

For more information, refer to note 14 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’ in section 5.

Impact of new accounting standards

The Group adopted IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ with effect from 1 July 2019. The Committee reviewed management’s analysis of the accounting outcomes and disclosure requirements for the Group, including the treatment of leases within the Group’s net debt definitions.

In addition, the Committee:

considered and approved the early adoption, for FY2020, of amendments to accounting standards relating to interest rate benchmark reforms

noted that the Group is in the process of evaluating the implications of the IFRS Interpretations Committee agenda decision ‘Income Taxes – Multiple tax consequences of recovering an asset’ and approved that any changes to the Group’s accounting policy for income tax will be implemented from 1 July 2020 on a retrospective basis

For more information, refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5.

Impact of COVID-19

The Committee considered the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the Group’s FY2020 financial reporting, including:

the recognition and disclosure of costs incurred by the Group that are directly attributable to COVID-19

the impact on key judgements and estimates, particularly those relating to impairment indicator assessments

The Committee concluded that the management’s judgements and the disclosure of the COVID-19 directly attributable costs were appropriate.

External Auditor

The RAC manages the relationship with the External Auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the reappointment of the External Auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other terms of engagement and makes a recommendation to the Board.

The lead audit engagement partners for EY in Australia and the United Kingdom (together, ‘EY’) were appointed for commencement from 1 July 2019.

Audit tender and transition

BHP confirms during FY2020 it was in compliance with the provisions of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Consistent with the UK and EU requirements in regard to audit firm tender and rotation, the Committee conducted an audit tender process during FY2017 to appoint a new external auditor.

In August 2017, consistent with the Committee’s recommendation, the Board announced it had selected EY to be the Group’s auditor from the financial year beginning 1 July 2019, subject to shareholder approval, which was received at the AGMs in 2019. During FY2019, the RAC received updates from EY on the audit transition and preparation for commencement of its audit, including EY’s process in meeting all relevant independence criteria, audit plan for commencement from 1 July 2019 and reports on any non-audit services.

KPMG was the auditor during FY2019 and FY2018, and EY was the auditor during FY2020.

Evaluation of External Auditor and external audit process

The RAC evaluates the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor and the quality and effectiveness of the external audit arrangements. As part of this evaluation, the RAC considers specified criteria, including delivering value to shareholders and BHP, and also assesses the adequacy of the external audit process with emphasis on quality, effectiveness and performance. It does so through a range of means, including:

the Committee considers the External Audit Plan, in particular to gain assurance that it is tailored to reflect changes in circumstances from the prior year

throughout the year, the Committee meets with the audit partners, particularly the lead Australian and UK audit engagement partners, without management present

following the completion of the audit, the Committee considers the quality of the External Auditor’s performance drawing on survey results. The survey is based on a two-way feedback model where the BHP and EY teams assess each other against a range of criteria. The criteria against which the BHP team evaluates EY’s performance include ethics and integrity, insight, service quality, communication, reporting and responsiveness

reviewing the terms of engagement of the External Auditor

discussing with the audit engagement partners the skills and experience of the broader audit team

reviewing audit quality inspection reports on EY published by the UK Financial Reporting Council in considering the effectiveness of the audit

In addition, the RAC reviews the integrity, independence and objectivity of the External Auditor and assesses whether there is any element of the relationship that impairs or appears to impair the External Auditor’s judgement or independence. The External Auditor also certifies its independence to the RAC.

Non-audit services

Although the External Auditor does provide some non-audit services, the objectivity and independence of the External Auditor are safeguarded through restrictions on the provision of these services with some services prohibited from being undertaken, including services where the External Auditor:

may be required to audit its own work

participates in activities that would normally be undertaken by management

is remunerated through a ‘success fee’ structure

acts in an advocacy role for BHP

The RAC has adopted a policy entitled ‘Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor’ covering the RAC’s pre-approval policies and procedures to maintain the independence of the External Auditor. This policy was reviewed and updated in FY2020, including to reflect only those services permitted to be provided by the External Auditor in the revised Ethical Standard published by the UK Financial Reporting Council.

Our policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor is available at bhp.com/governance.

In addition to audit services, the External Auditor is permitted to provide other (non-audit) services that are not and are not perceived to be in conflict with their role. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act and guidance contained in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Release 2004-001, certain specific activities are listed in our policy that have been ‘pre-approved’ by the RAC.

The categories of ‘pre-approved’ services are:

Audit services – work that constitutes the agreed scope of the statutory audit and includes the statutory audits of BHP and its entities (including interim reviews). This category also includes work that is reasonably related to the performance of an audit or review and is a logical extension of the audit or review scope. The RAC monitors the audit services engagements and if necessary, approves any changes in terms and conditions resulting from changes in audit scope, Group structure or other relevant events.

Audit-related and other assurance services – work that is outside the scope of the statutory audit but is consistent with the role of the external statutory auditor, is of an assurance or compliance nature, is work the External Auditor must or is best placed to undertake and is permissible under the relevant applicable standard.

Activities outside the scope of the categories above are not ‘pre-approved’ and must be approved by the RAC prior to engagement, regardless of the dollar value involved. In addition, any engagement for other services with a value over US$100,000, even if listed as a ‘pre-approved’ service, requires the approval of the RAC. All engagements for other services whether ‘pre-approved’ or not and regardless of the dollar value involved are reported quarterly to the RAC.

While not prohibited by BHP’s policy, any proposed non-audit engagement of the External Auditor relating to internal control (such as a review of internal controls) requires specific prior approval from the RAC. With the exception of the external audit of BHP’s Financial Statements, any engagement identified that contains an internal control-related element is not considered to be pre-approved. In addition, while the categories of ‘pre-approved’ services include a list of certain pre-approved services, the use of the External Auditor to perform these services will always be subject to our overriding governance practices as articulated in the policy.

In addition, the RAC did not approve any services during the year ended 30 June 2020 pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of SEC Regulation S-X (provision of services other than audit).

Fees paid to BHP’s External Auditor during FY2020 for audit and other services were US$16.7 million, of which 75 per cent comprised audit fees (including the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as amended (SOX)), 11 per cent for audit-related fees, 2 per cent was for tax fees and 12 per cent for all other fees. Details of the fees paid are set out in note 35 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 5.

Based on the review by the RAC, the Board is satisfied that the External Auditor is independent.

Business Risk and Audit Committees

Business Risk and Audit Committees (Business RACs), covering each asset group, assist management in providing the information to enable the RAC to fulfil its responsibilities. They are management committees and perform an important monitoring function in the governance of BHP. Meetings take place annually as part of our financial governance framework.

As management committees, the appropriate member of the ELT participates, but the committee is chaired by a member of the RAC. Each committee also includes the Group Financial Controller, the Chief Risk Officer and the Group Assurance Officer.

Significant operational and risk matters raised at Business RAC meetings are reported to the RAC by management.

Risk function

The Risk function’s role is to create and maintain the Group’s Risk Framework, and to support, verify, oversee and provide insight on the effective application of the Risk Framework for all risks, including strategic, operational and emerging risks.

The RAC assists the Board with the oversight of risk management, although the Board retains accountability for BHP’s risk profile. In addition, the Board requires the CEO to implement a system of control for identifying and managing risk. The Directors, through the RAC, review the systems that have been established, regularly review the effectiveness of those systems and monitor that necessary actions have been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified from that review. The RAC regularly reports to the Board to enable the Board to review our Risk Framework at least annually to confirm that the Risk Framework continues to be sound and that BHP is operating with regard to the risk appetite set by the Board. A review was undertaken during FY2020, resulting in refinements to BHP’s Risk Framework. For more information, refer to section 1.5.4.

Internal Audit

The Internal Audit function is carried out by Internal Audit and Advisory (IAA). IAA provides assurance on whether risk management, internal control and governance processes are adequate and functioning. The Internal Audit function is independent of the External Auditor. The RAC evaluates and, if thought fit, approves the terms of reference of IAA, the staffing levels and its scope of work to ensure it is appropriate in light of the key risks we face. It also reviews and approves the annual internal audit plan and monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the internal audit activities.

The RAC approves the appointment and dismissal of the Group Assurance Officer and assesses their performance, independence and objectivity. The position was held throughout the period by Rama Devarajan who reported directly to the RAC. During the period, functional oversight of IAA was provided by the Chief External Affairs Officer.

Effectiveness of systems of internal control and risk management (RAC and Board)

In delegating authority to the CEO, the Board has established CEO limits, outlined in the Board Governance Document. Limits on the CEO’s authority require the CEO to ensure there is a system of control in place for identifying and managing risk in BHP. Through the RAC, the Directors regularly review these systems for their effectiveness. These reviews include assessing whether processes continue to meet evolving external governance requirements.

The RAC oversees and reviews the internal controls and risk management systems. Any material breaches of Our Code, including breaches of our anti-bribery and corruption requirements, as well as any material incidents reported under our ‘speaking up with confidence’ requirements are reported quarterly to the RAC by the Chief Compliance Officer. These reports are then communicated to the Board through the report-out process. In undertaking this role, the RAC reviews:

procedures for identifying, assessing and managing material risks and controlling their impact on the Group, and other stakeholders where relevant, and the operational effectiveness of these procedures

processes and systems for managing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting

the Group’s strategy and standards for insurance

the Group’s standards and procedures for reporting reserves and resources

the Group’s standards and procedures for closure and rehabilitation provision

standards and practices for detecting, reporting and preventing fraud, serious breaches of business conduct and whistle-blowing procedures supporting reporting to the Committee

procedures for ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory and legal requirements

arrangements for the protection of the Group’s information and data systems and other non-physical assets

operational effectiveness of the Business RAC structures

overseeing the adequacy of the internal controls and allocation of responsibilities for monitoring internal financial controls

Section 1.5.4 includes a description of the Group’s principal risks that could result in events or circumstances that might threaten BHP’s business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity and reputation and also provides an explanation of how those risks are managed.

During FY2020, management presented an assessment of the material risks facing BHP and the level of effectiveness of risk management over the material business risks. The reviews were overseen by the RAC, with findings and recommendations reported to the Board. In addition to considering key risks facing BHP, the Board assessed the effectiveness of internal controls over key risks identified through the work of the Board Committees.

The Board is satisfied with the effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems.

Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, the effectiveness of BHP’s internal control over financial reporting has been evaluated based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Controls – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as at 30 June 2020. There were no material weaknesses in BHP’s internal controls over financial reporting identified by management as at 30 June 2020.

BHP has engaged our independent registered public accounting firm, EY, to issue an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting for inclusion in the Financial Statements section of the Annual Report and the Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during FY2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. This includes COVID-19, which only had a minor impact on internal controls over financial reporting in relation to both the number and nature of controls that were impacted.

During FY2020, the RAC reviewed our compliance with the obligations imposed by SOX, including evaluating and documenting internal controls as required by section 404 of SOX.

Management’s assessment of disclosure controls and procedures

Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as at 30 June 2020. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the material financial and non-financial information required to be disclosed by BHP, including in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarised and reported on a timely basis and this information is accumulated and communicated to BHP’s management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation, management (including the CEO and CFO) has concluded that as at 30 June 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing that reasonable assurance.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

In the design and evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, management was required to apply its judgement in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

The terms of reference for the RAC are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.11     Sustainability Committee is to assistReport

Role and focus

The Sustainability Committee assists the Board in its oversight ofoverseeing the Group’s health, safety, environmentenvironmental and community (HSEC) performance and governance responsibilities, and the adequacy of the Group’s HSEC framework, and in relation to various other governance responsibilities related to HSE and Community.framework.

The Group’s HSEC framework consists of:

 

 

the CEO limits set outoutlined in theBoard Governance Document. TheBoard Governance Document establishes the remit of the Board and delegates authority to the CEO, including in respect of the HSEC Management System, subject to CEO limits;limits

 

the Sustainability Committee, which is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the adequacy of the Group’s HSEC Framework and HSEC Management System (among other things);

 

the HSEC Management System, established by management in accordance with the CEO’s delegated authority. The HSEC Management System provides the processes, resources, structures and performance standards for the identification, management and reporting of HSEC risks and the investigation of any HSEC incidents;incidents

 

a robust and independent internal audit process overseen by the RAC, in accordance with its terms of reference;reference

 

independent advice on HSEC matters, which may be requested by the Board and its committeesCommittees where deemed necessary in order to meet their respective obligations.obligations

Our approach to sustainability is reflected inOur Charter, which defines our values, purpose and how we measure success, and in our sustainability performance targets, which define our public commitments to safety, health, environment and community.HSEC. HSEC considerations are also taken into account in employee and executive remuneration. MoreFor more information, is availablerefer to Sustainability in our Sustainability Report 2019section 1.7 and the Remuneration Report 2019.section 3.

The Committee provides oversight ofoversees the preparation and presentation of thesustainability disclosures by management. This year, BHP has included material sustainability content in this Annual Report. The Sustainability Report by management, andCommittee reviewed and recommended to the Board the approval of these disclosures in section 1.6 and 1.7 and the Sustainability Report for publication. The Sustainability Report identifiessustainability performance data in section 6.6, along with the Modern Slavery Statement FY2020. These disclosures identify our targets for HSEC matters and our performance against those targets. Our targets rely on fact-based measurement and quality data, and reflect a desire to move BHP to a position of industry leadership.

A copyOur sustainability reporting, including additional case studies and a databook of the Sustainability Reportkey ESG and sustainability data is available online at bhp.com.

For information on our material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and how we manage or intend to manage those risks, refer to section 1.5.4.

Activities of the Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee met five times during FY2019FY2020 and continued to assist the Board in its oversight of HSEC issues and performance. A summary ofThe Committee considered the main areas discussed andGroup’s approach to climate change throughout the year. More information on meeting attendance by Committee membersour approach to climate change, is includedset out in the following table. However, one of the major topics discussed by the Committee, particularly following the dam failure at Vale’s Brumadinho iron ore mine, was tailings storage facilities. These discussions included dam risk review actions, the industry review led by the ICMM and the Church of England Pensions Board led initiative. Furthersection 1.7.8. For more information abouton our approach to tailings storage facilities, is set out inrefer to section 1.8. Water stewardship was also important as the Group worked to finalise the Water Stewardship report in August 2018.1.7.10. The Committee also continues to monitor the work of theour water stewardship project.work and for more information on our water stewardship performance, see section 6.6.

Members of the Sustainability Committee also visited a number of operated andnon-operatedseveral sites during FY2019 as part of a formal program of committee visits. These included West Australian Iron Ore, Iron Ore, Australia; Escondida and Spence, Copper, Chile; and Broadmeadow and Goonyella, BMA, Metallurgical Coal, Australia.FY2020. During these site visits, Committee members received briefings on relevant HSEC matters and the management of material HSEC risks, and met with key personnel. These visits offer access to a diverse cross-section of the workforce from frontline through to the leadership team, including, where possible, risk and control owners. This provides Directors with a sense of the risk management processes and culture at each site.During FY2020, several site visits were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

164


Sustainability Committee members during the year

 

Name

  

Independent

  

Status

  

Attendance

John Mogford (Chair from 7 November 2019)

YesMember for whole period5/5

Malcolm Broomhead (Chairman)(Chair until 6 November 2019)

  Yes  Member for whole period  5/5

Ian Cockerill

  Yes  Member from 1 April 2019for whole period  2/25/5

Ken MacKenzieGary Goldberg

  Yes  Member untilfromApril 2019February 2020  3/3

John Mogford

YesMember for whole period5/5

Committee activities in FY2019FY2020

Assurance and adequacy of HSEC framework and HSEC management system

 

Key HSEC risks, including tailings damsstorage facility failure, climate change-related risks, and a deep dive on the risk of blasting incidentsfatalities

 

Audit planning and reporting in relation toon HSEC risks and processes

 

Contractor management

Event management solution demonstration

Review of the HSE function and Group HSE Officer

Compliance and reporting

 

Compliance with HSEC legal and regulatory requirements

 

Updates on key legal and regulatory changes

 

Consideration of threshold for reporting HSEC matters to the Committee

Sustainability Report,reporting, including consideration of processes for preparation and assurance provided by KPMGEY

Social value and ESG metrics

Performance

 

Performance of BHP in relation toon HSEC matters

 

Considering proposed HSEC KPIskey performance indicators (KPIs) for KMPKey Management Personnel scorecard and considering performance against suchthese KPIs

 

Monitoring against the FY2018–FY2022 HSEC performance targets

 

UpdatesUpdate on Samarco remediation and the Fundação Renova Foundation

Tailings management industry review

 

BHP tailings dam review and actions

 

Field leadership

Saraji mine fatality ICAMinvestigation

 

Performance and key issues on sustainable development and community relations, including community issues update

 

Water stewardship and position statementSocial value update, including investor feedback

 

Climate change updatesScope 3 emissions goals

 

Social licenceMedium-term operational (Scope 1 and social value2) greenhouse gas emissions target

Link between climate change performance and executive remuneration

Other governance matters

 

Induction, training and development of Committee members

 

HSEC emerging trends

Site visits and site visit reports to Board

Investor approach to environmental, social and governance issues

 

Modern Slavery Act Statement FY2020

Sustainable development governance

Our approach to HSEC and sustainable development governance is characterised by:

 

the Sustainability Committee assisting the Board in its oversight ofto oversee material HSEC matters and risks across BHP, including seeking continuous improvement and policy advocacy as applicable;applicable

 

management having primary responsibility for the design and implementation of an effective HSEC Management System;management system

 

management having accountability for HSEC performance;performance

 

the HSE function and Communitysub-function providing advice and guidance directly to the Sustainability Committee and the Board;Board

 

the Board, Sustainability Committee and management seeking input and insight from external experts, such as the BHP Forum on Corporate Responsibility; andResponsibility

 

clear links between executive remuneration and HSEC performance.performance

165


TheFor information on the key areas of focus for the Committee, management and the HSE function and Communitysub-function, are outlined in the Sustainability Report 2019.

Climate change

Climate change is treated as a Board-level governance issue, with the Sustainability Committee playing a key supporting role. The Committee work during FY2019 included reviewing the proposed approach to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the product stewardship project which aims to improve identification, assessment and management of climate change risks and opportunities in the value chain. For more information on our climate change position and how we consider the impacts on our portfolio, refer to section 1.10.8.1.7.

Social investment

We also continued to monitor our progress in relation toon our social investment and met our target for investments in community programs. This was the equivalent of not less than 1 per cent of ourpre-tax profit, calculated on the average of the previous three years’pre-tax profit. Our social investment performance in FY2019 saw BHP deliver projects with a continued focus on good governance, human capability and social inclusion and environment. Our voluntary social investment in FY2019 totalled US$93.5 million, consisting of US$55.7 million in direct community development projects and donations, US$8.9 million equity share tonon-operated joint venture programs, a US$16.57 million donation to the BHP Foundation and US$4 million to the Matched Giving and community small grants programs. Administrative costs to facilitate social investment activities at our assets totalled US$6.27 million and US$2 million supported the operations of the BHP Foundation.

HSEC matters and remuneration

In order to link HSEC matters to remuneration, 25 per cent of the short-term incentive opportunity for Key Management Personnel was based on HSEC performance during FY2019. The Sustainability Committee assists the Remuneration Committee in determining appropriate HSEC metrics to be included in the KMP scorecard and also assists in relation to assessment of performance against those measures. The Board believes this method of assessment is transparent, rigorous and balanced, and provides an appropriate, objective and comprehensive assessment of performance. For more information, on the metrics and their assessment, refer to the Remuneration Report in section 3.

Committee assessment

Following the committee assessment, the Sustainability Committee was satisfied that it had continued to meet its terms of reference in FY2019.1.7.9.

The terms of reference for the Sustainability Committee are available online at bhp.com/governance.

2.142.12     Remuneration Committee Report

Role and focus

The Remuneration Committee assists the Board in overseeing:

the remuneration policy and its specific application to the CEO and other ELT members and its general application to all employees

the adoption of annual and long-term incentive plans

the determination of levels of reward for the CEO and approval of reward for other members of the ELT

the annual evaluation of the performance of the CEO, by giving guidance to the Chair

leaving entitlements

the preparation of the Remuneration Report for inclusion in the Annual Report

compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements associated with remuneration matters

the review, at least annually, of remuneration by gender

The Sustainability Committee and the RAC assist the Remuneration Committee in determining appropriate HSEC and financial metrics, respectively, to be included in senior executive scorecards and in assessing performance against those measures.

The Remuneration Committee met six times during FY2020 and also considered some matters out of session. Susan Kilsby was appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 7 November 2019. She served on the Committee from her appointment to the Board in April 2019, which provided an appropriate transition to become Chair. She also has relevant skills and experience, including her current appointment as the Chair of the remuneration committee of Diageo plc and as a member of the compensation committee of Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. She therefore satisfies the requirement for the incoming Chair to have served on a remuneration committee for at least 12 months.

Some of the items the Committee discussed are described below. For more information on the Committee’s work, refer to the Remuneration Report in section 3.

The terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee were updated following the release of the new versions of the UK Code and the ASX Fourth Edition. In addition, areas in need of clarification were identified during the recent ASIC Corporate Governance Taskforce’s review (e.g. how information flows to the Board).

Remuneration Committee members during the year

Name

Independent

Status

Attendance

Susan Kilsby (Chair from 7 November 2019)

YesMember for whole period6/6

Anita Frew

YesMember for whole period6/6

Gary Goldberg

YesMember from 1 February 20203/3

Carolyn Hewson (Chair and member until 7 November 2019)

YesMember until 7 November 20193/3

Dion Weisler

YesMember from 1 June 20201/1

Shriti Vadera

YesMember for whole period6/6

Committee activities in FY2020

Remuneration of the ELT and the Board

Remuneration policy review

Remuneration of CEO and other ELT members and Group Company Secretary

Remuneration arrangements for new ELT members

Retirement arrangements for former CEO

Consideration of COVID-19 impacts

KPIs, performance levels, award outcomes

FY2021 HSEC scorecard – climate enhanced

Long-Term Incentive Plan sector peer group review

Chair fees

Other remuneration matters

Workforce remuneration and engagement

Shareplus enrolment update

Remuneration by gender

Shareholder engagement

Corporate Governance Code provisions

Other

Induction, training and development program

Board committee procedures, including closed sessions

Update of the Committee Terms of Reference

Remuneration

Details of our remuneration policies and practices, and the remuneration paid to the Directors (Executive and Non-executive) and other members of the Key Management Personnel, are set out in the Remuneration Report in section 3.

The terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee are available at bhp.com/governance.

2.13     Risk management governance structure

We believe the identificationIdentifying and management ofmanaging risk are central to achieving the corporateour purpose. OurFor information on our approach to risk and risk governance, including the role of the BHP Board and its committees is set out inCommittees, refer to section 1.6.4.1.5.4.

2.152.14     Management

Below the level of the Board, key management decisions are made by the CEO, the ELT, other management committees and individual members of management to whom authority has been delegated.who have delegated authority.

Management committees perform roles in relation to riskconsider BHP’s risks and control.controls. Strategic risks (both threats and opportunitiesopportunities) arising from changes in our business environment are regularly reviewed by the ELT and discussed by the Board. The Financial Risk Management Committee (FRMC) reviews the effectiveness of internal controls relating to commodity price risk, counterparty credit risk, currency risk, financing risk, interest rate risk and insurance. Minutes of the FRMC meetings are provided to the Board through the RAC. The Investment Review Committee (IRC) provides oversight for investment processes across BHP and coordinates the investment toll-gating process for major investments. Reports are made to the Board on findings by the IRC in relation to major capital projects. The Disclosure Committee oversees BHP’s compliance with securities dealing and continuous and periodic disclosure requirements, including reviewing information that may require disclosure through stock exchanges and overseeing processes to ensure information disclosed is timely, accurate and complete.

The following diagram describes the responsibilities of the CEO and four key management committees.

Performance evaluation for executives

The performance of executives and other senior employees is reviewed on an annual basis. For the members of the ELT, this review includes their contribution, engagement and interaction at Board level. The annual performance review process that we employ considers the performance of executives against criteria designed to capture both ‘what’‘what�� is achieved and ‘how’ it is achieved. All performance assessments of executives include how effective they have been in undertaking their role; what they have achieved against their specified key performance indicators; how they match up to the behaviours prescribed in our leadership model; and how those behaviours align withOur Charter values. The assessment is therefore holistic and balances absolute achievement with the way performance has been delivered. Progression within BHP is driven equally by personal leadership behaviours and capability to produce excellent results.

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A performance evaluation as outlined was conducted for all members of the ELT during FY2019.FY2020. For the CEO, the performance evaluation was led by the ChairmanChair of the Board on behalf of all theNon-executive Directors, and was discussed with the Remuneration Committee.

CEO and management committee responsibilities

LOGOLOGO

2.162.15     Our conduct

Our Charter and Our Code of Conduct

Our Charter is central to our business. It articulates the values we uphold, our strategy and how we measure success.

Our Code of Conduct (Our Code) is based onOur Charter values.Our Code sets out standards of behaviour for our people when using BHP resources, in their dealings with governments and communities, third parties and each other.Our Code describes the behaviours expected to support a safe, respectful and a legally compliant working environment.environment and includes our policies on speaking up, anti-bribery and corruption.

Working with integrity is a condition of employment with BHP and in some cases a contractual obligation of many of our contractors and suppliers. All our people are required to undertake annual training onOur Code to promote awareness and understanding of the behaviours expected of them. Demonstration of the values described inOur CharterandOur Code is part of the annual employee performance review process.

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OurCodeisare accessible to all our people and external stakeholdersonline stakeholdersat bhp.com.

BHP’s EthicsPoint

We have mechanisms in place for anyone to raise a report if they feelOur Code has been breached.

Employees and contractors can raise reportstheir concerns through a number of channels, including through line leadersleaders. Anyone, including external stakeholders and the public, can lodge a concern, in the form of a report, either online in EthicsPoint, or Human Resources. Processesvia the 24-hour, multilingual call service. Reporters of misconduct can choose to raise their concern anonymously.

Reports received are assigned by the Ethics Team to an investigator, line leader or team for investigation or resolution as appropriate, in accordance with internal policy and process documents. Both the communityreporting and investigations processes are transparent and summary information is accessible to report potentialall BHP employees via BHP’s intranet.

Reports raised via EthicsPoint provide valuable insight into culture and organisational learning. All significant Code of Conduct matters, and key trends from investigations, are reported to the RAC. These are then reported to the Board as part of its report-out as set out in section 2.5. The most serious breaches ofOur Code are available at the asset level and these are thenalso reported to a central grievances system.

Reports can also be raised by anyone, whether they are employees, contractors, vendors/suppliers, customers, shareholders or community members, through EthicsPoint, a24-hour, multilingual for confidential reporting of potential misconduct. This service is accessible online or via telephone and reports can be raised anonymously.

We acknowledge, investigate as appropriate and document all matters reported. Where matters are investigated and substantiated, we take appropriate remedial actions, advise the reporter (where possible) and document the outcome.

BHP does not tolerate any form of retaliation against anyone for speaking up about potential misconduct or participating in an investigation.

Enhancements

With culture at the centre of key strategic priorities, we have several initiatives to improve our policies, procedures and practices, building on changes already made. They include the implementation of:

an updatedOur Requirements for Business Conduct standard, to strengthen our investigations framework, including providing clear guidance how each EthicsPoint concern is assessed and triaged;

an independent, dedicated Central Investigation team within our Ethics and Compliance function that investigates the most serious allegations of misconduct, including, allegations of sexual harassment, fraud, conflicts of interest, compliance related matters and any otherOur Code of Conduct allegations raised in relation to senior managers. The Central Investigations Team also provides guidance to drive a standardised, quality investigation process throughout BHP;

an Integrity Working Group, Chaired by our Chief Compliance Officer and comprised of senior leaders across the Health, Safety and Environment; Risk; Internal Audit; Legal; and Ethics and Compliance functions, with accountabilitywhich is accountable for oversight of the operational effectiveness of the Investigations Framework, including oversight of investigations completed by the Central Investigations team.

Complaints raised through EthicsPoint provide valuable insight into cultural issues and areas for organisational improvement. Complaints are reported biannually to the Board’s Risk and Audit Committee The Integrity Working Group is chaired by the Chief Compliance Officer. In FY2019, we improved the EthicsPoint process, ethics reporting capabilityOfficer and the qualitycomprises of investigations and investigations outcomes. These changes will make the reporting more holistic and permit detailed reportinga number of ethical culture issues to management and the Board.Senior Leaders across BHP.

Political donations

We maintain a position of impartiality with respect to party politics and do not make political contributions or expenditure/donations for political purposes to any political party, politician, elected official or candidate for public office. We do, however, contribute to the public debate of policy issues that may affect BHP in the countries in which we operate. As explained in the Directors’ Report, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) disclosure requirements are broad and amounts that are not political donations can be reportable for AEC purposes. For example, where a political party or organisation owns shares in BHP, the AEC filing requires the political party or organisation to disclose the dividend payments received for their shareholding.

2.172.16     Market disclosure

We are committed to maintaininghave disclosure controls in place for periodic disclosures, including the highest standards of disclosure, ensuring that all investors and potential investors haveOperational Review, our results announcements, debt investor documents (such as the same access to high-quality, relevant information in an accessible and timely manner to assist them in making informed decisions. The Disclosure Committee manages our compliance with market disclosure obligations and is responsible for implementing reporting processes and controls and setting guidelinesprospectus for the release of information. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we continue to ensure alignmentEuro or Australian Medium Term Notes) and Annual Report documents, which must comply with best practice as it developsrelevant regulatory requirements. Additional details about these verification processes can be found in the jurisdictions in which BHP is listed.

Periodic Disclosure officers have been appointed in BHP’s Asset groups, Marketing, Procurement, Maritime and Logistics, and functions. These officers are responsible for identifying and providing the Disclosure Committee with referral information about the activities of the asset or functional areas using disclosure guidelines developed by the Committee. The Committee then makes the decision whether a particular piece of information is material and therefore needs to be disclosed to the market.

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Controls document at bhp.com. To safeguard the effective dissemination of information, we have developed theOur Requirementsmandatory minimum performance requirements for market disclosure, standard, which outlinesoutline how we identify and distribute information to shareholders and market participants.participants and sets out the role of the Disclosure Committee in managing compliance with market disclosure obligations. Further, where an announcement is determined to be material by the Disclosure Committee, the Board receives a copy promptly after it has been made. Where BHP gives a new and substantive investor or analyst presentation, it releases a copy of the presentation materials on the ASX Market Announcements Platform ahead of the presentation.

As a result of COVID-19, we introduced extra monitoring and disclosure controls. These included: increasing the regularity and breadth of information gathered from management (including Finance, Supply, Marketing, Legal, and Operational teams); more regular updates to the Disclosure Committee; and more regular discussions with UBS (our corporate broker in the UK), as well as our Investor Relations team. This enabled BHP to assess the materiality of developments and stay across market expectations, dynamics and emerging best practice.

A copy of the market disclosure and communications document is available online at bhp.com/governance.

Copies of announcements to the stock exchanges on which BHP is listed, investor briefings, Financial Statements, the Annual Report and other relevant information can be found online at bhp.com. Any person wishing toTo receive advice by email alerts of news releases, can subscribe at bhp.com.

2.18    Remuneration

Details of our remuneration policies and practices, and the remuneration paid to the Directors (Executive andNon-executive) and other members of the KMP, are set out in the Remuneration Report in section 3.

2.19    Directors’ share ownership

Non-executive Directors have agreed to apply at least 25 per cent of their remuneration (base fees plus committee fees) to the purchase of BHP shares until they achieve a shareholding equivalent in value to one year’s remuneration (base fees plus committee fees). Thereafter, they must maintain at least that level of shareholding throughout their tenure. All dealings by Directors are subject to theOur Requirements for Securities Dealingstandard and are reported to the Board and to the stock exchanges.

Information on our policy governing the use of hedging arrangements over shares in BHP by Directors and other members of the KMP is set out in section 3.3.21.

Details of the shares held by Directors are set out in section 3.3.20.

2.202.17     Conformance with corporate governance standards

Our compliance with the governance standards in our home jurisdictions of Australia and the United Kingdom, and with the governance requirements that apply to us as a result of our New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing and our registration with the SECSecurities Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States, is summarised in this Corporate Governance Statement, the Remuneration Report, the Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements.

The Listing Rules and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority require companies listed in the United Kingdom to report how they have applied the Main Principles and the extent to which they have complied with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (UK Code), and explain the reasons for anynon-compliance. The UK Code is available online at frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Corporate-Governance-Reporting/Corporate-governance.aspx.

The Listing Rules of the ASX requireASX-listed companies to report on the extent to which they meet(available at: frc.org.uk) and the ASX Principles and Recommendations and explain the reasons for anynon-compliance. The ASX Principles and Recommendations are available online(available at asx.com.au/regulation/corporate-governance-council.htm.

Both the UK Code and the ASX Principles and Recommendationswww.asx.com/au) require the Board to consider the application of the relevant corporate governance principles, while recognising that departures from those principles are appropriate in some circumstances. We haveThe Board considers that during FY2020 it applied the Main Principles and complied with the provisions set out in the 20162018 edition of the UK Code, and complied with the ASX Principles and Recommendations during the financial period,Third Edition, with no exceptions.

Our Appendix 4G, summarisingwhich summarises our compliance with the ASX Principles and RecommendationsThird Edition is available online at bhp.com/governance.

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are registrants with the SEC in the United States. Each company is classified as a foreign private issuer and each has American Depositary Shares listed on the NYSE.

We have reviewed the governance requirements applicable to foreign private issuers under SOX, including the rules promulgated by the SEC and the rules of the NYSE, and are satisfied that we comply with those requirements.

Section 303A of the NYSE-Listed Company Manual contains a broad regime of corporate governance requirements for NYSE-listed companies. Under the NYSE rules, foreign private issuers such as BHP are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of the requirements of Section 303A, except for the rule relating to compliance with Rule10A-3 of the Exchange Act (audit committee independence) and certain notification provisions contained in Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual. Section 303A.11 of the Listed Company Manual, however, requires usrequired to disclose any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under the NYSE corporate governance standards. After a comparison of our corporate governance practices with the requirements of Section 303A of the ListedNYSE-Listed Company Manual followed by US companies, the followinga significant difference was identified:

 

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Rule10A-3 of the Exchange Act requires NYSE-listed companies to ensure their audit committees are directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the External Auditor unless the company’s governing law or documents or other home country legal requirements require or permit shareholders to ultimately vote on or approve these matters. While the RAC is directly responsible for remuneration and oversight of the External Auditor, the ultimate responsibility for appointment and retention of the External Auditor rests with our shareholders, in accordance with UK law and our constitutional documents. The RAC does, however, make recommendations to the Board on these matters, which are in turn reported to shareholders.

While the Board is satisfied with its level of compliance with the governance requirements in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, it recognises that practices and procedures can always be improved and there is merit in continuously reviewing its own standards against those in a variety of jurisdictions. The Board’s program of review will continue throughout the year ahead.

Compliance with the UK Code

This table describes how BHP has applied the Principles of the UK Code

Board leadership and our purpose

•   Long-term sustainable success – we believe we put the long-term sustainable success of BHP at the centre of what we do (section 1.4.2 and 1.4.3).

•   Purpose, values, strategy and culture – we renewed our purpose in FY2019 to better capture the aspirations of all our stakeholders (sections 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6 and 1.7).

•   Performance measurement and control framework (sections 1.4 and 6.6).

•   Responsibilities to shareholders and stakeholders (sections 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6.1 and 2.6).

•   Workforce policies and practices (sections 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.6.1, 1.6.2 and 2.6).

Composition, succession and evaluation

•   Appointments – we have a rigorous process in place for Board appointments, and to consider succession having regard to diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds and personal strengths (section 2.9).

•   Skills matrix – we have an appropriate mix of skills, experience and knowledge on the Board and in 2018 revised our skills matrix (section 2.7). Section 2.9 provides information on tenure and Board renewal.

•   Director review – the contribution of each Director to the work of the Board and its Committees, the expectations of Directors as specified in BHP’s governance framework and the performance of Directors. The review confirmed that each Director continues to contribute effectively (section 2.8).

Division of responsibilities

•   Chair of the Board – the Chair leads the Board and is responsible for its effectiveness and the effective contribution from all Non-executive Directors (section 2.3).

•   Board composition – the Board operates effectively with the appropriate balance of executives and Non-executives and believes the roles of the Chair and the CEO should be separated (section 2.3).

•   Non-executive Directors have sufficient time to meet their responsibilities – when we appoint new Directors we ensure they have sufficient time to undertake their responsibilities and are able to offer challenge, strategic guidance and specialist advice (section 2.2.1).

•   Time and resources – the Board ensures it has the necessary time, resources, policies and processes in place as part of its evaluation process (section 2.8).

Audit Risk and Internal Control

•   Internal and external audit independence – we understand the importance of ensuring these lines of defence remain independent (section 2.10).

•   Fair balanced and understandable – the Board presents a fair balanced and understandable assessment of BHP’s position and prospects (section 2.10).

•   Management and oversight of risk – our risk and control environment is monitored and overseen by the Risk and Audit Committee. The Board, Risk and Audit Committee, and Sustainability Committee considered emerging and principal risk during the year (sections 1.5.4, 2.5, 2.10 and 2.11).

Remuneration

•   Policies and practices – remuneration is designed to support our strategy and long-term sustainable success (section 3).

•   Formal and transparent procedure – we have formal and transparent procedures in place, and routinely engage with investors for their feedback (section 2.6.1).

•   Use of discretion – we have used discretion to adjust the formulaic remuneration outcomes (section 3).

2.212.18     Additional UK disclosure

The information specified in the UK Financial Conduct AuthorityFCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, DTR 7.2.6, is located elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Directors’ Report in section 4 provides cross-references to where the information is located.

This Corporate Governance Statement was current and approved by the Board on 53 September 2019,2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Ken MacKenzie

Chairman 5Chair

3 September 2019

1702020


Section 3

Remuneration Report

In this section

This Remuneration Report describes the remuneration policies, practices, outcomes and governance for the KMP of BHP.

BHP’s DLC structure means that we are subject to remuneration disclosure requirements in both the United Kingdom and Australia. This results in some complexity in our disclosures, as there are some key differences in the requirements and the information that must be disclosed. For example, UK requirements give shareholders the right to a binding vote on the remuneration policy every three years and as a result, the remuneration policy needs to be described in a separate section in the Remuneration Report. Our remuneration policy is set out in section 3.2. In Australia, BHP is required to make certain disclosures for KMP as defined by the Australian Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and IFRS.

The UK requirements focus on the remuneration of executiveExecutive andnon-executiveNon-executive directors.Directors. At BHP, this is our Board, including the CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. In contrast, the Australian requirements focus on the remuneration of KMP, defined as those who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group directly or indirectly. KMP includes the Board, as well as certain members of our senior executive team.

After due consideration, the Committee has determined the KMP for FY2019 comprised:FY2020 comprised the following roles: allNon-executive Directors, the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the President Operations, Minerals Australia, the President Operations, Minerals Americas, and the President Operations, Petroleum.

The following individuals have held their positions and were KMP for the whole of FY2019,FY2020, unless stated otherwise:

 

Mike Henry, CEO and Executive Director (from 1 January 2020) and President Minerals Australia (to 31 December 2019)

Andrew Mackenzie;Mackenzie, CEO and Executive Director (to 31 December 2019)

Peter Beaven, Chief Financial Officer

Daniel Malchuk, President Minerals Americas

Geraldine Slattery, President Petroleum

 

Non-executive Directors - see section 3.3.133.3.14 for details of theNon-executive Directors, including dates of appointment or cessation (where relevant);

Other Executive KMP, as set out in the table below.

Name

Title

Peter Beaven

Chief Financial Officer

Mike Henry

President Operations, Minerals Australia

Daniel Malchuk

President Operations, Minerals Americas

Steve Pastor

President Operations, Petroleum (to 17 March 2019)
Geraldine SlatteryPresident Operations, Petroleum (from 18 March 2019)

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Contents

3.1Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chairman

3.2

Remuneration policy report
Remuneration policy for the Executive Director
Remuneration policy forNon-executive Directors

3.3

Annual report on remuneration
Remuneration for the Executive Director (the CEO)
Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO)
Remuneration forNon-executive Directors
Remuneration governance
Other statutory disclosures
Contents   
3.1  Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee Chair  188
3.2  Remuneration policy report  191
  Remuneration policy for the Executive Director  191
  Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors  198
3.3  Annual report on remuneration  200
  Remuneration for the Executive Directors (the CEOs)  200
  Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEOs)  211
  Remuneration for Non-executive Directors  213
  Remuneration governance  215
  Other statutory disclosures  216

 

Abbreviation

  

Item

AASB

Australian Accounting Standards Board

AGM

  Annual General Meeting

CDP

  Cash and Deferred Plan

CEO

  Chief Executive Officer

DEP

  Dividend Equivalent Payment

DLC

  Dual Listed Company

ELT

  Executive Leadership Team

GHG

Greenhouse Gas

GSTIP

  Group Short-Term Incentive Plan

HPIF

  High Potential Injury Frequency

HSEC

  Health, Safety, Environment and Community

IFRS

  International Financial Reporting Standards

KMP

  Key Management Personnel
KPI  Key Performance Indicator
LTIP  Long-Term Incentive Plan
MAP  Management Award Plan
MSR  Minimum Shareholding Requirement
ROCOIFOccupational Illness Frequency
ROCE  Return on Capital Employed
STIP  Short-Term Incentive Plan
TRIF  Total Recordable Injury Frequency
TSR  Total Shareholder Return
UAPUnderlying Attributable Profit

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3.1    Annual statement by the Remuneration Committee ChairmanChair

‘Our FY2019 remuneration outcomes are aligned with performance, and the proposed enhancements to our remuneration policy will further strengthen this linkage and ensure our remuneration arrangements continue to support the delivery of our strategy.’

Carolyn Hewson, Chairman, Remuneration Committee`

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to introduce BHP’s Remuneration Report for FY2019.

During the past two years,financial year to 30 June 2020, which is my first since assuming the Remuneration Committee invested time reviewingChair role, and I am looking forward to engaging with shareholders as the Company’sCommittee undertakes its work. During FY2020, the Committee has continued its focus on achieving remuneration policy, to ensure it supportsoutcomes that fairly reflect the attractionperformance of BHP, and motivation of talented executives and, at the same time, aligns business performance and remuneration outcomes. Based on the findings of this review, several enhancements to the remuneration policywhich are being proposed.

Why change?

The purpose of BHP’s remuneration arrangements is to drive the delivery of strategy, attract and motivate talented executives, and ensure long-term alignment with our shareholders’ interests.

Shareholder support of BHP’s remuneration arrangements has been strong over many years, and we believe they have served stakeholders well. However, it is appropriate to regularly review opportunities to enhance the Group’s remuneration arrangements to deliver on their intended purpose. The LTIP is well understood, transparent and aligned to the interests of shareholders yetand other key stakeholders.

FY2020 has been an unprecedented year, with the reviews conductedCOVID-19 pandemic having widespread impacts on lives, society and the global economy. In the face of this, BHP employees have rallied in recent years have identifiedline with the following tendencies:Group’s purpose and values, working very effectively to keep the business running and performing strongly, and keeping each other safe.

The LTIP rewards volatility in performance rather than sustained outperformance,I would like to thank my predecessor as Remuneration Committee Chair, Carolyn Hewson, for her leadership and for establishing a Committee with a strong foundation of policies, principles and practices upon which is an aspiration for BHP.

Thereour decisions are material time lags between key long-dated decisions and their LTIP outcomes, leading to a discrepancy between participants who are the decision-makers, and those who eventually experience the positive or negative remuneration outcomes.

The LTIP tends to deliver ‘all or nothing’ outcomes, often for extended periods.

When the LTIP next vests at 100 per cent (or similarly high levels), there is likelyable to be significant scrutiny by shareholders andmade. This is especially so in the unpredictable times in which we find ourselves. We have also made other stakeholders, due to the overall remuneration accruing from the awards granted.

The enhancements to the remuneration policy being proposed mitigate these concerns, without relinquishing the well understood and supported benefits of the LTIP.

Consultation with shareholders

During FY2019, the Committee engaged with shareholders on the concerns above and discussed various possible improvements; then with the benefit of valuable shareholder input from those discussions, several proposed changes were tested with shareholders in a second round of discussions. While a majority of those consulted were comfortable with the rationale for, and the specifics of, the proposed changes, constructive feedback was also received in relation to certain aspects. Three modifications were made to the proposal based on this shareholder feedback (see ‘Before and after comparison’ section).

What is proposed?

The following changes to the Committee this year. New Directors Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler have joined Anita Frew and Shriti Vadera on the Committee and I would like to thank all members for their contributions.

Remuneration policy

The Committee sought and received approval from shareholders at last year’s AGMs for a revised remuneration policy, are proposedwith almost 94 per cent of votes in favour, and we believe the policy will serve stakeholders well. The key changes approved for the CEO:CEO were:

 

A change in the balance of incentive arrangements comprising:

 

Aa significantly reduced LTIP grant size from 400 per cent toof 200 per cent of base salary (on a face value basis);, down from 400 per cent

 

Aa CDP that haswith a longer-termlonger term focus than the currentformer STIP. The CDP will includeoutcome is delivered one-third as a cash award, pluswith two-thirds delivered in equity, as two-year and five-year deferred share awards each of equivalent value to the actual cash award, which will alignaward. This aligns participants’ incentive remuneration with performance over the short, mediumshort-, medium- and long term;long-term

In aggregate, theseThese two changes in combination dodid not materially alter the target value or vesting profile of incentive remuneration, but resultresulted in a 12 per cent reduction in the maximum value of total annual remuneration.possible remuneration for a year.

 

A significant reduction in the pension contribution rate from 25 per cent of base salary down to 10 per cent of base salary, (thedown from 25 per cent (noting that the estimated workforce average is approximately 11.5 per cent of base salary), and because. As a result of this change, fixed remuneration for the CEO role has been reduced by 12 per cent and overall target remuneration is reduced by 4 per cent.

 

The introduction of atwo-year post-retirement shareholding requirementrequirement.

While these changes took effect from 1 July 2019, existing short- and long-term equity awards made under prior policies remain on foot and will vest, subject to existing service and performance conditions, over coming years.

We were also pleased to again receive strong support for our overall Remuneration Report from shareholders at the CEO.

What is2019 AGMs, with approximately 96 per cent voting ‘for’ the impact?report. This continues our strong shareholder support over the past five years, where on average almost 97 per cent have voted in favour.

The proposed changes mitigateCommittee strives to implement the leverageremuneration policy in a considered way:

We test the CEO’s remuneration against CEO roles in other global companies of similar complexity, size, reach and industry. The remuneration also reflects the overallCEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience. This detailed benchmarking ensures BHP’s executive remuneration packages are competitive enough to attract and retain talented executives, without being excessive. External benchmarking shows the CEO’s target remuneration package is below the average for similar global companies and the likelihood of unpalatable quantum outcomes is reduced significantly. The chart below shows the ‘all or nothing’ LTIP vesting outcome pattern since 2009, projected to 2022.importantly, can only be realised as actual remuneration if performance targets are met.

 

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LTIP vesting

LOGO

While no LTIP awards have vested since 2014,performance-to-dateThe CEO’s remuneration is deliberately tied to 30 June 2019 for the next three LTIP awards indicates projected vesting of 70 per cent in FY2020, 100 per cent in FY2021 and 100 per cent in FY2022. Such vesting would continue the ‘all or nothing’ pattern, potentially giving rise to significant scrutiny of overall remuneration outcomes by shareholders and other stakeholders.

A comparison of actual total remuneration outcomes from FY2009-FY2019 against notional outcomes over the same period under the proposed changes, indicates the prior CEO’s total remuneration would have been lower by US$19 million (25 per cent lower) under the proposed remuneration policy. Conversely, the current CEO’s total remuneration would have been marginally higher by US$1 million (2 per cent higher). The Remuneration Committee consider that these remuneration outcomes would have been more appropriate, given the performance of the Group andbusiness, with the majority of remuneration delivered in BHP shares, not cash. The CEO also has a minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary, which continues for two years post-retirement. This aligns the CEO to the experience of shareholders over the period.

Comparison of actual and notional outcomes under the proposed changes

LOGO

In addition, thede-weighting of the LTIP in the overall remuneration package mitigates the other concerns referred to above. The changes to pension arrangements and the introduction of post-retirement shareholding requirements conform to best practice governance.

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Before and after comparison

The following table details the elements of the CEO’s remuneration package that are changing and those that are not.

As noted above, three changes to the proposed remuneration policy were made based on shareholder feedback during the consultation meetings. These are referred to in the table; however, for ease of reference, they are:

Increasing the weighting on financial measures from 45 per cent to 50 per cent in the CDP scorecard (with a commensurate reduction from 30 per cent to 25 per cent for individual measures).BHP’s shareholders.

 

Replacing the CDP absolute underlying attributable profit financial measure with a return on capital measure.

Applying a policy ofpro-rata reduction to the CDP five-year deferred shares for leavers entitled to retain awards, instead of vesting in full (note that vesting is not accelerated; it will occur on their scheduled vesting date).

Element

Before

After

Change

Fixed pay

Base salaryFixed amount per annumFixed amount per annumNo change
Pension contribution25% of base salary10% of base salary (reduced to 20% from 1 July 2020, 15% from 1 July 2021, and 10% from 1 July 2022 onwards, but immediate for new hires)Reduced to below workforce average of approximately 11.5% of base salary
BenefitsSpecified benefits up to a maximum of 10% of base salarySpecified benefits up to a maximum of 10% of base salaryNo change

Variable pay

STIP/CDP

STIP – Cash award with a target of 80% of base salary (maximum 120%) with an award oftwo-year deferred shares equivalent in value to the actual cash award

HSEC:

•   25% weighting

•   Includes circa 4% on climate change

Financial:

•   45% weighting

•   Absolute underlying attributable profit metric

Individual:

•   30% weighting

Good leavers:

•   Two-year deferred shares vest in full on their scheduled vesting dates

CDP – Cash award with a target of 80% of base salary (maximum 120%) with awards oftwo-year and five-year deferred shares each equivalent in value to the actual cash award

HSEC:

•   25% weighting

•   From 1 July 2020 to include increased weighting, specificity and transparency on climate change

Financial:

•   50% weighting

•   Underlying return on capital metric

Individual:

•   25% weighting

Vesting underpin:

•   A five-year holistic review of performance

Good leavers:

•   Two-year deferred shares vest in full on their scheduled vesting dates

•   Five-year deferred shares vestpro-rata for time served, vesting on their scheduled vesting date

The CDP has an additional component of five-year deferred shares of equivalent value to the actual cash award

KPIs reweighted as shown and return on capital metric introduced based on feedback during consultations with shareholders

Vesting of the five-year deferred shares is underpinned by a five-year holistic review of performance

Pro-rating for five-year deferred shares for good leavers introduced subsequent to consultations with shareholders

LTIP

400% of base salary on a face value basis (164% fair value)

Good leavers:

•   LTIP awards reducedpro-rata based for time served, vesting on their scheduled vesting date and subject to original performance conditions

200% of base salary on a face value basis (82% fair value)

Good leavers:

•   LTIP awards reducedpro-rata based for time served, vesting on their scheduled vesting date and subject to original performance conditions

Grant size reduced by half

No other changes

Remuneration packageAt targetUS$7.7 millionUS$7.4 millionReduced by 4%
At maximum (fixed share price)US$13.1 millionUS$11.5 millionReduced by 12%
Shareholding requirements500% of salary (based on owned shares only)500% of salary (based on owned shares only) with a requirement to hold these shares for a minimum of two years post-retirementIntroduction of atwo- year post-retirement shareholding requirement

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Maintaining our long-term focus

One aspect of the proposal that attracted comment from a number of shareholders was whether a sufficiently long-term perspective would be retained despite a reduced weighting of five-year relative TSR in the overall remuneration arrangements. The Board and Remuneration Committee are committed to ensuring the CDP scorecard is a genuine combination of short-term business imperatives and progress towards long-term sustainable business outcomes that are subject to rigorous and transparent performance assessment. This will also be reflected in our disclosures in the annual remuneration report.

The scorecard set out below is a combination of short, medium and long-term elements that the Board and Remuneration Committee view as priorities for FY2020.

Categories

Item

HSEC (25%)

•   Fatalities and other HSEC incidents

•   HPIF, TRIF and Occupational illnesses

•   HSEC risk management (including climate change)

•   HSEC initiatives linked to five-year Public Targets (including climate change)

Financial (50%)

•   Return on Capital (adjusted for commodity prices, exchange movements and exceptional items that are not within management control during the performance year)

Individual (25%)

•   Portfolio/strategy (i.e. aligned to long-term plans)

•   Tailings dams

•   Future options and exploration (i.e. aligned to long-term plans)

•   Culture and capability (including quantitative employee survey and diversity targets)

•   Social value (including management of risk, community relationships and environmental performance linked to our long-term success)

Performance is measured on an annual basis against the scorecard, and CDP awards are made in the form of cash,two-year deferred shares and five-year deferred shares. While there are certain appropriate short-term components of the scorecard (e.g. financial performance), a number of the HSEC and Individual measures are long term elements which contribute to value creation in the longer term or will take multiple years to realise their full potential.

The Board and Committee take the view that long-term objectives (including items such as our public HSEC five-year targets, portfolio/strategy implementation, critical tailings dam work, capital projects, future options, exploration, culture, capability and social value) need to be broken down into milestones if they are to be successfully implemented and long-term value created. Many of these items in the scorecard are multi-year in nature, and while the Committee is measuring the milestones on an annual basis, they have been crafted to contribute to long-term successful implementation.

The CDP scorecard will be reviewed at the commencement of each performance year to ensure it captures the most important elements for the coming year. For example, the link between executive remuneration and climate change will be reviewed over FY2020, with a view to strengthening that link for the financial year that commences on 1 July 2020.

The first CDP awards will be made in late CY2020 in respect of FY2020. Awards to be made in late CY2019 in respect of FY2019 will be made under the existing STIP arrangements.

Vesting will also be subject to an underpin through a holistic performance review

To ensure the vesting of five-year deferred shares under the CDP is underpinned by ongoing performance post-grant, the vesting will also be subject to an underpin. This will take the form of a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year vesting period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

If this holistic review determined that the scheduled vesting outcome would not be appropriate, the Committee has discretion to reduce vesting. The exercise of reasonable downward discretion – to adjust variable pay outcomes downwards – has been a feature of BHP’s approach over many years where the status quo or a formulaic outcome does not align with the overall shareholder experience. For example, underexperience, and this remains unchanged.

The Committee is focussed on having and applying a remuneration policy and approach that supports the LTIP, this holistic review resulted in discretion being applied in 2013 whenGroup’s strategy and enables us to attract, retain and motivate the LTIP vesting was reduced from 100 per centexecutives critical to 65 per cent.

176delivering the best outcomes for all of BHP’s stakeholders. In addition, the Committee is cognisant of the need to navigate the priorities of differing jurisdictions.


LTIPCOVID-19

In early 2020, BHP began to experience the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. All BHP employees have come together as one team to deal with the issues faced and despite the challenges, BHP’s results have been strong. The only changeCEO and other ELT members have provided strong and effective leadership through this period, and the Committee is proud of the way BHP’s employees have found new ways of working, collaborated to solve problems, supported each other and their communities, and aligned around a common goal.

Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, in FY2020 BHP has not needed to furlough any employees without pay, has not sought any government assistance, and did not raise additional equity. In addition, BHP’s strong, safe operational performance through this year, together with solid profitability, enabled the Board to announce a robust final dividend payable to shareholders in September 2020. This follows a record interim dividend paid to shareholders in March 2020, and continues the delivery of strong and consistent returns to shareholders. The COVID-19 pandemic increased costs and reduced volumes during FY2020, which negatively impacted executive remuneration outcomes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, BHP has been especially conscious of contributing to the LTIP is a reductioncommunities in which we operate, by doing all it can to keep employees, their families and their communities safe and healthy. BHP took action to slow the spread of COVID-19 into the workforce by investing in more transportation capacity, restricting travel to the operations and protecting at-risk workers. BHP has also created hundreds of operational jobs across our Minerals Australia business, funded local health and social programs in the sizecommunities where BHP operates, and for the Company’s small, local and Indigenous suppliers, BHP reduced the time taken to pay their invoices to help address the financial stress they might otherwise face as a result of the grant. The comparator groups, relative TSR condition, five-year performance term, vesting scale, leaver conditions, availabilitypandemic.

Decisions and activities of discretion (downwards), malusthe Committee

A key element of the Committee’s work during the year was the remuneration implications of CEO succession. Mike Henry was appointed CEO and clawback are unchanged. While the LTIP isde-weighted in the overallExecutive Director effective 1 January 2020. Mike’s fixed remuneration package, it does focus executive effort on sustainable long-term value creation, and is seen asappointment was set at US$1.870 million per annum, which included a successful program by many shareholders where remuneration outcomes and the shareholder experience are aligned.

In order to ensure there isbase salary of US$1.700 million per annum plus a fair transitional outcome for participants, the LTIP grant to be made in late CY2019 will be made on the current 400pension contribution of 10 per cent of base salary (face value)salary. This level of fixed pay was a reduction of 12 per cent from Andrew Mackenzie’s fixed pay of US$2.125 million per annum. Mike participates in the CDP and LTIP in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.

Andrew Mackenzie stepped down as CEO and a Director of the Group on 31 December 2019, and he retired from BHP on 31 March 2020. The terms of Andrew’s departure announced on 23 December 2019 reflected the Group’s remuneration policy and the rules of our incentive arrangements and leaving entitlements as approved by shareholders. Further information in respect of this is provided in sections 3.3.13 and 3.3.24.

Other key decisions and activities of the Committee during FY2020 included:

Completing the 2019 review of the remuneration policy and seeking and gaining the approval of shareholders at the 2019 AGMs

Considering remuneration for other members of the ELT and the Group Company Secretary

Aligning the determination of CDP equity award sizes to a 12-month pricing approach, also used for LTIP awards, to minimise potential volatility over time

Setting and reviewing outcomes against performance measures and conditions of relevant incentive plans

Redesigning, with the support of the Sustainability Committee, the HSEC component of the CDP scorecard to give greater weight and transparency to climate change

Reviewing the fee for the BHP Chair

Reviewing and adopting changes and improvements flowing from regulatory requirements and guidance, which in turn helps us improve our processes and approaches

Engaging with shareholders and other key stakeholders

Undertaking regular reviews of workforce engagement, workforce remuneration and related policies, remuneration by gender and the annual Shareplus enrolment update

CEOs’ remuneration

The scorecard against which the CEO’s annual performance is assessed comprises stretching performance measures, including HSEC, financial and individual performance elements. For FY2020, the Remuneration Committee has assessed Mike Henry’s and Andrew Mackenzie’s performance and determined CDP outcomes of 96 per cent for each of them, against the target of 100 per cent (and the maximum of 150 per cent), with potential vesting five years laterthe outcomes prorated to reflect their periods as CEO.

These outcomes took into account BHP’s strong HSEC performance during the year, with no fatalities recorded, and improvements in all key health and safety indicators, while environment and community outcomes were broadly in line with expectations. Financial and operating performance was strong, yet fell slightly short of the stretching targets set at the commencement of the year.

While the mid-CY2024.COVID-19 pandemic impacted BHP, society and the global economy, the Group maintained continuity of operations while keeping employees healthy and safe. Despite this, there were significant costs and other impacts of COVID-19 to BHP’s financial results for FY2020. The first five-year deferred sharesdirect costs have been recorded as an exceptional item in the financial statements. Nevertheless, the Committee concluded that, resultwhile these COVID-19 related costs were outside the control of management, they, together with the volume impacts of COVID-19, should flow through to the financial measures for CDP scorecard purposes, thereby reducing the remuneration outcome for executives from what they would have otherwise been. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee also considered each of the CEOs’ performance underagainst their individual objectives. For Mike, this included assuming the CDP will be granted in late CY2020CEO role, redefining and will first vest five years later inmid-CY2025.restructuring the ELT, enhancing the performance improvement focus, strategy review, portfolio value and options analysis, accelerating gender balance aspirations, and the work of the Tailings Dams Taskforce. For Andrew, this included enhancing the value of the portfolio, maximising performance options, and maintaining a robust ELT succession slate. The LTIP grantCommittee considered both Mike’s and Andrew’s performance against their individual objectives to be made in late CY2020 will be made online with target.

While the reduced 200CEOs’ scorecard outcomes were determined at 96 per cent of target and the scorecard outcomes for other Executive KMP were on average marginally ahead of target, the short-term incentive pool applicable to the majority of BHP employees below the ELT level was above target. This was considered appropriate and due recognition, given the excellent performance across BHP’s whole workforce in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, where, despite this, strong safety performance and operational continuity was achieved during FY2020.

The vesting outcome for the 2015 LTIP against the relative TSR performance conditions was 48 per cent, and this is the first vesting under the program since 2014. BHP outperformed the sector peer group significantly, but did not meet the performance threshold for vesting against the MSCI World index. This 48 per cent level of vesting is aligned with the long-term average vesting under the LTIP since its inception 16 years ago. Consistent with prior practice, the Board and Committee has conducted a holistic review of business performance over the prior five years since grant to ensure this level of vesting was appropriate.

Further details in respect of overall remuneration outcomes for the year for the CEOs, together with information on how the outcomes are aligned to performance during FY2020, are provided in section 3.3. As at the date of this report, Mike’s shareholding meets the minimum shareholding requirement of five times pre-tax base salary.

For FY2021, the Committee determined that Mike’s base salary (face value), with potential vesting five years later also inmid-CY2025.

CEO remuneration outcomes

Since his appointment as CEO in 2013, Andrew Mackenzie has not received a base salary increase and, after review in 2019, the Committee has again determined his salary will remainremains unchanged at US$1.700 million per annum.annum, as it was at the time of his appointment. In addition, prior to the changes being proposed this year, the other components of his total target remuneration (pension contributions, benefits, CDP and short-term and long-term incentive targets) have also remained unchanged since 2013. Mr Mackenzie is BHP’s only Executive Director.

From a performance perspective, while shareholders have benefited during FY2019 from positive share price growth and significant shareholder returns, the year was a challenging one operationally for BHP, and the remuneration outcomes for FY2019 for our senior executives reflect this.

The scorecard against which Mr Mackenzie’s performance is assessed comprises both short-term business imperatives and progress towards long-term sustainable business outcomes, including HSEC, financial and individual performance elements, which have stretching performance measures subject to rigorous and transparent performance assessment. For FY2019, the Remuneration Committee has assessed Mr Mackenzie’s performance and determined an STIP outcome of 48 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which represents an outcome of 32 per cent against the maximum STIP opportunity available to him or 77 per cent of base salary).

This outcome took into account HSEC performance, which primarily reflected the tragic fatality that occurred at the Saraji coal mine in Queensland, Australia in December 2018. The Committee took advice from the Sustainability Committee, giving the Group’s safety performance the greatest weighting in the HSEC category.

Controllable financial performance was below the threshold financial target set at the commencement of the year, mainly due to operational issues leading to below target production performance across the Group.

The Committee considered the CEO’s performance against individual objectives to be ahead of target, including improved returns of major capital projects in development, progressing BHP’s rigorous Capital Allocation Framework, positive outcomes from exploration, and the successful completion of the Onshore US divestment, with the proceeds distributed in a value accretive manner, contributing to the positive shareholder experience during the year.

In relation to the LTIP awards granted in 2014, BHP’s TSR performance was positive 6.0 per cent over the five-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019. This is below the weighted median TSR of peer companies of positive 15.3 per cent and below the TSR of the MSCI World index of positive 41.3 per cent. This level of performance results in zero vesting for the 2014 LTIP awards, and accordingly the awards have lapsed.

Overall, Mr Mackenzie’s actual total remuneration for FY2019 was US$3.531 million, compared with US$4.657 million for FY2018, with the decrease due to a lower STIP outcome this year compared with FY2018. The LTIP outcome was zero in both years.

In line with the approach for Mr Mackenzie, after review in 2019, the base salaries for all other Executive KMP willLTIP) also remain unchanged. A summary of Mike’s arrangements for FY2021 is set out below.

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FY2019 CEO remuneration

LOGO

FY2020FY2021 CEO remuneration

 

 Fixed remuneration    CDP   LTIP

•  Base salary US$1.700 million per annum.

 

•  No change to base salary.

 

•  Pension contribution 25%10 per cent of base salary, reducing thereafter as follows: to 20% from 1 July 2020, to 15% from 1 July 2021, and to 10% from 1 July 2022 onwards.salary.

  

•   Target cash award of 80%80 per cent of base salary (maximum 120%)120 per cent).

 

•   Plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years, respectively.

 

•   Three performance categories:

 

–   HSEC – 25%25 per cent

 

–   Financial – 50%50 per cent

 

–   Individual performance 25%25 per cent

 

 

•   The annual LTIP grant is to be based on a face value of 200%*200 per cent of base salary.

 

•   Our LTIP awards have rigorous relative TSR performance hurdles measured over five years.

*   400% of base salary for the late 2019 LTIP grant with the late 2020 LTIP grant to be made under the new remuneration policy.yeans.

We have also addressed last year’s commitment to clarify and strengthen the link between executive remuneration and climate change for FY2021. The weighting on climate change is now 10 per cent of the 25 per cent HSEC weighting in the CDP scorecard, which compares to circa 4 per cent allocated to climate change in the prior STIP, and we have enhanced the disclosure of climate change-related performance targets. Further details are set out in section 3.3.9.

Mike is BHP’s only Executive Director, however, the Committee has also reviewed the base salaries and total target remuneration packages for other Executive KMP and determined that there would be no increases to base salaries as a consequence of that review, and that other aspects of their remuneration arrangements would remain unchanged.

ChairmanRemuneration outcomes for the Chair andNon-executive Director feesDirectors

Fee levelsFees for the ChairmanChair andNon-executive Directors are reviewed annually including benchmarkingand are benchmarked against peer companies. No changes to the Chairman’sChair’s fee will be made for FY2020.FY2021. This follows a review in 2017, where a decision was made to reduce the Chairman’sChair’s annual fee by approximately 8 per cent from US$0.960 million to US$0.880 million with effect from 1 July 2017, which followed an earlier reduction, effective 1 July 2015, of approximately 13 per cent from US$1.100 million to US$0.960 million.

Base fee levels forNon-executive Directors will also remain unchanged, after they were also reduced effective 1 July 2015 by approximately 6 per cent, from US$0.170 million to US$0.160 million per annum. Prior to the above reductions in fee levels for the ChairmanChair andNon-executive Directors, their fees had remained unchanged since 2011.

TransitionSummary

With the COVID-19 pandemic this year, FY2020 has presented many challenges, not only for BHP, but also for many other companies, governments, employees, families and communities across the world. On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, Chairman role

As youI would be aware, this will be my last statementlike to shareholders as Chairmanrecognise the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of the Remuneration Committee, as I will be retiring from the Boardall of our employees. They have aligned around a common cause, and the Committee after the Australian AGM later this year. A key focus during my tenure as Chairman of the Committee has beenthrough their steadfast commitment, they have remained safe and healthy, continued to arrive at pay outcomes that are fairsupport their communities, and enabled BHP to generate strong results for all stakeholders. That is, fair to executives reflecting the outcomes they have achieved, fair to shareholders in terms of the outcomes they have experienced, and fair to other stakeholders in terms of what is regarded as reasonable compensation for the complex and global roles our executives perform. Of course, sometimes this has not been straightforward, and it has involved careful consideration and balanced decisions on some occasions to achieve the right outcome.

I was fortunate when I assumed the role to have the wisdom and experience of my predecessors to lean on and to learn from, particularly Sir John Buchanan whom I succeeded as Chairman of the Committee. Sir John left a very strong legacy at BHP on remuneration matters for my fellow Committee members and me to build upon. I have taken that responsibility very seriously during my tenure and I am also committed to seeing this work continue. To that end, I have been working closely with the BHP Chairman and Committee members on an effective and seamless transition. I am confident that my colleagues on the Board will appoint a Chairman of BHP’s Remuneration Committee who, with the undoubted continuing support from the BHP Chairman and Committee members, will be very successful and effective.

Summary

The Committee believes the remuneration outcomes for FY2019FY2020 reflect an appropriate alignment between pay and performance during the year and weare also fair in terms of the global context in which decisions have been made. We are confident that shareholders will recognise this as a continuation of our long-held approach.

In late 2019, our remuneration policy enhancements will be put before shareholders at the UK and Australian AGMs for approval. BHP’s Board and Remuneration Committee believe the proposed changes improve our senior executive remuneration arrangements and they will continue to promote long-term value creation. We look forward to your support.

As always, we look forward to ongoing dialogue with, ourand the support of, BHP’s shareholders, and I very much look forward to meeting shareholders face-to-face when once again we are able to do so. As always, we welcome your feedback and comments on any aspect of this Report.

Susan Kilsby

Carolyn Hewson
Chairman, Remuneration Committee

5Chair, Remuneration Committee

3 September 2019

1782020


Common questions and answers on the remuneration policy changes

Why are changes being made now?

Having invested time reviewing the Group’s remuneration policy, to ensure it supports the attraction and motivation of talented executives and, at the same time, aligns business performance and remuneration outcomes, the Remuneration Committee concluded that the time was right to make changes to mitigate concerns with our current arrangements, particularly regarding the LTIP.

In addition, other changes are proposed to conform with best practice governance, namely reducing our pension contribution rate to 10 per cent of base salary, which is below the workforce average, and introducingtwo-year post-retirement shareholding requirements for the CEO.

Is this a shift from the long-term to the short term?

No, the current high level of focus on the long-term business performance is maintained. While the current five-yearTSR-based LTIP isde-weighted, the CDP scorecard is a genuine combination of short-term business imperatives and progress towards long-term sustainable business outcomes that are subject to rigorous and transparent performance assessment. Disclosures in the annual remuneration report will reflect that.

In addition, awards under the CDP (being rights to receive ordinary BHP shares at the end of the relevant deferral periods) will include five-year deferred shares, which provide ongoing share price exposure over the long-term. At the time of vesting, the five-year deferred shares will be subject to a holistic review of business performance over the prior five years since grant to ensure vesting is appropriate.

What is the change to target and maximum remuneration outcomes?

Total target remuneration will reduce by 4 per cent from the current arrangements, and maximum total remuneration (at a fixed share price) will reduce by 12 per cent.

What reduction in quantum will apply for the switch from five-year LTIP to five-year CDP deferred shares?

The size of the discount in award numbers varies depending on the assumed CDP scorecard outcome. For example, when comparing the current LTIP awards at face value to the future CDP awards:

At a target CDP outcome, the proposal incorporates a 60 per cent discount.

At a maximum CDP outcome, the proposal incorporates a 40 per cent discount (albeit, a maximum outcome under the scorecard has never been achieved previously).

In reviewing these discounts, the following has been considered:

The quantum of the CDP grant is directly related to the scorecard performance condition outcomes (i.e. it is not a grant of deferred shares without performance conditions).

Achieving a maximum outcome under the CDP is highly unlikely, whereas LTIP maximum outcomes have occurred in the past.

The average short-term incentive outcome over the past 11 years has been 53 per cent of maximum (or 79 per cent of target) and a maximum outcome has never been achieved, whereas LTIP maximum outcomes against the performance conditions have been achieved in five of the past 11 years.

An underpin review will apply to the vesting of the five-year deferred shares, and BHP has a strong track record of applying discretion which ensures appropriate remuneration outcomes.

Why weren’t other measures introduced for the LTIP?

Our current relative TSR approach in the LTIP is well understood, transparent and simple, and is demonstrably aligned to the interests of shareholders, particularly through itsfive-year duration, longer than most other LTIPs in the market.

Through this and prior reviews, the Committee has concluded that it is difficult to identify substantive long-term KPIs as other measures for the LTIP that are an improvement on the current approach. Such KPIs do not generally have the transparency and rigour preferred by both shareholders and participants, or their nature can make it difficult to set new targets for each successive five-year performance period, or are derived from accounting results that can be volatile over the long-term due to movements in commodity prices and are challenging to measure against peer companies on a relative basis.

Why is this year’s LTIP grant being made at 400 per cent of base salary (face value)?

This is to ensure the proposed changes align the equity award grant and vesting timings between the current and proposed arrangements so as not to inadvertently create a benefit or a penalty for the CEO because of the changes.

The LTIP grant to be made in late CY2019 will be made on the current 400 per cent of base salary (face value), with potential vesting five years later inmid-CY2024. The first five-year deferred shares that result from performance under the CDP will be granted in late CY2020 and will first vest five years later inmid-CY2025. The LTIP grant to be made in late CY2020 will be made on the reduced 200 per cent of base salary (face value), with potential vesting five years later also inmid-CY2025.

Why will the five-year deferred shares bepro-rated under the CDP for leavers entitled to retain them?

The five-year LTIP haspro-rating applied for time served for leavers who are entitled to retain their awards. As the CDP five-year deferred shares are also long-term in nature, the same approach has been applied.

179


As with the five-year LTIP, any retained CDP five-year deferred shares will only vest on the originally scheduled vesting date.

Will there be greater scope for payment for failure?

The Board and Committee consider it is important to ensure that remuneration outcomes align to business performance over the long term. This is achieved by the use of long-term equity awards, which are only granted and vested after satisfying stretching performance targets, and which provide long term share price exposure.

To ensure the vesting of five-year equity awards is underpinned by ongoing performance, any vesting, whether deferred shares under the CDP or performance shares under the LTIP, will be subject to a holistic review of performance as referred to above.

This review of business performance is an important safeguard against inappropriate remuneration outcomes. This process is also consistent with BHP’s past exercise of appropriate downward discretion where the status quo or a formulaic outcome does not align with the overall shareholder experience. Other examples in recent years include reducing the CEO’s remuneration package by 25 per cent in 2013, zero STI outcomes for the CEO (and Chief Executive Petroleum) in 2012 as a result of shale impairments, the reduction in Chairman fees in 2015 and 2017 and inNon-executive Director fees in 2015, and the zero STI outcome for the CEO in 2016 as a result of the dam failure at Samarco, and the ongoing decline in commodity markets and the associated negative impact on our performance.

Are the HSEC and Individual measures all qualitative?

No, many of the targets in the HSEC and Individual measure categories have quantitative targets. For example, in the HSEC measures, many of the targets are directly linked to the quantified five-year HSEC targets that BHP has published externally in its Sustainability Report. Additionally, under the Individual measures, many of the targets are expressed as quantified outcomes over which rigorous assessment can be applied.

Are the arrangements sufficiently linked and aligned to business performance?

The proposed variable pay arrangements have strong links to performance and the shareholder experience as outlined below:

Determining the size of CDP award outcomes – a balanced scorecard with a mix of short, medium and long-term elements.

Direct link to the share price – deferred shares under the CDP and performance shares under the LTIP vesting over the medium and long-term.

A rigorous LTIP with vesting of awards determined by long-term relative performance – five-year performance shares with vesting driven by relative TSR.

The proposed variable pay arrangements include long-term,‘at-risk’, equity-based features, to ensure the ultimate remuneration and wealth outcomes are aligned with performance. Of annual total target remuneration, almost 40 per cent is earned over a five-year timeframe, 75 per cent is performance-based variable pay and ‘at risk’, and almost 60 per cent is delivered in the form of equity awards with long-term share price exposure.

Once shares are owned, a significant MSR applies, being five times base salary for the CEO, and atwo-year post-retirement shareholding requirement for the CEO from 1 July 2020. Together these ensure long-term, material share price exposure.

Are the targets under the CDP scorecard sufficiently stretching and robust? Will outcomes be easier to achieve?

The Board and Committee will ensure the CDP scorecard includes rigorous and stretching performance targets. Evidence of this is seen in the outcomes against the short-term incentive scorecard historically which have averaged 53 per cent of maximum (or 79 per cent of target) over the past 11 years for the CEO, and this rigorous and stretching approach will be unchanged.

Why is the pension contribution rate changing? Will it change immediately?

When the current CEO assumed the role in 2013, the pension contribution rate was reduced from the former CEO’s 40 per cent of base salary to the current rate of 25 per cent of base salary. Our analysis indicates that the market-competitive pension contribution rates for a majority of employees across the Group’s global locations range from8-20 per cent of base salary, with an average of approximately 11.5 per cent of base salary. Accordingly, in order to promote a more equitable outcome, we have decided to reduce the pension contribution rate for senior executives to 10 per cent of base salary, lower than the workforce average.

In order to be fair to incumbents, this will be introduced gradually over the next three years. The rate of 25 per cent of base salary will apply until 30 June 2020, reducing to 20 per cent from 1 July 2020, reducing again to 15 per cent from 1 July 2021, and a rate of 10 per cent applying from 1 July 2022 onwards. For a new appointee, the pension contribution rate of 10 per cent of base salary will apply immediately.

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3.2    Remuneration policy report

BHP has an overarching remuneration policy that guides the Remuneration Committee’s decisions. Under UK legislation, shareholders have the opportunity to vote on our remuneration policy every three years, with binding effect in regard to the Directors (including the CEO). The Committee undertook a review ofUnder Australian legislation, shareholders also have the policy during the past year and determined that while the current policy remains appropriate in many respects and alignedopportunity to vote on our business priorities, certain proposed enhancements to variable pay and pension arrangements will support the delivery of our strategic priorities.

A summary of proposed changes to the remuneration policy forin conjunction with the Executive Director is outlined below. No changes are proposedbroader Remuneration Report, each year at the AGMs as it applies to theall KMP under a non-binding advisory vote. Our remuneration policy, for ourNon-executive Directors. This remuneration policy is subject to a binding votewhich was approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, has not changed and if approved, will apply with effect from the November 2019 BHP Group Limited AGM.is repeated below.

Remuneration policy for the Executive Director

This section only refers to the remuneration policy for our CEO, who is our sole Executive Director. If any other executive were to be appointed an Executive Director, this remuneration policy would apply to that new role.

3.2.1    Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component, including a summary of the proposed enhancements to our variable pay plans and changes to pension arrangements.component.

In summary, the proposed remuneration policy enhancements are detailed below:

A CDP which has a longer term focus than the STIP and which comprise a mix of short, medium and long-term award outcomes to align incentive remuneration with performance:

¡

Cash award of 80 per cent of base salary at target; 120 per cent of base salary at maximum.

¡

An amount equivalent to the actual cash award in deferred shares restricted for two years.

¡

An amount equivalent to the actual cash award in deferred shares restricted for five years.

Reduction of the maximum face value of the LTIP award by half, from 400 per cent of base salary to 200 per cent of base salary. All other terms of the current LTIP remain unchanged.

Reduction in pension contribution rates for the existing CEO to 10 per cent of base salary from 25 per cent of base salary over the next three years.

 

Remuneration component

and link to strategy

 

Operation and performance framework

 

Maximum (1)

Base salary

A competitive base salary is paid in order to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO, and to provide appropriate remuneration for this important role in the Group.

 

•  Base salary, denominated in US dollars, is broadly aligned with salaries for comparable roles in global companies of similar global complexity, size, reach and industry, and reflects the CEO’s responsibilities, location, skills, performance, qualifications and experience.

 

•  Base salary is reviewed annually with effect from 1 September. Reviews are informed, but not led, by benchmarking to comparable roles (as above), changes in responsibility and general economic conditions. Substantial weight is also given to the general base salary increases for employees.

 

•  Base salary is not subject to separate performance conditions.

 8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in Australia.

Pension contributions (2)

Provides a market-competitive level of post-employment benefits provided to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.

 

•  Pension contributions are benchmarked to comparable roles in global companies and have been determined after considering the pension contributions provided to the wider workforce.

 

•  A choice of funding vehicles is offered, including a defined contribution plan, an unfunded retirement savings plan, an international retirement plan or a self-managed superannuation fund. Alternatively, a cash payment may be provided in lieu.

 

For the existing CEO, the currentA pension contribution rate of 25% of base salary will reduce as follows:

•  20% of base salary from 1 July 2020.

•  15% of base salary from 1 July 2021.

•  10% of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards.

For a new appointment, the pension contribution rate will be 10% of base salary immediately.

181


Remuneration component
and link to strategy

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

applies.

Benefits

Provides personal insurances, relocation benefits and tax assistance where BHP’s structure gives rise to tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions, and a market-competitive level of benefits to attract and retain a high-quality and experienced CEO.

 

•  Benefits may be provided, as determined by the Committee, and currently include costs of private family health insurance, death and disability insurance, car parking and personal tax return preparation in the required countries where BHP has requested the CEO relocate internationally, or where BHP’s DLC structure requires personal tax returns in multiple jurisdictions.

 

•  Costs associated with business-related travel for the CEO’s spouse/partner, including for Board meetings, may be covered. Where these costs are deemed to be taxable benefits for the CEO, BHP may reimburse the CEO for these tax costs.

 

•  The CEO is eligible to participate in Shareplus, BHP’sall-employee share purchase plan.

 

•  A relocation allowance and assistance is provided only where a change of location is made at BHP’s request. The Group’s mobility policies generally provide for‘one-off’ payments with no material trailing entitlements.

 Benefits as determined by the Committee but to a limit not exceeding 10% of base salary and (if applicable) aone-off taxable relocation allowance up to US$700,000.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

CDPMaximum(2) (1)

CDP

The purpose of the CDP is to encourage and focus the CEO’s efforts on the delivery of the Group’s strategic priorities for the relevant financial year to deliver short, medium and long-term success, and to motivate the CEO to strive to achieve stretch performance objectives.

 

The performance measures for each year are chosen on the basis that they are expected to have a significant short, medium and long-term impact on the success of the Group.

 

Delivery oftwo-thirds of CDP awards in deferred shares encourages a longer-term focus aligned to that of shareholders.

 

Setting performance measures and targets

•  The Committee sets a balanced scorecard of short, medium and long-term elements including HSEC, financial and individual performance measures, with targets and relative weightings at the beginning of the financial year in order to appropriately motivate the CEO to achieve outperformance that contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Group and shareholder wealth creation.

 

•  Specific financial measures will constitute the largest weighting and are derived from the annual budget as approved by the Board for the relevant financial year.

 

•  Appropriate HSEC measures that are consistent with the Company’sGroup’s long-term five-year public HSEC targets, and their weightings, are determined by the Remuneration Committee with the assistance of the Sustainability Committee.

 

•  Individual measures are an important element of effective performance management, and are a combination of quantitative and qualitative targets. They are aligned with medium and long-term strategy aspirations that are intended to drive long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

 

•  For HSEC and for individual measures the target is ordinarily expressed in narrative form and will be disclosed near the beginning of the performance period. However, the target for each financial measure will be disclosed retrospectively. In the rare instances where this may not be prudent on grounds of commercial sensitivity, we will seek to explain why and give an indication of when the target may be disclosed.

 

•  Should any other performance measures be added at the discretion of the Committee, we will determine the timing of disclosure of the relevant target with due consideration of commercial sensitivity.

 

Assessment of performance

•  At the conclusion of the financial year, the CEO’s achievement against each measure is assessed by the Remuneration Committee and the Board, with guidance provided by other relevant Board Committees in respect of HSEC and other measures, and a CDP award determined. If performance is below the Thresholdthreshold level for any measure, no CDP award will be provided in respect of that portion of the CDP award opportunity.

 

•  The Board believes this method of assessment is transparent, rigorous and balanced, and provides an appropriate, objective and comprehensive assessment of performance.

 

•  In the event that the Remuneration Committee does not consider the outcome that would otherwise apply to be a true reflection of the performance of the Group or should it consider that individual performance or other circumstances makes this an inappropriate outcome, it retains the discretion to not provide all or a part of any CDP award. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended award outcomes.

Maximum award

A cash award of 120% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

 

Target performance

A cash award of 80% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for target performance on all measures.

Threshold performance

A cash award of 40% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for threshold performance on all measures.

Minimum award

Zero.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Delivery of award

•   CDP awards are provided under the CDP as cash and two awards of deferred shares, each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

 

•   The awards of deferred shares comprise rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future at the end of the deferral periods. Before the awards vest (or are exercised), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee also has a discretion to settle CDP awards in cash.

 

Underpin, malus and clawback

•   To ensure any vesting of five-year deferred shares under the CDP is underpinned by satisfactory performance post-grant, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year vesting period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

 

•   Both cash and deferred share CDP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described in section 3.2.2.

 

Maximum award

A cash award of 120% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

Target performance

A cash award of 80% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for target performance on all measures.

Threshold performance

A cash award of 40% of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively, for threshold performance on all measures.

Minimum award

Zero.

182


Remuneration component
and link to strategy

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

LTIP

The purpose of the LTIP is to focus the CEO’s efforts on the achievement of sustainable long-term value creation and success of the Group (including appropriate management of business risks).

 

It also encourages retention through long-term share exposure for the CEO over the five-year performance period (consistent with the long-term nature of resources), and aligns the long-term interests of the CEO and shareholders.

 

The LTIP aligns the CEO’s reward with sustained shareholder wealth creation in excess of that of relevant comparator group(s), through the relative TSR performance condition.

Relative TSR has been chosen as an appropriate measure as it allows for an objective external assessment over a sustained period on a basis that is familiar to shareholders.

 

Relative TSR performance condition

•   The LTIP award is conditional on achieving five-year relative TSR (3) performance conditions as set out below.

 

•   The relevant comparator group(s) and the weighting between relevant comparator group(s) will be determined by the Committee in relation to each LTIP grant.

 

Level of performance required for vesting

•   Vesting of the award is dependent on BHP’s TSR relative to the TSRof relevant comparator group(s) over a five-year performance period.

 

•   25% of the award will vest where BHP’s TSR is equal to the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s), as measured over the performance period. Where TSR is below the median, awards will not vest.

 

•   Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s) up to a nominated level of TSR outperformance (4) over the relevant comparator group(s), as determined by the Committee, above which 100% of the award will vest.

 

•   Where the TSR performance condition is not met, there is no retesting and awards will lapse. The Committee also retains discretion to lapse any portion or all of the award where it considers the vesting outcome is not appropriate given Group or individual performance. This is an important mitigation against the risk of unintended outcomes.

Maximum award

Face value of 200% of base salary. (6)

Remuneration component

and link to strategy           

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Relative TSR has been chosen as an appropriate measure as it allows for an objective external assessment over a sustained period on a basis that is familiar to shareholders.

Further performance measures

•   The Committee may add further performance conditions, in which case the vesting of a portion of any LTIP award may instead be linked to performance against the new condition(s). However, the Committee expects that in the event of introducing an additional performance condition(s), the weighting on relative TSR would remain the majority weighting.

 

Delivery of award

•   LTIP awards are provided under the LTIP approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGMs. When considering the value of the award to be provided, the Committee primarily considers the face value of the award, and also considers its fair value which includes consideration of the performance conditions.(5)

 

•   LTIP awards consist of rights to receive ordinary BHP shares in the future if the performance and service conditions are met. Before vesting (or exercise), these rights are not ordinary shares and do not carry entitlements to ordinary dividends or other shareholder rights; however, a DEP is provided on vested awards. The Committee has a discretion to settle LTIP awards in cash.

 

Underpin, malus and clawback

•   If the specified performance conditions are satisfied in part or in full, to ensure any vesting of LTIP awards is underpinned by satisfactory performance through the performance period, the vesting will be subject to an underpin. This will encompass a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year performance period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

 

•   LTIP awards are subject to malus and clawback as described below.in section 3.2.2.

 

Maximum award

Face value of 200% of base salary. (6)

183


 

(1) 

UK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase whichthat is annualised it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the regulations.

 

(2)

SubjectPension contributions maximum column wording has been updated to shareholder approval,reflect the CDPleadership transition of Executive Director and CEO on 1 January 2020 and the current application of policy with respect to pension contribution rate for Mike Henry. The FY2019 remuneration report policy table wording reflected the application of Andrew Mackenzie’s contribution rate: ’For the existing CEO, the current pension contribution rate of 25 per cent of base salary will operate for FY2020. The termsreduce as follows: 25 per cent of CDP awards are similarbase salary to those provided under30 June 2020; 20 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2020; 15 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2021; 10 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards. For a new appointment, the former STIP. STIP awards approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs and provided to the CEO for performance in FY2019pension contribution rate will be in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2017, and are scheduled to vest in August 2021.10 per cent of base salary immediately.’

 

(3) 

BHP’s TSR is a weighted average of the TSRs of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

 

(4) 

Maximum vesting is determined with reference to a position against each comparator group.

 

(5) 

Fair value is calculated by the Committee’s independent adviser and is different to fair value used for IFRS disclosures (which do not take into account forfeiture conditions on the awards). It reflects outcomes weighted by probability, taking into account the difficulty of achieving the performance conditions and the correlation between these and share price appreciation, together with other factors, including volatility and forfeiture risks. The current fair value is 41 per cent of the face value of an award, which may change should the Committee vary elements (such as adding a performance measure or altering the level of relative TSR outperformance).

 

(6) 

In order to ensure there is a fair transitional outcome for participants, the LTIP grant to be made in late CY2019 will be madewas based on the current 400 per cent face value basis in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2017, with potential vesting five years later in mid CY2024.mid-CY2024. The first five-year deferred shares that result from performance under the CDP for FY2020 will be granted in late CY2020 and will first vest five years later inmid-CY2025. The LTIP grant to be made in late CY2020 will be made on the reduced 200 per cent face value basis, with potential vesting five years later also inmid-CY2025.

The Remuneration Committee’s discretion in respect of each remuneration component applies up to the maximum shown in the table above. Any remuneration elements awarded or granted under the previous remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2014 and 2017, but which have not yet vested or been awarded or paid, shall continue to be capable of vesting, awarded or payment made on their existing terms.

3.2.2.

3.2.2    Malus and clawback

The CDP, LTIP and STIP rule provisions allow the Committee to reduce or clawback awards in the following circumstances:

 

the participant acting fraudulently or dishonestly or being in material breach of their obligations to the Group;Group

 

where BHP becomes aware of a material misstatement or omission in the Financial Statements of a Group company or the Group; orGroup

 

any circumstances occur that the Committee determines in good faith to have resulted in an unfair benefit to the participant.participant

These malus and clawback provisions apply whether or not awards are made in the form of cash or equity, whether or not the equity has vested, and whether or not employment is ongoing.

3.2.3    Potential remuneration outcomes

The Remuneration Committee recognises that market forces necessarily influence remuneration practices and it strongly believes the fundamental driver of remuneration outcomes should be business performance. It also believes that overall remuneration should be both fair to the individual, such that remuneration levels accurately reflect the CEO’s responsibilities and contributions, and align with the expectations of our shareholders, while considering the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce.

The amount of remuneration actually received each year depends on the achievement of superior business and individual performance generating sustained shareholder value. Before deciding on the final incentive outcomes for the CEO, the Committee first considers the achievement against thepre-determined performance conditions. The Committee then applies its overarching discretion on the basis of what it considers to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced. When the CEO was appointed in May 2013,January 2020 the Board advised him that the Committee would exercise its discretion on the basis of what it considered to be a fair and commensurate remuneration level to decide if the outcome should be reduced.

In this way, the Committee believes it can set a remuneration level for the CEO that is sufficient to incentivise him and that is also fair to him and commensurate with shareholder expectations and prevailing market conditions.

The diagram below provides the scenario for the potential total remuneration of the CEO at different levels of performance under the new remuneration policy.performance.

 

184


Remuneration mix for the CEO

LOGO

LOGO

Minimum: consists of fixed remuneration, which comprises base salary (US$1.700 million), pension contributions (currently 25(10 per cent of base salary, but reducing as follows for the current CEO: 20 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2020, 15 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2021salary) and other benefits (notional 10 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards; 10 per cent of base salary would be applied immediately for a new appointee) and other benefits (US$0.1 million)salary).

Target: consists of fixed remuneration, target CDP (a cash award of 80 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively) and target LTIP. The LTIP target value is based on the fair value of the award, which is 41 per cent of the face value of 200 per cent of base salary. The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards.

Maximum: consists of fixed remuneration, maximum CDP (a cash award of 120 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively), and maximum LTIP (face value of 200 per cent of base salary). The potential impact of future share price movements is not included in the value of deferred CDP awards or LTIP awards. All other things being equal, if the share price at vesting of LTIP awards was 50 per cent higher than the share price at grant, then the total maximum value would be US$13.19013.260 million.

The maximum opportunity represented above is the most that could potentially be paid of each remuneration component, as required by UK regulations. It does not reflect any intention by the Group to award that amount. The Remuneration Committee reviews relevant benchmarking data and industry practices, and believes the maximum remuneration opportunity is appropriate.

3.2.4    Approach to recruitment and promotion remuneration

The remuneration policy as set out in section 3.2 of this Report will apply to the remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited or promoted CEO, or for another Executive Director should one be appointed. A market-competitive level of base salary will be provided. The pension contributions, benefits and variable pay will be in accordance with the remuneration policy table in section 3.2.1 of this Report.3.2.1.

For external appointments, the Remuneration Committee may determine that it is appropriate to provide additional cash and/or equity components to replace any remuneration forfeited or not received from a former employer. It is anticipated that any foregone equity awards would be replaced by equity. The value of the replacement remuneration would not be any greater than the fair value of the awards foregone or not received (as determined by the Committee’s independent adviser). The Committee would determine appropriate service conditions and performance conditions within BHP’s framework, taking into account the conditions attached to the foregone awards. The Committee is mindful of limiting such payments and not providing any more compensation than is necessary. For any internal CEO (or another Executive Director) appointment, any entitlements provided under former arrangements will be honoured according to their existing terms.

3.2.5    Service contracts and policy on loss of office

The terms of employment for the CEO are formalised in his employment contract. Key terms of the current contract and relevant payments on loss of office are shown below. If a new CEO or another Executive Director was appointed, similar contractual terms would apply, other than where the Remuneration Committee determines that different terms should apply for reasons specific to the individual or circumstances.

The CEO’s current contract has no fixed term. It can be terminated by BHP on 12 months’ notice. BHP can terminate the contract immediately by paying base salary plus pension contributions for the notice period. The CEO must give six12 months’ notice for voluntary resignation.resignation(1). The table below sets out the basis on which payments on loss of office may be made.

 

185


Leaving reason (1)(2)(3)

    

Voluntary

resignation

  

Termination for
cause

  

Death, serious

injury, illness,

disability or total

and permanent

disablement

  

Cessation of

employment as agreed

with the Board (3)(4)

Base salary  

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

  

•  No payment will be made.

  

•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

  

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

Pension contributions  

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

  

•  No contributions will be provided.

  

•  Paid for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

  

•  Paid as a lump sum for the notice period or progressively over the notice period.

Benefits  

•  May continue to be provided during the notice period.

 

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

 

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

 

•  Any unvested Shareplus Matched Sharesmatched shares held will lapse.

  

•  No benefits will be provided.

 

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

 

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

 

•  Any unvested Shareplus Matched Sharesmatched shares held will lapse.

  

•  May continue to be provided for a period of up to six months, after which time employment may cease.

 

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

 

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

 

•  Any unvested Shareplus Matched Sharesmatched shares held will vest in full.

  

•  May continue to be provided for year in which employment ceases.

 

•  Accumulated annual leave entitlements and any statutory payments will be paid.

 

•  May pay repatriation expenses to the home location where a relocation was at the request of BHP.

 

•  Any unvested Shareplus Matched Sharesmatched shares held will vest in full.

Leaving reason (2)(3)

Voluntary

resignation

Termination for
cause

Death, serious

injury, illness,

disability or total

and permanent

disablement

Cessation of

employment as agreed

with the Board (4)

CDP/STIP – cash and deferred shares

Where the CEO leaves either during or after the end of the financial year, but before an award is provided.

  

•  No cash award will be paid.

 

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse.

 

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse.

 

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

  

•  No cash award will be paid.

 

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will lapse.

 

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines they will lapse.

 

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

  

•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year.

 

•  Unvested CDP/STIP deferred shares will vest in full and, where applicable become exercisable.

 

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period.

 

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

  

•  The Committee has discretion to pay and/or award an amount in respect of the CEO’s performance for that year.

 

•  Unvestedtwo-year CDP/STIP deferred shares and apro-rata pro rata portion (based on the proportion of the vesting period served) of unvested five-year CDP deferred shares continue to be held on the existing terms for the deferral period before vesting (subject to Committee discretion to lapse some or all of the award).

 

186


Leaving reason (1)(2)

Voluntary
resignation

Termination for
cause

Death, serious
injury, illness,
disability or total
and permanent
disablement

Cessation of
employment as agreed
with the Board (3)

•  Vested but unexercised CDP/STIP deferred shares remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

 

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised CDP/STIP awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

LTIP – unvested and vested but unexercised awards  

•  Unvested awards will lapse.

 

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

 

•  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

  

•  Unvested awards will lapse.

 

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

 

•  Vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

  

•  Unvested awards will vest in full.

 

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for remaining exercise period.

 

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

  

•  Apro-rata pro rata portion of unvested awards (based on the proportion of the performance period served) will continue to be held subject to the LTIP rules and terms of grant. The balance will lapse.

 

•  Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period, or for a reduced period, or may lapse, as determined by the Committee.

 

•  Unvested and vested but unexercised awards remain subject to malus and clawback.

 

(1) 

Notice period for voluntary resignation updated to reflect the terms of the new Executive Director and CEO employment contract effective on 1 January 2020.

(2)

If the Committee deems it necessary, BHP may enter into agreements with a CEO, which may include the settlement of liabilities in return for payment(s), including reimbursement of legal fees subject to appropriate conditions; or to enter into new arrangements with the departing CEO (for example, entering into consultancy arrangements).

 

(2)(3) 

In the event of a change in control event (for example, takeover, compromise or arrangement, winding up of the Group) as defined in the CDP, STIP and LTIP rules:

 

base salary, pension contributions and benefits will be paid until the date of the change of control event;event

 

in relation to the CDP and STIP: the Committee may determine that a cash payment be made in respect of performance during the current financial year and all unvestedtwo-year deferred shares would vest in full and, in relation to the CDP, all unvested five-year deferred shares would vestpro-rata prorata (based on the proportion of the vesting period served up to the date of the change of control event);

 

the Committee may determine that unvested LTIP awards will either (i) bepro-rated prorated (based on the proportion of the performance period served up to the date of the change of control event) and vest to the extent the Committee determines appropriate (with reference to performance against the performance condition up to the date of the change of control event and expectations regarding future performance) or (ii) be lapsed if the Committee determines the holders will participate in an acceptable alternative employee equity plan as a term of the change of control event.event

 

(3)(4) 

Defined as occurring when a participant leaves BHP due to forced early retirement, retrenchment or redundancy, termination by mutual agreement or retirement with the agreement of the Group, or such other circumstances that do not constitute resignation or termination for cause.

187


Remuneration policy forNon-executive Directors

OurNon-executive Directors are paid in line with the UK Corporate Governance Code (2016 edition; the 2018 edition will apply from FY2020)(2018 edition) and the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations (3rd(3rd Edition).

3.2.6    Components of remuneration

The following table shows the components of total remuneration, the link to strategy, the applicable operation and performance frameworks, and the maximum opportunity for each component.component

 

Remuneration component

and link to strategy

  

Operation and performance framework

  

Maximum (1)

Fees

Competitive base fees are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals, and to provide appropriate remuneration for the role undertaken.

 

Committee fees are provided to recognise the additional responsibilities, time and commitment required.

  

•  The ChairmanChair is paid a single fee for all responsibilities.

 

•  Non-executive Directors are paid a base fee and relevant committee membership fees.

 

•  Committee ChairmenChairs and the Senior Independent Director are paid an additional fee to reflect their extra responsibilities.

 

•  All fee levels are reviewed annually and any changes are effective from 1 July.

 

•  Fees are set at a competitive level based on benchmarks and advice provided by external advisers. Fee levels reflect the size and complexity of the Group, the multi-jurisdictional environment arising from the DLC structure, the multiple stock exchange listings and the geographies in which the Group operates. The economic environment and the financial performance of the Group are taken into account. Consideration is also given to salary reviews across the rest of the Group.

 

•  Where the payment of pension contributions is required by law, these contributions are deducted from the Director’s overall fee entitlements.

  8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on a per fee basis.

Remuneration component

and link to strategy

Operation and performance framework

Maximum (1)

Benefits

Competitive benefits are paid in order to attract and retain high-quality individuals and adequately remunerate them for the role undertaken, including the considerable travel burden.

  

•  Travel allowances are paid on aper-trip basis reflecting the considerable travel burden imposed on members of the Board as a consequence of the global nature of the organisation and apply when a Director needs to travel internationally to attend a Board meeting or site visits at our multiple geographic locations.

 

•  As a consequence of the DLC structure,Non-executive Directors are required to prepare personal tax returns in both Australia and the UK, regardless of whether they reside in one or neither of those countries. They are accordingly reimbursed for the costs of personal tax return preparation in whichever of the UK and/or Australia is not their place of residence (including payment of the tax cost associated with the provision of the benefit).

  

8% increase per annum (annualised), or inflation if higher in the location in which duties are primarily performed, on aper-trip basis.

 

Up to a limit not exceeding 20% of fees.

Variable pay (CDP and LTIP)  

•  Non-executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any CDP or LTIP award arrangements.

   
Payments on early termination  

•  There are no provisions in any of theNon-executive Directors’ appointment arrangements for compensation payable on early termination of their directorship.

  

 

(1) 

UK regulations require the disclosure of the maximum that may be paid in respect of each remuneration component. Where that is expressed as a maximum annual percentage increase whichthat is annualised it should not be interpreted that it is BHP’s current intention to award an increase of that size in total in any one year, or in each year, and instead it is a maximum required to be disclosed under the regulations.

Approach to recruitment remuneration

The ongoing remuneration arrangements for a newly recruitedNon-executive Director will reflect the remuneration policy in place for otherNon-executive Directors, comprising fees and benefits as set out in the table above. No variable remuneration (CDP and LTIP award arrangements) will be provided to newly recruitedNon-executive Directors.

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Letters of appointment and policy on loss of office

The standard letter of appointment forNon-executive Directors is available on our website.at bhp.com. The Board has adopted a policy consistent with the UK Corporate Governance Code, under which allNon-executive Directors must seekre-election by shareholders annually if they wish to remain on the Board. As such, noNon-executive Directors seekingre-election have an unexpired term in their letter of appointment. ANon-executive Director may resign on reasonable notice. No payments are made toNon-executive Directors on loss of office.

3.2.7    How remuneration policy is set

The Remuneration Committee sets the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. The Committee is briefed on and considers prevailing market conditions, the competitive environment and the positioning and relativities of pay and employment conditions across the wider BHP workforce. The Committee takes into account the annual base salary increases for our employee population when determining any change in the CEO’s base salary. Salary increases in Australia, where the CEO is located, are particularly relevant as they reflect the local economic conditions.

The principles that underpin the remuneration policy for the CEO are the same as those that apply to other employees, although the CEO’s arrangements have a greater emphasis on and a higher proportion of remuneration in the form of performance-related variable pay. Similarly, the performance measures used to determine variable pay outcomes for the CEO and all other employees are linked to the delivery of our strategy and behaviours that are aligned to the values inOur Charter.

Although BHP does not consult directly with employees on CEO and other Executive KMP remuneration, the Group conducts regular employee engagement surveys that give employees an opportunity to provide feedback on a wide range of employee matters. Further, many employees are ordinary shareholders through ourall-employee share purchase plan, Shareplus, and therefore have the opportunity to vote on AGM resolutions. In addition, in line with changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Remuneration Committee is considering additional means of engaging with the workforce to explain how executive remuneration aligns with wider Group pay policy.

As part of the Board’s commitment to good governance, the Committee also considers shareholder views, together with those of the wider community, when setting the remuneration policy for the CEO and other Executive KMP. We are committed to engaging and communicating with shareholders regularly and, as our shareholders are spread across the globe, we are proactive with our engagement on remuneration and governance matters with institutional shareholders and investor representative organisations. Feedback from shareholders and investors is shared with and used as input into decision-making by the Board and Remuneration Committee in respect of our remuneration policy and its application. The Committee considers that this approach provides a robust mechanism to ensure Directors are aware of matters raised, have a good understanding of current shareholder views, and can formulate policy and make decisions as appropriate. We encourage shareholders to always make their views known to us by directly contacting our Investor Relations team (contact details available on our website at bhp.com).

3.3    Annual report on remuneration

This section of the Report shows the impact of the remuneration policy in FY2019FY2020 and how remuneration outcomes are linked to actual performance.

Remuneration for the Executive DirectorDirectors (the CEO)CEOs)

3.3.1    Single total figure of remuneration

This section shows a single total figure of remuneration as prescribed under UK requirements. It is a measure of actual remuneration received, rather than a figure calculated in accordance with IFRS (which is detailed in note 2324 ‘Employee share ownership plan’ section 5). As Mike Henry assumed the role of CEO and became an Executive Director on 1 January 2020, the FY2020 actual remuneration shown relates to the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020. The FY2020 actual remuneration for Andrew Mackenzie relates to the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019, on which date he ceased to be CEO and an Executive Director. The components of remuneration are detailed in the remuneration policy table in section 3.2.1.

 

US$(’000)

      Base salary   Benefits (1)   STIP (2)   LTIP   Pension   Total       Base salary   Benefits (1)   Pension (2)   Total
fixed
   CDP/
STIP (3)
 LTIP (4)   Total
variable
   Single
total
figure
 

Mike Henry

   FY2020    850    6    85    941    1,959   3,169    5,128    6,069 

Andrew Mackenzie

   FY2019    1,700    100    1,306    0    425    3,531    FY2020    850    55    213    1,118    1,306(5)   0    1,306    2,424 
   FY2018    1,700    84    2,448    0    425    4,657    FY2019    1,700    100    425    2,225    1,306  0    1,306    3,531 

 

(1) 

Includes private family health insurance, spouse business-related travel, car parking and personal tax return preparation in required countries.

 

(2) 

ProvidedPension contributions for Andrew Mackenzie in FY2019 and FY2020 (until the date he ceased as CEO and Executive Director) were made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 25 per cent of base salary). Mike Henry’s FY2020 pension contributions were also made in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 (i.e. based on 10 per cent of base salary which applied for a new Executive Director appointment). Pension contributions for both were made into the international retirement plan.

(3)

FY2020 CDP award is provided one-third in cash and two-thirds in deferred equity (on the terms of the CDP) as shown in the table below. FY2019 STIP award was provided half in cash and half in deferred equity (on the terms of the STIP) as shown in the table below. No discretion was applied to the STIP awards when determining vesting of awards in FY2019 or FY2020.

 

(4)

Mike Henry’s LTIP award value is based on the full award he received in 2015 when he was President Coal (prior to becoming, and with no proration applied for time as, CEO and Executive Director). The value is based on 48 per cent of the award vesting, including a DEP amount of US$0.548 million paid in shares. The value delivered through share price appreciation between the date of grant and the vesting date was US$1.410 million. The value of Andrew Mackenzie’s vested LTIP award (which vested after Andrew retired from BHP) is detailed in section 3.3.24. No discretion was applied to the LTIP awards when determining vesting of awards for FY2020.

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(5)

Andrew Mackenzie’s prorated CDP award for FY2020 was provided as cash covering the one-third cash component and the two-year deferred equity component. Nothing has been or will be granted or paid in respect of the remaining one-third, i.e. the five-year deferred equity award.

For the CEO,Mike Henry, the single total figure of remuneration is calculated on the same basis as atof his appointment in 2013.on 1 January 2020. There have been no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contribution since that date. For Andrew Mackenzie, the single total figure of remuneration is calculated on the on the basis of his period as CEO and Executive Director up until 31 December 2019. There were no changes to his base salary, benefit entitlements or pension contributions prior to the date of his cessation as CEO and Executive Director. Details of remuneration received in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020 are set out in section 3.3.24. Changes from prior year outcomes of CDP/STIP and LTIP are set out below.

  

FY2019CDP / STIP

  

FY2018LTIP

STIPMike HenryFY2020CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. One-third was provided in cash in September 2020, one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2023, and one-third deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2026.Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2020, 48 per cent of Mike’s 192,360 awards from the 2015 LTIP (granted to him when he was President Coal before he was appointed CEO and Executive Director) have vested, and the remaining awards have lapsed. The value of the vested awards is inclusive of a DEP, which is paid in shares.
Andrew MackenzieFY2020Prorated CDP awarded for FY2020 performance. Two-thirds of the award was paid in cash in September 2020 covering the cash and two-year deferred equity portion. Nothing has been or will be granted or paid in respect of the remaining one-third of the award i.e. the five-year deferred equity portion.Details of Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award (which vested after Andrew retired from BHP) are set out in section 3.3.24.
FY2019 STIP awarded for FY2019 performance. Half was provided in cash in September 2019 and half deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2022.  STIP awarded for FY2018 performance. Half was provided in cash in September 2018, and half deferred in an equity award that is due to vest in FY2021.
LTIPBased on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2019, all of Andrew Mackenzie’sAndrew’s 224,859 awards from the 2014 LTIP did not vest and have lapsed. The value of the awards is zero and no DEP has been paid in respect of these awards.Based on performance during the five-year period to 30 June 2018, all of Andrew Mackenzie’s 213,701 awards from the 2013 LTIP did not vest and have lapsed. The value of the awards is zero and no DEP has been paid in respect of these awards.

3.3.2    FY2019 STIFY2020 CDP performance outcomes

The Board and Remuneration Committee assessed both CEOs’ CDP outcomes (for the CEO’s STIP outcomeperiod they were, respectively, in the CEO role) in light of the Group’s performance in FY2019,FY2020, taking into account theeach CEO’s performance against the KPIs in his STIP scorecard. Thetheir CDP scorecards. Despite strong operational and financial performance in FY2020, when assessing performance against the targets set at the commencement the year the Board and Committee determined that the STIPCDP outcome for the CEOMike Henry for FY2019FY2020 is 4896 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which represents an outcome of 3264 per cent against maximum), and that the CDP outcome for Andrew Mackenzie for FY2020 is also 96 per cent against the target of 100 per cent (which also represents an outcome of 64 per cent against maximum). The Board and Committee believe this outcome isthese outcomes are appropriately aligned with the shareholder experience and the interests of the Group’s other stakeholders.

The CEO’s STIPCEOs’ CDP scorecard outcomes for FY2019FY2020 are summarised in the following tables, including a narrative description of each performance measure and the CEO’sCEOs’ level of achievement, as determined by the Remuneration Committee.Committee and approved by the Board. The level of performance for each measure is determined based on a range of thresholdthresholds (the minimum necessary to qualify for any reward outcome), target (where the performance requirements are met), and stretchmaximum (where the performance requirements are significantly exceeded).

 

LOGOLOGO

HSEC

The HSEC targets for the CEOCEOs are aligned to the Group’s suite of HSEC five-year public targets as set out in BHP’s Sustainability Report.section 1.7. As it has done for several years, the Remuneration Committee seeks guidance each year from the Sustainability Committee when assessing HSEC performance against scorecard targets. The Remuneration Committee has taken a holistic view of Group performance in critical areas, including any matters outside the scorecard targets which the Sustainability Committee considers relevant.

The performance commentary below is provided against the scorecard targets, which were set on the basis of operated assets only.

 

HSEC measures

  

Scorecard targets

  

Performance against scorecard targets

  

Measure outcome

Fatalities environmental and community incidents  Nil fatalities and nil actual significant environmental and community incidents at operated assets.  

Tragically we lost our colleague Allan Houston in December 2018 at the Saraji mine at our coal operations in Queensland, Australia. After undertaking an extensive investigation, consistent with our usual processes, we were unable to determine the cause of the fatality. This has not occurred for a fatality investigation for more than 15 years. Our investigation did identify a small number of possible causes, and those possible causes included both work andnon-work related circumstances, and both reasonably preventable andnon-preventable elements.

The weighting of fatalities is 10 percentage points of the 25 percentage points allocated to the HSEC category, and represents the greatest weighting of all HSEC items. Our imperative as a CompanyGroup is to continue to build our focus on fatality prevention and safety through leadership, verification and effective risk management. Historically, this fatality measure has had a zero outcome in years where a fatality occurred.

 

No significant environment or community incidents occurredThere were no fatalities during FY2019.FY2020 at operated assets, and accordingly the maximum outcome against this measure has been awarded.

  Below threshold for fatalities. Target for environmental and community incidents.

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HSEC measures

Scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure outcome

Maximum.
HPIF, TRIFEnvironmental and Occupational illnessescommunity incidents  Improved performance compared with FY2018 results.Nil significant environmental and community incidents at operated assets.  Our HPIF isThere were no significant environmental and community incidents during FY2020 at operated assets. This element carries a critical lead indicator which provides us with insight into our performance on preventing futurelesser weighting than for fatalities, and declined significantly by 18% during FY2019. While our TRIF performance in FY2019 (including Onshore US) of 4.7 is higher than the 4.4 recorded in FY2018, this was due to an increase in low impact injuries. We also experienced an 8% increase in occupational illnesses during FY2019, again driven by an increase in low impactas there have historically not been as many significant incidents.  Target.
HPIF, TRIF and OIFImproved performance compared with FY2019 results.HPIF is a critical lead indicator which provides insight into our performance on preventing future fatalities. It decreased year-on-year by 23% during FY2020. TRIF performance in FY2020 of 4.2 is also lower by 11% than the 4.7 recorded in FY2019. In addition, OIF performance in FY2020 of 2.46 is lower by 7% than the 2.64 recorded last year.Between target and maximum, closer to maximum.
Risk management  For all material risks, operated

Operated assets to have all critical control execution and critical control verification tasks evaluated and recorded with controls in placefor fatal risks verified as part of Field Leadership activities.activities with fatal risk control improvement plans developed and executed and increased levels of Year-on-yearin-field improvement in trendscoaching.

Achieve 90% compliance for potential events associated with identified material risks.critical control verification and execution tasks.

  All operated assets completed reviewssubstantially increased levels of coaching of Field Leadership, thereby improving the quality of leader engagement, which exceeded target. The reduction in the rates of identified critical control failures was ahead of target. The implementation of critical control executionobservation schedules covering all critical controls and verification tasks for all material HSEC risks. Theimproved discipline in closing actions created when critical controls have failed were in line with targets for Field Leadership activities were exceeded, as were targets for critical control execution and verification close out. Targets for critical control improvements were met; however, significant event close out and critical control improvement activities fell short of target.set.  Target.Above target.
Health, environmental and community and social value initiatives  All operated assets to achieve 100% of planned targets in respect of occupational exposure reduction, mental health, water and greenhouse gas,GHG, social investment,value plans, quality of life, community perceptions and community complaints.  Targeted asset level improvement actionsimprovements were exceeded for mental health activities and projectssocial value and community plans and activities (which have all been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic), and targets were deliveredmet in respect of water stewardship and greenhouse gas reduction; however, stretch performance, which required a reduction in both greenhouse gas intensity and total freshwater withdrawals, was not achieved. The assets met allGHG reduction. However, we fell short on occupational exposure reduction targets and, community targets.despite meeting our water withdrawal reduction target, didn’t complete certain asset level actions regarding our water stewardship.  Target.Target overall (i.e. a blend of the above, on and below target).

The outcome against the HSEC KPI for FY2019FY2020 was 1532 per cent against the target of 25 per cent. As a Group-level outcome, this applied to both Mike and Andrew for their time as CEO.

Financial

Underlying attributable profit (UAP)ROCE is theunderlying profit after taxation attributable to members of the Group, excluding(excluding after-taxation finance costs and exceptional items (see section 1.12.4 for a more detailed explanation of UAP). UAPitems) divided by average capital employed. ROCE is the key financial KPI against which FY2019 STIPCDP outcomes for our senior executives wereare measured and is, in our view, a relevant measure to assess the financial performance of the Group for this purpose. AtWhile ROCE excludes exceptional items, the commencementRemuneration Committee reviews each exceptional item to assess if it should be included in the result for the purposes of deriving the financial year when the target is approved, attributable profit is usually equal to UAP as thereROCE CDP outcome.

When we are usually no exceptional items.

During the assessment ofassessing management’s performance, we make adjustments to the UAPROCE result are made to allow for changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange movements and other material items to ensure the assessment appropriately measures outcomes that are within the control and influence of the Group and its executives. Of these, changes in commodity prices hashave historically been the most material due to volatility in prices and the impact on Group revenue. The Remuneration Committee reviews each exceptional item to assess if it should be included in the result for the purposes of deriving the UAP STIP outcome.

191revenue and ROCE.


Financial
measure

 

Scorecard targets

 

Performance against scorecard targets

  Measure
outcome
Underlying Attributable Profit (UAP)ROCE 

In respect of FY2019,For FY2020, the Board determined a Targettarget for UAP of US$10.3 billion,ROCE was 19.9%, with a Thresholdthreshold of US$9.6 billion16.3% and a Stretchmaximum of US$10.6 billion.21.1%.

 

The Target UAPtarget ROCE is derived from the Group’s approved annual budget. It is the Group’s practice to build a material element of stretch performance into the budget. Achievement of this stretching UAP TargetROCE target will result in a target STIPCDP outcome. The Thresholdthreshold and Stretchmaximum are a fair range of UAPROCE outcomes whichthat represent a lower limit of underperformance below which no STIPCDP award should be made, and an upper limit of outperformance whichthat would represent the maximum STIPCDP award.

 

ForBecause a material element of stretch performance is built into the reasons set out above,budget (and hence the ROCE target derived from the budget), together with physical and regulatory asset constraints, the performance range around Targettarget is subject to a greater level of downside risk than there is upside opportunity, and accordingly,opportunity. Accordingly, the range between Thresholdthreshold and Targettarget is greater than that between Targettarget and Stretch.maximum. For Stretch,maximum, the Committee takes care not to create leveraged incentives that encourage executives to push for short-term performance that goes beyond our risk appetite and current operational capacity. Using themid-point of the Threshold and Stretch range as Target would provide a symmetrical distribution; however, this would not provide sufficient stretch for management to achieve a target STIP outcome. The Committee retains, and has a track record of applying, downward discretion to ensure that the STIPCDP outcome is appropriately aligned with the overall performance of the Group for the year, and is fair to management and shareholders.

 

UAPROCE of US$9.1 billion16.9% was reported by BHP for FY2019.FY2020. Adjusted for the factors outlined below, UAPROCE is US$8.6 billion,18.2%, which is below Threshold as determined by the Board.target. The following adjustments were made to ensure the outcomes appropriately reflect the performance of management for the year:

 

•   Adjustments in relation to theThe impacts of movements in commodities prices of commodities and exchange rates reduced UAPincreased ROCE by US$1.6 billion.

•   An adjustment to exclude the impact of Onshore US, which was not included in the Target as the economic outcomes from 1 July 2018 accrued to the buyer, increased UAP by US$0.6 billion.1.2%.

 

•   Adjustments for other material items ordinarily made to ensure the outcomes reflect the performance of management for the year increased UAPROCE by US$0.5 billion,0.3%, mainly due to the exclusion of the impacts of unusually severe cyclone weather events in Australia and non-cash taxation provision adjustments which are unable to be determined at the time of budget preparation.during FY2020.

 

•   Having reviewed the FY2019FY2020 exceptional items (as described in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5), the Committee determined that they should not be considered for the purposes of determining the UAP STI outcome.ROCE CDP outcome, with the exception of the exceptional item in relation to the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic on BHP’s FY2020 results. The Committee concluded that, while this was outside the control of management, the direct costs and volume impacts of COVID-19 should flow through to the ROCE outcomes for CDP scorecard purposes. The Committee considered this was appropriate in light of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This adjustment reduced ROCE by 0.2%. Beyond this, the Committee concluded that no further action was appropriate.required in respect of exceptional items.

 

The key drivers of the UAPROCE performance being below Thresholdtarget at US$8.6 billion were18.2% were:

•   In Minerals Australia and despite record volumes at Western Australia Iron Ore, Caval Ridge and Poitrel and record coal mined at Broadmeadow, production was lower volumesthan expected at Western Australian Iron Ore, resulting from train derailment impacts, shutdown overruns,Coal and equipmentOlympic Dam due mainly to reliability issues and shutdown timing, together with higher maintenance and contractor costs.

•   In Minerals Americas lower production than expected at minesEscondida (despite mill throughout being at record levels) and port; at Olympic Dam caused by an acid plant outage; at CoalPampa Norte due to prime stripping shortfalls resulting in low raw coal production; at Escondida due to conveyor beltunplanned maintenance, equipment failures and lower mill performance, and unscheduled and extended maintenance; and at Spence due to an electrowinning plant fire;recoveries, partly offset by higher Petroleum volumes from improved well performance across most fields.better than expected cost performance.

 

Notwithstanding this below Threshold outcome•   In Petroleum lower market demand for petroleum products resulted in lower than expected production volumes at Trinidad and Bass Strait, particularly in the UAP KPI drivenlast quarter of FY2020, together with extended maintenance in Australia impacting volumes, partly offset by operational matters, the financial shareholder experience during FY2019 was positive, with increases in share prices, dividends and sharebuy-backs.better than expected cost performance.

  Below
Threshold.target.

The outcome against the UAPROCE KPI for FY2019FY2020 was zero39 per cent against the target of 4550 per cent. As a Group-level outcome, this outcome applied to Mike and Andrew for their time as CEO.

Individual performance measures for the CEOCEOs

Individual measures for the CEOCEOs are determined at the commencement of the financial year.year (or at the time of appointment for a new CEO). The application of personal measures remains an important element of effective performance management. These measures seek to provide a balance between the financial andnon-financial performance requirements that maintain our position as a leader in our industry. The CEO’sCEOs’ individual measures for FY2019FY2020 included contribution to BHP’s overall performance and the management team, and also the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of the CEO role as specified by the Board, as set out in the tabletables below.

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Mike Henry

Individual
measures

Individual scorecard targets

Performance against scorecard targets

Measure
outcome

Safety and sustainability

•   Future plan for reduction in near misses.

•   Risk management embedded.

•   Climate change next steps.

•   Near misses reduced significantly in FY2020 from FY2019; analysis completed and future action plans completed to achieve further significant reductions.

•   Material risks recorded appropriately, and agreed risk appetites being embedded in the business.

•   Next stage of climate change plans delivered.

Target.
Performance

•   Team restructuring.

•   BHP Operating System implementation.

•   Gender representation advanced.

•   New ELT members appointed, Technology and Transformation restructured, World Class Functions benefits accelerated, Operations Committee established.

•   BHP Operating System deployment proceeding according to plan, with volume and safety benefits delivered, as well as supporting compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

•   Positive improvements in gender representation in the second half, after a slow start to FY2020. By 30 June 2020 gender diversity had increased 2.0 percentage points to 26.5%, up from 24.5% at 30 June 2019, for a cumulative increase of 8.9 percentage points from 17.6% at 30 June 2016.

Target.
Portfolio

•   Portfolio value improvement.

•   Strategy review improvement.

•   Samarco strategy implemented.

•   Significant progress achieved on portfolio enhancement activities in spite of the challenges faced during the year with COVID-19, social unrest in Chile and unprecedented market volatility in oil and gas, including progressing agreed capital and operational options and projects at Petroleum, Escondida, Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and Olympic Dam.

•   Developed an improved review process for our portfolio and strategy around existing portfolio and growth options, and successfully conducted a large portion of the process, including significant Board engagement. The process is ongoing and will complete during 2020.

•   While the agreed Samarco strategy has been executed consistent with the principles to achieve fair and reasonable compensation and remediation, there have been some delays due to COVID-19 and further work and focus is required in FY2021. Insurance recoveries have been progressed, class actions are being actively managed and the first phase of dam decommissioning has been approved.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above, on and below target).
Tailings dams

•   Tailings Dam Taskforce work.

•   Long-term strategy development.

•   Delivered the work of the Tailings Dam Taskforce in accordance with agreed plans, schedules and targets, together with accelerating dam remediation activities across the Group.

•   Developed a long-term tailings management strategy to deliver step change risk reduction within 10 years.

Target.

Andrew Mackenzie

Individual
measures

  

Individual scorecard targets

  

Performance against scorecard targets

  

Measure
outcome

Strategy

•   Improve the return profile of our major capital projects in development.

•   Make commercial progress from exploration.

•   Complete the Onshore US divestment.

•   The expected returns of almost all major capital projects in development have been improved, within the application of the Capital Allocation Framework and adhering to the risk appetite.

•   We continued to progress and work within BHP’s rigorous Capital Allocation Framework.

•   Positive outcomes from oil and gas exploration during the year, together with options generated through copper exploration and acquisition.

•   The Onshore US divestment was completed ahead of schedule and in an efficient and transparent way, with due regard to the significant people impacts. The proceeds were distributed in a value accretive manner, contributing to the positive shareholder experience during the year.

•   BHP’s value increased consistent with the plans outlined previously, driven not only by commodity price appreciation, but also by management actions on strategic initiatives.

Between Target and Stretch; closer to Stretch.

Productivity

Performance
  

•   Deliver productivity initiatives.value through Transformation.

 

•   Return on capital.

•   Progress key projects driving latent capacity increases.

•   Progress the BHP Operating System (BOS).

•   Transformation of global functions.

•   Technology five-year plan.Risk management embedded.

  

•   Due mainly to the operational issues noted above, the expectations on productivity gainsBHP Operating System implementation, value chain automation and improvements and the targeted return on capital were not met.World Class Functions activities on-track.

 

•   Latent capacity projects on track to meet expected milestonesMaterial risks being recorded appropriately, and benefits.

•   BOS continues to be rolled outagreed risk appetites being embedded in line with the expected plan, aimed at delivering a step change in safety, productivity and culture outcomes, through standardising work to increase safety and efficiency at operations across the Company.

•   We achieved most efficiency and effectiveness targets through our World Class Functions program; however, we need further design work and leadership engagement in FY2020 to fully embed the changes and realise the full benefits.

•   We completed and commenced the implementation of the strategic Technology five-year plan, which is integrated and embedded within the assets’ plans.business.

  Between Threshold and Target.
Tailings dams

Sustainability•   Tailings Dam Taskforce work.

•   Long-term strategy development.

  

•   Enhanced reputationProgressed the work of the Tailings Dam Taskforce in accordance with agreed plans, schedules and brand of BHP.targets.

 

•   Enhanced relationships with key stakeholders.Progressed a long-term tailings management strategy to deliver step change risk reduction within 10 years.

  

•   Continued strong leadership and representation on key issues such as indigenous representation, climate change, tailings dams, government policy development, taxation and inclusion.

•   The global brand strategy execution continues to enhance BHP’s reputation in important markets.

•   Close communication, regular updates and proactive relationship building continues to build strong engagement and relationships with shareholders and other stakeholders.

Above Target.
Portfolio

People•   Maximise the value of the current portfolio.

•   Progress delivery of value and culturereturns from future options.

•   Exploration success.

  

•   Achievement of inclusionIdentified projects and diversity aspirations.options in Petroleum, Escondida, Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and Olympic Dam progressed according to plans.

 

•   Achievement of culture initiatives, as measured through the Company-wide annual EngagementFuture option projects continue to progress well, including identified options in Petroleum, Copper and Perception Survey (EPS).Potash.

 

•   ELT member developmentAchieved positive exploration outcomes, with extensions to the lives and succession.reserves of conventional oil and gas fields.

Target.
Culture and capability

•   Gender representation advanced.

•   Maintain a robust succession slate.

  

•   Solid progress on the goal to increase femaleNotwithstanding positive improvements in gender representation in the workforce globally – by 30 Junesecond half, there was a slow start to FY2020 in the first half. By 31 December 2019 gender diversity had increased 2.1 percentage points to 24.5%24.8%, up from 22.4%24.5% at 30 June 2018, for a cumulative increase of 6.9 percentage points from 17.6% at 30 June 2016.2019.

 

•   Our progressA robust slate of potential successors to the CEO role and other ELT roles has been achieved through a deliberate focus on flexible working arrangements across BHP has continued.

•   Our 2019 EPS showed flat or slightly negative results across a range of categories, reflecting the extent of disruptive transformational change occurring within the Company.

•   The development of a strong long-term talent pool of candidates, for ELT, Asset President andevidenced by internal appointments to several key functional roles has been a strong and deliberate focus, resulting in a robust slate of potential successors.during the year.

  MarginallyTarget overall (i.e. a blend of above and below Target.target).
Social value

•   Manage risks to protect operating licence.

•   Samarco strategy implemented.

•   Create opportunities to enhance social value.

•   Continued to manage risks by meeting commitments to our workforce, partners, communities and governments through health and safety, the public commitment to and implementation of the climate change strategy including an action plan around our public commitments, and managing water permits, Native Title agreements and social investments.

•   Progress made in implementing the agreed Samarco strategy, however there were some delays and further work and focus required.

•   Continued to work closely with our communities and collaborate with various local, regional and global stakeholders, new employment models are building better outcomes for employees, and have a leading position on social value through placing a high value on the long-term needs of society and the environment.

Target overall (i.e. a blend of above, on and below target).

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ItOverall, it was considered that the performance of the CEOboth Mike and Andrew against thetheir individual measures KPI warrantedwas as expected for their respective periods as CEO. Accordingly, they were each awarded an outcome for FY2019 of 3325 per cent, against the target of 30 per cent.which is equal to target.

3.3.3    LTIP performance outcomes

LTIP vesting based on performance to June 20192020

The five-year performance period for the 20142015 LTIP ended on 30 June 2019. The CEO’s 20142020. Mike Henry’s 2015 LTIP award comprised 224,859192,360 awards (inclusive(granted as President Coal prior to his appointment as CEO) and Andrew Mackenzie’s 2015 LTIP award comprised 322,765 awards (reduced from 339,753 awards originally granted prorated for time served at the time of an uplift of 15,980 awards due to the demerger of South32),departure). Vesting is subject to achievement of the relative TSR performance conditions and any discretion applied by the Remuneration Committee.Committee (see section 3.3.5).

Testing the performance condition

For the award to vest in full, TSR must exceed the Peer Group TSR (for 67 per cent of the award) and the Index TSR (for 33 per cent of the award) by an average of 5.5 per cent per year for five years, being 30.7 per cent in total compounded over the performance period from 1 July 20142015 to 30 June 2019.2020. TSR includes returns to BHP shareholders in the form of share price movements along with dividends paid and reinvested in BHP (including cash andin-specie dividends).

BHP’s TSR performance was positive 6.029.0 per cent over the five-year period from 1 July 20142015 to 30 June 2019.2020. This is belowabove the weighted median Peer Group TSR of positive 15.39.6 per cent and below the Index TSR of positive 41.338.5 per cent over the same period. This level of performance results in zero48 per cent vesting for the 20142015 LTIP award, and accordingly 48 per cent of Mike Henry’s awards and accordingly all of the CEO’sAndrew Mackenzie’s retained awards have vested, and 52 per cent have lapsed. No compensation or DEP was paid in relation to the lapsed awards. The value of Mike’s vested 2015 LTIP award has been reported in section 3.3.1 and the value of Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award has been reported in section 3.3.24.

The graph below shows BHP’s performance relative to comparator groups.

 

 

BHP vs. Peer Group and Index TSR over the 20142015 LTIP cycle

 

LOGOLOGO

 

 

3.3.4    LTIP allocated during FY2019FY2020

Following shareholder approval at the 20182019 AGMs, an LTIP awardawards (in the form of performance rights) waswere granted to Mike Henry (in his role as President Minerals Australia) and Andrew Mackenzie (in his role as CEO) on 20 November 2019. The first LTIP grant to be made to Mike as the new CEO under the terms of the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019 will be awarded in late CY2020 and will be made on 18 December 2018. the reduced 200 per cent of base salary (face value).

The face value and fair value of the awardawards granted on 20 November 2019 are shown in the table below.

The face value of Mike’s award is 350 per cent of his base salary of US$1.100 million at the time of grant. The face value of Andrew’s award is 400 per cent of the CEO’shis base salary of US$1.700 million.

The fair value of the awardawards is ordinarily calculated by multiplying the face value of the award by the fair value factor of 41 per cent (for the current plan design, as determined by the independent adviser to the Committee).UsingThe number of LTIP awards for both Mike and Andrew as detailed below was determined based on the US$ face value of base salary and calculated using the average share price and US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2018, the number of LTIP awards derived from a grant of 400 per cent of base salary with a face value of US$6.800 million was 304,523 LTIP awards.2019.

 

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Number of LTIP
awards

  

Face value

US$(‘000)

  

Face value

% of salary

  

Fair value

US$(‘000)

  

Fair value

% of salary

  

% of max (1)

304,523

  6,800  400  2,788  164  100
   

Number of LTIP
awards

  

Face value

US$(‘000)

  

Face value

% of salary

  

Fair value

US$(‘000)

  

Fair value

% of salary

  

% of max(1)

Mike Henry

  153,631  3,850  350  1,579  144  100

Andrew Mackenzie

      271,348(2)  6,800  400  2,788  164  100

 

(1) 

The allocation is 100 per cent of the maximum award that was able to be provided under the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 20172019 AGMs.

(2)

Subsequently reduced to 40,702 awards on a pro rata basis for time served.

Terms of the LTIP award

In addition to those LTIP terms set in the remuneration policy for the CEO approved by shareholders in 2017,2019, the Remuneration Committee has determined:

 

Performance period

 

  

•   1 July 20182019 to 30 June 20232024

 

Performance conditions

  

•   An averaging period of six months will be used in the TSR calculations.

 

•   BHP’s TSR relative to the weighted median TSR of sector peer companies selected by the Committee (Peer Group TSR) and the MSCI World index (Index TSR) will determine the vesting of 67% and 33% of the award, respectively.

 

•   Each company in the peer group is weighted by market capitalisation. The maximum weighting for any one company is 25% and the minimum is set at 0.4% to reduce sensitivity to any single peer company.

 

•   For the whole of either portion of the award to vest, BHP’s TSR must be at or exceed the weighted 80th percentile of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Threshold vesting (25% of each portion of the award) occurs where BHP’s TSR equals the weighted 50th percentile of the Peer Group TSR or the Index TSR (as applicable). Vesting occurs on a sliding scale between the weighted 50th and 80th percentiles.

 

Sector Peer Group Companiespeer group companies(1)(2)(3)

  

•   Resources (85%): Anglo American, Fortescue Metals, Freeport-McMoRan, Glencore, Rio Tinto, Southern Copper, Teck Resources, Vale.

 

•   Oil and Gasgas (15%): Anadarko Petroleum(3), Apache, BP, Canadian Natural Res., Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell, Woodside Petroleum.

 

(1) 

From December 2015, Alcoa, Cameco and MMC Norilsk Nickel were removed from the sector peer group following the demerger of South32 as they are less relevant comparator companies.

(2)

From December 2016, BG Group and Peabody Energy were removed from the comparator group. BG Group was acquired by Royal Dutch Shell and Peabody Energy hashad become a significantly less comparable peer.

 

(3)(2) 

From November 2018, CONSOL Energy was removed from the comparator group, as due to its internal restructuring it becamehad become a less comparable peer.

(3)

Anadarko Petroleum was acquired by Occidental Petroleum in August 2019.

3.3.5    Overarching discretion and vesting underpin

The rules of the CDP, LTIP and STIP and the terms and conditions of the awards give the Committee an overarching discretion to reduce the number of awards that will vest, notwithstanding the fact that the performance condition for partial or full vesting, as tested following the end of the performance period, or the relevant service conditions, have been met.

This holistic, qualitative judgement, which is applied as an underpin test before final vesting is confirmed, is an important risk management aspecttool to ensure that vesting is not simply driven by a formula or the passage of time that may give unexpected or unintended remuneration outcomes.

The Committee considers its discretion carefully each year. It considers performance holistically over the five-year period, including a five-year view’look back’ on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

Having undertaken this review, the Committee considered its discretion in respect of equity awards due to vest in August 2019.2020. In respect of the STIPtwo-year deferred shares (granted in November 20172018 in respect of performance in FY2017)FY2018), the Committee chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed the STIP awards to vest in full. AsIn respect of the LTIP five-year performance shares (granted in December 2015), the formulaic outcome of the 20142015 LTIP was a zero48 per cent vesting. Having undertaken the ‘look back’ review, the Committee concluded the vesting thereoutcome was appropriate given Group and individual performance, and chose not to exercise its discretion and allowed 48 per cent of the LTIP awards to vest. There is no upwards discretion available to the Remuneration Committee in respect of the LTIP, as the overarching discretion may only reduce the number of awards that may vest.

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3.3.6    CEO remuneration and returns to shareholders

Ten-year10-year CEO remuneration

The table below shows the single total figure of remuneration earned byfor Mike Henry, Andrew Mackenzie and Marius Kloppers over the last 10 years along with the proportion of maximum opportunity earned for each type of incentive.

 

Financial year

 FY2010  FY2011  FY2012  FY2013 (1)  FY2014  FY2015  FY2016  FY2017  FY2018  FY2019 

Andrew Mackenzie

          

Total single figure remuneration, US$(‘000)

           2,468   7,988   4,582   2,241   4,554   4,657   3,531 

STIP (% of maximum)

           47   77   57   0   57   60   32 

LTIP (% of maximum)

           65   58   0   0   0   0   0 

Marius Kloppers

          

Total single figure remuneration, US$(‘000)

  14,789   15,755   16,092   15,991                   

STIP (% of maximum)

  71   69   0   47                   

LTIP (% of maximum)

  100   100   100   65                   

Executive Director

 Financial year  Single total figure of
remuneration, US$(‘000)
   STIP/CDP (% of
maximum)
   LTIP (% of
maximum)
 

Mike Henry

  FY2020(1)   6,069    64    48 

Andrew Mackenzie

  FY2020(1)   2,424    64    48 
  FY2019   3,531    32    0 
  FY2018   4,657    60    0 
  FY2017   4,554    57    0 
  FY2016   2,241    0    0 
  FY2015   4,582    57    0 
  FY2014   7,988    77    58 
  FY2013(2)   9,740    47    65 

Marius Kloppers

  FY2013(2)   5,624    47    65 
  FY2012   16,092    0    100 
  FY2011   15,755    69    100 

 

(1) 

As MrMike Henry assumed the role of CEO and Executive Director in January 2020, the FY2020 single total figure of remuneration shown includes remuneration relevant to that role for the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020. The FY2020 single total figure of remuneration for Andrew Mackenzie includes remuneration relevant to his role as CEO and Executive Director for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019. The value of Mike’s vested 2015 LTIP award is included in full, while Andrew’s vested 2015 LTIP award is reported in full in section 3.3.24.

(2)

As Andrew Mackenzie assumed the role of CEO and Executive Director in May 2013, the FY2013 single total figure of remuneration shown relates onlyincludes remuneration relevant to that role for the period 10 May to 30 June 2013. The FY2013 single total figure of remuneration for MrMarius Kloppers relates onlyincludes remuneration relevant to his role as CEO and Executive Director for the period 1 July 2012 to 10 May 2013. The value of Andrew’s vested 2008 LTIP award of US$8.480 million (inclusive of vested sign-on awards provided when Andrew joined BHP) is included in full, while Marius’ vested 2008 LTIP award (with a value of US$12.051 million and which vested after Marius stepped down from his role as CEO and Executive Director) was reported in section 4.4.28 of the 2014 Annual Report.

10-year TSR

The graph below shows BHP’s TSR against the performance of relevant indices over the same10-year period. The indices shown in the graph were chosen as being broad market indices, which include companies of a comparable size and complexity to BHP.

 

LOGO

Value of US$100 invested over the 10-year period to 30 June 2019 (with dividends reinvested)

LOGO

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3.3.7    Changes in the CEO’sDirectors’ remuneration infrom FY2019 to FY2020

The table below sets out the CEO’s base salary, benefits and STIP amounts earned in respect of FY2019, with the percentage change in remuneration from FY2018. The table also showsFY2019 to FY2020 for the CEOs (for the time they were CEO) and Non– executive Directors, compared to the average change in each remuneration element for current employees in Australia (being approximately 18,00021,000 employees) during FY2019.over the same period. This has been chosen by the Committee as the most appropriate comparison, as Australia has the largest employee base, and the Committee considers remuneration levels in Australia when setting salaries and fees for Executive and Non– executive Directors and the CEO is located in Australia. The CEOs and Non– executive Directors’ remuneration described in the table align to what is disclosed in 3.3.1 and 3.3.14 respectively.

 

Changes from FY2019 to

FY2020

     Base salary / fees
% change
   Benefits
% change
   CDP / STI
% change
 

CEO(1)

  Mike Henry   0    0    0 
  Andrew Mackenzie   0    0    0 

Non-executive Directors

  Terry Bowen   2    33     
  Malcolm Broomhead   (5   (53    
      Base salary   Benefits   STIP   Ian Cockerill(2)   0    0     

Andrew Mackenzie

   US$(‘000)    1,700    100    1,306 
  Anita Frew   0    (2    
  Gary Goldberg(2)   0    0     
  Carolyn Hewson(3)   0    0     
  Susan Kilsby(2)   0    0     
  Ken MacKenzie   0    25     
  Lindsay Maxsted   (2   (44    
  John Mogford   6    13     
  Shriti Vadera   0    0     
   % change    0.0    19.0    (46.7  Dion Weisler(2)   0    0     

Australian employees

   % change (average)    2.1    28.0    (14.0     2    (7   43 

(1)

The per cent changes in remuneration from FY2019 to FY2020 for Mike Henry are zero as he was appointed as CEO on 1 January 2020. There were no changes in remuneration for Andrew Mackenzie in either FY2019 or FY2020 so his per cent changes are zero.

(2)

The per cent changes in remuneration from FY2019 to FY2020 are zero as there were no changes made to the remuneration of Non– executive Directors who joined the Board either during FY2019 and FY2020 (Ian Cockerill and Susan Kilsby both joined on 1 April 2019, and Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler joined on 1 February 2020 and 1 June 2020 respectively).

(3)

The per cent changes in remuneration from FY2019 to FY2020 for Carolyn Hewson are zero as there were no changes made to Carolyn’s remuneration up to the date of her retirement from the Board on 7 November 2019.

3.3.8    CEO pay ratio disclosure

As BHP is a global company and our UK employees represent less than 1 per cent of all of our employees worldwide, these disclosures are voluntary, and we have chosen to amend the comparison to all employees, an approach that is still compliant with UK requirements.

The table below shows the CEO pay ratios, calculated using the reported single total figure of remuneration, and compared to employees at the 25th, Median and 75th percentile using Option A methodology as set out under UK requirements.

Year

25th percentileMedian75th percentile

FY2020

116:181:167:1

FY2019

46:131:125:1

Option A uses the full-time equivalent base salary and benefits paid during the year as it is the most accurate reflection of employee pay as a direct comparison to the single total figure of remuneration for the CEO. The FY2020 CEO remuneration used in the calculation is a combination of reported single total figure of remuneration data for Andrew Mackenzie and Mike Henry, recognising the transition in CEO leadership during FY2020. The remuneration calculation for all employees is based on actual earnings for the 12 months to 31 March 2020, including annual incentive payments for employees calculated using the Group performance outcome, and vested equity received if applicable. Pension contributions are calculated as the total cost of contributions made by the Group over the 12-month period. Employees on international assignments have been excluded from the analysis as their remuneration structures are generally not consistent with the single total figure of remuneration for the CEO.

The FY2020 ratio of 81:1 at the median compared to the FY2019 ratio of 31:1 reflects the proportion of the CEO’s pay being more heavily weighted to variable pay, including share-based long-term incentives, than for other employees. Specifically, the change from FY2019 to FY2020 is driven by a higher FY2020 CDP outcome of 96 per cent against a target of 100 per cent compared to the STIP outcome of 48 per cent in FY2019, together with the 48 per cent LTIP vesting for FY2020, whereas there was zero LTIP vesting in FY2019.

The Group believes the median pay ratio reflects the diversity of our global business footprint and employee population. BHP’s remuneration policies and practices are based on a high degree of alignment and consistency, with total remuneration at all levels providing a competitive package that enables the attraction and retention of the CEO to the median totaltalent while also providing at-risk remuneration of all BHP employees for FY2019 was 31:1 (2018: 37:1).based on performance.

3.3.83.3.9    Remuneration for the CEO in FY2020FY2021

The remuneration for the CEO in FY2020 will be in accordance with the remuneration policy to be approved by shareholders at the AGMs in 2019. In the event shareholders do not approve the remuneration policy at the AGMs in 2019, the remuneration for the CEO in FY2020FY2021 will be in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the AGMs in 2017.2019.

Base salary review

Base salary is reviewed annually and increases are applicable from 1 September. The CEO willcommenced in role on 1 January 2020 and did not receive a base salary increase in September 20192020 and it will remain unchanged at US$1.700 million per annum for FY2020.FY2021.

FY2020FY2021 CDP performance measures

For FY2020,FY2021, the Remuneration Committee has set the following CDP scorecard performance measures:

 

Performance categories

  Weighting   

Target measures

HSEC

   25%   

The following HSEC performance measures are designed to incentivise achievement of the Group’s public five-year HSEC targets.

 

Fatalities, environmental andSignificant events (10%): No significant (actual level 4) health, safety (including fatalities), environment or community incidents:Nil fatalities and nil actual significant environmental and community incidents.events during the year.

 

HPIF, TRIFClimate change (10%): Steps in place to achieve reported GHG emissions in FY2022 at the FY2017 level. Decarbonisation plans developed in line with pathways to net zero and occupational illness:Improved performance comparedincorporated into the capital allocation plan process. Two partnerships formalised with FY2019 results, with severity and trends to also be considered as a moderating influence onstrategic customers in the overall HSEC assessment.steel sector.

 

Risk management:Operated assetsManagement of priority tailings storage facilities (5%): All priority tailings storage facilities are assessed based on key risk indicator data, and are either within appetite or continued operation outside appetite is approved with remediation progressing to have controls for fatal risks verified as part of Field Leadership activities with fatal risk control improvement plans developed and executed and increased levels ofin-field coaching. Achieve 90% compliance for critical control verification and execution tasks.plan.

Performance categories

Weighting

Health, environmental and community/social value initiatives: All operated assets to achieve 100% of planned targets in respect of occupational exposure reduction, mental health, water and greenhouse gas, social value plans, quality of life, community perceptions and community complaints.Target measures

Financial

   50%   

ROCROCE is underlying profit after taxation (excluding after-taxation finance costs and exceptional items) divided by average capital employed. When we are assessing management’s performance, we make adjustments to the ROCROCE result to allow for changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange movements and other material items to ensure the assessment appropriately measures outcomes that are within the control and influence of the Group and its executives.

 

For reasons of commercial sensitivity, the target for ROCROCE will not be disclosed in advance; however, we plan to disclose targets and outcomes retrospectively in our next Remuneration Report, following the end of each performance year. In the rare instances where this may not be prudent on grounds of commercial sensitivity, we will explain why and give an indication of when they will be disclosed.

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Performance categories

Weighting

Target measures

Individual

   25%   

The CEO’s individual measures for FY2020FY2021 comprise contribution to BHP’s overall performance and the management team and the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of the CEO role as set out by the Board. These include strategy, productivityprojects and initiatives transformation programs, latent capacity enhancement projects, focus on the returnsin respect of future major capital projects, tailings dam activities, exploration, continued enhancement of BHP’s global brand, culture initiatives (includingperformance (material improvement in Group-wide leadership capabilities, employee engagement, diversitythe system that supports exceptional performance), social value (long term growth in value and inclusion, conductreturns for all stakeholders), people (right people, right skills, coming together in the right way to support exceptional performance) and risk management)portfolio (progress on our strategic objectives to create a winning portfolio and ELT member development and succession.set BHP up for the next 20 years).

 

These performance measures are aligned with medium and long-term strategy aspirations that are intended to drive long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

The strong link between BHP’s HSEC performance and executive remuneration (with HSEC performance representing 25 per cent of the total scorecard) is well regarded by shareholders. The Board and Committee recognise that climate change is a material governance and strategic issue. Increasingly, shareholders expect action to address climate change to be linked to executive remuneration. We have been setting operational greenhouse gasGHG emissions targets and linking performance against them to executive remuneration through our HSEC scorecard for many years.

However, recognising the increasing importance of this issue, we plan to clarifyhave clarified and strengthenstrengthened this link. In FY2020, we will enhancelink for FY2021 by enhancing our approach, including a weighting andof 10 per cent of the 25 per cent HSEC weighting under the CDP, which compares to circa 4 per cent allocated to climate change in the prior STIP, together with enhanced disclosure mechanisms forof our performance targets as set out above (against which we will take effect from FY2021.report at the end of the year).

FY2020FY2021 LTIP award

The maximum face value of the CEO’s LTIP award under the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 20172019 AGMs is US$6.8003.400 million, being 400200 per cent of the CEO’s base salary. The number of LTIP awards in FY2020FY2021 has been determined using the share price and US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2019.2020. Based on this, a FY2020FY2021 grant of 271,348LTIP140,239 LTIP awards is proposed and approval for this LTIP grant will be sought from shareholders at the 20192020 AGMs. If approved, the award will be granted following the AGMs (i.e. in or around November/December 2019)October/November 2020 subject to securities dealing considerations). The FY2020FY2021 LTIP award will use the same performance, service conditions and peer groups as the FY2019FY2020 LTIP award.

Subject toaward (with the approvalexception of the revised remuneration policysector peer group where Anadarko Petroleum was acquired by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, andOccidental Petroleum in order to ensure there is a fair transitional outcome for participants, the LTIP grant to be made in late CY2019 will be made on the current 400 per cent of base salary (face value), with potential vesting five years later inmid-CY2024. The first five-year deferred shares that result from performance under the CDP for FY2020 will be granted in late CY2020 with potential vesting five years later inmid-CY2025, and the LTIP grant to be made in late CY2020 will then be made on the reduced 200 per cent of base salary (face value), with potential vesting five years later also inmid-CY2025.August 2019).

Remuneration for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO)CEOs)

The information in this section contains details of the remuneration policy that guided the Remuneration Committee’s decisions and resulted in the remuneration outcomes for other Executive KMP (excluding the CEO)CEOs).

The remuneration policy and structures for other Executive KMP are essentially the same as those already described for the CEO in previous sections of the Remuneration Report, including the treatment of remuneration on loss of office as detailed in section 3.2.5.

3.3.9

3.3.10    Components of remuneration

The components of remuneration for other Executive KMP are the same as for the CEO, with any differences described below.

STIPCDP

The STIPCDP performance measures for other Executive KMP for FY2019FY2020 are similar to those of the CEO, which are outlined at section 3.3.2; however, the weighting of each performance measure will vary to reflect the focus required from each Executive KMP role.

Individual performance measures are determined at the start of the financial year. These include the other Executive KMP’s contribution to the delivery of projects and initiatives within the scope of their role and the overall performance of the Group. Individual performance of other Executive KMP was reviewed against these measures by the Committee and, on average, was considered above target.

198


The diagram below represents the FY2019 STIPFY2020 CDP outcomes against the original scorecard.

 

LOGOLOGO

LTIP

LTIP awards granted to other Executive KMP for FY2020FY2021 will be calculated in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2019. Awards for other Executive KMP will have a maximum face value of 350175 per cent of base salary, which is a fair value of 143.572 per cent of base salary under the current plan design (with a fair value of 41 per cent, taking into account the performance condition: 350175 per cent x 41 per cent = 143.572 per cent).

Subject to the approval of the new remuneration policy by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs, consistent with the CEO, the proposed reduction to the LTIP grant size of other Executive KMP awards to 200 per cent of base salary (face value) will apply to LTIP grants made from FY2021 onwards.

Equity awards provided forpre-KMP service

Other Executive KMP who were promoted from executive roles within BHP may hold GSTIP and MAP awards that were granted to them in respect of their service innon-KMP roles.

Shareplus

Other Executive KMP are eligible to participate in Shareplus. For administrative simplicity, Executive KMP, including the CEO, do not currently participate in Shareplus. No Executive KMP, including the CEO, had any holdings under the Shareplus program during FY2019.FY2020.

3.3.103.3.11    Remuneration mix

A significant portion of other Executive KMP remuneration isat-risk, in order to provide strong alignment between remuneration outcomes and the interests of BHP shareholders.

The diagram below sets out the relative mix of each remuneration component for the other Executive KMP for FY2019.FY2020. Each component is determined as a percentage of base salary (at the minimum, target and maximum levels of performance-based remuneration).

Remuneration mix for other Executive KMP

The percentage numbers in the bars represent the percentage of base salary

LOGO

LOGO

 

(1) 

Base salary earned by each Executive KMP is set out in section 3.3.17.3.3.18.

 

(2) 

Retirement benefits are 25 per cent of base salary.From FY2021 contribution rates will reduce in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs (progressive reduction to 10 per cent of base salary as follows: 20 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2020; 15 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2021; and 10 per cent of base salary from 1 July 2022 onwards. For a new Executive KMP appointment, the pension contribution rate will be 10 per cent of base salary immediately).

 

(3)

Other benefits is based on a notional 10 per cent of base salary.

 

(4)

As for the CEO, the minimum STIPCDP award is zero, with ana cash award of 80% of base salary in cash and 80 per cent of base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in deferred equitytwo and five years respectively, for target performance on all measures, and a maximum cash award of 120 per cent base salary plus two awards of deferred shares each of equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and 120 per cent deferred equity for exceptional performance against KPIs.five years respectively.

 

(5)

Other Executive KMP have a maximum LTIP award with a face value of 350175 per cent of base salary as shown in the diagram.salary.

199


3.3.113.3.12    Employment contracts

The terms of employment for other Executive KMP are formalised in employment contracts, which have no fixed term. They typically outline the components of remuneration paid to the individual, but do not prescribe how remuneration levels are to be modified fromyear-to-year. An year to year. Other Executive KMPKMP’s employment contractcontracts may be terminated by BHP on up to 12 months’ notice or can be terminated immediately by BHP making a payment of up to 12 months’ base salary plus pension contributions for the relevant period. AnOther Executive KMP must give sixup to 12 months’ notice for voluntary resignation.

3.3.123.3.13    Arrangements for Executive KMP leaving the Group

The arrangements for Executive KMP leaving the Group are within the approval provided by shareholders at the 2017 AGMs in regard to Australian termination benefits legislation, including the provision of performance-based remuneration in accordance with the rules of the relevant incentive plans.

Steve PastorAndrew Mackenzie stepped down from his role as President, PetroleumCEO and Executive Director on 17 March31 December 2019, and exitedretired from BHP on 31 March 2019. Mr Pastor2020. Andrew received base salary, pension contributions,pro-rated STIP, statutory leave entitlements and applicable benefits up to the date of his exitretirement from BHP. Mr Pastor received a payment in lieu of notice upon exit and has been paid orAndrew will receive in the future the value of pension funds that he has accumulated during his service with the Group.Group and certain employment-related taxation return preparation services. When determining the Executive KMP STIPCDP awards for FY2019,FY2020, the Remuneration Committee resolved that Mr PastorAndrew would receive a prorated FY2020 CDP award for his time as CEO, covering both the cash and pro-ratedtwo-year FY2019 STIP awarddeferred equity portion, based on his performance, and paid in the form of cash based on his performance.cash. No deferral period will apply in respect of this cash STIPCDP award. No payment or award was or will be made in respect of the CDP five-year deferred share component for FY2020.

All unvested FY2017FY2018 and FY2018FY2019 STIP awards allocated to Mr PastorAndrew remained on foot on termination. FY2017FY2018 STIP vested in August 2019,2020, and FY2018FY2019 STIP will not vest untilin August 2020. MAP2021. Andrew’s unvested LTIP awards allocated to Mr Pastor prior to Executive KMP service vested upon termination,pro-ratedwere prorated to reflect the percentage of service during the service period to 31 March 2019. Mr Pastor’s unvested LTIP awards werepro-rated to reflect the percentage of therelevant performance period to 31 March 2019.2020. The outcomes in respect of Andrew’s 2015 LTIP award are set out in section 3.3.24. The vesting of the remaining retainedpro-rated prorated LTIP awards will be determined by the Committee at the relevant time in future years and will only vest if the performance conditions are met at the end of each five-year performance period, subject to the Committee’s ability to reduce vesting through its overarching discretion under the plan rules.

Remuneration forNon-executive Directors

The remuneration outcomes described below have been provided in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 20172019 AGMs. The maximum aggregate fees payable toNon-executive Directors (including the Chairman)Chair) were approved by shareholders at the 2008 AGMs at US$3.800 million per annum. This sum includes base fees, Committee fees and pension contributions. Travel allowances andnon-monetary benefits are not included in this limit.

3.3.13

3.3.14    Single total figure of remuneration

This section shows a single total figure of remuneration as prescribed under UK requirements. It is a measure of actual remuneration. Fees include the annual base fee, plus additional fees as applicable for the Senior Independent Director, Committee ChairmenChair and Committee memberships.Non-executive Directors do not have any performance-based at-risk remuneration or receive any equity awards as part of their remuneration.remuneration, therefore the totals shown below are total remuneration and total fixed fees. This table also meets the requirements of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 and relevant accounting standards.

 

US$(’000)

  Financial year   Fees   Benefits (1)   Pensions (2)   Total 

Terry Bowen (3)

   FY2019    183    30    10    223 
   FY2018    135    37    7    179 

Malcolm Broomhead

   FY2019    212    40    11    263 
   FY2018    200    33    11    244 

Ian Cockerill (4)

   FY2019    55    30        85 

Anita Frew

   FY2019    220    48        268 
   FY2018    202    62        264 

200


US$(’000)

  Financial year   Fees   Benefits (1)   Pensions (2)   Total 

Carolyn Hewson

   FY2019    212    32    11    255 
   FY2018    195    32    10    237 

Susan Kilsby (4)

   FY2019    47    22        69 

Ken MacKenzie

   FY2019    865    32    15    912 
   FY2018    749    61    16    826 

Lindsay Maxsted

   FY2019    209    32    11    252 
   FY2018    209    47    11    267 

John Mogford (3)

   FY2019    187    61        248 
   FY2018    138    60        198 

Wayne Murdy (5)

   FY2019    75    35        110 
   FY2018    220    80        300 

Shriti Vadera

   FY2019    253    48        301 
   FY2018    235    63        298 

US$(‘000)

  Financial year  Fees   Benefits (1)   Pensions (2)   Total 

Terry Bowen

  FY2020   187    40    10    237 
  FY2019   183    30    10    223 

Malcolm Broomhead

  FY2020   201    19    11    231 
  FY2019   212    40    11    263 

Ian Cockerill (3)

  FY2020   220    90        310 
  FY2019   55    30        85 

Anita Frew

  FY2020   220    47        267 
  FY2019   220    48        268 

Gary Goldberg (4)

  FY2020   90    15        105 

Carolyn Hewson (5)

  FY2020   75    18    4    97 
  FY2019   212    32    11    255 

Susan Kilsby (3)

  FY2020   205    83        288 
  FY2019   47    22        69 

Ken MacKenzie

  FY2020   866    40    14    920 
  FY2019   865    32    15    912 

Lindsay Maxsted

  FY2020   205    18    11    234 
  FY2019   209    32    11    252 

John Mogford

  FY2020   199    69        268 
  FY2019   187    61        248 

Wayne Murdy (6)

  FY2019   75    35        110 

Shriti Vadera

  FY2020   253    48        301 
  FY2019   253    48        301 

Dion Weisler (4)

  FY2020   15        1    16 

 

(1) 

The majority of the amounts disclosed for benefits are travel allowances for eachNon-executive Director: amounts of between US$22,000 nil and US$60,000.90,000. In addition, amounts of between US$ nil and US$3,0003,500 are included in respect of tax return preparation; and amounts of between US$ nil and US$2,0001,500 are included in respect of the reimbursement of the tax cost associated with the provision of taxable benefits.

 

(2) 

BHP Group Limited made minimum superannuation contributions of up to 9.5 per cent of fees for FY2019FY2020 in accordance with Australian superannuation legislation. No other pension contributions are paid.

 

(3)

The FY2018 remuneration for Terry Bowen and John Mogford relates to part of the year only, as they both joined the Board on 1 October 2017.

(4) 

The FY2019 remuneration for Ian Cockerill and Susan Kilsby relates to part of the year only, as they both joined the Board on 1 April 2019.

 

(4)

The FY2020 remuneration for Gary Goldberg and Dion Weisler relates to part of the year only, as they joined the Board on 1 February 2020 and 1 June 2020 respectively.

(5)

The FY2020 remuneration for Carolyn Hewson relates to part of the year only, as she retired from the Board on 7 November 2019.

(6) 

The FY2019 remuneration for Wayne Murdy relates to part of the year only, as he retired from the Board on 2 November 2018.

3.3.143.3.15    Non-executive Directors’ remuneration in FY2020FY2021

In FY2020,FY2021, the remuneration for theNon-executive Directors will be paid in accordance with the remuneration policy to be approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGMs (which is unchanged from the remuneration policy forNon-executive Directors approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGMs). Fee levels for theNon-executive Directors and the ChairmanChair are reviewed annually. The review includes benchmarking against peer companies, with the assistance of external advisers, against peer companies.advisers.

From 1 July 2017, the Chairman’sChair’s annual fee was reduced by approximately 8 per cent from US$0.960 million to US$0.880 million and will remain at that level for FY2020.FY2021. This fee reduction was in addition to the reduction of approximately 13 per cent from US$1.100 million to US$0.960 million effective 1 July 2015. Base fee levels forNon-executive Directors will remain at the reduced levels that took effect from 1 July 2015, at which time they were reduced by approximately 6 per cent from US$0.170 million to US$0.160 million per annum.

The below table sets out the annualised fee levels for FY2020.FY2021.

 

Levels of fees and travel allowances forNon-executive Directors (in US$)

  From 1 July 20192020 

Base annual fee

   160,000 
  

 

 

 

Plus additional fees for:

  
Senior Independent Director of
BHP Group Plc
   48,000 
  

 

 

 

Committee Chair:

  

Risk and Audit

   60,000 

Remuneration

   45,000

201


Levels of fees and travel allowances forNon-executive Directors (in US$)

From 1 July 2019 

Sustainability

   45,000 

Nomination and Governance

   No additional fee 
  

 

 

 

Committee membership:

  

Risk and Audit

   32,500 

Remuneration

   27,500 

Sustainability

   27,500 

Nomination and Governance

   18,000 
  

 

 

 

Travel allowance:(1)

  

Greater than 3 but less than 10 hours

   7,000 

10 hours or more

   15,000 
  

 

 

 

Chairman’sChair’s fee

   880,000 
  

 

 

 

 

(1) 

In relation to travel for Board business, the time thresholds relate to the flight time to travel to the meeting location (i.e. one way flight time). Only one travel allowance is paid per round trip.

Remuneration governance

3.3.153.3.16    Board oversight and the Remuneration Committee

Board

The Board is responsible for ensuring the Group’s remuneration arrangements are equitable and aligned with the long-term interests of BHP and its shareholders. In performing this function, it is critical that the Board is independent of management when making decisions affecting remuneration of the CEO, other Executive KMP and the Group’s employees.

The Board has therefore established a Remuneration Committee to assist it in making such decisions. The Committee is comprised solely ofNon-executive Directors, all of whom are independent. To ensure that it is fully informed, the Committee regularly invites members of management to attend meetings to provide reports and updates.updates however, members of management are not present when decisions are considered or taken concerning their own remuneration. The Committee can draw on services from a range of external sources, including remuneration advisers.

Remuneration Committee

The activities of the Remuneration Committee are governed by Terms of Reference (updated version approved by the Board in August 2019), which are available on our website.at bhp.com. The current members of the Remuneration Committee are Carolyn Hewson (Chairman)are: Susan Kilsby (Remuneration Committee Chair), Anita Frew, Susan KilsbyGary Goldberg, Shriti Vadera, and Shriti Vadera.Dion Weisler. The role and focus of the Committee and details of meeting attendances can be found in section 2.13.2.2.12. Other Directors and employees who regularly attended meetings were: Ken MacKenzie (Chairman); Wayne Murdy(Chair), Carolyn Hewson (Remuneration Committee memberChair to 27 November 2018);2019), Andrew Mackenzie (CEO);(CEO to 31 December 2019), Mike Henry (CEO from 1 January 2020), Athalie Williams (Chief People Officer);, Andrew Fitzgerald (Vice President Reward); Margaret Taylor (Group Company Secretary to 28 February 2019);, Caroline Cox (Group Company Secretary from 1 March 2019);Secretary), and Geof Stapledon (Vice President Governance). These individuals were not present when matters associated withdecisions regarding their own remuneration were considered.considered or taken.

Engagement of independent remuneration advisers

The Committee seeks and considers advice from independent remuneration advisers where appropriate. Remuneration consultants are engaged by, and report directly to, the Committee. Potential conflicts of interest are taken into account when remuneration consultants are selected and their terms of engagement regulate their level of access to, and require their independence from, BHP’s management.

PricewaterhouseCoopers was appointed by the Committee in March 2016 to act as an independent remuneration adviser.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers team that advises the Remuneration Committee does not provide any other services to the Group. Other parts of PricewaterhouseCoopers teams provide services to the Group in the areas of forensic and general technology, internal audit and international assignment solutions. Processes and arrangements are in place to protect independence (for example, ring-fencing of teams) and to manage any conflicts of interest that may arise.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is currently the only remuneration adviser appointed by the Committee. In that capacity, they may provide remuneration recommendations in relation to KMP; however they did not do so in FY2019.FY2020.

Total fees paid to the PricewaterhouseCoopers team advising the Committee on remuneration-related matters for FY2019FY2020 were £160,000.£177,100. These fees are based on an agreed fee for regular items with additional work charged at agreed rates. Total fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers for other services rendered to the Group for FY2019FY2020 were approximately US$2628 million.

3.3.163.3.17    Statement of voting at the 20182019 AGMs

BHP’s remuneration resolutions have attracted a high level of support by shareholders. Voting in regard to those resolutions put to shareholders at the 20182019 AGMs is shown below.

 

202


AGM resolution

  Requirement   % vote ‘for’   % vote ‘against’   Votes withheld (1)   Requirement   % vote ‘for’   % vote ‘against’   Votes withheld (1) 
Remuneration Report (excluding remuneration policy (2))   UK    96.6    3.4    53,711,796 

Remuneration Report (remuneration policy)

   UK    93.5    6.5    23,166,578 

Remuneration Report (excluding remuneration policy)

   UK    97.3    2.7    21,012,150 

Remuneration Report (whole report)

   Australia    95.2    4.8    44,236,128    Australia    96.7    3.3    11,217,511 

Approval of grants to Executive Director

   Australia    97.0    3.0    7,029,924    Australia    97.5    2.5    10,460,699 

 

(1) 

The sum of votes marked ‘Vote Withheld’withheld’ at BHP Group Plc’s 20182019 AGM and votes marked ‘Abstain’ at BHP Group Limited’s 20182019 AGM.

(2)

The UK requirement for approval of the remuneration policy was met at the 2017 AGMs, where the following outcomes were recorded: a 97.1 per cent vote ‘for’, a 2.9 per cent vote ‘against’ with 9,658,674 votes withheld. This resolution was not required in 2018.

Other statutory disclosures

This section provides details of any additional statutory disclosures required by Australian or UK regulations that have not been included in the previous sections of the Remuneration Report.

3.3.173.3.18    Executive KMP remuneration table

The table below has been prepared in accordance with relevant accounting standards and remuneration data for Executive KMP are for the periods of FY2018FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 that they were KMP. More information on the policy and operation of each element of remuneration is provided in priorprevious sections of this Report.

 

Share-based payments

The figures included in the shaded columns of the statutory table below for share-based payments were not actually provided to the KMP during FY2018FY2019 or FY2019.FY2020. These amounts are calculated in accordance with accounting standards and are the amortised IFRS fair values of equity and equity-related instruments that have been granted to the executives. For information on awards that were allocated and vested during FY2018FY2019 and FY2019,FY2020, refer to section 3.3.18.3.3.19.

        Short-term benefits  Post-
employment
benefits
  Share-based payments  Total 

US$(‘000)

 Financial
year
  Base
salary (1)
  Annual cash
incentive (2)
  Non-monetary
benefits (3)
  Other
benefits (4)
  Retirement
benefits (5)
  Value of STIP
awards (2)(6)
  Value of LTIP
awards (6)
 

Executive Director

         

Andrew Mackenzie

  FY2019   1,700   653   100      425   990   4,037   7,905 
  FY2018   1,700   1,224   84      425   779   3,894   8,106 

Other Executive KMP

         

Peter Beaven

  FY2019   1,000   480   5      250   637   2,078   4,450 
  FY2018   1,000   728   8      250   549   1,792   4,327 

Mike Henry

  FY2019   1,100   440   10      275   623   2,286   4,734 
  FY2018   1,100   722   13      275   546   1,971   4,627 

Daniel Malchuk

  FY2019   1,000   424   30   14   250   585   2,078   4,381 
  FY2018   1,000   792   13   19   250   507   1,751   4,332 

Steve Pastor(7)

  FY2019   712   524      49   178   1,166   1,087   3,716 
  FY2018   1,000   720      21   250   493   1,076   3,560 

Geraldine Slattery(7)

  FY2019   219   167         55   43   213   697 
        Short-term benefits  Post-
employment
benefits
  Share-based payments  Total 

US$(‘000)

 Financial
year
  Base
salary
(1)
  Annual cash
incentive
(2)
  Non-monetary
benefits
(3)
  Other
benefits
(4)
  Retirement
benefits(5)
  Value of STIP/CDP
awards
(2)(6)
  Value of LTIP
awards
(6)
 

Executive Director

         

Mike Henry

  FY2020   850   653   86      85   509   1,143   3,326 

Andrew Mackenzie(7)

  FY2020   850   653   124      213   1,202   2,038   5,080 
  FY2019   1,700   653   100      425   990   4,037   7,905 

Other Executive KMP

 

        

Peter Beaven

  FY2020   1,000   848   41      250   810   2,090   5,039 
  FY2019   1,000   480   5      250   637   2,078   4,450 

Mike Henry

  FY2020   550   422   43      138   398   1,156   2,707 
  FY2019   1,100   440   10      275   623   2,286   4,734 

Daniel Malchuk

  FY2020   1,000   816   38      250   797   2,090   4,991 
  FY2019   1,000   424   30   14   250   585   2,078   4,381 

Geraldine Slattery

  FY2020   750   618         188   378   903   2,837 
  FY2019   219   167         55   43   213   697 

 

(1) 

Base salaries shown in this table reflect the amounts paid over the12-month period from 1 July 20182019 to 30 June 20192020 for each Executive KMP. There were no changes to Executive KMP base salaries during the year except for Geraldine SlatteryMike Henry who was appointed Executive KMP during the yearas CEO on 1 January 2020 on an annual base salary of US$0.7501.700 million.

 

(2) 

Annual cash incentive for FY2019 is the cash portion of STIP awards earned in respect of performance during each financial year for each executive. STIP iswas provided half in cash and half in deferred equity (which are included in the share-based payments columns of the table). Annual cash incentive for FY2020 is the cash portion of CDP awards earned in respect of performance during each financial year for each executive. CDP is provided one-third in cash and two-thirds in deferred equity (which are included in the Share-based payments columns of the table). The cash portion of CDP/ STIP awards is paid to Executive KMP in September of the year following the relevant financial year. The minimum possible value awarded to each individual is nil and the maximum is 240360 per cent of base salary (120 per cent in cash and 120240 per cent in deferred equity). For FY2019,FY2020, Executive KMP earned the following STIPCDP awards as a percentage of the maximum (the remaining portion has been forfeited): Mike Henry 64 per cent (for the time served as CEO and as President Minerals Australia),Andrew Mackenzie 3264 per cent (for the time served as CEO), Peter Beaven 40 per cent, Mike Henry 3371 per cent, Daniel Malchuk 35 per cent, Steve Pastor 6168 per cent, and Geraldine Slattery 6569 per cent. Steve Pastor’s FY2019 STIPAndrew’s FY2020 CDP was paid in cashpro-rated and prorated to reflect the period served until he ceased to be KMP on 17 March31 December 2019, as noted in 3.3.12.3.3.1 with 50 per cent of the total CDP award included in the Annual cash incentive column, and 50 per cent in the Value of STIP/CDP awards column.

 

(3) 

Non-monetary benefits arenon-pensionable and include items such items as net leave accruals, health and other insurances, fees for tax return preparation (if required in multiple jurisdictions), car parking and travel costs.

 

203


(4) 

Other benefits arenon-pensionable and for FY2019 include an international relocation benefit for Daniel Malchuk and an encashment of annual leave entitlements under the US Annual Leave policy and the cost of tax services for Steve Pastor.Malchuk.

 

(5) 

RetirementIn FY2020, retirement benefits arewere 25 per cent of base salary for each Executive KMP.KMP except for Mike Henry who was appointed CEO on 1 January 2020 with a reduced pension contribution rate of 10 per cent of base salary as per the remuneration policy approved at the 2019 AGMs.

 

(6) 

The IFRS fair value of bothCDP, STIP and LTIP awards is estimated at grant date. In FY2020, the value of Mike Henry’s LTIP and STIP awards previously granted have been prorated based on time served as CEO and President Minerals Australia, whereas the CDP has been split based on what was earned as CEO and President Minerals Australia. Refer to note 2324 ‘Employee share ownership plans’ in section 5 for further details.details on IFRS.

 

(7) 

The remuneration reported for Steve Pastor and Geraldine SlatteryAndrew Mackenzie reflects service as Executive KMP during the year.up to 31 December 2019.

3.3.18

3.3.19    Equity awards

The interests held by Executive KMP under the Group’s employee equity plans are set out below. Each equity award is a right to acquire one ordinary share in BHP Group Limited or in BHP Group Plc upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions. BHP Group Limited share awards are shown in Australian dollars. BHP Group Plc awards are shown in Pounds Sterling. TheOur Requirementsmandatory minimum performance requirements for Securities Dealing standardsecurities dealing governs and restricts dealing arrangements and the provision of shares on vesting or exercise of awards. No interests under the Group’s employee equity plans are held by related parties of Executive KMP.

Dividend Equivalent Payments

DEP applies to awards provided to Executive KMP under the CDP, STIP and LTIP as detailed in section 3.2.1. No DEP is payable on GSTIP awards or MAP awards.

Equity awards provided for Executive KMP service

Awards under the STIP, CDP and LTIP

Executive KMP receivereceived or will receive awards under the STIP, CDP and LTIP. The terms and conditions of STIP, CDP and LTIP awards, including the performance conditions, are described in sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.5 of this Annual Report.3.2.5. The LTIP rules are available on our website.at bhp.com.

Equity awards provided prior to Executive KMP service

Awards under the GSTIP and MAP

BHP senior management who are not KMP received awards under the GSTIP and receive awards under the MAP. While no GSTIP or MAP awards were granted to Executive KMP during FY2019, Steve Pastor andFY2020, Geraldine Slattery held GSTIP awards and still holdholds MAP awards that were allocated to themher prior to theirher Executive KMP service.

204


Award type  Date of grant   At 1 July
2018
   Granted   Vested   Lapsed   At 30 June
2019
   Award vesting
date
(1)
   Market price on date of:   Gain on
awards
(‘000) 
(4)
   DEP on
awards
(‘000)
 
  Grant(2)   Vesting(3) 

Andrew Mackenzie

                                                       

STIP

   18-Dec-18        52,061            52,061    Aug 20    A$33.50             

STIP

   24-Nov-17    56,217                56,217    Aug 19    A$27.97             

LTIP

   18-Dec-18        304,523            304,523    Aug 23    A$33.50             

LTIP

   24-Nov-17    385,075                385,075    Aug 22    A$27.97             

LTIP

   9-Dec-16    339,753                339,753    Aug 21    A$25.98             

LTIP

   4-Dec-15    339,753                339,753    Aug 20    A$17.93             

LTIP

   19-Dec-14    224,859                224,859    Aug 19    A$28.98             

LTIP

   18-Dec-13    213,701            213,701        22 Aug 18    A$35.79             

Peter Beaven

                                                       

STIP

   18-Dec-18        30,964            30,964    Aug 20    A$33.50             

STIP

   24-Nov-17    36,145                36,145    Aug 19    A$27.97             

STIP

   9-Dec-16    10,958        10,958            22 Aug 18    A$25.98    A$32.08    A$352    A$22 

LTIP

   18-Dec-18        156,739            156,739    Aug 23    A$33.50             

LTIP

   24-Nov-17    198,200                198,200    Aug 22    A$27.97             

LTIP

   9-Dec-16    174,873                174,873    Aug 21    A$25.98             

LTIP

   4-Dec-15    174,873                174,873    Aug 20    A$17.93             

LTIP

   19-Dec-14    115,736                115,736    Aug 19    A$28.98             

LTIP

   18-Dec-13    109,993            109,993        22 Aug 18    A$35.79             

Mike Henry

                                                       

STIP

   18-Dec-18        30,692            30,692    Aug 20    A$33.50             

STIP

   24-Nov-17    36,376                36,376    Aug 19    A$27.97             

STIP

   9-Dec-16    10,663        10,663            22 Aug 18    A$25.98    A$32.08    A$342    A$21 

LTIP

   18-Dec-18        172,413            172,413    Aug 23    A$33.50             

LTIP

   24-Nov-17    218,020                218,020    Aug 22    A$27.97             

LTIP

   9-Dec-16    192,360                192,360    Aug 21    A$25.98             

LTIP

   4-Dec-15    192,360                192,360    Aug 20    A$17.93             

LTIP

   19-Dec-14    127,310                127,310    Aug 19    A$28.98             

LTIP

   18-Dec-13    120,993            120,993        22 Aug 18    A$35.79             

205


Award type  Date of grant   At 1 July
2018
   Granted   Vested   Lapsed   At 30 June
2019
   Award vesting
date
(1)
   Market price on date of:   Gain on
awards
(‘000) 
(4)
   DEP on
awards
(‘000)
  Date of grant At 1 July
2019
 Granted Vested Lapsed At 30 June
2020
 Award vesting
date (1)
  Market price on date of:  Gain on
awards
(‘000)
(4)
 DEP on
awards
(‘000)
 
Grant(2)   Vesting(3)  Grant(2) Vesting(3) 

Mike Henry

                      

STIP

 20-Nov-19     17,420        17,420  Aug 21  A$37.24          

STIP

 18-Dec-18  30,692           30,692  Aug 20  A$33.50          

STIP

 24-Nov-17  36,376     36,376        21 Aug 19  A$27.97  A$35.25  A$1,282  A$166 

LTIP

 20-Nov-19     153,631        153,631  Aug 24  A$37.24          

LTIP

 18-Dec-18  172,413           172,413  Aug 23  A$33.50          

LTIP

 24-Nov-17  218,020           218,020  Aug 22  A$27.97          

LTIP

 9-Dec-16  192,360           192,360  Aug 21  A$25.98          

LTIP

 4-Dec-15  192,360           192,360  Aug 20  A$17.93          

LTIP

 19-Dec-14  127,310        127,310     21 Aug 19  A$28.98          

Andrew Mackenzie(5)

                      

STIP

 20-Nov-19     25,845        25,845  Aug 21  A$37.24          

STIP

 18-Dec-18  52,061           52,061  Aug 20  A$33.50          

STIP

 24-Nov-17  56,217     56,217        21 Aug 19  A$27.97  A$35.25  A$1,982  A$256 

LTIP

 20-Nov-19     271,348        271,348  Aug 24  A$37.24          

LTIP

 18-Dec-18  304,523           304,523  Aug 23  A$33.50          

LTIP

 24-Nov-17  385,075           385,075  Aug 22  A$27.97          

LTIP

 9-Dec-16  339,753           339,753  Aug 21  A$25.98          

LTIP

 4-Dec-15  339,753           339,753  Aug 20  A$17.93          

LTIP

 19-Dec-14  224,859        224,859     21 Aug 19  A$28.98          

Peter Beaven

                      

STIP

 20-Nov-19     19,003        19,003  Aug 21  A$37.24          

STIP

 18-Dec-18  30,964           30,964  Aug 20  A$33.50          

STIP

 24-Nov-17  36,145     36,145        21 Aug 19  A$27.97  A$35.25  A$1,274  A$165 

LTIP

 20-Nov-19     139,664        139,664  Aug 24  A$37.24          

LTIP

 18-Dec-18  156,739           156,739  Aug 23  A$33.50          

LTIP

 24-Nov-17  198,200           198,200  Aug 22  A$27.97          

LTIP

 9-Dec-16  174,873           174,873  Aug 21  A$25.98          

LTIP

 4-Dec-15  174,873           174,873  Aug 20  A$17.93          

LTIP

 19-Dec-14  115,736        115,736     21 Aug 19  A$28.98          

Daniel Malchuk

                                                       

STIP

   18-Dec-18        33,686            33,686    Aug 20    A$33.50              20-Nov-19     16,786        16,786  Aug 21  A$37.24          

STIP

   24-Nov-17    28,070                28,070    Aug 19    A$27.97              18-Dec-18  33,686           33,686  Aug 20  A$33.50          

STIP

   9-Dec-16    9,694        9,694            22 Aug 18    A$25.98    A$32.08    A$311    A$19  24-Nov-17  28,070     28,070        21 Aug 19  A$27.97  A$35.25  A$989  A$128 

LTIP

   18-Dec-18        156,739            156,739    Aug 23    A$33.50              20-Nov-19     139,664        139,664  Aug 24  A$37.24          

LTIP

   24-Nov-17    198,200                198,200    Aug 22    A$27.97              18-Dec-18  156,739           156,739  Aug 23  A$33.50          

LTIP

   9-Dec-16    174,873                174,873    Aug 21    A$25.98              24-Nov-17  198,200           198,200  Aug 22  A$27.97          

LTIP

   4-Dec-15    174,873                174,873    Aug 20    A$17.93              9-Dec-16  174,873           174,873  Aug 21  A$25.98          

LTIP

   19-Dec-14    115,736                115,736    Aug 19    A$28.98              4-Dec-15  174,873           174,873  Aug 20  A$17.93          

LTIP

   18-Dec-13    93,495            93,495        22 Aug 18    A$35.79              19-Dec-14  115,736        115,736     21 Aug 19  A$28.98          

Steve Pastor(5)

                                 

STIP

   18-Dec-18        30,624            30,624    Aug 20    A$33.50             

STIP

   24-Nov-17    30,659                30,659    Aug 19    A$27.97             

Geraldine Slattery

                      

STIP

   9-Dec-16    2,697        2,697            22 Aug 18    A$25.98    A$32.08    A$87    A$5  20-Nov-19     6,628        6,628  Aug 21  A$37.24          

LTIP

   18-Dec-18        156,739            156,739    Aug 23    A$33.50              20-Nov-19     104,748        104,748  Aug 24  A$37.24          

LTIP

   24-Nov-17    198,200                198,200    Aug 22    A$27.97             

LTIP

   9-Dec-16    139,898                139,898    Aug 21    A$25.98             

MAP

   24-Feb-16    21,775                21,775    Aug 20    A$16.18             

MAP

   24-Feb-16    21,775                21,775    Aug 19    A$16.18             

MAP

   30-Oct-15    21,775        21,775            22 Aug 18    A$23.02    A$32.08    A$699     

GSTIP

   9-Dec-16    5,435        5,435            22 Aug 18    A$25.98    A$32.08    A$174     

Geraldine Slattery(6)

                                 

MAP

   21-Feb-19        28,527            28,527    Aug 23    A$34.83              21-Feb-19  28,527           28,527  Aug 23  A$34.83          

MAP

   21-Feb-19        28,527            28,527    Aug 22    A$34.83              21-Feb-19  28,527           28,527  Aug 22  A$34.83          

MAP

   24-Sep-18        28,527            28,527    Aug 21    A$33.83              24-Sep-18  28,527           28,527  Aug 21  A$33.83          

MAP

   25-Sep-17    34,349                34,349    Aug 20    A$25.98              25-Sep-17  34,349           34,349  Aug 20  A$25.98          

MAP

   31-Oct-16    21,775                21,775    Aug 19    A$23.07              31-Oct-16  21,775     21,775        21 Aug 19  A$23.07  A$35.25  A$768    

GSTIP

   25-Sep-17    14,951                14,951    Aug 19    A$25.98              25-Sep-17  14,951     14,951        21 Aug 19  A$25.98  A$35.25  A$527    

 

(1)

Where the vesting date is not yet known, the estimated vesting month is shown. Where awards lapse, the lapse date is shown. If the vesting conditions are met, awards will vest on, or as soon as practicable after, the firstnon-prohibited period date occurring after 30 June of the preceding year of vest. The year of vestvesting is the second (STIP, CDP two-year awards and GSTIP), third (MAP), fourth (MAP) or fifth (MAP, CDP five-year awards and LTIP) financial year after grant. All awards are conditional awards and have no exercise period, exercise price or expiry date; instead ordinary fully paid shares are automatically delivered upon the vesting conditions being met. Where vesting conditions are not met, the conditional awards will immediately lapse.

 

206


(2) 

The market price shown is the closing price of BHP shares on the relevant date of grant. No price is payable by the individual to receive a grant of awards. The IFRS fair value of the STIP and LTIP awards granted in FY2019FY2020 is at the grant date of 18 December 2018,20 November 2019, and are as follows: STIP – A$33.5037.24 and LTIP – A$24.13.20.07.

 

(3) 

The market price shown is the closing price of BHP shares on the relevant date of vest.

 

(4) 

The gain on awards is calculated using the market price on date of vesting or exercise (as applicable) less any exercise price payable. The amounts that vested and were lapsed for the awards during FY2019FY2020 are as follows: STIP – 100 per cent vested; LTIP – 100 per cent lapsed; GSTIP – 100 per cent vested; MAP – 100 per cent vested.

 

(5) 

Awards shown as held by Steve PastorAndrew Mackenzie at 30 June 20192020 are his balances at the date he ceased being KMP (17 MarchCEO and Executive Director (31 December 2019). The subsequent treatment of his awards is set out in section 3.3.12.sections 3.3.13 and 3.3.24.

(6)

The opening balances of awards for Geraldine Slattery reflects her holdings on the date she commenced being KMP (18 March 2019).

207


3.3.193.3.20    Estimated value range of equity awards

The current face value (and estimate of the maximum possible total value) of equity awards allocated during FY2019FY2020 and yet to vest are the awards as set out in the previous table multiplied by the current share price of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc as applicable. The minimum possible total value of the awards is nil.

The actual value that may be received by participants in the future cannot be determined as it is dependent on and therefore fluctuates with the share prices of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc at the date that any particular award vests or is exercised. The table below provides five-year share price history for BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, history of dividends paid and the Group’s earnings.

Five-year share price, dividend and earnings history

 

   FY2019 FY2018   FY2017   FY2016 FY2015    FY2020   FY2019 FY2018   FY2017   FY2016 
BHP Group Limited  Share price at beginning of year  A$33.60  A$23.23    A$19.09    A$26.58  A$36.00   Share price at beginning of year  A$41.68    A$33.60  A$23.23    A$19.09    A$26.58 
  Share price at end of year  A$41.16  A$33.91    A$23.28    A$18.65  A$27.05   Share price at end of year  A$35.82    A$41.16  A$33.91    A$23.28    A$18.65 
  Dividends paid  A$3.08 (1)  A$1.24    A$0.72    A$1.09  A$3.72 (2)   Dividends paid  A$2.13    A$3.08(1)  A$1.24    A$0.72    A$1.09 

BHP Group Plc

  Share price at beginning of year  £16.53  £12.15    £9.40    £12.58  £19.45   Share price at beginning of year  £20.33    £16.53  £12.15    £9.40    £12.58 
  Share price at end of year  £20.15  £17.06    £11.76    £9.43  £12.49   Share price at end of year  £16.54    £20.15  £17.06    £11.76    £9.43 
  Dividends paid  £1.70 (1)  £0.72    £0.44    £0.51  £1.95 (2)   Dividends paid  £1.13    £1.70(1)  £0.72    £0.44    £0.51 
BHP  Attributable profit /(loss)
(US$M, as reported)
 8,306  3,705    5,890    (6,385 1,910   Attributable profit/(loss)
(US$M, as reported)
  7,956    8,306  3,705    5,890    (6,385

 

(1) 

The FY2019 dividends paid includes A$1.41 or £0.80 in respect of the special dividend associated with the divestment of Onshore US.

(2)

The FY2015 dividends paid includes A$2.25 or £1.15 in respect of thein-specie dividend associated with the demerger of South32.

The highest share prices during FY2019FY2020 were A$41.95for42.08for BHP Group Limited shares and £20.15£20.49 for BHP Group Plc shares. The lowest share prices during FY2019FY2020 were A$30.43and £14.91,25.20and £9.40, respectively.

3.3.203.3.21    Ordinary share holdings and transactions

The number of ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited or in BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially, by each individual (including shares held in the name of all close members of the Director’s or Executive KMP’s family and entities over which either the Director or Executive KMP or the family member has, directly or indirectly, control, joint control or significant influence) are shown below. No shares are held nominally by any KMP or their related parties. There have been no changes in the interests of any Directors in the period to 53 September 20192020 (being not less than one month prior to the date of the notice of the 20192020 AGMs), except as noted below. These are ordinary shares held without performance conditions or restrictions and are included in MSR calculations for each individual.

208


The interests of Directors and Executive KMP in the ordinary shares of each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc as at 30 June 20192020 did not exceed on an individual basis or in the aggregate 1 per cent of BHP Group Limited’s or BHP Group Plc’s issued ordinary shares.

  BHP Group Limited Shares  BHP Group Plc Shares 
  Held at
1 July 2018
  Purchased  Received as
remuneration (1)
  Sold  Held at
30 June 2019
  Held at
1 July 2018
  Purchased  Received as
remuneration (1)
  Sold  Held at
30 June 2019
 

Executive Director

           

Andrew Mackenzie

  93,051            93,051   266,205            266,205 
           

Other Executive KMP

 

          

Peter Beaven

  296,690      11,644   68,072   240,262                

Mike Henry

  91,993      11,331   5,262   98,062   196,262            196,262 

Daniel Malchuk

  164,054      10,301      174,355                

Steve Pastor (2)(3)

  52,953      30,076   12,234   70,795                

Geraldine Slattery (2)(4)

  49,701            49,701                
           

Non-executive Directors

           

Terry Bowen

  11,000            11,000                

Malcolm Broomhead

  19,000            19,000                

Ian Cockerill (4)(5)

  5,259            5,259      3,500         3,500 

Anita Frew

                 15,000            15,000 

Carolyn Hewson

  19,000            19,000                

Susan Kilsby (4)(5)

                              

Ken MacKenzie (6)

  52,351            52,351                

Lindsay Maxsted

  18,000            18,000                

John Mogford

                 12,000            12,000 

Wayne Murdy (2)(3)

  8,000            8,000   24,000            24,000 

Shriti Vadera

                 25,000   –               –                 –       25,000 
  BHP Group Limited shares  BHP Group Plc shares 
  Held at
1 July 2019
  Purchased  Received as
remuneration
 (1)
  Sold  Held at
30 June 2020
  Held at
1 July 2019
  Purchased  Received as
remuneration
 (1)
  Sold  Held at
30 June 2020
 

Executive Director

           

Mike Henry

  98,062      41,080   19,073   120,069   196,262            196,262 

Andrew Mackenzie (2)

  93,051      63,486   31,309   125,228   266,205            266,205 
          

Other Executive KMP

           

Peter Beaven

  240,262      40,819   19,794   261,287                

Daniel Malchuk

  174,355      31,700   11,447   194,608                

Geraldine Slattery (3)

  49,701      36,726   14,907   71,520                
           

Non-executive Directors

           

Terry Bowen

  11,000            11,000                

Malcolm Broomhead

  19,000            19,000                

Ian Cockerill

  5,259   3,500         8,759   3,500            3,500 

Anita Frew

                 15,000            15,000 

Gary Goldberg (3)(4)

     10,000         10,000                

Carolyn Hewson (2)

  19,000   5,638         24,638                

Susan Kilsby

                    6,900         6,900 

Ken MacKenzie

  52,351            52,351                

Lindsay Maxsted

  18,000            18,000                

John Mogford

                 12,000            12,000 

Shriti Vadera

                 25,000            25,000 

Dion Weisler (4)

  1,544            1,544      –               –                 –        

 

(1) 

Includes DEP in the form of shares on equity awards vesting as disclosed in section 3.3.18.

 

(2) 

The following BHP Group Limited shares and BHP Group Plc shares were held in the form of American Depositary Shares: Wayne Murdy (4,000BHP Group Limited; 12,000 BHP Group Plc), Steve Pastor (1,574 BHP Group Limited), and Geraldine Slattery (868 BHP Group Limited).

(3)

The closing balances for Steve PastorAndrew Mackenzie and Wayne MurdyCarolyn Hewson reflect their shareholdings on the date that each ceased being KMP, being 17 March31 December 2019 and 27 November 2018,2019, respectively.

(3)

The following BHP Group Limited shares were held in the form of American Depositary Shares: Geraldine Slattery (868 BHP Group Limited) and Gary Goldberg (5,000 BHP Group Limited).

 

(4) 

The opening balances for Geraldine Slattery, Ian CockerillGary Goldberg and Susan KilsbyDion Weisler reflect their shareholdings on the date that each became KMP being 18 March 2019, April 2019February 2020 and 1 April 2019June 2020 respectively.

209


(5)

Ian Cockerill acquired 3,500 shares in BHP Group Limited on 29 August 2019 and Susan Kilsby acquired 2,900 shares in BHP Group Plc on 23 August 2019.

(6)

The opening balance for Ken MacKenzie has been updated to include 4,495 BHP Group Limited shares that were purchased on 25 August 2017, which were inadvertently not included in the 2018 report.

3.3.213.3.22    Prohibition on hedging of BHP Group shares and equity instruments

The CEO and other Executive KMP may not use unvested BHP equity awards as collateral or protect the value of any unvested BHP equity awards or the value of shares and securities held as part of meeting the MSR.

Any securities that have vested and are no longer subject to restrictions may be subject to hedging arrangements or used as collateral, provided that prior consent is obtained.

3.3.223.3.23    Share ownership guidelines and the MSR

The share ownership guidelines and the MSR help to ensure the interests of Directors, executives and shareholders remain aligned.

The CEO and other Executive KMP are expected to grow their holdings to the MSR from the scheduled vesting of their employee awards over time. The MSR is tested at the time that shares are to be sold. Shares may be sold to satisfy tax obligations arising from the granting, holding, vesting, exercise or sale of the employee awards or the underlying shares whether the MSR is satisfied at that time or not.

For FY2019:FY2020:

 

the MSR for the CEO was five times annualpre-tax base salary and while he has met this requirement in the past, subsequent movements in foreign exchange rates and share prices have resulted in Andrew Mackenzie’sMike Henry’s shareholding being 4.8was 4.1 times his annualpre-tax base salary at the end of FY2019.FY2020. As at the date of this Report, Mr MackenzieMike met the MSR;

 

the MSR for other Executive KMP was three times annualpre-tax base salary. At the end of FY2019,FY2020, Peter Beaven Mike Henry and Daniel Malchuk met the MSR, while Geraldine Slattery did not as she was only recently appointed as Executive KMP on 18 March 2019. While Mr Beaven sold shares during FY2019, he met the MSR both before and after the sale. Other than Mr Beaven, no

No other Executive KMP sold shares during FY2019,FY2020, other than to satisfy taxation obligations.

Effective 1 July 2020, atwo-year post-retirement shareholding requirement for the CEO will applyapplies from the date of retirement, which will be the lower of the CEO’s MSR or the CEO’s actual shareholding at the date of retirement.

Subject to securities dealing constraints,Non-executive Directors have agreed to apply at least 25 per cent of their remuneration (base fees plus Committee fees) to the purchase of BHP shares until they achieve an MSR equivalent in value to one year’syear of remuneration (base fees plus Committee fees). Thereafter, they must maintain at least that level of shareholding throughout their tenure. At the end of FY2019,FY2020, eachNon-executive Director met the MSR with the exception of Ian CockerillSusan Kilsby and Susan KilsbyDion Weisler as they only recently joined the Board on 1 April 2019.2019 and 1 June 2020 respectively. As at the date of this Report Mr Cockerill metand since their commencement, Susan and Dion each hold shares that satisfy their requirement to build shareholdings to the MSR and Ms Kilsby met the agreed applicationequivalent of fees to purchase25 per cent of BHP shares in respect of her tenure since 1 April 2019.their annual remuneration.

3.3.233.3.24    Payments to past Directors and for loss of office

UK regulations require the inclusion in the Remuneration Report of certain payments to past Directors and payments made for loss of office. There is nothing

The following payments were made to discloseAndrew Mackenzie that relate to the period when he was no longer an Executive Director and CEO and which have not been reported in sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.18:

48 per cent of the 322,765 retained LTIP awards granted in 2015, reduced from 339,753 awards originally granted and prorated for time served at the time of departure, vested on 19 August 2020. The value of these paymentsawards for FY2019. Andrew was US$5.317 million, including a related DEP of US$0.919 million which was paid in shares.

Fixed remuneration comprising base salary, pension contributions and applicable benefits valued at US$0.533 million was provided to Andrew for the period 1 January to 31 March 2020.

Upon his retirement from BHP, Andrew received his outstanding accrued statutory leave entitlements valued at US$0.500 million.

The Remuneration Committee has adopted a de minimis threshold of US$7,500 for disclosure of payments to past Directors under UK requirements.

3.3.24There were no payments made for loss of office in FY2020.

3.3.25    Relative importance of spend on pay

The table below sets out the total spend for continuingContinuing operations on employee remuneration during FY2019FY2020 (and the prior year) compared with other significant expenditure items, and includes items as prescribed in the UK requirements. BHP has included tax payments and purchases of property, plant and equipment being the most significant other outgoings in monetary terms.

 

US$ million

  FY2020   FY2019 

Aggregate employee benefits expense

   4,120    4,117 

Dividends paid to BHP shareholders

   6,876    11,395 

Share buy-backs

       5,220 

Income tax paid and royalty-related taxation paid (net of refunds)

   5,944    5,940 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   6,900    6,250 

210


US$ million

  FY2019   FY2018 

Aggregate employee benefits expense

   4,117    4,072 

Dividends paid to BHP shareholders

   11,395    5,220 

Sharebuy-backs

   5,220     

Income tax paid and royalty-related taxation paid (net of refunds)

   5,940    4,918 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   6,250    4,979 

3.3.253.3.26    Transactions with KMP

During the financial year, there were no transactions between the Group and its subsidiaries and KMP (including their related parties) (2018:(2019: US$ nil; 2017:2018: US$ nil). There were no amounts payable at 30 June 2019 (2018: US$ nil). There were US$ nilby, or loans (2018: US$ nil) with, KMP (including their related parties) at 30 June 2020 (2019: US$ nil).

A number of KMP hold or have held positions in other companies (i.e. personally related entities), where it is considered they control or significantly influence the financial or operating policies of those entities. There have been no transactions with those entities and no amounts were owed by the Group to personally related entities or any other related parties (2018:(2019: US$ nil).

This Remuneration Report was approved by the Board on 5September20193 September 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

 

 

Carolyn HewsonSusan Kilsby
Chairman,Chair, Remuneration Committee
5September20193 September 2020

211


Section 4

Directors’ Report

In this section

4.1 Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs

4.2 Share capital andbuy-back programs

4.3 Results, financial instruments and going concern

4.4 Directors

4.5 Remuneration and share interests

4.6 Secretaries

4.7 Indemnities and insurance

4.8 Employee policies

4.9 Corporate governance

4.10 Dividends

4.11 Auditors

4.12Non-audit services

4.13 Political donations

4.14 Exploration, research and development

4.15 ASIC Instrument 2016/191

4.16 Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited

4.17 Performance in relation to environmental regulation

4.18 Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information

212

4.1 Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs

225

4.2 Share capital and buy-back programs

225

4.3 Results, financial instruments and going concern

227

4.4 Directors

227

4.5 Remuneration and share interests

227

4.6 Secretaries

228

4.7 Indemnities and insurance

228

4.8 Employee policies

229

4.9 Corporate governance

229

4.10 Dividends

229

4.11 Auditors

229

4.12 Non-audit services

229

4.13 Political donations

230

4.14 Exploration, research and development

230

4.15 ASIC Instrument 2016/191

230

4.16 Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited

230

4.17 Performance in relation to environmental regulation

230

4.18 Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information

231


The information presented by the Directors in this Directors’ Report relates to BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries. Section 1 ‘Strategic Report’ (which includes the Chairman’sChair’s Review in section 1.1 and the Chief Executive Officer’s Report in section 1.2, and incorporates the operating and financial review), section 2 ‘Governance at BHP’, section 3 ‘Remuneration Report’, section 5.5 ‘Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration’ and section 7 ‘Shareholder information’ are each incorporated by reference into, and form part of, this Directors’ Report. In addition, for the purposes of UK law, the Strategic Report in section 1 and the Remuneration Report in section 3 form separate reports and have been separately approved by the Board for that purpose.

For the purpose of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Listing Rule 9.8.4C R, the applicable information required to be disclosed in accordance with FCA Listing Rule 9.8.4 R is set out in the sections below.

 

Applicable information required by FCA Listing Rule 9.8.4 R

  

Section in this Annual Report

(1) Interest capitalised by the Group

  Section 5, note 20

(6)  Waiver of future emoluments

Section 3.3.1

(12) Shareholder waivers of dividends

Section 5, note 23

(13) Shareholder waivers of future dividends

Section 5, note 2321

Paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13) and (14) of Listing Rule 9.8.4 R are not applicable.

The Directors confirm, on the advice of the Risk and Audit Committee (RAC), that they consider the Annual Report (including the Financial Statements), taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess BHP’s position, performance, business model and strategy.

213


4.1    Review of operations, principal activities and state of affairs

A review of the operations of BHP during FY2019,FY2020, the results of those operations during FY2019FY2020 and the expected results of those operations in future financial years are set out in section 1, in particular in 1.1 to 1.10,1.8, 1.11 and 1.12 and 1.13 and in other material in this Annual Report. Information on the development of BHP and likely developments in future years also appears in those sections.

Our principal activities during FY2019FY2020 are disclosed in section 1. We are among the world’s top producers of major commodities, including iron ore, metallurgical coal and copper. We also have substantial interests in oil, gas and energy coal. No significant changes in the nature of BHP’s principal activities occurred during FY2019FY2020 other than as disclosed in section 1.

There were no significant changes in BHP’s state of affairs that occurred during FY2019FY2020 and no significant post balance date events other than as disclosed in section 1.1 and note 34 in section 5.

No other matter or circumstance has arisen since the end of FY2019FY2020 that has significantly affected or is expected to significantly affect the operations, the results of operations or state of affairs of BHP in future years.

214


4.2    Share capital andbuy-back programs

At the Annual General Meetings held in 20172018 and 2018,2019, shareholders authorised BHP Group Plc to makeon-market purchases of up to 211,207,180 of its ordinary shares, representing 10 per cent of BHP Group Plc’s issued share capital at that time. On 17 December 2018,During FY2020, we announced the completion of a US$5.2 billiondid not make any on-market or off-market tenderbuy-backpurchases of BHP Group Limited shares. Approximately 265.8 million shares (8.3 per cent ofor BHP Group Limited’s issuedPlc shares under any share capital and 5 per cent of the total issued share capital of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc) were bought back at a price of A$27.64 per share.buy-back program. As at the date of this Directors’ Report, there were no currenton-marketbuy-backs.on-market buy-backs. Shareholders will be asked at the 20192020 Annual General Meetings to renew this authority. As at the date of this Directors’ Report, there is no intention to exercise this authority.

Some of our executives receive rights over BHP shares as part of their remuneration arrangements. Entitlements may be satisfied by the transfer of existing shares, which are acquiredon-market by the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trusts or, in respect of some entitlements, by the issue of shares.

The number of shares referred to in column A below were purchased to satisfy awards made under the various BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc employee share schemes during FY2019.

Period

  A
Total
number of
shares
purchased
   B
Average
price paid
per share (1)

US$
   C
Total
number of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans
or programs
   D
Maximum number of shares that
may yet be purchased under the
plans or programs
 
               BHP Group
Limited (2)
   

BHP Group

Plc

 

1 Jul 2018 to 31 Jul 2018

   86,722    22.99            211,207,180 (3) 

1 Aug 2018 to 31 Aug 2018

   2,706,718    25.86            211,207,180 (3) 

1 Sep 2018 to 30 Sep 2018

   20    34.69            211,207,180 (3) 

1 Oct 2018 to 31 Oct 2018

   424,230    23.73            211,207,180 (3) 

1 Nov 2018 to 30 Nov 2018

                   211,207,180 (3) 

1 Dec 2018 to 31 Dec 2018

       19.84    265,839,711        211,207,180 (3) 

1 Jan 2019 to 31 Jan 2019

                   211,207,180 (3) 

1 Feb 2019 to 28 Feb 2019

   3,852,173    27.35            211,207,180 (3) 

1 Mar 2019 to 31 Mar 2019

   24,306    26.82            211,207,180 (3) 

1 Apr 2019 to 30 Apr 2019

                   211,207,180 (3) 

1 May 2019 to 31 May 2019

                   211,207,180 (3) 

1 Jun 2019 to 30 Jun 2019

                   211,207,180 (3) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

   7,094,169    20.02    265,839,711        211,207,180 (3) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

215FY2020.


Period

  A
Total number of
shares
purchased and
transferred to

employees to
satisfy
employee
awards
   B
Average
price paid
per share (1)

US$
   C
Total
number of shares
purchased as

part of publicly
announced plans
or programs
   D
Maximum number of shares that
may yet be purchased under the
plans or programs
 
               

BHP Group

Limited(2)

   

BHP Group

Plc

 

1 Jul 2019 to 31 Jul 2019

                   211,207,180(3) 

1 Aug 2019 to 31 Aug 2019

   4,094,559    25.07            211,207,180(3) 

1 Sep 2019 to 30 Sep 2019

                   211,207,180(3) 

1 Oct 2019 to 31 Oct 2019

                   211,207,180(3) 

1 Nov 2019 to 30 Nov 2019

                   211,207,180(3) 

1 Dec 2019 to 31 Dec 2019

                 211,207,180(3) 

1 Jan 2020 to 31 Jan 2020

                   211,207,180(3) 

1 Feb 2020 to 29 Feb 2020

                   211,207,180(3) 

1 Mar 2020 to 31 Mar 2020

   1,714,630    19.42            211,207,180(3) 

1 Apr 2020 to 30 Apr 2020

   132,286    19.45            211,207,180(3) 

1 May 2020 to 31 May 2020

   219,011    22.65            211,207,180(3) 

1 Jun 2020 to 30 Jun 2020

                   211,207,180(3) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

   6,160,486    23.29            211,207,180(3) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1)

The shares were purchased in the currency of the stock exchange on which the purchase took place and the sale price has been converted into US dollars at the exchange rate on the day of purchase.

 

(2)

BHP Group Limited is able tobuy-back and cancel BHP Group Limited shares within the ‘10/12 limit’ without shareholder approval in accordance with section 257B of the Australian Corporations Act 2001. Any futureon-market sharebuy-back program would be conducted in accordance with the Australian Corporations Act 2001 and with the ASX Listing Rules.

 

(3)

At the Annual General Meetings held during 20172018 and 2018,2019, shareholders authorised BHP Group Plc to makeon-market purchases of up to 211,207,180 of its ordinary shares, representing 10 per cent of BHP Group Plc’s issued capital at the time.

4.3    Results, financial instruments and going concern

Information about the Group’s financial position and financial results is included in the Financial Statements in this Annual Report. The Consolidated Income Statement shows profit attributable to BHP members of US$8.38.0 billion in FY2019,FY2020, compared with a profit of US$3.78.3 billion in FY2018.FY2019.

BHP’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are discussed in section 1. In addition, sections 1.3 to 1.61.5 and 2.14,2.13, and note 2122 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5 outline BHP’s capital management objectives, its approach to financial risk management and exposure to financial risks, liquidity and borrowing facilities.

The Directors, having made appropriate enquiries, have a reasonable expectation that BHP has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Therefore, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual Financial Statements.

4.4    Directors

The Directors who served at any time during FY2019FY2020 or up until the date of this Directors’ Report were Ken MacKenzie, Mike Henry, Andrew Mackenzie, Terry Bowen, Malcolm Broomhead, Ian Cockerill, Anita Frew, Gary Goldberg, Carolyn Hewson, Susan Kilsby, Lindsay Maxsted, John Mogford, Wayne MurdyShriti Vadera and Shriti Vadera.Dion Weisler. Further details of the current Directors of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are set out in section 2.2. These details include the period for which each Director held office up to the date of this Directors’ Report, their qualifications, experience and particular responsibilities, the directorships held in other listed companies since 1 July 20162017 and the period for which each directorship has been held.

Wayne MurdyCarolyn Hewson served as aNon-executive Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc from June 2009March 2010 until her retirement on 7 November 2019. Lindsay Maxsted served as a Non-executive Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc from March 2011 until he retired on 4 September 2020.

Andrew Mackenzie served as Chief Executive Officer of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc until his retirement on 2 November 2018.31 December 2019.

Ian CockerillMike Henry was appointed as aNon-executive DirectorChief Executive Officer of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc with effect from 1 April 2019.January 2020. In accordance with the BHP Group Limited Constitution and BHP Group Plc Articles of Association, he will seek election at the 20192020 Annual General Meetings.

Susan Kilsby wasGary Goldberg, Dion Weisler and Xiaoqun Clever were appointed as aNon-executive DirectorDirectors of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc with effect from 1 April 2019.February 2020, 1 June 2020 and 1 October 2020 respectively. In accordance with the BHP Group Limited Constitution and BHP Group Plc Articles of Association, shethey will seek election at the 20192020 Annual General Meetings.

Carolyn HewsonShriti Vadera has announced that she will retire as aNon-executive Director of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc at the conclusion of the BHP Group LimitedPlc Annual General Meeting in November 2019.October 2020.

The number of meetings of the Board and its Committees held during the year and each Director’s attendance at those meetings are set out in section 2.12.2.4.

216


4.5     Remuneration and share interests

4.5.14.5.1��   Remuneration

The policy for determining the nature and amount of emoluments of the Executive Key Management Personnel (KMP) (including the Executive Director) and theNon-executive Directors, and information about the relationship between that policy and BHP’s performance are set out in sections 3.2 and 3.3.

The remuneration tables contained in section 3.3 set out the remuneration of members of the Executive KMP (including the Executive Director) and theNon-executive Directors.

4.5.2    Directors

Section 3.3.203.3.21 sets out the relevant interests in shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc of the Directors who held office during FY2019,FY2020, at the beginning and end of FY2019.FY2020. No rights or options over shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are held by any of theNon-executive Directors. Interests held by the Executive Director under employee equity plans as at 30 June 20192020 are set out in the tables showing interests in incentive plans contained in section 3.3.18.3.3.19. Except for Andrew Mackenzie, Susan Kilsby and Ian Cockerill,Mike Henry, as at the date of this Directors’ Report, the information pertaining to shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially by Directors is the same as set out in the table in section 3.3.20.3.3.21. Where applicable, the information includes shares held in the name of a spouse, superannuation fund, nominee and/or other controlled entities.

Non-executive Directors have agreed to apply at least 25 per cent of their remuneration (base fees plus committee fees) to the purchase of shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc until they achieve a shareholding equivalent in value to one year’s remuneration (base fees plus committee fees). Thereafter, Non-executive Directors must maintain at least that level of shareholding throughout their tenure. All dealings by Directors are subject to mandatory minimum performance requirements for securities dealing and are reported to the Board and to the stock exchanges. Information on our policy governing the use of hedging arrangements over shares in BHP by Directors and other members of the KMP is set out in section 3.3.22.

As at the date of this Directors’ Report, Andrew MackenzieMike Henry held:

 

(either directly, indirectly or beneficially) 266,205196,262 shares in BHP Group Plc and 125,228198,979 shares in BHP Group Limited;Limited

 

rights and options over nil shares in BHP Group Plc and 1,421,165753,844 shares in BHP Group Limited.Limited

As at the date of this Directors’ Report, Susan Kilsby holds 2,900 shares in BHP Group Limited and Ian Cockerill indirectly holds 8,759 shares in BHP Group Limited and 3,500 shares in BHP Group Plc.

We have not made available to any Director any interest in a registered scheme.

4.5.3    Key Management Personnel

Section 3.3.203.3.21 sets out the relevant interests in shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially at the beginning and end of FY2019FY2020 by those senior executives who were Executive KMP (other than the Executive Director) during FY2019.FY2020. Where applicable, the information includes shares held in the name of a spouse, superannuation fund, nominee and/or other controlled entities. Interests held by members of the Executive KMP under employee equity plans as at 30 June 20192020 are set out in the tables contained in section 3.3.18.3.3.19.

The table below sets out the relevant interests in shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held directly, indirectly or beneficially, as at the date of this Directors’ Report by those senior executives who were Executive KMP (other than the Executive Director) on that date. Where applicable, the information also includes shares held in the name of a spouse, superannuation fund, nominee and/or other controlled entities.

 

Executive KMP member

  

BHP Group entity

  As at date of
Directors’ Report
 

Edgar Basto

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Plc


134,863


Peter Beaven

  

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Plc

   

261,287332,107


Mike Henry

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Plc


120,069

196,262

 

 

Daniel Malchuk

  

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Plc

   

194,608276,986

 

 

Geraldine Slattery

  

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Plc

   

71,52097,325

 

 

4.6    Secretaries

Caroline Cox is the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. Details of her qualifications and experience are set out in section 2.2. The following people also act, or have acted during FY2019,FY2020 as Company Secretaries of BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc or both (as indicated): Margaret Taylor, BA, LLB, GAICD FCIS (BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc),Plc: Rachel Agnew, BComm (Economics), LLB (Hons), GAICD, (BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc), Kathryn Griffiths, BA, LLB (Hons), GDipACG, FCIS, FGIA, GAICD (BHP Group Limited), Megan Pepper, BA (Hons), LLB (Hons), GDipACG, FCIS, FGIA, GAICD (BHP Group Limited)until 1 September 2020 and Geof Stapledon, BEc, LLB (Hons), DPhil, FCIS (BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc).FCIS. Each individual has experience in a company secretariat role or other relevant fields arising from time spent in roles within BHP, other large listed companies or other relevant entities.

217


4.7    Indemnities and insurance

Rule 146 of the BHP Group Limited Constitution and Article 146 of the BHP Group Plc Articles of Association require each Company to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Officer of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, respectively, against liability incurred in, or arising out of, the conduct of the business of BHP or the discharge of the duties of the Officer. The Directors named in section 2.2, the Company Secretaries and other Officers of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have the benefit of this requirement, as do individuals who formerly held one of those positions.

In accordance with this requirement, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have entered into Deeds of Indemnity, Access and Insurance (Deeds of Indemnity) with each of their respective Directors. The Deeds of Indemnity are qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006 and each of these qualifying third party indemnities was in force as at the date of this Directors’ Report.

We have a policy that BHP will, as a general rule, support and hold harmless an employee, including an employee appointed as a Director of a subsidiary who, while acting in good faith, incurs personal liability to others as a result of working for BHP.

In addition, as part of the arrangements to effect the demerger of South32, we agreed to indemnify certain former Officers of BHP who transitioned to South32 from certain claims and liabilities incurred in their capacity as Directors or Officers of South32.

From time to time, we engage our External Auditor, KPMG,Ernst & Young (EY), to conductnon-statutory audit work and provide other services in accordance with our policy on the provision of other services by the External Auditor. The terms of engagement in the United Kingdom include that we must compensate and reimburse KPMGEY LLP for, and protect KPMGEY LLP against, any loss, damage, expense, or liability incurred by KPMGEY LLP in respect of third party claims arising from a breach by BHP of any obligation under the engagement terms.

We have insured against amounts that we may be liable to pay to Directors, Company Secretaries or certain employees (including former Officers) pursuant to Rule 146 of the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and Article 146 of the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc or that we otherwise agree to pay by way of indemnity. The insurance policy also insures Directors, Company Secretaries and some employees (including former Officers) against certain liabilities (including legal costs) they may incur in carrying out their duties. For this Directors’ and Officers’ insurance, we paid premiums of US$5,449,91020,560,322 net during FY2019.FY2020.

During FY2019,FY2020, BHP paid defence costs for:

for certain employees and former employees of BHP Billiton Brasil (Affected Individuals) in relation to the charges filed by the Federal Prosecutors’ Office against BHP Billiton Brasil and the Affected Individuals;Individuals.

certain employees and former employees of BHP in relation to the putative class action complaint that was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of American Depositary Receipts of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc between 25 September 2014 and 30 November 2015;

certain employees and former employees of BHP in relation to a putative class action complaint filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all purchasers of Samarco’s10-year bond notes due 2022–2024 between 31 October 2012 and 30 November 2015.

Other than as set out above, no indemnity in favour of a current or former officer of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc, or in favour of the External Auditor, was called on during FY2019.FY2020.

4.8    Employee policies

Our people are fundamental to our success. We are committed to shaping a culture where our employees are provided with opportunities to develop, are valued and encouraged to contribute towards making work safer, simpler and more productive. We strongly believe that having employees who are engaged and connected to BHP reinforces our shared purpose aligned toOur Charter and will result in a more productive workplace.

For more information on employee engagement and employee policies, including communications and regarding disabilities, refer to section 1.9.1.4.3, 1.6.1, and 2.6.2.

218


4.9    Corporate governance

The Financial Conduct Authority’sFCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR 7.2) require that certain information be included in a corporate governance statement. BHP has an existing practice of issuing a corporate governance statement as part of our Annual Report that is incorporated into the Directors’ Report by reference. The information required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and the Financial Conduct Authority’sFCA’s Listing Rules (LR 9.8.6) is located in section 2, with the exception of the information referred to in LR 9.8.6 (1), (3) and (4) and DTR 7.2.6, which is located in sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.5.2 and 4.18.

4.10    Dividends

A final dividend of 7855 US cents per share will be paid on 2522 September 2019,2020, resulting in total dividends determined in respect of FY2019FY2020 of 235120 US cents per share. Details of the dividends paid are set out in notes 15 ‘Share capital’ and 17 ‘Dividends’ in section 5, and details of the Group’s dividend policy are set out in sections 1.4.3, 1.5.11.4.5, 1.4.7 and 7.7.

4.11    Auditors

No current officer of BHP has held the role of director or partner of the Group’s current external auditor. During FY2019,FY2020, Lindsay Maxsted was the only officer of BHP who, prior to his appointment as an officer of BHP, previously held the role of director or partner of the Group’s External Auditorformer external auditor, at a time when the Group’s External Auditorformer external auditor conducted an audit of BHP. His prior relationship with KPMG (BHP’s former external auditor) is outlined in section 2.10.2.9. Lindsay Maxsted was not part of the KPMG audit practice after 1980 and, while at KPMG, was not in any way involved in, or able to influence, any audit activity associated with BHP.

Each person who held the office of Director at the date the Board approved this Directors’ Report made the following statements:

 

so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which BHP’s External Auditor is unaware;unaware

 

the Director has taken all steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director to make him or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that BHP’s External Auditor is aware of that information.information

This confirmation is given pursuant to section 418 of the UK Companies Act 2006 and should be interpreted in accordance with, and subject to, those provisions.

Consistent with the UK and EU requirements in regard to audit firm tender and rotation, BHP conducted an audit tender during FY2017.

KPMG, BHP’s current External Auditor, did not participate in the tender due to UK and EU requirements, which require a new External Auditor to be in place by 1 July 2023. After a comprehensive tender process, at a meeting held on 16 August 2017, the Board selected Ernst & YoungEY as its independent registered public accounting firm from the financial year beginning 1 July 2019, subject to approval ofand our shareholders approved EY’s appointment at the Annual General Meetings in 2019.

The law in each of Australia and the United Kingdom requires shareholders to approve the appointment of a new auditor. A resolution to appoint Ernst & Young as the auditor of BHP Group Limited and Ernst & Young LLP as the auditor of BHP Group Plc will be proposed at the 2019 Annual General Meetings.

4.12    Non-audit services

Details of thenon-audit services undertaken by BHP’s External Auditor, including the amounts paid fornon-audit services, are set out in note 35 ‘Auditor’s remuneration’ in section 5. Allnon-audit services were approved in accordance with the process set out in the Policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor. Nonon-audit services were carried out that were specifically excluded by the Policy on Provision of Audit and Other Services by the External Auditor. Based on advice provided by the Risk and Audit Committee,RAC, the Directors have formed the view that the provision ofnon-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors, and that the nature ofnon-audit services means that auditor independence was not compromised. For a statement of the reasons for this view and for more information about our policy in relation to the provision ofnon-audit services by the auditor, refer to section 2.13.1.2.10.

4.13    Political donations

We maintain a position of impartiality with respect to party politics and do not make political contributions or expenditure/donations for political purposes to any political party, politician, elected official or candidate for public office. We do, however, contribute to the public debate of policy issues that may affect BHP in the countries in which we operate.

No political contributions/donations for political purposes were made by BHP to any political party, politician, elected official or candidate for public office during FY2019.FY2020.(1)

(1)

Note that Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) disclosure requirements are broad, such that amounts that are not political donations can be reportable for AEC purposes. For example, where a political party or organisation owns shares in BHP, the AEC filing requires the political party or organisation to disclose the dividend payments received in respect of their shareholding.

219


4.14    Exploration, research and development

Companies within the Group carry out exploration and research and development necessary to support their activities. Details are provided in sections 1.6.3,1.5.3, 1.9 to 1.11 to 1.12 and 6.3.6.4.

4.15    ASIC Instrument 2016/191

BHP Group Limited is an entity to which Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 dated 24 March 2016 applies. Amounts in this Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements, except estimates of future expenditure or where otherwise indicated, have been rounded to the nearest million dollars in accordance with ASIC Instrument 2016/191.

4.16    Proceedings on behalf of BHP Group Limited

No proceedings have been brought on behalf of BHP Group Limited, nor has any application been made, under section 237 of the Australian Corporations Act 2001.

4.17    Performance in relation to environmental regulation

BHP seeks to be compliant with all applicable environmental laws and regulations relevant to its operations. We monitor compliance on a regular basis, including through external and internal means, to minimise the risk ofnon-compliance. For more information on BHP’s performance in relation to health, safety and the environment, refer to section 1.10.1.7.

Fines and prosecutions

For the purposes of section 299 (1)(f) of the Australian Corporations Act 2001, in FY2019FY2020 BHP received fivelevied six fines in relation to Australian environmental laws and regulations at our operated assets, the total amount payable being US$45,529. One fine was received at Peak Downs: mine affected water (US$9,143).216,229. Two fines were received at Blackwater: contaminatednoise exceedance (US$9,123) and mine affected water and maintenance of other measures (US$17,922)8,937). One fine was received at Caval Ridge: mine affected waterGoonyella: unauthorised release (US$9,157)135,733) and one fine at Saraji: contaminated watertailings pipeline breach (US$9,307)8,830). One fine was received at NSWEC: dust event (US$10,198) and one fine at Nickel West: mining disturbance footprint non adherence (US$43,408).

Greenhouse gas emissions

TheRegulations made under the UK Companies Act 2006 requires BHP, to the extent practicable, to obtain relevant information on the Group’s annual quantity of greenhouse gas emissions, which is reported in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.equivalent, and the Group’s energy consumption. In accordance with those UK requirements, information on BHP’s total FY2019FY2020 greenhouse gas emissions and intensity and energy consumption has been included in sections 1.5.21.4.8, 1.7.8 and 1.10.8.6.6.

For more information on environmental performance, including environmental regulation, refer to section 1.10 and the Sustainability Report 2019, which is available online at bhp.com1.7.

(1)

Note that Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) disclosure requirements are broad, such that amounts that are not political donations can be reportable for AEC purposes. For example, where a political party or organisation owns shares in BHP, the AEC filing requires the political party or organisation to disclose the dividend payments received in respect of their shareholding.

4.18    Share capital, restrictions on transfer of shares and other additional information

Information relating to BHP Group Plc’s share capital structure, restrictions on the holding or transfer of its securities or on the exercise of voting rights attaching to such securities, certain agreements triggered on a change of control and the existence of branches of BHP outside of the United Kingdom, is set out in the following sections:

 

Section 1.4.61.9.1 (Our locations)

 

Section 4.2 (Share capital andbuy-back programs)

 

Section 7.3 (Organisational structure)

 

Section 7.4 (Material contracts)

 

Section 7.5 (Constitution)

 

Section 7.6 (Share ownership)

 

Section 7.9 (Government regulations)

 

220


Note 15 ‘Share capital’ and note 2324 ‘Employee share ownership plans’ in section 5.5

As at the date of this Directors’ Report, there were 17,234,37214,978,955 unvested equity awards outstanding in relation to BHP Group Limited ordinary shares held by 15,795 holders and 417,515364,889 unvested equity awards outstanding in relation to BHP Group Plc ordinary shares.shares held by 998 holders. The expiry dates of these unvested equity awards range between August 2020April 2021 and August 20232024 and there is no exercise price. No options over unissued shares or unissued interests in BHP have been granted since the end of FY2019FY2020 and no shares or interests were issued as a result of the exercise of an option over unissued shares or interests since the end of FY2019.FY2020. Further details are set out in note 2324 ‘Employee share ownership plans’ in section 5. Details of movements in share capital during and since the end of FY2019FY2020 are set out in note 15 ‘Share capital’ in section 5.

The Directors’ Report is approved in accordance with a resolution of the Board.

 

Ken MacKenzie Andrew MackenzieMike Henry
ChairmanChair Chief Executive Officer
Dated: 53 September 20192020 

221


Section 5

Financial Statements

Refer to the pages beginning on page F-1 in this Annual Report

222annual report.


Section 6

Additional information

In this section

6.1 Information on mining operations

6.2 Production

6.3 Reserves

6.4 Major projects

6.5 Climate change data

6.6 Legal proceedings

6.7 Glossary

223

6.1 Alternative Performance Measures

234

6.2 Information on mining operations

244

6.3 Production

259

6.4 Reserves

263

6.5 Major projects

281

6.6 Sustainability – performance data

283

6.7 Legal proceedings

321

6.8 Glossary

326


6.1    Alternative Performance Measures

We use various Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to reflect our underlying financial performance.

These APMs are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS, but are derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The APMs are consistent with how management review the financial performance of the Group with the Board and the investment community.

Sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 outline why we believe the APMs are useful and the calculation methodology. We believe these APMs provide useful information, but they should not be considered as an indication of or as a substitute for statutory measures as an indicator of actual operating performance (such as profit or net operating cash flow) or any other measure of financial performance or position presented in accordance with IFRS, or as a measure of a company’s profitability, liquidity or financial position.

The following tables provide reconciliations between the APMs and their nearest respective IFRS measure.

The measures and below reconciliations included in this section for the year ended 30 June 2020 and comparative periods are unaudited and have been derived from the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exceptional items

To improve the comparability of underlying financial performance between reporting periods, some of our APMs adjust the relevant IFRS measures for exceptional items. For more information on exceptional items, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

Exceptional items are those gains or losses where their nature, including the expected frequency of the events giving rise to them, and impact is considered material to the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The exceptional items included within the Group’s profit from Continuing and Discontinued operations for the financial years are detailed below.

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Continuing operations

    

Revenue

          

Other income

   489   50    

Expenses excluding net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments

   (1,025  (57  (57

Depreciation and amortisation

          

Net impairments

   (409      

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (508  (945  (509
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) from operations

   (1,453  (952  (566
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financial expenses

   (93  (108  (84

Financial income

          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net finance costs

   (93  (108  (84
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) before taxation

   (1,546  (1,060  (650
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income tax benefit/(expense)

   241   242   (2,320

Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)

          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total taxation benefit/(expense)

   241   242   (2,320
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing operations

   (1,305  (818  (2,970
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

    

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Discontinued operations

         (2,258
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   (1,305  (818  (5,228
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total exceptional items attributable to non-controlling interests

   (201      

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders

   (1,104  (818  (5,228
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders per share (US cents)

   (21.9  (15.8  (98.2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted basic average number of shares (Million)

   5,057   5,180   5,323 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

APMs derived from Consolidated Income Statement

Underlying attributable profit

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
   2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders

   7,956    8,306    3,705 

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders (1)

   1,104    818    5,228 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying attributable profit

   9,060    9,124    8,933 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

Underlying attributable profit – Continuing operations

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
   2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations attributable to BHP shareholders

   7,956    8,306    3,705 

Loss attributable to members of BHP for Discontinued operations

       342    2,947 

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders (1)

   1,104    818    5,228 

Total exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders for Discontinued operations (1)

           (2,258
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying attributable profit – Continuing operations

   9,060    9,466    9,622 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

Underlying basic earnings per share

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US cents
   2019
US cents
   2018
US cents
 

Basic earnings per ordinary share

   157.3    160.3    69.6 

Exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders per share (1)

   21.9    15.8    98.2 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying basic earnings per ordinary share

   179.2    176.1    167.8 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

Underlying EBITDA

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Profit from operations

   14,421   16,113    15,996 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations (1)

   1,453   952    566 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying EBIT

   15,874   17,065    16,562 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   6,112   5,829    6,288 

Net impairments

   494   264    333 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

   (409       
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   22,071   23,158    23,183 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

Underlying EBITDA – Segment

Year ended 30 June 2020

US$M

  Petroleum   Copper  Iron Ore   Coal   Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (2)
  Total Group 

Profit from operations

   744    1,362   12,310    793    (788  14,421 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations (1)

   6    1,228   614    18    (413  1,453 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   1,445    1,740   1,608    807    512   6,112 

Net impairments

   12    426   22    14    20   494 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

       (409             (409
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   2,207    4,347   14,554    1,632    (669  22,071 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

Restated

  Petroleum   Copper   Iron Ore   Coal   Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (2)
  Total Group 

Profit from operations

   2,480    2,587    8,426    3,400    (780  16,113 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations (1)

           971        (19  952 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   1,560    1,835    1,653    632    149   5,829 

Net impairments

   21    128    79    35    1   264 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

                       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   4,061    4,550    11,129    4,067    (649  23,158 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

Restated

  Petroleum   Copper   Iron Ore   Coal   Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (2)
  Total Group 

Profit from operations

   1,598    4,389    6,656    3,682    (329  15,996 

Exceptional items included in profit from operations (1)

           539        27   566 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   1,719    1,920    1,721    686    242   6,288 

Net impairments

   76    213    14    29    1   333 

Exceptional item included in Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (1)

                       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,393    6,522    8,930    4,397    (59  23,183 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

(2)

Group and unallocated items includes functions, other unallocated operations, including Potash, Nickel West and legacy assets (previously disclosed as closed mines in the Petroleum reportable segment), and consolidation adjustments. Comparative information for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 have been restated to reflect the inclusion of legacy assets in Group and unallocated items.

Year ended 30 June 2020

US$M

  Profit from
operations
  Exceptional
items
included in
profit from
operations (1)
  Depreciation
and
amortisation
   Net
impairments
   Exceptional
item included
in Depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairments (1)
   Underlying
EBITDA
 

Potash

   (130     3            (127

Nickel West

   (113  5   68    3        (37

Corporate, legacy assets and eliminations

   (545  (418  441    17        (505
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (788  (413  512    20        (669
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

Restated

  Profit from
operations
  Exceptional
items
included in
profit from
operations (1)
  Depreciation
and
amortisation
   Net
impairments
   Exceptional item
included in
Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments (1)
   Underlying
EBITDA
 

Potash

   (131     4            (127

Nickel West

   91      11            102 

Corporate, legacy assets and eliminations

   (740  (19  134    1        (624
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (780  (19  149    1        (649
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

Restated

  Profit from
operations
  Exceptional
items
included in
profit from
operations (1)
  Depreciation
and
amortisation
   Net
impairments
   Exceptional item
included in
Depreciation,
amortisation and
impairments (1)
   Underlying
EBITDA
 

Potash

   (139     4            (135

Nickel West

   215      76            291 

Corporate, legacy assets and eliminations

   (405  27   162    1        (215
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (329  27   242    1        (59
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

Underlying EBITDA margin

Year ended 30 June 2020

US$M

  Petroleum  Copper   Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/

eliminations (4)
  Total Group 

Revenue – Group production

   4,031   9,577    20,782   6,242   1,128   41,760 

Revenue – Third party products

   39   1,089    15      28   1,171 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue

   4,070   10,666    20,797   6,242   1,156   42,931 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA – Group production (1)

   2,209   4,306    14,561   1,632   (669  22,039 

Underlying EBITDA – Third party products (1)

   (2  41    (7        32 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   2,207   4,347    14,554   1,632   (669  22,071 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA (2)

   10%   19%    64%   7%    100% 

Underlying EBITDA margin (3)

   55%   45%    70%   26%    53% 

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

Restated

  Petroleum  Copper   Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (4)
  Total Group 

Revenue – Group production

   5,920   9,729    17,223   9,102   1,116   43,090 

Revenue – Third party products

   10   1,109    32   19   28   1,198 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue

   5,930   10,838    17,255   9,121   1,144   44,288 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA – Group production (1)

   4,061   4,434    11,115   4,068   (649  23,029 

Underlying EBITDA – Third party products (1)

      116    14   (1     129 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   4,061   4,550    11,129   4,067   (649  23,158 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA (2)

   17%   19%    47%   17%    100% 

Underlying EBITDA margin (3)

   69%   46%    65%   45%    53% 

Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

Restated

  Petroleum  Copper   Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (4)
  Total Group 

Revenue – Group production

   5,396   11,432    14,756   8,887   1,222   41,693 

Revenue – Third party products

   12   1,349    54   2   19   1,436 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue

   5,408   12,781    14,810   8,889   1,241   43,129 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA – Group production (1)

   3,392   6,462    8,929   4,398   (60  23,121 

Underlying EBITDA – Third party products (1)

   1   60    1   (1  1   62 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,393   6,522    8,930   4,397   (59  23,183 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA (2)

   15%   28%    38%   19%    100% 

Underlying EBITDA margin (3)

   63%   57%    61%   49%    55% 

(1)

We differentiate sales of our production from sales of third party products to better measure the operational profitability of our operations as a percentage of revenue. These tables show the breakdown between our production and third party products, which is necessary for the calculation of the Underlying EBITDA margin and margin on third party products.

We engage in third party trading for the following reasons:

Production variability and occasional shortfalls from our assets means that we sometimes source third party materials to ensure a steady supply of product to our customers.

To optimise our supply chain outcomes, we may buy physical product from third parties.

To support the development of liquid markets, we will sometimes source third party physical products and manage risk through both the physical and financial markets.

(2)

Percentage contribution to Group Underlying EBITDA, excluding Group and unallocated items.

(3)

Underlying EBITDA margin excludes third party products.

(4)

Group and unallocated items includes functions, other unallocated operations, including Potash, Nickel West and legacy assets (previously disclosed as closed mines in the Petroleum reportable segment), and consolidation adjustments. Comparative information for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 have been restated to reflect the inclusion of legacy assets in Group and unallocated items. Revenue not attributable to reportable segments comprises the sale of freight and fuel to third parties. Exploration and technology activities are recognised within relevant segments.

Effective tax rate

  2020  2019  2018 

Year ended 30 June

 Profit before
taxation

US$M
  Income tax
expense

US$M
  %  Profit before
taxation
US$M
  Income tax
expense
US$M
  %  Profit before
taxation
US$M
  Income tax
expense
US$M
  % 

Statutory effective tax rate

  13,510   (4,774  35.3   15,049   (5,529  36.7   14,751   (7,007  47.5 

Adjusted for:

         

Exchange rate movements

     20       (25      (152 

Exceptional items (1)

  1,546   (241   1,060   (242   650   2,320  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted effective tax rate

  15,056   (4,995  33.2   16,109   (5,796  36.0   15,401   (4,839  31.4 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

APMs derived from Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Capital and exploration expenditure

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
   2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Capital expenditure (purchases of property, plant and equipment)

   6,900    6,250    4,979 

Add: Exploration expenditure

   740    873    874 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and exploration expenditure (cash basis) – Continuing operations

   7,640    7,123    5,853 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and exploration expenditure – Discontinued operations

       443    900 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and exploration expenditure (cash basis) – Total operations

   7,640    7,566    6,753 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
   2018
US$M
 

Net operating cash flows

   15,706   17,871    18,461 

Net investing cash flows

   (7,616  2,607    (5,921
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   8,090   20,478    12,540 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow – Continuing operations

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations

   15,706   17,397   17,561 

Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations

   (7,616  (7,377  (5,060
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flow – Continuing operations

   8,090   10,020   12,501 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

APMs derived from Consolidated Balance Sheet

With effect from 1 July 2019, the net debt definition includes the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge cash and borrowings.

Management believes this amendment is useful because it reflects the Group’s risk management strategy of reducing the volatility of net debt caused by fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates.

Net debt related derivative financial instruments are a subset of the other financial assets and liabilities represented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in net debt calculation.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from 1 July 2019, the current period ‘Total Interest bearing liabilities’ includes all leases under the new definition. The Group elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with no restatement of comparative periods. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ in section 5.1.

Vessel lease contracts that are priced with reference to a freight index, which did not meet the definition of a lease under IAS 17, now meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16. These contracts are required to be remeasured at each reporting date to the prevailing freight index. While these liabilities are included in the Group interest bearing liabilities, they are excluded from the net debt calculation as they do not align with how the Group assesses net debt for decision making in relation to the Capital Allocation Framework. In addition, the freight index has historically been volatile which creates significant short-term fluctuation in these liabilities. As of 1 January 2020, the Group excludes these liabilities from its net debt calculation.

Net debt and gearing ratio

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
Restated
  2018
US$M
Restated
 

Interest bearing liabilities – Current

   5,012   1,661   2,736 

Interest bearing liabilities – Non current

   22,036   23,167   24,069 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest bearing liabilities

   27,048   24,828   26,805 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprising:

    

Borrowing

   23,605   24,113   26,003 

Lease liabilities (1)

   3,443   715   802 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Lease liability associated with index-linked freight contracts

   1,160       
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

   13,426   15,613   15,871 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Net debt management related instruments (2)

   433   (204  (805

Less: Net cash management related instruments (3)

   (15  (27  134 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Total derivatives included in net debt

   418   (231  (671
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net debt

   12,044   9,446   11,605 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets

   52,246   51,824   60,670 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gearing

   18.7%   15.4%   16.1% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Reflects the impact of IFRS 16. Refer to note 20 ‘Leases’ in section 5.1.

(2)

Represents the net cross currency and interest rate swaps included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

(3)

Represents the net forward exchange contracts included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

Net debt waterfall

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
Restated
 

Net debt at the beginning of the period

   (9,446  (11,605
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating cash flows

   15,706   17,871 

Net investing cash flows

   (7,616  2,607 

Net financing cash flows

   (9,752  (20,528
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   (1,662  (50
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying value of interest bearing liability repayments

   1,533   2,351 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying value of debt related instruments repayments

   157   160 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying value of cash management related instruments proceeds

   (451  (427
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment on debt (including debt related instruments)

   88   44 

Foreign exchange impacts on cash (including cash management related instruments)

   (26  94 

IFRS 16 leases taken on at 1 July

   (1,778   

Lease additions

   (363   

Other

   (96  (13
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-cash movements

   (2,175  125 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net debt at the end of the period (1)

   (12,044  (9,446
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Includes US$1,633 million of additional leases due to the implementation of IFRS 16.

Net operating assets

The following table reconciles Net operating assets for the Group to Net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet:

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
 

Net assets

   52,246      51,824 

Less: Non-operating assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

   (13,426  (15,613

Trade and other receivables (1)

   (194  (222

Other financial assets (2)

   (2,425  (1,188

Current tax assets

   (366  (124

Deferred tax assets

   (3,688  (3,764
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Add: Non-operating liabilities

   

Trade and other payables (3)

   310   328 

Interest bearing liabilities

   27,048   24,828 

Other financial liabilities (4)

   1,618   1,020 

Current tax payable

   913   1,546 

Non-current tax payable

   109   187 

Deferred tax liabilities

   2,758   3,234 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating assets

   64,903   62,056 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net operating assets

   

Petroleum

   8,247   8,332 

Copper

   24,407   24,088 

Iron Ore

   18,400   17,486 

Coal

   9,509   9,674 

Group and unallocated items (5)

   4,340   2,476 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   64,903   62,056 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Represents loans to associates of US$40 million (FY2019: US$33 million), external finance receivable and accrued interest receivable of US$144 million (FY2019: US$51 million) included within other receivables.

(2)

Represents cross currency and interest rate swaps, forward exchange contracts of US$24 million (FY2019: US$35 million) and investment in shares and other investments (refer to note 22 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.1) included in other financial assets.

(3)

Represents accrued interest payable included within other payables.

(4)

Represents cross currency and interest rate swaps (refer to note 22 ‘Financial risk management’ in section 5.1) and forward exchange contracts included in other financial liabilities.

(5)

Group and unallocated items include functions, other unallocated operations including Potash, Nickel West and legacy assets (previously disclosed as closed mines in the Petroleum reportable segment), and consolidation adjustments. Comparative information for the year ended 30 June 2019 has been restated to reflect the inclusion of legacy assets in Group and unallocated items.

Other APM

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

Year ended 30 June

  2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
Restated
  2018
US$M
Restated
 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   8,736   9,185   4,823 

Exceptional items (1)

   1,305   818   5,228 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal

   10,041   10,003   10,051 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted for:

    

Net finance costs

   911   1,072   1,267 

Exceptional items included within net finance costs (1)

   (93  (108  (84

Income tax expense on net finance costs

   (267  (319  (405
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after taxation excluding net finance costs and exceptional items

   10,592   10,648   10,829 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets at the beginning of the period

   51,824   60,670   62,726 

Net debt at the beginning of the period (2)

   9,446   11,605   17,201 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Capital employed at the beginning of the period

   61,270   72,275   79,927 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets at the end of the period

   52,246   51,824   60,670 

Net debt at the end of the period (2)

   12,044   9,446   11,605 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Capital employed at the end of the period

   64,290   61,270   72,275 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Average capital employed

   62,780   66,773   76,101 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying Return on Capital Employed

   16.9%   15.9%   14.2% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

For more information, refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5.1.

(2)

The Underlying ROCE calculation uses the restated net debt calculation for the comparative periods.

6.1.1    Definition and calculation of Alternative Performance Measures

Alternative Performance Measure
(APM)
Reasons why we believe the APMs are
useful
Calculation methodology

Underlying attributable profit

Allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items and is a performance indicator against which short-term incentive outcomes for our senior executives are measured. It is also the basis on which our dividend payout ratio policy is applied.

Profit after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders excluding any exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders.

Underlying basic earnings per share

On a per share basis, allows the comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.

Underlying attributable profit divided by the weighted basic average number of shares.

Underlying EBITDA

Used to help assess current operational profitability excluding the impacts of sunk costs (i.e. depreciation from initial investment). Each is a measure that management uses internally to assess the performance of the Group’s segments and make decisions on the allocation of resources.

Earnings before net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and exceptional items. Underlying EBITDA includes BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments and taxation expense/(benefit).

Underlying EBITDA margin

Underlying EBITDA excluding third party product EBITDA, divided by revenue excluding third party product revenue.

Underlying EBIT

Used to help assess current operational profitability excluding net finance costs and taxation expense (each of which are managed at the Group level), as well as Discontinued operations and any exceptional items.

Earnings before net finance costs, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and any exceptional items. Underlying EBIT includes BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs and taxation expense/(benefit).

Profit from operations

Earnings before net finance costs, taxation expense and Discontinued operations. Profit from operations includes Revenue, Other income, Expenses excluding net finance costs and BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs and taxation expense/(benefit).

Capital and exploration expenditure

Used as part of our Capital Allocation Framework to assess efficient deployment of capital. Represents the total outflows of our operational investing expenditure.

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and exploration expenditure.

Free cash flow

It is a key measure used as part of our Capital Allocation Framework. Reflects our operational cash performance inclusive of investment expenditure, which helps to highlight how much cash was generated in the period to be available for the servicing of debt and distribution to shareholders.

Net operating cash flows less Net investing cash flows.

Net debt

Net debt shows the position of gross debt less index-linked freight contracts offset by cash immediately available to pay debt if required and any associated derivative financial instruments. Liability associated with index-linked freight contracts are excluded from the net debt calculation due to the short-term volatility of the index they relate to not aligning with how the Group uses net debt for decision making in relation to the Capital Allocation Framework. Net debt, along with the gearing ratio, is used to monitor the Group’s capital management by relating net debt relative to equity from shareholders.

Interest bearing liabilities less liability associated with index-linked freight contracts less cash and cash equivalents less net cross currency and interest rate swaps less net cash management related instruments for the Group at the reporting date.

Gearing ratio






Ratio of Net debt to Net debt plus Net assets.

Net operating assets

Enables a clearer view of the assets deployed to generate earnings by highlighting the net operating assets of the business separate from the financing and tax balances. This measure helps provide an indicator of the underlying performance of our assets and enhances comparability between them.

Operating assets net of operating liabilities, including the carrying value of equity accounted investments and predominantly excludes cash balances, loans to associates, interest bearing liabilities, derivatives hedging our net debt and tax balances.

Underlying Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

Indicator of the Group’s capital efficiency and is provided on an underlying basis to allow comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.

Profit after taxation excluding exceptional items and net finance costs (after taxation) divided by average capital employed.

Profit after taxation excluding exceptional items and net finance costs (after taxation) is profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations excluding exceptional items, net finance costs and the estimated taxation impact of net finance costs. These are annualised for a half-year end reporting period.

The estimated tax impact is calculated using a prima facie taxation rate on net finance costs (excluding any foreign exchange impact).

Average capital employed is calculated as the average of net assets less net debt for the last two reporting periods.

Adjusted effective tax rate

Provides an underlying tax basis to allow comparability of underlying financial performance by excluding the impacts of exceptional items.

Total taxation expense/(benefit) excluding exceptional items and exchange rate movements included in taxation expense/(benefit) divided by Profit before taxation and exceptional items.

Unit cost

Used to assess the controllable financial performance of the Group’s assets for each unit of production. Unit costs are adjusted for site specific non-controllable factors to enhance comparability between the Group’s assets.

Ratio of net costs of the assets to the equity share of sales tonnage. Net costs is defined as revenue less Underlying EBITDA and excludes freight and other costs, depending on the nature of each asset. Freight is excluded as the Group believes it provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group.

Petroleum unit costs exclude:

•   exploration, development and evaluation expense as these costs do not represent our cost performance in relation to current production and the Group believes it provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group;

•   other costs that do not represent underlying cost performance of the business.

Escondida unit costs exclude:

•   by-product credits being the favourable impact of by-products (such as gold or silver) to determine the directly attributable costs of copper production.

WAIO, Queensland Coal and NSWEC unit costs exclude royalties as these are costs that are not deemed to be under the Group’s control, and the Group believes exclusion provides a similar basis of comparison to our peer group.

6.1.2    Definition and calculation of principal factors

The method of calculation of the principal factors that affect the period on period movements of Revenue, Profit from operations and Underlying EBITDA are as follows:

Principal factorMethod of calculation

Change in sales prices

Change in average realised price for each operation from the prior period to the current period, multiplied by current period sales volumes.

Price-linked costs

Change in price-linked costs (mainly royalties) for each operation from the prior period to the current period, multiplied by current period sales volumes.

Change in volumes

Change in sales volumes for each operation multiplied by the prior year average realised price less variable unit cost.

Controllable cash costs

Total of operating cash costs and exploration and business development costs.

Operating cash costs

Change in total costs, other than price-linked costs, exchange rates, inflation on costs, fuel and energy costs, non-cash costs and one-off items as defined below for each operation from the prior period to the current period.

Exploration and business development

Exploration and business development expense in the current period minus exploration and business development expense in the prior period.

Exchange rates

Change in exchange rate multiplied by current period local currency revenue and expenses.

Inflation on costs

Change in inflation rate applied to expenses, other than depreciation and amortisation, price-linked costs, exploration and business development expenses, expenses in ceased and sold operations and expenses in new and acquired operations.

Fuel and energy

Fuel and energy expense in the current period minus fuel and energy expense in the prior period.

Non-cash

Change in net impact of capitalisation and depletion of deferred stripping from the prior period to the current period.

One-off items

Change in costs exceeding a pre-determined threshold associated with an unexpected event that had not occurred in the last two years and is not reasonably likely to occur within the next two years.

Asset sales

Profit/(loss) on the sale of assets or operations in the current period minus profit/(loss) on sale of assets or operations in the prior period.

Ceased and sold operations

Underlying EBITDA for operations that ceased or were sold in the current period minus Underlying EBITDA for operations that ceased or were sold in the prior period.

Share of profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments

Share of profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments for the current period minus share of profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments in the prior period.

Other

Variances not explained by the above factors.

6.2    Information on mining operations

Minerals Australia

Copper mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.1)6.3.1) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.2)6.4.2).

 

Mine & location

 

Means of access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

style

 

Power

source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Olympic Dam

        
560 km northwest of Adelaide, South Australia 

Public road

 

Copper cathode trucked to ports

 

Uranium oxide transported by road to ports

 BHP 100% BHP 

Mining lease granted by South Australian Government expires in 2036

 

Right of extension for 50 years (subject to remaining mine life)

 

Acquired in 2005 as part of WMCWestern Mining Corporation (WMC) acquisition

 

Copper production began in 1988

 

Nominal milling capacity raised to 9 Mtpa in 1999

 

Optimisation project completed in 2002

 

New copper solvent extraction plant commissioned in 2004

 

Major smelter maintenance campaign completed in 2018

 

Underground

 

Large poly-metallic deposit of iron oxide-copper-uranium-gold mineralisation

 

Electricity transmitted via (i) BHP’s 275 kV power line from Port Augusta and (ii) ElectraNet’s system upstream of Port Augusta

 

Energy purchased via Retail Agreement

 

Underground automated train and trucking network feeding crushing, storage and ore hoisting facilities

 

2 grinding circuits

 

Nominal milling capacity: 10.3 Mtpa

 

Flash furnace produces copper anodes, then refined to produce copper cathodes

 

Electrowon copper cathode and uranium oxide concentrate produced by leaching and solvent extracting flotation tailings

224


Iron ore mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our iron ore mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.1)6.3.1) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.2)6.4.2).

 

Mine & location

  

Means of
access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

 

Power source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

WAIO

Mt Newman joint venture

Pilbara region,

Western Australia

 

Mt Whaleback

Orebodies 18,

24, 25, 29, 30,

31, 32 and 35

  

Private road

 

Ore transported by Mt NewmanJV-owned rail to Port Hedland (427 km)

 

BHP 85%

 

Mitsui-ITOCHU Iron 10%

 

ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 5%

 BHP Mineral lease granted and held under the Iron Ore (Mount Newman) Agreement Act 1964 expires in 2030 with right to successive renewals of 21 years each 

Production began at Mt Whaleback in 1969

 

Production from Orebodies 18, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 35 complements production from Mt Whaleback

 

Production from Orebodies 31 and 32 started in 2015 and 2017 respectively

 

Open-cut

 

Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic iron formation, which are Brockman and Marra Mamba

 

Power for all mine operations both in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station

 

Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta

 

Newman Hub: primary crusher, ore handling plant, heavy media beneficiation plant, stockyard blending facility, single cell rotary car dumper, train load out (nominal capacity 7375 Mtpa)

 

Orebody 25 Ore processing plant (nominal capacity 12 Mtpa)

Yandi joint venture

       

Pilbara region,

Western Australia

  

Private road

 

Ore transported by Mt NewmanJV-owned rail to Port Hedland (316 km)

 

Yandi JV’s railway spur links Yandi hub to Mt Newman JV main line

 

BHP 85%

 

ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 8%

Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation 7%

 BHP Mining lease granted pursuant to the Iron Ore (Marillana Creek) Agreement Act 1991 expires in 2033 with 1 renewal right to a further 21 years to 2054 

Production began at the Yandi mine in 1992

 

Capacity of Yandi hub expanded between 1994 and 2013

 

Open-cut

 

Channel Iron Deposits are Cainozoic fluvial sediments

 

Power for all mine operations both in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station

 

Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta

 3 primary crushers, 3 ore handling plants, stockyard blending facility, and 2 train load outs (nominal capacity 80 Mtpa)

225


Mine & location

Means of
access

Ownership

Operator

Title, leases or
options

History

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

Power source

Facilities, use &
condition

Jimblebar operation*

       

Pilbara region,

Western Australia

  

Private road

 

Ore is transported via overland conveyor (12.4 km)

 

BHP 85%

 

ITOCHU Minerals and Energy ofIron Ore Australia 8%

Mitsui & Co. Iron Ore Exploration & Mining 7%

 

*Jimblebar is an ‘incorporated’ venture, with the above companies holding A Class Shares in Mining Lease 266SA Section 1 and Section 3 held by BHP Iron Ore Jimblebar Pty Ltd (BHPIOJ)

 

BHP holds 100% of the B Class Shares, which has rights to all other BHPIOJ assets

 BHP 

Mining lease granted pursuant to the Iron Ore (McCamey’s Monster) Agreement Authorisation Act 1972 expires in 2030 with rights to successive renewals of 21 years each

 

Production began in March 1989

 

From 2004, production was transferred to Wheelarra JV as part of the Wheelarra sublease agreement. agreement

This sublease agreement expired in March 2018

 

Ore was first produced from the newly commissioned Jimblebar hub in late 2013

Jimblebar sells ore to the Newman JV proximate to the Jimblebar hub

 

Open-cut

 

Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic banded iron formation, which are Brockman and Marra Mamba

 

Power for all mine operations both in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station

 

Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta

 

3 primary crushers, ore handling plant, train loadout, stockyard blending

facility and supporting mining hub infrastructure (nominal capacity 6571 Mtpa)

226


Mine & location

  

Means of
access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

 

Power source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Mt Goldsworthy joint venture       

Pilbara region, Western Australia

 

Yarrie Nimingarra

 

Mining Area C

  

Private road

 

Yarrie and Nimingarra iron ore transported by Mt GoldsworthyJV-owned rail to Port Hedland (218 km)

 

Mining Area C iron ore transported by Mt NewmanJV-owned rail to Port Hedland (360 km)

 

Mt Goldsworthy JV railway spur links Mining Area C to Yandi railway spur

 

BHP 85%

 

Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation 7%

ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 8%

 BHP 

1 mineral lease and 1 mining lease both granted pursuant to the Iron Ore (Goldsworthy – Nimingarra) Agreement Act 1972, expire 2035, with rights to successive renewals of 21 years

 

A number of smaller mining leases granted under the Mining Act 1978 expire in 2026 with rights to successive renewals of 21 years

3 mineral leases granted under the Iron Ore (Mount Goldsworthy) Agreement Act 1964, which expire 2028, with rights to successive renewals of 21 years each

 

Operations commenced at Mt Goldsworthy in 1966 and at Shay Gap in 1973

 

Original Goldsworthy mine closed in 1982

 

Associated Shay Gap mine closed in 1993

 

Mining at Nimingarra mine ceased in 2007, then continued from adjacent Yarrie area

Production commenced at Mining Area C mine in 2003

 

Yarrie mine operations were suspended in February 2014

 

Mining Area C, Yarrie and Nimingarra are allopen-cut

 

Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic iron formation, which are Brockman, Marra Mamba and Nimingarra

 

Power for Yarrie and Shay Gap is supplied by their own small diesel generating stations

 

Power for all remaining mine operations both in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station

 

Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta

 2 primary crushers, 2 ore handling plants, stockyard blending facility and train load out (nominal capacity 60 Mtpa)

227


Mine & location

  

Means of
access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

 

Power source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

POSMAC joint venture       

Pilbara Region,

region, Western Australia

  

Private road

 

POSMAC JV sells ore to Mt Goldsworthy JV at Mining Area C

Ore is transported via Mt Goldsworthy JV-owned rail and Mt Newman JV-owned railed to Port Hedland

 

BHP 65%

 

ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia 8%,

Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation 7%

POS-OrePOSCO-Ore 20%

 BHP 

Sublease over part of Mt Goldsworthy Mining Area C mineral lease that expires on the earlier of

termination of the mineral lease or the end of the POSMAC JV

 

Production commenced in October 2003

 

POSMAC JV sells all ore to Mt Goldsworthy JV at Mining Area C (FY2020 ore production <1 Mt)

 

Open-cut

 

Bedded ore types classified as per host Archaean or Proterozoic iron formation, which is Marra Mamba

 

Power for all mine operations both in the Central and Eastern Pilbara is supplied by BHP’s natural gas fired Yarnima power station

 

Power consumed in port operations is supplied via a contract with Alinta

 POSMAC sells all ore to Mt Goldsworthy JV, which is then processed at Mining Area C

228


Coal mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.1)6.3.1) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.2)6.4.2).

 

Mine &
location

 

Means of access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation style

 

Power
source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Queensland Coal
Central Queensland Coal Associates joint venture

Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia

 

Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow Daunia Caval Ridge Peak Downs Saraji

Blackwater and Norwich Park mines

 

Public road

 

Coal transported by rail to Hay Point, Gladstone, Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point ports

 

Distances between the mines and port are between 160 km and 315 km

 

BHP 50%

 

Mitsubishi Development 50%

 BMA 

Mining leases, including undeveloped tenements, expire in 2031,between 2021 and 2043, renewable for further periods as Queensland Government legislation allows

 

Mining is permitted to continue under the legislation during the renewal application period

 

Goonyella mine commenced in 1971, merged with adjoining Riverside mine in 1989

 

Operates as Goonyella Riverside

 

Production commenced at:

Peak Downs in 1972 Saraji in 1974 Norwich Park in 1979 Blackwater in 1967 Broadmeadow (longwall operations) in 2005 Daunia in 2013 and Caval Ridge in 2014

 

Production at Norwich Park ceased in May 2012

 

Allopen-cut except Broadmeadow: longwall underground

 

Bituminous coal is mined from the Permian Moranbah and Rangal Coal measures

 

Products range from premium quality, low volatile, high vitrinite, hard coking coal to medium volatile hard coking coal, to weak coking coal, some pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal and medium ash thermal coal as a secondary product

 Queensland electricity grid connection is under long-term contracts and energy purchased via Retail Agreements 

On-site beneficiation processing facilities

 

Combined nominal capacity: in excess of 67 Mtpa

229


Mine &
location

Means of access

Ownership

Operator

Title, leases or
options

History

Mine type &
mineralisation style

Power
source

Facilities, use &
condition

Gregory joint venture

Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia

Gregory and Crinum mines

Public road

Coal transported by rail to Hay Point and Gladstone ports

Distances between the mines and port are between 310 km and 370 km

BHP 50%

Mitsubishi Development 50%

BMA

Mining leases, including undeveloped tenements, expire between 2019 and 2039, renewable for further periods as Queensland Government legislation allows

Mining is permitted to continue under the legislation during the renewal application period

Production commenced at:

Gregory in 1979

Crinum mine (longwall) commenced in 1997

Production at Gregoryopen-cut mine ceased in October 2012

Production at Crinum underground mine ceased in November 2015

Agreement entered for sale of our entire 50% interest in Gregory Joint Venture

On 27 March 2019, BMA completed the sale of Gregory Crinum Mine to Sojitz Corporation

Gregory:open-cut

Crinum: longwall underground

Bituminous coal is mined from the Permian German Creek Coal measures

Product is a high volatile, low ash hard coking coal

Queensland electricity grid connection is under long-term contracts and energy purchased via Retail Agreements

On-site beneficiation processing facility

Facilities under care and maintenance

230


Mine &
location

Means of access

Ownership

Operator

Title, leases or
options

History

Mine type &
mineralisation style

Power
source

Facilities, use &
condition

BHP Mitsui Coal       

Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia

 

South Walker Creek and Poitrel mines

 

Public road

 

Coal transported by rail to Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay ports

 

Distances between the mines and port are between 135 km and 165 km

 

BHP 80%

 

Mitsui and Co 20%

 BMC 

Mining leases, including undeveloped tenements, expire between 2020 and 2034 and are2041 (renewal pending), renewable for further periods as Queensland Government legislation allows

 

Mining is permitted to continue under the legislation during the renewal application period

 

South Walker Creek commenced in 1996 Poitrel commenced in 2006

 

BMC purchased remaining 50% share of Red Mountain processing facility in 2018 to secure 100% ownership

 

Open-cut

 

Bituminous coal is mined from the Permian Rangal Coal measures

 

Produces a range of coking coal and pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal

 Queensland electricity grid connection is under long-term contracts and energy purchased via Retail Agreements 

South Walker Creek coal beneficiatedon-site

 

Nominal capacity: in excess of 6 Mtpa

 

Poitrel mine utilises Red Mountain for processing and rail loading facilities

 

Nominal capacity: in excess of 4 Mtpa

231


Mine &
location

 

Means of access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation style

 

Power
source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

New South Wales Energy Coal
Mt Arthur Coal

Approximately 126 km northwest of Newcastle,

New South Wales, Australia

 

Public road

 

Domestic coal transported by conveyor to Bayswater and Liddell Power StationsStations. Domestic sales ceased during FY2020 and the conveyor has been decommissioned

 

Export coal transported by third party rail to Newcastle port

 BHP 100% BHP 

Current Development Consent expires in 2026, an extensionnew state and federal approvals will be sought within the next few years to allow mining to continue beyond 30 June 2026

This work has commenced

 

MAC holds 10 mining leases, 2 sub leases and 3 exploration licences

 

MAC’s primary exploration licence (EL5965) is in the process of being renewed

In December 2019, the NSW Department of Planning Infrastructure and Environment issued HVEC with a ‘Notice of Intent To Renew In Full’ with the final approval currently being renewedprocessed

 

Production commenced in 2002

 

Government approval permits extraction of up to 36 Mtpa of run of mine coal from underground andopen-cut operations, withopen-cut extraction limited to 32 Mtpa

 

Open-cut

 

Produces a medium rank bituminous thermal coal

 NSW electricity grid connection under a deemed long-term contract and energy purchased via a Retail Agreement 

Beneficiation facilities: coal handling, preparation, washing plants

 

Nominal capacity: in excess of 23 Mtpa

232


Nickel mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.1)6.3.1) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.2)6.4.2).

 

Mine &
location

 

Means of access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation style

 

Power source

 

Facilities,
use &
condition

Nickel West
Mt Keith mine and concentrator
485 km north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 

Private road

 

Nickel concentrate transported by road to Leinster nickel operations for drying andon- shipping

 

BHP

100%

 BHP 

Mining leases granted by Western Australian Government

 

Key leases expire between 2029 and 2036

 

Renewals at government discretion

 

Commissioned in 1995 by WMC

 

Acquired in 2005 as part of WMC acquisition

 

Open-cut

 

Disseminated textured magmatic nickel-sulphide mineralisation associated with a metamorphosed ultramafic intrusion

 

On-site third partygas-fired turbines with backup from diesel engine generation

 

Contracts expire in December 2023

 

Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts

 

Concentration plant with a nominal capacity:

11 Mtpa of ore

Leinster mine complex and concentrator
375 km north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 

Public road

 

Nickel concentrate shipped by road and rail to Kalgoorlie nickel smelterNickel Smelter

 

BHP

100%

 BHP 

Mining leases granted by Western Australian Government

 

Key leases expire between 2025 and 20342040

 

Renewals of principal mineral lease in accordance with Nickel (agnew)(Agnew) Agreement

 

Production commenced in 1979

 

Acquired in 2005 as part of WMC acquisition

 

Perseverance underground mine ceased operations during 2013

 

Open-cut and underground

 

Steeply dipping disseminated and massive textured nickel-sulphide mineralisation associated with metamorphosed ultramafic lava flows and intrusions

 

On-site third partygas-fired turbines with back up from diesel engine generation

 

Contracts expire in December 2023

 

Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts

 Concentration plant with a nominal capacity: 3 Mtpa of ore
Cliffs mine        
481 km north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 

Private road

 

Nickel ore transported by road to Leinster nickel operationsor Mt Keith for further processing

 

BHP

100%

 BHP 

Mining leases granted by Western Australian Government

 

Key leases expire between 2025 and 2028

 

Renewals at government discretion

 

Production commenced in 2008

 

Acquired in 2005 as part of WMC acquisition

 

Underground

 

Steeply dipping massive textured nickel-sulphide mineralisation associated with metamorphosed ultramafic lava flows

 Supplied from Mt Keith Mine site

233


Nickel smelters, refineries and processing plants

 

Smelter, refinery or
processing plant

 

Location

 Ownership 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

Product

 

Nominal production
capacity

 

Power
source

Nickel West       
Kambalda       
Nickel concentrator 56 km south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia BHP 100% BHP 

Mineral leases granted by Western Australian Government

 

Key leases expire in 2028

No further term possible. New mining leases will be sought

 Concentrate containing approximately 13% nickel 

1.6 Mtpa ore

 

Ore sourced through tolling and concentrate purchase arrangements with third parties in Kambalda region

 

On-site third partygas-fired turbines supplemented by access to grid power

 

Contracts expire in December 2023

 

Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts

Kalgoorlie
Nickel smelter Kalgoorlie, Western Australia BHP 100% BHP Freehold title over the property Matte containing approximately 65% nickel 110 ktpa matte 

On-site third partygas-fired turbines supplemented by access to grid power

 

Contracts expire in December 2023

 

Natural gas sourced and transported under separate long-term contracts

Kwinana
Nickel refinery 30 km south of Perth, Western Australia BHP 100% BHP Freehold title over the property 

LMELondon Metal Exchange (LME) grade nickel briquettes, nickel powder

 

Also intermediate products, including copper sulphide, cobalt-nickel-sulphide, ammonium-sulphate

 7982.5 ktpa nickel matte Power is sourced from the local grid, which is supplied under a retail contract

234


Minerals Americas

Copper mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.1)6.3.1) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.2)6.4.2).

 

Mine & location

 

Means of access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

 

Power source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Escondida        

Atacama Desert

170 km southeast of Antofagasta, Chile

 

Private road available for public use

 

Copper cathode transported by privately owned rail to ports at Antofagasta and Mejillones

 

Copper concentrate transported by Escondida-owned pipelines to its Coloso port facilities

 

BHP 57.5%

 

Rio Tinto 30%

JECO Corporation consortium comprising Mitsubishi,

JX Nippon Mining and Metals 10%

JECO2 Ltd 2.5%

 BHP Mining concession from Chilean Government valid indefinitely (subject to payment of annual fees) 

Original construction completed in 1990

 

Sulphide leach copper production commencedStart of operations of the third concentrator plant in 2015

2006

Inauguration of Escondida Water Supply desalination plant (2018) and its extension (2019)

 

2 open-cut pits: Escondida and Escondida Norte

 

Escondida and Escondida Norte mineral deposits are adjacent but distinct supergene enriched porphyry copper deposits

 

Escondida-owned transmission lines connect to Chile’s northern power grid

 

Electricity sourced from a combination of contracts with external vendors expiring in 2029 and Tamakaya SpA (100% owned by BHP), which generates power from the recently commissioned Kelargas-fired power plantplant.

New renewable power agreements signed in 2019

 

3 concentrator plants extract copper concentrate from sulphide ore by flotation extraction process

 

2 solvent extraction and electrowinning plants produce copper cathode

 

Nominal capacity: 153.7 Mtpa (nominal milling capacity) and 350 ktpa copper cathode (nominal capacity of tank house)

 

2 x 168 km concentrate pipelines,

167 km water pipeline

Port facilities at Coloso, Antofagasta

 

Desalinated water plant (Nominal

(total water capacity 2,500 litreof 3,800 litres per second)

235


Mine & location

Means of access

Ownership

Operator

Title, leases or
options

History

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

Power source

Facilities, use &
condition

Pampa Norte Spence      

Atacama Desert

162 km northeast of Antofagasta, Chile

 

Public road

 

Copper cathode transported by rail to ports at Mejillones and Antofagasta

 BHP 100% BHP Mining concession from Chilean Government valid indefinitely (subject to payment of annual fees) 

Development cost of US$1.1 billion approved in 2004

First copper produced in 2006

Spence Growth Option (SGO) project (i.e. new 95ktpd concentrator plant) was approved in 2017

 

Open-cut

Enriched and oxidised porphyry copper deposit containing in situ copper oxide mineralisation that overlies a near-horizontal sequence of supergene sulphides, transitional sulphides, and finally primary (hypogene) sulphide mineralisation

 

Spence-owned transmission lines connect to Chile’s northern power grid

 

Electricity purchased under contractfrom external vendors.

New renewable power agreements signed in 2019

 

Processing and crushing facilities, separate dynamic(on-off) leach pads, solvent extraction plant,and electrowinning plantplants

 

Nominal capacity of tank house: 200 ktpa copper cathode

236


Mine & location

 

Means of access

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

 

Power source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Pampa Norte Cerro Colorado

Atacama Desert

120 km east of Iquique, Chile

 

Public road

 

Copper cathode trucked to port at Iquique

 BHP 100% BHP Mining concession from Chilean Government valid indefinitely (subject to payment of annual fees) 

Commercial production commenced in 1994

 

Expansions in 1996 and 1998

 

Open-cut

 

Enriched and oxidised porphyry copper deposit containing in situ copper oxide mineralisation that overlies a near-horizontal sequence of supergene sulphides, transitional sulphides, and finally primary (hypogene) sulphide mineralisation

 Long-term contracts with northern Chile power gridElectricity purchased from external vendors 

2 primary, secondary and tertiary crushers, dynamic leachingleach pads, solvent extraction plant, electrowinning plant

 

Nominal capacity of tank house: 130 ktpa copper cathode

Antamina

Andes mountain range

270 km north of Lima, north central Peru

 

Public road

 

Copper and zinc concentrates transported by pipeline to port of Huarmey

 

Molybdenum and lead/bismuth concentrates transported by truck

 

BHP 33.75%

 

Glencore 33.75%

Teck 22.5%

Mitsubishi 10%

 Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. Mining rights from Peruvian Government held indefinitely, subject to payment of annual fees and supply of information on investment and production Commercial production commenced in 2001 

Open-cut

 

Zoned porphyry and skarn deposit with central copper dominated ores and an outer band of copper-zinc dominated ores

 Long-term contracts with individual power producers 

Primary crusher, concentrator, copper and zinc flotation circuits, bismuth/moly cleaning circuit

 

Nominal milling capacity 53 Mtpa

 

300 km concentrate pipeline Port facilities at Huarmey

��

237253


Iron ore mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.1)6.3.1) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.2)6.4.2).

 

Mine & location

 

Means of access

  

Ownership

  

Operator

  

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

 

Power source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Samarco

Southeast Brazil

 

Public road

 

Conveyor belts were used to transport iron ore to beneficiation plant

 

3 slurry pipelines used to transport concentrate to pellet plants on coast

 

Iron ore pellets were exported via port facilities

  

BHP Billiton Brasil Limitada 50% of Samarco Mineração S.A.

 

Vale S.A. 50%

  Samarco  The

Samarco’s mining facilities are currently under administrative embargoes and judicial injunction giveninjunctions have been lifted, and restart can occur when the Fundão dam failurefiltration system is complete and all safety requirements are met.

In October 2019, obtained the Corrective Operating Licence required to progress towards operational restart

of one concentrator

 

Production began at Germano mine in 1977 and at Alegria complex in 1992

 

Second pellet plant built in 1997

 

Third pellet plant, second concentrator and second pipeline built in 2008

 

Fourth pellet plant, third concentrator and third pipeline built in 2014

 

Open-cut

 

Itabirites (metamorphic quartz-hematite rock) and friable hematite ores

 

Samarco holds interests in 2 hydroelectric power plants, which supply part of its electricity

 

Power supply contract with Cemig Geração e Transmissão expires in 2022

 

Samarco mining activities are currently suspended after the failure of Fundão dam

The beneficiation plants, pipelines, pellet plants and port facilities are intact

intact. A re-start of operations is planned during FY2021.

Coal mining operations

The following table contains additional details of our mining operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.1)6.3.1) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.2)6.4.2).

 

Mine & location

 

Means of access

  

Ownership

  

Operator

  

Title, leases or
options

 

History

 

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

 

Power source

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Cerrejón

La Guajira province, Colombia 

Public road

 

Coal exported by company-owned rail to Puerto Bolivar (150 km)

  

BHP
33.33%

 

Anglo American 33.33%

Glencore 33.33%

  Cerrejón  

Mining leases expire progressively from 2028 to early 2034

Production not scheduled after 2033

 

Original mine began producing in 1976

 

BHP interest acquired in 2000

 

Open-cut

 

Produces a medium rank bituminous thermal coal(non-coking, suitable for the export market)

 Local Colombian power system 

Beneficiation facilities: crushing plant with capacity in excess of 40 Mtpa and washing plant

 

Nominal capacity in excess of 3 Mtpa

238


Mine & location

Means of access

Ownership

Operator

Title, leases or
options

History

Mine type &
mineralisation
style

Power source

Facilities, use &
condition

Navajo

40 km southwest of Farmington, New Mexico, United States

Public road

Coal transported by rail to Four Corners Power Plant

BHP 0%

Navajo Transitional Energy Company 100%

BHPLease held by Navajo Transitional Energy Company

Production commenced in 1963

Divested in FY2014

BHP continued to manage and operate the mine until the Mine Management Agreement with Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) ended on 31 December 2016

Open-cut

Produces a medium rank bituminous thermal coal(non-coking suitable for the domestic market only)

Four Corners Power Plant

Stackers and reclaimers used to size and blend coal to meet contract quantities and specification

Nominal capacity in excess of 4 Mtpa

239


Petroleum

Petroleum operations

The following table contains additional details of our petroleum operations. This table should be read in conjunction with the production table (refer to section 6.2.2)6.3.2) and reserves table (refer to section 6.3.1)6.4.1).

 

Operation &
location

 

Product

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or options

 

Nominal production
capacity

 

Facilities, use &
condition

United States

      
Offshore Gulf of Mexico     
Neptune (Green Canyon 613)     

Offshore

deepwater

Gulf of Mexico

(1,300m)(1,300 m)

 Oil and gas 

BHP 35%

 

EnVen Energy 30%

W&T Offshore 20%

31 Offshore 15%

 BHP Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities 50 Mbbl/d oil
50 MMcf/d gas
 Stand-alone tension leg platform (TLP)
Shenzi (Green Canyon 653)     

Offshore

deepwater

Gulf of Mexico

(1,310m)(1,310 m)

 Oil and gas 

BHP 44%

 

Hess 28%

Repsol 28%

 BHP Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities 100 Mbbl/d oil
50 MMcf/d gas
 

Stand-alone TLP

 

Genghis Khan field (part of same geological structure) tied back to Marco Polo TLP

Atlantis (Green Canyon 743)     

Offshore

deepwater

Gulf of Mexico

(2,155m)(2,155 m)

 Oil and gas 

BHP 44%

 

BP 56%

 BP Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities 200 Mbbl/d oil
180 MMcf/d gas
 Moored semi-submersible platform
Mad Dog (Green Canyon 782)     

Offshore

deepwater

Gulf of Mexico

(1,310m)(1,310 m)

 Oil and gas 

BHP 23.9%

 

BP 60.5%

Chevron 15.6%

 BP Lease from US Government as long as oil and gas produced in paying quantities 100 Mbbl/d oil
60 MMcf/d gas
 Moored integrated truss spar, facilities for simultaneous production and drilling operations

240


Operation & location

Product

Ownership

Operator

Title, leases or options

Nominal production
capacity

Facilities, use &
condition

Australia      
Bass Strait
Offshore and onshore Victoria Oil and gas 

Gippsland Basin joint venture (GBJV):

BHP 50%

 

Esso Australia (Exxon Mobil subsidiary) 50%

 

Kipper Unit joint venture (KUJV):

BHP 32.5%

Esso Australia 32.5%

MEPAU A Pty Ltd 35%

 Esso Australia 

20 production licences and 2 retention leases issued by Australian Government

 

ExpireLicences and leases expire between 20192020 and end of life of field

1 production licence held with MEPAU A Pty Ltd

 

65 Mbbl/d oil

1,040 TJ/d

5,150 tpd LPG

850 tpd Ethane

 

411 offshore fields producing through offshore infrastructure, including 12 steel jacket platforms, 2 concrete gravity platforms and a subsea pipeline network

 

Onshore infrastructure:


– Longford facility (gas conditioning/processing and liquids processing facilities)

– interconnecting pipelines

– Long Island Point (LPG processing and liquids storage/offtake)

– heliport and onshore supply base

241


Operation & location

 

Product

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or
options

 

Nominal production
capacity

 

Facilities, use &
condition

North West Shelf

Offshore and onshore Western Australia

North Rankin

Goodwyn Perseus

Angel and Searipple fields

 

Domestic gas, LPG, condensate,

LNG

 

North West Shelf Project is an unincorporated JV

 

BHP:

16.67% of Incremental Pipeline Gas (IPG) domestic gas JV 16.67% of original LNG JV

12.5% of China LNG JV 16.67%

15.78% of LPG JVExtended Interest Joint Venture

 

Other participants: subsidiaries of Woodside, Chevron, BP, Shell, Mitsubishi/Mitsui and China National Offshore Oil Corporation

 Woodside Petroleum Ltd 

14 production licences issued by Australian Government

 

ExpireLicences expire between 2022 and 5 years after production ceases

 

North Rankin Complex: 3,010 MMcf/d gas

53 Mbbl/d condensate

 

Goodwyn A platform:

1,746 MMcf/d gas
100 Mbbl/d condensate

 

Angel platform:

960 MMcf/d gas

51 Mbbl/d condensate

 

Withnell Bay gas plant:

630 MMcf/d gas

 

5-train LNG plant:

52,000 tpd LNG

 

Production from offshore fields is processed over the North Rankin PersephoneComplex, Goodwyn Alpha and Perseus processed throughAngel platforms, then transported onshore to the interconnected North Rankin A and North Rankin B platformsKarratha Gas Plant by 2 subsea trunklines

 

Production from Goodwyn processed through Goodwyn A platform

Production from Perseus, Tidepole, Keast, Dockrell, Sculptor, Rankin, Lady NoraThe Karratha Gas Plant comprises 5 LNG processing trains, two domestic gas trains, LPG fractionation and Pemberton fields tied back via subsea wells to the Goodwyn A platform

Production from Angel field processed through Angel platform

Onshore gas treatment plant at Withnell Bay processes gas for domestic market

5-train LNG plantcondensate stabilisation units and associated storage and loading facilities

242


Operation & location

North West Shelf
 

Product

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or options

 

Nominal production
capacity

Facilities, use &
condition

North West Shelf

Offshore

Western Australia

Wanaea

Cossack

Lambert and

Hermes fields

 Oil 

BHP 16.67%

 

Woodside 33.34%,

BP, Chevron, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) 16.67% each

 Woodside Petroleum Ltd 

3 production licences issued by Australian Government

Expire

Licences expire between 2033 and 2039

 Production: 60 Mbbl/d Storage: 1 MMbbl 12 subsea well completions (4 producers), FPSO unit
Pyrenees     

Offshore

Western Australia

Crosby

Moondyne

Wild Bull

Tanglehead

Stickle and

Ravensworth fields

 Oil 

WA-42-L permit:

BHP 71.43%

 

Quadrant PVG P/L 28.57%

 

WA-43-L permit:
BHP 39.999%

 

Quadrant PVG P/L 31.501%
Inpex Alpha Ltd 28.5%

 BHP Production licence issued by Australian Government expires 5 years after production ceases 

Production: 96 Mbbl/d oil

 

Storage: 920 Mbbl

 26 subsea well completions (21 producers, 4 water injectors, 1 gas injector), FPSO unit
Macedon

Offshore and onshore Western Australia

 Gas and condensate 

WA-42-L permit

BHP 71.43%

Quadrant PVG P/L 28.57%

 BHP Production licence issued by Australian Government expires 5 years after production ceases 

Production:

213 MMcf/d gas

20 bbl/d condensate

 

4 well completions

Single flow line transports gas to onshore gas processing facility

Gas plant located approximately 17 km southwest of Onslow

243


Operation & location

 

Product

 

Ownership

 

Operator

 

Title, leases or options

 

Nominal production
capacity

 

Facilities, use &
condition

Minerva
Offshore and onshore Victoria Gas and condensate 

BHP 90%

Cooper Energy (MF) Pty Ltd 10%

 BHP Production licence issued by Australian Government expires 5 years after production ceases 150 TJ/d gas
600 bbl/d condensate
 

2 subsea well completions (2 producing wells)

 

Single flow line transports gas to onshore gas processing facility

 

Gas plant located approximately 4 km inland from Port Campbell

 

On 3 September 2019, the Minerva gas field reached end-of-field life and production ceased at the Minerva gas plant

On 1 May 2018, BHP entered into an agreement for the sale of its interests in the onshore gas plant with subsidiaries of Cooper Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd. Agreement is conditionalThe sale was completed on regulatory approval

244


Operation & location

Product

Ownership

Operator

Title, leases or options

Nominal production
capacity

Facilities, use &
condition
5 December 2019

Other production operations

Trinidad and Tobago
Greater Angostura

Offshore

Trinidad and Tobago

 Oil and gas 

BHP 45%

 

National Gas
Company 30%
Chaoyang 25%

 BHP Production sharing contract with the Trinidad and Tobago Government entitles us to operate Greater Angostura until 20262031 

100 Mbbl/d oil

340 MMcf/d gas

 

Integrated oil and gas development: central processing platform connected to 4 wellhead platforms and a gas export platform

 

31 wells completed for production and injection including: 17 oil producers, 7 gas producers (3 subsea) and 7 gas injectors

Algeria
ROD Integrated Development

Onshore

Berkine Basin

900 km southeast of Algiers, Algeria

 Oil 

BHP 45% interest in 401a/402a production sharing contract
ENI 55%

 

BHP effective 29.3%29.2% interest in ROD unitised integrated development

 Joint Sonatrach/ENI entity Production sharing contract with Sonatrach (title holder) Approximately 80 Mbbl/d oil 

Development and production of 6 oil fields

 

2 largest fields (ROD and SF SFNE) extend into neighbouring blocks 403a, 403d

 

Production through dedicated processing train on block 403

245


6.26.3    Production

6.2.16.3.1    Production – Minerals

The table below details our mineral and derivative product production for all operations (except Petroleum) for the three years ended 30 June 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018. Unless otherwise stated, the production numbers represent our share of production and include BHP’s share of production from which profit is derived from our equity accounted investments. Production information for equity accounted investments is included to provide insight into the operational performance of these entities. For discussion of minerals pricing during the past three years, refer to section 1.6.2.1.5.2.

 

   BHP Group
interest
%
   BHP share of production(1)
Year ended 30 June
 
       2019           2018           2017     

Copper(2)

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    882.1    925.8    539.6 

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    147.2    139.5    133.8 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper concentrate

     1,029.3    1,065.3    673.4 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper cathode(‘000 tonnes)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    253.2    287.5    232.0 

Pampa Norte, Chile (5)

   100    246.5    263.8    254.3 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   100    160.3    136.7    166.3 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper cathode

     660.0    688.0    652.6 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper concentrate and cathode

     1,689.3    1,753.3    1,326.0 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Lead

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)

        

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    2.4    3.4    5.5 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total lead

     2.4    3.4    5.5 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Zinc

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)

        

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    98.1    119.8    87.5 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total zinc

     98.1    119.8    87.5 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gold

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    286.0    229.1    110.9 

Olympic Dam, Australia (refined gold)

   100    107.0    91.6    104.1 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gold

     393.0    320.7    215.0 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Silver

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    8,830    8,796    4,326 

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    4,758    5,437    5,783 

Olympic Dam, Australia (refined silver)

   100    923    792    768 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total silver

     14,511    15,025    10,877 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Uranium

        

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

        

Olympic Dam, Australia

   100    3,565    3,364    3,661 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total uranium

     3,565    3,364    3,661 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Molybdenum

        

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

        

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    1,141    1,662    1,144 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total molybdenum

     1,141    1,662    1,144 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

246

   BHP interest
%
   BHP share of production (1)
Year ended 30 June
 
   2020   2019   2018 

Copper (2)

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    925.9    882.1    925.8 

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    124.5    147.2    139.5 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper concentrate

     1,050.4    1,029.3    1,065.3 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper cathode (‘000 tonnes)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    259.4    253.2    287.5 

Pampa Norte, Chile (5)

   100    242.7    246.5    263.8 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   100    171.6    160.3    136.7 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper cathode

     673.7    660.0    688.0 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper concentrate and cathode

     1,724.1    1,689.3    1,753.3 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Lead

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)

        

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    1.7    2.4    3.4 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total lead

     1.7    2.4    3.4 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Zinc

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)

        

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    88.5    98.1    119.8 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total zinc

     88.5    98.1    119.8 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gold

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    177.4    286.0    229.1 

Olympic Dam, Australia (refined gold)

   100    146.0    107.0    91.6 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gold

     323.4    393.0    320.7 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Silver

        

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)

        

Escondida, Chile (3)

   57.5    6,413    8,830    8,796 

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    4,116    4,758    5,437 

Olympic Dam, Australia (refined silver)

   100    984    923    792 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total silver

     11,513    14,511    15,025 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Uranium

        

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

        

Olympic Dam, Australia

   100    3,678    3,565    3,364 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total uranium

     3,678    3,565    3,364 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Molybdenum

        

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

        

Antamina, Peru (4)

   33.75    1,666    1,141    1,662 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total molybdenum

     1,666    1,141    1,662 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


  BHP Group
interest
%
   BHP Group share of production (1)
Year ended 30 June
   BHP interest
%
   BHP share of production (1)
Year ended 30 June
 
      2019           2018           2017       2020   2019   2018 

Iron ore

                

Western Australia Iron Ore

                

Production (‘000 tonnes) (6)

                

Newman, Australia

   85    66,622    67,071    68,283    85    65,641    66,622    67,071 

Area C Joint Venture, Australia

   85    47,440    51,517    48,744    85    51,499    47,440    51,517 

Yandi Joint Venture, Australia

   85    65,197    64,048    65,355    85    69,262    65,197    64,048 

Jimblebar, Australia (7)

   85    58,546    30,627    21,950    85    61,754    58,546    30,627 

Wheelarra, Australia (8)

   85    159    25,158    27,020    85    3    159    25,158 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Western Australia Iron Ore

     237,964    238,421    231,352      248,159    237,964    238,421 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Samarco, Brazil (4)

   50                50             
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total iron ore

     237,964    238,421    231,352      248,159    237,964    238,421 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Coal

                

Metallurgical coal

                

Production (‘000 tonnes) (9)

                

Blackwater, Australia

   50    6,603    6,688    7,296    50    5,545    6,603    6,688 

Goonyella Riverside, Australia

   50    8,563    7,961    7,355    50    8,765    8,563    7,961 

Peak Downs, Australia

   50    5,933    6,350    6,055    50    5,783    5,933    6,350 

Saraji, Australia

   50    4,892    5,053    4,734    50    4,963    4,892    5,053 

Daunia, Australia

   50    2,178    2,556    2,560    50    2,170    2,178    2,556 

Caval Ridge, Australia

   50    3,967    4,285    3,458    50    4,349    3,967    4,285 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total BHP Mitsubishi Alliance

     32,136    32,893    31,458      31,575    32,136    32,893 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

South Walker Creek, Australia (10)

   80    6,194    6,029    5,123    80    5,415    6,194    6,029 

Poitrel, Australia (10)

   80    4,071    3,718    3,189    80    4,128    4,071    3,718 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total BHP Mitsui Coal

     10,265    9,747    8,312      9,543    10,265    9,747 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Queensland Coal

     42,401    42,640    39,770      41,118    42,401    42,640 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

IndoMet, Haju, Indonesia (11)

   75            129 
    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total metallurgical coal

     42,401    42,640    39,899 
    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Energy coal

                

Production (‘000 tonnes)

                

Navajo, United States (12)

   100            451 

San Juan, United States

   100             
    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total New Mexico Coal

             451 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia

   100    18,257    18,541    18,176    100    16,052    18,257    18,541 

Cerrejón, Colombia (4)

   33.3    9,230    10,617    10,959    33.3    7,115    9,230    10,617 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total energy coal

     27,487    29,158    29,586      23,167    27,487    29,158 
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
  BHP Group
interest
%
   BHP Group share of production (1)
Year ended 30 June
 
      2019           2018           2017     

Other assets

        

Nickel

        

Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)

        

Nickel West, Australia (13)(14)

   100    87.4    93.0    85.8 
    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total nickel

     87.4    93.0    85.8 
    

 

   

 

   

 

 

   BHP interest
%
   BHP share of production (1)
Year ended 30 June
 
   2020   2019   2018 

Other assets

        

Nickel

        

Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)

        

Nickel West, Australia (11)(12)

   100    80.1    87.4    93.0 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nickel

     80.1    87.4    93.0 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

BHP share of production includes the Group’s share of production for which profit is derived from our equity accounted investments, unless otherwise stated.

 

247


(2) 

Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

 

(3) 

Shown on 100 per cent basis following the application of IFRS 10. BHP interest in saleable production is 57.5 per cent.

 

(4) 

For statutory financial reporting purposes, this is an equity accounted investment. We have included production numbers from our equity accounted investments as the level of production and operating performance from these operations impacts Underlying EBITDA of the Group. Our use of Underlying EBITDA is explained in section 1.12.1.10. Samarco operations are currently suspended following the Samarco dam failure as explained in section 1.7.1.8.

 

(5) 

Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

 

(6) 

Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

 

(7) 

Shown on 100 per cent basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 85 per cent.

 

(8) 

All production from Wheelarra is now processed via the Jimblebar processing hub.

 

(9) 

Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

 

(10) 

Shown on 100 per cent basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 80 per cent.

 

(11) 

Shown on 100 per cent basis. BHP interest in saleable production is 75 per cent.

(12)

BHP completed the sale of Navajo Mine on 30 December 2013. As BHP retained control of the mine until 29 July 2016, production has been reported through such date.

(13)

Production restated to include other nickelby-products.

 

(14)(12) 

Nickel contained in refined nickel metal, including briquette and power, matte andby-product streams.

6.2.2

6.3.2    Production – Petroleum

The table below details Petroleum’s historical net crude oil and condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids production, primarily by geographic segment, for each of the three years ended 30 June 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018. We have shown volumes of marketable production after deduction of applicable royalties, fuel and flare. We have included in the table average production costs per unit of production and average sales prices for oil and condensate and natural gas for each of those periods.

 

   BHP Group share of production
Year ended 30 June
 
       2019           2018           2017     

Production volumes

      

Crude oil and condensate(‘000 of barrels)

      

Australia

   14,365    16,545    18,658 

United States – Conventional

   28,047    27,476    29,933 

United States – Onshore US (5)

   6,411    19,464    22,944 

Other (4)

   4,885    4,616    4,850 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total crude oil and condensate

   53,708    68,101    76,385 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Natural gas(billion cubic feet)

      

Australia

   310.1    325.0    345.7 

United States – Conventional

   10.4    9.5    10.3 

United States – Onshore US (5)

   96.3    258.5    275.0 

Other (4)

   76.2    42.5    36.8 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total natural gas

   493.0    635.5    667.8 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids (1)(‘000 of barrels)

      

Australia

   6,265    6,955    7,423 

United States – Conventional

   1,581    1,725    1,725 

United States – Onshore US (5)

   3,505    9,560    11,427 

Other (4)

   42    88    119 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total NGL (1)

   11,392    18,328    20,694 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total production of petroleum products(million barrels of oil equivalent) (2)

      

Australia

   72.3    77.7    83.7 

United States – Conventional

   31.4    30.8    33.4 

United States – Onshore US (5)

   26.0    72.1    80.2 

Other (4)

   17.6    11.8    11.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total production of petroleum products

   147.3    192.4    208.4 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average sales price

      

Crude oil and condensate(US$ per barrel)

      

Australia

   69.50    63.69    50.59 

United States – Conventional

   64.65    58.55    45.45 

United States – Onshore US

   68.02    59.03    47.91 

Other (4)

   68.86    61.73    47.96 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total crude oil and condensate

   66.73    60.12    47.61 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Natural gas(US$ per thousand cubic feet)

      

Australia

   7.00    5.97    5.06 

248


  BHP Group share of production
Year ended 30 June
   BHP share of production
Year ended 30 June
 
      2019           2018           2017           2020           2019           2018     

Production volumes

      

Crude oil and condensate (‘000 of barrels)

      

Australia

   14,044    14,365    16,545 

United States – Conventional

   3.22    3.12    4.39    23,345    28,047    27,476 

United States – Onshore US

   2.90    2.79    2.82 

Other (4)

   2.87    3.19    2.72 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       6,411    19,464 

Other (2)

   3,823    4,885    4,616 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total crude oil and condensate

   41,212    53,708    68,101 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Natural gas (billion cubic feet)

      

Australia

   292.6    310.1    325.0 

United States – Conventional

   8.1    10.4    9.5 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       96.3    258.5 

Other (2)

   58.9    76.2    42.5 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total natural gas

   359.6    493.0    635.5 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Natural gas liquids (3) (‘000 of barrels)

      

Australia

   6,462    6,265    6,955 

United States – Conventional

   1,189    1,581    1,725 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       3,505    9,560 

Other (2)

       42    88 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total NGL (3)

   7,651    11,392    18,328 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total production of petroleum products (million barrels of oil equivalent) (4)

      

Australia

   69.3    72.3    77.7 

United States – Conventional

   25.9    31.4    30.8 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       26.0    72.1 

Other (2)

   13.6    17.6    11.8 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total production of petroleum products

   108.8    147.3    192.4 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Average sales price

      

Crude oil and condensate (US$ per barrel)

      

Australia

   52.38    69.50    63.69 

United States – Conventional

   46.69    64.65    58.55 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       68.02    59.03 

Other (2)

   56.05    68.86    61.73 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total crude oil and condensate

   49.53    66.73    60.12 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Natural gas (US$ per thousand cubic feet)

      

Australia

   5.60    7.00    5.97 

United States – Conventional

   2.20    3.22    3.12 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       2.90    2.79 

Other (2)

   2.60    2.87    3.19 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total natural gas

   5.50    4.44    4.00    5.02    5.50    4.44 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Natural gas liquids(US$ per barrel)

            

Australia

   36.54    35.99    27.76    27.51    36.54    35.99 

United States – Conventional

   25.73    27.52    21.29    13.44    25.73    27.52 

United States – Onshore US

   27.74    22.15    15.14 

Other (4)

   28.66    25.85    21.10 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       27.74    22.15 

Other (2)

       28.66    25.85 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total NGL

   32.17    27.95    20.37    25.36    32.17    27.95 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total average production cost(US$ per barrel of oil equivalent) (3)

      

Total average production cost (US$ per barrel of oil equivalent) (5)

      

Australia

   8.98    8.06    5.78    7.12    8.98    8.06 

United States – Conventional

   5.29    7.43    6.62    4.57    5.29    7.43 

United States – Onshore US

   4.93    6.43    7.87 

Other (4)

   6.41    9.31    13.55 

United States – Onshore US (1)

       4.93    6.43 

Other (2)

   4.94    6.41    9.31 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total average production cost

   7.18    7.43    7.14    6.24    7.18    7.43 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Production for Onshore US assets shown through the closing date of the divestment in FY2019. Production for Eagle Ford, Permian and Haynesville assets are shown through 31 October 2018 and production for Fayetteville is shown through 28 September 2018.

(2)

Other comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom (divested 30 November 2018).

(3)

LPG and ethane are reported as natural gas liquids (NGL).

 

(2)(4)

Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversion is based on the following: 6,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas equals one boe.

 

(3)(5)

Average production costs include direct and indirect costs relating to the production of hydrocarbons and the foreign exchange effect of translating local currency denominated costs into US dollars, but excludes ad valorem and severance taxes, and the cost to transport our produced hydrocarbons to the point of sale.

(4)

Other comprises Algeria, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom (divested 30 November 2018).

(5)

Production for Onshore US assets shown through the closing date of the divestment. Production for Eagle Ford, Permian, and Haynesville assets are shown through 31 October 2018 and production for Fayetteville is shown through 28 September 2018.

249


6.36.4    Reserves

Resources are the estimated quantities of material that can potentially be commercially recovered from the Group’sBHP’s properties. Reserves are a subset of resources that can be demonstrated to be able to be economically and legally extracted. In order to estimate reserves, assumptions are required about a range of technical and economic factors, including quantities, qualities, production techniques, recovery efficiency, production and transport costs, commodity supply and demand, commodity prices and exchange rates.

Estimating the quantity and/or quality of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies or oil and gas reservoirs to be determined by analysing geological data, such as drilling samples and geophysical survey interpretations. Economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change fromperiod-to-period period to period as additional technical and operational data is generated.

6.3.16.4.1    Petroleum reserves

Estimates of oil and gas reserves involve some degree of uncertainty, are inherently imprecise, require the application of judgement and are subject to future revision. Accordingly, financial and accounting measures (such as the standardised measure of discounted cash flows, depreciation, depletion and amortisation charges, the assessment of impairments and the assessment of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets) that are based on reserve estimates are also subject to change.

How we estimate and report reserves

Petroleum’s reserves are estimated as of 30 June each year. Reported reserves include both Conventional Petroleum reserves and Onshore US reserves for FY2017 and FY2018. Footnotes have been included with the accompanying tables to identify the contribution of the discontinued Onshore USDiscontinued operations (Onshore US) for these years.this period. The sale of Petroleum’s interests in Onshore US reserves was completed in FY2019. Remaining reserves at the end of FY2019 and FY2020 reflect the continuing conventionalContinuing operations only.

Our proved reserves are estimated and reported on a net interest basis according to SECthe US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations and have been determined in accordance with SEC Rule4-10(a) of RegulationS-X.

Proved oil and gas reserves

Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) that, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, operating contracts and government regulations. Unless evidence indicates that renewal of existing operating contracts is reasonably certain, estimates of economically producible reserves reflect only the period before the contracts expire. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence within a reasonable time. As specified in SEC Rule4-10(a) of RegulationS-X, oil and gas prices are taken as the unweighted average of the corresponding first day of the month prices for the 12 months prior to the ending date of the period covered.

Proved reserves were estimated by reference to available well and reservoir information, including but not limited to well logs, well test data, core data, production and pressure data, geologic data, seismic data and in some cases, to similar data from analogous, producing reservoirs. A wide range of engineering and geoscience methods, including performance analysis, numerical simulation, well analogues and geologic studies were used to estimate high confidence proved developed and undeveloped reserves in accordance with SEC regulations.

Proved reserve estimates were attributed to future development projects only where there is a significant commitment to project funding and execution and for which applicable government and regulatory approvals have been secured or are reasonably certain to be secured. Furthermore, estimates of proved reserves include only volumes for which access to market is assured with reasonable certainty. All proved reserve estimates are subject to revision (either upward or downward) based on new information, such as from development drilling and production activities or from changes in economic factors, including product prices, contract terms or development plans.

Developed oil and gas reserves

Proved developed oil and gas reserves are reserves that can be expected to be recovered through:

 

existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods;methods

 

installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserve estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.well

Performance-derived reserve assessments for producing wells were primarily based in the following manner:

 

for our conventional operations, reserves were estimated using rate and pressure decline methods, including material balance, supplemented by reservoir simulation models where appropriate;appropriate

 

for our discontinued Onshore USDiscontinued operations (Onshore US) reported for FY2017 and FY2018, rate-transient analysis and decline curve analysis methods;methods

 

for wells that lacked sufficient production history, reserves were estimated using performance-based type curves and offset location analogues with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics.characteristics

Proved undeveloped reserves

Proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage where commitment has been made to commence development within five years from first reporting or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

A combination of geologic and engineering data and where appropriate, statistical analysis was used to support the assignment of proved undeveloped reserves when assessing planned drilling locations. Performance data along with log and core data was used to delineate consistent, continuous reservoir characteristics in core areas of the development. Proved undeveloped locations were included in core areas between known data and adjacent to productive wells using performance-based type curves and offset location analogues with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics. Locations where a high degree of certainty could not be demonstrated using the above technologies and techniques were not categorised as proved.

250


Methodology used to estimate reserves

Reserve estimates have been estimated with deterministic methodology, with the exception of the North West Shelf gas operation in Australia, where probabilistic methodology has been used to estimate and aggregate reserves for the reservoirs dedicated to the gas project only. The probabilistic based portion of these reserves totals 1612 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) in FY2020, 16 MMboe in FY2019 and 23 MMboe in FY2018 and 39 MMboe in 2017.FY2018. These amounts represent approximately 2 per cent of our total reported proved reserves in FY2020, FY2019 2 per cent in FY2018 and 3 per cent in FY2017, respectively.FY2018. Total boe conversion is based on the following: 6,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas equals 1 boe. Aggregation of proved reserves beyond the field/project level has been performed by arithmetic summation. Due to portfolio effects, aggregates of proved reserves may be conservative. The custody transfer point(s) or point(s) of sale applicable for each field or project are the reference point for reserves. The reserves replacement ratio is the change in reserves during the year excluding production, divided by the production during the year and stated as a percentage.

Governance

The Petroleum Reserves Group (PRG) is a dedicated group that provides oversight of the reserves’ assessment and reporting processes. It is independent of the various operation teams directly responsible for development and production activities. The PRG is staffed by individuals averaging more than 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. The manager of the PRG, Abhijit Gadgil, is a full-time employee of BHP and is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the reserve estimates and compiling the information for inclusion in this Annual Report. He has an advanced degree in engineering and more than 35 years of diversified industry experience in reservoir engineering, reserves assessment, field development and technical management. He is a35-year member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He has also served on the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oil and Gas Reserves Committee. Mr Gadgil has the qualifications and experience required to act as a qualified petroleum reserves evaluator under the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Listing Rules. The estimates of petroleum reserves are based on and fairly represent information and supporting documentation prepared under the supervision of Mr Gadgil. He has reviewed and agrees with the information included in section 6.3.16.4.1 and has given his prior written consent for its publication. No part of the individual compensation for members of the PRG is dependent on reported reserves.

Reserve assessments for all Petroleum operations were conducted by technical staff within the operating organisation. These individuals meet the professional qualifications outlined by the SPE, are trained in the fundamentals of SEC reserves reporting and the reserves processes and are endorsed by the PRG. Each reserve assessment is reviewed annually by the PRG to ensure technical quality, adherence to internally published Petroleum guidelines and compliance with SEC reporting requirements. Once endorsed by the PRG, all reserves receive final endorsement by senior management and the Risk and Audit Committee prior to public reporting. Our Internal Audit and Assurance function provides secondary assurance of the oil and gas reserve reporting processes through auditsthe testing of the effectiveness of key controls that have been implemented as required by the U.S.US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

For more information on our risk management governance, refer to section 2.13.1.2.10.

FY2020 proved reserves

Production for FY2020 totalled 109 MMboe in sales with an additional 5 MMboe in non-sales production, which was used primarily for fuel consumed in operations. Total production was approximately 13 MMboe lower than conventional production in FY2019. The decrease was due to a number of factors, including natural declines in mature fields, weather events that necessitated precautionary shut ins and lower demand as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, (refer to section 6.3.2 for more information). Discoveries, extensions and revisions to reserves added a total of 21 MMboe, which replaced 19 per cent of production. As of 30 June 2020, proved reserves totalled 748 MMboe.

Reserves have been calculated using the economic interest method and represent net interest volumes after deduction of applicable royalty. Reserves of 69 MMboe are in two production and risk-sharing arrangements where BHP has a revenue interest in production without transfer of ownership of the products. At 30 June 2020, approximately 9 per cent of the proved reserves were attributable to such arrangements.

Extensions and discoveries

Board approval of the North West Shelf Greater Western Flank Phase 3 project in Australia added 12 MMboe for development of the Goodwyn South and Lambert Deep fields. Board approval of the Ruby development project in Trinidad and Tobago during the September 2019 quarter also added 19 MMboe to proved reserves. The Ruby project is comprised of the Ruby oil field and the Delaware gas field.

Revisions

In Australia, reserves decreased by 35 MMboe overall due to downward revisions. This reduction was primarily in the Bass Strait due to poor reservoir performance in the Turrum field and lower overall condensate and natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery from the Bass Strait gas fields totalling 40 MMboe. Included in this reduction was a decrease of 4 MMboe due to lower product prices. Improved reservoir performance in the Pyrenees operated field added 5 MMboe partially offsetting the Bass Strait reduction. In the North West Shelf fields, reserves increased 4 MMboe for better performance and other revisions, however, this increase was offset by product price related reductions of 4 MMboe. In the US Gulf of Mexico, strong reservoir performance and technical studies in the Atlantis, Shenzi and Mad Dog fields added a total of 25 MMboe to proved reserves.

In the Angostura field in Trinidad and Tobago and the ROD integrated development in Algeria, increases of 1 MMboe were offset by product price related reductions of approximately 1 MMboe.

During FY2020, net revisions reduced reserves by a total of 10 MMboe overall.

Improved recovery revisions

There were no improved recovery revisions during the year.

Purchases and sales

There were no purchases or sales during the year.

FY2019 proved reserves

Production for FY2019 totalled 147 MMboe in sales, which was comprised of 121 MMboe for our conventional fields and 26 MMboe that was produced from our US Onshore fields prior to the closure of the divestment agreements. In comparison, our conventional fields produced approximately 1 MMboe more than in FY2018. This increase was due to a number of factors, includingstart-up of the Greater Western Flank Phase B project in the North West Shelf in Australia and higher uptime in several fields, which more than offset natural production declines in more mature fields. Referfields (refer to section 6.2.26.3.2 for more information.information). There was also an additional 5 MMboe innon-sales production, primarily for fuel consumed in our Petroleum operations. The combined sales andnon-sales production totalled 152 MMboe for FY2019. For our conventional fields, additions and revisions to reserves added 57 MMboe, which replaced 45 per cent of the production in FY2019. As of 30 June 2019, our proved reserves totalled 841 MMboe.

Reserves have been calculated using the economic interest method and represent net interest volumes after deduction of applicable royalty. Reserves of 64 MMboe are in two production and risk-sharing arrangements where BHP has a revenue interest in production without transfer of ownership of the products. At 30 June 2019, approximately 8 per cent of the proved reserves were attributable to such arrangements.

DiscoveriesExtensions and extensionsdiscoveries

Extensions added a total of approximately 2 MMboe to proved reserves, of which 1 MMboe was added for the Atlantis field in the US Gulf of Mexico with the balance being added in the Snapper field in the Bass Strait in Australia.

Improved recovery revisions

There were no improved recovery revisions during the year.

Revisions

Revisions for FY2019 added a total of 56 MMboe. The largest addition was in the Atlantis field where 28 MMboe was added for performance and approval of Phase 3 infill drilling. Other revisions, primarily in the Mad Dog field, brought the total revisions for our US Gulf of Mexico assets to 29 MMboe. Additions through revisions in Australia totalled 22 MMboe, with the North West Shelf project adding 11 MMboe. The Goodwyn field was the largest component of this change adding 10 MMboe for strong performance. In the Bass Strait, 11 MMboe was added with the largest changes occurring in the Snapper and Turrum fields, which added 5 MMboe and 2 MMboe, respectively. In otherOther geographic areas, 4 MMboe was added for better performance in the Offshore Angostura project in Trinidad and Tobago, while 1 MMboe was added for improved performance in the ROD Integrated Developmentintegrated development in Algeria.

SalesPurchases and sales

The sale of Petroleum’s interests in the US Onshore Permian, Eagle Ford, Haynesville and Fayetteville fields accounted for reported sales of approximately 464 MMboe. There were no purchases during FY2019.

FY2018 proved reserves

Production for FY2018 totalled 192 MMboe in sales, which iswas a decrease of 16 MMboe from FY2017. ReferFY2017 (refer to section 6.2.26.3.2 for more information.information). There was an additional 5 MMboe innon-sales production, primarily for fuel consumed in our Petroleum operations. The combined sales andnon-sales production totalled 198 MMboe. The natural decline of production in our Onshore US fields and mature fields in other locations was the primary reason for the lower amount produced.

251


As of 30 June 2018, our proved reserves totalled 14001,400 MMboe and reflected a net increase of 62 MMboe and production of 198 MMboe from the 15351,535 MMboe reported at FY2017. This increase was primarily the result of continued strong performance in our Offshore US fields in the Gulf of Mexico and Offshore Trinidad and Tobago, along with better performance and improved liquid product prices for our North American shale operations. These increases were partially offset by reductions in the North West Shelf (Australia) and reduced gas prices received for production from our Onshore US fields. Net additions to reserves resulted in a reserves replacement of 32 per cent overall (Conventional: 25 per cent reserves replacement, Onshore US: 43 per cent reserves replacement). As of 30 June 2018, approximately 65 per cent of our proved reserves were in conventional fields, while about 35 per cent of our proved reserves were in unconventional fields.

DiscoveriesExtensions and extensionsdiscoveries

DiscoveriesExtensions and extensionsdiscoveries added 75 MMboe to proved reserves during FY2018. This was comprised of 69 MMboe of extensions related to planned drilling in new locations in our Onshore US operations within the next five years and an additional 4 MMboe in the Mad Dog field and 2 MMboe in the Shenzi field, both of which are in the US Gulf of Mexico.

Improved recovery revisions

There were no improved recovery revisions during the year.

Revisions

Overall, net revisions decreased proved reserves by 7 MMboe during FY2018. In our Australian operations, reductions of 21 MMboe occurred, primarily in the North West Shelf, due to revisions related to updated technical assessments. In the United States, net revisions increased reserves by approximately 4 MMboe. This was a result of additions of 35 MMboe, primarily for strong performance in the Atlantis field in the Offshore US Gulf of Mexico, and better performance in our Onshore US Eagle Ford and Permian assets. These additions were partially offset by reductions of 33 MMboe, mainly in our Onshore US fields as a result of lower planned drilling activity in light of our previously announced plan to exit our shale operations and the effect of lower gas prices. In otherOther areas outside of Australia and the United States, revisions increased reserves by 10 MMboe, primarily for strong performance in the Angostura Phase 3 project in Offshore Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the overall decrease in proved reserves of 7 MMboe through revisions, the impact of commodity prices using the required SEC price-basis represented a decrease of 4 MMboe while well performance, interest changes and other revisions resulted in a net decrease of 3 MMboe. Virtually all of the price-related decrease occurred in our Onshore US fields where increases of 26 MMboe occurred in the Eagle Ford and Permian fields as a result of higher liquids prices, but these additions were more than offset by 31 MMboe in reductions in Haynesville and Fayetteville due to lower gas prices.

Sales

Purchases and sales

The sale of Petroleum’s interests in the US Onshore Eagle Ford field accounted for our reported sales of approximately 5 MMboe. There were no purchases during FY2018.

FY2017 reserves

Production for FY2017 totalled 208 MMboe in sales, which was a decrease of 32 MMboe from FY2016. Refer to section 6.2.2 for more information. There was an additional 5 MMboe innon-sales production, primarily for fuel consumed in our Petroleum operations. The combined sales andnon-sales production totalled 213 MMboe. The natural decline of production, primarily in our Onshore US fields and mature fields in other locations was the primary reason for the lower amount produced.

As of 30 June 2017, our proved reserves totalled 1535 MMboe and reflected a net increase of 445 MMboe and annual production of 213 MMboe from the 1303 MMboe reported at FY2016. This increase was primarily the result of higher product prices experienced during the reporting period, reductions in unconventional well operating costs and an increase in planned drilling activity which enabled the addition of new proved undeveloped reserves for our Onshore US fields. As of 30 June 2017, approximately 65 per cent of our proved reserves were in conventional fields, while about 35 per cent of our proved reserves were in unconventional fields.

Discoveries and extensions

Discoveries and extensions added 172 MMboe to proved reserves during FY2017. This was comprised of 105 MMboe of extensions related to the decision to proceed and funding of the Phase 2 development of the Mad Dog field and 3 MMboe related to drilling in the Atlantis field in the US Gulf of Mexico along with 65 MMboe related to planned drilling in new locations in our Onshore US operations within the next five years.

Improved recovery revisions

There were no improved recovery revisions during the year.

Revisions

Overall, net revisions increased proved reserves by 274 MMboe during FY2017. Of this, the impact of commodity prices using the required SEC price-basis represented an increase of 271 MMboe. Well performance, interest changes and other revisions resulted in a net increase of 3 MMboe. Virtually all of the price-related increase occurred in our Onshore US fields.

In our US operations, the overall increase in proved reserves through revisions totalled 258 MMboe. This included price related additions of 269 MMboe, 32 MMboe for additional drilling locations planned in our Onshore US fields and a reduction of 51 MMboe related to performance and other revisions in our Onshore US operations. There were also additions of 8 MMboe for better than expected performance and increased prices in the Shenzi, Atlantis and Mad Dog fields in our Gulf of Mexico operations.

In our Australian operations, continued strong performance of the North West Shelf and Minerva fields added a total of 7 MMboe through revisions. This was partially offset by performance and other related reductions of 3 MMboe in Bass Strait fields. Overall, revisions for Australian fields totalled about 4 MMboe.

Operations outside of Australia and the United States also added approximately 12 MMboe through revisions. In the Angostura area fields in Trinidad and Tobago, 6 MMboe was added for better than expected performance. The ROD Integrated Development in Algeria also added 4 MMboe primarily for better than expected performance. Our fields in the United Kingdom also added 1 MMboe offsetting production during the year.

252


Sales

The sale of acreage in our Eagle Ford and Permian fields accounted for our reported sales of approximately 1 MMboe. There were no purchases during FY2017.

These results are summarised in the following tables, which detail estimated oil, condensate, NGL and natural gas reserves at 30 June 2020, 30 June 2019, 30 June 2018, and 30 June 2017, with a reconciliation of the changes in each year.

 

253


Millions of barrels

  Australia United
States
 Other (b) Total   Australia United
States
 Other (b) Total 

Proved developed and undeveloped oil and condensate reserves (a)

          

Reserves at 30 June 2016

   113.2   253.7 (c)   26.5   393.4 (c) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   (5.9 17.0  4.4  15.4 

Extensions and discoveries

     123.3     123.3 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (0.4    (0.4

Production

   (18.7 (52.9 (4.8 (76.4
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (24.6 87.0  (0.5 61.9 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2017

   88.6   340.7 (c)   26.0   455.3 (c)    88.6   340.7 (c)   26.0   455.3 (c) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                          

Revisions of previous estimates

   (1.6 41.2  0.6  40.1    (1.6 41.2  0.6  40.1 

Extensions and discoveries

     27.6     27.6      27.6     27.6 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (0.7    (0.7     (0.7    (0.7

Production

   (16.5 (46.9 (4.6 (68.1   (16.5 (46.9 (4.6 (68.1
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (18.2 21.1  (4.0 (1.1   (18.2 21.1  (4.0 (1.1
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2018

   70.5   361.8 (c)   21.9   454.2 (c)    70.5   361.8 (c)   21.9   454.2 (c) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                          

Revisions of previous estimates

   7.8  25.9  1.0  34.7    7.8  25.9  1.0  34.7 

Extensions and discoveries

   0.0  0.8     0.9    0.0  0.8     0.9 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (79.7    (79.7     (79.7    (79.7

Production

   (14.4 (34.5 (4.9 (53.7   (14.4 (34.5 (4.9 (53.7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (6.5 (87.5 (3.9 (97.9   (6.5 (87.5 (3.9 (97.9
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2019

   63.9   274.4   18.0   356.3    63.9   274.4   18.0   356.3 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   0.9  21.3  (0.7 21.5 

Extensions and discoveries

   1.8     5.0  6.7 

Purchase/sales of reserves

             

Production

   (14.0 (23.3 (3.8 (41.2
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (11.3 (2.0 0.4  (13.0
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2020

   52.6   272.3   18.4   343.4 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Developed

          

Proved developed oil and condensate reserves

          

as of 30 June 2016

   82.2  187.3  20.0  289.5 

as of 30 June 2017

   76.2  162.3  21.9  260.5    76.2  162.3  21.9  260.5 

as of 30 June 2018

   60.5  181.2  19.2  260.8    60.5  181.2  19.2  260.8 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2019

   59.0   128.9   16.3   204.2 

as of 30 June 2019

   59.0  128.9  16.3  204.2 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2020

   46.7   131.0   11.9   189.6 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Undeveloped

          

Proved undeveloped oil and condensate reserves

          

as of 30 June 2016

   31.0  66.4  6.5  103.9 

as of 30 June 2017

   12.4  178.4  4.0  194.8    12.4  178.4  4.0  194.8 

as of 30 June 2018

   10.0  180.7  2.8  193.4    10.0  180.7  2.8  193.4 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2019

   5.0   145.4   1.7   152.1 

as of 30 June 2019

   5.0  145.4  1.7  152.1 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2020

   6.0   141.3   6.5   153.8 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(a) 

Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

 

(b) 

‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom.Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

 

(c) 

For FY2016, FY2017 and FY2018 amounts include 62.9, 73.0 and 86.1 million barrels respectively attributable to discontinued operations of Onshore US.

254


Millions of barrels

  Australia United
States
 Other (c) Total   Australia United
States
 Other (c) Total 

Proved developed and undeveloped NGL reserves (a)

Proved developed and undeveloped NGL reserves (a)

 

        

Reserves at 30 June 2016

   71.3   35.6 (d)(e)      107.0 (d)(e) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   1.2  23.4  0.1  24.8 

Extensions and discoveries

     13.1     13.1 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (0.1    (0.1

Production (b)

   (7.4 (13.2 (0.1 (20.7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (6.2 23.2     17.0 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2017

   65.2   58.9 (d)(e)      124.0 (d)(e)    65.2   58.9 (d)(e)      124.0 (d)(e) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                        

Revisions of previous estimates

   (1.7 12.7  0.1  11.0    (1.7 12.7  0 .1  11.0 

Extensions and discoveries

     13.4     13.4      13.4     13 .4 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (1.7    (1.7     (1.7    (1.7

Production (b)

   (7.0 (11.3 (0.1 (18.3   (7.0 (11.3 (0.1 (18.3
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (8.7 13.1     4.4    (8.7 13.1     4.4 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2018

   56.5   72.0 (d)(e)      128.4 (d)(e)    56.5   72.0 (d)(e)      128.4 (d)(e) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                          

Revisions of previous estimates

   4.9  0.8     5.7    4 .9  0.8  0 .0  5 .7 

Extensions and discoveries

   0.2  0.1     0.2    0 .2  0.1     0 .2 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (58.7    (58.7     (58.7    (58.7

Production (b)

   (6.3 (5.1    (11.4   (6.3 (5.1 (0.0 (11.4
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (1.2 (62.9    (64.1   (1.2 (62.9    (64.1
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2019

   55.2   9.1 (d)      64.3 (d)    55.2   9.1      64.3 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   (17.8 1.2     (16.6

Extensions and discoveries

   0 .3        0 .3 

Purchase/sales of reserves

             

Production (b)

   (6.5 (1.2    (7 .6
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (23.9       (23.9
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2020

   31.3  9.0     40.4 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Developed

          

Proved developed NGL reserves

          

as of 30 June 2016

   38.0  30.7     68.7 

as of 30 June 2017

   56.6  31.4     88.0    56.6  31.4     88 .0 

as of 30 June 2018

   49.8  37.0     86.8    49.8  37.0     86 .8 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2019

   46.5   4.3      50.8 

as of 30 June 2019

   46.5  4.3     50 .8 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2020

   23.8   5.0      28.8 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Undeveloped

          

Proved undeveloped NGL reserves

          

as of 30 June 2016

   33.3  4.9     38.2 

as of 30 June 2017

   8.6  27.5     36.1    8 .6  27.5     36 .1 

as of 30 June 2018

   6.6  35.0     41.6    6 .6  35.0     41.6 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2019

   8.7   4.8      13.5 

as of 30 June 2019

   8 .7  4.8     13 .5 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2020

   7.6  4.0     11.6 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(a) 

Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

 

(b) 

Production includes volumes consumed by operations.

 

(c) 

‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom.Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

 

(d) 

For FY2016, FY2017andFY2017 and FY2018 amounts include 0.2, 2.1 and 2.5 million barrels respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in the United States.

 

(e) 

For FY2016, FY2017 and FY2018 amounts include 28.3, 51.0 and 62.2 million barrels respectively attributable to discontinued operations of Onshore US.

255


Billions of cubic feet

  Australia (c) United
States
 Other (d) Total   Australia (c) United
States
 Other (d) Total 

Proved developed and undeveloped natural gas reserves (a)

     

Proved developed and undeveloped natural gas reserves (a)

 

   

Reserves at 30 June 2016

   3,192.0 (e)   1,311.1 (f)(i)   310.8 (g)   4,813.8 (h)(i) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   49.9  1,307.4  43.5  1,400.7 

Extensions and discoveries

     216.5     216.5 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (0.7    (0.7

Production (b)

   (372.1 (287.9 (38.3 (698.4
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (322.3 1,235.3  5.1  918.1 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2017

   2,869.7 (e)   2,546.3 (f)(i)   315.9 (g)   5,731.9 (h)(i)    2,869.7 (e)   2,546.3 (f)(i)   315.9 (g)   5,731.9 (h)(i) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                          

Revisions of previous estimates

   (105.3 (302.0 57.0  (350.2   (105.3 (302.0 57.0  (350.2

Extensions and discoveries

     204.1     204.1      204.1     204.1 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (17.8    (17.8     (17.8    (17.8

Production (b)

   (351.9 (270.7 (44.3 (666.9   (351.9 (270.7 (44.3 (666.9
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (457.2 (386.3 12.7  (830.7   (457.2 (386.3 12.7  (830.7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2018

   2,412.5 (e)   2,160.1 (f)(i)   328.6 (g)   4,901.2 (h)(i)    2,412.5 (e)   2,160.1 (f)(i)   328.6 (g)   4,901.2 (h)(i) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                          

Revisions of previous estimates

   53.7  14.0  24.7  92.4    53.7  14.0  24.7  92.4 

Extensions and discoveries

   2.5  0.4     3.0    2.5  0.4     3.0 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (1,952.8    (1,952.8     (1,952.8    (1,952.8

Production (b)

   (336.8 (109.4 (77.8 (524.1   (336.8 (109.4 (77.8 (524.1
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (280.6 (2,047.8 (53.1 (2,381.5   (280.6 (2,047.8 (53.1 (2,381.5
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2019

   2,131.9 (e)   112.3 (f)(i)   275.5 (g)   2,519.7 (h)(i)    2,131.9 (e)   112.3 (f)   275.5 (g)   2,519.7 (h) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   (111.7 14.2  5.6  (92.0

Extensions and discoveries

   62.4     84.0  146.5 

Purchase/sales of reserves

             

Production (b)

   (317.3 (10.7 (60.7 (388.7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (366.6 3.5  28.9  (334.2
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2020

   1,765.3 (e)   115.8 (f)   304.4 (g)   2,185.5 (h) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Developed

          

Proved developed natural gas reserves

          

as of 30 June 2016

   2,204.6  1,268.1  182.9  3,655.6 

as of 30 June 2017

   2,346.3  1,556.4  315.9  4,218.5    2,346.3  1,556.4  315.9  4,218.5 

as of 30 June 2018

   1,975.9  1,479.4  328.6  3,783.8    1,975.9  1,479.4  328.6  3,783.8 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2019

   1,856.4   65.5   275.5   2,197.3 

as of 30 June 2019

   1,856.4  65.5  275.5  2,197.3 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2020

   1,453.1  73.4  220.4  1,746.9 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Undeveloped

          

Proved undeveloped natural gas reserves

          

as of 30 June 2016

   987.4  43.0  127.8  1,158.2 

as of 30 June 2017

   523.4  989.9     1,513.3    523.4  989.9     1,513.3 

as of 30 June 2018

   436.6  680.7     1,117.3    436.6  680.7     1,117.3 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2019

   275.5   46.8      322.3 

as of 30 June 2019

   275.5  46.8     322.3 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2020

   312.2  42.4  84.0  438.6 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(a) 

Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

 

(b) 

Production includes volumes consumed by operations.

 

(c) 

Production for Australia includes gas sold as LNG.

 

(d) 

‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom.Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

 

(e) 

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 amounts include 321, 295, 295, 268 and 268246 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Australia.

 

(f) 

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 amounts include 75, 155, 160, 64 and 6465 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in the United States.

 

(g) 

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 amounts include 17, 17, 16, 14 and 1417 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Other areas.

 

(h) 

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and 20192020 amounts include 413, 467, 472, 346 and 346327 billion cubic feet respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations.

 

(i)

For FY2016, FY2017 and FY2018 amounts include 1238, 2444 and 2049 billion cubic feet respectively attributable to discontinued operations of Onshore US.

256


Millions of barrels of oil equivalent (a)

  Australia United
States
 Other (d) Total   Australia United
States
 Other (d) Total 

Proved developed and undeveloped oil, condensate, natural gas and NGL reserves (b)

          

Reserves at 30 June 2016

   716.5 (e)   507.9 (f)(i)   78.2 (g)   1,302.7 (h)(i) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   3.6  258.3  11.7  273.6 

Extensions and discoveries

     172.4     172.4 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (0.6    (0.6

Production (c)

   (88.1 (114.0 (11.4 (213.5
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (84.5 316.1  0.4  232.0 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2017

   632.1 (e)   824.0 (f)(i)   78.6 (g)   1,534.6 (h)(i)    632.1 (e)   824.0 (f)(i)   78.6 (g)   1,534.6 (h)(i) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                          

Revisions of previous estimates

   (20.9 3.5  10.2  (7.3   (20.9 3.5  10.2  (7.3

Extensions and discoveries

     75.0     75.0      75.0     75.0 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (5.3    (5.3     (5.3    (5.3

Production (c)

   (82.2 (103.3 (12.1 (197.6   (82.2 (103.3 (12.1 (197.6
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (103.1 (30.1 (1.9 (135.1   (103.1 (30.1 (1.9 (135.1
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

��

 

Reserves at 30 June 2018

   529.0 (e)   793.8 (f)(i)   76.7 (g)   1,399.5 (h)(i)    529.0 (e)   793.8 (f)(i)   76.7 (g)   1,399.5 (h)(i) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

                          

Revisions of previous estimates

   21.6  29.1  5.1  55.8    21.6  29.1  5.1  55.8 

Extensions and discoveries

   0.6  0.9     1.6    0.6  0 .9     1.6 

Purchase/sales of reserves

     (463.9    (463.9     (463.9    (463.9

Production (c)

   (76.8 (57.8 (17.9 (152.4   (76.8 (57.8 (17.9 (152.4
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (54.5 (491.7 (12.8 (558.9   (54.5 (491.7 (12.8 (558.9
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2019

   474.5 (e)   302.2 (f)(i)   63.9 (g)   840.6 (h)(i)    474.5 (e)   302.2 (f)   63.9 (g)   840.6 (h) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Improved recovery

             

Revisions of previous estimates

   (35.4 24.8  0.2  (10.4

Extensions and discoveries

   12.5     19.0  31.5 

Purchase/sales of reserves

             

Production (c)

   (73.4 (26.3 (13.9 (113.6
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total changes

   (96.3 (1.5 5.2  (92.6
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reserves at 30 June 2020

   378.2 (e)   300.7 (f)   69.1 (g)   748.0 (h) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Developed

          

Proved developed oil, condensate, natural gas and NGL reserves

          

as of 30 June 2016

   487.6  429.4  50.5  967.5 

as of 30 June 2017

   523.8  453.1  74.6  1,051.6    523.8  453.1  74.6  1,051.6 

as of 30 June 2018

   439.6  464.7  73.9  978.2    439.6  464.7  73.9  978.2 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2019

   414.9   144.1   62.2   621.2 

as of 30 June 2019

   414.9  144.1  62.2  621.2 

Developed reserves as of 30 June 2020

   312.6  148.3  48.6  509.5 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Undeveloped

          

Proved undeveloped oil, condensate, natural gas and NGL reserves

     

Proved undeveloped oil, condensate, natural gas and NGL reserves

 

   

as of 30 June 2016

   228.9  78.5  27.8  335.2 

as of 30 June 2017

   108.2  370.8  4.0  483.1    108.2  370.8  4.0  483.1 

as of 30 June 2018

   89.4  329.2  2.8  421.3    89.4  329.2  2.8  421.3 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2019

   59.6   158.1   1.7   219.4 

as of 30 June 2019

   59.6  158.1  1.7  219.4 

Undeveloped reserves as of 30 June 2020

   65.6  152.4  20.5  238.5 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(a) 

Barrel oil equivalent conversion based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

 

(b)

Small differences are due to rounding to first decimal place.

 

(c)

Production includes volumes consumed by operations.

 

(d)

‘Other’ comprises Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom.Kingdom (sold in FY2019).

 

(e)

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 amounts include 53, 49, 49, 45 and 4541 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Australia.

 

(f)

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 amounts include 13, 28, 29, 11 and 11 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in the United States.

 

(g)

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 amounts include 3, 3, 32 and 23 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations in Other areas.

 

(h)

For FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 and FY2019FY2020 amounts include 69, 80, 81, 58 and 5855 million barrels equivalent respectively, which are anticipated to be consumed as fuel in operations.

 

(i) 

For FY2016, FY2017 and FY2018 amounts include 298, 531 and 490 million barrels equivalent respectively attributable to discontinued operations of Onshore US.

257


FY2020 proved undeveloped reserves

At 30 June 2020, Petroleum had 238 MMboe of proved undeveloped reserves, which corresponds to 32 per cent of the reported proved reserves of 748 MMboe. This represents an increase of 19 MMboe from the 219 MMboe at 30 June 2019.

The most significant drivers of this increase were the additions of 19 MMboe for the Ruby development project in Offshore Trinidad and Tobago and 12 MMboe for the Greater Western Flank Phase 3 development project in Australia as extensions and discoveries.

Reclassifications from proved undeveloped to proved developed occurred in Australia in the Macedon field (7 MMboe), the Cobia field in Bass Strait (2 MMboe) and in the Offshore US Gulf of Mexico in the Mad Dog Spar A field (3 MMboe). In the Shenzi field, the need to perform a producer redrill resulted in the reclassification of 4 MMboe proved developed into proved undeveloped.

In Australia, in the Bass Strait, 18 MMboe was moved into proved undeveloped for the Turrum field as a result of the reservoir performance reassessment while in the Kipper field, a reduction of the gas delivery pressure requirements enabled more gas to be delivered prior to the installation of compression. This resulted in the movement of 16 MMboe from proved undeveloped to proved developed reserves. Bass Strait proved undeveloped fuel was also increased by 3 MMboe as a result of a fuel utilisation study. Performance revisions in the Mad Dog Spar A and the Shenzi fields in the US Gulf of Mexico reduced proved undeveloped by 6 MMboe.

Lower commodity prices resulted in a 4 MMboe reduction to proved undeveloped reserves.

Over the past three years, the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to developed status has totalled 98 MMboe, averaging 33 MMboe per year. At 30 June 2020, a total of 30 MMboe proved undeveloped reserves have been reported for five or more years. These reserves are in our currently producing fields and will be developed and brought on stream in a phased manner to best optimise the use of production facilities and to meet sales commitments. During FY2020, Petroleum spent US$1.0 billion on development activities worldwide. Of this amount:

US$0.8 billion was spent progressing the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves for conventional projects where developed status was achieved in FY2020 or, will be achieved when development is completed in the future

US$0.2 billion represented other development expenditures, including compliance and infrastructure improvements

FY2019 proved undeveloped reserves

At 30 June 2019, Petroleum had 219 MMboe of proved undeveloped reserves, which corresponds to 26 per cent of the reported proved reserves of 841 MMboe. This represents a reduction in proved undeveloped reserves of 202 MMboe from the 421 MMboe at 30 June 2018. The largest element of this reduction was 185 MMboe, which occurred with the divestment of unconventional Onshore US assets. A reclassification from proved undeveloped to proved developed status of approximately 40 MMboe that occurred in the North West Shelf, Australia, with the completion of development and the start of production from the Greater Western Flank Phase B project, also contributed to the reduction. An additional 1 MMboe was also reclassified from proved undeveloped to proved developed status with the completion of an infill well in the ROD Integrated Developmentintegrated development in Algeria. Partially offsetting these reductions were revisions for technical studies of 10 MMboe for the Kipper field in the Bass Strait, Australia. Additions following the approval of the Atlantis Phase 3 project in the Offshore US Gulf of Mexico added 8 MMboe for development plan changes, 7 MMboe for performance and 1 MMboe as an extension. A performance reduction of 2 MMboe in the Mad Dog field partially offset the Atlantis performance addition.

Over the past three years, the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to developed has totalled 267MMboe, averaging 89 MMboe per year. At 30 June 2019, a total of 69 MMboe proved undeveloped reserves have been reported for five or more years. These reserves are in our currently producing fields and will be developed and brought on stream in a phased manner to best optimise the use of production facilities and to meet sales commitments. During FY2019, Petroleum spent US$1.0 billion on development activities worldwide. Of this amount:

US$0.5 billion was spent progressing the conversion of previously reported proved undeveloped reserves for conventional projects where developed status was achieved in FY2019 or, will be achieved when development is completed in the future;

US$0.3 billion related to development expenditures occurring in divested Onshore US fields; and

US$0.2 billion represented other development expenditures, including compliance and infrastructure improvements.

FY2018 proved undeveloped reserves

At 30 June 2018, Petroleum had 421 MMboe of proved undeveloped reserves, which represented 30 per cent ofyear-end 2018 proved reserves of 14001,400 MMboe. Approximately 237 MMboe or 56 per cent of the proved undeveloped reserves resided in our conventional offshore fields in Australia, the Gulf of Mexico and Algeria, while 185 MMboe or 44 per cent resided in our Onshore US fields. The proved undeveloped reserves at 30 June 2018 reflect a net decrease of 62 MMboe from the 483 MMboe reported at 30 June 2017. This decrease was in large part the result of changes to development plans and reduced pace of drilling, which resulted in a reduction of 67 MMboe, the majority of which occurred in our Onshore US fields. This was partially offset by extensions of 50 MMboe for new drilling locations in our Onshore US fields. The conversion of 48 MMboe from proved undeveloped to proved developed through drilling and development activities also contributed to the decrease. The largest component of this conversion occurred in our Onshore US fields where 26 MMboe was moved to proved developed status. An additional 11 MMboe was converted in the North West Shelf Persephone development in Australia, while 10 MMboe was converted in the Atlantis field in the Offshore US Gulf of Mexico. An additional 1 MMboe was also converted as a result of drilling in the ROD Integrated Developmentintegrated development in Algeria. Improved liquids prices but reduced gas prices led to a net reduction due to price in Onshore US proved undeveloped reserves of 4 MMboe. Performance revisions overall totalled 9 MMboe, with an increase of 11 MMboe in Onshore US fields, primarily in Eagle Ford and Permian, and a net reduction of 2 MMboe in Australia.

FY2017 proved undeveloped reserves

At 30 June 2017, Petroleum had 483 MMboe of proved undeveloped reserves, which represented 31 per cent ofyear-end 2017 proved reserves of 1535 MMboe. Approximately 263 MMboe or 54 per cent of the proved undeveloped reserves resided in our conventional offshore fields in Australia, the Gulf of Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago, while 220 MMboe or 46 per cent resided in our Onshore US fields. The proved undeveloped reserves at 30 June 2017 reflected a net increase of 148 MMboe from the 335 MMboe reported at 30 June 2016. This increase was primarily the result of adding 202 MMboe of new proved undeveloped reserves for drilling planned over the next five years in our Onshore US fields. In the Gulf of Mexico, 105 MMboe was also added for the Mad Dog Phase 2 project approval and 3 MMboe was added in the Atlantis field as a result of drilling and reservoir assessments. The portion of these additions reported as extensions totalled 161 MMboe with the balance being reported as revisions. The additions from revisions were offset by development activities that converted 177 MMboe of proved undeveloped to proved developed reserves. The largest of these conversions occurred in Australia where 111 MMboe were converted to proved developed in the Kipper, Tuna and Turrum fields in the Bass Strait with thestart-up of the Longford gas conditioning plant. Thestart-up and first gas from the Tidepole field in the Greater Western Flank A project in the North West Shelf also converted 10 MMboe to proved developed. In Trinidad and Tobago, 23 MMboe was converted to proved developed for the completion of Angostura Phase 3 development. In the United States, drilling and completion activities resulted in the conversion of 15 MMboe to proved developed in the Eagle Ford field, 9 MMboe in the Atlantis and 8 MMboe in the Mad Dog (Spar A) fields in the Gulf of Mexico. Price related additions in our Onshore US fields added 163 MMboe due to improved product prices.

The changes in proved undeveloped reserves in FY2020, FY2019 FY2018 and FY2017FY2018 are summarised by change category in the table below. Additional information detailing the effect of price, performance, changes in capital development plans and technical studies are also provided for Revisions.revisions.

 

Proved Undeveloped Reserves (PUD) Reconciliation (MMboe)(a)

  Year Ended 30 June 
       2020          2019          2018     

PUD Opening Balance

   219   421   483 

Revisions of Previous Estimates

   (12  (18  (111

Reclassifications to developed

   (8  (42  (48

Performance, Technical Studies and Other

   (1  16   9 

Development Plan Changes

   (0  8   (67

Price

   (4     (4

Extensions and Discoveries

   31   1   50 

Acqusitions/Sales

      (185   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Change

   19   (202  (62
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

PUD Closing Balance

   238   219   421 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

258

(a)

Small differences are due to rounding.


Proved Undeveloped Reserves (PUD) Reconciliation (MMboe)

  Year Ended 30 June 
       2019          2018          2017     

PUD Opening Balance

   421   483   335 

Improved Recovery

          

Revisions of Previous Estimates

   (18  (111  (13

Reclassifications to developed

   (42  (48  (177

Price

      (4  163 

Performance

   5   9    

Development Plan Changes

   8   (67  1 

Technical Studies and Other

   10   (1   

Extensions/Discoveries

   1   50   161 

Acqusitions/Sales

   (185      
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Change

   (202  (62  148 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

PUD Closing Balance

   219   421   483 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

259


6.3.26.4.2    Ore Reserves

Ore Reserves are estimates of the amount of ore that can be economically and legally extracted and processed from our mining properties. In order to estimate reserves, assumptions are required about a range of technical and economic factors, including quantities, qualities, production techniques, recovery efficiency, production and transport costs, commodity supply and demand, commodity prices and exchange rates. Estimating the quantity and/or quality of Ore Reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies to be determined by analysing geological data such as drilling samples and geophysical survey interpretations. Economic assumptions used to estimate reserves may change from period to period as additional technical, financial and operational data is generated. All of the Ore Reserves presented are reported in 100 per cent terms and represent estimates at 30 June 20192020 (unless otherwise stated). All tonnes and grade information has been rounded, hence small differences may be present in the totals. Tonnes are reported as dry metric tonnes (unless otherwise stated).

Our mineral leases are of sufficient duration (or convey a legal right to renew for sufficient duration) to enable all Ore Reserves on the leased properties to be mined in accordance with current production schedules. Our Ore Reserves may include areas where some additional approvals remain outstanding but where, based on the technical investigations we carry out as part of our mine planning process, and our knowledge and experience of the approvals process, we expect that such approvals will be obtained as part of the normal course of business and within the timeframe required by the current life of mine schedule.

The reported Ore Reserves contained in this document do not exceed the quantities that we estimate and could be extracted economically if future prices for each commodity were equal to the average historical prices for the three years to 31 December 2018,2019, using current operating costs. In some cases where commodities are produced as by-products (or co-products) with other metals, we use the three-year average historical prices for the combination of commodities produced at the relevant mine in order to verify that each Ore Reserve is economic. The three-year historical average prices used for each traded commodity to test for impairment of the Ore Reserves contained in this Annual Report are as follows:

 

Commodity Price(1)

    US$

Copper

    2.65/2.83/lb

Gold

    1,258/1,306/ozt

Molybdenum

    8.87/10.50/lb

Nickel

    5.01/5.66/lb

Silver

    16.62/16.32/ozt

Zinc

    1.20/1.27/lb

Uranium(2)

    24.33/24.20/lb

Iron Ore – Fines

    59.56/70.06/dmt

Iron Ore – Lump

    72.06/84.60/dmt

Metallurgical Hard Coking Coal

    179.37/191.00/t

Metallurgical Weak Coking Coal

    106.20/108.59/t

Thermal Coal Newcastle(2)

    87.34/91.22/t

Thermal Coal Colombia(2)

    73.28/71.97/t

 

(1) 

Some commodities are traded on a contractual basis for which we are unable to disclose prices due to commercial sensitivity.

 

(2) 

The Uranium price reported is sourced from NEUXCO spotIMF World Uranium U3O8.8 Restricted Price Nuexco Exchange Spot.Thermal coal prices reported are sourced from the McCloskey Report FOB by region, Newcastle and Colombia 6,000 kcal/t Net As Received. These are comparable to realised prices used to test for impairment.

The reported Ore Reserves may differ in some respects from the Ore Reserves we report in home jurisdictions of Australia and the UK. Those jurisdictions require the use of the Australasian Code for reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, December 2012 (the JORC Code), which provides guidance on the use of reasonable investment assumptions in calculating Ore Reserves estimates.

260


Copper

Ore Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

 

As at 30 June 2019

 As at 30 June 2018 

As at 30 June 2020

As at 30 June 2020

 As at 30 June 2019 

Commodity Deposit
(1)(2)(3)(4)

 Ore Type Proven Reserves Probable Reserves Total Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 BHP
Interest
%
  Total Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
  Ore Type Proven Reserves Probable Reserves Total Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 BHP
Interest
%
  Total Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 
Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo   Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo   Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo   Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo    Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo   Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo   Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo   Mt %TCu %SCu ppmMo   
Copper                                                                                              

Escondida(5)

 Oxide 104  0.68         124  0.54         228  0.60         58  57.5  250  0.62         58  Oxide 77  0.64         129  0.55         206  0.58         58  57.5  228  0.60         58 
 Sulphide 3,570  0.70         1,850  0.56         5,420  0.65           5,610  0.66          Sulphide 3,420  0.70         1,790  0.57         5,210  0.66           5,420  0.65         
 Sulphide
Leach
 1,330  0.42         335  0.41         1,670  0.42           1,740  0.41          Sulphide
Leach
 1,330  0.42         326  0.41         1,660  0.42           1,670  0.42         

Cerro Colorado(6)

 Oxide 33  0.59  0.43      7.6  0.54  0.39      41  0.58  0.42      4.3  100  57  0.60  0.43      5.3  Oxide 29  0.58  0.42      6.0  0.58  0.42      35  0.58  0.42      3.4  100  41  0.58  0.42      4.3 
 Supergene
Sulphide
 19  0.62  0.15      5.2  0.53  0.13      24  0.61  0.15        36  0.61  0.15       Supergene
Sulphide
 14  0.57  0.17      4.0  0.63  0.15      18  0.58  0.17        24  0.61  0.15      
 Transitional

Sulphide

 13  0.50  0.10      3.8  0.49  0.10      17  0.49  0.10        17  0.53  0.10       Transitional
Sulphide
 12  0.51  0.10      1.6  0.51  0.09      14  0.51  0.10        17  0.49  0.10      

Spence (7)

 Oxide 1.3  0.96  0.77      20  0.61  0.39      21  0.63  0.42      46  100  29  0.63  0.42      32  Oxide 31  0.61  0.42      0.11  0.95  0.63      31  0.61  0.42      36  100  21  0.63  0.42      46 
 Oxide Low
Solubility
 13  0.69  0.29      0.75  0.52  0.23      14  0.68  0.28        18  0.72  0.30       Oxide Low
Solubility
 9.9  0.68  0.29      0.59  0.56  0.31      10  0.67  0.30        14  0.68  0.28      
 Supergene
Sulphide
 80  0.71  0.10      51  0.53  0.18      131  0.64  0.13        121  0.73  0.10       Supergene
Sulphide
 100  0.62  0.10      6.6  0.43  0.08      107  0.61  0.10        131  0.64  0.13      
 Transitional
Sulphide
 19  0.67  0.06  100   0.53  0.55  0.04  60   20  0.67  0.06  100     20  0.68  0.06  100    Transitional
Sulphide
 22  0.67  0.05  100   0.51  0.53  0.04  60   23  0.66  0.05  95     20  0.67  0.06  100   
 Hypogene
Sulphide
 576  0.45  0.02  190   733  0.45  0.02  130   1,310  0.45  0.02  160     954  0.51  0.02  180    Hypogene
Sulphide
 615  0.46  0.02  180   694  0.46  0.02  130   1,310  0.46  0.02  150     1,310  0.45  0.02  160   
 ROM              0.74  0.65  0.06      0.74  0.65  0.06        3.4  0.53  0.12       ROM                                          0.74  0.65  0.06      
 Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg     Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg    Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg     Mt %Cu kg/t
U3O8
 g/tAu g/tAg   

Copper Uranium Gold

                                                

Olympic Dam (8)

 UG
Sulphide
 203  1.92  0.60  0.74  5  334  1.84  0.55  0.69  4  537  1.87  0.57  0.71  4  54  100  500  1.98  0.58  0.72  4  51  UG
Sulphide
 210  1.92  0.58  0.74  4  238  1.85  0.56  0.65  4  448  1.88  0.57  0.69  4  43  100  537  1.87  0.57  0.71  4  54 
 Low-grade                24  0.99  0.33  0.40  2  24  0.99  0.33  0.40  2    35  1.15  0.37  0.51  3   Low-grade                25  0.86  0.29  0.34  2  25  0.86  0.29  0.34  2    24  0.99  0.33  0.40  2  
   Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo   Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo   Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo     Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo     Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo   Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo   Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo     Mt   %Cu   %Zn   g/tAg   ppmMo  

Copper Zinc

                                                

Antamina(9)

 Sulphide
Cu only
 142  0.98  0.15  7  380  124  0.96  0.18  8  350  266  0.97  0.16  7  370  8.8  33.75  298  0.99  0.17  8  350  9.7  Sulphide
Cu only
 137  0.92  0.12  6  350  108  0.97  0.15  8  330  245  0.94  0.13  7  340  7.7  33.75  266  0.97  0.16  7  370  8.8 
 Sulphide
Cu-Zn
 79  0.84  1.91  17  70  123  0.80  2.01  13  80  202  0.82  1.97  15  70    216  0.83  2.05  14  80   Sulphide
Cu-Zn
 69  0.89  2.09  13  80  94  0.82  2.18  13  80  163  0.85  2.14  13  80    202  0.82  1.97  15  70  

 

(1) 

Cut-off criteria:

 

Deposit Ore Type Ore Reserves
Escondida Oxide ³ 0.20%SCu
 Sulphide ³ 0.30%TCu and greater than variable cut-off (V_COG) of concentrator. Sulphide ore is processed in the concentrator plants as a result of optimised mine plan with consideration of technical and economical parameters in order to maximise Net Present Value.
  Sulphide Leach ³ 0.30%0.25%TCu and lower than V_COG. Sulphide Leach ore is processed by dump leaching as an alternative to the concentrator process.

Cerro Colorado

 Oxide, Supergene Sulphide & Transitional Sulphide ³ 0.30%TCu
Spence Oxide & Oxide Low Solubility ³ 0.30%TCu
 Supergene Sulphide, Transitional Sulphide & Hypogene Sulphide ³ 0.20%TCu

261


ROM³ 0.10%TCu

Olympic Dam

 UG Sulphide Variable between 1.20%1.10%Cu and 1.40%Cu
  Low-grade ³ 0.60%0.65%Cu

Antamina

 Sulphide Cu only Net value per concentrator hour incorporating all material revenue and cost factors and includes metallurgical recovery (see footnote 4 for averages). Mineralisation at the US$6,000/hr limit is equivalent to 0.16%0.17%Cu, 2.0g/2.2g/tAg, 141ppmMo139ppmMo with 6,700t/hr mill throughput.
 Sulphide Cu-Zn Net value per concentrator hour incorporating all material revenue and cost factors and includes metallurgical recovery (see footnote 4 for averages). Mineralisation at the US$6,000/hr limit is equivalent to 0.08%Cu, 0.71%0.72%Zn, 11.7g/8.7g/tAg with 6,500t/hr mill throughput.

Antamina – All metals used in net value calculations are assumed to be recovered into concentrate and sold.

 

(2) 

Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserves were:

 

Deposit  Proven Reserves  Probable Reserves

Escondida

  Oxide: 30m × 30m
Sulphide: 50m × 50m
Sulphide Leach: 60m × 60m
  Oxide: 45m × 45m
Sulphide: 90m × 90m
Sulphide Leach: 115m × 115m

Cerro Colorado

  40m to 50m  100m

Spence

  Oxide & Oxide Low Solubility: maximum 50m × 50m
Supergene Sulphide, Transitional Sulphide & Hypogene Sulphide: maximum 70m × 70m
  100m × 100m for all Ore Types
Olympic Dam  20m to 35m  35m to 70m
Antamina  25m to 40m45m  40m to 60m80m

 

(3) 

Ore delivered to process plant.

 

(4) 

Metallurgical recoveries for the operations were:

 

Deposit

  

Metallurgical Recovery

Escondida

  Oxide: 62%59%
Sulphide: 85%83%
Sulphide Leach: 38%42%

Cerro Colorado

  

Oxide: 75%


Supergene Sulphide: 80%
Transitional Sulphide: 65%

Spence

  Oxide & Oxide Low Solubility: 80%
Supergene Sulphide: 82%
Transitional Sulphide & Hypogene Sulphide: 84%
ROM: 30%Cu 86%, Mo 56%

Olympic Dam

  Cu 94%, U3O8 68%, Au 70%, Ag 63%

Antamina

  Sulphide Cu only: Cu 93%, Zn 0%, Ag 80%, Mo 65%
Sulphide Cu-Zn: Cu 78%, Zn 81%80%, Ag 63%, Mo 0%

 

(5)

Escondida – The decrease in the Oxide ore type was mainly due to depletion. Incorporated within the Reserve Life calculation were Oxide and Sulphide Leach ore types, which have a Reserve Life ofcontribute 10 years and 1624 years respectively.

 

(6)

Cerro Colorado – The decrease in the Oxide and Supergene Sulphide ore typesOre Reserves was mainly due to depletion and reductionwith Reserve Life constrained to mining permit expiry in annual nominated production rate from 20.7Mtpa to 19.2Mtpa partially offset by improved commodity prices. Metallurgical recoveries are2023. Transitional Sulphide ore type recovery based on metallurgical testwork.

 

(7)

Spence – The increase in the HypogeneOxide and Transitional Sulphide ore type and Reserve Lifetypes was mainly due to improved commodity prices.an update in the resource estimate supported by additional drilling. The decrease in the Oxide, Oxide Low Solubility, Supergene Sulphide and ROM ore types was mainly due to depletion. Reduction in Reserve Life from 46 years to 36 years was mainly due to increased overall processing rate assumptions. Transitional Sulphide and Hypogene Sulphide ore type recoveries are based on metallurgical testwork.

 

(8)

Olympic Dam – The increasedecrease in the UG Sulphide ore type and reduction in Reserve Life was due to improvedupdated commodity prices and mine stope design changes partially offset by an update in the resource classificationestimate supported by additional drilling. The decrease in the Low-grade ore type was due to a revised methodology used to define Low-grade ore in the mine design.

 

(9)

Antamina – The decrease in the Ore Reserves and reduction in Reserve Life was mainly due to depletion.depletion partially offset by an update in the resource estimate and changes to reserves classification.

262


Iron Ore(1)

Ore Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

 

As at 30 June 2019

 As at 30 June 2018 

As at 30 June 2020

As at 30 June 2020

 As at 30 June 2019 
 Proven Reserves Probable Reserves Total Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 BHP
Interest
%
  Total Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
  Proven Reserves Probable Reserves Total Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 BHP
Interest
%
  Total Ore Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 

Commodity Deposit

 

Ore

Type

 Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI  

Ore
Type

 Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI Mt %Fe %P %SiO2 %Al2O3 %LOI 

Australia

                                                        

WAIO (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)

 BKM 1,010  62.9  0.12  3.0  2.1  4.3  1,700  62.0  0.13  3.6  2.3  4.8  2,710  62.3  0.13  3.4  2.2  4.6  17  89  2,600  62.4  0.12  3.4  2.2  4.5  16  BKM 910  63.1  0.12  2.9  2.1  4.3  1,570  62.2  0.13  3.5  2.2  4.8  2,480  62.5  0.13  3.3  2.2  4.6  15  88  2,710  62.3  0.13  3.4  2.2  4.6  17 
 

BKM Bene

 20  59.6  0.13  7.2  3.4  2.1  20  59.5  0.14  7.4  3.2  2.0  40  59.5  0.13  7.3  3.3  2.1    50  57.8  0.11  10.1  3.3  2.1   

BKM Bene

 10  59.8  0.13  6.9  3.5  2.1  10  59.6  0.13  7.4  3.1  2.0  30  59.7  0.13  7.1  3.3  2.0    40  59.5  0.13  7.3  3.3  2.1  
 

CID

 240  56.6  0.05  6.3  1.6  10.6  60  57.0  0.04  6.4  1.4  10.3  300  56.7  0.04  6.4  1.5  10.6    400  56.7  0.04  6.1  1.6  10.7   

CID

 120  57.0  0.05  5.7  1.6  10.7  30  57.9  0.05  5.1  1.5  10.3  150  57.2  0.05  5.5  1.5  10.6    300  56.7  0.04  6.4  1.5  10.6  
 

MM

 430  62.4  0.06  2.7  1.5  5.9  1,340  61.6  0.06  3.2  1.7  6.5  1,760  61.8  0.06  3.1  1.7  6.3    1,680  61.7  0.06  3.2  1.7  6.3   

MM

 560  62.4  0.06  2.7  1.5  6.0  1,240  61.4  0.06  3.4  1.8  6.5  1,800  61.7  0.06  3.1  1.7  6.3    1,760  61.8  0.06  3.1  1.7  6.3  

 

(1) 

Samarco – Following the failure of the Fundão tailings dam in November 2015 and the continued shutdown of its operations, Samarco is reviewing the operation’s reserves. Under these circumstances, BHP is currently not in a position to report reserves for Samarco as of 30 June 2019.2020. However, developments in the future may provide additional information and operating approvals for which a different conclusion might be reached.

 

(2) 

Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserves were:

 

Deposit

  

Proven Reserves

  

Probable Reserves

WAIO

  50m x 50m  150m x 50m

 

(3) 

WAIO recovery was 100%, except for BKM Bene where Whaleback beneficiation plant recovery was 91%87% (tonnage basis).

 

(4)

The Ore Reserves qualities listed refer to in situ mass percentage on a dry weight basis. Wet tonnes are reported for WAIO deposits based on the following moisture contents: BKM – Brockman 3%, BKM Bene – Brockman Beneficiation 3%, CID – Channel Iron Deposits 8%, MM – Marra Mamba 4%. Iron ore is marketed for WAIO as Lump (direct blast furnace feed) and Fines (sinter plant feed).

 

(5)

Cut-off grades used to estimate Ore Reserves range from 50–62%Fe for all material types. Ore delivered to process facility.

 

(6)

Ore Reserves are reported on a Pilbara basis by ore type to align with our production of the blended lump products which comprises BKM, BKM Bene and MM ore types and blended fines products including CID. This also reflects our single logistics chain and associated management system.

 

(7)

BHP interest is reported as Pilbara Ore Reserve tonnes weighted average across all joint ventures which can vary from year to year. BHP ownership varies between 85% and 100%.

 

(8)

Ore Reserves are all located on State Agreement mining leases that guarantee the right to mine. Across WAIO, State Government approvals (including environmental and heritage clearances) are required before commencing mining operations in a particular area. Included in the Ore Reserves are select areas where one or more approvals remain outstanding, but where, based on the technical investigations carried out as part of the mine planning process and company knowledge and experience of the approvals process, it is expected that such approvals will be obtained as part of the normal course of business and within the time frame required by the current mine schedule.

 

(9)

The decreasesdecrease in BKM and BKM Bene ore typetypes was mainly due to the application of a higher cut-off grade anddepletion. The decrease in CID ore type was due to depletion.depletion and changes to the mine plan. The increasereduction in the MM ore typeReserve Life was mainly due to updated reserves estimates including satellite deposits additional to existing operations.depletion.

263


Metallurgical Coal

Coal Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

 

As at 30 June 2019

  As at 30 June 2018 
        Proven
Reserve
  Probable
Reserve
  Total
Reserve
  Proven Marketable
Reserves
  Probable Marketable
Reserves
  Total Marketable
Reserves
  Reserve
Life
(years)
  BHP
Interest
%
  Total Marketable
Reserves
  Reserve
Life
(years)
 

Commodity
Deposit
(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

 Mining
Method
  Coal Type  Mt  Mt  Mt  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S 

Metallurgical Coal Operations

                      

Queensland Coal

                      

CQCA JV

                      

Goonyella Riverside(6)

  OC   Met   530   19   549   418   9.1   25.2   0.53   14   10.9   28.4   0.56   432   9.1   25.3   0.53   38   50   444   9.2   22.8   0.53   40 

Broadmeadow(6)(7)

  UG   Met   67   114   181   48   8.1   23.7   0.54   72   9.9   23.5   0.55   120   9.2   23.6   0.54     128   9.1   23.6   0.54  

Peak Downs

  OC   Met/Th   379   339   718   235   10.6   22.3   0.60   208   10.6   22.7   0.65   443   10.6   22.5   0.62   26   50   456   10.6   22.5   0.62   26 

Caval Ridge

  OC   Met   252   95   347   151   11.0   22.4   0.57   52   11.0   22.0   0.58   203   11.0   22.3   0.58   28   50   211   11.0   22.3   0.58   29 

Saraji(8)

  OC   Met   442   60   502   264   10.1   17.7   0.64   29   11.2   18.8   0.79   293   10.2   17.8   0.65   31   50   270   10.2   17.9   0.66   25 

Norwich Park(9)

  OC   Met   159   70   229   116   10.3   16.8   0.70   49   10.2   16.6   0.70   165   10.3   16.7   0.70   65   50   165   10.3   16.7   0.70   65 

Blackwater(10)

  OC   Met/Th   136   144   280   124   8.1   26.6   0.43   133   8.8   26.9   0.44   257   8.5   26.8   0.44   16   50   266   8.4   26.7   0.43   15 

Daunia(11)

  OC   Met/PCI   74   25   99   64   8.1   20.4   0.34   21   8.3   20.0   0.35   85   8.2   20.3   0.34   18   50               22 
  OC   Met                                                  99   8.4   20.4   0.35  

Gregory JV

                      

Gregory (12)

  OC   Met                                                      5.6   7.0   34.8   0.60   4.0 

BHP Mitsui Coal

                      

South Walker Creek(13)

  OC   Met/PCI   101   36   137   80   9.2   13.6   0.29   29   9.2   13.2   0.29   108   9.2   13.5   0.30   17   80   114   9.2   13.5   0.30   18 

Poitrel(14)

  OC   Met   37   24   61   29   7.9   23.0   0.31   19   8.4   23.3   0.31   48   8.1   23.1   0.31   10   80   49   8.7   23.6   0.33   11 

As at 30 June 2020

  As at 30 June 2019 
        Proven
Reserve
  Probable
Reserve
  Total
Reserve
  Proven Marketable
Reserves
  Probable Marketable
Reserves
  Total Marketable
Reserves
  Reserve
Life
(years)
  BHP
Interest
%
  Total Marketable
Reserves
  Reserve
Life
(years)
 

Commodity
Deposit
(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

 Mining
Method
  Coal Type  Mt  Mt  Mt  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S  Mt  %Ash  %VM  %S 

Metallurgical Coal Operations

                      

Queensland Coal

                      

CQCA JV

                      

Goonyella Riverside (6)

  OC   Met   513   19   532   405   9.1   25.2   0.53   14   10.9   28.4   0.56   419   9.1   25.3   0.53   35   50   432   9.1   25.3   0.53   38 

Broadmeadow (6)

  UG   Met   59   106   165   46   8.1   23.9   0.54   67   10.0   23.3   0.55   112   9.2   23.5   0.55     120   9.2   23.6   0.54  

Peak Downs (7)

  OC   Met/Th   669   91   760   393   10.6   22.1   0.59   51   10.6   24.2   0.84   444   10.6   22.3   0.62   27   50   443   10.6   22.5   0.62   26 

Caval Ridge

  OC   Met   232   101   333   134   11.0   22.2   0.57   61   11.0   22.3   0.57   196   11.0   22.2   0.57   27   50   203   11.0   22.3   0.58   28 

Saraji (7)(8)

  OC   Met/Th   487   54   541   315   10.5   17.9   0.63   24   10.6   19.2   0.88   339   10.5   18.0   0.65   33   50               31 
  OC   Met                                                  293   10.2   17.8   0.65  

Norwich Park (9)

  OC   Met   159   70   229   116   10.3   16.8   0.70   49   10.2   16.6   0.70   165   10.3   16.7   0.70   65   50   165   10.3   16.7   0.70   65 

Blackwater (7)(10)

  OC   Met/Th   181   229   410   157   8.8   26.5   0.43   195   9.1   26.2   0.42   352   9.0   26.3   0.42   27   50   396   8.4   26.7   0.43   24 

Daunia (11)

  OC   Met/PCI   68   25   93   59   8.1   20.4   0.34   21   8.3   20.0   0.35   80   8.2   20.3   0.34   17   50   85   8.2   20.3   0.34   18 

BHP Mitsui Coal

                      

South Walker Creek (12)

  OC   Met/PCI   93   36   129   74   9.2   13.6   0.29   29   9.2   13.2   0.29   102   9.2   13.5   0.29   16   80   108   9.2   13.5   0.30   17 

Poitrel (13)

  OC   Met   31   24   55   25   7.9   23.0   0.31   19   8.4   23.3   0.31   44   8.1   23.1   0.31   9.6   80   48   8.1   23.1   0.31   10 

 

(1)

Cut-off criteria applied were: Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, Norwich Park, South Walker CreekSaraji ³ 0.5m seam thickness; Caval Ridge Saraji³ 0.4m seam thickness; Blackwater, Daunia, South Walker Creek, Poitrel³ 0.3m seam thickness; Broadmeadow³ 2.5m seam thickness.

 

(2) 

Only geophysically logged, fully analysed cored holes with greater than 95% recovery (or <± 10% expected error at 95% confidence for Goonyella Riverside Broadmeadow) were used to classify Coal Reserves. Drill hole spacings vary between seams and geological domains and were determined in conjunction with geostatistical analysis where applicable. The range of maximum drill hole spacings used to classify the Coal Reserves were:

 

Deposit

  Proven Reserves  Probable Reserves

Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow

  900m to 1,300m plus 3D seismic coverage for UG  1,750m to 2,400m

Peak Downs

250m to 1,500m500m to 2,500m

Caval Ridge

  500m to 1,050m  500m to 2,100m

Saraji

  450m to 1,800m  800m to 2,600m

Norwich Park

  500m to 1,400m  1,000m to 2,800m

Blackwater

  450m to 1,000m  900m to 1,850m

Daunia

  450m to 850m  900m to 1,400m

South Walker Creek

  400m to 800m  650m to 1,500m

Poitrel

  300m to 550m  600m to 1,050m

264


(3) 

Product recoveries for the operations were:

 

Deposit

  Product Recovery

Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow

  74%

Peak Downs

  61%58%

Caval Ridge

  58%59%

Saraji

  58%63%

Norwich Park

  71%

Blackwater

  92%86%

Daunia

  85%

South Walker Creek

  75%78%

Poitrel

  79%

 

(4)

Total Coal Reserves were at the moisture content when mined (4% CQCA JV and BHP Mitsui Coal). Total Marketable Reserves were at a product specification moisture content (9.5-10%(9.5-10% Goonyella Riverside Broadmeadow,Broadmeadow; 9.5% Peak Downs,Downs; 10.5% Caval Ridge; 10% Caval Ridge, 10% Saraji, Saraji; 10-11% Norwich Park, Park; 7.5-11.5% Blackwater, Blackwater; 10-10.5% Daunia, Daunia; 9% South Walker Creek, Creek; 10-12% Poitrel) and at an air-dried quality basis for sale after the beneficiation of the Total Coal Reserves.

 

(5) 

Coal delivered to handling plant.

 

(6) 

Goonyella Riverside and Broadmeadow deposits use the same infrastructure and Reserve Life applies to both. The decrease in Reserve Life was mainly due to depletion, change in mine plan at Broadmeadow and an increase in nominated production rate from 19Mtpa to 20Mtpa.

 

(7) 

Broadmeadow – The decrease in CoalPercentage of secondary thermal products for Reserves was due to depletion and the exclusion of some mining areas impacted by geotechnical issues and the Isaac River.with coal type Met/Th are: Peak Downs 1%; Saraji 1%; Blackwater 14%. Contributions will vary year on year based on market demand.

 

(8) 

Saraji – The increase in Coal Reserves and Reserve Life was mainly due to additional resources transferredchanges in the mine design and revised yield. Change in Coal Type from Saraji East project dueMet to approval of an operating license.Met/Th.

 

(9) 

Norwich Park remains on care and maintenance.

 

(10) 

Blackwater – The increase in Coal Reserves and Reserve Life iswas mainly due to a reduction in the nominated annual production rate from 20Mtpa to 17.2Mtpa.improved commodity price.

 

(11) 

Daunia – The decrease in Coal Reserves and Reserve Life was mainly due to depletion. Changes in Coal Reserves classification was due to an update in the resource classification supported by drill hole spacing analysis and additional drilling. Change in Coal Type from Met to Met/PCI.

 

(12)

Divestment of Gregory JV completed on 27 March 2019.

(13) 

South Walker Creek – The decrease in Coal Reserves and Reserve Life was mainly due to depletion.

 

(14)(13) 

Poitrel – The decrease in Reserve LifeCoal Reserves was mainly due to depletion.

265


Energy Coal

Coal Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

 

As at 30 June 2019

 As at 30 June 2018 

As at 30 June 2020

As at 30 June 2020

 As at 30 June 2019 

Commodity
Deposit
(1)(2)(3)(4)

 Mining
Method
 Coal
Type
  Proven
Reserves
 Probable

Reserves
 Total
Reserves
 Proven Marketable Reserves Probable Marketable
Reserves
 Total Marketable Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 BHP
Interest
%
  Total Marketable Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
  Mining
Method
 Coal
Type
  Proven
Reserves
 Probable
Reserves
 Total
Reserves
 Proven Marketable Reserves Probable Marketable
Reserves
 Total Marketable Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 BHP
Interest
%
  Total Marketable Reserves  Reserve
Life
(years)
 
Mt Mt Mt Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/
kg CV
 Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/
kg CV
 Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/kg
CV
 Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/kg
CV
  Mt Mt Mt Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/
kg CV
 Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/
kg CV
 Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/kg
CV
 Mt %Ash %VM %S KCal/kg
CV
 

Energy Coal

                                                        

Australia

                                                        

Mt Arthur Coal(5)(6)

 OC  Th  292  299  591  228  15.9  28.6  0.52  5,990  225  14.7  28.2  0.46  6,010  453  15.3  28.4  0.49  6,050  21  100  574  17.7  31.0  0.56  6,320  27  OC  Th  269  299  568  211  15.9  28.6  0.52  5,990  225  14.7  28.2  0.46  6,100  436  15.3  28.4  0.49  6,050  20  100  453  15.3  28.4  0.49  6,050  21 

Colombia

                                                        

Cerrejón (7)(8)

 OC  Th  294  48  342  286  11.7  32.3  0.61  6,091  47  8.5  32.8  0.60  6,155  333  11.2  32.4  0.61  6,101�� 15  33.33  445  9.3  32.6  0.57  6,144  16  OC  Th  192  137  329  186  12.3  32.3  0.61  6,070  133  11.0  33.0  0.60  5,980  319  11.8  32.6  0.61  6,032  14  33.33  333  11.2  32.4  0.61  6,101  15 

 

(1) 

Cut-off criteria:

 

Deposit

  

Coal Reserves

Mt Arthur Coal

  ³ 0.3m seam thickness,£ 32% ash,³ 40% coal washery yield

Cerrejón

  ³ 0.35m seam thickness

 

(2) 

Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserves were:

 

Deposit

  

Proven Reserves

  

Probable Reserves

Mt Arthur Coal

  200m to 800m (geophysically logged, >95%³95% core recovery)  400m to 1,550m (geophysically logged, >95%³95% core recovery)

Cerrejón

  >6 drill holes per 100ha  2 to 6 drill holes per 100ha

 

(3) 

Product recoveries for the operations were:

 

Deposit

  

Product Recovery

Mt Arthur Coal

  77%

Cerrejón

  97%

 

(4) 

Total Coal Reserves were at the moisture content when mined (8%(9% Mt Arthur Coal; 13.2% Cerrejón). Total Marketable Reserves were at a product specific moisture content (9.3%(9.6% Mt Arthur Coal; 14.2%14.5% Cerrejón) and at an air-driedas received quality basis for Mt Arthur Coal and at a total moisture quality basis for Cerrejón.

 

(5) 

Mt Arthur Coal – Coal delivered to handling plant.

 

(6) 

Mt Arthur Coal – The decreaseMining studies are in Marketable Coal Reserves and Reserve Life was due to additional data informingprogress that may result in changes in the mine plan based on revised geotechnicaldesign and geological understanding.the Coal Reserves cut-off criteria reported for ROM; superseding export product cut-off criteria reported in 2018.Reserves.

 

(7) 

Cerrejón – Marketable Coal Reserves decreased due to depletion delayed approval of the Bruno Creek diversion permits and a reduction in the nominated annual production rate from 29.5Mt to 25.7Mt partially offset by a change in cut-off criteria from³ 0.65m to³ 0.35m seam thickness. Approximately 10% of extracted reserves was beneficiated. Lease expiry in 2033.improved resource classification supported by additional drilling. Coal is beneficiated by exception.

 

(8) 

Cerrejón – While there have been delays in some permits as at 30 June 2019 inIn response to ongoing local community legal challenges, some replacement reserves have been identified within the mine plan utilitising existing fleet capacity.permits remain suspended. BHP continues to monitor the situation for potential impact on mining.

266


Other Assets

Ore Reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7

 

As at 30 June 2019

   As at 30 June 2018 
      Proven Reserves   Probable Reserves   Total Reserves   Reserve
Life
(years)
   BHP
Interest
%
   Total Reserves   Reserve
Life
(years)
 

Commodity Deposit
(1)(2)(3)(4)

  Ore Type      Mt           %Ni           Mt           %Ni           Mt           %Ni           Mt           %Ni     

Nickel West Operations

 

                    

Leinster(5)

  OC   1.3    0.96    1.5    0.90    2.8    0.93    1.0    100             

Mt Keith(6)

  OC   69    0.57    19    0.55    88    0.57    12    100    11    0.61    2.0 

SP

     4.7    0.51    3.7    0.45    8.4    0.48        11    0.48   

Yakabindie (7)

  OC   58    0.60    41    0.62    99    0.61    10    100             

As at 30 June 2020

   As at 30 June 2019 

Commodity
Deposit (1)(2)(3)(4)

      Proven Reserves   Probable Reserves   Total Reserves   Reserve
Life
(years)
   BHP
Interest
%
   Total Reserves   Reserve
Life
(years)
 
  Ore Type   Mt   %Ni   Mt   %Ni   Mt   %Ni   Mt   %Ni 

Nickel West Operations

 

              

Leinster (5)

   OC    2.9    0.75    1.0    0.68    3.9    0.74    8.0    100    2.8    0.93    1.0 
   UG            5.1    1.6    5.1    1.6               

Mt Keith (6)

   OC    65    0.57    19    0.55    84    0.57    15    100    88    0.57    12 
   SP    6.2    0.58    0.9    0.45    7.1    0.58        8.4    0.48   

Yakabindie

   OC    55    0.60    41    0.62    96    0.61    8.9    100    99    0.61    10 

 

(1) 

Cut-off criteria:

 

Deposit

  

Ore Type

  

Ore Reserves

Leinster

  OC  ³ 0.40%Ni
UG³ 0.90%Ni

Mt Keith

  

OC

SP

  

Variable between 0.35%Ni and 0.40%Ni and³ 0.18% recoverable Ni

SP

Yakabindie

  OC  ³ 0.35%Ni

 

(2) 

Approximate drill hole spacings used to classify the reserve were:

 

Deposit

  

Proven Reserves

  

Probable Reserves

Leinster

  25m × 25m  25m × 50m

Mt Keith

  40m × 40m  80m × 80m

Yakabindie

  40m × 60m  80m × 60m

 

(3) 

Ore delivered to the process plant.

 

(4) 

Metallurgical recovery for the operations were:

 

Deposit

  

Metallurgical Recovery

Leinster

  83%OC80%
UG88%

Mt Keith

  64%63%

Yakabindie

  63% (based on metallurgical test work)

 

(5) 

Leinster – The increase in the OC ore type was due to improved resource classification which enabled increase conversion to Ore Reserves were reportedand mine design changes. The increase in the Reserve Life was due to a higher three year historical average Nickel price.the addition of the UG ore type and the increase in OC ore type reserves. Incorporated within the Reserve Life calculation were OC and UG ore types, which contribute 2 years and 8 years respectively.

 

(6) 

Mt Keith – The increasedecrease in Ore Reserves and Reserve Life was mainly due to the inclusion of additional mining areas and a higher three year historical average Nickel price.

(7)

Yakabindie – Ore Reserves were reporteddepletion. The increase in Reserve Life was due to a higher three year historical average Nickel price.decrease in nominated production rate from 8Mtpa to 6Mtpa.

267


6.46.5    Major projects

At the end of FY2019,FY2020, BHP had fivesix major projects under development in petroleum, copper, iron ore and potash, with a combined budget of US$11.111.4 billion over the life of the projects.

Capital and exploration expenditure of US$7.6 billion in FY2019FY2020 was within guidance. Capital and exploration expenditure of approximately US$7 billion is now expected for FY2021 and is approximately US$1 billion lower than previous guidance for FY2020 is unchanged at below US$8 billion.predominantly due to the deferral of a number of our petroleum projects in order to maximise value. This guidance includes a US$0.90.7 billion exploration program in FY2020,FY2021, with approximately US$0.7 billion450 million for petroleum exploration and appraisal expenditure.

Projects in execution at the end of FY2019FY2020

 

Commodity

  

Project and

ownership

  

Capacity(1)

  Date of initial
production
   Capital
expenditure
(US$M) (1)
 
       Target   Budget 

Projects under development

            

Petroleum

  

Atlantis Phase 3

(US Gulf of Mexico) 44% (non-operator)

  New subsea production system that will tie back to the existing Atlantis facility, with capacity to produce up to 38,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day. On schedule and on budget. First production achieved in July 2020. Overall project is 13%79% complete     CY2020    696 

Petroleum

  

Ruby

(Trinidad and Tobago)

68.46% (operator)

Five production wells tied back into existing operated processing facilities, with capacity to produce up to 16,000 gross barrels of oil per day and 80 million gross standard cubic feet of natural gas per day. On schedule and on budget. Overall project is 28% completeCY2021283

Petroleum

Mad Dog Phase 2 (US Gulf of Mexico) 23.9% (non-operator)  New floating production facility with the capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross barrels of crude oil per day. On schedule and on budget, overallbudget. Overall project is 53%77% complete     CY2022    2,154 

Iron Ore

  

South Flank (Australia)

85% (operator)

  Sustaining iron ore mine to replace production from the 80 Mtpa Yandi Mine. Overall project is 39%76% complete     CY2021    3,061 

Copper

  

Spence Growth Option

(Chile)

  New 95 ktpd concentrator is expected to incrementally increase Spence’s payable copper in concentrate production by approximately 185 ktpa in the first 10 years of operation and extend the mining operations by more than 50 years. Overall project is 60%93% complete. Project approved on 17 August 2017     FY2021    2,460 
          

 

 

 
           8,3718,654 
          

 

 

 

Other projects in progress at the end of FY2019FY2020

 

       Capital
expenditure
(US$M)(1)
 

Commodity

 

Project and ownership

 

Scope

  Budget 

Projects under development

        

Potash

 Jansen Potash Project (Canada) 100% Investment to finish the excavation and lining of the production and service shafts, and to continue the installation of essential surface infrastructure and utilities   2,700 
    

 

 

 
     2,700 
    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Unless noted otherwise, references to capacity are on a 100 per cent basis, references to capital expenditure from subsidiaries are reported on a 100 per cent basis and references to capital expenditure from joint operations reflect BHP’s share.

268


6.56.6    Sustainability – performance data

Definition and calculation of sustainability performance metrics

We use various sustainability performance metrics (SPMs) to reflect our sustainability performance.

Management uses these SPMs to evaluate BHP’s performance against both positive and negative impacts of operational activities and our progress against our sustainability commitments and targets.

These SPMs are commonly used measures by many of our stakeholders and most are industry standard. To ensure our sustainability performance is relevant and considers breadth and depth of reporting, we align our SPMs with credible international standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability reporting standards. The standards relevant to each SPM for the year ended 30 June 2020 are listed in the tables below.

This section outlines why we believe the SPMs are useful to the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders, and the methodology behind the metrics. A detailed definition and explanation is provided in the below methodology tables for each of our most material SPMs.

Health and safety-related metrics

Our highest priority is the safety of our people and the communities in which we operate. This is why we focus on identifying safety risks and implementing controls designed to minimise the likelihood and potential impact of those risks. The health and safety SPMs allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to measure and track health and safety performance at our operated assets, including trends related to personal injuries, occupational illness and exposures. We focus on strengthening in-field verification of material and fatal risks; enhancing our internal investigation process and widely sharing and applying lessons and enabling additional quality field time to engage our workforce.

Reference and SPMSection 1.4.8 Sustainability KPIs, section 1.7.3 Safety and section 6.6.1 People – performance data TRIF
Methodology

TRIF (total recordable injury frequency) is an indicator highlighting broad personal injury trends and refers to the number of recordable injuries per hours worked during the financial year. TRIF equals the sum of (fatalities + lost-time cases + restricted work cases + medical treatment cases) x 1,000,000 (or 200,000) ÷ actual hours worked. In accordance with SASB Metals and Mining Standard we also report TRIF per 200,000 hours worked in section 6.6.1 People – performance data FY2020. BHP adopts the US Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injury and illnesses. TRIF statistics exclude non-operated assets.

Year-on-year improvement of TRIF is one of our five-year sustainability targets and is one of the indicators used to assess our safety performance.

FY2016 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 403-9 and OSHA guidelines.

Reference and SPMSection 1.7.3 Safety and section 6.6.1 People – performance data High potential injury events
MethodologyHigh potential injury (HPI) events refers to the number of recordable injuries and first aid cases where there was the potential for a fatality during the financial year. High potential injury event trends remain a primary focus to assess progress against our most important safety objective: to eliminate fatalities and provides insight into our performance on preventing future fatalities.

The basis of calculation for high potential injuries was revised in FY2020 from event count to injury count as part of a safety reporting methodology improvement.

FY2016 to FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 403-9.

Reference and SPMSection 1.7.4 Health and section 6.6.1 People – performance data Occupational illness incidence
Methodology

An occupational illness is an illness that occurs as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure and includes acute or chronic illnesses or diseases, which may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion or direct contact. Illness is determined by reference to the US OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook.

Occupational illness incidence is a lag indicator highlighting broad occupational illness trends and refers to the number of employees that suffer from an occupational illness per million hours worked during the financial year.

Incidence of occupational illness is used to identify situations where exposure controls were effective (no illness occurrence) and where exposure controls were potentially ineffective (illness occurs). It also informs priorities for exposure reduction projects.

The data for FY2016 to FY2018 includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations. FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018 and Continuing operations.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 403-10 and the OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook.

Reference and SPMSection 1.4.8 Sustainability KPIs and section 1.7.4 Health Occupational exposures
Methodology

Occupational exposures refers to the number of employees who have potential exposure to an agent in the workplace that exceeds either regulatory or the sometimes stricter BHP internal occupational exposure limits (OELs). These employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Reported occupational exposure data discounts the effect of the PPE worn.

BHP has adopted a five-year sustainability target to reduce by at least 50 per cent (compared to the adjusted FY2017 exposure data) the number of employees exposed to diesel exhaust particulate matter, coal mine dust and silica.

An OEL is the level of exposure to an agent to which it is believed nearly all people may be repeatedly exposed throughout a working life without adverse effect.

The exposure profile is derived through a combination of quantitative exposure measurements and qualitative assessments undertaken by specialist occupational hygienists consistent with best practice as defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. The 95 per cent upper confidence limit of the mean exposure is compared to our OELs.

Where employees are exposed in excess of an OEL

•   exposure controls in accordance with the hierarchy of control must be implemented

•   PPE is provided and must be worn

•   health surveillance must be undertaken

Quantitative occupational exposure measurements are undertaken to provide assurance that implemented controls remain effective.

People-related metrics

Our global workforce is the foundation of our business and we believe that supporting the wellbeing of our people and promoting an inclusive and diverse culture are vital for maintaining a competitive advantage. The SPMs for gender, employment type and turnover are key indicators, which allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to measure and track our near and long-term progress.

Reference and SPMSection 1.6.1 Our people, section 1.6.2 Employees and contractors, and section 6.6.1 People – performance data Workforce by gender, region, category and employment type
Methodology

Proportional data for average number of employees is based on the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for a 10-month period from July to April, which is then used as the average for the FY2020.

The number and average number (and percentages) of employees by region shows the weighted average number of employees based on BHP ownership.

Contractor data is collected from internal surveys and the organisation systems and averages for a 10-month period from July 2019 to April 2020, which is then used as the average for the FY2020.

The gender numbers in section 1.6.1 are a ‘point in time’ snapshot at 30 June 2020 used in internal management reporting for the purposes of monitoring progress against our aspiration goal of a gender balanced workforce by FY2025.

There is no significant seasonal variation in employment numbers.

These methodologies have been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 102-8 and GRI standard 405-1.

Reference and SPMSection 1.6.1 Our people and section 6.6.1 People performance data – Employee new hires and turnover
Methodology

Data for employee new hires, including by gender, age group and region, is based on the number of employee new hires for a 10-month period from July 2019 through to April 2020 divided by the average number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for the same period, which is then used to calculate a weighted average for FY2020 based on our operated assets. Employee new hires refers to all employment types.

Data for employee turnover, including by gender, age group and region, is based on the number of employee new terminations for a 10-month period from July 2019 through to April 2020 divided by the average number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for the same period, which is then used to calculate a weighted average for FY2020 based on our operated assets. Employee new terminations refers to all employment types.

These methodologies have been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 401-1.

Community-related metrics

We seek to create and contribute to social value in the communities where we operate through the positive social and economic benefits generated by our core business, our constructive engagement and advocacy on important issues and our contribution as community partners. Our community SPMs allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to track our performance in contributing to social value in the communities in which we operate and monitor our relationships and engagement with this important stakeholder group.

Reference and SPMSection 1.4.8 Sustainability KPIs and section 1.7.9 Community Social investment spend
Methodology

Our voluntary social investment is calculated as 1 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit. Social investment is our voluntary contribution towards projects or donations with the primary purpose of contributing to the resilience of the communities where we operate and the environment, aligned with our broader business priorities. By building common ground through collective impact and partnerships, our social investments will purposefully create social value to strengthen the communities of which we are a part, to improve the resilience of the natural environment, and address the strategic priorities of the business. Donations from BHP to the BHP Foundation are included in the calculation of our 1 per cent target as are the costs of administering our social investment programs. The Sustainability Committee reviews our social investment spend on a quarterly basis.

Our social investment spend is one of the metrics used to monitor our performance against our commitment to making a contribution to social value and meeting our five-year sustainability target.

Reference and SPMSection 1.4.8 Sustainability KPIs and section 1.7.9 Community Significant community events
Methodology

A significant event resulting from BHP operated activities, is one with an actual severity rating of four and above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum requirements for risk management. A significant community event is an event that could have a serious impact on community, including impacts to livelihoods, infrastructure, health, safety, security or cultural heritage. A significant event could also include a substantiated human rights violation.

This metric assists the Board and management in monitoring BHP’s social performance and is one indicator of the health of our relationship with the communities where we operate.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 413-2 and GRI standard MM6.

Reference and SPMSection 1.7.9 Community and section 6.6.2 Society – performance data – Community complaints
Methodology

Community complaints refer to a verbal or written notification made directly to a BHP representative by a member of a community relating to an alleged adverse impact on that community arising from BHP’s activities and/or employee or contractor behaviour at our operated assets. Trends in community complaints are analysed by management every six months, and this data is used as one of the inputs for management to determine whether we are operating within our risk appetite.

This metric assists the Board and management to monitor BHP’s social performance and is one indicator of the health of our relationship with the communities where we operate.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard MM7.

Environment-related metrics

We acknowledge the nature of our operations can have significant environmental impacts. Our environmental SPMs allow the Board and management to manage and monitor the inherent risks relating to, and any adverse impacts our operations may have on, air quality, water resources, biodiversity and habitats. They also allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to measure and track our performance towards our environmental commitments. These measures are used to inform strategic focus areas, support planning and investments in infrastructure and identify improvement opportunities that potentially reduce environmental impacts. BHP respects legally designated protected areas and commits to avoiding areas or activities where we consider the environmental risk is outside BHP’s risk appetite. Additionally, our operations and growth strategy depend on obtaining and maintaining access to environmental resources, such as land and water. Significant environmental events and incidents of non-compliance, such as tailings storage facilities failures, can lead to costly environmental liabilities, which hinder our growth and expansion strategies.

Reference and SPMSection 1.7.6 Environment and section 6.6.3 Environment – performance data – Land owned, leased or managed, Land disturbed, Land rehabilitated and Land set aside for conservation.
Methodology

Land may refer to sea, lake or river beds if appropriate and includes land for infrastructure to support extractive operations.

Land disturbed includes the total land area at the time of reporting that is physically impacted by the activities of the business that substantially disrupts the pre-existing habitats and land cover.

Land managed for conservation is the total area at the time of reporting managed for the purposes of biodiversity conservation only. It includes land that the business has formally assigned and manages as a compensatory action as well as other land that the business has protected from disturbance activities and manages for conservation.

Land data is calculated as the total land area owned, leased or managed by BHP as at 30 June of the reporting year, expressed as hectares. Data does not include land managed for rehabilitation or conservation as part of voluntary social investment.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard MM1 and these metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the magnitude of land that is under direct control of the company and its operational footprint.

Reference and SPMSection 1.4.8 Sustainability KPIs, section 1.7.6 Environment and section 6.6.5 Water – performance data – Water withdrawals, Water discharges, Water diversions, Water consumption and Water sensitivity
Methodology

Water withdrawals

The volume of water, in megalitres (ML), received and intended for use by the operated asset from the water environment and/or a third party supplier. We disclose water withdrawal in ML by operated asset and source (sea, ground and surface waters as defined in section 6.8.2). Volumes by quality type (as defined in section 6.8.2) are also disclosed. Withdrawal volumes disclosed per annum include rainfall and runoff volumes captured and used during the reporting year. Rainfall and runoff volumes that have been captured and stored are excluded and will be reported in the future year of use. Withdrawal volumes also include water entrained (see section 6.8.2) in ore.

Water withdrawal metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the significance of our water resource use, collectively for the Group and by individual operated assets, and to assess trends over time. It also helps inform investment in infrastructure to reduce water withdrawals and improve efficiency of water use.

Water discharges

The volume of water, in ML, removed from the operated asset and returned to the environment and/or distributed to a third party. This may include discharge to sea, surface waters, groundwater seepage or aquifer reinjection. We disclose water discharges in ML by operated asset and destination. Volumes by quality type (as defined in section 6.8.2) are also disclosed.

Water discharge metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the amount of water that operated assets must handle and release in line with water quality requirements. It also helps inform investment in infrastructure to improve water quality, reduce water withdrawals and improve efficiency of water use.

Water diversions

The volume of water, in ML, that is actively managed by an operated asset but not used for any operational purposes. Diversions are reported as both withdrawals and discharges and may include:

•   flood waters that are discharged to an external surface water body

•   dewatering volumes produced by aquifer interception that are reinjected to groundwater or discharged to surface water

•   ground or surface water that is removed by or supplied to a third party, such as a community

•   water removed as part of accessing crude oil that is returned to the sea without use

•   water used for ecosystem irrigation

Withdrawal and discharge diverted water may occur in different annual reporting periods, so in any given annual period there may be a differential between withdrawals and discharges for diverted water.

Water diversion metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the volumes of water handled by the operated asset. This information assists in forecasting water management costs and identifying opportunities to reduce them.

Water consumption

The volume of water, in ML, used by the operated asset and not returned to the environment or a third party. We disclose consumption by total consumption and use (evaporation, entrainment and other as defined in section 6.8.2).

Water consumption metrics assist the Board and management in the planning of water supplies and infrastructure for future production, expansions or new projects. The metrics are also used to identify the areas where we have opportunity to reduce water use.

Water recycled/reused

The volume of water, in ML, that is reused or recycled at an operated asset. Reused water is water that has previously being used at the operated asset that is used again without further treatment. Recycled water is water that is reused but is treated before it is used again. Efficiency of this recycling and reuse is calculated in percentage by calculating the proportion of recycled or reused water volumes to total water volumes withdrawn (excluding seawater) by BHP in accordance with section 3.6.1 of the Minerals Council of Australia’s Water Accounting Framework (WAF).

Water recycled/reused metrics assist the Board and management in assessing opportunities to reduce water withdrawals. These metrics assist with comparisons of water recycling/reuse performance and trends between our operated assets and with peers, which can be used to inform and prioritise reuse and recycling improvements and technological investments.

Water sensitivity

We define water sensitivity as the degree (high, moderate or low) to which a region is sensitive to a range of water-influencing factors.

Water sensitivity metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the relativity and contributing factors to water-related risk management at individual operated assets, and in understanding if this changes over time.

These methodologies have been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 303-3, GRI standard 303-4 and GRI standard 303-5 and these metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the volumes of water that the company interacts with the and water volume and use efficiency trends over time.

Reference and SPMSection 6.6.3 Environment – performance data Mineral waste (including tailings)
Methodology

Mineral waste refers to the large quantities of material arising as a result of extractive activities. Non-product materials (overburden) have to be removed to give access to product-bearing material (ores), which are processed, physically or chemically, to release them from their matrix and convert them into output products and waste products (tailings, slags, sludges, slimes or other process residues). For minerals waste, the figures represent the total deposited in the reporting year, expressed as kilotonnes (kt).

Mineral waste (hazardous)

Includes the following if classified as hazardous by local legislation:

•   mineral waste from raw or intermediate materials that have been processed as part of the production sequence, such as beneficiation, refining and smelting

•   tailings, slimes, sludge, residues, slag, fly ash, gypsum, coal rejects

Includes non-hazardous waste co-disposed/mingled with hazardous material. Excludes any hazardous mineral waste that is rehandled to prevent double counting.

Tailings waste (non-hazardous)

Includes tailings, slimes and residue resulting from the processing of ore which is not classified as hazardous by local legislation.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard MM3 and these metrics assist the Board and management in understanding the volumes and types of waste generated and trends over time.

Reference and SPMSection 1.4.8 Sustainability KPIs and section 1.7.6 Environment Significant environmental events
Methodology

A significant event resulting from BHP operated activities is one with an actual severity rating of four and above, based on our internal severity rating scale (tiered from one to five by increasing severity) as defined in our mandatory minimum requirements for risk management. The severity rating considers the nature, extent and duration of the impact and any corrective actions required to restore ecosystem function.

This metric assists the Board and management in monitoring BHP’s environment performance and is one indicator of the impacts on the environments where we operate.

Climate change-related metrics

We recognise the impacts of climate change may impact BHP in a range of areas (refer to section 1.5.4 for more information). Climate-related risks include the potential physical impacts of acute and chronic risks, and transition impacts arising from the transition to a lower carbon economy. Our climate change SPMs help us monitor our climate change commitments (refer to section 1.7) to mitigate the risks and potential impacts associated with climate change to BHP, as well as fulfil our regulatory reporting obligations. The SPMs allow the Board, management, investors and other stakeholders to measure BHP’s performance against these commitments.

Reference and SPMSection 1.7.8 Climate change and section 6.6.4 Climate Change – performance data Operational energy consumption
Methodology

Definition

Energy means all forms of energy products where ‘energy products’ means combustible fuels, heat, renewable energy, electricity or any other form of energy from operations that are owned or controlled by BHP. The primary sources of energy consumption come from fuel consumed by haul trucks at our operated assets, as well as purchased electricity used at our operated assets.

Energy consumption has been calculated on an operational control basis in accordance with mandatory minimum performance requirements for HSEC reporting, which are in line with the World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development guidance and are measured in terawatt-hours or petajoules (measurement unit specified in the relevant table).

Calculation methodology

The energy figures are calculated using the activity data collected at our operated assets. Activity data is multiplied by an energy content factor (where necessary) to derive the energy consumption associated with a process or an operation. Examples of activity data include, kilowatt-hours of electricity used or quantity of fuel used. Energy content factors are sourced from the regulations and guidance specified in Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions calculation methodology below. All other energy figures in section 1.7.8 are derived from the approach specified above with further information detailed in the footnotes.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 302-1.

Reference and SPMSection 1.4.8 Sustainability KPIs, section 1.7.8 Climate change and section 6.6.4 Climate change – performance data – Operational GHG emissions,Scope 1 GHG emissions – Scope 2 GHG emissions
Methodology

Definition

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions are direct emissions from operations that are owned or controlled by BHP, primarily emissions from fuel consumed by haul trucks at our operated assets, as well as fugitive methane emissions from coal and petroleum production at our operated assets. Scope 1 refers to direct GHG emissions from our operated assets.

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, steam, heat or cooling that is consumed by operations that are owned or controlled by BHP. Our Scope 2 emissions have been calculated using the market-based method using supplier-specific emission factors unless otherwise specified.

Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been calculated on an operational control basis in accordance with mandatory minimum performance requirements for HSEC reporting, which are in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol definitions and are measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, and in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scope 2 Guidance.

Calculation methodology

The emissions figures are calculated using the activity data collected at our operated assets. Activity data is multiplied by an energy content (where necessary) and emission factors to derive the energy consumption and GHG emissions associated with a process or an operation.. Examples of activity data include kilowatt-hours of electricity used or quantity of fuel used.

Energy and Scope 1 emissions for facilities already reporting to mandatory local regulatory programs are required to use the same emission factors and methodologies for reporting under BHP’s operational control boundary. This ensures a single emissions and energy inventory is maintained for consistency and efficiency. Local regulatory programs were applicable to the majority of BHP’s Scope 1 emissions inventory in FY2020 (operational control boundary), as listed in the table below. A local regulatory program in this context refers to any scheme requiring emissions to be calculated using mandated references (e.g. the Green Tax legislation in Chile, which requires emissions to be calculated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) factors) or mandated emission factors (e.g. the Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme or US EPA GHG reporting program, which publish factors specific to the programs). In the absence of local mandatory regulations, the Australian NGER (Measurement) Determination has been set as the default source for emission factors and methodologies for consistency with the majority of the emissions inventory.

AssetLocationLocal regulations
BMA, BMC, NSW Energy Coal, Olympic Dam, Nickel West, WA Iron ore, Petroleum – AustraliaAustraliaNational Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme
Escondida, Pampa NorteChileGreen Tax legislation (referencing IPCC factors)
Petroleum – Gulf of MexicoUSAUS EPA GHG reporting program
Potash – CanadaCanadaCanadian Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (referencing IPCC factors)
Petroleum – TrinidadTrinidadNone

Scope 2 emissions totals are reported using the market-based method (default calculation approach unless otherwise stated) and the location-based method, as recommended by the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance. Definitions of location and market-based reporting used in BHP’s accounting are consistent with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol terminology as follows:

•   Market-based reporting: Scope 2 GHG emissions based on the generators (and therefore the generation fuel mix from which the reporter contractually purchases electricity and/or is directly provided electricity via a direct line transfer).

•   Location-based reporting: Scope 2 GHG emissions based on average energy generation emission factors for defined geographic locations, including local, subnational or national boundaries (i.e. grid factors). In the case of a direct line transfer, the location-based emissions are equivalent to the market-based emissions.

For facilities where market-based reporting is required, electricity emission factors are sourced directly from the supplier in the first instance. An emission factor in the public domain, which is specific to the generation plant supplying the facility, is considered equivalent to a supplier-specific factor in this context.

Where supplier-specific factors are not available, a default emission factor for off-grid electricity is used instead, as published in local regulations or industry frameworks (or the default off-grid electricity emission factor from the Australian NGER (Measurement) Determination) in the case where no local default is available.

The location-based method is applied using electricity emission factors for the relevant grid network, as sourced from local regulations, industry frameworks or publications from the local grid administrator.

These methodologies have been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 305-1 and GRI standard 305-2.

All other emission figures in section 1.7.8 are derived from the approach specified above with further information detailed in the footnotes. More information on the calculation methodologies for other reported categories, boundaries assumptions and key references used in the preparation of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions data can be found in the BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Calculation Methodology, available at bhp.com/climate.

Reference and SPMSection 1.7.8 Climate change and section 6.6.4 Climate change – performance data Scope 3 GHG emissions
MethodologyScope 3 emissions have been calculated on a carbon dioxide equivalent basis using methodologies consistent with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard (Scope 3 Standard). Scope 3 emissions refers to all other indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in BHP’s value chain, primarily emissions resulting from our customers using the fossil fuel commodities and processing the non-fossil fuel commodities we sell, as well as upstream emissions associated with the extraction, production and transportation of the goods, services, fuels and energy we purchase for use at our operated assets; emissions resulting from the transportation and distribution of our products; and operational emissions (on an equity basis) from our non-operated joint ventures. Scope 3 emissions reporting necessarily requires a degree of overlap in reporting boundaries due to our involvement at multiple points in the life cycle of the commodities we produce and consume. A significant example of this is that Scope 3 emissions reported under Category 10: ‘Processing of sold products’ include the processing of our iron ore to steel. This third party activity also consumes metallurgical coal as an input, a portion of which is produced by us. For reporting purposes, we account for Scope 3 emissions from combustion of metallurgical coal with all other fossil fuels under the Category 11: ‘Use of sold products’, such that a portion of metallurgical coal emissions is accounted for under two categories. This is an expected outcome of emissions reporting between the different scopes defined under the standard GHG accounting practices and is not considered to detract from the overall value of our Scope 3 emissions disclosure. This double counting means that the emissions reported under each category should not be added up, as to do so would give an inflated total figure. For this reason, we do not report a total Scope 3 emissions figure.

The below methodology describes the emissions from Category 10: Processing of sold products and Category 11: Use of sold products. These categories are the most material Scope 3 emission categories and together account for almost 95 per cent of Scope 3 emissions.

Category 10: Processing of sold products

Emissions from the processing of intermediate products sold in the reporting year by downstream companies (e.g. manufacturers) subsequent to sale by the reporting company.

Calculation methodology

The average-data method as described in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Technical Guidance for Calculating Scope 3 Emissions (Scope 3 Guidance) is used to calculate these emissions, with industry-average emission factors applied to production volumes (on an equity basis) for each commodity to calculate an overall emissions estimate for this category.

Assumptions

•   To estimate emissions from the processing of iron ore, all iron ore production is assumed to be processed to steel. To estimate the higher-end estimate, the crude steel emission factor is applied to the volume of crude steel produced from BHP’s iron ore.

•   To estimate the lower-end emissions number from the processing of iron ore, it is assumed that the crude steel emission factor already takes into account emissions from both iron ore and metallurgical coal. Therefore, the crude steel emission factor is apportioned based on the ratio of iron ore and metallurgical coal input to produce 1,000 kilograms of crude steel (based on World Steel Association’s integrated blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace route). The crude steel emission factor is split to estimate the emissions from iron ore and metallurgical coal (calculated in Category 11: Use of sold products). The split factor is applied to the volume of crude steel produced from BHP’s iron ore. The estimated crude steel produced with BHP’s iron ore is significantly higher than with BHP’s metallurgical coal (due to higher iron ore production). Therefore, this approach does not capture third party metallurgical coal emissions in the steelmaking process.

•   To estimate emissions from the processing of copper, we apply an emission factor for the processing of copper to copper wire (rather than alternative products, such as tubes or sheets), as this is the most emissions-intensive process and therefore the most ‘conservative’ assumption.

Category 11: Use of sold products

Emissions from the end use of goods and services sold by the reporting company in the reporting year.

Calculation methodology

The method recommended in the Scope 3 Guidance for ‘direct use-phase’ emissions calculations for ‘Fuels and feedstocks’ is used to calculate these emissions, with industry-average emission factors applied to production volumes (on an equity basis) for each commodity to calculate an overall emissions estimate for this category.

For the lower-end estimate emissions from metallurgical coal, the average-data method as described in the Scope 3 Guidance is used to calculate these emissions, with industry-average emission factors applied to production volumes (on an equity basis) for metallurgical coal to calculate an overall emissions estimate for this category.

Assumptions

•   All metallurgical coal (higher-end estimate), energy coal, natural gas and petroleum products are assumed to be combusted.

•   In practice, metallurgical coal is primarily used in steelmaking and a portion of the carbon content remains embedded in the final steel product and is not released to the atmosphere; the quantities involved vary according to the feedstocks, processing technologies and output specifications of the process route used.

•   To estimate the lower-end emissions number from the use of metallurgical coal, it is assumed that crude steel emission factor already takes into account emissions from both iron ore and metallurgical coal. Therefore, the crude steel emission factor is apportioned based on the ratio of iron ore and metallurgical coal input to produce 1,000 kilograms of crude steel (based on World Steel Association’s integrated blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace route). The crude steel emission factor is split to estimate the emissions from metallurgical coal and iron ore (calculated in Category 10: Processing of sold products). The split factor is applied to the volume of crude steel produced from BHP’s metallurgical coal. It should be noted that in reality, BHP’s metallurgical coal may not end up with the same customer as our iron ore.

•   All energy coal is assumed to be bituminous, which has a mid-range energy content among the three sub-categories of black coal (the others being sub-bituminous coal and anthracite) listed in the NGER Measurement Determination published by the Australian Government (Australian NGER Determination), from which these emission factors are sourced.

•   All crude oil and condensates are assumed to be refined and combusted as diesel (rather than alternative products such as gasoline) as the most emissions-intensive, therefore the most conservative assumption. The energy content of the crude oil and condensate volumes is used to estimate the corresponding quantity of diesel that would be produced, assuming that no fuel is ‘lost’ during the refining process.

•   Emissions from LPG and ethane volumes are included in emissions reported for ‘natural gas liquids’ (NGL) production and are assumed to be combusted with the same NGL emission factors. This assumption has minimal impact on estimated emissions due to the small volumes involved.

This methodology has been prepared in accordance with GRI standard 305-3.

More information on the calculation methodologies for other reported categories, boundaries assumptions and key references used in the preparation of our Scope 3 emissions data can be found in the associated BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Calculation Methodology, available at bhp.com/climate.

6.6.1 People - performance data FY2020

Performance data – Workforce health and safety for FY2020

Regional summary for FY2020

Per 1,000,000 hours worked

   Fatalities   TRIF   Employee
occupational
illness incidence(1)
   Contractor
occupational
illness incidence(1)
   Employee high
potential injury
frequency(2)
   Contractor high
potential injury
frequency(2)
 

Asia

   0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0 

Australia

   0    5.6    5.1    2.3    0.2    0.3 

Europe

   0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0 

North America

   0    0.6    0.0    0.4    0.0    0.0 

South America

   0    2.0    2.5    0.5    0.3    0.2 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   0    4.2    4.3    1.4    0.2    0.3 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Injury rates for FY2020

SASB basis – per 200,000 hours worked

      Employees   Contractors 

Total recordable injury frequency

  Per 200,000 hours worked   0.88    0.81 

High potential injury events frequency

  Per 200,000 hours worked   0.04    0.05 

Number of recordable work-related injuries

     286    451 

Number of hours worked

     65,188,193    110,806,784 

Regional safety fines levied in FY2020

Regional safety fines levied

2020Number of fines

Australia

US$34,8601

Europe

US$00

North America

US$00

South America

US$00

(1)

Occupational illnesses excludes COVID-19 related illnesses.

(2)

High potential injury basis of calculation revised in FY2020 from event count to injury count as part of a safety reporting methodology improvement.

Performance data – Workforce (1)(2)

Workforce data and diversity by region for FY2020

Region

  Average number and
% of employees
   Employees by gender %   Average number
and % of
contractors(2)
   Average (EE)
absenteeism
rate (3)
 
  Male   Female 

Asia

   1,939    6.1    39.2    60.8    2,033    4.2    33.4 

Australia

   20,967    66.4    76.5    23.5    23,948    49.4    76.0 

Europe

   57    0.2    48.0    52.0    11    <0.1    8.0 

North America

   1,296    4.1    66.0    34.0    1,165    2.4    45.1 

South America

   7,330    23.2    79.6    20.4    21,375    44.0    63.9 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   31,589    100.0    74.4    25.6    48,532    100.00    70.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Employees by category and diversity for FY2020

   Gender%   Age group %   Ratio male to female 

Category

  Male   Female   Under 30 years   30–39   40–49   50+   Average basic
salary US$
   Average
total rem
US$
 

Senior leaders

   72.7    27.3    0.0    12.5    52.1    35.4    1.10    1.14 

Managers

   71.9    28.1    0.3    28.5    45.3    25.9    1.06    1.08 

Supervisory and professional

   69.2    30.8    11.1    41.1    30.4    17.4    1.13    1.18 

Operators and general support

   79.5    20.5    16.3    30.4    28.3    25.0    1.30    1.30 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   74.4    25.6    13.5    34.5    29.9    22.1    1.11    1.14 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Employment category

  Total %   Male %   Female % 

Full time

   94.1    76.1    23.9 

Part time

   3.1    57.5    42.5 

Fixed term full time

   2.8    58.4    41.6 

Fixed perm part time

   0.1    36.9    63.1 

Casual

   0.0    68.3    31.7 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   100.0    74.4    25.6 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Turnover and new hires for FY2020

   Total  Gender  Age group                
  Male  Female  Under 30  30–39  40–49  50+  Asia  Australia  Europe  North
America
  South
America
 
   7,998   4,926   3,072   2,499   2,789   1,829   881   496   6,553   5   132   812 

Employee new hires

   22.75  18.67  35.00  52.49  23.01  17.39  11.36  25.58  26.71  8.85  10.18  11.08
   Total  Gender  Age group                
  Male  Female  Under 30  30–39  40–49  50+  Asia  Australia  Europe  North
America
  South
America
 
   3,988   2,603   1,385   733   1,265   1,122   868   250   2,890   7   296   545 

Employee turnover

   11.34  9.87  15.78  15.40  10.43  10.67  11.19  12.89  11.78  12.28  22.87  7.43

Remuneration for FY2020(4)

   Ratio male to female   Ratio highest to lowest   Ratio standard entry
level wage to local
minimum wage
 

Region

  Average
basic salary
US$
   Average total
remuneration
US$
   Salary
increase
   Total
remuneration
   Male   Female 

Asia

   1.69    1.78    0:1    99:1    3:1    4:1 

Australia

   1.10    1.13    0:1    54:1    2:1    2:1 

Europe

   1.37    1.53    1:1    5:1      3:1 

North America

   1.21    1.24    0:1    11:1    6:1    4:1 

South America

   0.87    0.95    0:1    112:1    3:1    4:1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1.11    1.14         
  

 

 

   

 

 

         

Employee training for FY2020(5)

   Average number of hours 

Category

  Total   Male   Female 

Senior leaders

   17    17    17 

Managers

   17    17    18 

Supervisory and professional

   30    32    24 

Operators and general support

   47    46    51 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   39    39    36 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Employee parental leave for FY2020(6)

By gender

  Number of employees     
  Parental
leave
   Return to work   Due to
return
   Return rate % 

Female

   731    334    361    93 

Male

   570    405    411    99 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,301    739    772    96 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Employee regular performance discussion records for FY2020(7)

Region

%

Asia

95.64

Australia

82.88

Europe

94.64

North America

95.72

South America

47.13

Total

76.85

(1)

Proportional data in Our people section are based on the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for a 10-month period which calculates the average for the year with the exception of the average number (and %) of employees in the data tables by region which shows the weighted average number of employees based on BHP ownership. There is no significant seasonal variation in employment numbers.

(2)

Contractor data is collected from internal surveys and the organisation systems and averages for a 10-month period.

(3)

Absenteeism comprises sick leave, hospitalisation leave, and injury on duty, short-term disability, unauthorised absence, industrial action, union absence, unpaid absence and workers’ compensation.

(4)

Remunerations.

Contractors are excluded from the Report.

The highest paid individual in each significant region has been excluded from the median determination.

Salary increases do not include promotional increases.

Individuals classified as entry level are those in an Operators and General Support role, and have been with the organisation for less than one year.

Minimum wage is determined for all locations except for Singapore and Switzerland, as they do not have a minimum wage mandated by the government.

(5)

The number of training hours has been annualised using data from a 10-month period, July to April, to determine a total for the year. Percentages are calculated using the average of the number of employees at the last day of each calendar month for the same 10-month period.

(6)

Return to work rates of employees that took parental leave of 96 per cent. The calculation includes primary parental leave only and does not include secondary parental leave. Secondary parental leave is a two-week parental leave benefit for the non-primary caregiver. All BHP employees are eligible for parental leave.

(7)

Data reflects the number of employees as at 30 June 2020 that have at least one performance review record in our core HR system for performance review records. Performance review records for some employees in Chile are not recorded in the core HR system and not captured in this data.

6.6.2 Society – performance data FY2020

Community complaints for FY2020(1)

Blasting

7

Conduct/behaviour

11

Dust

9

Lighting

18

Noise

22

Odour

37

Other

6

Road/rail

4

Total

114

   Operations
located
in or adjacent to
Indigenous
peoples’
territories for
FY2020
   Operations with a
formal agreement
with Indigenous
peoples for FY2020
 

Australia

   24    13 

Canada

   7    1 

Chile

   2    2 

USA

   2    0 

(1)

Based on data reported to BHP’s operated assets.

6.6.3 Environment – performance data

       2020   2019(1)   2018(1) 

Land(2)

        

Land owned, leased or managed

   hectares    8,704,300    10,018,600    10,001,500 

– Land disturbed

   hectares    151,000    144,413    141,500 

– Land rehabilitated(3)

   hectares    26,050    25,649    27,180 

– Land set aside for conservation(3)(4)

   hectares    66,500    66,500    28,000 

Water(5)

        

Withdrawals(6)

   ML    380,330    352,950    339,870 

Water withdrawals by quality – Type 1

   ML    51,610    58,850    34,900 

Water withdrawals by quality – Type 2

   ML    35,670    37,560    44,150 

Water withdrawals by quality – Type 3

   ML    293,060    256,550    260,820 

Water withdrawals by source – Surface water(7)

   ML    45,190    50,660    43,380 

Water withdrawals by source – Groundwater

   ML    123,660    140,020    134,319 

Water withdrawals by source – Seawater

   ML    211,510    162,260    162,161 

Discharges

   ML    147,850    119,250    118,940 

Water discharges by quality – Type 1

   ML    0    0    0 

Water discharges by quality – Type 2

   ML    3,740    3,060    1,150 

Water discharges by quality – Type 3

   ML    144,110    116,190    117,790 

Water discharges by destination – Surface water

   ML    3,970    2,940    2,730 

Water discharges by destination – Groundwater

   ML    9,440    1,540    840 

Water discharges by destination – Seawater

   ML    134,116    114,460    115,040 

Water discharges by destination – Third party

   ML    310    320    320 

Consumption(8)

   ML    258,120    268,620   

Consumption – evaporation

   ML    126,120    139,980    140,760 

Consumption – entrainment

   ML    109,550    107,270    17,870 

Consumption – other

   ML    22,440    21,370    1,330 

Recycled/reused

   ML    250,090    246,420    261,620 

Diversions

   ML       

Diversions – withdrawals

   ML    102,780    101,520    16,290 

Diversions – discharges

   ML    79,430    72,500    7,860 

Waste

        

Hazardous waste – Mineral total (including tailings)(9)

   kt    15,000    13,500    13,100 

Non-hazardous waste – Mineral tailings(9)(10)

   kt    175,000    167,000    137,000 

Accidental discharges of water and tailings(11)(12)

   ML    0    0    0 

Air emissions for FY2020(13)

       Petroleum   Legacy
sites
   Queensland
Coal
   NSWEC   WAIO(14)   Olympic
Dam
   Nickel
West
   Escondida   Pampa
Norte
   Potash 

Total oxides of sulphur

   tonnes    43    0    73    15    93    1,246    14,677    26    99    1 

Total oxides of nitrogen

   tonnes    2,824    8    29,772    6,115    24,921    742    3,354    10,595    4,529    38 

Regional environment fines levied(12) in FY2020

Regional environment fines levied

2020Number of Fines

Australia

US$216,2296

North America

US$00

South America

US$00

(1)

FY2018 and FY2019 data includes Continuing and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) and FY2019 data includes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 28 February 2019 and Continuing operations unless otherwise stated data in italics indicates that data has been adjusted since it was previously reported. Water restatements are because of the change from the Minerals Council of Australia’s Water Accounting Framework to ICMM’s Water Reporting guidelines in 2019 and ongoing improvements in data quality. Land restatement is due to an improvement to BMA data collection.

(2)

Land data is calculated as the total land area at the time of reporting.

(3)

Data does not include land managed for rehabilitation or conservation as part of social investment.

(4)

Material contributor (38,022 ha) includes the Emerald Springs Significant Environment Benefit credit area approved by the South Australian government.

(5)

Data has been rounded to the nearest ten to be consistent with asset/regional Water information in this report. In some instances the sum of totals for quality, source and destination may differ due to rounding. All water performance data excludes Discontinued operations (Onshore US).

(6)

Third party water withdrawals have been reported by source.

(7)

Data includes rainfall and run-off volumes captured and used during the reporting year; rainfall and run-off volumes that have been captured and stored are excluded and will be reported in the future year of use.

(8)

Data for water consumption metrics was collected for the first time in FY2019 across all operations. FY2018 data reflects partial volumes collected from Queensland and NSW Energy Coal, WAIO and Pampa Norte operations only.

(9)

For tailings related minerals waste these figures represent the total deposited in the reporting year.

(10)

Year-on-year movement has been largely caused by an improvement in calculation methodology at our Coal assets from FY2019.

(11)

Data reported for environmentally significant incidents.

(12)

Does not include the dam failure at Samarco, our non-operated minerals joint venture.

(13)

Data drawn from Australian NPI and US EPA Reporting and represent emissions over the 2020 calendar year for all Assets except Olympic Dam and US Petroleum, which report emissions for the FY2020 financial year.

(14)

WAIO includes “Other Iron Ore” including “Projects” and “Planning & Technical” data.

Species distributions for IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, listed species were downloaded from the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool, provided by Proteus Partners, in June 2020. Analysis was undertaken utilising ArcGIS by identifying all species that occur within the area of influence of BHP’s operated assets, or areas where disturbance activities have been undertaken in the previous 12 months. Lists of national species were identified from relevant national databases where available. Where national databases were not available, species lists were compiled from in-house impact assessment reports and/or management plans. A screening assessment was undertaken to remove any species that occur in biomes or habitats not impacted by the operated asset, or where the operation occurs outside of the known distribution for the species, or where surveys/ monitoring has determined that the species or its habitat does not occur. Where national classifications differ to that utilised by the IUCN, species have been attributed to the category that most closely aligns to their national ranking. In Canada, species may occur under more than one category. In these instances, the higher ranking has been reported. This information is correct as of 30 June 2020 and is subject to change as more information is obtained about species ranges, habitats and impacts from operated assets.

Total number of IUCN Red List species and national conservation list species with habitats in areas affected by the operated assets of BHP as at 30 June 2020

Note the following:

☐ Species only included that are listed at an international or national level.

☐ Data obtained for this table from the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) or national species databases (where available).

☐ Not all countries utilise IUCN rankings. In these cases, species have been attributed to the designation that most closely aligns to their national ranking.

     
Location 

Operated
asset

 

Commodity

 

IUCN listed species

  

National listed species

 
 

Critically
Endangered

  

Endangered

  

Vulnerable

  

Near
Threatened

  

Least
Concern

  

Critically
Endangered

  

Endangered

  

Vulnerable

 

Australia

 

West Australia

 

WAIO

 

Iron Ore

  3   7   6   12   463   4   7   8 

West Australia

 

Nickel West

 

Nickel

  0   2   6   15   394   0   0   1 

West Australia

 

Beenup (closed site)

 

Titanium

  1   4   4   14   283   4   12   8 

South Australia

 

Olympic Dam

 

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

  1   4   5   11   396   3   7   11 

West Australia, Victoria

 

Australian Production Unit

 

Oil and Gas

  12   31   122   160   2094   8   15   46 

Queensland

 

BMC

 

Coal

  0   2   6   21   594   3   7   15 

Queensland

 

BMA

 

Coal

  8   25   137   177   2,250   5   20   36 

New South Wales

 

NSWEC

 

Coal

  4   3   17   27   619   6   8   24 

Canada

 

Saskatchewan

 

Jansen

 

Potash

  0   1   6   8   298   0   2   7 

British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec

 

Legacy Assets

 

Various

  4   13   40   50   834   0   215   105 

United States

 

Arizona, California, New Mexico, Utah

 

Legacy Assets

 

Various

  5   21   32   29   1070   0   8   10 

Gulf of Mexico

 

Gulf of Mexico Production Unit

 

Oil and Gas

  5   13   16   7   494   0   8   13 

Central America

 

Trinidad & Tobago

 

Trinidad Production Unit

 

Oil and Gas

  11   17   46   36   1613   1   1   4 

Mexico

 

Trion

 

Oil and Gas

  5   13   16   6   468   0   13   0 

Chile

 

Antofagasta

 

Escondida

 

Copper

  2   9   9   17   141   2   9   18 

Antofagasta

 

Pampa Norte

 

Copper

  2   10   9   17   168   2   5   15 

Designated Protected Areas (DPAs) were identified by reference to the World Database on Protected Areas, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas, which we access via the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) through our by Proteus partnership. The result reported is as at 30 June of the year of reporting. Analysis was undertaken utilising ArcGIS by identifying all tenure that overlaps with, or occurs within 500 metres, a designated protected area (DPA) or key biodiversity area (KBA). Operated assets were defined as sites for which current, future or historic activities have been undertaken and where a revenue has been received by BHP for these activities. Exploration activities are not to be included unless future operations have been announced, i.e. permits have been received from mining operations. ‘Land managed areas’ are included in this assessment. DPAs and KBAs are only included if they are listed at an international or national level.

Operated assets owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to, protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas as at 30 June 2020

Note the following:

Sites only included that are listed at an international or national level.

Extractive defined as mining, exploration, closure activities relating to mining, including transportation. Manufacturing/production includes pastoral activities, refineries and other locations where products are made. Some operated assets may include both, but for purposes of disclosure refers to the activity that has the highest operational footprint.    

In the Area = The entire operated asset occurs within the DPA/HBVA boundary or the entire DPA/HBVA site occurs within the boundary of the operated asset. Adjacent to = The operated asset occurs within 500 metres of the boundary. Contains portions of = The operated asset contains some but not all of the DPA/HBVA site or the DPA/HBVA site contains some but not all of the operated asset.

Data obtained for this table from the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT).

Country/

Region

Commodity

Operated

asset

Operated

asset

size

(km2)

Type of

Operated

asset

Biodiversity

Area

Classification

Habitat

Type

Area

Name

Position of

owned, leased

or managed

land relative

to DPA
or HBVA

For DPA

- Basis of

recognition

(i.e.

protected

status)

DPA

Designation

Type

IUCN

Category

For HBVA

- Basis of

recognition

Australia

Queensland

Coal

BMA

1263

Extractive

DPA

Maritime

Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

Contains portions of

World Database on Protected Areas

International

NA

Queensland

Coal

BMA

1263

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Norwich Park

Adjacent to

Nature Refuge

National

VI

Queensland

Coal

BMA

880

Manufacturing/ production

Designated Protected Area

Terrestrial

Norwich Park

Contains portions of

Nature Refuge

National

VI

Queensland

Coal

BMA

1263

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Blackwater

Adjacent to

Conservation Park

National

III

Queensland

Coal

BMA

880

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Kenmare

Adjacent to

National Park (scientific)

National

VI

Queensland

Coal

BMC

349

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Dipperu

Adjacent to

National Park

National

Ia

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

HBVA

Terrestrial

Lake Eyre

Adjacent to

IBA - migratory birds/congregations

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

HBVA

Terrestrial

Strezelecki Desert Lakes

Adjacent to

IBA - endemic, migratory birds/congregations, other

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

HBVA

Terrestrial

Lake Torrens

Contains portions of

IBA - migratory birds/congregations

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

HBVA

Terrestrial

Arcoona Lakes

Contains portions of

IBA - migratory birds/congregations

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Witchelina Nature Reserve

Adjacent to

Heritage Agreement

National

Ia

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Lake Torrens National Park

Contains portions of

National Park

National

VI

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Strezelecki Regional Reserve

Adjacent to

Regional Reserve

National

VI

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Elliot Price Conservation Park

Adjacent to

Conservation Park

National

Ia

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

Adjacent to

National Park

National

VI

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs

Adjacent to

Conservation Park

National

III

Country/

Region

Commodity

Operated

asset

Operated

asset

size

(km2)

Type of

Operated

asset

Biodiversity

Area

Classification

Habitat

Type

Area

Name

Position of

owned, leased

or managed

land relative

to DPA
or HBVA

For DPA

- Basis of

recognition

(i.e.

protected

status)

DPA

Designation

Type

IUCN

Category

For HBVA

- Basis of

recognition

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Freshwater

Coongie Lakes

Contains portions of

Ramsar Site, Wetland of International Importance

International

Not Reported

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Unnamed (No.HA1545)

In the Area

Heritage Agreement

National

III

South Australia

Copper, uranium, gold, silver

Olympic Dam

21889

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Unnamed (No.HA1022)

Adjacent to

Heritage Agreement

National

III

Western Australia

Nickel

NiW

5414

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Wanjarri

Adjacent to

Nature Reserve

National

Ia

Western Australia

Nickel

NiW

1384

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Wanjarri

Adjacent to

Nature Reserve

National

Ia

Western Australia

Nickel

NiW

5414

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Kambalda

Adjacent to

Nature Reserve

National

Ia

Western Australia

Nickel

NiW

5414

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Dordie Rocks

Adjacent to

Nature Reserve

National

II

Western Australia

Nickel

NiW

5414

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Leda

Adjacent to

Nature Reserve

National

Ia

Western Australia

Nickel

NiW

5414

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Unnamed WA51658

Adjacent to

5(1)(h) Reserve

National

II

Western Australia

Iron ore

WAIO

3667

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Karijini

Adjacent to

National Park

National

II

Western Australia

Iron ore

WAIO

3667

Extractive

HBVA

Freshwater

Fortescue Marshes

Contains portions of

IBA - CR/EN, VU, migratory birds/congregations, others

Western Australia

Iron ore

WAIO

8295

Manufacturing/ production

HBVA

Freshwater

Fortescue Marshes

Adjacent to

IBA - CR/EN, VU, migratory birds/congregations, others

Western Australia

Titanium

Beenup

3

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Scott National Park

Adjacent to

National Park

National

II

Western Australia

Oil and Gas

Pyrenees

558

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Maritime

Ningaloo

Adjacent to

Australian Marine Park

National

II

Western Australia

Oil and Gas

Pyrenees

558

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Maritime

Ningaloo Coast

Adjacent to

World Heritage Site (natural or mixed)

International

NA

Western Australia

Oil and Gas

Stybarrow

240

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Maritime

Gascoyne

Adjacent to

Australian Marine Park

National

VI

Victoria

Oil and Gas

Minerva

66

Manufacturing/ production

DPA

Terrestrial

Port Campbell

Contains portions of

National Park

National

II

Country/

Region

Commodity

Operated

asset

Operated

asset

size

(km2)

Type of

Operated

asset

Biodiversity

Area

Classification

Habitat

Type

Area

Name

Position of

owned, leased

or managed

land relative

to DPA
or HBVA

For DPA

- Basis of

recognition

(i.e.

protected

status)

DPA

Designation

Type

IUCN

Category

For HBVA

- Basis of

recognition

Canada

Saskatchewan

Potash

Jansen

56

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Private Conservation Lands

Adjacent to

Private Conservation Lands

National

IV

Nova Scotia

Legacy Assets / Closed Sites / R&CM

East Kemptville

11

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Tobeatic Wilderness

Adjacent to

Wilderness Area

National

Ib

United States

Arizona

Legacy Assets / Closed Sites / R&CM

San Manuel

115

Extractive

HBVA

Terrestrial

Lower San Pedro River

Contains portions of

IBA - other

Chile

Antofagasta

Copper

Spence

627

Extractive

HBVA

Terrestrial

Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos-Soncor

Adjacent to

IBA - VU, migratory birds/ congregations

Antofagasta

Copper

Spence

627

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Los Flamencos

Adjacent to

National Reserve

National

IV

Antofagasta

Copper

Escondida

4019

Extractive

DPA

Terrestrial

Llullaillaco

In the Area

National Park

National

II

Antofagasta

Copper

Escondida

4019

Extractive

HBVA

Terrestrial

Bahía de Mejillones

Contains portions of

IBA - CR/EN, migratory birds/ congregations

6.6.4     Climate change – performance data(1)

6.5.1     Energy consumption(2)

Operational energy consumption by source

 

  Year ended
30 June
 

Operational energy consumption (petajoules)

  2019   2018   2017 
  Year ended 30 June 

Operational energy consumption (PJ)

  2020 2019 2018 2017 

Consumption of fuel

   114    115    112    114  114  115  112 

– Coal & coke

   1    1    1 
   100 100 100 100

– Coal and coke

   1  1  1  1 
   1 1 1 1

– Natural gas

   24    31    33    21  24  31  33 

– Distillate/Gasoline

   87    81  �� 76 
   18 21 27 30

– Distillate/gasoline

   90  87  81  76 
   79 76 71 68

– Other

   3    2    2    2  3  2  2 
   2 2 2 2

Consumption of electricity

   35    35    28    36  35  35  28 
   100 100 100 100

Consumption of electricity from grid

   32  31  31  24 

Percentage consumption of electricity from grid

   88 88 89 85
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operational energy consumption

   149    150    140    150   149   150   140 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operational energy consumption from renewable sources (petajoules)

   0.31    0.38    0.26 

Operational energy intensity (gigajoules per tonne of copper equivalent production) (3)

   22    21    19 

Operational energy consumption from renewable sources (PJ)

   0.04   0.05   0.05   0.04 
   0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04

Operational energy intensity (GJ per tonne of copper equivalent production) (3)

   19  22  21  19 
  Year ended 30 June 

Operational energy consumption (TWh)

  2020 2019 2018 2017 

Consumption of fuel

   31.6  31.6  31.9  31.1 

– Coal and coke

   0.2  0.2  0.2  0.2 

– Natural gas

   5.8  6.6  8.6  9.2 

– Distillate/gasoline

   25.0  24.1  22.6  21.0 

– Other

   0.6  0.7  0.6  0.6 

Consumption of electricity

   10.1  9.6  9.6  7.8 

Consumption of electricity from grid

   8.9  8.5  8.5  6.6 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operational energy consumption

   42  41  42  39 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operational energy consumption from renewable sources (TWh)

   0.01   0.01   0.01   0.01 

Operational energy consumption by commodity

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

  Consumption
of fuel
(petajoules)
   Consumption
of electricity
(petajoules)
   Total
operational
energy
consumption
(petajoules)
 

Year ended 30 June 2020

  Consumption
of fuel

(PJ)
   Consumption
of electricity

(PJ)
   Total
operational
energy
consumption

(PJ)
 

Petroleum

   15.0    0.2    15.2    11.1    0.1    11.2 

Copper

   20.7    24.6    45.3    20.5    26.2    46.7 

Iron Ore

   31.0    1.2    32.2 

Iron ore

   33.3    1.2    34.5 

Coal

   39.3    5.3    44.6    40.7    5.3    46.0 

Nickel

   7.9    3.4    11.3 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   114.4    34.6    149.0    114    36    150 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

  Consumption
of fuel
(petajoules)
   Consumption
of electricity
(petajoules)
   Total
operational
energy
consumption
(petajoules)
 

Petroleum

   24.1    0.3    24.4 

Copper

   19.6    24.6    44.2 

Iron Ore

   29.3    1.2    30.5 

Coal

   34.7    5.2    39.9 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   115.5    34.5    150.0 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

269

Year ended 30 June 2019

  Consumption
of fuel

(PJ)
   Consumption
of electricity

(PJ)
   Total
operational
energy
consumption

(PJ)
 

Petroleum

   15.0    0.2    15.2 

Copper

   20.7    24.6    45.3 

Iron ore

   31.0    1.2    32.2 

Coal

   39.3    5.3    44.6 

Nickel

   7.7    3.2    10.9 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   114    35    149 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


6.5.2     Greenhouse gas emissions

Operational GHG emissions by source (2)(4)(5)

 

   Year ended 30 June 

Operational GHG emissions (million tonnes CO2-e)

  2019   2018   2017 

Scope 1 GHG emissions (6)

   9.7    10.6    10.5 

Scope 2 GHG emissions (7)

   5.0    5.9    5.8 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operational GHG emissions

   14.7    16.5    16.3 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operational GHG emissions intensity (tonnes CO2-e per tonne of copper equivalent production) (3)

   2.2    2.3    2.2 

 

Operational GHG emissions by commodity and asset (4)(5)

      

Year ended 30 June 2019

  Scope 1
GHG
emissions
(kilotonnes
CO2-e)
   Scope 2
GHG
emissions
(kilotonnes
CO2-e)
   Operational
GHG
emissions
Total
(kilotonnes
CO2-e)
 

Petroleum

      

United States – Conventional

   200    0    200 

United States – US Onshore (8)

   467    3    470 

Australia

   320    0    320 

Other

   250    10    260 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total petroleum

   1,237    13    1,250 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper

      

Escondida, Chile

   930    2,140    3,070 

Pampa Norte, Chile

   340    330    670 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   200    470    670 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper

   1,470    2,940    4,410 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Iron Ore

      

Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia

   2,050    260    2,310 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total iron ore

   2,050    260    2,310 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Coal

      

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal, Australia

   3,980    1,090    5,070 

Energy coal – New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia

   520    90    610 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total coal

   4,500    1,180    5,680 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nickel

      

Nickel West, Australia

   460    530    990 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nickel

   460    530    990 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (9)

   9,730    4,970    14,700 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Year ended 30 June 

Operational GHG emissions (Mt CO2-e)

  2020  2019  2018  2017 

Scope 1 GHG emissions (6)

   9.5   9.7   10.6   10.5 

Scope 2 GHG emissions (7)

   6.3   6.1   6.4   5.8 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operational GHG emissions

   15.8   15.8   17.0   16.3 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operational GHG emissions (adjusted for Discontinued operations) (8)

   15.8   15.3   15.3   14.6 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operational GHG emissions intensity (tonnes CO2-e per tonne of copper equivalent production) (3)

   2.0   2.4   2.4   2.2 

Percentage of Scope 1 GHG emissions covered under an emissions-limiting regulation (9)

   79  74  81  79

Percentage of Scope 1 GHG emissions from methane

   19  19  21  20

Scope 2 GHG emissions (location based) (7)

   5.1   5.1   6.1   6.0 

Operational Scope 1 GHG emissions from Petroleum operations by source (kt CO2-e) (10)

 

270

   Year ended 30 June 2020 
   Other
combustion
   Process
emissions
   Other
vented
emissions
   Fugitive
emissions
from
operations
 

Scope 1 GHG emissions

   586.3    0.3    0.0    180.3 


 

Year ended 30 June 2018

  Scope 1
GHG
emissions
(kilotonnes
CO2-e)
   Scope 2
GHG
emissions
(kilotonnes
CO2-e)
   Operational
GHG
emissions
Total
(kilotonnes
CO2-e)
 

Petroleum

      

United States – Conventional

   220    0    220 

United States – US Onshore

   1,680    10    1,690 

Australia

   430    0    430 

Other

   240    0    240 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total petroleum

   2,570    10    2,580 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper

 

Escondida, Chile

   890    3,040    3,930 

Pampa Norte, Chile

   320    480    800 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   180    420    600 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper

   1,390    3,940    5,330 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Iron Ore

      

Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia

   1,930    260    2,190 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total iron ore

   1,930    260    2,190 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Coal

      

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal, Australia

   3,820    1,070    4,890 

Energy coal – New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia

   460    80    540 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total coal

   4,280    1,150    5,430 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nickel

      

Nickel West, Australia

   380    540    920 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nickel

   380    540    920 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (9)

   10,590    5,950    16,540 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Scope 3 GHG emissions by category (10)

      
   Year ended 30 June 

Scope 3 GHG emissions (million tonnes CO2-e)

  2019   2018   2017 

Upstream

      

Purchased goods and services (including capital goods)

   17.3    8.2    7.7 

Fuel and energy related activities

   1.3    1.4    1.4 

Upstream transportation and distribution (11)

   3.6    3.6    3.2 

Business travel

   0.1    0.1    0.1 

Employee commuting

   <0.1    <0.1    <0.1 

Downstream

      

Downstream transportation and distribution (12)

   4.0    5.0    2.8 

Investments (i.e. our non-operated assets) (13)

   3.1    1.7    1.9 

Processing of sold products (14)

      

Iron ore processing (15)

   299.6    317.4    309.5 

Copper processing

   5.1    5.2    4.2 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total processing of sold products

   304.7    322.6    313.7 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Use of sold products

      

Metallurgical coal(15)

   111.4    112.3    105.5 

Energy coal

   67.0    71.0    72.1 

Natural gas

   28.3    36.4    38.3 

Crude oil and condensates (16)

   23.3    29.6    33.1 

Natural gas liquids

   2.8    4.5    5.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total use of sold products

   232.7    253.8    254.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operational GHG emissions by commodity and asset (2)(4)(5)

 

271

Year ended 30 June 2020

  Scope 1
GHG
emissions

(kt CO2-e)
   Scope 2
GHG
emissions

(kt CO2-e)
   Operational
GHG
emissions
Total

(kt CO2-e)
   Operational
GHG
emissions
intensity

(kt CO2-e/unit
of
production) (12)
 

Petroleum

        

United States – Conventional

   200        200    0.03 

Australia

   350        350    0.03 

Other

   200    20    220    0.02 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total petroleum

   750    20    770    0.03 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper

        

Escondida, Chile

   860    3,260    4,120    3.48 

Pampa Norte, Chile

   360    530    890    3.67 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   230    450    680    3.96 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper

   1,450    4,240    5,690    3.56 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Iron ore

        

Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia

   2,210    260    2,470    0.01 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total iron ore

   2,210    260    2,470    0.01 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Coal

        

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal, Australia

   4,040    1,120    5,160    0.07 

Energy coal – New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia

   530    80    610    0.04 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total coal

   4,570    1,200    5,770    0.07 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nickel

        

Nickel West, Australia

   490    550    1,040    12.86 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nickel

   490    550    1,040    12.86 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (11)

   9,490    6,280    15,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Emissions from Discontinued operations

   0    0    0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total (excluding Discontinued operations) (8)(11)

   9,490    6,280    15,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   


Year ended 30 June 2019

  Scope 1
GHG
emissions

(kt CO2-e)
   Scope 2
GHG
emissions

(kt CO2-e)
   Operational
GHG
emissions
Total

(kt CO2-e)
   Operational
GHG
emissions
intensity

(kt CO2-e/unit
of
production) (12)
 

Petroleum

        

United States – Conventional

   200        200    0.02 

Australia

   310        310    0.03 

Other

   250    20    270    0.03 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total petroleum

   760    20    780    0.02 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper

        

Escondida, Chile

   930    3,060    3,990    3.51 

Pampa Norte, Chile

   340    530    870    3.53 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   200    470    670    4.18 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper

   1,470    4,060    5,530    3.59 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Iron Ore

        

Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia

   2,050    260    2,310    0.01 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total iron ore

   2,050    260    2,310    0.01 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Coal

        

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal, Australia

   3,980    1,090    5,070    0.07 

Energy coal – New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia

   520    90    610    0.03 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total coal

   4,500    1,180    5,680    0.06 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nickel

        

Nickel West, Australia

   460    530    990    11.21 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nickel

   460    530    990    11.21 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (11)

   9,730    6,080    15,810   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Emissions from Discontinued operations

   470    0    470   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total (excluding Discontinued operations) (8)(11)

   9,260    6,080    15,340   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity share GHG emissions by commodity and asset (4)(13)

Year ended 30 June 2020

  Scope 1
GHG
emissions
(kt CO2-e)
   Scope 2
GHG
emissions
(kt CO2-e)
   Equity share
GHG
emissions
Total
(kt CO2-e)
 

Petroleum

      

United States – Conventional

   80        80 

Australia

   250        250 

Other

   90    10    100 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total petroleum

   420    10    430 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper

      

Escondida, Chile

   490    1,880    2,370 

Pampa Norte, Chile

   360    530    890 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   230    450    680 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper

   1,080    2,860    3,940 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Iron Ore

      

Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia

   1,900    220    2,120 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total iron ore

   1,900    220    2,120 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Coal

      

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal, Australia

   2,150    580    2,730 

Energy coal – New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia

   530    80    610 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total coal

   2,680    660    3,340 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nickel

      

Nickel West, Australia

   490    550    1,040 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nickel

   490    550    1,040 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-operated assets (15)

   3,800    130    3,930 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (11)

   10,400    4,440    14,840 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Emissions from Discontinued operations

   0    0    0 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (excluding Discontinued operations) (8)(11)

   10,400    4,440    14,840 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial control GHG emissions by commodity and asset (4)(14)

Year ended 30 June 2020

  Scope 1
GHG
emissions
(kt CO2-e)
   Scope 2
GHG
emissions
(kt CO2-e)
   Financial
control
GHG
emissions
Total

(kt CO2-e)
 

Petroleum

      

United States – Conventional

   80    0 ��  80 

Australia

   250    0    250 

Other

   90    10    100 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total petroleum

   420    10    430 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Copper

      

Escondida, Chile

   860    3,260    4,120 

Pampa Norte, Chile

   360    530    890 

Olympic Dam, Australia

   230    450    680 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total copper

   1,450    4,240    5,690 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Iron ore

      

Western Australia Iron Ore, Australia

   1,920    220    2,140 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total iron ore

   1,920    220    2,140 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Coal

      

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal, Australia

   2,240    590    2,830 

Energy coal – New South Wales Energy Coal, Australia

   530    80    610 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total coal

   2,770    670    3,440 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nickel

      

Nickel West, Australia

   490    550    1,040 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nickel

   490    550    1,040 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-operated assets (15)

   3,430    10    3,440 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (11)

   10,510    5,730    16,240 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Emissions from Discontinued operations

   0    0    0 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (excluding Discontinued operations) (8)(11)

   10,510    5,730    16,240 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Scope 3 GHG emissions by category (16)

   Year ended 30 June 
   2020   2019   2018   2017 

Scope 3 GHG emissions (Mt CO2-e)

        

Upstream

        

Purchased goods and services (including capital goods)

   16.9    17.3    8.2    7.7 

Fuel and energy related activities

   1.3    1.3    1.4    1.4 

Upstream transportation and distribution (17)

   3.8    3.6    3.6    3.2 

Business travel

   0.1    0.1    0.1    0.1 

Employee commuting

   0.2    <0.1    <0.1    <0.1 

Downstream

        

Downstream transportation and distribution (18)

   4.0    4.0    5.0    2.8 

Investments (i.e. our non-operated assets) (19)

   3.9    3.1    1.7    1.9 

Processing of sold products (20)

        

Iron ore processing (21)

   205.6-322.6    197.2-299.6    201.2-317.4    194.1-309.5 

Copper processing

   5.2    5.1    5.2    4.2 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total processing of sold products

   210.8-327.8    202.3-304.7    206.4-322.6    198.3-313.7 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Use of sold products

        

Metallurgical coal (21)

   33.7-108.2    34.7-111.4    35.0-112.3    32.5-105.5 

Energy coal (22)

   56.4    67.0    71.0    72.1 

Natural gas (22)

   20.6    28.3    36.4    38.3 

Crude oil and condensates (22)

   17.9    23.3    29.6    33.1 

Natural gas liquids (22)

   1.9    2.8    4.5    5.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total use of sold products

   130.5-205.0    156.0-232.7    176.5-253.8    181.1-254.1 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Unless otherwise noted, FY2017 and FY2018 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets). Unless otherwise noted, FY2019 data includes Continuing operations and Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets) to 31 October 2018. Data in italics indicates that data has been adjusted since it was previously reported. FY2019 originally reported data that was restated is 5.0 million tonnes CO2-e for Scope 2 GHG emissions, 14.7 million tonnes CO2-e for total operational GHG emissions, and 2.2 tonnes CO2-e per tonne of copper equivalent production for operational GHG emissions intensity.

 

(2) 

Calculated based on an operational control basisapproach in line with World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development guidance. Consumption of fuel and consumption of electricity refers to annual quantity of energy consumed from the combustion of fuel; and the operation of any facility; and energy consumed resulting from the purchase of electricity, heat, steam or cooling by the company for its own use. Over 99.9 per cent of BHP’s energy consumption and emissions occurs outside the UK offshore area (as defined in the relevant UK reporting regulations). UK energy consumption of 222,368 kWh and emissions of 52 tonnes CO2-e is associated with electricity consumption from our office in London. One TWh equals 1,000,000,000 kWh.

 

(3) 

Copper equivalent production has been calculated based on FY2020 average realised product prices for FY2020 production, FY2019 average realised product prices for FY2019 production, FY2018 average realised product prices for FY2018 production, and FY2017 average realised product prices for FY2017 production. Production figures used are consistent with energy and emissions reporting boundaries (i.e. BHP operational control). and are taken on 100 per cent basis.

 

(4) 

BHP currently uses Global Warming Potentials (GWP) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 4 (AR4) based on 100-year timeframe.

 

(5) 

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been calculated based on an operational control basisapproach (unless otherwise stated) in line with the GHGGreenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Calculation Methodology, available at bhp.com/climate.

 

(6)

Scope 1 refers to direct GHG emissions from operated assets.

 

(7)

Scope 2 refers to indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, and steam, heat or cooling that is consumed by operated assets. Our Scope 2 emissions have been calculated using the market-based method using supplier specific emissionsemission factors, in line with the GHGGreenhouse Gas Protocol Scope 2 Guidance. Our market-based Scope 2 emissions were 5.0 Mt CO2-e which compares to 5.1 Mt CO2-e if calculated using the location-based method.Guidance unless otherwise specified. A residual mix is currently unavailable to account for voluntary purchases and this may result in double counting between electricity consumers.

 

(8)

Includes four months of emissionsExcludes Onshore US assets, which were divested in FY2019 prior to divestment of this asset.FY2019.

 

(9)

Scope 1 emissions from BHP’s facilities covered by the Safeguard Mechanism administered by the Clean Energy Regulator in Australia and the distillate and gasoline emissions from turbine boilers at the cathode plant at Escondida covered by the Green Tax legislation in Chile.

(10)

Calculated emissions are based on 11-month data, annualised for June for FY2020 total. Emissions from flared hydrocarbons are included in fugitive emissions.

(11) 

Total includes functions, projects, exploration, closed sites and consolidation adjustments.

 

(10)(12)

Based on FY2020 and FY2019 production figures. Production figures used are consistent with emissions reporting boundary (i.e. BHP operational control and are taken on a 100 per cent basis). Production data for Copper assets does not include gold, silver or uranium in the calculation. Saleable production data used for Nickel West.

(13)

Equity share approach to calculate emissions reflects BHP’s equity share in the operations as defined under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. As BHP does not control or have access to the data from all operations in which it holds equity, certain assumptions had to be made to estimate equity share of operations not under BHP’s operational control. Details on assumptions and operations included are provided in note (15).

(14)

Financial control approach to report GHG emissions is based on the accounting treatment in the company’s consolidated financial statements, as follows: 100 per cent for operations accounted for as subsidiaries, regardless of equity interest owned; and for operations accounted for as a joint operation, the company’s interest in the operation. It does not report GHG emissions from operations which are accounted for using the equity method in the company’s financial statements. As BHP does not control or have access to the data from all operations in which it holds equity, certain assumptions had to be made to estimate equity share of operations not under BHP’s operational control. Details are provided in note (15).

(15)

Non-operated assets include Antamina, Cerrejón, Kelar and the petroleum assets in Australia, the United States and Algeria. Emissions data was sourced directly from the operator in the first instance and, where not readily available for the current reporting year, FY2019 data was extrapolated to reflect FY2020 production levels. Emissions intensity estimates were applied for any remaining assets based on analogous BHP operations.

(16) 

Scope 3 emissions have been calculated using methodologies consistent with the GHGGreenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard. Scope 3 emissions reporting necessarily requires a degree of overlap in reporting boundaries due to our involvement at multiple points in the life cycle of the commodities we produce and consume. A significant example of this is that Scope 3 emissions reported under the ‘Processing of sold products’ category include the processing of our iron ore to steel. This third party activity also consumes metallurgical coal as an input, a portion of which is produced by us. For reporting purposes, we account for Scope 3 emissions from combustion of metallurgical coal with all other fossil fuels under the ‘Use of sold products’ category, such that a portion of metallurgical coal emissions is accounted for under two categories. This is an expected outcome of emissions reporting between the different scopes defined under standard GHG accounting practices and is not considered to detract from the overall value of our Scope 3 emissions disclosure. This double counting means that the emissions reported under each category should not be added up, as to do so would give an inflated total figure. For this reason, we do not report a total Scope 3 emissions figure. Further details of the calculation methodologies, assumptions and key references used in the preparation of our Scope 3 emissions data can be found in the associated BHP Scope 1, 2 and 3 calculation methodology documentEmissions Calculation Methodology, available online at bhp.com/climate.

 

(11)(17) 

Includes product transport where freight costs are covered by BHP, for example under Cost and Freight (CFR) or similar terms, as well as purchased transport services for process inputs to our operations.

 

(12)(18) 

Product transport where freight costs are not covered by BHP, for example under Free on Board (FOB) or similar terms.

 

(13)(19) 

For BHP, this category covers the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (on an equity basis) from our assets that are owned as a joint venture but not operated by BHP.

 

(14)(20)

All iron ore production is assumed to be processed into steel and all copper metal production is assumed to be processed into copper wire for end-use.end use. Processing of nickel, zinc, gold, silver, ethane and uranium oxide is not currently included, as production volumes are much lower than iron ore and copper and a large range of possible end uses apply. Processing/refining of petroleum products is also excluded as these emissions are considered immaterial compared to the end-use product combustion reported in the ‘Use of sold products’ category.

 

(15)(21)

Scope 3 emissions reported under the ‘Processing of sold products’ category include the processing of our iron ore to steel. This third party activity also consumes metallurgical coal as an input, a portion of which is produced by us. For reporting purposes,the higher-end estimate, we account for Scope 3 emissions from combustion of metallurgical coal with all other fossil fuels under the ‘Use of sold products’ category, such that a portion of metallurgical coal emissions is accounted for under two categories. The low-end estimate apportions the emission factor for steel between iron ore and metallurgical coal inputs. The low-end estimate for iron ore only accounts for BHP’s Scope 3 emissions from iron ore and does not account for BHP’s or third party coal used in the steelmaking process. Scope 3 emissions from BHP’s coal are captured in the ‘Use of sold products’ category under metallurgical coal.

 

(16)(22) 

All crude oil and condensates are conservatively assumed to be refined and combusted as diesel. Energy coal, Natural gas and Natural gas liquids are assumed to be combusted.

6.6.5     Water – performance data

This section provides detailed disclosure of our various water metrics. All water performance data presented in this Report are from operated assets during FY2020, and exclude Discontinued operations. (Onshore US assets).

Definitions of water metrics, sources and types is provided in sections 6.6 and 6.8.2.

BHP has continued to classify water quality into three categories in line with the Minerals Council of Australia’s Water Accounting Framework (WAF) as this provides more granularity. Type 1 and Type 2 equate to high-quality water, while Type 3 equates to low-quality water under the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Guidelines.

Water withdrawals

Water withdrawals represent the volume of water, in megalitres (ML) received and intended for use by the operated asset from the water environment and/or a third party supplier.(1)

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Water withdrawals for FY2020 across our operations increased by 8 per cent from FY2019 (from 352,950 ML to 380,330 ML), due primarily to increased use at Escondida. Minor increases at other assets (e.g. Olympic Dam) were offset by a decrease in withdrawal at our Queensland Coal operated assets due to lower than average rainfall in the region. Despite the increase in water withdrawal, our withdrawal of high-quality (Type 1) water reduced from 58,850 ML in FY2019 to 51,610 ML.

The majority of our water withdrawals now come from seawater. Escondida stopped drawing groundwater from the Monturaqui borefield in the second half of FY2020 and water for operational purposes is now supplied entirely by desalinated seawater, other than small quantities of groundwater extracted for pit dewatering to allow safe mining. The proportion of withdrawals relating to groundwater across BHP reduced from 40 per cent in FY2019 to 33 per cent in FY2020, and is expected to reduce further when the effect of Escondida’s cessation of groundwater extraction from the Andean aquifers is seen over a full year. WAIO and Queensland Coal account for more than 50 per cent of terrestrial water withdrawal across our business. All of the WAIO withdrawals are from groundwater. Queensland Coal draws from a mix of surface water (collected rainfall runoff represents approximately 75 per cent of surface water withdrawal) and groundwater. Due to ongoing improvement in our water data, it was identified that water extracted during the petroleum production process to access hydrocarbon products should be classified as groundwater withdrawal under the ICMM and WAF guidance. Prior to FY2019, this was reported as seawater withdrawal.

Freshwater(2) withdrawal decreased 18 per cent in FY2020 compared to FY2019 and 19 per cent compared to our FY2017 baseline. This was primarily due to the early cessation of groundwater extraction at Escondida. The withdrawals, and the material contributors to these, were within expectations for FY2020 and in line with our ambition to minimise our withdrawal of high-quality fresh water and replace these with seawater/low-quality withdrawals where feasible. As the results are within expectations, there is no implications for current commitments, strategy and costs for the business with respect to water withdrawals. For more information on freshwater withdrawal, refer to section 1.7.6.

(1)

Volumes of withdrawal by source have been updated for FY 2019, FY2018 and FY2017 for the Nickel West, Kwinana operated asset. Previously the total volumes of water supplied to the site by third party, Water Corporation, was proportionately to source in alignment with the public information (48 per cent from seawater, 42 per cent from groundwater and 10 per cent from surface water). In FY2020, Water Corporation supplied BHP site specific proportions of water sources for our Kwinana operations for the FY2017 to FY2020 period.

 

(2)

‘Freshwater’ is defined as waters other than seawater, wastewater from third parties and hypersaline ground water. Freshwater withdrawal also excludes entrained water that would not be available for other uses. These exclusions have been made to align with the target’s intent to reduce the use of freshwater sources of potential value other users or the environment.

272

Water discharges

Water discharges includes water that has been removed from the operated asset and returned to the environment or distributed to a third party. This includes seepage from tailings dams to groundwater, discharges from operations to surface waters (which are also affected by periods of higher rainfall) and discharges to seawater. Water we treat and then on-supply to third parties is captured as a diversion consistent with ICMM Guidelines as it is not intended for operational purposes. Water that is evaporated or entrained(3) is also excluded from discharges and instead reported under the water consumption category.(4)

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Total water discharges for FY2020 were 147,850 ML, an increase from FY2019 as expected due to the increased throughout of the desalination facility at our Escondida asset. The majority of water discharges are to seawater at over 90 per cent, with Escondida and Petroleum being the largest contributors. The second largest discharge volume is to groundwater, the majority of which is Type 3 seawater that is withdrawn as a by-product during the recovery of hydrocarbons from below the seabed (and therefore classed as groundwater in the ICMM and WAF guidance) and which is returned by re-injection to below the seabed.

Discharges to surface water (usually riverine systems) are influenced by climatic conditions such as rainfall and occurrence of extreme weather events, therefore are subject to higher variability and less predictable. These scenarios may occur at our Queensland Coal operated assets. In FY2020, some localised high rainfall events resulted in discharges to surface waters at those operated assets. Our water management practices at the operated assets where this may occur are designed to accommodate this variability and therefore the occurrence of such events does not affect our current management activities and strategy or result in elevated risks.

Approximately 40 per cent of our assets do not have any water discharges due to water being either consumed in operational activities or reused/recycled. This is similar to previous years, but note that prior to FY2019, the definition of water discharges included water that was evaporated or entrained. This is now reported as consumption, in line with ICMM Guidelines. The extent of this change is shown in the data tables in section 6.6.3.

Water recycled/reused

During FY2020, the total volume of water recycled/reused was 250,090 ML. This represents an efficiency of 66 per cent of withdrawals excluding seawater. Increases in recycled/reused volumes was observed at five of our operated assets in FY2020.

The ability of our operated assets to reuse and recycle water varies depending on the recovery processes used and the water quality requirements. The accuracy of the recycled/reused metric currently varies depending on the complexity of the process and how closely water movements are measured and understood. As our data collection and analysis improves, we can more robustly assess opportunities to improve efficiency of water use.

Water diversions

FY2019 was the first year that BHP disclosed diversions. Diverted water is water that is actively managed by an operated asset but not used for any operational purposes. For example, this includes the water that is removed from below the water table at WAIO to access the ore but is returned to the environment and not consumed in operations. Another example is when we withdraw water and treat it for use as drinking water by local communities, as Olympic Dam does for the town of Roxby Downs in South Australia. In FY2020, 102,780 ML of water was withdrawn without any intention to be used at BHP operated assets, predominantly relating to water that is treated by our legacy assets in North America, and by dewatering as noted above for WAIO, and described further in the WAIO water case study.

Note the withdrawal of diverted water may occur in a different annual reporting period to its discharge, so in any given annual period there may be a differential between withdrawal and discharge volumes for diverted water.

(3)

Entrained water includes water incorporated into product and/or waste streams, such as tailings, that cannot be easily recovered.

(4)

Evaporation and entrainment, previously reported as water outputs under the WAF, have been reported under consumption to align with the ICMM Guidelines.

Water consumption

Prior to FY2019, water consumption was included within the reporting of water outputs. In the ICMM Guidelines, consumption (the volume of water used by the operated asset and not returned to the water environment or a third party) is a separate reporting category. Available data for evaporation and entrainment from the FY2017 and FY2018 reporting periods was moved to the consumption category from FY2019 in order to allow representative year-on-year comparisons. This data is shown in section 6.6.3.

In FY2020, evaporation and entrainment were the most significant contributors to consumption, representing more than 91 per cent of total consumption, slightly less than in FY2019 due to a reduction in evaporation.

Evaporation consumption is inherently linked with climatic conditions during the reporting period. Evaporation data is estimated or simulated using average climatic conditions and therefore consumption due to evaporation should remain relatively stable but may vary due to climatic conditions outside of BHP’s control. The Minerals Council of Australia has indicated there will be some updates in the WAF guidance with respect to reporting of evaporation. The new guidance states that evaporation should be reported by source water quality type (instead of as Type 1). This change is to better align the WAF with other global water metrics. Classifying the quality of evaporated water by the source water quality allows the consumptive use of lower-quality water to be better represented in the water account. BHP has reported evaporation in line with this intended update to the WAF.

Entrainment may show variability due to the type and location of ore during any given reporting period. The category of ‘other’ for consumption includes water consumed, for example as a result of potable water consumption at operated assets.

The increased focus on consumption will assist with increased and improved data accuracy for entrainment and evaporation, and assist with identifying opportunities to reduce, where possible, losses such as those associated with evaporation.

The operated assets in FY2020 that consumed the most water were Escondida, WAIO and Queensland Coal. Entrainment of water in tailings is the largest contributor to consumption at Escondida, whereas evaporation is the key driver of consumption at WAIO and Queensland Coal. It should be noted that in any given reporting period, consumption and discharges volumes might be higher than withdrawals as evaporation can occur from water that has been captured and stored during previous periods.

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Progress against our Water Stewardship Strategy

Water Stewardship Strategy pillarWhat we did in FY2020

Risk

Embed processes and systems to effectively manage water-related risk and realise opportunities at a catchment level in the short and longer term.

BHP issued three Group-wide water standards for our operated assets in FY2019: water management, drinking water and water data. Performance against all three standards will be assured as part of BHP’s ‘three lines of defence’ model of risk governance and management. For more information on this model, refer to section 1.5.4.

The Technical Centre of Excellence will undertake ‘second line of defence’ assurance activities to ensure our operated assets are meeting the minimum requirements set out in these three water standards. Our Internal Audit and Advisory team, which provides independent assurance over the risk control environment, will include assurance against the standards as part of the ‘third line of defence’ and operated assets will monitor and review their water management activities as part of the ‘first line of defence’.

In FY2020, each of our operated assets executed a gap assessment for each of the three water standards. Action plans are in place to progress towards compliance with these new standards. For example, a number of technology data management solutions were assessed in FY2020 to assist with improvements in water data storage and analysis.

We undertook an assessment of water-related risks within the catchments and marine regions in which we operate, taking account of environmental, community and third party interactions and assessed water-related operational risk in alignment with the BHP Risk Framework.

Technology

Leverage technology solutions that drive a step-change reduction in water-related risks, realise opportunities and deliver multiple benefits.

The technologies available for water recovery from tailings and water treatment options were shortlisted for further assessment and or development for each operated asset (as applicable), thereby creating a pipeline of technology projects designed to contribute to the delivery of the FY2030 longer-term goal. For more information, refer to the technology case study at bhp.com.

Value

Effectively value water in investment and operated asset decisions through integration into strategy, planning and evaluation frameworks.

In FY2020, an approach was developed to help integrate social value considerations (including environment and community aspects of water) into BHP’s planning and project evaluation processes. The approach is expected to be trialed and further developed in FY2021.

Disclosure

Transparently disclose water-related risks, management and performance at an operated asset level.

We incorporated feedback from external parties on our FY2018 Water Report within our FY2019 Sustainability Report and FY2020 Annual Report (e.g. presentation of relativity of water-related risk). We increased our water disclosure by providing withdrawal, discharge, and consumption and diversion data at an operated asset level.

In FY2020, we commenced a case study with the ICMM to help inform improvements and increase consistency of water disclosures in the mining sector.

Collective action

Collaborate with stakeholders to improve regional water policy and catchment governance and address shared water challenges within our communities and across our value chain.

In FY2020, we continued work with the CEO Water Mandate to develop a Common Water Accounting Framework (see the CEO Water Mandate case study). We believe this is the first step required to advance effective multi-stakeholder conversations on water.

We also continued to work in the Gulf of Mexico to improve water, biodiversity and climate change outcomes (see the Bayou Terrebonne Biodiversity and Resiliency Project case study).

We partnered with industry and research peers to launch the Groundwater Modelling Decision Support Initiative (GMDSI) in October 2019. The GMDSI is an industry-funded project designed to improve the contribution of groundwater modelling in supporting environmental management and decision-making (see the Groundwater Modelling Support Initiative (GMDSI) case study). The GMDSI reflects our recognition of the value that deep knowledge brings to addressing water challenges.

We continued our dialogue with customers and suppliers in the China region to assess water-related risks (both threats and opportunities) in our value chain.

We began a program of Water Resource Situational Analyses (WRSA) to inform post-FY2022 operated asset context-based water targets. The targets will seek to minimise our impacts and address shared water challenges in the regions in which we operate, in line with our commitments in our Water Stewardship Position Statement. This work is also expected to contribute towards our longer-term goal to support integrated water resource management in all the catchments where we operate by FY2030.

Asset summary table FY2020

Metric (1)(2)

 Total  Escondida  Legacy
assets
  Nickel
West
  NSW
Energy
Coal
  Olympic
Dam
  Pampa
Norte
  Petroleum(3)  Jansen
Potash
Project
  Queensland
Coal
  Western
Australia
Iron Ore
 

Water sensitivity (BHP assessed)

   High   
Low to
moderate
 
 
  Moderate   High   High   High   Low   Low   
Moderate
to high
 
 
  Moderate 

Withdrawals(4) (ML)

  380,330   199,160   1,150   17,590   9,360   13,460   10,770   43,500   510   37,440   47,380 

Water withdrawals by quality – Type 1

  51,610   0   1,150   2,520   3,860   0   0   50   0   14,910   29,120 

Water withdrawals by quality – Type 2

  35,670   0   0   5,320   2,780   11,280   0   0   510   15,650   130 

Water withdrawals by quality – Type 3

  293,060   199,160   0   9,760   2,720   2,180   10,780   43,440   0   6,890   18,130 

Water withdrawals by source – Surface water (5)

  45,190   0   1,150   350   7,420   310   7,090   50   460   28,360   0 

Water withdrawals by source – Groundwater

  123,660   24,330   0   16,080   1,950   13,160   3,690   7,930   50   9,090   47,380 

Water withdrawals by source – Seawater

  211,510   174,830   0   1,170   0   0   0   35,510   0   0   0 

Discharges (ML)

  147,850   99,740   0   310   0   0   0   43,440   10   2,790   1,560 

Water discharges by quality – Type 1

  0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0 

Water discharges by quality – Type 2

  3,740   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   2,790   950 

Water discharges by quality – Type 3

  144,110   99,740   0   310   0   0   0   43,440   10   0   610 

Water discharges by destination – Surface water

  3,970   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   2,490   1,480 

Water discharges by destination – Groundwater

  9,440   1,500   0   0   0   0   0   7,930   10   0   0 

Water discharges by destination – Seawater

  134,116   98,240   0   0   0   0   0   35,506   0   290   80 

Water discharges by destination – Third party

  310   0   0   310   0   0   0   0   0   0   0 

Consumption (ML)

  258,120   95,680   2,010   15,600   7,660   12,190   8,800   850   80   53,250   62,000 

Consumption – evaporation

  126,120   28,380   2,010   350   4,390   5,890   5,810   0   50   38,500   40,740 

Consumption – entrainment

  109,550   66,770   0   0   3,120   1,990   2,820   0   0   13,590   21,260 

Consumption – other

  22,440   530   0   15,250   150   4,310   160   850   30   1,160   0 

Recycled/reused (ML)

  250,090   38,000   10   10,020   0   14,590   170,150   0   0   5,860   11,460 

Diversions (ML)

           

Diversions – withdrawals

  102,780   380   41,080   0   0   0   780   1,240   0   17,200   42,100 

Diversions – discharges

  79,430   380   42,740   0   0   960   780   1,090   230   8,630   24,620 

(1)

Data has been rounded to the nearest 10. In some instances, the sum of totals for quality, source and destination may differ due to rounding.

(2)

Excludes Discontinued operations (Onshore US assets).

(3)

Petroleum assets have been grouped due to their relatively lower volumes of water withdrawals, discharges and consumption compared to the mining assets.

(4)

Third party water withdrawals have been reported by source.

(5)

Includes rainfall and run-off volumes captured and used during the reporting year; rainfall and run-off volumes that have been captured and stored are excluded and will be reported in the future year of use.

6.66.7     Legal proceedings

We areThe Group is involved from time-to-timetime to time in legal proceedings and governmental investigations of a character normally incidental to our business, including claims and pending actions against usit seeking damages, or clarification or prosecution of legal rights and regulatory inquiries regarding business practices. Insurance or other indemnification protection may offset the financial impact on the Group of a successful claim.

This section summarises the significant legal proceedings and investigations and associated matters in which we arethe Group is currently involved or havehas finalised since our last Annual Report. The timing of many of the legal proceedings and investigations has been delayed or is uncertain as a result of court closures or delays in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal proceedings relating to the failure of the Fundão tailings dam at the Samarco iron ore operations of Samarco in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo (Samarco dam failure)

We areThe Group is engaged in numerous legal proceedings relating to the Samarco dam failure. Given allthe stage of these proceedings, are in early stages, it is not possible at this time to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures. The most significant of these proceedings are summarised below. As described below, many of these proceedings involve claims for compensation for the similar or possibly the same damages. There are numerous additional lawsuits against Samarco relating to the Samarco dam failure to which we arethe Group is not party.

R$20 billion public civil claim commenced by the Federal Government of Brazil, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and other authorities (R$20 billion Public Civil Claim)

On 30 November 2015, the Federal Government of Brazil, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and other public authorities collectively filed a public civil claim before the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte against Samarco and its shareholders, BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale, seeking the establishment of a fund of up to R$20 billion (approximately US$5.23.7 billion) in aggregate for clean-up costs and damages.

The plaintiffs also requested certain interim injunctions in connection with the public civil claim. On 18 December 2015, the Federal Court granted the injunctions and, among other things, ordered Samarco to deposit R$2 billion (approximately US$605365 million) into a court-managedCourt-managed bank account for use towards community and environmental rehabilitation. BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco immediately appealed against the injunction. On 4 November 2016, the Federal Court reduced the R$2 billion (approximately US$365 million) injunction to R$1.2 billion (approximately US$365220 million).

On 2 March 2016, BHP Billiton Brasil, together with Vale and Samarco, entered into a Framework Agreement with the plaintiffs to establish a foundation (Fundação Renova) to develop and execute environmental and socioeconomic programs (Programs) to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the Samarco dam failure.

The term of the Framework Agreement is 15 years, renewable for periods of one year successively until all obligations under the Framework Agreement have been performed. Under the Framework Agreement, Samarco is responsible for funding Fundação Renova’s annual calendar year budget for the duration of the Framework Agreement. The amount of funding for each calendar year will be dependent on the remediation and compensation projects to be undertaken in a particular year. To the extent that Samarco does not meet its funding obligations under the Framework Agreement, each of Vale and BHP Billiton Brasil has funding obligations under the Framework Agreement in proportion to its 50 per cent shareholding in Samarco.

On 25 June 2018, a Governance Agreement (summarised below), was entered into providing for the settlement of this public civil claim, suspension of the Federal Public Prosecutors’ Claim for R$155 billion (approximately US$4028 billion) Federal Public Prosecution Office claim(also summarised below) for 24 months partial ratification of the Framework Agreement and a formal declaration that the Framework Agreement remains valid for the signing parties.

On 8 August 2018, the 12th Federal Court of Minas Gerais ratified the Governance Agreement.

Ratification of the Governance Agreement on 8 August 2018 settled this public civil claim, including the R$1.2 billion (approximately US$365220 million) injunction order.

On 13 April 2020, the 12th Federal Court granted a request made by the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo to allow R$100 million (approximately US$20 million) Interim Security (defined below) held on escrow with the Court to be used in implementation of preventive measures and control and management of risks and damages relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount made available is in the process of being allocated to the healthcare systems in the state of Minas Gerais and the state of Espírito Santo.

Preliminary Agreement

On 18 January 2017, BHP Billiton Brasil, together with Vale and Samarco, entered into a Preliminary Agreement with the Federal Prosecutors’ Office in Brazil, which outlines the process and timeline for further negotiations towards a final settlement regarding the R$20 billion (approximately US$5.23.7 billion) public civil claim and the R$155 billion (approximately US$4028 billion) Federal Public ProsecutionProsecutors’ Office claim relating to the dam failure.

Under the Preliminary Agreement, BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco agreed interim security (Interim Security) comprising:

 

R$1.3 billion (approximately US$335240 million) in insurance bonds;bonds

 

R$100 million (approximately US$20 million) in liquid assets;assets which was made available to the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo for the implementation of preventive measures and control and management of risks and damages relating to the COVID-19 pandemic

 

Aa charge of R$800 million (approximately US$210145 million) over Samarco’s assets;

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R$200 million (approximately US$50 million) to be allocated within the next four years through existing Framework Agreement programs in the Municipalities of Barra Longa, Rio Doce, Santa Cruz do Escalvado and Ponte Nova.assets

On 24 January 2017, BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco provided the Interim Security to the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte, which was to remain in place until the earlier of 30 June 2017 and the date that a final settlement arrangement was agreed between the Federal Prosecutors and BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco. Following a series of extensions, on 25 June 2018, the parties reached an agreement in the form of the Governance Agreement (summarised below).

Governance Agreement

On 25 June 2018, BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale, Samarco, the other parties to the Framework Agreement, the Public Prosecutors Office and the Public DefenceDefense Office entered into a Governance Agreement, which settlessettled the R$20 billion (approximately US$5.23.7 billion) public civil claim, enhances community participation in decisions related to Programs under the Framework Agreement and establishesestablished a process to renegotiate the Programs over two years to progress settlement of the R$155 billion (approximately US$4028 billion) Federal Public ProsecutionProsecutors’ Office claim (Governance Agreement).claim.

Renegotiation of the Programs will be based on certain agreed principles, such as full reparation consistent with Brazilian law, the requirement for a technical basis for any proposed changes, consideration of findings from experts appointed by BHP Billiton Brasil, Samarco and Vale, consideration of findings from experts appointed by Prosecutors and consideration of feedback from impacted communities.

The renegotiation process remains outstanding as certain pre-requisites established in the Governance Agreement are yet to be implemented. The renegotiation term may be extended for a further two years by mutual consent of the parties to the Governance Agreement. During the renegotiation period and up until revisions to the Programs are agreed, theFundação Renova Foundation will continue to implement the Programs in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement and the Governance Agreement.

The Governance Agreement was ratified by the 12th Federal Court of Minas Gerais on 8 August 2018, settling the R$20 billion (approximately US$5.2 billion) public civil claim and suspending the R$155 billion (approximately US$40 billion) Federal Public Prosecution Office claim for a period of two years from the date of ratification.

Interim Security provided under the Preliminary Agreement is maintained for a period of 30 months under the Governance Agreement, after which BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco will be required to provide security of an amount equal to Fundação Renova’s annual budget up to a limit of R$2.2 billion (approximately US$570400 million).

R$155 billion public civil claim commenced by the Federal Public Prosecution ServiceProsecutors’ Office (R$155 billion Federal Public ProsecutionProsecutors’ Office claim)

On 3 May 2016, the Federal Public ProsecutionProsecutors’ Office filed a public civil claim before the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco – as well as 18 other public entities (which has since been reduced to five defendants(19)(23) by the 12th Federal Court) – seeking R$155 billion (approximately US$4028 billion) for reparation, compensation and collective moral damages in relation to the Samarco dam failure.

In addition, the claim includes a number of preliminary injunction requests, seeking orders that BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco deposit R$7.7 billion (approximately US$21.4 billion) in a special company account and provide guarantees equivalent to R$155 billion (approximately US$4028 billion). The injunctions also seek to prohibit BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco from distributing dividends and selling certain assets (among other things).

TheThis public civil claim and the R$20 billion Public Civil Claim are broad claims that encompass the majority of the public civil claims filed against BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale. For this reason, the 12th Federal Court previouslyhas suspended other public civil claims while negotiations continue in relation to the settlement of this public civil claim.

Ratification of the Governance Agreement settled the R$20 billion Public Civil Claim and suspended this public civil claim, including the R$7.7 billion (approximately US$21.4 billion) injunction request. SuspensionDespite suspension of thethis public civil claim continuesbeing for a period of two years from the date of ratification of the Governance Agreement on 8 August 2018.2018, the claim has not been resumed and the parties may negotiate a further extension.

Enforcement Proceedings

On 7 January 2020, the 12th Federal Court of Belo Horizonte issued a decision creating 10 enforcement proceedings (Enforcement Proceedings) linked to the R$20 billion and R$155 billion Public Civil Claims described above with two additional proceedings added in subsequent months. The 12 Enforcement Proceedings seek to expedite the remediation process related to the Samarco dam failure, addressing issues considered to be priority in this context. No substantive new claims were made under these proceedings.

Issues covered by these Enforcement Proceedings include environmental recovery, human health risk and ecological risk, resettlement of affected communities, infrastructure and development, registration of certain impacted individuals under the Programs and indemnities for people impacted by the dam failure, resumption of economic activities, water supply for human consumption and hiring of technical advisors to impacted people among other key delivery areas.

(23)

Currently, solely BHP Brasil, Vale and Samarco, the Federal Government and the state of Minas Gerais are defendants.

In the context of these Enforcement Proceedings, BHP Brasil, Samarco and Vale are seeking determinations, including the repealing of fishing bans ordered by the courts or administration entities, final compensation of impacted communities, the end of registration of new indemnification requests for compensation and indemnification of impacted people, and set-off of compensation paid against future damages that may need to be paid.

Public civil claims commenced by the State Prosecutors’ Office in the state of Minas Gerais

On 10 December 2015, the State Prosecutors’ Office in the state of Minas Gerais filed a public civil claim against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco before the State Court in Mariana claiming indemnification (amount not specified) for moral and material damages to an unspecified group of individuals affected by the Samarco dam failure, including the payment of costs for housing and social and economic assistance.

The State Prosecutors’ Office also requested certain interim injunctions in connection with this claim, including orders for BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco to provide housing, health care, financial assistance and education facilities to the people affected by the Samarco dam failure. The plaintiff also sought an order to freeze R$300 million (approximately US$8055 million) in Samarco’s bank accounts. The Court granted the injunction, freezing R$300 million (approximately US$8055 million) in Samarco’s bank accounts for use towards the compensation and remediation measures requested under this public civil claim. At a Court hearing on 20 January 2016, the parties agreed that Samarco should unilaterally provide:

 

(19)

Currently, solely BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco, the Federal Government and the State of Minas Gerais are defendants.

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flexible housing solutions for 271 displaced families;families

 

monthly salaries to the displaced families for at least 12 months;months

 

a R$20,000 (approximately US$5,000)3,700) payment to each displaced family;family

 

a R$100,000 (approximately US$25,000)18,000) payment to each of the families of those deceased, as advance compensation.compensation

There have been multiple hearings, injunctions and enforcement petitions of previous settlements requested in this public civil claim. Following Samarco’s request, the Court released part of the frozen amount to pay for (i) the technical entity hired to assist the impacted community and (ii) payments related to the Preliminary Agreement. On 2 October 2018, the parties reached an agreement that was ratified by the Court for the dismissal of the claim. Under this settlement, Fundação Renova Foundation has reached more than 83 individual agreements with impacted families in Mariana for the payment of damages.

On 2 February 2016, the State Prosecutors’ Office in the state of Minas Gerais filed another public civil claim against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco before the State Court in Ponte Nova, claiming compensation of R$7.5 billion (approximately US$2.31.4 billion) for moral and material damages suffered by 1,350 individuals in Ponte Nova and collective moral damages allegedly suffered by the community in Ponte Nova.Nova (Ponte Nova 1). The claim also sought a number of preliminary injunctions, including orders to:

 

freeze R$1 billion (approximately US$305185 million) of cash in the defendants’ bank accounts in order to secure the compensation requested under the public civil claim;claim

 

require the defendants to pay minimum wages and basic food supplies to the families in Ponte Nova affected by the Samarco dam failure;failure

 

require the defendants to pay R$30,000 (approximately US$8,000)5,500) per affected family and compensation to provide dignified and adequate housing for the affected families.families

On 5 February 2016, the Ponte Nova Court granted an injunction to freeze R$475 million (approximately US$14587 million) from bank accounts of BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco and ordered them to pay preliminary amounts to families in Ponte Nova affected by the Samarco dam failure. This injunction was revoked on 9 November 2016 and the Ponte Nova Court, on 8 May 2018, also ordered the R$475 million (approximately US$87 million) in frozen funds to be returned to BHP Billiton Brasil (R$2 million).returned. Samarco and BHP Billiton Brasil filed their defences, respectively on 6 December 2016 and 9 March 2017. This case has been remitted to the 12th Federal Court in Belo Horizonte and is currently suspended.

In November 2018, the State Prosecutor’s Office in the Statestate of Minas Gerais filed another public civil claim against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale, Samarco and Fundação Renova Foundation claiming approximately R$2 billion (approximately US$500366 million) for damages. The public civil claim was terminated before the subpoenas on the basis that the claim has already been addressed in the first public civil claim filed on 10 December 2015, which has been settled. The State Prosecutor’s Office has appealed the decision.

On 15 December 2015, Prosecutors filed a civil public action against Samarco and Vale claiming implementation of water capture infrastructure and payment of moral damages of R$5 billion (approximately US$915 million). The injunction relief requested remains suspended, awaiting for a decision by the Court.

On 13 August 2018, State Prosecutor’s Office in the state of Minas Gerais filed a public civil action against BHP Brasil, Vale, Samarco and Fundação Renova claiming several measures related to healthcare in Mariana. On 25 April 2019, the parties settled the case, and the execution of such settlement is ongoing.

Public civil claim commenced by the Public Defender Department in Minas Gerais

On 25 April 2016, the Public Defender Department filed a public civil claim against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco in the State Court in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil claiming R$10 billion (approximately US$2.61.8 billion) for collective moral damages to be deposited in the State Human Rights Defense Fund. The Public Defender Department is also seeking a number of social and environmental remediation measures in relation to the Samarco dam failure, including orders requiring the reparation of the environmental damage and the reconstruction of properties and populations, including historical, religious, cultural, social, environmental and immaterial heritages affected by the dam failure. On 16 March 2016, the Court denied the remediation measures requested as an injunction by the Public Defender Department. The public civil claim was remitted to the 12th Federal Court in Belo Horizonte and is currently suspended.

Public civil claim commenced by the State Prosecutors’ Office in the state of Espírito Santo

On 15 January 2016, the State Prosecutors’ Office of Espírito Santo filed a public civil claim before the State Court in Espírito Santo against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco seeking compensation for collective moral damages in relation to the suspension of the water supply of the Municipality of Colatina as a result of the Samarco dam failure. As part of the public civil claim, the State Prosecutors’ Office sought a number of injunctions, including an order to freeze R$2 billion (approximately US$520366 million) in the defendants’ bank accounts in order to secure the requested compensation. On 11 February 2016, the Court denied all of the injunction requests made by the State Prosecutors’ Office. The State Prosecutors’ Office appealed the decision and on 2 August 2016 the State Court of Appeal decided to remit the case to the 12th Federal Court in Belo Horizonte. This public civil claim is suspended.

Public civil claim commenced by the state of Espírito Santo

On 8 January 2016, the state of Espírito Santo filed a public civil claim against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco before the State Court in Colatina (later remitted to the 12th Federal Court in Belo Horizonte) seeking the remediation and restoration of the water supply of the residents of Baixo Guandu, Linhares, Colatina and Marilândia. In addition, the claim sought injunctions ordering, among other things, the execution of several works and improvements in public equipment in order to repair and upgrade the sewerage system and water network in Colatina and Linhares, and an order to freeze R$1 billion (approximately US$260185 million) of the defendants’ assets. On 4 February 2016, the Court ordered Samarco to deposit approximately R$7 million (approximately US$21.3 million) in a fund of the state of Espírito Santo to be created and granted certain injunctions relating to remediation measures. At the same time it denied the injunction request to freeze assets of R$1 billion (approximately US$260185 million). On 6 April 2016, the Court of Appeals suspended the injunctions granted. BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco filed their defences in March 2016 and also requested the suspension of this public civil claim. On 18 December 2017,16 July 2019, the case was remitted toformally received by the 12th Federal Court.Court of Belo Horizonte. The 12th Federal Court has not made a decision regarding the suspension of this public civil claim.

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Public civil claim commenced by the Association for the Defense of Collective Interests – ADIC

On 17 November 2015, ADIC, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Brazil, filed a public civil claim solely against Samarco before the 12th Federal Court in Belo Horizonte claiming at least R$10 billion (approximately US$2.61.85 billion) for environmental and social damages in relation to the Samarco dam failure, in addition to collective moral damages and reparation measures. The NGO also requested preliminary injunctions ordering the deposit of R$1 billion (approximately US$260185 million) and prohibiting Samarco from distributing dividends to its shareholders. Samarco presented its defence on 12 February 2016. The Court did not decide on the injunction request and on 27 March 2017, the 12th Federal Court suspended this public civil claim.

Other civil proceedings in Brazil

As noted above, BHP Billiton Brasil has been named as a defendant in numerous other lawsuits that are at early stages of proceedings.lawsuits. The lawsuits seek various remedies, including rehabilitation costs, compensation to injuredimpacted individuals and families of the deceased, recovery of personal and property losses and injunctive relief. In addition, government inquiries and investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure have been commenced by numerous agencies of the Brazilian Government and are ongoing, including criminal investigations by the federal and state police, and by federal prosecutors.

OurBHP Brasil’s potential liabilities, if any, resulting from other pending and future claims, lawsuits and enforcement actions relating to the Samarco dam failure, together with the potential cost of implementing remedies sought in the various proceedings, cannot be reliably estimated at this time and therefore a provision has not been recognised and nor has any contingent liability been quantified for these matters. Ultimately, these could have a material adverse impact on BHP’s business, competitive position, cash flows, prospects, liquidity and shareholder returns. For more information on the Samarco dam failure, refer to section 1.7.1.8.

As at June 2019,2020, Samarco had been named as a defendant in more than 74,00079,000 small claims for moral damages in which people argue their public water service was interrupted for between five and 10 days, and courts have awarded damages, generally ranging from R$1,000 (approximately US$260) to R$10,000 (approximately US$2,600) per impacted person.days. BHP Billiton Brasil is a co-defendant in more than 15,50023,000 of these cases. Over 260,000More than 270,000 people have received moral damages related to the temporary suspension of public water supply through settlements reached with Fundação Renova.

Criminal charges

On 20 October 2016, the Federal Prosecutors’ Office filed criminal charges against BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco and certain employees and former employees of BHP Billiton Brasil (Affected Individuals) in the Federal Court of Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais. On 3 March 2017, BHP Billiton Brasil and the Affected Individuals filed their preliminary defences. The Federal Court granted Habeas Corpus petitions in favour of threeeight of the Affected Individuals terminating the charges against those individuals. The Federal Prosecutors’ Office appealed twoseven of the decisions. BHP Billiton Brasil rejects outright the charges against the CompanyBHP Brasil and the Affected Individuals and will defend the charges and fully support each of the Affected Individuals in their defence of the charges.

United States class action complaint – shareholders

In February 2016, a putative class action complaint (Complaint) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of American Depositary Receipts of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc between 25 September 2014 and 30 November 2015 against BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and certain of its current and former executive officers and directors. The Complaint asserted claims under US federal securities laws and indicated that the plaintiff would seek certification to proceed as a class action.

In 6 August 2018, the parties reached an in-principle settlement agreement of US$50 million to resolve all claims with no admission of liability by the Defendants, subject to Court approval. On 10 April 2019, the District Court made orders granting final approval of the settlement and the settlement became final on 10 May 2019. The majority of the settlement payment was covered by BHP’s external insurance arrangements.

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United States class action complaint – bondholders

On 14 November 2016, a putative class action complaint (Bondholder Complaint) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of Samarco’s 10-year bond notes due 2022–2024 between 31 October 2012 and 30 November 2015. The Bondholder Complaint was initially filed against Samarco and the former chief executive officer of Samarco. The Complaint asserted claims under the U.S. federal securities laws and indicated that the plaintiff will seek certification to proceed as a class action.

The Bondholder Complaint was subsequently amended to include BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc, BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda, Vale S.A. and officers of Samarco, including four of Vale S.A. and BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s nominees to the Samarco Board. On 5 April 2017, the Plaintiff discontinued its claims against the individual defendants. The amount of damages sought by the putative class is unspecified.

On 7 March 2018, the District Court granted a joint motion from the remaining corporate defendants to dismiss the Bondholder Complaint. A second amended Bondholder Complaint was also dismissed by the Court on 18 June 2019. On 9 July 2019. The Plaintiff has2019, the plaintiff filed a motion which remains pending before the Court, for reconsideration of that decision or for leave to file a third amended complaint.

On 30 October 2019, the Court denied the plaintiff’s motion for reconsideration and for leave to amend its complaint. The amountplaintiff has filed a notice of damages sought byappeal of both of those orders. This appeal remains pending before the putative class is unspecified.Court of Appeals.

Australian class action complaints

Three separateBHP Group Limited is named as a defendant in a shareholder class actions were filedaction in the Federal Court of Australia on behalf of persons who acquired shares in BHP Group Ltd on the Australian Securities Exchange or shares in BHP Group Plc on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange in periods prior to the Samarco dam failure.

Following an appeal to the Full Court of the Federal Court, two of the actions have been consolidated into the one action and the third action is expected to be dismissed.

The amount of damages sought in the consolidated action is unspecified.

BHP filed an application for a temporary stay of the class action pending resolution of certain Brazilian criminal proceedings. On 17 March 2020, the Court declined to order the temporary stay. Instead, the Court ordered that interlocutory steps in the class action be considered on a case by case basis and allowed to proceed only if any prejudice in connection with the Brazilian criminal proceedings does not outweigh the other interests of justice.

On 12 May 2020, BHP Group Ltd filed an application seeking declaratory relief which, if successful, would narrow the group of claimants in the class action. This application is scheduled to be heard on 7-8 September 2020.

United Kingdom group action complaint

BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Ltd are named as defendants in group action claims for damages that have been filed in the courts of England. These claims have been filed on behalf of certain individuals, governments, businesses and communities in Brazil allegedly impacted by the Samarco dam failure.

On 7 August 2019, the BHP parties filed a preliminary application seeking to strike out or stay this action on jurisdictional and other procedural grounds.

The amount of damages soughtapplication was heard in July 2020. The Court has not yet issued its judgment on this class action is unspecified.application.

Tax and royalty matters

Transfer pricing dispute – Sales of commodities to BHP Billiton Marketing AG in Singapore

On 19 November 2018, BHP reached an agreement with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to settle the transfer pricing dispute relating to its marketing operations in Singapore.

The settlement fully resolves the longstanding dispute between BHP and the ATO for all prior years, being 2003 to 2018, with no admission of tax avoidance by BHP, and provides certainty in relation to the future taxation treatment.

The dispute related to the amount of Australian tax payable as a result of the sale of BHP’s Australian commodities to BHP’s Singapore marketing business. The ATO had issued amended assessments for A$661 million primary tax (A$1,042 million including interest and penalties) for the income years 2003 to 2013.

As part of the settlement, BHP paid a total of approximately A$529 million in additional taxes for the income years 2003 to 2018. BHP had already paid A$328 million of this amount to the ATO, following receipt of amended tax assessments and in accordance with the ATO’s normal practice.

A further element of the settlement is that BHP Group Limited will increase its ownership of BHP Billiton Marketing AG from 58 per cent to 100 per cent. BHP Billiton Marketing AG is the main company that BHP utilises to conduct its Singapore marketing business. The change in ownership will result in all profits made in Singapore in relation to the Australian assets owned by BHP Group Limited being fully subject to Australian tax.

The change in ownership will provide certainty for BHP and the ATO regarding the Australian taxation treatment of BHP’s Singapore marketing business for future years.

BHP’s marketing operations will continue to be located in Singapore and remain an important part of BHP’s value chain.

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Unresolved tax and royalty matters

The Group presently has unresolved tax and royalty matters for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow is uncertain. For details of those matters, refer to note 56 ‘Income and tax expense’ in section 5.

2785.1.


6.76.8     Glossary

6.7.16.8.1     Mining, oil and gas-related terms

2D

Two dimensional.

3D

Three dimensional.

AIG

The Australian Institute of Geoscientists.

Anthracite

Coal of high rank with the highest carbon content.

APEGS

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.

AusIMM

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Beneficiation

The process of physically separating ore from waste material prior to subsequent processing of the improved ore.

Bituminous

Coal of intermediate rank with relatively high carbon content.

Brownfield

The development or exploration located inside the area of influence of existing mine operations which can share infrastructure/management.

Butane

A component of natural gas. Where sold separately, is largely butane gas that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of butane is approximately equivalent to 14,000 cubic feet of gas.

Coal Reserves

Equivalent to Ore Reserves, but specifically concerning coal.

Coking coal

Used in the manufacture of coke, which is used in the steelmaking process by virtue of its carbonisation properties. Coking coal may also be referred to as metallurgical coal.

Condensate

A mixture of hydrocarbons that exist in gaseous form in natural underground reservoirs, but which condense to form a liquid at atmospheric conditions.

Conventional Petroleum Resources

Hydrocarbon accumulations that can be produced by a well drilled into a geologic formation in which the reservoir and fluid characteristics permit the hydrocarbons to readily flow to the wellbore without the use of specialised extraction technologies.

Copper cathode

Electrolytically refined copper that has been deposited on the cathode of an electrolytic bath of acidified copper sulphate solution. The refined copper may also be produced through leaching and electrowinning.

Crude oil

A mixture of hydrocarbons that exist in liquid form in natural underground reservoirs, and remain liquid at atmospheric pressure after being produced at the well head and passing through surface separating facilities.

Cut-off grade

A nominated grade above which an Ore Reserve is defined. For example, the lowest grade of mineralised material that qualifies as economic for estimating an Ore Reserve.

279


Dated Brent

A benchmark price assessment as of a specified date of the spot market value of physical cargoes of North Sea light sweet crude oil.

Electrowinning/electrowon

An electrochemical process in which metal is recovered by dissolving a metal within an electrolyte and plating it onto an electrode.

Energy coal

Used as a fuel source in electrical power generation, cement manufacture and various industrial applications. Energy coal may also be referred to as steaming or thermal coal.

Ethane

A component of natural gas. Where sold separately, is largely ethane gas that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of ethane is approximately equivalent to 28,000 cubic feet of gas.

FAusIMM

Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Field

An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition. There may be two or more reservoirs in a field that are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both. Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field.

The geological terms ‘structural feature’ and ‘stratigraphic condition’ are intended to identify localised geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc. (per SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10).

Flotation

A method of selectively recovering minerals from finely ground ore using a froth created in water by specific reagents. In the flotation process, certain mineral particles are induced to float by becoming attached to bubbles of froth and the unwanted mineral particles sink.

Fly ash

The finer particle fraction of coal ash.

FPSO (Floating production, storage and off-take)

A floating vessel used by the offshore oil and gas industry for the processing of hydrocarbons and for storage of oil. An FPSO vessel is designed to receive hydrocarbons produced from nearby platforms or subsea templates, process them and store oil until it can be offloaded onto a tanker.

Grade or Quality

Any physical or chemical measurement of the characteristics of the material of interest in samples or product.

Greenfield

The development or exploration located outside the area of influence of existing mine operations/infrastructure.

Heap leach(ing)

A process used for the recovery of metals such as copper, nickel, uranium and gold from low-grade ores. The crushed material is laid on a slightly sloping, impermeable pad and leached by uniformly trickling (gravity fed) a chemical solution through the beds to ponds. The metals are recovered from the solution.

Hypogene Sulphide

Hypogene mineralisation is formed by fluids at high temperature and pressure derived from magmatic activity. Copper in Hypogene sulphide consists predominantly of chalcopyrite.Sulphide is mainly provident from the copper bearing mineral chalcopyrite and higher metal recoveries are achieved via grinding/flotation concentration processes.

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Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code

A set of minimum standards, recommendations and guidelines for public reporting in Australasia of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. The guidelines are defined by the Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC), which is sponsored by the Australian mining industry and its professional organisations.

Leaching

The process by which a soluble metal can be economically recovered from minerals in ore by dissolution.

LNG (liquefied natural gas)

Consists largely of methane that has been liquefied through chilling and pressurisation. One tonne of LNG is approximately equivalent to 46,000 cubic feet of natural gas.

LOI (loss on ignition)

A measure of the percentage of volatile matter (liquid or gas) contained within a mineral or rock. LOI is determined to calculate loss in mass when subjected to high temperatures.

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)

Consists of propane and butane and a small amount (less than 2 per cent) of ethane that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of LPG is approximately equivalent to 12 barrels of oil.

MAIG

Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.

Marketable Coal Reserves

Tonnes of coal available, at specified moisture content and air-dried qualities, for sale after the beneficiation of Coal Reserves.

MAusIMM

Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Metallurgical coal

A broader term than coking coal, which includes all coals used in steelmaking, such as coal used for the pulverised coal injection process.

MGSSA

Member of the Geological Society of South Africa.

Mineralisation

Any single mineral or combination of minerals occurring in a mass, or deposit, of economic interest.

NGL (natural gas liquids)

Consists of propane, butane and ethane – individually or as a mixture.

Nominated production rate

The approved average production rate for the remainder of the life-of-asset plan or five-year plan production rate if significantly different to life-of-asset production rate.

OC (open-cut)

Surface working in which the working area is kept open to the sky.

Ore Reserves

That part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserves determination. To establish this, studies appropriate to this type of mineral deposit involved have been carried out to estimate the quantity, grade and value of the ore mineral(s) present. In addition, technical studies have been completed to determine realistic assumptions for the extraction of minerals including estimates of mining, processing, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. The degree of these studies is sufficient to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of the project and depends on whether or not the project is an extension of an existing project or operation. The estimates of minerals to be produced include allowances for ore losses and the treatment of unmineralised materials which may occur as part of the mining and processing activities. Ore Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore Reserves and Proven Ore Reserves

Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified (JORC Code, 2012 Edition).Reserves.

PCI

Pulverised coal injection.

PEGBC

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P. Eng. PEGNL

Professional Engineer of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador.the Province of British Columbia.

Probable Ore Reserves

Ore Reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are estimated for information similar to that used for Proven Ore Reserves, that the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for Proven Ore Reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.

Propane

A component of natural gas. Where sold separately, is largely propane gas that has been liquefied through pressurisation. One tonne of propane is approximately equivalent to 19,000 cubic feet of gas.

Proved oil and gas reserves

Those quantities of oil, gas and natural gas liquids, which by analysis of geoscience and engineering data can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible – from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations – prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation (from SEC Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting, 2009, 17 CFR Parts 210, 211, 229 and 249).

Proven Ore Reserves

Ore Reserves for which (a) quantity is estimated from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed samplings and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are paced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well established.

Qualified petroleum reserves and resources evaluator

A qualified petroleum reserves and resources evaluator, as defined in Chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules.

Reserve Life

Current stated Ore Reserves estimate divided by the current approved nominated production rate as at the end of the financial year.

ROM (run of mine)

Run of mine product mined in the course of regular mining activities. Tonnes include allowances for diluting materials and for losses that occur when the material is mined.

Slag

A by-product of smelting after the desired metal has been extracted from its ore.

Slimes

A mixture of liquid and the finer particle sized fraction of minerals, typically related to tailings.

Sludge

A thick, soft, wet mud or similar viscous mixture of liquid and solid components, especially the product of minerals processing or refining activities.

Smelting

The process of extracting metal from its ore by heating and melting.

Solvent extraction

A method of separating one or more metals from a leach solution by treating with a solvent that will extract the required metal, leaving the others. The metal is recovered from the solvent by further treatment.

SP (stockpile)

An accumulation of ore or mineral built up when demand slackens or when the treatment plant or beneficiation equipment is incomplete or temporarily unable to process the mine output; any heap of material formed to create a buffer for loading or other purposes or material dug and piled for future use.

Spud

Commence drilling of an oil or gas well.

Supergene Sulphide

Supergene is a term used to describe near-surface processes and their products, formed at low temperature and pressure by the activity of descendingmeteoric or surface water. Copper in Supergene sulphideSulphide is mainly formed ofprovident from the copper bearing minerals chalcocite and covellite and is amenable to heap leaching.both grinding/flotation concentration and leaching processes.

Tailings

Those portions of washed or milled ore that are too poor to be treated further or remain after the required metals and minerals have been extracted.

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TLP (tension leg platform)

A vertically moored floating facility for production of oil and gas.

Total Ore Reserves

The sum of Proven and Probable Ore Reserves.

Transitional Sulphide

Transitional is a term used to describe the zone of mineralisation that is a gradation between Supergene Sulphide and Hypogene Sulphide resulting from the incomplete development of the former as it overprints the latter. This results in a more irregular distribution of the three main copper bearing minerals and is amenable to both grinding/flotation concentration and leaching processes.

UG (underground)

Below the surface mining activities.

Unconventional Petroleum Resources

Hydrocarbon accumulations that are generally pervasive in nature and may be continuous throughout a large area requiring specialised extraction technologies to produce or recover. Examples include, but are not limited to coalbed methane, basin-centred gas, shale gas, gas hydrates, natural bitumen (tar sands), and oil shale deposits.

Examples of specialised technologies include: dewatering of coalbed methane, massive fracturing programs for shale gas, steam and/or solvents to mobilise bitumen for in situ recovery, and, in some cases, mining activities.

Wet tonnes

Production is usually quoted in terms of wet metric tonnes (wmt). To adjust from wmt to dry metric tonnes (dmt) a factor is applied based on moisture content.

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6.7.26.8.2     Other terms

AASB (Australian Accounting Standards Board)

Accounting standards as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

Activity data

A quantitative measure of a level of activity that results in greenhouse gas emissions. Activity data is multiplied by an energy factor and/or an emission factor to derive the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with a process or an operation. Examples of activity data include kilowatt-hours of electricity used, quantity of fuel used, output of a process, hours equipment is operated, distance travelled and floor area of a building.

ADR (American Depositary Receipt)

An instrument evidencing American DepositoryDepositary Shares or ADSs, which trades on a stock exchange in the United States.

ADS (American Depositary Share)

A share issued under a deposit agreement that has been created to permit US-resident investors to hold shares in non-US companies and trade them on the stock exchanges in the United States.

ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, which are the instruments that trade on a stock exchange in the United States.

ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)

The Australian Government agency that enforces laws relating to companies, securities, financial services and credit in order to protect consumers, investors and creditors.

Assets

Assets are a set of one or more geographically proximate operations (including open-cut mines, underground mines, and onshore and offshore oil and gas production and production facilities). Assets include our operated and non-operated assets.

Asset groups

We group our assets into geographic regions in order to provide effective governance and accelerate performance improvement. Minerals assets are grouped under Minerals Australia or Minerals Americas based on their geographic location. Oil, gas and petroleum assets are grouped together as Petroleum.

ASX (Australian Securities Exchange)

ASX is a multi-asset class vertically integrated exchange group that functions as a market operator, clearing house and payments system facilitator. It oversees compliance with its operating rules, promotes standards of corporate governance among Australia’s listed companies and helps educate retail investors.

BHP

Both companies in the DLC structure, being BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries.

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Limited and its subsidiaries.

BHP Group Limited share

A fully paid ordinary share in the capital of BHP Group Limited.

BHP Group Limited shareholders

The holders of BHP Group Limited shares.

BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share

A single voting share issued to facilitate joint voting by shareholders of BHP Group Limited on Joint Electorate Actions.

BHP Group Plc

BHP Group Plc and its subsidiaries.

BHP Group Plc share

A fully paid ordinary share in the capital of BHP Group Plc.

BHP Group Plc shareholders

The holders of BHP Group Plc shares.

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BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share

A single voting share issued to facilitate joint voting by shareholders of BHP Group Plc on Joint Electorate Actions.

BHP shareholders

In the context of BHP’s financial results, BHP shareholders refers to the holders of shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

Board

The Board of Directors of BHP.

Canadian Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (previously listed as ECCC)

The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) collects information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually from facilities across Canada.

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e)

The universal unit of measurement to indicate the global warming potential (GWP) of each greenhouse gas, expressed in terms of the GWP of one unit of carbon dioxide. It is used to evaluate releasing (or avoiding releasing) different greenhouse gases against a common basis.

CQCA

Central Queensland Coal Associates.

Commercial

Our Commercial function optimises value creation and minimises costs across our end-to-end supply chain. It is organised around our core value chain activities – Sales and Marketing; Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence; Procurement; and Warehousing Inventory and Logistics and Property – supported by short and long-term market insights, strategy and planning activities, and close partnership with our assets.

Company

BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries.

Continuing operations

Assets/operations/entities that are owned and/or operated by BHP, excluding major assets/operations/entities classified as Discontinued Operations.operations.

Discontinued operations

Major assets/operations/entities that have either been disposed of or are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5/AASB 5Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.

Dividend record date

The date, determined by a company’s board of directors, by when an investor must be recorded as an owner of shares in order to qualify for a forthcoming dividend.

DLC Dividend Share

A share to enable a dividend to be paid by BHP Group Plc to BHP Group Limited or by BHP Group Limited to BHP Group Plc (as applicable).

DLC (Dual Listed Company)

BHP’s Dual Listed Company structure has two parent companies (BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc) operating as a single economic entity as a result of the DLC merger.

DLC merger

The Dual Listed Company merger between BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc on 29 June 2001.

Emission factor

A factor that converts activity data into greenhouse gas emissions data (e.g. kg CO2-e emitted per GJ of fuel consumed, kg CO2-e emitted per KWh of electricity used).

Equity share approach

A consolidation approach whereby a company accounts for greenhouse gas emissions from operations according to its share of equity in the operation. The equity share reflects economic interest, which is the extent of rights a company has to the risks and rewards flowing from an operation. Also see the definition for ‘Operational control approach’.

ELT (Executive Leadership Team)

The Executive Leadership Team directly reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day management of BHP and leading the delivery of our strategic objectives.

Energy

Energy means all forms of energy products where ‘energy products’ means combustible fuels, heat, renewable energy, electricity, or any other form of energy from operations that are owned or controlled by BHP. The primary sources of energy consumption come from fuel consumed by haul trucks at our operated assets, as well as purchased electricity used at our operated assets.

Energy content factor

The energy content of a fuel is an inherent chemical property that is a function of the number and types of chemical bonds in the fuel.

Entrainment

Entrained water includes water incorporated into product and/or waste streams, such as tailings, that cannot be easily recovered.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

The EPA is a government regulator working to protect the environment.

Evaporation

Volumes of water that are consumed via evaporation of water from water storage facilities and for dust suppression activities. Evaporation volumes are calculated using both climate and physical information. Evaporation may be calculated by multiplying the evaporation rate (measured through on-site instruments or sourced from meteorological authorities) by the surface areas of the water body, or it may be estimated from the change in stored water volumes when the other inputs and outputs are directly measured.

Executive KMP (Key Management Personnel)

Executive KMP includes the Executive Director (our CEO), the Chief Financial Officer, the President, Operations, Minerals Australia, the President, Operations, Minerals Americas, and the President, Operations, Petroleum. It does not include the Non-Executive Directors (our Board).

Financial control approach

A consolidation approach whereby a company reports greenhouse gas emissions based on the accounting treatment in the company’s consolidated financial statements, as follows:

100 per cent for operations accounted for as subsidiaries, regardless of equity interest owned

for operations accounted for as a joint operation, the company’s interest in the operation

It does not report greenhouse gas emissions from operations that are accounted for using the equity method in the company’s financial statements.

Functions

Functions operate along global reporting lines to provide support to all areas of the organisation. Functions have specific accountabilities and deep expertise in areas such as finance, legal, governance, technology, human resources, corporate affairs, health, safety and community.

Gearing ratio

The ratio of net debt to net debt plus net assets.

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GHG (Greenhouse gas)

For BHP reporting purposes, these are the aggregate anthropogenic carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)

GRI works with businesses and governments to understand and communicate their impact on critical sustainability issues.

Groundwater

Water beneath the earth’s surface, including beneath the seabed, which fills pores or cracks between porous media such as soil, rock, coal, and sand, often forming aquifers. For accounting purposes, water that is entrained in the ore can be considered as groundwater (e.g. dewatering, abstraction from bore field, ore entrainment).

Group

BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries.

GWP (Global warming potential)

A factor describing the radiative forcing impact (degree of harm to the atmosphere) of one unit of a given greenhouse gas relative to one unit of CO2. BHP currently uses GWP from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 4 (AR4) based on 100-year timeframe.

Henry Hub

A natural gas pipeline located in Erath, Louisiana that serves as the official delivery location for futures contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

HPI (High potential injuries)

High potential injuries (HPI) are recordable injuries and first aid cases where there was the potential for a fatality.

ICMM (International Council on Mining and Metals)

The International Council on Mining and Metals is an international organisation dedicated to a safe, fair and sustainable mining and metals industry.

IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)

Accounting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is an international organisation working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

KMP (Key Management Personnel)

Persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly.

For BHP, KMP includes the Executive Director (our CEO), the Non-Executive Directors (our Board), as well as the Chief Financial Officer, the President Operations (Minerals Australia), the President Operations (Minerals Americas), and the President Operations (Petroleum).

KPI (Key performance indicator)

Used to measure the performance of the Group, individual businesses and executives in any one year.

LME (London Metal Exchange)

A major futures exchange for the trading of industrial metals.

Location-based reporting

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions based on average energy generation emission factors for defined geographic locations, including local, subnational, or national boundaries (i.e. grid factors). In the case of a direct line transfer, the location-based emissions are equivalent to the market-based emissions.

Market-based reporting

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions based on the generators (and therefore the generation fuel mix from which the reporter contractually purchases electricity and/or is directly provided electricity via a direct line transfer).

Minerals Americas

A group of assets located in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Peru and the United States (see ‘Asset groups’) focusing on copper, zinc, iron ore, energy coal and potash.

Minerals Australia

A group of assets located in Australia (see ‘Asset groups’). Minerals Australia includes operations in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, focusing on iron ore, copper, metallurgical, and energy coal and nickel.

NGER (National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme)

The Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme is a single national framework for reporting and disseminating company information about greenhouse gas emissions, energy production, energy consumption and other information specified under NGER legislation.

Non-operated asset/Non-operatednon-operated joint venture (NOJV)

Non-operated assets/non-operated joint ventures include interests in assets that are owned as a joint venture but not operated by BHP. References in this Annual Report to a ‘joint venture’ are used for convenience to collectively describe assets that are not wholly owned by BHP. Such references are not intended to characterise the legal relationship between the owners of the asset.

Occupational illness

An illness that occurs as a consequence of work-related activities or exposure. It includes acute or chronic illnesses or diseases, which may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion or direct contact.

OELs (occupational exposure limits)

An occupational exposure limit is an upper limit on the acceptable concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air for a particular material or class of materials. OELs may also be set for exposure to physical agents such as noise, vibration or radiation.

OMC (Operations Management Committee)

Prior to FY2018, the Operations Management Committee had responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of BHP under the authorities that have been delegated to it by the Board. This included key strategic, investment and operational decisions, and recommendations to the Board.

During FY2018 the OMC was dissolved and the Remuneration Committee re-examined the classification of KMP for FY2018 to determine which persons have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of BHP. After due consideration, the Remuneration Committee determined the KMP for FY2018 comprised of all Non-executive Directors (the Board), the Executive Director (the CEO), the Chief Financial Officer, the President, Operations, Minerals Australia, the President, Operations, Minerals Americas, and the President, Operations, Petroleum. The Committee also determined that, effective 1 July 2017, the Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief People Officer roles are no longer considered KMP.

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Onshore US

BHP’s Petroleumpetroleum asset (divested in year ended 30 June 2019) in four US shale areas (Eagle Ford, Permian, Haynesville and Fayetteville), where we produceproduced oil, condensate, gas and natural gas liquids.

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)

OPEC is a permanent intergovernmental organisation of 13 oil-exporting developing nations that coordinates and unifies the petroleum policies of its Member Countries.

Operated assets

Operated assets include assets that are wholly owned and operated by BHP and assets that are owned as a joint venture and operated by BHP. References in this Annual Report to a ‘joint venture’ are used for convenience to collectively describe assets that are not wholly owned by BHP. Such references are not intended to characterise the legal relationship between the owners of the asset.

Operational control approach

A consolidation approach whereby a company accounts for 100 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions over which it has operational control (a company is considered to have operational control over an operation if it or one of its subsidiaries has the full authority to introduce and implement its operating policies at the operation). It does not account for greenhouse gas emissions from operations in which it owns an interest but does not have operational control. Also see the definition for ‘Equity share approach’.

Operations

Open-cut mines, underground mines, offshore oil and gas production and processing facilities.

Operating Model

The Operating Model outlines how BHP is organised, works and measures performance and includes mandatory performance requirements and common systems, processes and planning. The Operating Model has been simplified and BHP is organised by assets, asset groups, Commercial, and functions.

OperationsOSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Open-cut mines, underground mines, onshoreThe Occupational Safety and offshore oilHealth Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that regulates workplace health and gas productionsafety.

Other (with respect to water consumption volumes)

This includes water volumes used for purposes such as potable water consumption and processing facilities.amenity facilities at our operated assets.

Our Requirements

The standards that give effect to the mandatory requirements arising from the BHP Operating Model as approved by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). They describe the mandatory minimum performance requirements and accountabilities for definitive business obligations, processes, functions and activities across BHP.

Previously called Group Level Documents (GLDs), theOur Requirements standards reflect a simpler organisation with the purpose of being more user-friendly and easier to read.

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is an agreement between countries party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) to strengthen efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so.

Paris Agreement goals

The central objective of the Paris Agreement is its long-term temperature goal to hold global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Petroleum (asset group)

A group of conventional and non-conventional oil and gas assets (see ‘Asset groups’). Petroleum’s core production operations are located in the US Gulf of Mexico, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago. Petroleum produces crude oil and condensate, gas and natural gas liquids.

Platts

Platts is a global provider of energy, petrochemicals, metals and agriculture information and a premier source of benchmark price assessments for those commodity markets.

PPE (personal protective equipment)

PPE means anything used or worn to minimise risk to worker’s health and safety, including air supplied respiratory equipment.

Quoted

In the context of American Depositary Shares (ADS) and listed investments, the term ‘quoted’ means ‘traded’ on the relevant exchange.

Residual mix

The mix of energy generation resources and associated attributes such as greenhouse gas emissions in a defined geographic boundary left after contractual instruments have been claimed/ retired/cancelled. The residual mix can provide an emission factor for companies without contractual instruments to use in a market-based method calculation. A residual mix is currently unavailable to account for voluntary purchases and this may result in double counting between electricity consumers.

SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board is a non-profit organisation that develops standards focused on the financial impacts of sustainability.

Scope 1 Greenhousegreenhouse gas emissions

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions are direct emissions from operations that are owned or controlled by BHP, primarily emissions from fuel consumed by haul trucks at our operated assets, as well as fugitive methane emissions from coal and petroleum production at our operated assets. Scope 1 refers to direct greenhouse gas emissions from operated assets.

Scope 2 Greenhousegreenhouse gas emissions

Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energyor acquired electricity, steam, heat or cooling that is consumed by BHP, primarilyoperations that are owned or controlled by BHP. Our Scope 2 emissions from electricity we buy fromhave been calculated using the grid for use at our operated assets.market-based method using supplier specific emissions factors unless otherwise specified.

Scope 3 Greenhousegreenhouse gas emissions

Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions are all other indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in BHP’s value chain, primarily emissions resulting from our customers using the fossil fuel commodities and processing the non-fossil fuel commodities we sell, as well as upstream emissions associated with the extraction, production and transportation of the goods, services, fuels and energy we purchase for use at our operations; emissions resulting from the transportation and distribution of our products; and operational emissions (on an equity basis) from our non-operated joint ventures.

Seawater

287Water from oceans, seas and estuaries.


SEC (United States Securities and Exchange Commission)

The US regulatory commission that aims to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly and efficient markets and facilitate capital formation.

Senior manager

An employee who has responsibility for planning, directing or controlling the activities of the entity or a strategically significant part of it. In the Strategic Report, senior manager includes senior leaders and any persons who are directors of any subsidiary company even if they are not senior leaders.

Shareplus

All-employee share purchase plan.

Social investment

Voluntary contributions to support communities through cash donations to community programs and associated administrative costs. BHP’s targeted level of contribution is one1 per cent of pre-tax profit calculated on the average of the previous three years’ pre-tax profit as reported.

South32

During FY2015, BHP demerged a selection of our alumina, aluminium, coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc assets into a new company – South32 Limited.

SPM (sustainability performance metric)

The sustainability performance metrics are the metrics used to measure and evaluate our sustainability performance.

Strate

South Africa’s Central Securities Depositary for the electronic settlement of financial instruments.

Surface water

All water naturally open to the atmosphere, except for water from oceans, seas and estuaries (e.g. precipitation and runoff, including snow and hail), rivers and creeks external water dams.

Third party water

Water supplied by an entity external to the operational facility. Third party water contains water from the other three sources. When the source is known, the physical source (surface water, groundwater and seawater) should prevail. Our disclosures have allocated all third party water withdrawals to the physical source.

TRIF (Total recordable injury frequency)

The sum of (fatalities + lost-time cases + restricted work cases + medical treatment cases) x 1,000,000 ÷ actual hours worked.

Stated in units of per million hours worked. BHP adopts the US Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injury and illnesses. TRIF statistics exclude non-operated assets.

TSR (Total shareholder return)

TSR measures the return delivered to shareholders over a certain period through the movements in share price and dividends paid (which are assumed to be reinvested). It is the measure used to compare BHP’s performance to that of other relevant companies under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.

UKLA (United Kingdom Listing Authority)

Term used when the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) acts as the competent authority under Part VI of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA).

Underlying attributable profit

Profit/(loss) after taxation attributable to BHP shareholders excluding any exceptional items attributable to BHP shareholders as described in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ in section 5. Refer to section 1.126.1 for further information.

Underlying EBIT

Underlying EBITDA, including depreciation, amortisation and impairments. Refer to section 1.126.1 for further information.

Underlying EBITDA

Earnings before net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and exceptional items. Refer to section 1.126.1 for further information.

Unit costs

One of the financial measures BHP uses to monitor the performance of individual assets. Unit costs are calculated as ratio of net costs of the assets to the equity share of sales tonnage. Net costs is defined as revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party. Conventional petroleumfreight and other costs, depending on the nature of each asset. Petroleum unit costs exclude inventory movements, freight, exploration and development and evaluation expense; WAIO,expense and other costs that do not represent underlying cost performance of the business; Western Australia Iron Ore, Queensland Coal and New South Wales Energy Coal unit costs exclude freight and royalties; Escondida unit costs exclude freightby-product credits.

WAF (Water Accounting Framework)

The Water Accounting Framework is a common mining and by-product credits.metals industry approach to water accounting in Australia.

Water quality – Type 1

288Water of high quality that would require minimal (if any) treatment to meet drinking water standards. This water is considered high quality/high-grade in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’.

Water quality – Type 2

Water of medium quality that would require moderate treatment to meet drinking water standards (it may have a high salinity threshold of no higher than 5,000 milligrams per litre total dissolved solids and other individual constituents). This water is considered high quality/high grade in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’.

Water quality – Type 3

Water of low quality that would require significant treatment to meet drinking water standards. It may have individual constituents with high values of total dissolved solids, elevated levels of metals or extreme levels of pH. This type of water also includes seawater. This water is considered low quality/low-grade in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) ‘A Practical Guide to Consistent Water Reporting’.


6.7.3WRSA (Water Resource Situational Analysis)

A situational analysis is an analysis of the water resources and catchments that the operated asset interacts with, including assessment of: (i) the sustainability of the volume and quality of the water resources taking into account interactions of all other parties and climate change forecasts; (ii) BHP’s direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the sustainability of the volume and quality of the water resources and any related environmental, social or cultural values, taking into account climate change forecasts in accordance with the Water Management Standard; (iii) the state of water infrastructure, water access, sanitation and hygiene of local communities; (iv) the environmental health of the water catchments that feed the water resources taking into account the extent of vegetation, runoff, and any conservation of the area; (v) external water governance arrangements and their effectiveness.

6.8.3    Terms used in reserves

Ag

silver

AI2O3

alumina

Anth

anthracite

Ash

inorganic material remaining after combustion

Au

gold

Cu

copper

CV

calorific value

Fe

iron

Insol.

insolubles

K2O

potassium oxide

KCl

potassium chloride

LOI

loss on ignition

Met

metallurgical coal

MgO

magnesium oxide

Mo

molybdenum

Ni

nickel

P

phosphorous

Pc

phosphorous in concentrate

PCI

pulverised coal injection

S

sulphur

289

Ag

silver

AI2O3

alumina

Anth

anthracite

Ash

inorganic material remaining after combustion

Au

gold

Cu

copper

CV

calorific value

Fe

iron

Insol.

insolubles

K2O

potassium oxide

KCl

potassium chloride

LOI

loss on ignition

Met

metallurgical coal

MgO

magnesium oxide

Mo

molybdenum

Ni

nickel

P

phosphorous

Pc

phosphorous in concentrate

PCI

pulverised coal injection

S

sulphur

SCu

soluble copper

SiO2

silica

TCu

total copper

Th

thermal coal

U3O8

uranium oxide

VM

volatile matter

Yield

the percentage of material of interest that is extracted during mining and/or processing

Zn

zinc


SCu

soluble copper

SiO2

silica

TCu

total copper

Th

thermal coal

U3O8

uranium oxide

VM

volatile matter

Yield

the percentage of material of interest that is extracted during mining and/or processing

Zn

zinc

6.7.46.8.4    Units of measure

%

percentage or per cent

bbl

barrel (containing 42 US gallons)

bbl/d

barrels per day

Bcf

billion cubic feet (measured at the pressure bases set by the regulator)

bcm

bank cubic metres

boe

barrels of oil equivalent – 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe

dmt

dry metric tonne

dmtu

dry metric tonne unit

g/t

grams per tonne

ha

hectare

kcal/kg

kilocalories per kilogram

kg/tonne or kg/t

kilograms per tonne

290

%

percentage or per cent

bbl

barrel (containing 42 US gallons)

bbl/d

barrels per day

Bcf

billion cubic feet (measured at the pressure bases set by the regulator)

boe

barrels of oil equivalent – 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe

CO2-e

carbon dioxide equivalent

dmt

dry metric tonne

GJ

gigajoule

GL

gigalitre

g/t

grams per tonne

ha

hectare

kcal/kg

kilocalories per kilogram

kg/tonne or kg/t

kilograms per tonne

km

kilometre

kt

kilotonnes

ktpa

kilotonnes per annum

ktpd

kilotonnes per day

kV

kilovolt

kW

kilowatt

kWh

kilowatt hour

lb

pound

m

metre

m3

cubic metre

Mbbl/d

thousand barrels per day

Mcf

thousand cubic feet (measured at the pressure bases set by the regulator)

ML

megalitre

mm

millimetre

MMbbl/d

million barrels per day

MMboe

million barrels of oil equivalent

MMBtu

million British thermal units – 1 scf of natural gas equals approximately 1,010 Btu

MMcf/d

million cubic feet per day

Mt

million tonnes

Mtpa

million tonnes per annum

MW

megawatt

oz

ounce

ppm

parts per million

PJ

petajoules

scf

standard cubic feet

t

tonne

tCO2-e

tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent

TJ

terajoule

TJ/d

terajoules per day

TW

terawatt

TWh

terawatt hour

tpa

tonnes per annum

tpd

tonnes per day

t/h

tonnes per hour

wmt

wet metric tonnes


km

kilometre

kt

kilotonnes

ktpa

kilotonnes per annum

ktpd

kilotonnes per day

kV

kilovolt

lb

pound

m

metre

Mbbl/d

thousand barrels per day

Mcf

thousand cubic feet (measured at the pressure bases set by the regulator)

ML

megalitre

mm

millimetre

MMbbl/d

million barrels per day

MMboe

million barrels of oil equivalent

MMBtu

million British thermal units – 1 scf of natural gas equals approximately 1,010 Btu

MMcf/d

million cubic feet per day

MMcm/d

million cubic metres per day

Mscf

thousand standard cubic feet

Mt

million tonnes

Mtpa

million tonnes per annum

MW

megawatt

oz

ounce

291


ppm

parts per million

psi

pounds per square inch

scf

standard cubic feet

t

tonne

TJ

terajoule

TJ/d

terajoules per day

tpa

tonnes per annum

tpd

tonnes per day

t/h

tonnes per hour

wmt

wet metric tonnes

292


Section 7

Shareholder information

In this section

7.1 History and development

7.2 Markets

7.3 Organisational structure

7.4 Material contracts

7.5 Constitution

7.6 Share ownership

7.7 Dividends

7.8 American Depositary Receipts fees and charges

7.9 Taxation

7.10 Government regulations

7.11 Ancillary information for our shareholders

293

7.1 History and development341
7.2 Markets341
7.3 Organisational structure341
7.4 Material contracts343
7.5 Constitution344
7.6 Share ownership349
7.7 Dividends352
7.8 American Depositary Receipts fees and charges353
7.9 Government regulations354
7.10 Taxation356
7.11 Ancillary information for our shareholders362


7.1    History and development

BHP Group Limited (formerly BHP Billiton Limited, then BHP Limited and, before that, The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited) was incorporated in 1885 and is registered in Australia with ABN 49 004 028 077. BHP Group Plc (formerly BHP Billiton Plc, and before that Billiton Plc) was incorporated in 1996 and is registered in England and Wales with registration number 3196209. Successive predecessor entities to BHP Group Plc have operated since 1860.

We have operated under a Dual Listed Company (DLC) structure since 29 June 2001. Under the DLC structure, the two parent companies, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, operate as a single economic entity, run by a unified Board and senior executive management team. For more information on the DLC structure, refer to section 7.3.

294


7.2    Markets

As at the date of this Annual Report, BHP Group Limited has a primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) (ticker BHP) in Australia and BHP Group Plc has a premium listing on the UK Financial Conduct Authority’sFCA’s Official List and its ordinary shares are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) (ticker BHP). BHP Group Plc also has a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) (ticker BHP) in South Africa.

In addition, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the United States. Trading on the NYSE is via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) evidencing American Depositary Shares (ADSs), with each ADS representing two ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc. Citibank N.A. (Citibank) is the Depositary for both ADS programs. BHP Group Limited’s ADSs have been listed for trading on the NYSE (ticker BHP) since 28 May 1987 and BHP Group Plc’s since 25 June 2003 (ticker BBL).

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7.3    Organisational structure

7.3.1    General

BHP consists of the BHP Group Limited and the BHP Group Plc, operating as a single unified economic entity, following the completion of the DLC merger in June 2001 (the DLC merger). For a full list of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc subsidiaries, refer to note 29 ‘Subsidiaries’ in section 5.2 note 13.5.1 and in Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries.

7.3.2    DLC structure

BHP shareholders approved the DLC merger in 2001, which was designed to place ordinary shareholders of both companies in a position where they have economic and voting interests in a single group.

The principles of the BHP DLC structure are reflected in the DLC Structure Sharing Agreement and include the following:

 

The two companies must operate as if they are a single unified economic entity, through Boards of Directors that comprise the same individuals and a unified senior executive management team.

 

The Directors of both companies will, in addition to their duties to the company concerned, have regard to the interests of the ordinary shareholders in the two companies as if the two companies were a single unified economic entity and, for that purpose, the Directors of each company take into account in the exercise of their powers the interests of the shareholders of the other.

 

Certain DLC equalisation principles must be observed. These are designed to ensure that for so long as the Equalisation Ratio between a BHP Group Limited ordinary share and a BHP Group Plc ordinary share is 1:1, the economic and voting interests resulting from holding one BHP Group Limited ordinary share and one BHP Group Plc ordinary share are, so far as practicable, equivalent. For more information, refer to sub-section ‘Equalisation of economic and voting rights’ below.

Australian Foreign Investment Review Board conditions

The Treasurer of Australia approved the DLC merger subject to certain conditions, the effect of which was to require that, among other things, BHP Group Limited continues to:

 

be an Australian company, which is headquartered in Australia;Australia

 

ultimately manage and control the companies that conducted the businesses that were conducted by its subsidiaries at the time of the DLC merger for as long as those businesses form part of BHP.BHP

The conditions also require the global headquarters of BHP to be in Australia.

The conditions have effect indefinitely, subject to amendment of the AustralianForeign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (FATA) or any revocation or amendment by the Treasurer of Australia. If BHP Group Limited no longer wishes to comply with these conditions, it must obtain the prior approval of the Treasurer. Failure to comply with the conditions results in substantial penalties under the FATA.

Equalisation of economic and voting rights

The economic and voting interests attached to each BHP Group Limited ordinary share relative to each BHP Group Plc ordinary share are determined by a ratio known as the Equalisation Ratio.

The Equalisation Ratio is currently 1:1, meaning one BHP Group Limited ordinary share currently has the same economic and voting interests as one BHP Group Plc ordinary share.

The Equalisation Ratio governs the proportions in which dividends and capital distributions are paid on the ordinary shares in each company relative to the other. Given the current Equalisation Ratio of 1:1, the amount of any cash dividend paid by BHP Group Limited on each BHP Group Limited ordinary share must be matched by an equivalent cash dividend by BHP Group Plc on each BHP Group Plc ordinary share, and vice versa. If one company is prohibited by applicable law or is otherwise unable to pay a matching dividend, the DLC Structure Sharing Agreement requires that BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc will, as far as practicable, enter into such transactions with each other as their Boards agree to be necessary or desirable to enable both companies to pay matching dividends at the same time. These transactions may include BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc making a payment to the other company or paying a dividend on the DLC Dividend Share held by the other company (or a subsidiary of it). The DLC Dividend Share may be used to ensure that the need to trigger the matching dividend mechanism does not arise. BHP Group Limited issued a DLC Dividend Share on 23 February 2016. No DLC Dividend Share has been issued by BHP Group Plc.

For more information on the DLC Dividend Share, refer to the following ‘DLC Dividend Share’ sectionsub-section below and section 7.5.

The Equalisation Ratio may be adjusted to maintain economic equivalence between an ordinary share in each of the two companies where, broadly speaking (and subject to certain exceptions):

 

296


a distribution or action affecting the amount or nature of issued share capital is proposed by one of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and that distribution or action would result in the ratio of economic returns on, or voting rights in relation to Joint Electorate Actions (see below) of, a BHP Group Limited ordinary share to a BHP Group Plc ordinary share not being the same, or would benefit the holders of ordinary shares in one company relative to the holders of ordinary shares in the other company;company

 

no ‘matching action’ is taken by the other company. A matching action is a distribution or action affecting the amount or nature of issued share capital in relation to the holders of ordinary shares in the other company, which ensures that the economic and voting rights of a BHP Group Limited ordinary share and BHP Group Plc ordinary share are maintained in proportion to the Equalisation Ratio.Ratio

For example, an adjustment would be required if there were to be a capital issue or distribution by one company to its ordinary shareholders that does not give equivalent value (before tax) on a per share basis to the ordinary shareholders of the other company and no matching action was undertaken. Since the establishment of the DLC structure in 2001, no adjustment to the Equalisation Ratio has ever been made.

DLC Dividend Share

Each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is authorised to issue a DLC Dividend Share to the other company or a wholly owned subsidiary of it. In effect, only that other company or a wholly owned subsidiary of it may be the holder of the share. The share is redeemable.

The holder of the share is entitled to be paid such dividends as the Board may decide to pay on that DLC Dividend Share provided that:

 

the amount of the dividend does not exceed the cap mentioned below;below

 

the Board of the issuing company in good faith considers paying the dividend to be in furtherance of any of the DLC principles, including the principle of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc operating as a single unified economic entity.entity

The amounts that may be paid as dividends on a DLC Dividend Share are capped. Broadly speaking, the cap is the total amount of the preceding ordinary cash dividend (whether interim or final) paid on BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares, whichever is greater. The cap will not apply to any dividend paid on a DLC Dividend Share if the proceeds of that dividend are to be used to pay a special cash dividend on ordinary shares.

A DLC Dividend Share otherwise has limited rights and does not carry a right to vote. DLC Dividend Shares cannot be used to transfer funds outside of BHP as the terms of issue contain structural safeguards to ensure that a DLC Dividend Share may only be used to pay dividends within the Group.

For more information on the rights attaching to and terms of DLC Dividend Shares, refer to section 7.5, the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc.

Joint Electorate Actions

Under the terms of the DLC agreements, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have implemented special voting arrangements so that the ordinary shareholders of both companies vote together as a single decision-making body on matters that affect the ordinary shareholders of each company in similar ways. These are referred to as Joint Electorate Actions. For so long as the Equalisation Ratio remains 1:1, each BHP Group Limited ordinary share will effectively have the same voting rights as each BHP Group Plc ordinary share on Joint Electorate Actions.

A Joint Electorate Action requires approval by ordinary resolution (or special resolution if required by statute, regulation, applicable listing rules or other applicable requirements) of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc. In the case of BHP Group Limited, both the BHP Group Limited ordinary shareholders and the holder of the BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share vote as a single class and, in the case of BHP Group Plc, the BHP Group Plc ordinary shareholders and the holder of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share vote as a single class.

Class Rights Actions

Matters on which ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Limited may have divergent interests from the ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Plc are referred to as Class Rights Actions. The company wishing to carry out the Class Rights Action requires the prior approval of the ordinary shareholders in the other company voting separately and, where appropriate, the approval of its own ordinary shareholders voting separately. Depending on the type of Class Rights Action undertaken, the approval required is either an ordinary or special resolution of the relevant company.

The Joint Electorate Action and Class Rights Action voting arrangements are secured through the constitutional documents of the two companies, the DLC Structure Sharing Agreement, the BHP Special Voting Shares Deed and rights attaching to a specially created Special Voting Share issued by each company and held in each case by a special voting company. The shares in the special voting companies are held legally and beneficially by Law Debenture Trust Corporation Plc.

297


Cross guarantees

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc have each executed a Deed Poll Guarantee in favour of the creditors of the other company. Under the Deed Poll Guarantees, each company has guaranteed certain contractual obligations of the other company. This means that creditors entitled to the benefit of the BHP Group Limited Deed Poll Guarantee and the BHP Group Plc Deed Poll Guarantee will, to the extent possible, be placed in the same position as if the relevant debts were owed by both BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc on a combined basis.

Restrictions on takeovers of one company only

The BHP Group Limited Constitution and the BHP Group Plc Articles of Association have been drafted to ensure that, except with the consent of the Board, a person cannot gain control of one company without having made an equivalent offer to the ordinary shareholders of both companies on equivalent terms. Sanctions for breach of these provisions would include withholding of dividends, voting restrictions and the compulsory divestment of shares to the extent a shareholder and its associates exceed the relevant threshold.

298


7.4    Material contracts

DLC structure agreements

BHP Group Limited (then known as BHP Limited) and BHP Group Plc (then known as Billiton Plc) merged by way of a DLC structure on 29 June 2001. To effect the DLC structure, BHP Limited and Billiton Plc (as they were then known) entered into the following contractual agreements:

 

BHP Billiton DLC Structure Sharing Agreement

 

BHP Billiton Special Voting Shares Deed

 

BHP Billiton Limited Deed Poll Guarantee

 

BHP Billiton Plc Deed Poll Guarantee

For information on the effect of each of these agreements, refer to section 7.3.

Framework Agreement

On 2 March 2016, BHP Billiton Brasil together with Vale and Samarco, entered into a Framework Agreement with the Federal Government of Brazil, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other authorities to establish a foundation (Fundação Renova) that will develop and execute environmental and socio-economic programs to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the Samarco dam failure. For a description of the terms of the Framework Agreement, refer to section 6.6.

2996.7.


7.5    Constitution

This section sets out a summary of the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc. Where the term ‘BHP’ is used in this section, it can mean either BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc.

Provisions of the Constitution of BHP Group Limited and the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc can be amended only where such amendment is approved by special resolution either:

 

by approval as a Class Rights Action, where the amendment results in a change to an ‘Entrenched Provision’;, or

 

otherwise, as a Joint Electorate Action.Action

In 2015, shareholders approved a number of amendments to our constitutional documents to amend the terms of the Equalisation Shares (which were renamed as DLC Dividend Shares) and to facilitate the more streamlined conduct of simultaneous general meetings.

For a description of Joint Electorate Actions and Class Rights Actions, refer to section 7.3.2.

7.5.1    Directors

The Board may exercise all powers of BHP, other than those that are reserved for BHP shareholders to exercise in a general meeting.

7.5.2    Power to issue securities

Under the Constitution and Articles of Association, the Board of Directors has the power to issue any BHP shares or other securities (including redeemable shares) with preferred, deferred or other special rights, obligations or restrictions. The Board may issue shares on any terms it considers appropriate, provided that:

 

the issue does not affect any special rights of shareholders;shareholders

 

if required, the issue is approved by shareholders;shareholders

 

if the issue is of a class other than ordinary shares, the rights attaching to the class are expressed at the date of issue.issue

7.5.3    Restrictions on voting by Directors

A Director may not vote in respect of any contract or arrangement or any other proposal in which they have a material personal interest except in certain prescribed circumstances, including (subject to applicable laws) where the material personal interest:

 

arises because the Director is a shareholder of BHP and is held in common with the other shareholders of BHP;BHP

 

arises in relation to the Director’s remuneration as a Director of BHP;BHP

 

relates to a contract BHP is proposing to enter into that is subject to approval by the shareholders and will not impose any obligation on BHP if it is not approved by the shareholders;shareholders

 

arises merely because the Director is a guarantor or has given an indemnity or security for all or part of a loan, or proposed loan, to BHP;BHP

 

arises merely because the Director has a right of subrogation in relation to a guarantee or indemnity referred to above;above

 

relates to a contract that insures, or would insure, the Director against liabilities the Director incurs as an officer of BHP, but only if the contract does not make BHP or a related body corporate the insurer;insurer

 

relates to any payment by BHP or a related body corporate in respect of an indemnity permitted by law, or any contract relating to such an indemnity;indemnity, or

 

is in a contract, or proposed contract with, or for the benefit of, or on behalf of, a related body corporate and arises merely because the Director is a director of a related body corporate.corporate

If a Director has a material personal interest and is not entitled to vote on a proposal, they will not be counted in the quorum for any vote on a resolution concerning the material personal interest.

In addition, under the UK Companies Act 2006, a Director has a duty to avoid conflicts of interest between their interests and the interests of the company. The duty is not breached if, among other things, the conflict of interest is authorised by non-interested Directors. The Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc enable the Board to authorise a matter that might otherwise involve a Director breaching their duty to avoid conflicts of interest. An interested Director may not vote or be counted towards a quorum for a resolution authorising a conflict of interest. Where the Board authorises a conflict of interest, the Board may prohibit the relevant Director from voting on any matter relating to the conflict. The Board has adopted procedures to manage these voting restrictions.

300


7.5.4 Loans by Directors

Any Director may lend money to BHP at interest with or without security or may, for a commission or profit, guarantee the repayment of any money borrowed by BHP and underwrite or guarantee the subscription of shares or securities of BHP or of any corporation in which BHP may be interested without being disqualified as a Director and without being liable to account to BHP for any commission or profit.

7.5.5    Appointment and retirement of Directors

Appointment of Directors

The Constitution and Articles of Association provide that a person may be appointed as a Director of BHP by the existing Directors of BHP or may be elected by the shareholders in a general meeting.

Any person appointed as a Director of BHP by the existing Directors will hold office only until the next general meeting that includes an election of Directors.

A person may be nominated by shareholders as a Director of BHP if:

 

a shareholder provides a valid written notice of the nomination;nomination

 

the person nominated by the shareholder satisfies candidature for the office and consents in writing to his or her nomination as a Director

in each case, at least 40 business days before the earlier of the date of the general meeting of BHP Group Plc and the corresponding general meeting of BHP Group Limited. The person nominated as a Director may be elected to the Board by ordinary resolution passed in a general meeting.

Under the Articles of Association, if a person is validly nominated for election as a Director at a general meeting of BHP Group Limited, the Directors of BHP Group Plc must nominate that person as a Director at the corresponding general meeting of BHP Group Plc. An equivalent requirement is included in the Constitution, which requires any person validly nominated for election as a Director of BHP Group Plc to be nominated as a Director of BHP Group Limited.

Retirement of Directors

The Board has a policy consistent with the UK Corporate Governance Code under which all Directors must, if they wish to remain on the Board, seek re-election by shareholders annually. This policy took effect from the 2011 Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and replaced the previous system that required Directors to submit themselves to shareholders for re-election at least every three years.

A Director may be removed by BHP in accordance with applicable law and must vacate his or her office as a Director in certain circumstances set out in the Constitution and Articles of Association. There is no requirement for a Director to retire on reaching a certain age.

7.5.6    Rights attaching to shares

Dividend rights

Under English law, dividends on shares may only be paid out of profits available for distribution. Under Australian law, dividends on shares may be paid only if the company’s assets exceed its liabilities immediately before the dividend is determined and the excess is sufficient for payment of the dividend, the payment of the dividend is fair and reasonable to the company’s shareholders as a whole and the payment of the dividend does not materially prejudice the company’s ability to pay its creditors.

The Constitution and Articles of Association provide that payment of any dividend may be made in any manner, by any means and in any currency determined by the Board.

All unclaimed dividends may be invested or otherwise used by the Board for the benefit of whichever of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc determined that dividend, until claimed or, in the case of BHP Group Limited, otherwise disposed of according to law. BHP Group Limited is governed by the Victorian unclaimed monies legislation, which requires BHP Group Limited to pay to the State Revenue Office any unclaimed dividend payments of A$20 or more that have remained unclaimed for over 12 months.

In the case of BHP Group Plc, any dividend unclaimed after a period of 12 years from the date the dividend was determined or became due for payment will be forfeited and returned to BHP Group Plc.

Voting rights

Voting at any general meeting of BHP shareholders can, in the first instance, be conducted by a show of hands unless a poll is demanded in accordance with the Constitution or Articles of Association (as applicable) or is otherwise required (as outlined below).

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Generally, matters considered by shareholders at an AGM of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc constitute Joint Electorate Actions or Class Rights Actions and must be decided on a poll and in the manner described under the headings ‘Joint Electorate Actions’ and ‘Class Rights Actions’ in section 7.3.2.

This means that, in practice, most items of business at AGMs are decided by way of a poll.poll even though the Constitution and Articles of Association generally permit voting to be conducted by a show of hands in the first instance.

In addition, at any general meeting, a resolution, other than a procedural resolution, put to the vote of the meeting on which the holder of the relevant BHP Special Voting Share is entitled to vote must be decided on a poll.

For the purposes of determining which shareholders are entitled to attend or vote at a meeting of BHP Group Plc or BHP Group Limited, and how many votes such shareholder may cast, the Notice of Meeting will specify when a shareholder must be entered on the Register of Shareholders in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting. The specified time must be not more than 48 hours before the time of the meeting.

Shareholders who wish to appoint a proxy to attend, vote or speak at a meeting of BHP Group Plc or BHP Group Limited (as appropriate) on their behalf must deposit the relevant form appointing a proxy so that it is received by that company not less than 48 hours before the time of the meeting.

Rights to share in BHP Group Limited’s profits

The rights attached to the ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited, as regards the participation in the profits available for distribution, are as follows:

 

The holders of any preference shares will be entitled, in priority to any payment of dividend to the holders of any other class of shares, to a preferred right to participate as regards dividends up to but not beyond a specified amount in distribution.

 

Subject to the special rights attaching to any preference shares, but in priority to any payment of dividends on all other classes of shares, the holder of the DLC Dividend Share (if any) will be entitled to be paid such non-cumulative dividends as the Board may, subject to the cap referred to in section 7.37.3.2 and the DLC Dividend Share being held by BHP Group Plc or a wholly owned member of its group, decide to pay on that DLC Dividend Share.

 

Any surplus remaining after payment of the distributions above will be payable to the holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares and the BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share in equal amounts per share.

Rights to share in BHP Group Plc’s profits

The rights attached to the ordinary shares of BHP Group Plc, in relation to the participation in the profits available for distribution, are as follows:

 

The holders of the cumulative preference shares will be entitled, in priority to any payment of dividend to the holders of any other class of shares, to be paid a fixed cumulative preferential dividend (Preferential Dividend) at a rate of 5.5 per cent per annum, to be paid annually in arrears on 31 July in each year or, if any such date will be a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in England, on the first business day following such date in each year. Payments of Preferential Dividends will be made to holders on the register at any date selected by the Directors up to 42 days prior to the relevant fixed dividend date.

 

Subject to the rights attaching to the cumulative preference shares, but in priority to any payment of dividends on all other classes of shares, the holder of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share will be entitled to be paid a fixed dividend of US$0.01 per annum, payable annually in arrears on 31 July.

 

Subject to the rights attaching to the cumulative preference shares and the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share, but in priority to any payment of dividends on all other classes of shares, the holder of the DLC Dividend Share will be entitled to be paid such non-cumulative dividends as the Board may, subject to the cap referred to in section 7.3 of this Annual Report7.3.2 and the DLC Dividend Share being held by BHP Group Limited or a wholly owned member of its group, decide to pay on that DLC Dividend Share.

 

Any surplus remaining after payment of the distributions above will be payable to the holders of the BHP Group Plc ordinary shares in equal amounts per BHP Group Plc ordinary share.

DLC Dividend Share

As set out in section 7.3.2, each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is authorised to issue a DLC Dividend Share to the other company or a wholly owned subsidiary of it.

The dividend rights attaching to a DLC Dividend Share are described above and in section 7.3.7.3.2. The DLC Dividend Share issued by BHP Group Limited (BHP Group Limited DLC Dividend Share) and the DLC Dividend Share that may be issued by BHP Group Plc (BHP Group Plc DLC Dividend Share) have no voting rights and, as set out in section 7.5.7 below, very limited rights to a return of capital on a winding-up. A DLC Dividend Share may be redeemed at any time, and must be redeemed if a person other than:

 

in the case of the BHP Group Limited DLC Dividend Share, BHP Group Plc or a wholly owned member of its group;group

 

in the case of the BHP Group Plc DLC Dividend Share, BHP Group Limited or a wholly owned member of its group

becomes the beneficial owner of the DLC Dividend Share.

302


7.5.7 Rights on return of assets on liquidation

Under the DLC structure, there are special provisions designed to ensure that, as far as practicable, the holders of ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited and holders of ordinary shares in BHP Group Plc are treated equitably having regard to the Equalisation Ratio, whichRatio. These special provisions would apply in the event of an insolvency of either or both companies.

On a return of assets on liquidation of BHP Group Limited, the assets of BHP Group Limited remaining available for distribution among shareholders after the payment of all prior ranking amounts owed to all creditors and holders of preference shares, and to all prior ranking statutory entitlements, are to be applied subject to the special provisions referred to above in paying to the holders of the BHP Group Limited Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share of an amount of up to A$2.00 on each such share, on an equal priority with any amount paid to the holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares, and any surplus remaining is to be applied in making payments solely to the holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares in accordance with their entitlements.

On a return of assets on liquidation of BHP Group Plc, subject to the payment of all amounts payable under the special provisions referred to earlier, prior ranking amounts owed to the creditors of BHP Group Plc and to all prior ranking statutory entitlements, the assets of BHP Group Plc to be distributed on a winding-up are to be distributed to the holders of shares in the following order of priority:

 

To the holders of the cumulative preference shares, the repayment of a sum equal to the nominal capital paid up or credited as paid up on the cumulative preference shares held by them and any accrued Preferential Dividend, whether or not such dividend has been earned or declared, calculated up to the date of commencement of the winding-up.

 

To the holders of the BHP Group Plc ordinary shares and to the holders of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share, the payment out of surplus, if any, remaining after the distribution above of an equal amount for each BHP Group Plc ordinary share, the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share subject to a maximum in the case of the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share and the DLC Dividend Share of the nominal capital paid up on such shares.

7.5.8 Redemption of preference shares

If BHP Group Limited at any time proposes to create and issue any preference shares, the terms of the preference shares may give either or both of BHP Group Limited and the holder the right to redeem the preference shares.

The preference shares terms may also give the holder the right to convert the preference shares into ordinary shares.

Under the Constitution, the preference shares must give the holders:

 

the right (on redemption and on a winding-up) to payment in cash in priority to any other class of shares of (i) the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on each of the preference shares; and (ii) the amount, if any, equal to the aggregate of any dividends accrued but unpaid and of any arrears of dividends;dividends

 

the right, in priority to any payment of dividend on any other class of shares, to the preferential dividend.dividend

There is no equivalent provision in the Articles of Association of BHP Group Plc, although as noted above in section 7.5.2, BHP can issue preference shares that are subject to a right of redemption on terms the Board considers appropriate.

7.5.9    Capital calls

Subject to the terms on which any shares may have been issued, the Board may make calls on the shareholders in respect of all monies unpaid on their shares. BHP has a lien on every partly paid share for all amounts payable in respect of that share. Each shareholder is liable to pay the amount of each call in the manner, at the time and at the place specified by the Board (subject to receiving at least 14 days’ notice specifying the time and place for payment). A call is considered to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Board authorising the call was passed.

7.5.10    Borrowing powers

Subject to relevant law, the Directors may exercise all powers of BHP to borrow money, and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property, assets (both present and future) and all uncalled capital or any part or parts thereof and to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of BHP or of any third party.

Rights attached to any class of shares issued by either BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc can only be varied (whether as a Joint Electorate Action or a Class Rights Action) where such variation is approved by:

 

the company that issued the relevant shares, as a special resolution;resolution

 

303


the holders of the issued shares of the affected class, either by a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the issued shares of the class affected, or with the written consent of members with at least 75 per cent of the votes of that class.class

7.5.11    Annual General Meetings

The AGMs provide a forum to facilitate the sharing of shareholder views and are important events in the BHP calendar. These meetings provide an update for shareholders on our performance and offer an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions and vote. To vote at an AGM, a shareholder must be a registered holder of BHP Group Limited shares (in the case of the AGM of BHP Group Limited) or a registered holder of BHP Group Plc shares (in the case of the AGM of BHP Group Plc) at a designated date before the relevant AGM.

Key members of management, including the CEO and CFO, are present and available to answer questions. The External Auditor attends the AGMs and is also available to answer questions.

Proceedings at shareholder meetings are webcast live from our website. Copies of the speeches delivered by the Chair and CEO to the AGMs are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website. A summary of proceedings and the outcome of voting on the items of business are released to the relevant stock exchanges and posted on our website as soon as they are available following completion of the BHP Group Limited AGM.

More information on our AGMs is available at bhp.com/meetings.

7.5.12    Conditions governing general meetings

The Board may, and must on requisition in accordance with applicable laws, call a general meeting of the shareholders at the time and place or places and in the manner determined by the Board. No shareholder may convene a general meeting of BHP except where entitled under law to do so. Any Director may convene a general meeting whenever the Director thinks fit. General meetings can also be cancelled, postponed or adjourned, where permitted by law or the Constitution or Articles of Association. Notice of a general meeting must be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting and such notice of meeting must be given in the form and manner in which the Board thinks fit.fit subject to any applicable law. Five shareholders of the relevant company present in person or by proxy constitute a quorum for a meeting. A shareholder who is entitled to attend and cast a vote at a general meeting of BHP may appoint a person as a proxy to attend and vote for the shareholder in accordance with applicable law. All provisions relating to general meetings apply with any necessary modifications to any special meeting of any class of shareholders that may be held.

7.5.127.5.13    Limitations of rights to own securities

There are no limitations under the Constitution or the Articles of Association restricting the right to own BHP shares other than restrictions that reflect the takeovers codes under relevant Australian and English law. In addition, the Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 imposes a number of conditions that restrict foreign ownership of Australian-based companies.

For information on share control limits imposed by the Constitution and the Articles of Association, as well as relevant laws, refer to sections 7.9 and 7.3.2.

7.5.13

7.5.14    Documents on display

Documents filed by BHP Group Limited on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) are available at asx.com.au and documents filed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) by BHP Group Plc are available at morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM.https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. Documents filed on the ASX, or on the LSE are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. The documents referred to in this Annual Report as being available on our website, bhp.com, are not incorporated by reference and do not form part of this Annual Report.

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc both file Annual Reports and other reports and information with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings are available on the SEC website at sec.gov.

304


7.6    Share ownership

Share capital

The details of the share capital for both BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are presented in note 15 ‘Share capital’ in section 5 and remain current as at 2321 August 2019.2020.

Major shareholders

The tables in section 3.3.203.3.21 and the information set out in section 4.184.5.3 present information pertaining to the shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc held by Directors and members of the Key Management Personnel (KMP).

Neither BHP Group Limited nor BHP Group Plc is directly or indirectly controlled by another corporation or by any government. Other than as described in section 7.3.2, no major shareholder possesses voting rights that differ from those attaching to all of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc’s voting securities.

Substantial shareholders in BHP Group Limited

The following table shows holdings of 5 per cent or more of voting rights in BHP Group Limited’s shares as notified to BHP Group Limited under the Australian Corporations Act 2001, Section 671B as at 30 June 2019.2020.(1)

 


Title of class

 

Identity of person
or group

 Date of last notice Percentage of
total voting rights (2)
  

Identity of
person or group

 

Date of last notice

 

% of total voting
rights (2)

Date
received
 Date of
change
 Number
owned
 2019 2018 2017 

Date received

 

Date of change

 Number
owned
 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

Ordinary shares

 BlackRock Group  
19 December
2016
 
 
  
15 December
2016
 
 
  160,784,672   5.46%   5.00%   5.00%  BlackRock Group 21 November 2019 18 November 2019  176,981,268  6.00 5.46 5.00

Ordinary shares

 Vanguard Group 18 June 2020 19 March 2020  177,088,930     6.01  

 

(1) 

No changes in the holdings of 5 per cent or more of the voting rights in BHP Group Limited’s shares have been notified to BHP Group Limited between 1 July 20192020 and 2321 August 2019.2020.

 

(2) 

The percentages quoted are based on the total voting rights conferred by ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited as at 2321 August 20192020 of 2,945,851,394.

Substantial shareholders in BHP Group Plc

The following table shows holdings of 3 per cent or more of voting rights conferred by BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares as notified to BHP Group Plc under the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5 as at 30 June 2019.2020.(1)

 

Title of class

 

Identity of
person or group

 Date of last notice Percentage of total
voting rights (2)
  

Identity of
person or group

 

Date of last notice

 

% of total voting
rights (2)

Date
received
 Date of
change
 Number
owned
 2019 2018 2017 

Date received

 

Date of change

 Number
owned
 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

Ordinary shares

 Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited  
8 October
2015
 
 
  
7 October
2015
 
 
  103,108,283   4.88%   4.88%   4.88%  Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited 8 October 2015 7 October 2015  103,108,283  4.88 4.88 4.88

Ordinary shares

 BlackRock, Inc.  
3 December
2009
 
 
  
1 December
2009
 
 
  213,014,043   10.08%   10.08%   10.08%  BlackRock, Inc. 3 December 2009 1 December 2009  213,014,043(3)  <10.00 <10.00 <10.00

Ordinary shares

 Elliott Capital Advisors, L.P. (3)  
3 February
2018
 
 
  
1 February
2018
 
 
  115,183,724   5.45%   5.45%   5.04%  Elliott International, L.P. (4) 4 January 2020 1 January 2020  106,940,721  5.07 5.45 5.45

Ordinary shares

 Norges Bank  
20 February
2019
 
 
  
19 February
2019
 
 
  64,753,649   3.07%        Norges Bank 24 February 2020 21 February 2020  85,812,981  4.06 3.07 

 

(1) 

NoThere have been three changes in the holdings of 3 per cent or more of the voting rights in BHP Group Plc’s shares notified to BHP Group Plc between 1 July 20192020 and 2321 August 2019.2020. On 16 July 2020, 20 July 2020 and 21 July 2020 Norges Bank advised changes took place on 15 July 2020, 17 July 2020 and 20 July 2020 respectively. The number of ordinary shares it owned in the final disclosure was 105,881,783 or 5.01 per cent of total voting rights.

 

(2) 

The percentages quoted are based on the total voting rights conferred by ordinary shares in BHP Group Plc as at 2321 August 20192020 of 2,112,071,796.

 

(3) 

The TR1 dated 1 December 2009 showed, as at that date, an interest in 213,014,043 shares which amounted to 9.65 per cent of the BHP Group Plc issued share capital. Changes in the share capital of BHP Group Plc since the TR1 was received on 3 December 2009, including certain share buy-backs conducted by BHP Group Plc, indicated a formulaic holding above 10 per cent; however, given no revised TR1 has been received by BHP Group Plc, the BlackRock holding is considered to be below 10 per cent.

(4)

Holding is made up of 4.654.66 per cent ordinary shares and 0.800.41 per cent by financial instruments.

Twenty largest shareholders as at 2321 August 20192020 (as named on the Register of Shareholders)(1)

 

BHP Group LimitedBHP Group Limited Number of fully
paid shares
 % of issued
capital
 BHP Group Limited Number of fully
paid shares
 % of issued
capital
 
1. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 696,525,894  23.64  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 666,307,800  22.62 
2. J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited 505,431,943  17.16  J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited 534,089,074  18.13 
3. Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd 149,846,097  5.09  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <Citibank NY ADR DEP A/C> 144,595,262  4.91 
4. Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <Citibank NY ADR DEP A/C> 149,653,998  5.08  Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd 140,416,220  4.77 
5. National Nominees Limited 102,921,248  3.49  National Nominees Limited 102,305,317  3.47 
6. BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd <Agency Lending DRP A/C> 70,188,694  2.38  BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd <Agency Lending DRP A/C> 75,828,947  2.57 
7. BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd <DRP> 35,922,389  1.22 
8. Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <Colonial First State INV A/C> 28,993,633  0.98 
9. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited <Nt-Comnwlth Super Corp A/C> 21,035,595  0.71 
10. Computershare Nominees CI Ltd <ASX Shareplus Control A/C> 16,760,114  0.57 
11. Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 13,413,159  0.46 
12. Netwealth Investments Limited <Wrap Services A/C> 7,996,830  0.27 
13. Argo Investments Limited 7,406,304  0.25 
14. Solium Nominees (Australia) Pty Ltd <VSA A/C> 6,301,578  0.21 
15. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited-GSCO ECA 5,209,719  0.18 
16. BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd Hub24 Custodial Serv Ltd <DRP A/C> 5,077,233  0.17 
17. Milton Corporation Limited 4,854,921  0.16 
18. AMP Life Limited 4,575,652  0.16 
19. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited <Euroclear Bank SA NV A/C> 4,401,170  0.15 
20. Navigator Australia Ltd <MlC Investment Sett A/C> 3,672,850  0.12 
  

 

  

 

 
   1,829,163,767   62.09 
  

 

  

 

 

 

305


BHP Group Limited Number of fully
paid shares
  % of issued
capital
 
7. BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd <DRP>  28,029,996   0.95 
8. Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited <Colonial First State INV A/C>  27,997,279   0.95 
9. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited<NT-Comnwlth Super Corp A/C>  20,238,305   0.69 
10. Computershare Nominees CI Ltd <ASX Shareplus Control A/C>  15,248,848   0.52 
11. Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited  13,413,159   0.46 
12. AMP Life Limited  8,320,146   0.28 
13. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited <Euroclear Bank SA NV A/C>  8,101,034   0.27 
14. Argo Investments Limited  7,406,304   0.25 
15. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited  7,402,439   0.25 
16. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited-GSCO ECA  6,456,673   0.22 
17. Netwealth Investments Limited <Wrap Services A/C>  5,144,844   0.17 
18. Solium Nominees (Australia) Pty Ltd <VSA A/C>  5,057,527   0.17 
19. Milton Corporation Limited  4,288,921   0.15 
20. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited – A/C 2  3,832,347   0.13 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,835,505,696   62.31 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

BHP Group PlcBHP Group Plc Number of fully
paid shares
 % of issued
capital
 BHP Group Plc Number of fully
paid shares
 % of issued
capital
 
1. PLC Nominees (Proprietary) Limited (2) 283,125,532  13.41  PLC Nominees (Proprietary) Limited(2) 270,434,351  12.80 
2. State Street Nominees Limited <OM02> 142,600,568  6.75  State Street Nominees Limited <OM02> 110,668,368  5.24 
3. National City Nominees Limited 113,078,903  5.35  National City Nominees Limited 108,881,961  5.16 
4. Chase Nominees Limited 103,013,309  4.88  Vidacos Nominees Limited <13559> 101,929,550  4.83 
5. The Bank of New York (Nominees) Limited 87,150,571  4.13  Chase Nominees Limited <USRESLD> 84,850,483  4.02 
6. Vidacos Nominees Limited <13559> 65,613,350  3.11  The Bank of New York (Nominees) Limited 75,501,860  3.57 
7. State Street Nominees Limited <OM04> 49,448,257  2.34  State Street Nominees Limited <OM04> 62,978,858  2.98 
8. Nortrust Nominees Limited 42,734,802  2.02  Nortrust Nominees Limited 40,386,501  1.91 
9. Government Employees Pension Fund – PIC 36,172,491  1.71  Hanover Nominees Limited <UBS03> 40,004,656  1.89 
10. Chase Nominees Limited <BBHLEND> 34,378,755  1.63  Government Employees Pension Fund – Public Investment Corporation 36,212,548  1.71 
11. Hanover Nominees Limited <UBS03> 32,924,725  1.56  Chase Nominees Limited <BBHLEND> 36,059,172  1.71 
12. Hanover Nominees Limited <JPM17> 32,305,273  1.53  State Street Nominees Limited <OD64> 30,605,959  1.45 
13. State Street Nominees Limited <OD64> 29,947,828  1.42  State Street Nominees Limited <OD43> 28,024,620  1.33 
14. Vidacos Nominees Limited <CLRLUX2> 29,876,776  1.41  Hanover Nominees Limited <JPM17> 27,463,879  1.30 
15. Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa 23,537,693  1.11  Vidacos Nominees Limited <CLRLUX2> 26,208,676  1.24 
16. HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited <357206> 23,041,488  1.09  Chase Nominees Limited 24,085,532  1.14 
17. Lynchwood Nominees Limited <2006420> 22,504,189  1.07  Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa 23,537,693  1.11 
18. Chase Nominees Limited <ELUCIT> 20,748,128  0.98  Lynchwood Nominees Limited <2006420> 23,196,964  1.10 
19. Nutraco Nominees Limited <781221> 19,541,800  0.93  HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited <357206> 21,474,128  1.02 
20. Nortrust Nominees Limited <SLEND> 19,389,241  0.92  Nutraco Nominees Limited <781221> 18,768,923  0.89 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
   1,211,133,679   57.35    1,191,274,682   56.40 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Many of the 20 largest shareholders shown for BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc hold shares as a nominee or custodian. In accordance with the reporting requirements, the tables reflect the legal ownership of shares and not the details of the underlying beneficial holders.

 

(2) 

The largest holder on the South African register of BHP Group Plc is the Strate nominee in which the majority of shares in South Africa (including some of the shareholders included in this list) are held in dematerialised form.

306


US share ownership as at 2321 August 20192020

 

 BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc   BHP Group Limited   BHP Group Plc 
 Number of
shareholders
 % Number of
shares
 % Number of
shareholders
 % Number of
shares
 %   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares
 %   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares
 % 

Classification of holder

Classification of holder

 

       

Classification of holder

 

            
Registered holders of voting securities 1,569  0.31  3,849,670  0.13  77  0.52  97,751  0.01    1,562    0.29    3,700,401  0.13    75    0.52    91,145  0.01 

ADR holders

 1,541  0.30   148,315,626 (1)  5.03  191  1.30   113,078,902 (2)  5.35        1,638        0.30       144,492,012(1)      4.90         190        1.33       108,881,960(2)      5.16 

 

(1) 

These shares translate to 74,157,81372,246,006 ADRs.

 

(2) 

These shares translate to 56,539,45154,440,980 ADRs.

Geographical distribution of shareholders and shareholdings as at 2321 August 20192020

 

 BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc   BHP Group Limited   BHP Group Plc 
 Number of
shareholders
 % Number of
shares
 % Number of
shareholders
 % Number of
shares
 %   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares
 %   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares
   % 

Registered address

                       

Australia

 494,756  96.60  2,889,109,284  98.07  1,529  10.38  2,027,134  0.09    528,947    96.84    2,888,854,021  98.07    1,503    10.52    1,990,143    0.09 

New Zealand

 9,506  1.86   21,786,810  0.74  31  0.21   48,586  0.01    9,307    1.70    20,822,830  0.71    30    0.21    49,669    0.01 

United Kingdom

 2,613  0.51  7,083,145  0.24  9,968  67.68  1,807,028,803  85.55    2,577    0.47    6,827,940  0.23    9,647    67.52    1,817,353,859    86.04 

United States

 1,569  0.31   3,849,670  0.13  77  0.52   97,751  0.01    1,562    0.29    3,700,401  0.13    75    0.52    91,145    0.01 

South Africa

 112  0.02  242,427  0.01  2,038  13.84  300,017,550  14.20    110    0.02    237,922  0.01    2,001    14.01    287,509,791    13.61 

Other

 3,637  0.70   23,780,058  0.81  1,086  7.37   2,851,972  0.14    3,682    0.68    25,408,280  0.85    1,031    7.22    5,077,189    0.24 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

 512,193  100.00  2,945,851,394  100.00  14,729  100.00  2,112,071,796  100.00    546,185    100.00    2,945,851,394     100.00    14,287    100.00    2,112,071,796    100.00 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Distribution of shareholdings by size as at 2321 August 20192020

 

 BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc   BHP Group Limited   BHP Group Plc 
 Number of
shareholders
 % Number of
shares (1)
 % Number of
shareholders
 % Number of
shares (1)
 %   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares(1)
 %   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares(1)
   % 

Size of holding

                       

1 – 500 (2)

 224,117  43.76  49,924,453  1.69  7,805  52.99  1,602,338  0.08    250,357    45.84    53,064,327  1.80    7,590    53.13    1,543,091    0.07 

501 – 1,000

 98,935  19.32   75,872,633  2.58  2,545  17.28   1,871,715  0.09    102,679    18.79    78,715,867  2.67    2,462    17.23    1,811,389    0.09 

1,001 – 5,000

 148,391  28.97  332,264,482  11.28  2,549  17.31  5,137,813  0.24    152,026    27.83    340,532,413  11.56    2,445    17.11    4,972,678    0.24 

5,001 – 10,000

 23,896  4.67   168,844,054  5.73  363  2.46   2,580,765  0.12    24,306    4.45    171,276,806  5.81    365    2.55    2,608,717    0.12 

10,001 – 25,000

 12,663  2.47  190,344,546  6.46  353  2.40  5,769,986  0.27    12,664    2.32    190,135,982  6.45    327    2.29    5,345,222    0.25 

25,001 – 50,000

 2,750  0.54   93,470,093  3.17  221  1.50   8,117,167  0.38    2,760    0.51    93,617,943  3.18    200    1.40    7,155,662    0.34 

50,001 – 100,000

 929  0.18  63,488,321  2.17  211  1.43  15,473,078  0.73    921    0.17    63,165,072  2.14    207    1.45    15,010,886    0.71 

100,001 – 250,000

 373  0.07   52,823,350  1.79  242  1.64   38,955,495  1.85    333    0.06    47,160,113  1.60    236    1.65    37,581,108    1.78 

250,001 – 500,000

 77  0.01  26,239,996  0.89  122  0.83  44,406,501  2.10    75    0.01    25,798,872  0.88    139    0.97    50,478,374    2.39 

500,001 – 1,000,000

 19  0.00   13,634,490  0.46  113  0.77   82,536,133  3.91    23    0.01    15,328,906  0.52    98    0.69    70,039,310    3.32 

1,000,001 and over

 43  0.01  1,878,944,976  63.78  205  1.39  1,905,620,805  90.23    41    0.01    1,867,055,093  63.39    218    1.53    1,915,525,359    90.69 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

 512,193  100.00   2,945,851,394  100.00  14,729  100.00   2,112,071,796  100.00    546,185    100.00    2,945,851,394     100.00    14,287    100.00    2,112,071,796    100.00 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

One ordinary share entitles the holder to one vote.

 

(2) 

The number of BHP Group Limited shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel (A$500) based on the market price of A$35.4238.36 as at 2321 August 20192020 was 5,712.5,195.

 

307

   BHP Group Limited   BHP Group Plc 
   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares
  %   Number of
shareholders
   %   Number of
shares
   % 

Classification of holder

               

Corporate

   155,120    28.40    2,127,074,432   72.21    5,198    36.38    2,103,711,453    99.60 

Private

   391,065    71.60    818,776,962   27.79    9,089    63.62    8,360,343    0.40 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   546,185    100.00    2,945,851,394      100.00    14,287    100.00    2,112,071,796    100.00 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


  BHP Group Limited  BHP Group Plc 
  Number of
shareholders
  %  Number of
shares
  %  Number of
shareholders
  %  Number of
shares
  % 

Classification of holder

        

Corporate

  147,355   28.77   2,122,333,644   72.04   5,421   36.80   2,103,437,640   99.59 

Private

  364,838   71.23   823,517,750   27.96   9,308   63.20   8,634,156   0.41 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  512,193   100.00   2,945,851,394   100.00   14,729   100.00   2,112,071,796   100.00 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

308


7.7    Dividends

Policy

The Group adopted a dividend policy in February 2016 that provides for a minimum 50 per cent payout of Underlying attributable profit at every reporting period. For information on Underlying attributable profit for FY2019,FY2020, refer to section 1.12.1.1.10.1.

The Board will assess, at every reporting period, the ability to pay amounts additional to the minimum payment, in accordance with the Capital Allocation Framework, as described in section 1.4.3.1.4.5.

In FY2019,FY2020, we determined our dividends and other distributions in US dollars as it is our main functional currency. BHP Group Limited paid its dividends in Australian dollars, UK pounds sterling, New Zealand dollars and US dollars. BHP Group Plc paid its dividends in UK pounds sterling (or US dollars, if elected) to shareholders registered on its principal register in the United Kingdom and in South African rand to shareholders registered on its branch register in South Africa.

Currency conversions were based on the foreign currency exchange rates on the dividend reinvestment plan election date, except for the conversion into South African rand, which takes place one week before the record date. Aligning the currency conversion date with the dividend reinvestment plan election date (for all currencies except the conversion into South African rand) enables a high level of certainty around the currency required to pay the dividend. This helps to reduce the Group’s exposure to movements in exchange rates since the number of shares on which dividends are payable (and the elected currency) is final at close of business on the dividend reinvestment election date. BHP paid a special dividend in FY2019 where the dividend reinvestment plan was not offered to shareholders, currency conversions were based on the foreign currency exchange rates on the record date, except for the conversion into South African rand, which took place a week before the recordelection date.

Aligning the final date to receive currency elections (currency election date) with the dividend reinvestment plan election date further simplifies the process.

Payments

BHP Group Limited shareholders may currently have their cash dividends paid directly into their bank account in Australian dollars, UK pounds sterling, New Zealand dollars or US dollars, provided they have submitted direct credit details and if required, a valid currency election nominating a financial institution to the BHP Share Registrar in Australia no later than close of business on the dividend reinvestment plan election date. BHP Group Limited shareholders who do not provide their direct credit details will receive dividend payments by way of a cheque in Australian dollars.

BHP Group Plc shareholders on the UK register who wish to receive their dividends in US dollars must complete the appropriate election form and return it to the BHP Share Registrar in the United Kingdom no later than close of business on the dividend reinvestment plan election date. BHP Group Plc shareholders may have their cash dividends paid directly into a bank or building society by completing a dividend mandate form, which is available from the BHP Share Registrar in the United Kingdom or South Africa.

Dividend reinvestment plan

BHP offers a dividend reinvestment plan to registered shareholders, which provides the opportunity to use cash dividends to purchase BHP shares in the market.

309


7.8    American Depositary Receipts fees and charges

We have American Depositary Receipts (ADR) programs for BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

Depositary fees

Citibank serves as the depositary bank for both of our ADR programs. ADR holders agree to the terms in the deposit agreement filed with the SEC for depositing ADSs or surrendering the ADSs for cancellation and for certain services as provided by Citibank. Holders are required to pay all fees for general depositary services provided by Citibank in each of our ADR programs, as set forth in the tables below.

Standard depositary fees:

 

Depositary service

  

Fee payable by the ADR holders

Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of shares  Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) issued
Delivery of Deposited Securities against surrender of ADSs  Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) surrendered
Distribution of Cash Distributions  No fee

Corporate actions depositary fees:

 

Depositary service

  

Fee payable by the ADR holders

Cash Distributions (i.e. sale of rights, other entitlements, return of capital)  Up to US$2.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs. Excludes stock dividends and stock splits  Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (i.e.spin-off shares)  Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to an ADR ratio change in which shares are not distributed  No fee

Fees payable by the Depositary to the Issuer

Citibank has provided BHP net reimbursement of US$1.5 million1,157,500 in FY2019FY2020 for ADR program-related expenses for both of BHP’s ADR programs (FY2018(FY2019 US$1.5 million)1,229,094). ADR program-related expenses include legal and accounting fees, listing fees, expenses related to investor relations in the United States, fees payable to service providers for the distribution of material to ADR holders, expenses of Citibank as administrator of the ADS Direct Plan and expenses to remain in compliance with applicable laws.

Citibank has further agreed to waive other ADR program-related expenses for FY2019,FY2020, amounting to less than US$0.03 million, which are associated with the administration of the ADR programs (FY2018(FY2019 less than US$0.03 million).

Our ADR programs trade on the NYSE under the stock tickers BHP and BBL for the BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc programs, respectively. As of 2321 August 2019,2020, there were 74,157,81372,246,006 ADRs on issue and outstanding in the BHP Group Limited ADR program and 56,539,45154,440,980 ADRs on issue and outstanding in the BHP Group Plc ADR program. Both of the ADR programs have a 2:1 ordinary shares to ADR ratio.

310


7.9    Government regulations

Our assets are subject to a broad range of laws and regulations imposed by governments and regulatory bodies. These regulations touch all aspects of our assets, including how we extract, process and explore for minerals, oil and natural gas and how we conduct our business, including regulations governing matters such as environmental protection, land rehabilitation, occupational health and safety, human rights, the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples, competition, foreign investment, export, marketing of minerals, oil and natural gas and taxes.

The ability to extract minerals, oil and natural gas is fundamental to BHP. In most jurisdictions, the rights to extract mineral or petroleum deposits are owned by the government. We obtain the right to access the land and extract the product by entering into licences or leases with the government that owns the mineral, oil or natural gas deposit. The terms of the lease or licence, including the time period of the lease or licence, vary depending on the laws of the relevant government or terms negotiated with the relevant government. Generally, we own the product we extract and we are required to pay royalties or similar taxes to the government.

Related to our ability to extract is our ability to process the extracted minerals, oil or natural gas. Again, we rely on governments to grant the rights necessary to transport and treat the extracted material to prepare it for sale.

The rights to explore for minerals, oil and natural gas are granted to us by the government that owns the natural resources we wish to explore. Usually, the right to explore carries with it the obligation to spend a defined amount of money on the exploration, or to undertake particular exploration activities.

In certain jurisdictions where we have assets, such as Trinidad and Tobago, a production sharing contract (PSC) governs the relationship between the government and companies concerning how much of the oil and gas extracted from the country each party will receive. In PSCs, the government awards rights for the execution of exploration, development and production activities to the company. The company bears the financial risk of the initiative and explores, develops and ultimately produces the field as required. When successful, the company is permitted to use the money from a certain set percentage of produced oil and gas to recover its capital and operational expenditures, known as ‘cost oil’. The remaining production is known as ‘profit oil’ and is split between the government and the company at a rate determined by the government and set out in the PSC.

Environmental protection, mine closure and land rehabilitation, and occupational health and safety are principally regulated by governments and to a lesser degree, if applicable, by leases. These obligations often require us to make substantial expenditures to minimise or remediate the environmental impact of our assets and to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors and the communities where we operate. Regulations setting emissions standards for fuels used to power vehicles and equipment at our assets and the modes of transport used in our supply chains can also have a substantial impact, both directly and indirectly, on the markets for these products, with flow-on impacts on our costs. For more information on these types of obligations, refer to section 1.7.

From time to time, certain trade sanctions are adopted by the United Nations (UN) Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union (EU) and Australia against certain countries, entities or individuals, that may restrict our ability to sell extracted minerals, oil or natural gas to, and/or our ability to purchase goods or services from, these countries, entities or individuals.

Disclosure of Iran-related activities pursuant to section 13(r) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Section 13(r) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) requires an issuer to disclose in its annual reports whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings relating to Iran. If applicable, disclosure is required even where the activities, transactions or dealings are conducted outside the United States by non-U.S. persons in compliance with applicable law, and whether or not the activities are sanctionable under U.S. law. Provided in this section is certain information concerning activities of certain affiliates of BHP that took place in FY2020. BHP believes that these activities are not sanctionable either as being outside the scope of U.S. sanctions, or within the scope of a specific licence issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury‘s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

On 30 November 2018, BHP Billiton Petroleum Great Britain Ltd (BHP GB), a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP, and its co-venturers in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields offshore United Kingdom (BP Exploration Operating Company (BP), Marubeni Oil & Gas (UK) Limited (Marubeni) and Total E&P UK Limited (Total)) completed the sale of their interests in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields to Serica Energy (UK) Limited (Serica) (the Bruce and Keith Transaction). BHP divested its entire licence interests in Bruce and Keith but retained the obligation to fund decommissioning in accordance with its previous licence interest.

The transfer of licence interests and retention of decommissioning liabilities for the Bruce and Keith co-venturers in the respective gas and oil fields is described below:

   Bruce   Keith 

 

  Pre-sale
interest %
   Post-sale
licence
interest %
   Post-sale
decom.
Interest %
   Pre-sale
interest %
   Post-sale
licence
interest%
   Post-sale
decom.
Interest %
 

BP

   37    1    37    34.83    0    34.83 

Total

   43.25    1    43.25    25    0    25 

BHP GB

   16    0    16    31.83    0    31.83 

Marubeni

   3.65    0    0    8.33    0    0 

Serica

   0    98    3.75    0    100    8.33 

While the sale closed on 30 November 2018, it was effective in economic terms as of 1 January 2018. In addition to initial cash consideration received from Serica at completion, BHP subsequently received, and will continue to receive:

a share of pre-tax net cash flow attributable to its historic interest in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields of 60 per cent during December 2018, 50 per cent in CY2019 and 40 per cent in each of CY2020 and CY2021 under a Net Cash Flow Sharing Deed

a share of projected decommissioning costs up to a specified cap

The Bruce platform provides transportation and processing services to the nearby Rhum gas field pursuant to a contract between the Bruce owners and Rhum owners (the Bruce-Rhum Agreement). At the same time as the Bruce and Keith Transaction, Serica acquired from BP its 50 per cent interest and operatorship of the Rhum gas field. The Rhum gas field is now owned by a 50:50 unincorporated joint venture arrangement between Serica and Iranian Oil Company (UK) Limited (IOC). IOC is an indirect subsidiary of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which is a corporation owned by the Government of Iran.

OFAC issued licence No. IA-2018-352294-2 (the OFAC Licence) authorising BP, Serica and all U.S. persons and U.S.-owned or controlled foreign entities identified in the licence application to provide goods, services and support for the operation, maintenance and production of the Rhum gas field, and goods, services and support to the Bruce platform for a period from 2 November 2018 through 31 October 2019. On 22 October 2019, OFAC renewed this licence through to 28 February 2021. OFAC also provided an assurance that non-U.S. persons would not be exposed to U.S. secondary sanctions for engaging in these activities and transactions involving Rhum or the Bruce platform, namely providing goods, services, and support to the Rhum field.

BHP continues to monitor developments concerning U.S. sanctions with respect to Iran to maintain compliance with applicable sanctions laws and requirements. Although BHP has no ongoing direct dealings with any Iranian party, because BHP will receive ongoing consideration from Serica related to the sale of its interest in the Bruce-Rhum Agreement, BHP has included this disclosure.

BHP recognised the following transaction in FY2020 related to the Bruce-Rhum Agreement. For the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, BHP received US$2.4 million from Serica under the Net Cash Flow Sharing Deed.

Uranium production in Australia

To mine, process, transport and sell uranium from within Australia, we are required to hold possession and export permissions, which are also subject to regulation by the Australian Government or bodies that report to the Australian Government.

To possess nuclear material, such as uranium, in Australia, a Permit to Possess Nuclear Materials (Possession Permit) must be held pursuant to the Australian Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 (Non-Proliferation Act). A Possession Permit is issued by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. Compliance with the Non-Proliferation Act is monitored by the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, an office established under the Non-Proliferation Act, which administers Australia’s domestic nuclear safeguards requirements and reports to the Australian Government.

To export uranium from Australia, a Permit to Export Natural Uranium (Export Permit) must be held pursuant to the Australian Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. The Export Permit is issued by the Minister with responsibility for Resources and Energy.

A special permit to transport nuclear material is required under the Non-Proliferation Act by a party that transports nuclear material from one specified location to another specified location. As we engage service providers to transport uranium, each of those service providers is required to hold a permit to transport nuclear material issued by the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.

BHP Group Plc

There are no laws or regulations currently in force in the United Kingdom that restrict the export or import of capital or the payment of dividends to non-resident holders of BHP Group Plc’s shares, although the Group does operate in some other jurisdictions where the payment of dividends could be affected by exchange control approvals.

From time to time, certain sanctions are adopted by the UN Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU and Australia against certain countries, entities or individuals that may restrict the export or import of capital or the remittance of dividends to certain non-resident holders of BHP Group Plc’s shares.

There are no restrictions under BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association or (subject to the effect of any sanctions) under English law that limit the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote BHP Group Plc’s shares.

There are certain restrictions on shareholding levels under BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association described below.

BHP Group Limited

Under current Australian legislation, the payment of any dividends, interest or other payments by BHP Group Limited to non-resident holders of BHP Group Limited’s shares is not restricted by exchange controls or other limitations, except that, in certain circumstances, BHP Group Limited may be required to withhold Australian taxes.

From time to time, certain sanctions are adopted by the UN Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU and Australia. Those sanctions prohibit or, in some cases, impose certain approval and reporting requirements on transactions involving sanctioned countries, entities and individuals and/or assets controlled or owned by them. Certain transfers into or out of Australia of amounts greater than A$10,000 in any currency may also be subject to reporting requirements.

The Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the FATA) restricts certain acquisitions of interests in shares in Australian companies, including BHP Group Limited. Generally, under the FATA, the prior approval of the Australian Treasurer must be obtained for proposals by a foreign person (either alone or together with its associates) to acquire 20 per cent or more of the voting power or issued shares in an Australian company. Any acquisition by a foreign government investor of the voting power or issued shares in an Australian company will require the prior approval of the Australian Treasurer to be obtained.

The FATA also empowers the Treasurer to make certain orders prohibiting acquisitions by foreign persons in Australian companies, including BHP Group Limited (and requiring divestiture if the acquisition has occurred) where the Treasurer considers the acquisition to be contrary to the national interest. Such orders may also be made in respect of acquisitions by foreign persons where two or more foreign persons (and their associates) in aggregate already control 40 per cent or more of the issued shares or voting power in an Australian company, including BHP Group Limited.

The restrictions in the FATA on share acquisitions in BHP Group Limited described above apply equally to share acquisitions in BHP Group Plc because BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are dual listed entities.

Except for the restrictions under the FATA, there are no limitations, either under Australian law or under the Constitution of BHP Group Limited, on the right of non-residents to hold or vote BHP Group Limited ordinary shares.

Shareholding limits under the Constitution and Articles of Association

There are certain other statutory restrictions and restrictions under BHP Group Limited’s Constitution and BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association that apply generally to acquisitions of shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc (i.e. the restrictions are not targeted at foreign persons only). These include restrictions on a person (and associates) breaching a voting power threshold of:

above 20 per cent in relation to BHP Group Limited on a ‘stand-alone’ basis (i.e. calculated as if there were no Special Voting Share and only counting BHP Group Limited’s ordinary shares)

30 per cent of BHP Group Plc. This is the threshold for a mandatory offer under Rule 9 of the UK takeover code and this threshold applies to all voting rights of BHP Group Plc (therefore including voting rights attached to the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share)

30 per cent in relation to BHP Group Plc on a ‘stand-alone’ basis (i.e. calculated as if there were no Special Voting Share and only counting BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares)

above 20 per cent in relation to BHP Group Plc, calculated having regard to all the voting power on a joint electorate basis (i.e. calculated on the aggregate of BHP Group Limited’s and BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares)

Under BHP Group Limited’s Constitution and BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association, sanctions for breach of any of these thresholds, other than by means of certain ‘permitted acquisitions’, include withholding of dividends, voting restrictions and compulsory divestment of shares to the extent a shareholder and its associates exceed the relevant threshold.

7.10    Taxation

The taxation discussion below describes the material Australian, UK and US federal income tax consequences to a US holder of owning BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or ADSs or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares or ADSs. The discussion below also outlines the potential South African tax issues for US holders of BHP Group Plc shares that are listed on the JSE.

The following discussion is not relevant tonon-US holders of BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or ADSs or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares or ADSs. By its nature, the commentary below is of a general nature and we recommend that holders of ordinary shares or ADSs consult their own tax advisers regarding the Australian, UK, South African and US federal, state and local tax and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of ordinary shares and ADSs in their particular circumstances.

For purposes of this commentary, a US holder is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares or ADSs who is, for US federal income tax purposes:

 

a citizen or resident alien of the US;

 

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for US federal income tax purposes) that is created or organised under the laws of the US or any political subdivision thereof;

 

an estate, the income of which is subject to US federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

a trust:

(a) if a court within the US is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more US persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions; or

(a)

if a court within the US is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more US persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions; or

(b)

(b)

that has made a valid election to be treated as a US person for tax purposes.

This discussion of material tax consequences for US holders is based on the Australian, UK, US and South African laws currently in effect, the published practice of tax authorities in those jurisdictions and the double taxation treaties and conventions currently in existence. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

US holders in BHP Group Limited

(a) Australian taxation

Dividends

Dividends (including other distributions treated as dividends for Australian tax purposes) paid by BHP Group Limited to a US holder that is not an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes will generally not be subject to Australian withholding tax if they are fully franked (broadly, where a dividend is franked, tax paid by BHP Group Limited is imputed to the shareholders).

Dividends paid to such US holders, which are not fully franked, will generally be subject to Australian withholding tax not exceeding 15 per cent only to the extent (if any) that the dividend is neither:

 

franked; nor

 

declared by BHP Group Limited to be conduit foreign income. (Broadly, this means that the relevant part of the dividend is declared to have been paid out of foreign source amounts received by BHP Group Limited that are not subject to tax in Australia, such as dividends remitted to Australia by foreign subsidiaries).

The Australian withholding tax outcome described above applies to US holders who are eligible for benefits under the Tax Convention between Australia and the US as to the Avoidance of Double Taxation (the Australian Tax Treaty). Otherwise, the rate of Australian withholding tax may be 30 per cent.

In contrast, dividends (including other distributions treated as dividends for Australian tax purposes) paid by BHP Group Limited to a US holder may instead be taxed by assessment in Australia if the US holder:

 

is an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes (although the tax will generally not exceed 15 per cent where the US holder is eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty as a treaty resident of the US and any franking credits may be creditable against their Australian income tax liability); or

 

carries on business in Australia through a permanent establishment as defined in the Australian Tax Treaty, or performs personal services from a fixed base in Australia, and the shareholding in respect of which the dividend is paid is effectively connected with that permanent establishment or fixed base, (however, in such a case any franking credits may be creditable against the Australian income tax liability).

The treatment of dividends outlined above may be modified where the shareholding in BHPGroupLimited is held through a trust, limited partnership, limited liability company, pension fund, sovereign wealth fund or other investment vehicle. Affected US holders should seek their own advice in relation to such arrangements.

311


Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

Gains made by US holders on the sale of ordinary shares or ADSs will generally not be taxed in Australia.

However, the precise Australian tax treatment of gains made by US holders on the sale of ordinary shares or ADSs generally depends on whether or not the gain is an Australian sourced gain of an income nature for Australian income tax purposes.

Where the gain is of an income nature, a US holder will generally only be liable to Australian income tax on an assessment basis (whether or not they are also an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes) if:

 

they are not eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty and the gain is sourced in Australia for Australian tax purposes; or

 

they are eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty but the gain constitutes any of the following (in which case the gain will be deemed to have an Australian source):

 

  

business profits of an enterprise attributable to a permanent establishment situated in Australia through which the enterprise carries on business in Australia; or

 

  

income or gains from the alienation of property that form part of the business property of a permanent establishment of an enterprise that the US holder has in Australia, or pertain to a fixed base available to the US holder in Australia for the purpose of performing independent personal services; or

 

  

income derived from the disposition of shares in a company, the assets of which consist wholly or principally of real property (which includes rights to exploit or to explore for natural resources) situated in Australia, whether such assets are held directly or indirectly through one or more interposed entities.

Where the gain is not taxed as Australian sourced income, the US holder will generally only be liable to Australian capital gains tax on an assessment basis if they acquired (or are deemed to have acquired) their shares or ADSs after 19 September 1985 and one or more of the following applies:

 

the US holder is an Australian resident for Australian tax purposes; or

the ordinary shares or ADSs have been used by the US holder in carrying on a business through a permanent establishment in Australia; or

 

the ordinary shares or ADSs constitute an ‘indirect Australian real property interest’ for Australian CGT purposes – this will generally be the case if the US holder (either alone or together with associates) directly or indirectly owns or owned 10 per cent or more of the issued share capital of BHP Group Limited at the time of the disposal or throughout a12-month period during the two years prior to the time of disposal and, at the time of the disposal, the sum of the market values of BHP Group Limited’s assets that are taxable Australian real property (held directly or through interposed entities) exceeds the sum of the market values of BHP Group Limited’s assets (held directly or through interposed entities) that are not taxable Australian real property at that time (which, for these purposes includes mining, quarrying or prospecting rights in respect of minerals, petroleum or quarry materials situated in Australia); or

 

the US holder is an individual who is not eligible for benefits under the Australian Tax Treaty as a treaty resident of the US and elected on becoming anon-resident of Australia to continue to have the ordinary shares or ADSs subject to Australian capital gains tax.

In certain circumstances, if the ordinary shares or ADSs constitute an ‘indirect Australian real property interest’ for Australian CGT purposes, the purchaser may be required to withhold under thenon-resident CGT withholding regime an amount equal to 12.5 per cent of the purchase price in situations including where the acquisition is undertaken by way of anoff-market transfer. Affected US holders should seek their own advice in relation to how this withholding regime may apply to them.

The comments above on the sale of ordinary shares and ADSs do not apply:

 

to temporary residents of Australia who should seek advice that is specific to their circumstances; or

 

if the Investment Management Regime (IMR) applies to the US holder, which exempts from Australian income tax and capital gains tax gains made on disposals by certain categories ofnon-resident funds – called IMR entities – of (relevantly) portfolio interests in Australian public companies (subject to a number of conditions). The IMR exemptions broadly apply to widely held IMR entities in relation to their direct investments and indirect investments made through an independent Australian fund manager. The exemptions apply to gains made by IMR entities that are treated as companies for Australian tax purposes as well as gains made bynon-resident investors in IMR entities that are treated as trusts and partnerships for Australian tax purposes.

Stamp duty, gift, estate and inheritance tax

Australia does not impose any stamp duty, gift, estate or inheritance taxes in relation to transfers or gifts of shares or ADSs or upon the death of a shareholder.

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(b)(b)US taxation

This section describes the material US federal income tax consequences to a US holder of owning ordinary shares or ADSs. It applies only to ordinary shares or ADSs that are held as capital assets for tax purposes. This discussion addresses only US federal income taxation and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to US holders in light of their individual circumstances, including foreign, state or local tax consequences, estate and gift tax consequences, and tax consequences arising under the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income or the alternative minimum tax. This section does not apply to a holder of ordinary shares or ADSs that is a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including a dealer in securities, a trader in securities that elects to use amark-to-market method of accounting for its securities holdings, atax-exempt organisation, a life insurance company, a person thatliable for alternative minimum tax, a person who actually or constructively owns 10 per cent or more of the combined voting power of the voting stock or of the total value of the stock of BHP Group Limited, a person that holds ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, a person that purchases or sells ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a wash sale for tax purposes, or a person whose functional currency is not the US dollar.

If an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes holds the ordinary shares or ADSs, the US federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the ordinary shares or ADSs should consult its tax adviser with regard to the US federal income tax treatment of an investment in the ordinary shares or ADSs.

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, and the Australian Tax Treaty, all as currently in effect. These authorities are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This section is in part based on the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

In general, for US federal income tax purposes, a holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. Exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for ordinary shares, generally will not be subject to US federal income tax.

The tax treatment of the ordinary shares or ADSs will depend in part on whether or not BHP Group Limited is classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for US federal income tax purposes. Except as discussed below under “– Passive Foreign Investment Company rules”, this discussion assumes that BHP Group Limited is not classified as a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes.

DistributionsDividends

Under US federal income tax laws and subject to the Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules discussed below, a US holder must include in its gross income the amount of any distribution (other than certainpro-rata distributions of shares)dividend paid by BHP Group Limited out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal income tax purposes) plus any Australian tax withheld from the distributiondividend payment even though the holder does not receive it, will be treated as a dividend that is subjectit. However, BHP Group Limited does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with US federal income taxation.tax principles. Accordingly, holders should expect to generally treat distributions made by BHP Group Limited as dividends. The dividend is taxable to the holder when the holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, actually or constructively receives the dividend.

Dividends paid to anon-corporate US holder on ordinary shares or ADSs that constitute qualified dividend income will generally be taxable at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided the US holder holds the shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the121-day period beginning 60 days before theex-dividend date and does not enter into certain risk reduction transactions with respect to the shares or ADSs during the abovementioned holding period. Dividends paid with respect to the shares or ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income provided that, in the year that the US holder receives the dividend, BHP Group Limited is eligible for the benefits of the Australian Tax Treaty. BHP Group Limited believes that it is currently eligible for the benefits of the Australian Tax Treaty and therefore expects that dividends on the ordinary shares and ADSs will be qualified dividend income, but there can be no assurance that it will continue to be eligible for the benefits of the Australian Tax Treaty. Further,However, anon-corporate US holder that elects to treat the dividend income as ‘investment income’ pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the US Internal Revenue Code will not be eligible for such preferential rates. In the case of a corporate US holder, dividends on shares and ADSs are taxed as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to US corporations in respect of dividends received from other US corporations.

Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as anon-taxable return of capital to the extent of the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in the ordinary shares or ADSs and thereafter as a capital gain.

The amount of any cash distribution paid in any foreign currency will be equal to the US dollar value of such currency, calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date such distribution is received by the US holder or, in the case of ADSs, by the Depositary, regardless of whether and when the foreign currency is in fact converted into US dollars. If the foreign currency is converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder generally should not recognise foreign currency gain or loss on such conversion. If the foreign currency is not converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its US dollar value on the date received, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of such currency. Such foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss ineligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income and generally will be income or loss from US sources for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Subject to certain limitations, Australian tax withheld in accordance with the Australian Tax Treaty and paid over to Australia will be creditable against an individual’s US federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are taxed at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains. To the extent a reduction or refund of the tax withheld is available to a US holder under Australian law or under the Australian Tax Treaty, the amount of tax withheld that could have been reduced or that is refundable will not be eligible for credit against the holder’s US federal income tax liability. A US holder that does not elect to claim a US foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for Australian income tax withheld, but only for a taxable year in which the US holder elects to do so with respect to all foreign income taxes paid or accrued in such taxable year.

Dividends will generally be income from sources outside the US, and generally will be “passive”‘passive category’ income for the purpose of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a US holder. In general, a taxpayer’s ability to use foreign tax credits may be limited and is dependent on the particular circumstances. US holders should consult their tax advisers with respect to these matters.

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Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder who sells or otherwise disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs will recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realised and the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in those ordinary shares or ADSs. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the US for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The capital gain of anon-corporate US holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the holder has a holding period greater than 12 months in the shares or ADSs sold. There are limitations on the deductibility of capital losses.

The US dollar value of any foreign currency received upon a sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs will be calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date of sale or other disposal (or, in the case of a cash basis or electing accrual basis taxpayer, on the settlement date). A US holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency received equal to that US dollar amount, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of the foreign currency. This foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as US source ordinary income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company rules

We do not believe that the BHP Group Limited ordinary shares or ADSs should not currentlywill be treated as stock of a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes, and BHP Group Limited does not expect to become a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However,but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually at the end of the year and thus may be subject to change. It is therefore possible that BHP Group Limited could become a PFIC in a future taxable year. If BHP Group Limited were treated as a PFIC, any gain realised on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs would in general not be treated as a capital gain. Instead, a US holder would be treated as if it had realised such gain and certain ‘excess distributions’ ratably over its holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs and would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. Assuming the shares or ADSs are ‘marketable stock’, a US holder may mitigate the adverse tax consequences described above by electing to be taxed annually on amark-to-market basis with respect to such shares or ADSs. In addition, regardless of whether or not such election is made, dividends received with respect to ordinary shares or ADSs would not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if BHP Group Limited were a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead would be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income. Assuming the shares or ADSs are ‘marketable stock’, a US holder may mitigate the adverse tax consequences described above by electing to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to such shares or ADSs.

US holders in BHP Group Plc

(a) UK taxation

Dividends

Under UK law, no UK tax is required to be withheld at source from dividends paid on ordinary shares or ADSs.

Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

US holders will not be liable for UK tax on capital gains realised on disposal of ordinary shares or ADSs unless:

 

they are resident in the UK; or

 

they carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a branch or agency for the year in which the disposal occurs and the shares or ADSs have been used, held or acquired for the purposes of such trade (or profession or vocation), branch or agency. In the case of a trade, the term ‘branch’ includes a permanent establishment.

An individual who ceases to be a resident in the UK for tax purposes while owning shares or ADSs and then disposes of those shares or ADSs while not a UK resident may become subject to UK tax on capital gains if he/she:

 

had sole UK residence in the UK tax year preceding his/her departure from the UK;

 

had sole UK residence at any time during at least four of the seven UK tax years preceding his/her year of departure from the UK; and

 

subsequently becomes treated as having sole UK residence again before five complete UK tax years ofnon-UK residence have elapsed from the date he/she left the UK.

In this situation US holders will generally be entitled to claim US tax paid on such a disposition as a credit against any corresponding UK tax payable.

UK inheritance tax

Under the current UK–US Inheritance and Gift Tax Treaty, ordinary shares or ADSs held by a US holder who is domiciled for the purposes of the UK–US Inheritance and Gift Tax Treaty in the US, and is not for the purposes of the UK–US Inheritance and Gift Tax Treaty a national of the UK, will generally not be subject to UK inheritance tax on the individual’s death or on a chargeable gift of the ordinary shares or ADSs during the individual’s lifetime, provided that any applicable US federal gift or estate tax liability is paid, unless the ordinary shares or ADSs are part of the business property of a permanent establishment of the individual in the UK or, in the case of a shareholder who performs independent personal services, pertain to a fixed base situated in the UK. Where the ordinary shares or ADSs have been placed in trust by a settlor who, at the time of settlement, was a US resident shareholder, the ordinary shares or ADSs will generally not be subject to UK inheritance tax unless the settlor, at the time of settlement, was not domiciled in the US and was a UK national. In the exceptional case where the ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to both UK inheritance tax and US federal gift or estate tax, the UK–US Inheritance and Gift Tax Treaty generally provides for double taxation to be relieved by means of credit relief.

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UK stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax

Under applicable legislation, UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) is, subject to certain exemptions, payable on any issue or transfer of shares to the Depositary or their nominee where those shares are for inclusion in the ADR program at a rate of 1.5 per cent of their price (if issued), the amount of any consideration provided (if transferred on sale) or their value (if transferred for no consideration). However, from 1 October 2009, this 1.5 per cent charge has generally ceased to apply to issues of shares into European Union (EU) depositary receipt systems and into EU clearance systems. Further, the First-tier Tribunal has held that the 1.5 per cent SDRT charge on a transfer of shares to an issuer of ADRs (as an integral part of a fresh capital raising) was incompatible with EU law. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has confirmed that it will no longer seek to impose the 1.5 per cent SDRT charge on the issue of shares (or, where it is integral to the raising of new capital, the transfer of shares) to a depositary receipt issuer or a clearance service, wherever located and it has also been confirmed that the UK Government intends to continue this approach following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The law in this area may still be susceptible to change. We recommend advice should be sought in relation to paying the 1.5 per cent SDRT or stamp duty charge in any circumstances.

No SDRT would be payable on the transfer of an ADS. No UK stamp duty should be payable on the transfer of an ADS provided that the instrument of transfer is executed and remains at all times outside the UK. Transfers of ordinary shares to persons other than the Depositary or their nominee will give rise to stamp duty or SDRT at the time of transfer. The relevant rate is currently 0.5 per cent of the amount payable for the shares. The purchaser normally pays the stamp duty or SDRT.

Special rules apply to transactions involving intermediates and stock lending.

(b) US taxation

This section describes the material US federal income tax consequences to a US holder of owning ordinary shares or ADSs. It applies only to ordinary shares or ADSs that are held as capital assets for tax purposes. This discussion addresses only US federal income taxation and does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to US holders in light of their individual circumstances, including foreign, state or local tax consequences, estate and gift tax consequences, and tax consequences arising under the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income or the alternative minimum tax. This section does not apply to a holder of ordinary shares or ADSs that is a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including a dealer in securities, a trader in securities thatwho elects to use amark-to-market method of accounting for its securities holdings, atax-exempt organisation, a life insurance company, a person thatliable for alternative minimum tax, a person who actually or constructively owns 10 per cent or more of the combined voting power of the voting stock or of the total value of the stock of BHP Group Plc, a person that holds ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, a person that purchases or sells ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a wash sale for tax purposes, or a person whose functional currency is not the US dollar.

If an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes holds the ordinary shares or ADSs, the US federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the ordinary shares or ADSs should consult its tax adviser with regard to the US federal income tax treatment of an investment in the ordinary shares or ADSs.

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, and the UK Tax Treaty, all as currently in effect. These authorities are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This section is in part based on the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

In general, for US federal income tax purposes, a holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. Exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for ordinary shares, generally will not be subject to US federal income tax.

The tax treatment of the ordinary shares or ADSs will depend in part on whether or not BHP Group Plc is classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for US federal income tax purposes. Except as discussed below under “– Passive Foreign Investment Company rules”, this discussion assumes that BHP Group Plc is not classified as a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes.

DistributionsDividends

Under US federal income tax laws and subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder must include in its gross income the gross amount of any distribution (other than certainpro-rata distributions of shares)dividend paid by BHP Group Plc out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal income tax purposes) will be treated as a dividend that is subject. However, BHP Group Plc does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with US federal income taxation.tax principles. Accordingly, holders should expect to generally treat distributions made by BHP Group Plc as dividends. The dividend is taxable to the holder when the holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, actually or constructively receives the dividend.

Dividends paid to anon-corporate US holder on ordinary shares or ADSs that constitute qualified dividend income will generally be taxable at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided that the US holder holds the shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the121-day period beginning 60 days before theex-dividend date and does not enter into certain risk reduction transactions with respect to the shares or ADSs during the abovementioned holding period. Dividends paid with respect to the shares or ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income provided that, in the year that the US holder receives the dividend, BHP Group Plc is eligible for the benefits of the UK Tax Treaty. BHP Group Plc believes that it is currently eligible for the benefits of the UK Tax Treaty and therefore expects that dividends on the ordinary shares and ADSs will be qualified dividend income, but there can be no assurance that it will continue to be eligible for the benefits of the UK Tax Treaty. Further,However, a non-corporate US holder that elects to treat the dividend income as ‘investment income’ pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the US Internal Revenue Code will not be eligible for such preferential rates. In the case of a corporate US holder, dividends on shares and ADSs are taxed as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to US corporations in respect of dividends received from other US corporations.

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Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as anon-taxable return of capital to the extent of the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in the ordinary shares or ADSs and thereafter as a capital gain.

The amount of any cash distribution paid in any foreign currency will be equal to the US dollar value of such currency, calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date such distribution is received by the US holder or, in the case of ADSs, by the Depositary, regardless of whether and when the foreign currency is in fact converted into US dollars. If the foreign currency is converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder generally should not recognise foreign currency gain or loss on such conversion. If the foreign currency is not converted into US dollars on the date received, the US holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its US dollar value on the date received, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of such currency. Such foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss ineligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income and generally will be income or loss from US sources for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Dividends will generally be income from sources outside the US, and generally will be “passive”‘passive category’ income for the purpose of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a US holder. In general, a taxpayer’s ability to use foreign tax credits may be limited and is dependent on the particular circumstances. US holders should consult their tax advisers with respect to these matters.

Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder who sells or otherwise disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs will recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realised and the holder’s tax basis, determined in US dollars, in those ordinary shares or ADSs. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the US for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The capital gain of anon-corporate US holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the holder has a holding period greater than 12 months in the shares or ADSs sold. There are limitations on the deductibility of capital losses.

The US dollar value of any foreign currency received upon a sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs will be calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date of sale or other disposal (or, in the case of a cash basis or electing accrual basis taxpayer, on the settlement date). A US holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency received equal to that US dollar amount, and generally will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposal of the foreign currency. This foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as US source ordinary income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company rules

We do not believe that the BHP Group Plc ordinary shares or ADSs should not currentlywill be treated as stock of a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes, and BHP Group Plc does not expect to become a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However,but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually at the end of the year and thus may be subject to change. It is therefore possible that BHP Group Plc could become a PFIC in a future taxable year. If BHP Group Plc were treated as a PFIC, any gain realised on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs would in general not be treated as a capital gain. Instead, a US holder would be treated as if it had realised such gain and certain ‘excess distributions’ ratably over its holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs and would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year.

Assuming the shares or ADSs are ‘marketable stock’, a US holder may mitigate the adverse tax consequences described above by electing to be taxed annually on amark-to-market basis with respect to such shares or ADSs. In addition, regardless of whether or not such election is made, dividends received with respect to ordinary shares or ADSs would not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if BHP Group Plc were a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead would be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income. Assuming the shares or ADSs are ‘marketable stock’, a US holder may mitigate the adverse tax consequences described above by electing to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to such shares or ADSs.

(c) South African taxation

Dividends

Dividends paid or payable on or after 22 February 2017 in respect of shares in foreign companies that are listed on a South African exchange will attract South African Dividends Tax at the rate of 20 per cent, unless an exemption or a reduced rate in terms of a Double Tax Agreement applies. In this regard, we note that where a foreign tax resident company, listed on the JSE declares a cash dividend to anon-South African tax resident, dividend withholding tax would not apply (refer section 64F(j) of the South African Income Tax Act).

Accordingly, it is unlikely that a US tax resident (or any other foreign tax resident) that is a holder of BHP Group Plc shares listed on the JSE would be subject to South African Dividends Tax on any cash dividends received or accrued in respect of their JSE listed BHP Group Plc shares. However, to qualify for the exemption, the US tax resident holder (or other foreign resident holder) must within the appropriate time period provide the prescribed declaration form confirming the application of the exemption to the regulated intermediary responsible for making payment of the dividend to that party (or any other appropriate party responsible for payment of the dividend). With effect from 1 October 2020, the declaration will no longer be valid after a period of five years.

If the US holder (or any othernon-resident) is tax resident in South Africa they would likely be subject to dividends tax at a rate of 20%. Investors are cautioned to be certain of their tax residence to ensure correct tax treatment.

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Although the beneficial owner of the dividend is liable for the South African Dividends Tax on a cash dividend, the South African Dividends Tax would be withheld from the gross amount of the dividend paid to the shareholder.

No South African Dividends Tax is required to be withheld from cash dividends provided the dividends are paid to, inter alia, South African tax resident corporate shareholders (including South African companies, pension, provident, retirement annuity and benefit funds). However, these dividends will only be exempt from South African Dividends Tax if these types of shareholders provide the requisite exemption declarations and written undertakings to the regulated intermediaries (or the person who is obliged to withhold the dividends tax) making the cash dividend payments before they are paid. We reiterate that with effect from 1 October 2020, the declaration will no longer be valid after a period of five years.

South African tax resident shareholders who are natural persons (individuals) or trusts, other than closure rehabilitation trusts, do not qualify for an exemption from South African Dividends Tax.

Except for certain exclusions, generally speaking such dividends paid to South African tax resident natural persons or trusts are exempt from South African income tax and, as such, the South African Dividends Tax may be considered as a final andnon-creditable levy.

Sale of ordinary shares and ADSs

A US holder who or which is tax resident in South Africa would be liable for either income tax on any profit on disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, or capital gains tax on any gain on disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, depending on whether the BHP Group Plc shares and ADSs are held on revenue or capital account.

Income tax is payable on any profit on disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs held by a US holder who or which is tax resident in the US, where the profit is of a revenue nature and sourced in South Africa, unless relief is afforded under the Double Tax Agreement concluded between South Africa and the US. We highlight that this Double Tax Agreement contains a limitation on benefits clause that should be carefully scrutinised to ensure application of the Double Tax Agreement. In such a case, the profit would only be taxed in South Africa if it is attributable to a permanent establishment of that US holder in South Africa.

Where the BHP GroupBilliton Plc shares or ADSs are held on capital account, US holders will not be liable for South African tax on capital gains realised on the disposal of BHP GroupBilliton Plc shares or ADSs unless:

 

such US holders are tax resident in South Africa; or

 

80 per cent or more of the market value of the BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs is attributable (at the time of disposal of those BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs) directly or indirectly to immovable property situated in South Africa and the US holder (alone or together with a connected person) in question directly or indirectly holds 20 per cent of such BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs; or

 

the US holder’s BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs form part of the business property of a permanent establishment which an enterprise of the US holder has in South Africa.

For a US holder who will recognise a capital gain or loss for South African income tax purposes on a disposal of BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, such gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the Rand value of the amount realised and the holder’s tax basis, determined in Rand, in those BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs. The holder’s tax basis will generally be equal to the cost that was incurred to acquire the BHP Group Plc shares or ADSs, if such shares or ADSs were acquired after 1 October 2001. South African capital gains tax is levied at an effective rate of 22.4 per cent for companies, up to 18 per cent for individuals (depending on the applicable tax bracket), and 36 per cent for trusts.

Securities Transfer Tax

South African Securities Transfer Tax is levied at 0.25 per cent in respect of the transfer of shares in a foreign company that areis listed on the JSE. Accordingly, a transfer of those BHP Group Plc shares listed on the JSE will be subject to this tax. The tax is levied on the amount of consideration at which the BHP Group Plc share is transferred or, where no amount/value is declared or if the amount so declared is less than the lowest price of the BHP Group Plc share, the closing price of the BHP Group Plc share. The tax is ultimately borne by the person to whom that BHP Group Plc share is transferred.

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7.10    Government regulations

Our assets are subject to a broad range of laws and regulations imposed by governments and regulatory bodies. These regulations touch all aspects of our assets, including how we extract, process and explore for minerals, oil and natural gas and how we conduct our business, including regulations governing matters such as environmental protection, land rehabilitation, occupational health and safety, the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples, competition, foreign investment, export, marketing of minerals, oil and natural gas and taxes.

The ability to extract minerals, oil and natural gas is fundamental to BHP. In most jurisdictions, the rights to extract mineral or petroleum deposits are owned by the government. We obtain the right to access the land and extract the product by entering into licences or leases with the government that owns the mineral, oil or natural gas deposit. The terms of the lease or licence, including the time period of the lease or licence, vary depending on the laws of the relevant government or terms negotiated with the relevant government. Generally, we own the product we extract and we are required to pay royalties or similar taxes to the government.

Related to our ability to extract is our ability to process the extracted minerals, oil or natural gas. Again, we rely on governments to grant the rights necessary to transport and treat the extracted material to prepare it for sale.

The rights to explore for minerals, oil and natural gas are granted to us by the government that owns the natural resources we wish to explore. Usually, the right to explore carries with it the obligation to spend a defined amount of money on the exploration, or to undertake particular exploration activities.

In certain jurisdictions where we have assets, such as Trinidad and Tobago, a production sharing contract (PSC) governs the relationship between the government and companies concerning how much of the oil and gas extracted from the country each will receive. In PSCs, the government awards rights for the execution of exploration, development and production activities to the company. The company bears the financial risk of the initiative and explores, develops and ultimately produces the field as required. When successful, the company is permitted to use the money from a certain set percentage of produced oil and gas to recover its capital and operational expenditures, known as ‘cost oil’. The remaining production is known as ‘profit oil’ and is split between the government and the company at a rate determined by the government and set out in the PSC.

Environmental protection, mine closure and land rehabilitation, and occupational health and safety are principally regulated by governments and to a lesser degree, if applicable, by leases. These obligations often require us to make substantial expenditures to minimise or remediate the environmental impact of our assets and to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors. Regulations setting emissions standards for fuels used to power vehicles and equipment at our assets and the modes of transport used in our supply chains can also have a substantial impact, both directly and indirectly, on the markets for these products, withflow-on impacts on our costs. For more information on these types of obligations, refer to section 1.10.

Fromtime-to-time, certain trade sanctions are adopted by the United Nations (UN) Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union (EU) and Australia against certain countries, entities or individuals, that may restrict our ability to sell extracted minerals, oil or natural gas and/or our ability to purchase goods or services.

Disclosure of Iran-related activities pursuant to section 13(r) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Section 13(r) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) requires an issuer to disclose in its annual reports whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings relating to Iran. If applicable, disclosure is required even where the activities, transactions or dealings are conducted outside the United States bynon-U.S. persons in compliance with applicable law, and whether or not the activities are sanctionable under U.S. law. Provided in this section is certain information concerning activities of certain affiliates of BHP that took place in FY2019. BHP believes that these activities are not sanctionable either as being outside the scope of U.S. sanctions, or within the scope of a specific licence issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury‘s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

On 30 November 2018, BHP Billiton Petroleum Great Britain Ltd (BHP GB), a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP, and itsco-venturers in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields offshore United Kingdom (BP Exploration Operating Company (BP), Marubeni Oil & Gas (UK) Limited (Marubeni) and Total E&P UK Limited (Total)) completed the sale of their interests in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields to Serica Energy (UK) Limited (Serica) (the Bruce and Keith Transaction). BHP divested its entire licence interests in Bruce and Keith but retained the obligation to fund decommissioning in accordance with its previous licence interest.

The transfer of licence interests and retention of decommissioning liabilities for the Bruce and Keithco-venturers in the respective gas and oil fields is described below:

   Bruce   Keith 

 

  Pre sale
interest %
   Post sale
licence
interest%
   Post-sale
decom.
interest
   Pre sale
interest %
   Post sale
licence
interest%
   Post-sale
decom.
interest
 

BP

   37%    1%    37%    34.83%    1%    34.83% 

Total

   43.25%    1%    43.25%    25%    1%    25% 

BHP GB

   16%    0%    16%    31.83%    0%    31.83% 

Marubeni

   3.65%    0%    0%    8.33%    0%    0% 

Serica

   0%    98%    3.65%    0%    98%    8.33% 

318


While the sale closed on 30 November 2018, it was effective in economic terms as of 1 January 2018. BHP received initial cash consideration from Serica, and will subsequently receive (1) a share ofpre-tax net cash flow attributable to its historic interest in the Bruce and Keith gas and oil fields of 60 per cent during December 2018, 50 per cent in 2019 and 40 per cent in each of 2020 and 2021 under a Net Cash Flow Sharing Deed, and (2) a share of projected decommissioning costs up to a specified cap.

The Bruce platform provides transportation and processing services to the nearby Rhum gas field pursuant to a contract between the Bruce owners and Rhum owners (the Bruce-Rhum Agreement). At the same time as the Bruce and Keith Transaction, Serica acquired from BP its 50 per cent interest and operatorship of the Rhum gas field. The Rhum gas field is now owned by a 50:50 unincorporated joint venture arrangement between Serica and Iranian Oil Company (UK) Limited (IOC). IOC is an indirect subsidiary of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which is a corporation owned by the Government of Iran.

OFAC issued licence No.IA-2018-352294-2 (the OFAC Licence) authorising BP, Serica and all U.S. persons and U.S.-owned or -controlled foreign entities identified in the licence application to provide goods, services, and support for the operation, maintenance, and production of the Rhum gas field, and goods, services and support to the Bruce platform for a period from 2 November 2018 through 31 October 2019. OFAC also provided an assurance thatnon-U.S. companies would not be subject to U.S. sanctions for supporting these Rhum activities.

BHP continues to monitor developments concerning U.S. sanctions with respect to Iran to maintain compliance with applicable sanctions laws and requirements. Although BHP has no ongoing direct dealings with any Iranian party, because BHP will receive ongoing consideration from Serica related to the sale of its interest in the Bruce-Rhum Agreement, BHP has included this disclosure.

BHP has recognised the following transactions in FY2019 related to the Bruce-Rhum Agreement:

(i)

for the period from 1 July 2018 to 30 November 2018, BHP recognised US$5.5 million in cost recovery under the terms of the Bruce-Rhum Agreement, which was booked as a reduction in operating expenses for the Bruce gas field;

(ii)

for the period from 1 January 2018 to 30 November 2018, BHP paid US$4.6 million from the Bruce-Rhum Agreement to Serica as part of a completion payment under the sale and purchase agreement governing the Bruce and Keith Transaction;

(iii)

for the period 1 December 2018 to 30 June 2019, BHP received US$2.1 million from Serica under the Net Cash Flow Sharing Deed.

Uranium production in Australia

To mine, process, transport and sell uranium from within Australia, we are required to hold possession and export permissions, which are also subject to regulation by the Australian Government or bodies that report to the Australian Government.

To possess nuclear material, such as uranium, in Australia, a Permit to Possess Nuclear Materials (Possession Permit) must be held pursuant to the Australian NuclearNon-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987(Non-Proliferation Act). A Possession Permit is issued by the Australian Safeguards andNon-Proliferation Office, an office established under theNon-Proliferation Act, which administers Australia’s domestic nuclear safeguards requirements and reports to the Australian Government.

To export uranium from Australia, a Permit to Export Natural Uranium (Export Permit) must be held pursuant to the Australian Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. The Export Permit is issued by the Minister with responsibility for Resources and Energy.

A special permit to transport nuclear material is required under theNon-Proliferation Act by a party that transports nuclear material from one specified location to another specified location. As we engage service providers to transport uranium, each of those service providers is required to hold a permit to transport nuclear material issued by the Australian Safeguards andNon-Proliferation Office.

Exchange controls and shareholding limits

BHP Group Plc

There are no laws or regulations currently in force in the United Kingdom that restrict the export or import of capital or the payment of dividends tonon-resident holders of BHP Group Plc’s shares, although the Group does operate in some other jurisdictions where the payment of dividends could be affected by exchange control approvals.

Fromtime-to-time, certain sanctions are adopted by the UN Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU and Australia against certain countries, entities or individuals that may restrict the export or import of capital or the remittance of dividends to certainnon-resident holders of BHP Group Plc’s shares.

There are no restrictions under BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association or (subject to the effect of any sanctions) under English law that limit the right ofnon-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote BHP Group Plc’s shares.

There are certain restrictions on shareholding levels under BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association described below.

BHP Group Limited

Under current Australian legislation, the payment of any dividends, interest or other payments by BHP Group Limited tonon-resident holders of BHP Group Limited’s shares is not restricted by exchange controls or other limitations, except that, in certain circumstances, BHP Group Limited may be required to withhold Australian taxes.

Fromtime-to-time, certain sanctions are adopted by the UN Security Council and/or various governments, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU and Australia. Those sanctions prohibit or, in some cases, impose certain approval and reporting requirements on transactions involving sanctioned countries, entities and individuals and/or assets controlled or owned by them. Certain transfers into or out of Australia of amounts greater than A$10,000 in any currency may also be subject to reporting requirements.

319


The Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the FATA) restricts certain acquisitions of interests in shares in Australian companies, including BHP Group Limited. Generally, under the FATA, the prior approval of the Australian Treasurer must be obtained for proposals by a foreign person (either alone or together with its associates) to acquire 20 per cent or more of the voting power or issued shares in an Australian company. Any acquisition by a foreign government investor of the voting power or issued shares in an Australia company will require the prior approval of the Australian Treasurer to be obtained.

The FATA also empowers the Treasurer to make certain orders prohibiting acquisitions by foreign persons in Australian companies, including BHP Group Limited (and requiring divestiture if the acquisition has occurred) where the Treasurer considers the acquisition to be contrary to the national interest. Such orders may also be made in respect of acquisitions by foreign persons where two or more foreign persons (and their associates) in aggregate already control 40 per cent or more of the issued shares or voting power in an Australian company, including BHP Group Limited.

The restrictions in the FATA on share acquisitions in BHP Group Limited described above apply equally to share acquisitions in BHP Group Plc because BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are dual listed entities.

There are certain other statutory restrictions and restrictions under BHP Group Limited’s Constitution and BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association that apply generally to acquisitions of shares in BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc (i.e. the restrictions are not targeted at foreign persons only). These include restrictions on a person (and associates) breaching a voting power threshold of:

above 20 per cent in relation to BHP Group Limited on a ‘stand-alone’ basis (i.e. calculated as if there were no Special Voting Share and only counting BHP Group Limited’s ordinary shares);

30 per cent of BHP Group Plc. This is the threshold for a mandatory offer under Rule 9 of the UK takeover code and this threshold applies to all voting rights of BHP Group Plc (therefore including voting rights attached to the BHP Group Plc Special Voting Share);

30 per cent in relation to BHP Group Plc on a ‘stand-alone’ basis (i.e. calculated as if there were no Special Voting Share and only counting BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares);

above 20 per cent in relation to BHP Group Plc, calculated having regard to all the voting power on a joint electorate basis (i.e. calculated on the aggregate of BHP Group Limited’s and BHP Group Plc’s ordinary shares).

Under BHP Group Limited’s Constitution and BHP Group Plc’s Articles of Association, sanctions for breach of any of these thresholds, other than by means of certain ‘permitted acquisitions’, include withholding of dividends, voting restrictions and compulsory divestment of shares to the extent a shareholder and its associates exceed the relevant threshold.

Except for the restrictions under the FATA, there are no limitations, either under Australian law or under the Constitution of BHP Group Limited, on the right ofnon-residents to hold or vote BHP Group Limited ordinary shares.

320


7.11 Ancillary information for our shareholders

This Annual Report provides the detailed financial data and information on BHP’s performance required to comply with the reporting regimes in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Shareholders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc will receive a copy of the Annual Report if they have requested a copy. ADR holders may view all documents online at bhp.com or opt to receive a hard copy by accessing citibank.ar.wilink.comorhttps://app.irdirect.net/company/0/hotline/or calling Citibank Shareholder Services during normal business hours using the details listed in the Corporate Directorydirectory at the end of this Annual Report.

Change of shareholder details and enquiries

Shareholders wishing to contact BHP on any matter relating to their shares or ADR holdings are invited to telephone the appropriate office of the BHP Share Registrar or Transfer Office listed in the Corporate Directorydirectory at the end of this Annual Report.

Any change in shareholding details should be notified by the shareholder to the relevant Registrar in a timely manner.

Shareholders can also access their current shareholding details and change many of those details online at bhp.com. The website requires shareholders to quote their Shareholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification Number (HIN) in order to access this information.

Alternative access to the Annual Report

We offer an alternative for all shareholders who wish to be advised of the availability of the Annual Report through our website via an email notification. By providing an email address through our website, shareholders will be notified by email when the Annual Report has been released. Shareholders will also receive notification of other major BHP announcements by email. Shareholders requiring further information or wishing to make use of this service should visit our website, bhp.com.

ADR holders wishing to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report 20192020 can do so by accessing citibank.ar.wilink.comorhttps://app.irdirect.net/company/0/hotline/or calling Citibank Shareholder Services during normal business hours. ADR holders may also contact the adviser that administers their investments. Holders of BHP Group Plc shares dematerialised into Strate should liaise directly with their Central Securities Depository Participant (CSDP) or broker.

321


Key dates for shareholders

The following table sets out future dates in the next financial and calendar year of interest to our shareholders. If there are any changes to these dates, all relevant stock exchanges (see section 7.2) will be notified.

 

Date

  

Event

2522 September 20192020

  Final dividend payment date

1715 October 20192020

  

BHP Group Plc Annual General Meeting in London

Venue:

The QEII Centre

Broad Sanctuary

Westminster

London SW1P 3EE

United Kingdom

Time: 11.00 am9.30am (local time)

Details of the business of the meeting are contained in the separate Notice of Meeting

7 November 201914 October 2020

  

BHP Group Limited Annual General Meeting in Sydney

Venue:

International Convention Centre (ICC)

14 Darling Drive

Sydney

New South Wales

AustraliaVirtual Meeting

Time: 10.00am5.00pm (local time)

Details of the business of the meeting are contained in the separate Notice of Meeting

1816 February 20202021

  Interim results announced

65 March 20202021

  Interim dividend record date

2423 March 20202021

  Interim dividend payment date

322


Corporate Directorydirectory

BHP Registered Offices

BHP Group Limited

Australia

171 Collins Street

Melbourne VIC 3000

Telephone Australia 1300 55 47 57

Telephone International +61 3 9609 3333

Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015

BHP Group Plc

United Kingdom

Nova South, 160 Victoria Street

London SW1E 5LB

Telephone +44 20 7802 4000

Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111

Group General Counsel & Company Secretary

Caroline Cox

BHP Corporate Centres

Chile

Cerro El Plomo 6000

Piso 18

Las Condes 7560623

Santiago

Telephone +56 2 2579 5000

Facsimile +56 2 2207 6517

United States

Our agent for service in the United States is Jennifer Lopez-Burkland at:

1500 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 150

Houston TX 77056-302077056-3004

Telephone +1 713 961 8500

Facsimile +1 713 961 8400

Commercial Office

Singapore

10 Marina Boulevard,#07-01

Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 2

Singapore 018983

Telephone +65 6421 6000

Facsimile +65 6421 6800

323


Share Registrars and Transfer Offices

Australia

BHP Group Limited Registrar

Computershare Investor Services

Pty Limited

Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street

Abbotsford VIC 3067

Postal address – GPO Box 2975

Melbourne VIC 3001

Telephone 1300 656 780 (within Australia)

+61 3 9415 4020 (outside Australia)

Facsimile +61 3 9473 2460

Email enquiries: investorcentre.com/bhp

United Kingdom

BHP Group Plc Registrar

Computershare Investor Services PLC

The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road

Bristol BS13 8AE

Postal address (for general enquiries)

The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road

Bristol BS99 6ZZ

Telephone +44 344 472 7001

Facsimile +44 370 703 6101

Email enquiries: investorcentre.co.uk/contactus

South Africa

BHP Group Plc Branch Register and Transfer Secretary

Computershare Investor Services

(Pty) Limited

Rosebank Towers

15 Biermann Avenue

Rosebank 2196

2196, South Africa

Postal address – PO Box 61051Private Bag X9000

Marshalltown 2107Saxonwold,

2132 South Africa

Telephone +27 11 373 0033

Facsimile +27 11 688 5217

Email enquiries: web.queries@computershare.co.za

Holders of shares dematerialised

into Strate should contact their

CSDP or stockbroker.

324


New Zealand

Computershare Investor Services Limited

Level 2/159 Hurstmere Road

Takapuna Auckland 0622

Postal address – Private Bag 92119

Auckland 1142

Telephone +64 9 488 8777

Facsimile +64 9 488 8787

United States

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

250150 Royall Street

Canton MA 02021

Postal address – PO Box 43078

Providence RI 02940-3078

Telephone +1 888 404 6340

(toll-free within US)

Facsimile +1 312 601 4331

ADR Depositary, Transfer Agent and Registrar

Citibank Shareholder Services

PO Box 43077

Providence RI 02940-3077

Telephone +1 781 575 4555 (outside of US) +1 877 248 4237(+1-877-CITIADR) (toll-free within US)

Facsimile +1 201 324 3284

Email enquiries:

citibank@shareholders-online.com

Website:citi.com/dr

325


8    Exhibits

Exhibits marked “*” have been filed as exhibits to this annual report on Form20-F. Remaining exhibits have been incorporated by reference as indicated.

Exhibit 1    Constitution

 

1.1

Constitution of BHP Billiton Limited, incorporating the amendments approved by shareholders at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited on 19 November 2015 (1)

 

1.2

Memorandum and Articles of Association of BHP Billiton Plc, incorporating the amendments approved by shareholders at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc on 22 October 2015 (1)

Exhibit 2    Securities

 

*2.1

Description of Securities

Exhibit 4    Material Contracts

 

4.1

DLC Structure Sharing Agreement, dated 29 June 2001, between BHP Limited and Billiton Plc incorporating the amendments approved by shareholders at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited on 19 November 2015 and the Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc on 22 October 2015 (1)

 

4.2

SVC Special Voting Shares Deed, dated 29 June 2001, among BHP Limited, BHP SVC Pty Limited, Billiton Plc, Billiton SVC Limited and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (2)(P)

 

4.3

SVC Special Voting Shares Amendment Deed, dated 13 August 2001, among BHP Limited, BHP SVC Pty Limited, Billiton Plc, Billiton SVC Limited and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (2)(P)

 

4.4

Deed Poll Guarantee, dated 29 June 2001, of BHP Limited (2)(P)

 

4.5

Deed Poll Guarantee, dated 29 June 2001, of Billiton Plc (2)(P)

 

*4.6

Form of Service Agreement for Specified Executive (referred to in this Annual Report as the Key Management Personnel)(3)

 

4.7

BHP Billiton Ltd Group Incentive Scheme Rules 2004, dated August 2008(4)(3)

 

4.8

BHP Billiton Ltd Long Term Incentive Plan Rules, dated November 2010(2)(P)

 

4.9

BHP Billiton Plc Group Incentive Scheme Rules 2004, dated August 2008(4)(3)

 

4.10

BHP Billiton Plc Long Term Incentive Plan Rules, dated November 2010 (2)(P)

 

4.11

Framework Agreement entered into on 2 March 2016 between Samarco Mineração S.A., Vale S.A. and BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda,, the Federal Government of Brazil, the states of Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other public authorities in Brazil (1)

Exhibit 8    List of Subsidiaries

 

*8.1

List of subsidiaries of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc

Exhibit 12    Certifications (section 302)

 

*12.1

Certification by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Mackenzie,Mike Henry, dated 1722 September 20192020

 

*12.2

Certification by Chief Financial Officer, Mr Peter Beaven, dated 1722 September 20192020


Exhibit 15    Additional ExhibitsConsent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

*15.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms KPMGfirms Ernst  & Young and KPMGErnst & Young LLP for incorporation by reference of audit reports in registration statements on FormF-3 and FormS-8

 

*15.2

Letter fromConsent of Independent Registered Public Accounting firms KPMG and KPMG LLP for incorporation by reference of audit reports in registration statements on Form F-3 and Form S-8

15.3

News Release regarding change in registrants’ certifying accountantsthe Appointment of Non-executive Director, dated 4 September 2020 (incorporated by reference to the current report furnished on Form 6-K (File No. 001-31714 and 001-09526))

 

Footnotes

 

(1) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form20-F for the year ended 30 June 2016 on 21 September 2016.

 

(2) 

Previously filed on paper form as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form20-F for the year ended 30 June 2001 on 19 November 2001.

 

(3) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form20-F for the year ended 30 June 2013 on 25 September 2013.

(4)

Previously filed as an exhibit to BHP’s annual report on Form20-F for the year ended 30 June 2008 on 15 September 2008.

 

(P) 

Previously filed on paper form.

327


SIGNATURE

The registrants hereby certify that they meet all of the requirements for filing on Form20-F and that they have duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this annual report on their behalf.

BHP Group Limited

BHP Group Plc

 

/s/ Peter Beaven

Peter Beaven

Chief Financial Officer

Date: 1722 September 20192020

 


Section 5 – Financial Statements

 

Financial Statements

  

5.1

  

Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-2 
  5.1.1 Consolidated Income Statement   F-2 
  5.1.2 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income   F-3 
  5.1.3 Consolidated Balance Sheet   F-4 
  5.1.4 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement   F-5 
  5.1.5 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity   F-6 
  5.1.6 Notes to the Financial Statements   F-11 

5.2

  Not requiredRequired for US reportingReporting   F-94F-91 

5.2A

  Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms   F-94F-91 

5.3

  Directors’ declaration   F-101F-98 

5.4

  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements   F-102F-99 

5.5

  Not required for US reportingReporting   F-103F-99 

5.6

  Included as Itemitem 5.2A   F-103F-99 

5.7

  Supplementary oil and gas information – unaudited   F-103F-100 

Notes to the Financial Statements

   F-11 

Performance

   F-11 

1

  Segment reporting   F-11 

2

  Revenue   F-14 

3

  Exceptional items   F-16 

4

  Significant events – Samarco dam failure   F-19F-18 

5

  Expenses and other income   F-26F-25 

6

  Income tax expense   F-27F-26 

7

  Earnings per share   F-32F-31 

Working capital

   F-33F-32 

8

  Trade and other receivables   F-33F-32 

9

  Trade and other payables   F-34F-33 

10

  Inventories   F-34F-33 

ResourceMining and Petroleum assets

   F-35F-34 

11

  Property, plant and equipment   F-35F-34 

12

  Intangible assets   F-42F-41 

13

  Deferred tax balances   F-43F-42 

14

  Closure and rehabilitation provisions   F-46F-44 

Capital Structurestructure

   F-48F-47 

15

  Share capital   F-48F-47 

16

  Other equity   F-50F-48 

17

  Dividends   F-52F-50 

18

  Provisions for dividends and other liabilities   F-53F-51 

Financial Managementmanagement

   F-54F-52 

19

  Net debt   F-54F-52 

20

LeasesF-55

21

  Net finance costs   F-57F-58 

2122

  Financial risk management   F-57F-58 

Employee matters

   F-67F-68 

2223

  Key management personnel   F-67F-68 

2324

  Employee share ownership plans   F-67F-69 

2425

  Employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions   F-71F-73 

2526

  Pension and other post-retirement obligations   F-73F-75 

2627

  Employees   F-75F-76 



About these Financial Statements

Reporting entity

In 2001, BHP BillitonGroup Limited, (previously known as BHP Limited), an incorporated Australian-listed company, and BHP BillitonGroup Plc, (previously known as Billiton Plc), a UK listedan incorporated UK-listed company, entered intoform a Dual Listed Company (DLC) merger. In November 2018, BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc changed their names to BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, respectively.. These entities and their subsidiaries operate together as a singlefor-profit economic entity (referred to as ‘BHP’ or ‘the Group’) with a common Board of Directors, unified management structure and joint objectives. In effect, the DLC structure provides the same voting rights and dividend entitlements from BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc irrespective of whether investors hold shares in BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc.

Group and related party information is presented in note 3132 ‘Related party transactions’ in section 5.1. This details transactions between the Group’s subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements and other related parties. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the segment information (refer to note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 5.1).

Presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements

BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc Directors have included information in this report they deem to be material and relevant to the understanding of the Consolidated Financial Statements (the Financial Statements). Disclosure may be considered material and relevant if the dollar amount is significant due to its size or nature, or the information is important to understand the:

 

Group’s current year results;

impact of significant changes in the Group’s business; or

aspects of the Group’s operations that are important to future performance.

These Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 53 September 2019.2020. The Directors have the authority to amend the Financial Statements after issuance.

F-1


5.1    Consolidated Financial Statements

5.1.1    Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 30 June 20192020

 

 Notes 2019 2018 2017   Notes   2020 2019 2018 
   US$M 

US$M

Restated

 

US$M

Restated

       US$M US$M US$M 

Continuing operations

          

Revenue

 2   44,288  43,129  35,740    2    42,931  44,288  43,129 

Other income

 5   393  247  662    5    777  393  247 

Expenses excluding net finance costs

 5   (28,022 (27,527 (24,120   5    (28,775)  (28,022 (27,527

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

 29   (546 147  272    30    (512)  (546 147 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Profit from operations

   16,113  15,996  12,554      14,421  16,113  15,996 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Financial expenses

   (1,510 (1,567 (1,560     (1,262)  (1,510 (1,567

Financial income

   446  322  143      351  446  322 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net finance costs

 20   (1,064 (1,245 (1,417   21    (911 (1,064 (1,245
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Profit before taxation

   15,049  14,751  11,137      13,510  15,049  14,751 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income tax expense

   (5,335 (6,879 (4,276     (4,708)  (5,335 (6,879

Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)

   (194 (128 (167     (66)  (194 (128
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total taxation expense

 6   (5,529 (7,007 (4,443   6    (4,774 (5,529 (7,007
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing operations

   9,520  7,744  6,694      8,736  9,520  7,744 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Discontinued operations

          

Loss after taxation from Discontinued operations

 27   (335 (2,921 (472   28      (335 (2,921
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

   9,185  4,823  6,222      8,736  9,185  4,823 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests

   879  1,118  332      780  879  1,118 

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   8,306  3,705  5,890      7,956  8,306  3,705 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings per ordinary share (cents)

 7   160.3  69.6  110.7    7    157.3  160.3  69.6 

Diluted earnings per ordinary share (cents)

 7   159.9  69.4  110.4    7    157.0  159.9  69.4 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings from Continuing operations per ordinary share (cents)

 7   166.9  125.0  119.8    7    157.3  166.9  125.0 

Diluted earnings from Continuing operations per ordinary share (cents)

 7   166.5  124.6  119.5    7    157.0  166.5  124.6 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-2


5.1.2    Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 20192020

 

  Notes   2019 2018 2017   Notes   2020 2019 2018 
      US$M US$M US$M       US$M US$M US$M 

Profit after taxation from Continuing and Discontinued operations

     9,185  4,823  6,222      8,736  9,185  4,823 

Other comprehensive income

            

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement:

            

Net valuation gains/(losses) on investments taken to equity

       11  (1

Net valuation gains on investments taken to equity

          11 

Hedges:

            

(Losses)/gains taken to equity

     (327 82  351      (315 (327 82 

Losses/(gains) transferred to the income statement

     299  (215 (432     297  299  (215

Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations taken to equity

     1  2  (1     1  1  2 

Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations transferred to income statement

     (6             (6   

Tax recognised within other comprehensive income

   6    8  36  24    6    5  8  36 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement

     (25 (84 (59     (12 (25 (84
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

            

Re-measurement (losses)/gains on pension and medical schemes

     (20 1  36      (81 (20 1 

Equity investments held at fair value

     1            (2 1    

Tax recognised within other comprehensive income

   6    19  (14 (26   6    26  19  (14
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

       (13 10      (57    (13
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive loss

     (25 (97 (49     (69 (25 (97
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     9,160  4,726  6,173      8,667  9,160  4,726 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests

     878  1,118  332      769  878  1,118 

Attributable to BHP shareholders

     8,282  3,608  5,841      7,898  8,282  3,608 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-3


5.1.3    Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 June 20192020

 

  Notes   2019 2018   Notes   2020 2019 
      US$M US$M       US$M US$M 

ASSETS

          

Current assets

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   19    15,613  15,871    19    13,426  15,613 

Trade and other receivables

   8    3,462  3,096    8    3,364  3,462 

Other financial assets

   21    87  200    22    84  87 

Inventories

   10    3,840  3,764    10    4,101  3,840 

Assets held for sale

       11,939 

Current tax assets

     124  106      366  124 

Other

     247  154      130  247 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

     23,373  35,130      21,471  23,373 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Non-current assets

          

Trade and other receivables

   8    313  180    8    267  313 

Other financial assets

   21    1,303  999    22    2,522  1,303 

Inventories

   10    768  1,141    10    1,221  768 

Property, plant and equipment

   11    68,041  67,182    11    72,362  68,041 

Intangible assets

   12    675  778    12    624  675 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

   29    2,569  2,473    30    2,585  2,569 

Deferred tax assets

   13    3,764  4,041    13    3,688  3,764 

Other

     55  69      43  55 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Totalnon-current assets

     77,488  76,863      83,312  77,488 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Total assets

     100,861  111,993      104,783  100,861 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

LIABILITIES

          

Current liabilities

          

Trade and other payables

   9    6,717  5,977    9    5,767  6,717 

Interest bearing liabilities

   19    1,661  2,736    19    5,012  1,661 

Liabilities held for sale

       1,222 

Other financial liabilities

   21    127  138    22    225  127 

Current tax payable

     1,546  1,773      913  1,546 

Provisions

   4,14,18,24    2,175  2,025    4,14,18,25    2,810  2,175 

Deferred income

     113  118      97  113 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

     12,339  13,989      14,824  12,339 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Non-current liabilities

          

Trade and other payables

   9    5  3    9    1  5 

Interest bearing liabilities

   19    23,167  24,069    19    22,036  23,167 

Other financial liabilities

   21    896  1,093    22    1,414  896 

Non-current tax payable

     187  137      109  187 

Deferred tax liabilities

   13    3,234  3,472    13    2,758  3,234 

Provisions

   4,14,18,24    8,928  8,223    4,14,18,25    11,185  8,928 

Deferred income

     281  337      210  281 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Totalnon-current liabilities

     36,698  37,334      37,713  36,698 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

     49,037  51,323      52,537  49,037 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Net assets

     51,824  60,670      52,246  51,824 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

EQUITY

          

Share capital – BHP Group Limited

     1,111  1,186      1,111  1,111 

Share capital – BHP Group Plc

     1,057  1,057      1,057  1,057 

Treasury shares

     (32 (5     (5)  (32

Reserves

   16    2,285  2,290    16    2,306  2,285 

Retained earnings

     42,819  51,064      43,467  42,819 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Total equity attributable to BHP shareholders

     47,240  55,592      47,936  47,240 

Non-controlling interests

   16    4,584  5,078    16    4,310  4,584 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Total equity

     51,824  60,670      52,246  51,824 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 53 September 20192020 and signed on its behalf by:

 

Ken MacKenzie

  Andrew MackenzieMike Henry

ChairmanChair

  Chief Executive Officer

F-4


5.1.4    Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 30 June 20192020

 

  Notes   2019 2018 2017   Notes   2020 2019 2018 
      US$M US$M US$M       US$M US$M US$M 

Operating activities

            

Profit before taxation

     15,049  14,751  11,137      13,510  15,049  14,751 

Adjustments for:

            

Depreciation and amortisation expense

     5,829  6,288  6,184      6,112  5,829  6,288 

Impairments of property, plant and equipment, financial assets and intangibles

     264  333  193      494  264  333 

Net finance costs

     1,064  1,245  1,417      911  1,064  1,245 

Loss/(profit) from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

     546  (147 (272     512  546  (147

Other

     308  597  194      720  308  597 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

            

Trade and other receivables

     (211 (662 267      291  (211 (662

Inventories

     298  (182 (687     (715)  298  (182

Trade and other payables

     406  719  512      (755)  406  719 

Provisions and other assets and liabilities

     (125 7  (333     1,188  (125 7 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash generated from operations

     23,428  22,949  18,612      22,268  23,428  22,949 

Dividends received

     516  709  636      137  516  709 

Interest received

     443  290  164      385  443  290 

Interest paid

     (1,346 (1,177 (1,148     (1,225)  (1,346 (1,177

Proceeds/(settlements) of cash management related instruments

     296  (292 (140     85  296  (292

Net income tax and royalty-related taxation refunded

     59  17  337      48  59  17 

Net income tax and royalty-related taxation paid

     (5,999 (4,935 (2,585     (5,992)  (5,999 (4,935
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Continuing operations

     17,397  17,561  15,876      15,706  17,397  17,561 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations

   27    474  900  928    28      474  900 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash flows

     17,871  18,461  16,804      15,706  17,871  18,461 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Investing activities

            

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (6,250 (4,979 (3,697     (6,900)  (6,250 (4,979

Exploration expenditure

     (873 (874 (966     (740)  (873 (874

Exploration expenditure expensed and included in operating cash flows

     516  641  610      517  516  641 

Net investment and funding of equity accounted investments

     (630 204  (234     (618)  (630 204 

Proceeds from sale of assets

     145  89  529      265  145  89 

Proceeds from divestment of subsidiaries, operations and joint operations, net of their cash

     4     187 

Other investing

     (289 (141 (153     (140)  (285 (141
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Continuing operations

     (7,377 (5,060 (3,724     (7,616)  (7,377 (5,060
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net investing cash flows from Discontinued operations

   27    (443 (861 (437   28      (443 (861
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash

   27    10,427          28      10,427    
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net investing cash flows

     2,607  (5,921 (4,161     (7,616)  2,607  (5,921
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Financing activities

            

Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities

     250  528  1,577      514  250  528 

(Settlements)/proceeds of debt related instruments

     (160 (218 36      (157)  (160 (218

Repayment of interest bearing liabilities

     (2,604 (4,188 (7,114     (2,047)  (2,604 (4,188

Purchase of shares by Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trusts

     (188 (171 (108     (143)  (188 (171

Sharebuy-back – BHP Group Limited

     (5,220             (5,220   

Dividends paid

     (11,395 (5,220 (2,921     (6,876)  (11,395 (5,220

Dividends paid tonon-controlling interests

     (1,198 (1,582 (575     (1,043)  (1,198 (1,582
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Continuing operations

     (20,515 (10,851 (9,105     (9,752)  (20,515 (10,851
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net financing cash flows from Discontinued operations

   27    (13 (40 (28   28      (13 (40
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net financing cash flows

     (20,528 (10,891 (9,133     (9,752)  (20,528 (10,891
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents from Continuing operations

     (10,495 1,650  3,047      (1,662)  (10,495 1,650 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations

     18  (1 463        18  (1

Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash

     10,427              10,427    

Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the beginning of the financial year

     15,813  14,108  10,276      15,593  15,813  14,108 

Foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (170 56  322      (505)  (170 56 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the end of the financial year

   19    15,593  15,813  14,108    19    13,426  15,593  15,813 
    

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-5


5.1.5    Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 20192020

 

 Attributable to BHP shareholders       Attributable to BHP shareholders     
 Share capital Treasury
shares
  Reserves Retained
earnings
 Total equity
attributable
to BHP
shareholders
 Non-
controlling
interests
 Total
equity
   Share capital   Treasury
shares
  Reserves Retained
earnings
 Total equity
attributable
to BHP
shareholders
 Non-
controlling
interests
 Total
equity
 

US$M

 BHP
Group
Limited
 BHP
Group
Plc
 BHP
Group
Limited
 BHP
Group
Plc
   BHP
Group
Limited
 BHP
Group
Plc
   BHP
Group
Limited
 BHP
Group
Plc
 

Balance as at 1 July 2019

   1,111  1,057    (32)    2,285  42,819  47,240  4,584  51,824 

Total comprehensive income

             (12)  7,910  7,898  769  8,667 

Transactions with owners:

           

Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts

         (139)  (4)      (143)    (143) 

Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions net of tax

         166  4  (132)  (38)       

Vested employee share awards that have lapsed, been cancelled or forfeited

             (10)  10       

Accrued employee entitlement for unexercised awards net of tax

             175    175    175 

Dividends

               (7,234)  (7,234)  (1,043)  (8,277) 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2020

   1,111  1,057    (5)    2,306  43,467  47,936  4,310  52,246 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 1 July 2018

  1,186   1,057   (5     2,290   51,064   55,592   5,078   60,670    1,186  1,057    (5    2,290  51,064  55,592  5,078  60,670 

Impact of adopting IFRS 9

                 (7  (7     (7                  (7 (7    (7
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 1 July 2018

  1,186   1,057   (5     2,290   51,057   55,585   5,078   60,663    1,186  1,057    (5    2,290  51,057  55,585  5,078  60,663 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total comprehensive income

              (24  8,306   8,282   878   9,160                (24 8,306  8,282  878  9,160 

Transactions with owners:

                    

Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts

        (182  (6        (188     (188          (182 (6       (188    (188

Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions

        155   6   (100  (61         

Employee share awards forfeited

              (18  18          

Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions net of tax

          155  6  (100 (61         

Vested employee share awards that have lapsed, been cancelled or forfeited

               (18 18          

Accrued employee entitlement for unexercised awards

              138      138      138                138     138     138 

Dividends

                 (11,302  (11,302  (1,205  (12,507                  (11,302 (11,302 (1,205 (12,507

BHP Group Limited shares bought back and cancelled

  (75              (5,199  (5,274     (5,274   (75              (5,199 (5,274    (5,274

Divestment of subsidiaries, operations and joint operations

                       (168  (168                        (168 (168

Transfer to non-controlling interests

              (1     (1  1                   (1    (1 1    
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2019

  1,111   1,057   (32     2,285   42,819   47,240   4,584   51,824    1,111  1,057    (32    2,285  42,819  47,240  4,584  51,824 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 1 July 2017

 1,186  1,057  (2 (1 2,400  52,618  57,258  5,468  62,726    1,186  1,057    (2 (1 2,400  52,618  57,258  5,468  62,726 

Total comprehensive income

             (87 3,695  3,608  1,118  4,726                (87 3,695  3,608  1,118  4,726 

Transactions with owners:

                    

Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts

       (159 (12       (171    (171          (159 (12       (171    (171

Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions

       156  13  (139 (30         

Employee share awards forfeited

             (2 2          

Accrued employee entitlement for unexercised awards

             123     123     123 

Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions net of tax

          156  13  (139 (30         

Vested employee share awards that have lapsed, been cancelled or forfeited

               (2 2          

Accrued employee entitlement for

           

unexercised awards

               123     123     123 

Distribution tonon-controlling interests

                      (14 (14                        (14 (14

Dividends

                (5,221 (5,221 (1,499 (6,720                  (5,221 (5,221 (1,499 (6,720

Transfer tonon-controlling interests

             (5    (5 5                   (5    (5 5    
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2018

 1,186  1,057  (5    2,290  51,064  55,592  5,078  60,670    1,186  1,057    (5    2,290  51,064  55,592  5,078  60,670 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 1 July 2016

 1,186  1,057  (7 (26 2,538  49,542  54,290  5,781  60,071 

Total comprehensive income

             (59 5,900  5,841  332  6,173 

Transactions with owners:

         

Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts

       (105 (3       (108    (108

Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions

       110  28  (167 29          

Employee share awards forfeited

             (18 18          

Accrued employee entitlement for unexercised awards

             106     106     106 

Distribution tonon-controlling interests

                      (16 (16

Dividends

                (2,871 (2,871 (601 (3,472

Divestment of subsidiaries, operations and joint operations

                      (28 (28
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2017

 1,186  1,057  (2 (1 2,400  52,618  57,258  5,468  62,726 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

F-6


Basis of preparation

The Group’s Financial Statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2019:2020:

 

isare a consolidated general purpose financial report;

 

hashave been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the:

 

 ¡  

Australian Corporations Act 2001;

 

 ¡  

UK Companies Act 2006;

 

hashave been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and interpretations collectively referred to as ‘IFRS’ in this report, which encompass the:

 

 ¡  

International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;

 

 ¡  

Australian Accounting Standards, being Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB);

 

 ¡  

International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations adopted by the European Union (EU);

 

isare prepared on a going concern basis;

 

measuresmeasure items on the basis of historical cost principles, except for the following items:

 

 ¡  

derivative financial instruments and certain other financial assets and liabilities, which are carried at fair value;

 

 ¡  

non-current assets or disposal groups that are classified asheld-for-sale orheld-for-distribution, which are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell;

 

includesinclude significant accounting policies in the notes to the Financial Statements that summarise the recognition and measurement basis used and are relevant to an understanding of the Financial Statements;

 

appliesapply a presentation currency of US dollars, consistent with the predominant functional currency of the Group’s operations. Amounts are rounded to the nearest million dollars, unless otherwise stated, in accordance with ASIC (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191;

 

presentspresent reclassified comparative information where required for consistency with the current year’s presentation;

 

adoptsadopt all new and amended standards and interpretations under IFRS issued by the relevant bodies (listed above), that are mandatory for application in periods beginning on or after 1 July 2018. The2019;

early adopt amendments to IFRS 9/AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (IFRS 9) and IFRS 7/AASB 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ (IFRS 7) in relation to Interest Rate Benchmark Reform;

apply accounting policies have been consistently applied in all prior years presented with the exception of the new standards and amendments adopted from 1 July 2019 and 1 July 2018. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ for the impact on the Financial Statements;

 

hashave not early adopted any other standards and interpretations that have been issued or amended but are not yet effective.

The accounting policies are consistently applied by all entities included in the Financial Statements.

Principles of consolidation

In preparing the Financial Statements the effects of all intragroup balances and transactions have been eliminated.

F-7


A list of significant entities in the Group, including subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates atyear-end is contained in note 2829 ‘Subsidiaries’, note 2930 ‘Investments accounted for using the equity method’ and note 3031 ‘Interests in joint operations’.

Subsidiaries: The Financial Statements of the Group include the consolidation of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries, being the entities controlled by the parent entities during the year. Control exists where the Group:

 

is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity;

 

has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity.

The ability to approve the operating and capital budget of a subsidiary and the ability to appoint key management personnel are decisions that demonstrate that the Group has the existing rights to direct the relevant activities of a subsidiary. Where the Group’s interest is less than 100 per cent, the interest attributable to outside shareholders is reflected innon-controlling interests. The financial statementsFinancial Statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the Group’s business combinations.

Joint arrangements: The Group undertakes a number of business activities through joint arrangements, which exist when two or more parties have joint control. Joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures, based on the contractual rights and obligations between the parties to the arrangement:

 

 

Joint operations: A joint operation is an arrangement in which the Group shares joint control, primarily via contractual arrangements with other parties. In a joint operation, the Group has rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement. This includes situations where the parties benefit from the joint activity through a share of the output, rather than by receiving a share of the results of trading. In relation to the Group’s interest in a joint operation, the Group recognises: its assets and liabilities, including its share of any assets and liabilities held or incurred jointly; revenue from the sale of its share of the output and its share of any revenue generated from the sale of the output by the joint operation; and its expenses including its share of expenses.expenses incurred jointly. All such amounts are measured in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, which is usually in proportion to the Group’s interest in the joint operation.

 

 

Joint ventures: A joint venture is a joint arrangement in which the parties that share joint control have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. A separate vehicle, not the parties, will have the rights to the assets and obligations to the liabilities relating to the arrangement. More than an insignificant share of output from a joint venture is sold to third parties, which indicates the joint venture is not dependent on the parties to the arrangement for funding, nor do the parties have an obligation for the liabilities of the arrangement. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity accounting method.

Associates: The Group accounts for investments in associates using the equity accounting method. An entity is considered an associate where the Group is deemed to have significant influence but not control or joint control. Significant influence is presumed to exist where the Group:

 

has over 20 per cent but less than 50 per cent of the voting rights of an entity, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case; or

 

holds less than 20 per cent of the voting rights of an entity; however, has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions affecting the entity.

The Group uses the term ‘equity accounted investments’ to refer to joint ventures and associates collectively.

F-8


Foreign currencies

Transactions related to the Group’s worldwide operations are conducted in a number of foreign currencies. The majority of the subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates within each of the operations have assessed US dollars as the functional currency, however, some subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates have functional currencies other than US dollars.

Transactions and monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars as follows:

 

Foreign currency item

  

Applicable exchange rate

Transactions

  

Date of underlying transaction

Monetary assets and liabilities

  

Period-end rate

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from translation are recognised in the income statement, except for qualifying cash flow hedges (which are deferred to equity) and foreign exchange gains or losses on foreign currency provisions for site closure and rehabilitation costs (which are capitalised in property, plant and equipment for operating sites).

On consolidation, the assets, liabilities, income and expenses ofnon-US dollar denominated functional currency entities are translated into US dollars using the following applicable exchange rates:

 

Foreign currency amount

  

Applicable exchange rate

Income and expenses

  

Date of underlying transaction

Assets and liabilities

  

Period-end rate

Equity

  

Historical rate

Reserves

  

Historical rate

Foreign exchange differences resulting from translation are initially recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve and subsequently transferred to the income statement on disposal of a foreign operation.

 

Critical accounting policies, judgements and estimates

The Group has identified a number of critical accounting policies under which significant judgements, estimates and assumptions are made. All judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on most current facts and circumstances and are reassessed on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ for these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. This may materially affect financial results and the carrying amount of assets and liabilities to be reported in the next and future periods.

Significant judgements and key estimates and assumptions made in applying these critical accounting policies are embedded within the following notes:

 

Significant judgements and key estimates and assumptions made in applying these critical accounting policies are embedded within the following notes:

Note

    

    4

  Significant events – Samarco dam failure

    6

  Taxation

10

  Inventories

11 and 12

  Exploration and evaluation

11

  Development expenditure

11

  Overburden removal costs

11

  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

11 and 12

  Impairments ofnon-current assets – recoverable amount

14

  Closure and rehabilitation provisions

F-9


Reserve estimates

Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Group’s properties. In order to estimate reserves, estimates are required for a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, grades, production techniques, recovery rates, production costs, transport costs, commodity demand, commodity prices and exchange rates.

Estimating the quantity and/or grade of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies or fields to be determined by analysing geological data such as drilling samples. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgements to interpret the data.

Additional information on the Group’s mineral and oil and gas reserves can be viewed within section 6.3.

Section 6.3 is unaudited and does not form part of these Financial Statements.

Reserve impact on financial reporting

Estimates of reserves may change fromperiod-to-period as the economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change and additional geological data is generated during the course of operations. Changes in reserves may affect the Group’s financial results and financial position in a number of ways, including:

  20

  

Leases

  30

Impairments of investments accounted for using the equity method

Reserve estimates

Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be demonstrated to be able to be economically and legally extracted from the Group’s properties. In order to estimate reserves, assumptions are required about a range of technical and economic factors, including quantities, qualities, production techniques, recovery efficiency, production and transport costs, commodity supply and demand, commodity prices and exchange rates.

Estimating the quantity and/or quality of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies or oil and gas reservoirs to be determined by analysing geological data, such as drilling samples and geophysical survey interpretations. Economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change from period to period as additional technical and operational data is generated. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgements to interpret the data.

Additional information on the Group’s mineral and oil and gas reserves can be viewed within section 6.4.

Section 6.4 is unaudited and does not form part of these Financial Statements.

Reserve impact on financial reporting

Estimates of reserves may change from period-to-period as the economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change and additional geological data is generated during the course of operations. Changes in reserves may affect the Group’s financial results and financial position in a number of ways, including:

•   asset carrying values may be affected due to changes in estimated future production levels;

depreciation, depletion and amortisation charged in the income statement may change where such charges are determined on the units of production basis, or where the useful economic lives of assets change;

overburden removal costs recorded on the balance sheet or charged to the income statement may change due to changes in stripping ratios or the units of production basis of depreciation;

decommissioning, site restoration   closure and environmentalrehabilitation provisions may change where changes in estimated reserves affect expectations about the timing or cost of these activities;

the carrying amount of deferred tax assets may change due to changes in estimates of the likely recovery of the tax benefits.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic

F-10The Group continues to actively monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact on economic activity and financial reporting. During FY2020, the Group experienced lower volumes at certain operated assets, temporary shutdowns at non-operated equity accounted investments (Antamina and Cerrejón) and incurred incremental directly attributable costs including those associated with the increased provision of health and hygiene services and the impacts of maintaining social distancing requirements. These incremental costs have been classified as an exceptional item, as outlined in note 3 ‘Exceptional items’.

As the pandemic continues to progress and evolve, it is difficult to predict the full extent and duration of resulting operational and economic impacts for the Group, which are expected to impact a number of reporting periods. This uncertainty impacts judgements made by the Group, including those relating to assessing collectability of receivables and determining the recoverable values of the Group’s non-current assets as outlined in notes 8 ‘Trade and other receivables’ and 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’, respectively.

The ongoing uncertainty has also been considered in the Group’s assessment of the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Group’s financial forecasts, including downside commodity price and production scenarios that include the potential impact of COVID-19, demonstrate that the Group believes that it has sufficient financial resources to meet its obligations as they fall due throughout the going concern period. As such, the Consolidated Financial Statements continue to be prepared on the going concern basis.


5.1.6    Notes to the Financial Statements

Performance

1    Segment reporting

Reportable segments

The Group operated four reportable segments during FY2019,FY2020, which are aligned with the commodities that are extracted and marketed and reflect the structure used by the Group’s management to assess the performance of the Group.

 

Reportable segment

  

Principal activities

Petroleum

  

Exploration, development and production of oil and gas

Copper

  

Mining of copper, silver, zinc, molybdenum, uranium and gold

Iron Ore

  

Mining of iron ore

Coal

  

Mining of metallurgical coal and energy coal

Unless otherwise noted, the segment reporting information for the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 excludes Discontinued operations, being the Petroleum Onshore US operations comprising the Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Permian and Fayetteville oil and gas assets.

Group and unallocated items includes functions, and other unallocated operations including Potash, Nickel West and legacy assets (previously disclosed as closed mines in the Petroleum reportable segment), and consolidation adjustments. Comparative information for the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 have been restated to reflect the inclusion of legacy assets in Group and unallocated items. Revenue not attributable to reportable segments comprises the sale of freight and fuel to third parties, as well as revenues from unallocated operations. Exploration and technology activities are recognised within relevant segments.

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

 Petroleum  Copper  Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations
  Group
total
 

Revenue

  5,853   10,838   17,251   9,121   1,225   44,288 

Inter-segment revenue

  77      4      (81   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenue

  5,930   10,838   17,255   9,121   1,144   44,288 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

  3,801   4,550   11,129   4,067   (389  23,158 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation (1)

  (1,560  (1,835  (1,653  (632  (149  (5,829

Impairment losses (2)

  (21  (128  (79  (35  (1  (264
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBIT

  2,220   2,587   9,397   3,400   (539  17,065 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exceptional items (3)

        (971     19   (952

Net finance costs

       (1,064
      

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

       15,049 
      

 

 

 

Capital expenditure (cash basis)

  645   2,735   1,611   655   604   6,250 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

  (2  303   (945  103   (5  (546
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

  239   1,472      853   5   2,569 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  12,465   27,428   22,592   12,124   26,252   100,861 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  5,237   3,340   5,106   2,450   32,904   49,037 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-11

Year ended 30 June 2020

US$M

  Petroleum  Copper  Iron Ore  Coal  Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations
  Group
total
 

Revenue

   4,008   10,666   20,797   6,241   1,219   42,931 

Inter-segment revenue

   62         1   (63   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenue

   4,070   10,666   20,797   6,242   1,156   42,931 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   2,207   4,347   14,554   1,632   (669  22,071 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation

   (1,445  (1,740  (1,608  (807  (512  (6,112

Impairment losses (1)

   (12  (17  (22  (14  (20  (85
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Underlying EBIT

   750   2,590   12,924   811   (1,201  15,874 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exceptional items (2)

   (6  (1,228  (614  (18  413   (1,453

Net finance costs

        (911
       

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

        13,510 
       

 

 

 

Capital expenditure (cash basis)

   909   2,434   2,328   603   626   6,900 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (4  67   (508  (68  1   (512
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

   245   1,558      776   6   2,585 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   13,071   27,942   23,841   12,110   27,819   104,783 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   4,824   3,535   5,441   2,601   36,136   52,537 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

  Petroleum Copper Iron Ore Coal Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (4)
 Group
total
 

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

Restated

  Petroleum Copper Iron Ore Coal Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations
 Group
total
 

Revenue

   5,333  12,781  14,797  8,889  1,329  43,129    5,853  10,838  17,251  9,121  1,225  44,288 

Inter-segment revenue

   75     13     (88      77     4     (81   
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total revenue

   5,408  12,781  14,810  8,889  1,241  43,129    5,930  10,838  17,255  9,121  1,144  44,288 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,341  6,522  8,930  4,397  (7 23,183    4,061  4,550  11,129  4,067  (649 23,158 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation (1)

   (1,719 (1,920 (1,721 (686 (242 (6,288

Impairment losses (2)

   (76 (213 (14 (29 (1 (333

Depreciation and amortisation

   (1,560 (1,835 (1,653 (632 (149 (5,829

Impairment losses (1)

   (21 (128 (79 (35 (1 (264
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Underlying EBIT

   1,546  4,389  7,195  3,682  (250 16,562    2,480  2,587  9,397  3,400  (799 17,065 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Exceptional items (3)

        (539    (27 (566

Exceptional items (2)

        (971    19  (952

Net finance costs

       (1,245       (1,064
       

 

        

 

 

Profit before taxation

       14,751        15,049 
       

 

        

 

 

Capital expenditure (cash basis)

   656  2,428  1,074  409  412  4,979    645  2,735  1,611  655  604  6,250 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (4 467  (509 192  1  147    (2 303  (945 103  (5 (546
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

   249  1,335     883  6  2,473    239  1,472     853  5  2,569 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total assets

   12,938  26,824  22,208  12,257  37,766  111,993    12,434  27,428  22,592  12,124  26,283  100,861 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   4,886  3,145  3,888  2,404  37,000  51,323    4,102  3,340  5,106  2,450  34,039  49,037 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2017

US$M

  Petroleum Copper Iron Ore Coal Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (4)
 Group
total
 

Year ended 30 June 2018

US$M

Restated

  Petroleum Copper Iron Ore Coal Group and
unallocated
items/
eliminations (3)
 Group
total
 

Revenue

   4,639  7,942  14,606  7,578  975  35,740    5,333  12,781  14,797  8,889  1,329  43,129 

Inter-segment revenue

   83     18     (101      75     13     (88   
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total revenue

   4,722  7,942  14,624  7,578  874  35,740    5,408  12,781  14,810  8,889  1,241  43,129 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

   3,117  3,545  9,077  3,784  (173 19,350    3,393  6,522  8,930  4,397  (59 23,183 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation (1)

   (1,648 (1,525 (1,828 (719 (252 (5,972

Impairment losses (2)

   (102 (14 (52 (15 (5 (188

Depreciation and amortisation

   (1,719 (1,920 (1,721 (686 (242 (6,288

Impairment losses (1)

   (76 (213 (14 (29 (1 (333
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Underlying EBIT

   1,367  2,006  7,197  3,050  (430 13,190    1,598  4,389  7,195  3,682  (302 16,562 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Exceptional items (3)

     (546 (203 164  (51 (636

Exceptional items (2)

        (539    (27 (566

Net finance costs

       (1,417       (1,245
       

 

        

 

 

Profit before taxation

       11,137        14,751 
       

 

        

 

 

Capital expenditure (cash basis)

   917  1,484  805  246  245  3,697    656  2,428  1,074  409  412  4,979 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   (3 295  (172 152     272    (4 467  (509 192  1  147 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

   264  1,306     873  5  2,448    249  1,335     883  6  2,473 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total assets

   13,726  26,743  22,781  11,996  41,760  117,006    12,896  26,824  22,208  12,257  37,808  111,993 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   4,715  2,643  3,606  1,860  41,456  54,280    3,977  3,145  3,888  2,404  37,909  51,323 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Depreciation and amortisation excludesImpairment losses exclude exceptional items of US$ nil (FY2018:409 million (FY2019: US$ nil; FY2017:FY2018: US$212 million) nil).

 

(2)

Impairment losses excludes exceptional items of US$ nil (FY2018: US$ nil; FY2017: US$5 million).

(3) 

Exceptional items reported in Group and unallocated include Samarco dam failure costs of US$(32) million (FY2019: US$(31) million (FY2018:million; FY2018: US$(27) million; FY2017: US$(51) million) and Samarco related other income of US$489 million (FY2019: US$50 million (FY2018: US$ nil; FY2017:million; FY2018: US$ nil). Refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ for further information.

 

(4)(3) 

Total assets and total liabilities include balances for the yearsyear ended 30 June 2018 and 2017 relating to Onshore US assets.

F-12


Geographical information

 

  Revenue by location of customer   Revenue by location of customer 
  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Australia

   2,568    2,304    2,037    2,232    2,568    2,304 

Europe

   1,875    1,886    1,641    1,156    1,875    1,886 

China

   24,274    22,660    18,644    26,576    24,274    22,660 

Japan

   4,193    4,628    3,036    3,904    4,193    4,628 

India

   2,479    2,439    1,891    1,475    2,479    2,439 

South Korea

   2,550    2,588    2,271    2,666    2,550    2,588 

Rest of Asia

   2,940    2,620    3,152    2,583    2,940    2,620 

North America

   2,442    2,715    2,233    1,827    2,442    2,715 

South America

   662    1,054    649    315    662    1,054 

Rest of world

   305    235    186    197    305    235 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   44,288    43,129    35,740    42,931    44,288    43,129 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  Non-current assets by location of assets   Non-current assets by location of assets 
  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Australia

   45,013    45,157    46,949    47,286    45,013    45,157 

North America (1)

   8,633    8,246    22,860 

North America

   9,682    8,633    8,246 

South America

   18,404    18,267    18,899    18,179    18,404    18,267 

Rest of world

   371    154    173    1,955    371    154 

Unallocated assets (2)(1)

   5,067    5,039    7,069    6,210    5,067    5,039 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   77,488    76,863    95,950    83,312    77,488    76,863 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Balance for the year ended 30 June 2017 includesnon-current assets relating to Onshore US assets.

(2) 

Unallocated assets comprise deferred tax assets and other financial assets.

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying EBITDA is earnings before net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments, taxation expense, Discontinued operations and any exceptional items. Underlying EBITDA includes BHP’s share of profit/(loss) from investments accounted for using the equity method including net finance costs, depreciation, amortisation and impairments and taxation expense.

Exceptional items are excluded from Underlying EBITDA in order to enhance the comparability of such measures fromperiod-to-period and provide investors with further clarity in order to assess the underlying performance of the Group’s operations. Management monitors exceptional items separately. Refer to note 3 ‘Exceptional items’ for additional detail.

Segment assets and liabilities

Total segment assets and liabilities of reportable segments represents operating assets and operating liabilities, including the carrying amount of equity accounted investments and predominantly excludes cash balances, loans to associates, interest bearing liabilities and deferred tax balances. The carrying value of investments accounted for using the equity method represents the balance of the Group’s investment in equity accounted investments, with no adjustment for any cash balances, interest bearing liabilities or deferred tax balances of the equity accounted investment.

F-13


2    Revenue

Revenue by segment and asset

 

  2020 2019 2018 
  2019
US$M
 2018
US$M
 2017
US$M
   US$M US$M US$M 

Australia Production Unit

   507  568  601    361  507  568 

Bass Strait

   1,237  1,285  1,096    1,102  1,237  1,285 

North West Shelf

   1,657  1,400  1,190    1,076  1,657  1,400 

Atlantis

   979  833  677    561  979  833 

Shenzi

   540  576  509    277  540  576 

Mad Dog

   319  229  202    216  319  229 

Trinidad/Tobago

   287  161  110    191  287  161 

Algeria

   258  234  212    159  258  234 

Third party products

   10  12  9    39  10  12 

Other

   136  110  116    88  136  110 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Petroleum (1)

   5,930  5,408  4,722    4,070  5,930  5,408 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Escondida

   6,876  8,346  4,242    6,719  6,876  8,346 

Pampa Norte

   1,502  1,831  1,401    1,395  1,502  1,831 

Olympic Dam

   1,351  1,255  1,287    1,463  1,351  1,255 

Third party products

   1,109  1,349  1,012    1,089  1,109  1,349 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Copper (2)

   10,838  12,781  7,942    10,666  10,838  12,781 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Western Australia Iron Ore

   17,066  14,596  14,395    20,663  17,066  14,596 

Third party products

   32  54  81    15  32  54 

Other

   157  160  148    119  157  160 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Iron Ore

   17,255  14,810  14,624    20,797  17,255  14,810 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Queensland Coal

   7,679  7,388  6,316    5,357  7,679  7,388 

New South Wales Energy Coal

   1,421  1,499  1,251    885  1,421  1,499 

Third party products

   19  2         19  2 

Other

   2     11      2    
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Coal (3)

   9,121  8,889  7,578    6,242  9,121  8,889 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Group and unallocated items (4)

   1,225  1,329  975    1,219  1,225  1,329 

Inter-segment adjustment

   (81 (88 (101   (63 (81 (88
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total revenue

   44,288  43,129  35,740    42,931  44,288  43,129 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Total Petroleum revenue includes: crude oil US$2,033 million (2019: US$3,171 million (2018:million; 2018: US$2,933 million; 2017: US$2,528 million), natural gas US$980 million (2019: US$1,259 million (2018:million; 2018: US$1,124 million; 2017: US$1,029 million), LNG US$774 million (2019: US$1,179 million (2018:million; 2018: US$920 million; 2017: US$858 million), NGL US$198 million (2019: US$263 million (2018:million; 2018: US$294 million; 2017: US$265 million) and other US$85 million (2019: US$58 million (2018:million; 2018: US$137 million; 2017: US$42 million).

 

(2) 

Total Copper revenue includes: copper US$10,044 million (2019: US$10,215 million (2018:million; 2018: US$12,059 million; 2017: US$7,323 million) and other US$622 million (2019: US$623 million (2018:million; 2018: US$722 million; 2017: US$619 million). Other consists of silver, zinc, molybdenum, uranium and gold.

 

(3) 

Total Coal revenue includes: metallurgical coal US$5,311 million (2019: US$7,568 million (2018:million; 2018: US$7,331 million; 2017: US$6,266 million) and thermalenergy coal US$931 million (2019: US$1,553 million (2018:million; 2018: US$1,558 million; 2017: US$1,312 million).

 

(4) 

Group and unallocated items revenue includes: Nickel West US$1,189 million (2019: US$1,193 million (2018:million; 2018: US$1,297 million; 2017: US$950 million) and other revenue US$3230 million (2018:(2019: US$32 million; 2017:2018: US$2532 million).

F-14


Revenue consists of revenue from contracts with customers of US$43,087 million (2019: US$44,361 million (2018:million; 2018: US$42,748 million; 2017: US$35,036 million) and other revenue of US$(156) million (2019: US$(73) million (2018:million; 2018: US$381 million; 2017: US$704 million).

Recognition and measurement

The Group generates revenue from the production and sale of commodities. Revenue is recognised when or as control of the promised goods or services passes to the customer. In most instances, control passes when the goods are delivered to a destination specified by the customer, typically on board the customer’s appointed vessel. Revenue from the provision of services is recognised over time, but does not represent a significant proportion of total revenue and is aggregated with the respective asset and product revenue for disclosure purposes. The amount of revenue recognised reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for the goods or services.

Where the Group’s sales are provisionally priced, the final price depends on future index prices. The amount of revenue initially recognised is based on the relevant forward market price. Adjustments between the provisional and final price are accounted for under IFRS 9/AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (IFRS 9) and separately recorded as other revenue. The period between provisional pricing and final invoicing is typically between 60 and 120 days.

Revenue from concentrate is net of treatment costs and refining charges.

Revenue from the sale of significantby-products is included within revenue. Where aby-product is not significant, revenue is credited against costs.

The Group applies the practical expedient to not adjust the expected consideration for the effects of the time value of money if the period between the delivery and when the customer pays for the promised good or service is one year or less.

For commodity sales contracts, each individual metric unit is a separate performance obligation. Where the Group has contracts with unfulfilled performance obligations at period end, it is required to disclose the transaction price allocated to these performance obligations. The Group applies the practical expedient to not disclose this information for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. The Group has a number of long-term contracts which are primarily priced on variable terms, based on quoted index prices near the time of delivery, and at times include fixed pricing components. Fixed pricing components, such as premiums and other charges, do not represent a significant proportion of the total price. Any estimate of the future transaction price would exclude estimated amounts of variable consideration. The amount of future consideration from fixed pricing components has not been disclosed, as the Group does not consider this relevant or useful information.

F-15


3    Exceptional items

Exceptional items are those gains or losses where their nature, including the expected frequency of the events giving rise to them, and amountimpact is considered material to the Financial Statements. Such items included within the Group’s profit from Continuing operations for the year are detailed below. Exceptional items attributable to Discontinued operations are detailed in note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’:.

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

  Gross Tax   Net 

Year ended 30 June 2020

  Gross Tax Net 
  US$M US$M   US$M   US$M US$M US$M 

Exceptional items by category

         

Samarco dam failure

   (1,060      (1,060   (176     (176

Global taxation matters

      242    242 

Cancellation of power contracts

   (778  271   (507

COVID-19 related costs

   (183  53   (130

Cerro Colorado impairment

   (409)   (83  (492
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

   (1,060  242    (818   (1,546  241   (1,305
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests

              (291  90   (201

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (1,060  242    (818   (1,255  151   (1,104
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) dam failure

The FY2020 exceptional loss of US$176 million related to the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 and comprises the following:

Year ended 30 June 2020

US$M

Other income

489

Expenses excluding net finance costs:

Costs incurred directly by BHP Brasil and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure

(64

Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:

Samarco impairment expense (1)

(95

Samarco Germano dam decommissioning

46

Samarco dam failure provision

(459

Net finance costs

(93

Total (2)

(176

(1)

Following a change to IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ the loss from working capital funding provided during the period will be disclosed as an impairment included within the Samarco impairment expense line item and not as operating loss. Comparative periods have been restated to reflect the change.

(2)

Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

Cancellation of power contracts

Reflects an onerous contract provision in relation to the cancellation of power contracts at the Group’s Escondida and Spence operations, as part of the shift towards 100 per cent renewable energy supply contracts.

COVID-19 related costs

COVID-19 can be considered a single protracted globally pervasive event with financial impacts expected over a number of reporting periods. The exceptional item reflects the directly attributable COVID-19 pandemic related additional costs for the Group for FY2020, including costs associated with the increased provision of health and hygiene services and the impacts of maintaining social distancing requirements.

Cerro Colorado impairment

The Group recognised an impairment charge of US$492 million (after tax) in relation to Cerro Colorado. This reflects the decision taken by the Group to reduce Cerro Colorado’s throughput for the remaining period of its current environmental licence, which expires at the end of CY2023.

The exceptional items relating to the year ended 30 June 2019 and the year ended 30 June 2018 are detailed below.

30 June 2019

Year ended 30 June 2019

  Gross  Tax   Net 
   US$M  US$M   US$M 

Exceptional items by category

     

Samarco dam failure

   (1,060      (1,060

Global taxation matters

      242    242 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (1,060  242    (818
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

           

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (1,060  242    (818
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) dam failure

The FY2019 exceptional loss of US$1,060 million related to the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 and comprises the following:

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

  US$M 

Other income

   50 

Expenses excluding net finance costs:

  

Costs incurred directly by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure

   (57

Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:

  

Share of loss relating to the Samarco dam failureimpairment expense (1)

   (96

Samarco Germano dam decommissioning

   (263

Samarco dam failure provision

   (586

Net finance costs

   (108
  

 

 

 

Total (1)(2)

   (1,060
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Following a change to IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ the loss from working capital funding provided during the period will be disclosed as an impairment included within the Samarco impairment expense line item and not as operating loss. Comparative periods have been restated to reflect the change.

(2) 

Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

Global taxation matters

Global taxation matters includes amounts released from provisions for tax matters and other claims resolved during the period.

30 June 2018

Year ended 30 June 2018

  Gross  Tax  

Net

   US$M  US$M  US$M
    

Exceptional items by category

    

Samarco dam failure

   (650    (650)

US tax reform

      (2,320 (2,320)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Total

   (650  (2,320 (2,970)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests

        

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (650  (2,320 (2,970)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

F-16


Year ended 30 June 2018

  Gross  Tax  Net 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 

Exceptional items by category

    

Samarco dam failure

   (650     (650

US tax reform

      (2,320  (2,320
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   (650  (2,320  (2,970
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

          

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (650  (2,320  (2,970
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) dam failure

The FY2018 exceptional loss of US$650 million related to the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 and comprises the following:

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

  US$M 

Expenses excluding net finance costs:

  

Costs incurred directly by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure

   (57

Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:

  

Share of loss relating to the Samarco dam failureimpairment expense (1)

   (80

Samarco dam failure provision

   (429

Net finance costs

   (84
  

 

 

 

Total (1)(2)

   (650
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Following a change to IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ the loss from working capital funding provided during the period will be disclosed as an impairment included within the Samarco impairment expense line item and not as operating loss. Comparative periods have been restated to reflect the change.

(2) 

Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

US tax reform

On 22 December 2017, the US President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the TCJA) into law. The TCJA (effective 1 January 2018) includes a broad range of tax reforms affecting the Group, including, but not limited to, a reduction in the US corporate tax rate from 35 per cent to 21 per cent and changes to international tax provisions.

Following enactment of the TCJA, the Group has recognised an exceptional income tax charge of US$2,320 million, primarily relating to the reduced US corporate income tax rate, which resulted inre-measurement of the Group’s deferred tax position and impairment of foreign tax credits due to reduced forecast utilisation, together with tax charges on the deemed repatriation of accumulated earnings ofnon-US subsidiaries.

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

  US$M 

Re-measurement of deferred taxes as a result of reduced US corporate income tax rate

   (1,390

Impairment of foreign tax credits

   (834

Net impact of tax charges on deemed repatriation of accumulated earnings ofnon-US subsidiaries

   (194

Recognition of Alternative Minimum Tax Credits

   95 

Other impacts

   3 
  

 

 

 

Total(1)

   (2,320

(1)

Refer to note 6 ‘Income tax expense’ for further information.

F-17


Year ended 30 June 2017

  Gross  Tax  Net 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 
    

Exceptional items by category

    

Samarco dam failure

   (381     (381

Escondida industrial action

   (546  179   (367

Cancellation of the Caroona exploration licence

   164   (49  115 

Withholding tax on Chilean dividends

      (373  (373
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   (763  (243  (1,006
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests – Escondida industrial action

   (232  68   (164

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (531  (311  (842
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) dam failure

The FY2017 exceptional loss of US$381 million related to the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 and comprises the following:

Year ended 30 June 2017

US$M

Expenses excluding net finance costs:

Costs incurred directly by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure

(82

Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:

Share of loss relating to the Samarco dam failure

(134

Samarco dam failure provision

(38
Net finance costs(127

Total (1)

(381
  

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’6 ‘Income tax expense’ for further information.

Escondida industrial action

Our Escondida asset in Chile began negotiations with Union N°1 on a new collective agreement in December 2016, as the existing agreement was expiring on 31 January 2017. Negotiations, includinggovernment-led mediation, failed and the union commenced strike action on 9 February 2017 resulting in a total shutdown of operations, including work on the expansion of key projects. On 24 March 2017, following a44-day strike and a revised offer being presented to union members, Union N°1 exercised its rights under Article 369 of the Chilean Labour Code to extend the existing collective agreement for 18 months.

Industrial action through this period resulted in a reduction to FY2017 copper production of 214 kt and gave rise to idle capacity charges of US$546 million, including depreciation of US$212 million.

Cancellation of the Caroona exploration licence

Following the Group’s agreement with the New South Wales Government in August 2016 to cancel the exploration licence of the Caroona Coal project, a net gain of US$115 million (after tax expense) has been recognised.

Withholding tax on Chilean dividends

BHP Billiton Chile Inversiones Limitada paid aone-off US$2.3 billion dividend to its parent in April 2017 while a concessional tax rate was available, resulting in withholding tax of US$373 million.

F-18


4    Significant events – Samarco dam failure

On 5 November 2015, the Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil, experienced a tailings dam failure that resulted in a release of mine tailings, flooding the communities of Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu and impacting other communities downstream (the Samarco dam failure). Refer to section 1.71.8 ‘Samarco’.

Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Billiton Brasil) and Vale S.A. (Vale). BHP Billiton Brasil’s 50 per cent interest is accounted for as an equity accounted joint venture investment. BHP Billiton Brasil does not separately recognise its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of Samarco, but instead records the investment as one line on the balance sheet. Each period, BHP Billiton Brasil recognises its 50 per cent share of Samarco’s profit or loss and adjusts the carrying value of the investment in Samarco accordingly. Such adjustment continues until the investment carrying value is reduced to US$ nil, with any additional share of Samarco losses only recognised to the extent that BHP Billiton Brasil has an obligation to fund the losses, or when future investment funding is provided.losses. After applying equity accounting, any remaining carrying value of the investment is tested for impairment.

Any charges relating to the Samarco dam failure incurred directly by BHP Billiton Brasil or other BHP entities are recognised 100 per cent in the Group’s results.

The financial impacts of the Samarco dam failure on the Group’s income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement for the year ended 30 June 20192020 are shown in the table below and have been treated as an exceptional item.

 

Financial impacts of Samarco dam failure

  2019 2018 2017   2020 2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M 

Income statement

        

Other income (1)

   50          489  50   

Expenses excluding net finance costs:

        

Costs incurred directly by BHP Billiton Brasil and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure (2)

   (57 (57 (82

Costs incurred directly by BHP Brasil and other BHP entities in relation to the Samarco dam failure (2)

   (64 (57 (57

Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses:

        

Share of loss relating to the Samarco dam failure (3)

   (96 (80 (134

Samarco impairment expense (3)

   (95 (96 (80

Samarco Germano dam decommissioning(4)

   (263         46  (263  

Samarco dam failure provision (4)(5)

   (586 (429 (38   (459 (586 (429
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Loss from operations

   (952 (566 (254   (83 (952 (566

Net finance costs (5)(6)

   (108 (84 (127   (93 (108 (84
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Loss before taxation

   (1,060 (650 (381   (176 (1,060 (650

Income tax benefit

                  
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Loss after taxation

   (1,060 (650 (381   (176 (1,060 (650
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance sheet movement

        

Trade and other payables

   4  4  (3   (5 4  4 

Provisions

   (629 (228 143    (137 (629 (228
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net (liabilities)/assets

   (625 (224 140 

Net liabilities

   (142 (625 (224
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

    2019   2018     2017     2020   2019   2018 
    US$M   US$M     US$M     US$M   US$M   US$M 

Cash flow statement

               

Loss before taxation

    (1,060  (650    (381    (176  (1,060  (650

Adjustments for:

               

Share of loss relating to the Samarco dam failure (3)

   96   80   134   

Samarco impairment expense (3)

   95   96   80  

Samarco Germano dam decommissioning(4)

   263              (46  263     

Samarco dam failure provision (4)(5)

   586   429   38      459   586   429  

Net finance costs (5)(6)

   108   84   127      93   108   84  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

               

Trade and other payables

   (4  (4  3      5   (4  (4 
   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net operating cash flows

    (11  (61    (79    430   (11  (61
   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net investment and funding of equity accounted investments(6)(7)

    (424  (365    (442    (464  (424  (365
   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net investing cash flows

    (424  (365    (442    (464  (424  (365
   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (435  (426    (521    (34  (435  (426
   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Proceeds from insurance settlements.

(2)

Includes legal and advisor costs incurred.

(3) 

LossFollowing a change to IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ the loss from working capital funding provided during the period.period will be disclosed as an impairment included within the Samarco impairment expense line item and not as operating loss. Comparative periods have been restated to reflect the change.

(4) 

US$(579)37 million change in estimate and US$(7)(83) million exchange translation.

(5)

US$916 million change in estimate and US$(457) million exchange translation.

(6)

Amortisation of discounting of provision.

(6)(7) 

Includes US$(96)(95) million funding provided during the period, and US$(328)(365) million utilisation of the Samarco dam failure provision, and US$(4) million utilisation of which US$(313) million allowed for the continuation of reparatory and compensatory programs in relation to the Framework Agreement and a further US$(15) million for dam stabilisation and expert costs.Samarco Germano decommissioning provision.

F-19


Equity accounted investment in Samarco

BHP Billiton Brasil’s investment in Samarco remains at US$ nil. BHP Billiton Brasil provided US$9695 million funding under a working capital facility during the period and recognised additional share ofimpairment losses of US$9695 million. No dividends have been received by BHP Billiton Brasil from Samarco during the period.period and Samarco currently does not have profits available for distribution and is legally prevented from paying previously declared and unpaid dividends.distribution.

Provisions related to the Samarco dam failure

 

    2019     2018     2020     2019 
    US$M     US$M     US$M     US$M 

At the beginning of the financial year

    1,285    1,057     1,914    1,285 

Movement in provisions

    629    228     137    629 

Comprising:

            

Utilised

   (328    (285    (369    (328 

Adjustments charged to the income statement:

            

Change in estimate

   579     560  

Samarco Germano dam decommissioning

   263       

Change in estimate - Samarco dam failure provision

   916     579  

Change in estimate - Samarco Germano dam decommissioning

   37     263  

Amortisation of discounting impacting net finance costs

   108     84     93     108  

Exchange translation

   7     (131    (540    7  
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 

At the end of the financial year

    1,914    1,285     2,051    1,914 
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 

Comprising:

            

Current

    440    313     896    440 

Non-current

    1,474    972     1,155    1,474 
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 

At the end of the financial year

    1,914    1,285     2,051    1,914 
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 

Samarco dam failure provisions and contingencies

As at 30 June 2019,2020, BHP Billiton Brasil has identified provisions and contingent liabilities arising as a consequence of the Samarco dam failure as follows:

Provisions

Provision for Samarco dam failure

On 2 March 2016, BHP Billiton Brasil, Samarco and Vale, entered into a Framework Agreement with the Federal Government of Brazil, the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other public authorities to establish a foundation (Fundação Renova) that will develop and execute environmental and socio-economic programs (Programs) to remediate and provide compensation for damage caused by the Samarco dam failure. Key Programs include those for financial assistance and compensation of impacted persons, including fisherfolk impacted by the dam failure, and those for remediation of impacted areas and resettlement of impacted communities. A committee (Interfederative Committee) comprising representatives from the Brazilian Federal and State Governments, local municipalities, environmental agencies, impacted communities and Public Defence Office oversees the activities of the Fundação Renova in order to monitor, guide and assess the progress of actions agreed in the Framework Agreement.

F-20 In addition, the 12th Federal Court is supervising the work of the Fundação Renova and in July 2020 made decisions relating to financial compensation for impacted persons in two municipalities, which have been considered in the Samarco dam failure provision change in estimate. Further decisions are anticipated in FY2021.


The term of the Framework Agreement is 15 years, renewable for periods of one year successively until all obligations under the Framework Agreement have been performed. Under the Framework Agreement, Samarco is responsible for funding Fundação Renova’s annual calendar year budget for the duration of the Framework Agreement. The funding amounts for each calendar year will be dependent on the remediation and compensation projects to be undertaken in a particular year. Annual contributions may be reviewed under the Framework Agreement. To the extent that Samarco does not meet its funding obligations, each of BHP Billiton Brasil and Vale has funding obligations under the Framework Agreement in proportion to its 50 per cent shareholding in Samarco.

Mining and processing operations remain suspended and Samarco is currently progressing plans to resume operations, however significant uncertainties surrounding the nature and timingextent of ongoing future operations remain. In light of these uncertainties and based on currently available information, BHP Billiton Brasil’s provision for its obligations under the Framework Agreement Programs is US$1.71.8 billion before tax and after discounting at 30 June 20192020 (30 June 2018:2019: US$1.31.7 billion).

Under a Governance Agreement ratified on 8 August 2018, BHP Billiton Brasil, Samarco and Vale willwere to establish a process to renegotiate the Programs over two years to progress settlement of the R$155 billion (approximately US$4028 billion) Federal Public Prosecution Office claim (described below). The renegotiation process remains outstanding as certain pre-requisites established in the Governance Agreement are yet to be implemented. However, the renegotiation may be extended for a further two years by mutual consent of the parties.

BHP Billiton Brasil, Samarco and Vale maintain security comprising R$1.3 billion (approximately US$340240 million) in insurance bonds R$100 million (approximately US$25 million) in liquid assets and a charge of R$800 million (approximately US$210145 million) over Samarco’s assets. A further R$100 million (approximately US$20 million) in liquid assets previously maintained as security has been released for COVID-19 related response efforts in Brazil. The security is maintained for a period of 30 months from ratification of the Governance Agreement, after which BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale and Samarco will be required to provide security of an amount equal to the Fundação Renova’s annual budget up to a limit of R$2.2 billion (approximately US$575400 million).

Samarco Germano dam decommissioning

Due to legislative changes in Brazil in the current year, Samarco is currently progressing plans for the accelerated decommissioning of its upstream tailings dams (the Germano dam complex).

Given the significant uncertainties surrounding the nature and timingextent of Samarco’s future operations and related cash flows, BHP Billiton Brasil has recognisedrecognises a provision of US$227 million (30 June 2019: US$263 millionmillion) for a 50 per cent share of the remaining expected Germano decommissioning cost. Plans for theThe decommissioning areis at an early stage and as a result, further engineering work and required validation by Brazilian authorities could lead to material changes to estimates in future reporting periods.

If Samarco successfully restarts and generates sufficient cash flows during the period in which the Germano decommissioning activity occurs, BHP Billiton Brasil may not be required to provide funding for the decommissioning, resulting in a reversal of the provision in future reporting periods.

F-21


Key judgements and estimates

Judgements

The outcomes of litigation are inherently difficult to predict and significant judgement has been applied in assessing the likely outcome of legal claims and determining which legal claims require recognition of a provision or disclosure of a contingent liability. The facts and circumstances relating to these cases are regularly evaluated in determining whether a provision for any specific claim is required.

Management have determined that a provision can only be recognised for obligations under the Framework Agreement and Samarco Germano dam decommissioning as at 30 June 2019. It is not yet possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures to BHP in connection to the contingent liabilities noted below, given their status.

Estimates

The provisions for Samarco dam failure and Samarco Germano dam decommissioning currently reflect the estimated remaining costs to complete Programs under the Framework Agreement and estimated costs to complete the Germano dam decommissioning and require the use of significant judgements, estimates and assumptions. Based on current estimates, it is expected that approximately 45 per cent of remaining costs for Programs under the Framework Agreement will be incurred by December 2020.

While the provisions have been measured based on information available as at 30 June 2019, likely changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting periods may lead to revisions to these estimates. However, it is currently not possible to determine what facts and circumstances may change, therefore the possible revisions in future reporting periods cannot be reliably measured.

The key estimates that may have a material impact upon the provisions in the next and future reporting periods include:

timing of repealing the fishing ban along the Rio Doce, which is subject to certain regulatory approvals and could impact upon the length of financial assistance and compensation payments;

number of people eligible for financial assistance and compensation, as duration of registration periods and changes to geographical boundaries or eligibility criteria could impact estimated future costs;

costs to complete resettlement of the Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu communities;

costs to complete the Germano dam decommissioning.

The provision may also be affected by factors including but not limited to:

potential changes in scope of work and funding amounts required under the Framework Agreement including the impact of the decisions of the Interfederative Committee along with further technical analysis and community participation required under the Governance Agreement;

the outcome of ongoing negotiations with State and Federal Prosecutors, including review of Fundação Renova’s Programs as provided in the Governance Agreement;

actual costs incurred;

resolution of uncertainty in respect of operational restart;

updates to discount and foreign exchange rates;

resolution of existing and potential legal claims.

Given these factors, future actual expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided and changes to key assumptions and estimates could result in a material impact to the provision in the next and future reporting periods.

F-22

Judgements

The outcomes of litigation are inherently difficult to predict and significant judgement has been applied in assessing the likely outcome of legal claims and determining which legal claims require recognition of a provision or disclosure of a contingent liability. The facts and circumstances relating to these cases are regularly evaluated in determining whether a provision for any specific claim is required.

Management has determined that a provision can only be recognised for obligations under the Framework Agreement and Samarco Germano dam decommissioning as at 30 June 2020. It is not yet possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures to BHP in connection to the contingent liabilities noted below, given their status.

Estimates

The provisions for Samarco dam failure and Samarco Germano dam decommissioning currently reflect the estimated remaining costs to complete Programs under the Framework Agreement and estimated costs to complete the Germano dam decommissioning and require the use of significant judgements, estimates and assumptions. Based on current estimates, it is expected that approximately 75 per cent of remaining costs for Programs under the Framework Agreement will be incurred by December 2021.

While the provisions have been measured based on latest information available, likely changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting periods may lead to revisions to these estimates. However, it is currently not possible to determine what facts and circumstances may change, therefore the possible revisions in future reporting periods cannot be reliably measured.

The key estimates that may have a material impact upon the provisions in the next and future reporting periods include:

timing of repealing the fishing ban along the Rio Doce, which is subject to certain regulatory approvals and could impact upon the duration of financial assistance and compensation payments;

number of people eligible for financial assistance and compensation, as duration of registration periods and changes to geographical boundaries or eligibility criteria could impact estimated future costs;

costs to complete resettlement of the Bento Rodrigues, Gesteira and Paracatu communities.

The provisions may also be affected by factors including but not limited to:

resolution of existing and potential legal claims;

potential changes in scope of work and funding amounts required under the Framework Agreement including the impact of the decisions of the Interfederative Committee along with further technical analysis, community participation required under the Governance Agreement and rulings made by the 12th Federal Court;

the outcome of ongoing negotiations with State and Federal Prosecutors, including review of Fundação Renova’s Programs as provided in the Governance Agreement;

actual costs incurred;

resolution of uncertainty in respect of the nature and extent of Samarco’s future operations;

costs to complete the Germano dam decommissioning;

updates to discount and foreign exchange rates.

Given these factors, future actual expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided and changes to key assumptions and estimates could result in a material impact to the provision in the next and future reporting periods.


Contingent liabilities

The following matters are disclosed as contingent liabilities and given the status of proceedings it is not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures for BHP, unless otherwise stated. Ultimately, all the legal matters disclosed as contingent liabilities could have a material adverse impact on BHP’s business, competitive position, cash flows, prospects, liquidity and shareholder returns.

Federal Public Prosecution Office claim

BHP Billiton Brasil is among the defendants named in a claim brought by the Federal Public Prosecution Office on 3 May 2016, seeking R$155 billion (approximately US$4028 billion) for reparation, compensation and moral damages in relation to the Samarco dam failure.

The 12th Federal Court previously suspended the Federal Public Prosecution Office claim, including a R$7.7 billion (approximately US$21.4 billion) injunction request. SuspensionDespite suspension of the claim continuesbeing for a period of two years from the date of ratification of the Governance Agreement on 8 August 2018.2018, the claim has not been resumed and the parties may negotiate a further extension.

United States class action complaint – Samarco bond holders

On 14 November 2016, a putative class action complaint (Bondholder Complaint) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of Samarco’s ten-year bond notes (Plaintiff) due 2022-2024 between 31 October 2012 and 30 November 2015. The Bondholder Complaint was initially filed against Samarco and the former chief executive officer of Samarco.

The Bondholder Complaint was subsequently amended to include BHP Group Limited,Ltd, BHP Group Plc, BHP Billiton Brasil, Ltda, Vale S.A. and officers of Samarco, including four of Vale S.A. and BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’sBrasil’s nominees to the Samarco Board. On 5 April 2017, the Plaintiffplaintiff discontinued its claims against the individual defendants.

On 7 March 2018, the District Court grantedThe complaint, along with a joint motion from the remaining corporate defendants to dismiss the Bondholder Complaint. A second amended Bondholder Complaint was alsocomplaint, has previously been dismissed by the Court on 18 July 2019.Court. The Plaintiff hasplaintiff filed a motion which remains pending before the Court, for reconsideration, of that decision or leave to file a third amended complaint.complaint, which was denied by the Court on 30 October 2019. The plaintiff has appealed this decision and the appeal remains pending before the Court.

The amount of damages sought by the putative class is unspecified.

Australian class action complaints

Three separateBHP Group Ltd is named as a defendant in a shareholder class actions wereaction filed in the Federal Court of Australia on behalf of persons who acquired shares in BHP Group Ltd on the Australian Securities Exchange or shares in BHP Group Plc on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange in periods prior to the Samarco dam failure.

Following an appeal to the Full Court of the Federal Court, two of the actions have been consolidated into one action and the third action is expected to be dismissed. The amount of damages sought in the consolidated action is unspecified.

United Kingdom group action complaint

BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Ltd are named as defendants in group action claims for damages that have been filed in the courts of England. These claims have been filed on behalf of certain individuals, governments, businesses and communities in Brazil allegedly impacted by the Samarco dam failure. The amount of damages sought in these claims is unspecified.

On 7 August 2019, the BHP parties filedThe court heard a preliminary application filed by BHP to strike out or stay this action on jurisdictional and other procedural grounds.

grounds in July 2020. The amount of damages sought in these claims is unspecified.

F-23court has not yet issued its judgement on this application.


Criminal charges

The Federal Prosecutors’ Office has filed criminal charges against BHP Billiton Brasil, Samarco and Vale and certain employees and former employees of BHP Billiton Brasil (Affected Individuals) in the Federal Court of Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais. On 3 March 2017, BHP Billiton Brasil filed its preliminary defences. The Federal Court granted Habeas Corpus petitions in favour of threeterminated the charges against eight of the Affected Individuals terminating the charges against those individuals.Individuals. The Federal Prosecutors’ Office has appealed twoseven of those decisions. BHP Billiton Brasil rejects outright the charges against the company and the Affected Individuals and will defend the charges and fully support each of the Affected Individuals in their defence of the charges.

Other claims

The civil public actions filed by State Prosecutors in Minas Gerais (claiming damages of approximately R$7.5 billion, US$21.4 billion), State Prosecutors in Espírito Santo (claiming damages of approximately R$2 billion, US$520365 million), and public defenders in Minas Gerais (claiming damages of approximately R$10 billion, US$2.61.8 billion), have been consolidated before the 12th Federal Court and suspended. The Governance Agreement provides for a process to review whether these civil public claims should be terminated or suspended.

BHP Billiton Brasil is among the companies named as defendants in a number of legal proceedings initiated by individuals, non-governmental organisations, corporations and governmental entities in Brazilian Federal and State courts following the Samarco dam failure. The other defendants include Vale, Samarco and Fundação Renova. The lawsuits include claims for compensation, environmental rehabilitation and violations of Brazilian environmental and other laws, among other matters. The lawsuits seek various remedies including rehabilitation costs, compensation to injured individuals and families of the deceased, recovery of personal and property losses, moral damages and injunctive relief. In addition, government inquiries and investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure have been commenced by numerous agencies of the Brazilian government and are ongoing.

Additional lawsuits and government investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure could be brought against BHP Billiton Brasil and possibly other BHP entities in Brazil or other jurisdictions.

BHP insurance

BHP has various third party liability insurances for claims related to the Samarco dam failure made directly against BHP Billiton Brasil or other BHP entities, their directors and officers, including class actions. External insurers have been notified of the Samarco dam failure, the third party claims and the class actions referred to above.

In the year ended 30 June 2019,2020, BHP recognised income of US$50489 million relating to proceeds from insurance settlements. As at 30 June 2019,2020, an insurance receivable has not been recognised for any potential recoveries in respect of ongoing matters.

Commitments

Under the terms of the Samarco joint venture agreement, BHP Billiton Brasil does not have an existing obligation to fund Samarco. For the year ended 30 June

In November 2019, BHP Billiton Brasil has providedapproved US$9644 million for BHP Brasil’s share of funding for work related to supportthe restart of Samarco’s operations andoperations. In December 2019, a further US$15 million for dam stabilisation and prosecutor experts costs, with undrawn amounts of US$17 million expiring as at 30 June 2019. In June 2019, BHP Billiton Brasil made available a new short-term facility of up to US$79212 million was made available to carry out remediation and stabilisation work and support Samarco’s operations. Fundscare and maintenance and operational restart. In the six months to 30 June 2020, US$68 million of the total amount approved has been provided to Samarco. Further funds will be released to Samarco only as required and subject to the achievement of key milestones with amounts undrawn expiring at 31 December 2019.2020.

Any additional requests for funding or future investment provided would be subject to a future decision by BHP, accounted for at that time.

F-24


The following section includes disclosure required by IFRS of Samarco Mineração S.A.’s provisions, contingencies and other matters arising from the dam failure for matters in addition to the above-mentioned claims to which Samarco is a party.

Samarco

Dam failure related provisions and contingencies

In addition to its obligations under the Framework Agreement as at 30 June 2019, Samarco has recognised provisions of US$0.2 billion (30 June 2018: US$0.2 billion), based on currently available information. The magnitude, scope and timing of these additional costs are subject to a high degree of uncertainty and Samarco has indicated that it anticipates that it will incur future costs beyond those provided. These uncertainties are likely to continue for a significant period and changes to key assumptions could result in a material change to the amount of the provision in future reporting periods. Any such unrecognised obligations are therefore contingent liabilities and, at present, it is not practicable to estimate their magnitude or possible timing of payment. Accordingly, it is also not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of total potential future exposures at this time.

Samarco is also named as a defendant in a number of other legal proceedings initiated by individuals, non-governmental organisations, corporations and governmental entities in Brazilian Federal and State courts following the Samarco dam failure. The lawsuits include claims for compensation, environmental rehabilitation and violations of Brazilian environmental and other laws, among other matters. The lawsuits seek various remedies including rehabilitation costs, compensation to injured individuals and families of the deceased, recovery of personal and property losses, moral damages and injunctive relief. In addition, government inquiries and investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure have been commenced by numerous agencies of the Brazilian government and are ongoing. Given the status of proceedings it is not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of total potential future exposures to Samarco.

Additional lawsuits and government investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure could be brought against Samarco.

Samarco insurance

Samarco has standalone insurance policies in place with Brazilian and global insurers. In the year ended 30 June 2019, Samarco recognised income relating to proceeds from certain of its insurance policies. Insurers’ loss adjusters or claims representatives continue to investigate and assist with the claims process for matters not yet settled. As at 30 June 2019, an insurance receivable has not been recognised by Samarco in respect of ongoing matters.

Samarco commitments

At 30 June 2019, Samarco has commitments of US$0.5 billion (30 June 2018: US$1.1 billion). Following the dam failure Samarco invoked force majeure clauses in a number of long-term contracts with suppliers and service providers to suspend contractual obligations.

Samarco non-dam failure related contingent liabilities

The following non-dam failure related contingent liabilities pre-date and are unrelated to the Samarco dam failure. Samarco is currently contesting both of these matters in the Brazilian courts. Given the status of these tax matters, the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow for Samarco is uncertain.

Brazilian Social Contribution Levy

Samarco has received tax assessments for the alleged non-payment of Brazilian Social Contribution Levy for the calendar years 2007-2014 totalling approximately R$5.5 billion (approximately US$1.4 billion).

Brazilian corporate income tax rate

Samarco has received tax assessments for alleged incorrect calculation of Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ) in respect of the 2000-2003 and 2007-2014 income years totalling approximately R$4.3 billion (approximately US$1.1 billion).

F-25

Samarco

Dam failure related provisions and contingencies

In addition to its obligations under the Framework Agreement as at 30 June 2020, Samarco has recognised provisions of US$0.2 billion (30 June 2019: US$0.2 billion), based on currently available information. The magnitude, scope and timing of these additional costs are subject to a high degree of uncertainty and Samarco has indicated that it anticipates that it will incur future costs beyond those provided. These uncertainties are likely to continue for a significant period and changes to key assumptions could result in a material change to the amount of the provision in future reporting periods. Any such unrecognised obligations are therefore contingent liabilities and, at present, it is not practicable to estimate their magnitude or possible timing of payment. Accordingly, it is also not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of total potential future exposures at this time.

Samarco is also named as a defendant in a number of other legal proceedings initiated by individuals, non-governmental organisations, corporations and governmental entities in Brazilian Federal and State courts following the Samarco dam failure. The lawsuits include claims for compensation, environmental rehabilitation and violations of Brazilian environmental and other laws, among other matters. The lawsuits seek various remedies including rehabilitation costs, compensation to injured individuals and families of the deceased, recovery of personal and property losses, moral damages and injunctive relief. In addition, government inquiries and investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure have been commenced by numerous agencies of the Brazilian government and are ongoing. Given the status of proceedings it is not possible to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of total potential future exposures to Samarco.

Additional lawsuits and government investigations relating to the Samarco dam failure could be brought against Samarco.

Samarco insurance

Samarco has standalone insurance policies in place with Brazilian and global insurers. Insurers’ loss adjusters or claims representatives continue to investigate and assist with the claims process for matters not yet settled. As at 30 June 2020, an insurance receivable has not been recognised by Samarco in respect of ongoing matters.

Samarco commitments

At 30 June 2020, Samarco has commitments of US$0.4 billion (30 June 2019: US$0.5 billion). Following the dam failure Samarco invoked force majeure clauses in a number of long-term contracts with suppliers and service providers to suspend contractual obligations.

Samarco non-dam failure related contingent liabilities

The following non-dam failure related contingent liabilities pre-date and are unrelated to the Samarco dam failure. Samarco is currently contesting both of these matters in the Brazilian courts. Given the status of these tax matters, the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow for Samarco is uncertain.

Brazilian Social Contribution Levy

Samarco has received tax assessments for the alleged non-payment of Brazilian Social Contribution Levy for the calendar years 2007-2014 totalling approximately R$5.5 billion (approximately US$1 billion).

Brazilian corporate income tax rate

Samarco has received tax assessments for alleged incorrect calculation of Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ) in respect of the 2000-2003 and 2007-2014 income years totalling approximately R$4.5 billion (approximately US$0.8 billion).


5    Expenses and other income

 

  2019 2018 2017   2020 2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M 

Employee benefits expense:

        

Wages, salaries and redundancies

   3,683  3,653  3,392    3,706  3,683  3,653 

Employee share awards

   138  123  105    129  138  123 

Social security costs

   4  4  3    2  4  4 

Pension and other post-retirement obligations

   292  292  273    283  292  292 

Less employee benefits expense classified as exploration and evaluation expenditure

   (85 (82 (79   (65 (85 (82

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

   496  (142 (743   (326 496  (142

Raw materials and consumables used

   4,591  4,389  3,830    5,509  4,591  4,389 

Freight and transportation

   2,378  2,294  1,786    1,981  2,378  2,294 

External services

   4,745  4,786  4,037    4,404  4,745  4,786 

Third party commodity purchases

   1,069  1,374  1,060    1,139  1,069  1,374 

Net foreign exchange (gains)/losses

   (147 (93 103 

Net foreign exchange gains

   (603 (147 (93

Fair value change on derivatives (1)

   422  8  208 

Government royalties paid and payable

   2,538  2,168  1,986    2,362  2,538  2,168 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred and expensed in the current period

   516  641  610    517  516  641 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

   5,829  6,288  6,184    6,112  5,829  6,288 

Net impairments:

        

Property, plant and equipment

   250  318  160    494  250  318 

Goodwill and other intangible assets

   14  14  33      14  14 

Available for sale financial assets

     1            1 

Operating lease rentals

   405  421  391 

Lease costs (2)

   675  405  421 

All other operating expenses

   1,306  1,078  989    2,034  1,298  870 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total expenses

   28,022  27,527  24,120    28,775   28,022   27,527 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

(Gains)/losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment

   (22 10  (286

Other income

   (371 (257 (376

Insurance recoveries (3)

   (489 (57   

Other income (4)

   (288 (336 (247
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income

   (393 (247 (662   (777  (393)   (247) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

(1)

Fair value change on derivatives is principally related to commodity price contracts, foreign exchange contracts and embedded derivatives used in the ordinary course of business as well as derivatives used as part of the funding of dividends.

(2)

Lease costs for FY2020 represent short-term, low-value and variable lease costs that continue to be charged against profit from operations under IFRS 16. Refer to note 20 ‘Leases’ for details. Lease costs for FY2019 and FY2018 represent the operating lease rentals under IAS 17.

(3)

Insurance recoveries is principally related to claims received from Samarco dam failure. Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

(4)

Other income is generally income earned from transactions outside the course of the Group’s ordinary activities and may include certain management fees fromnon-controlling interests and joint arrangements, dividend income, royalties, commission income and gains or losses on divestment of subsidiaries or operations.

Recognition and measurement

Income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with a transaction will flow to the Group and they can be reliably measured. Dividends are recognised upon declaration.

F-26


6    Income tax expense

 

   2019  2018  2017 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 

Total taxation expense comprises:

    

Current tax expense

   5,408   5,052   4,412 

Deferred tax expense

   121   1,955   31 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   5,529   7,007   4,443 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   2019  2018  2017 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 

Factors affecting income tax expense for the year

    

Income tax expense differs to the standard rate of corporation tax as follows:

    

Profit before taxation

   15,049   14,751   11,137 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Tax on profit at Australian prima facie tax rate of 30 per cent

   4,515   4,425   3,341 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Impact of US tax reform

    

Tax rate changes

      1,390    

Non-tax effected operating losses and capital gains

      834    

Tax on remitted and unremitted foreign earnings (1)

      194    

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax assets

      (95   

Other

      (3   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal

      2,320    

Other items not related to US tax reform

    

Non-tax effected operating losses and capital gains

   742   721   242 

Tax on remitted and unremitted foreign earnings

   283   401   478 

Tax effect of (loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses (2)

   164   (44  (82

Tax rate changes

   6   (79  25 

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax assets

   (10  (170  (21

Amounts over provided in prior years

   (21  (51  175 

Foreign exchange adjustments

   (25  (152  88 

Investment and development allowance

   (94  (180  (53

Impact of tax rates applicable outside of Australia

   (312  (484  (136

Other

   87   172   219 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   5,335   6,879   4,276 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)

   194   128   167 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total taxation expense

   5,529   7,007   4,443 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   2020  2019   2018 
   US$M  US$M   US$M 

Total taxation expense comprises:

     

Current tax expense

   5,109   5,408    5,052 

Deferred tax (benefit)/expense

   (335  121    1,955 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   4,774   5,529        7,007 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

     2020  2019  2018 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 

Factors affecting income tax expense for the year

    

Income tax expense differs to the standard rate of corporation tax as follows:

    

Profit before taxation

   13,510   15,049   14,751 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Tax on profit at Australian prima facie tax rate of 30 per cent

   4,053   4,515   4,425 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Impact of US tax reform

    

Tax rate changes

         1,390 

Non-tax effected operating losses and capital gains

         834 

Tax on remitted and unremitted foreign earnings (1)

         194 

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax assets

         (95

Other

         (3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal

         2,320 

Other items not related to US tax reform

    

Non-tax effected operating losses and capital gains

   707   742   721 

Tax on remitted and unremitted foreign earnings

   225   283   401 

Tax effect of (loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses (2)

   154   164   (44

Amounts under/(over) provided in prior years

   64   (21  (51

Foreign exchange adjustments

   20   (25  (152

Tax rate changes

   (8  6   (79

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax assets

   (30  (10  (170

Investment and development allowance

   (99  (94  (180

Impact of tax rates applicable outside of Australia (3)

   (167  (312  (484

Other

   (211  87   172 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   4,708   5,335   6,879 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit)

   66   194   128 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total taxation expense

   4,774   5,529   7,007 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Comprising US$797 million repatriation tax andnet of US$603 million of previously unrecognised tax credits.

 

(2) 

The (loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses is net of income tax. This item removes the prima facie tax effect on such (loss)/profit, related impairments and expenses.

 

F-27
(3)

All profits earned in Singapore by BHP’s Sales and Marketing organisation from the sale of our Australian commodities acquired from entities controlled by BHP Group Limited are subject to Australian ‘top up tax’ under the Controlled Foreign Company tax rules in FY2020. This reflects the change in ownership of the main Sales and Marketing entity, in accordance with the settlement agreement entered into with the Australian Taxation Office in FY2019 to resolve a long-standing transfer pricing dispute.


Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income is as follows:

 

  2019 2018 2017   2020 2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M 

Income tax effect of:

        

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement:

        

Available for sale investments:

    

Net valuation losses taken to equity

     (3  

Hedges:

    

Net valuation gains on investments taken to equity

        (3

Cash flow hedges:

    

Gains/(losses) taken to equity

   98  (25 (105   94  98  (25

(Gains)/losses transferred to the income statement

   (90 64  129    (89 (90 64 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income tax credit relating to items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement

   8  36  24    5  8  36 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

        

Remeasurement gains/(losses) on pension and medical schemes

   7  (22 (12   25  7  (22

Employee share awards transferred to retained earnings on exercise

   12  8  (14

Others

   1  12  8 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income tax credit/(charge) relating to items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

   19  (14 (26   26  19  (14
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total income tax credit/(charge) relating to components of other comprehensive income (1)

   27  22  (2

Total income tax credit relating to components of other comprehensive income (1)

   31  27  22 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Included within total income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income is US$1531 million relating to deferred taxes and US$12 million nil relating to current taxes (2018:(2019: US$15 million and US$12 million; 2018: US$17 million and US$5 million; 2017: US$12 million and US$(14) million).

F-28


Recognition and measurement

Taxation on the profit/(loss) for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Taxation is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case the tax effect is also recognised in equity.

 

Current tax

  

Deferred tax

  

Royalty-related taxation

Current tax is the expected tax on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years.  

Deferred tax is provided in full, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Financial Statements. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

 

Deferred tax is not recognised for temporary differences relating to:

 

•   initial recognition of goodwill;

 

•   initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit;

 

•   investment in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

 

Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset and when the tax balances are related to taxes levied by the same tax authority and the Group intends to settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

  Royalties and resource rent taxes are treated as taxation arrangements (impacting income tax expense/(benefit)) when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue derived (net of any allowable deductions) after adjustment for temporary differences. Obligations arising from royalty arrangements that do not satisfy these criteria are recognised as current provisions and included in expenses.

F-29


Uncertain tax and royalty matters

The Group operates across many tax jurisdictions. Application of tax law can be complex and requires judgement to assess risk and estimate outcomes, particularly in relation to the Group’s cross-border operations and transactions. The evaluation of tax risks considers both amended assessments received and potential sources of challenge from tax authorities. The status of proceedings for these matters will impact the ability to determine the potential exposure and in some cases, it may not be possible to determine a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of the potential exposure.

The Group has unresolved tax and royalty matters for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. Tax and royalty matters with uncertain outcomes arise in the normal course of business and occur due to changes in tax law, changes in interpretation of tax law, periodic challenges and disagreements with tax authorities and legal proceedings.

Tax and royalty obligations assessed as having probable future economic outflows capable of reliable measurement are provided for as at 30 June 2019.2020. Matters with a possible economic outflow and/or presently incapable of being measured reliably are contingent liabilities and disclosed in note 33 ‘Contingent liabilities’. Irrespective of whether the potential economic outflow of the matter has been assessed as probable or possible, individuallyIndividually significant matters, including those resolved during the financial year, are includedoutlined below to the extent that disclosure does not prejudice the Group.

Transfer pricing – Sales of commodities to BHP Billiton Marketing AG in SingaporeOn 19 November 2018, BHP settled a long-standing transfer pricing dispute relating to its Sales and Marketing operations in Singapore with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The settlement fully resolved all prior years and provides certainty in relation to the future Australian taxation treatment of BHP’s Sales and Marketing operations. The settlement did not involve any admission of tax avoidance by BHP. As part of the settlement, BHP paid a total of approximately A$529 million (US$388 million) in additional taxes for the prior years, being 2003 to 2018 (BHP paid A$328 million (US$243 million) of this amount when the amended assessments were received in prior years, with the balance of A$201 million (US$145 million) paid in the December 2018 quarter). From the 2020 financial year, all profits made in Singapore in relation to the Australian assets owned by BHP Group Limited will be fully subject to Australian tax under the Controlled Foreign Company tax rules, due to a change in ownership of the main Sales and Marketing entity.
Controlled Foreign Companies dispute  TheOn 11 March 2020, the Australian High Court ruled that BHP Group is currently in dispute withLimited and BHP Group Plc are ‘associates’ under the ATO regarding whetherControlled Foreign Companies rules, and therefore profits earned globally by the Group’sBHP’s Sales and Marketing organisation from the sale of commodities acquired from Australian subsidiaries of BHP Group Plc are subject to ‘top-up tax’ in Australia underat the Controlled Foreign Companies rules. In June 2011 and December 2014, the Group received amended assessments relating to the 2006-2010 income years. Between May 2016 and August 2019, the Group received amended assessments relating to the 2012-2018 income years. The Group has formally objected or intends to formally object to all the amended assessments received. The earlier years (2006-2010) are the subjectcorporate tax rate of litigation and the case will be heard by the High Court30 per cent. As a result of Australia. It is estimated that the total primary tax subject to disputethis ruling, BHP paid approximately US$115 million in additional taxes for the 2006-2018 incomeprior years, isbeing FY2006 to FY2019, with US$8732 million (A$125 million), of whichpaid in prior periods and US$3083 million (A$43 million) relates to the 2006-2010 income years, which are being litigated. The ATO has not determined that the Group is liable for any penalties.paid in FY2020.
Samarco tax assessments  Details of uncertain tax and royalty matters relating to Samarco are disclosed in note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’.

F-30


Key judgements and estimates

Income tax classification

Judgements:The Group’s accounting policy for taxation, including royalty-related taxation, requires management’s judgement as to the types of arrangements considered to be a tax on income in contrast to an operating cost.

Deferred tax

Judgements:Judgement is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that are recognised based on the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits. Judgement is applied in recognising deferred tax liabilities arising from temporary differences in investments. These deferred tax liabilities caused principally by retained earnings held in foreign tax jurisdictions are recognised unless repatriation of retained earnings can be controlled and is not expected to occur in the foreseeable future.

Estimates:The Group assesses the recoverability of recognised and unrecognised deferred taxes, including losses in Australia, the United States and Canada on a consistent basis, using estimates and assumptions relating to projected earnings and cash flows as applied in the Group impairment process for associated operations.

Uncertain tax matters

Judgements: Management applies judgements about the application of income tax legislation and its interaction with income tax accounting principles. These judgements are subject to risk and uncertainty, hence there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will alter expectations, which may impact the amount of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recognised on the balance sheet and the amount of other tax losses and temporary differences not yet recognised.

Where the final tax outcomes are different from the amounts that were initially recorded, these differences impact the current and deferred tax provisions in the period in which the determination is made.

Measurement of uncertain tax and royalty matters considers a range of possible outcomes, including assessments received from tax authorities. Where management is of the view that potential liabilities have a low probability of crystallising, or it is not possible to quantify them reliably, they are disclosed as contingent liabilities (refer to note 33 ‘Contingent liabilities’).

F-31

Income tax classification

Judgements: The Group’s accounting policy for taxation, including royalty-related taxation, requires management’s judgement as to the types of arrangements considered to be a tax on income in contrast to an operating cost.

Deferred tax

Judgements: Judgement is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that are recognised based on the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits. Judgement is applied in recognising deferred tax liabilities arising from temporary differences in investments. These deferred tax liabilities caused principally by retained earnings held in foreign tax jurisdictions are recognised unless repatriation of retained earnings can be controlled and is not expected to occur in the foreseeable future.

Estimates: The Group assesses the recoverability of recognised and unrecognised deferred taxes, including losses in Australia, the United States and Canada on a consistent basis, using estimates and assumptions relating to projected earnings and cash flows as applied in the Group impairment process for associated operations.

Uncertain tax matters

Judgements: Management applies judgements about the application of income tax legislation and its interaction with income tax accounting principles. These judgements are subject to risk and uncertainty, hence there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will alter expectations, which may impact the amount of tax assets and tax liabilities, including deferred tax, recognised on the balance sheet and the amount of other tax losses and temporary differences not yet recognised.

Where the final tax outcomes are different from the amounts that were initially recorded, these differences impact the current and deferred tax provisions in the period in which the determination is made.

Measurement of uncertain tax and royalty matters considers a range of possible outcomes, including assessments received from tax authorities. Where management is of the view that potential liabilities have a low probability of crystallising, or it is not possible to quantify them reliably, they are disclosed as contingent liabilities (refer to note 33 ‘Contingent liabilities’).


7    Earnings per share

 

  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 

Earnings attributable to BHP shareholders (US$M)

            

- Continuing operations

   8,648    6,652    6,375    7,956    8,648    6,652 

- Total

   8,306    3,705    5,890    7,956    8,306    3,705 

Weighted average number of shares (Million)

            

- Basic

   5,180    5,323    5,323    5,057    5,180    5,323 

- Diluted

   5,193    5,337    5,336    5,069    5,193    5,337 

Basic earnings per ordinary share (US cents)

            

- Continuing operations

   166.9    125.0    119.8    157.3    166.9    125.0 

- Total

   160.3    69.6    110.7    157.3    160.3    69.6 

Diluted earnings per ordinary share (US cents)

            

- Continuing operations

   166.5    124.6    119.5    157.0    166.5    124.6 

- Total

   159.9    69.4    110.4    157.0    159.9    69.4 

Refer to note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’ for basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for Discontinued operations.

Earnings on American Depositary Shares represent twice the earnings for BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares.

Recognition and measurement

Diluted earnings attributable to BHP shareholders are equal to the earnings attributable to BHP shareholders.

The calculation of the number of ordinary shares used in the computation of basic earnings per share is the aggregate of the weighted average number of ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc outstanding during the period after deduction of the number of shares held by the Billiton Employee Share Ownership Trust and the BHP Billiton Limited Employee Equity Trust.

During December 2018, 266 million BHP Group Limited shares were bought back and then cancelled during the period following an off-market buy-back program of US$5.2 billion related to the disbursement of proceeds from the disposal of Onshore US.

For the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, the effect of 1312 million dilutive shares has been taken into account for the year ended 30 June 2019 (2018: 142020 (2019: 13 million shares; 2017: 132018: 14 million shares). The Group’s only potential dilutive ordinary shares are share awards granted under the employee share ownership plans for which terms and conditions are described in note 2324 ‘Employee share ownership plans’. Diluted earnings per share calculation excludes instruments which are considered antidilutive.

At 30 June 2019,2020, there are no instruments which are considered antidilutive (2018:(2019: nil; 2017:2018: nil).

F-32


Working capital

8    Trade and other receivables

 

  2019   2018   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Trade receivables

   2,403    1,857    1,974    2,403 

Loans to equity accounted investments

   33    13    40    33 

Other receivables

   1,339    1,406    1,617    1,339 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   3,775    3,276    3,631    3,775 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Comprising:

        

Current

   3,462    3,096    3,364    3,462 

Non-current

   313    180    267    313 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Recognition and measurement

Trade receivables are recognised initially at their transactions price or, for those receivables containing a significant financing component, at fair value andvalue. Trade receivables are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less an allowance for impairment, except for provisionally priced receivables which are subsequently measured at fair value through the income statement under IFRS 9.

The collectability of trade receivables is assessed continuously. At the reporting date, specific allowances are made for any expected credit losses based on a review of all outstanding amounts at reportingperiod-end. Individual receivables are written off when management deems them unrecoverable. The net carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair values. For further information on the changes under IFRS 9 refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’.

Credit risk

Trade receivables generally have terms of less than 30 days. The Group has no material concentration of credit risk with any single counterparty and is not dominantly exposed to any individual industry.

Credit risk can arise from thenon-performance by counterparties of their contractual financial obligations towards the Group. To manage credit risk, the Group maintains Group-wide procedures covering the application for credit approvals, granting and renewal of counterparty limits, proactive monitoring of exposures against these limits and requirements triggering secured payment terms. As part of these processes, the credit exposures with all counterparties are regularly monitored and assessed on a timely basis. The credit quality of the Group’s customers is reviewed and the solvency of each debtor and their ability to pay on the receivable is considered in assessing receivables for impairment.

The 10 largest customers represented 34% (2018: 33%)32 per cent (2019: 34 per cent) of total credit risk exposures managed by the Group.

Receivables are deemed to be past due or impaired in accordance with the Group’s terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are determined on acase-by-case basis with reference to the customer’s credit quality, payment performance and prevailing market conditions. As at 30 June 2019,2020, trade receivables of US$1423 million (2018:(2019: US$3214 million) were past due but not impaired. The majority of these receivables were less than 30 days overdue.

The assessment of recoverability of trade receivables at 30 June 2020 has considered the impacts of COVID-19 and no material recoverability issues have been identified. Enhanced credit monitoring of commercial counterparties commenced from late January 2020 as COVID-19 impacted key markets in Asia, Europe and the United States and increased commodity price volatility.

At 30 June 2019,2020, trade receivables are stated net of provisions for expected credit losses of US$2 million (2019: US$3 million (2018: US$1 million). As at the reporting date, there are no indications that the debtors will not meet their payment obligations.

F-33


9    Trade and other payables

 

  2019   2018   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Trade creditors

   5,162    4,574 

Other creditors

   1,560    1,406 

Trade payables

   4,396    5,162 

Other payables

   1,372    1,560 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   6,722    5,980    5,768    6,722 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Comprising:

        

Current

   6,717    5,977    5,767    6,717 

Non-current

   5    3    1    5 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

10    Inventories

 

  2019   2018 

Definitions

  2020   2019   

Definitions

  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M    

Raw materials and consumables

   1,406    1,266  Spares, consumables and other supplies yet to be utilised in the production process or in the rendering of services.   1,797    1,406   Spares, consumables and other supplies yet to be utilised in the production process or in the rendering of services.

Work in progress

   2,515    2,965  Commodities currently in the production process that require further processing by the Group to a saleable form.   2,814    2,515   Commodities currently in the production process that require further processing by the Group to a saleable form.

Finished goods

   687    674  Commoditiesheld-for-sale and not requiring further processing by the Group.   711    687   Commodities held-for-sale and not requiring further processing by the Group.
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Total (1)

   4,608    4,905     5,322    4,608   
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Comprising:

           

Current

   3,840    3,764     4,101    3,840   

Non-current

   768    1,141  Inventories classified asnon-current are not expected to be utilised or sold within 12 months after the reporting date.   1,221    768   Inventories classified as non-current are not expected to be utilised or sold within 12 months after the reporting date or within the operating cycle of the business.
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

(1)

Inventory write-downs of US$1637 million were recognised during the year (2018:(2019: US$1816 million; 2017:2018: US$11218 million). Inventory write-downs of US$2113 million made in previous periods were reversed during the year (2018:(2019: US$221 million; 2017:2018: US$192 million).

Recognition and measurement

Regardless of the type of inventory and its stage in the production process, inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined primarily on the basis of average costs. For processed inventories, cost is derived on an absorption costing basis. Cost comprises costs of purchasing raw materials and costs of production, including attributable mining and manufacturing overheads taking into consideration normal operating capacity.

Minerals inventory quantities are assessed primarily through surveys and assays, while petroleum inventory quantities are derived through flow rate or tank volume measurement and the composition is derived via sample analysis.

 

F-34

Key estimates

Accounting for inventory involves the use of estimates, particularly related to the measurement and valuation of inventory on hand within the production process. Critical estimates, including expected metal recoveries and work in progress volumes, are calculated by engineers using available industry, engineering and scientific data. Estimates used are periodically reassessed by the Group taking into account technical analysis and historical performance. Changes in estimates are adjusted for on a prospective basis.


Key estimates

Accounting for inventory involves the use of estimates, particularly related to the measurement and valuation of inventory on hand within the production process. Critical estimates, including expected metal recoveries and work in progress volumes, are calculated by engineers using available industry, engineering and scientific data. Estimates used are periodically reassessed by the Group taking into account technical analysis and historical performance. Changes in estimates are adjusted for on a prospective basis.

ResourceMining and Petroleum assets

11    Property, plant and equipment

 

 Land and
buildings
 Plant and
equipment
 Other
mineral
assets
 Assets under
construction
 Exploration
and
evaluation
 Total   Land and
buildings
 Plant and
equipment
 Other
mineral
assets
 Assets under
construction
 Exploration
and
evaluation
 Total 
 US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M 

Net book value – 30 June 2020

       

At the beginning of the financial year

   7,885   38,174   9,211   11,149   1,622   68,041 

Impact of adopting IFRS 16 (1)

   754   1,400            2,154 

Additions (2)

   115   1,719   684   6,100   218   8,836 

Remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts (3)

      733            733 

Depreciation for the year

   (630  (5,104  (294        (6,028

Impairments, net of reversals

   (17  (189  (288        (494

Disposals

   (12  (22        (65  (99

Transfers and other movements

   292   2,718   (661  (3,475  345   (781
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year(4)

   8,387   39,429   8,652   13,774   2,120   72,362 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

– Cost

   13,932   97,230   13,736   13,774   2,899   141,571 

– Accumulated depreciation and impairments

   (5,545  (57,801  (5,084     (779  (69,209
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net book value – 30 June 2019

             

At the beginning of the financial year

  8,152   40,885   8,974   7,554   1,617   67,182    8,152  40,885  8,974  7,554  1,617  67,182 

Additions (1)(2)

  5   515   1,023   5,799   418   7,760 

Additions (2)

   5  515  1,023  5,799  418  7,760 

Depreciation for the year

  (585  (4,885  (277        (5,747   (585 (4,885 (277       (5,747

Impairments, net of reversals(3)

  (9  (234        (7  (250

Impairments, net of reversals

   (9 (234       (7 (250

Disposals

  (2  (40  (5        (47   (2 (40 (5       (47

Transferred to assets held for sale

           (331     (331           (331    (331

Exchange variations taken to reserve

     (1           (1     (1          (1

Transfers and other movements

  324   1,934   (504  (1,873  (406  (525   324  1,934  (504 (1,873 (406 (525
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year(4)

  7,885   38,174   9,211   11,149   1,622   68,041    7,885  38,174  9,211  11,149  1,622  68,041 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

– Cost

  12,825   92,090   13,681   11,149   2,404   132,149    12,825  92,090  13,681  11,149  2,404  132,149 

– Accumulated depreciation and impairments

  (4,940  (53,916  (4,470     (782  (64,108   (4,940 (53,916 (4,470    (782 (64,108
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net book value – 30 June 2018

      

At the beginning of the financial year

 8,547  49,427  15,557  5,536  1,430  80,497 

Additions (1)(2)

 (20 110  873  5,423  258  6,644 

Depreciation for the year

 (548 (6,467 (730       (7,745

Impairments, net of reversals (3)

 (9 (507 (260    (62 (838

Disposals

 (7 (26 (36 (1 (9 (79

Transferred to assets held for sale

 (21 (4,426 (5,563 (662    (10,672

Exchange variations taken to reserve

    1           1 

Transfers and other movements

 210  2,773  (867 (2,742    (626
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year(4)

 8,152  40,885  8,974  7,554  1,617  67,182 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

– Cost

 12,525  91,037  13,212  7,554  2,400  126,728 

– Accumulated depreciation and impairments

 (4,373 (50,152 (4,238    (783 (59,546
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’.

(2)

Includes change in estimates and net foreign exchange gains/(losses) related to the closure and rehabilitation provisions.provisions for operating sites. Refer to note 14 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’.

 

(2)(3) 

Property, plant and equipmentRelates to remeasurements of US$ nil (2018: US$3 million; 2017: US$593 million) was acquired under finance lease. This is anon-cash investing transaction that has been excluded from the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement.index-linked freight contracts including continuous voyage charters (CVCs). Refer to note 20 ‘Leases’.

 

(3)(4) 

Includes impairment charges relatedthe carrying value of the Group’s right-of-use assets relating to Onshore US assetsland and buildings and plant and equipment of US$ nil (2018:3,047 million (2019: US$520 million)492 million relating to finance leases). Refer to note 27 ‘Discontinued operations’.20 ‘Leases’ for the movement of the right-of-use assets during FY2020.

F-35


Recognition and measurement

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Cost is the fair value of consideration given to acquire the asset at the time of its acquisition or construction and includes the direct costs of bringing the asset to the location and the condition necessary for operation and the estimated future costs of closure and rehabilitation of the facility.

Equipment leases

Assets held under lease, which result in the Group receiving substantially all of the risk and rewards of ownership are capitalised as property, plant and equipment at the lower of the fair value of the leased assets or the estimated present value of the minimum lease payments. Leased assets are depreciated on the same basis as owned assets or, where shorter, the lease term. The corresponding finance lease obligation is included within interest bearing liabilities. The interest component is charged to the income statement over the lease term to reflect a constant rate of interest over the remaining balance of the obligation.

Operating leases are not capitalised and rental payments are included in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Ongoing contracted commitments under finance and operating leases are disclosed within note 32 ‘Commitments’.

From 1 July 2019, IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ became effective for the Group. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’.

Exploration and evaluation

Exploration costs are incurred to discover mineral and petroleum resources.deposits. Evaluation costs are incurred to assess the technical feasibility and commercial viability of resourcesdeposits found.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure is charged to the income statement as incurred, except in the following circumstances in which case the expenditure may be capitalised:

In respect of minerals activities:

 

the exploration and evaluation activity is within an area of interest that was previously acquired as an asset acquisition or in a business combination and measured at fair value on acquisition; or

 

the existence of a commercially viable mineral deposit has been established.

In respect of petroleum activities:

 

the exploration and evaluation activity is within an area of interest for which it is expected that the expenditure will be recouped by future exploitation or sale; or

 

exploration and evaluation activity has not reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of commercially recoverable reserves.

A regular review of each area of interest is undertaken to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area. Capitalised costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recovered through the successful exploitation of the area of interest or alternatively by its sale. To the extent that capitalised expenditure is no longer expected to be recovered, it is charged to the income statement.

F-36


Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Exploration and evaluation expenditure results in certain items of expenditure being capitalised for an area of interest where a judgement is made that it is likely to be recoverable by future exploitation or sale, or where the activities are judged not to have reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves.

Estimates: Management makes certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular when making quantitative assessment of whether an economically viable extraction operation can be established. These estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalised the expenditure under the policy, new information suggests that recovery of the expenditure is unlikely, the relevant capitalised amount is charged to the income statement.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Exploration and evaluation expenditure results in certain items of expenditure being capitalised for an area of interest where a judgement is made that it is likely to be recoverable by future exploitation or sale, or where the activities are judged not to have reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves.

Estimates: Management makes certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular when making quantitative assessment of whether an economically viable extraction operation can be established. These estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalised the expenditure under the policy, new information suggests that recovery of the expenditure is unlikely, the relevant capitalised amount is charged to the income statement.

Development expenditure

When proven mineral reserves are determined and development is sanctioned, capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is reclassified as assets under construction within property, plant and equipment. All subsequent development expenditure is capitalised and classified as assets under construction, provided commercial viability conditions continue to be satisfied.

The Group may use funds sourced from external parties to finance the acquisition and development of assets and operations. Finance costs are expensed as incurred, except where they relate to the financing of construction or development of qualifying assets. Borrowing costs directly attributable to acquiring or constructing a qualifying asset are capitalised during the development phase. Development expenditure is net of proceeds from the saleable material extracted during the development phase. On completion of development, all assets included in assets under construction are reclassified as either plant and equipment or other mineral assets and depreciation commences.

 

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Development activities commence after project sanctioning by the appropriate level of management. Judgement is applied by management in determining when a project is economically viable.

Estimates: In determining whether a project is economically viable, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, including reserve estimates, existence of an accessible market and forecast prices and cash flows. Estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having commenced the development activity, new information suggests that a development asset is impaired, the appropriate amount is charged to the income statement.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Development activities commence after project sanctioning by the appropriate level of management. Judgement is applied by management in determining when a project is economically viable.

Estimates: In determining whether a project is economically viable, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, including reserve estimates, existence of an accessible market and forecast prices and cash flows. Estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having commenced the development activity, new information suggests that a development asset is impaired, the appropriate amount is charged to the income statement.

Other mineral assets

Other mineral assets comprise:

 

capitalised exploration, evaluation and development expenditure for assets in production;

 

mineral rights and petroleum interests acquired;

 

capitalised development and production stripping costs.

Overburden removal costs

The process of removing overburden and other waste materials to access mineral deposits is referred to as stripping. Stripping is necessary to obtain access to mineral deposits and occurs throughout the life of anopen-pit mine. Development and production stripping costs are classified as other mineral assets in property, plant and equipment.

F-37


Stripping costs are accounted for separately for individual components of an ore body. The determination of components is dependent on the mine plan and other factors, including the size, shape and geotechnical aspects of an ore body. The Group accounts for stripping activities as follows:

Development stripping costs

These are initial overburden removal costs incurred to obtain access to mineral deposits that will be commercially produced. These costs are capitalised when it is probable that future economic benefits (access to mineral ores) will flow to the Group and costs can be measured reliably.

Once the production phase begins, capitalised development stripping costs are depreciated using the units of production method based on the proven and probable reserves of the relevant identified component of the ore body to which the initial stripping activity benefits.

Production stripping costs

These are post initial overburden removal costs incurred during the normal course of production activity, which commences after the first saleable minerals have been extracted from the component. Production stripping costs can give rise to two benefits, the accounting for which is outlined below:

 

    Production stripping activity

Benefits of stripping activity

  Extraction of ore (inventory) in current period.  Improved access to future ore extraction.

Period benefited

  Current period  Future period(s)

Recognition and measurement criteria

  When the benefits of stripping activities are realised in the form of inventory produced; the associated costs are recorded in accordance with the Group’s inventory accounting policy.  

When the benefits of stripping activities are improved access to future ore; production costs are capitalised when all the following criteria are met:

 

•   the production stripping activity improves access to a specific component of the ore body and it is probable that economic benefits arising from the improved access to future ore production will be realised;

 

•   the component of the ore body for which access has been improved can be identified;

 

•   costs associated with that component can be measured reliably.

Allocation of costs

  Production stripping costs are allocated between the inventory produced and the production stripping asset using alife-of-componentwaste-to-ore (or mineral contained) strip ratio. When the current strip ratio is greater than the estimatedlife-of-component ratio a portion of the stripping costs is capitalised to the production stripping asset.

Asset recognised from stripping activity

  Inventory  Other mineral assets within property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation basis

  Not applicable  On acomponent-by-component basis using the units of production method based on proven and probable reserves.

F-38


Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Judgement is applied by management in determining the components of an ore body.

Estimates: Estimates are used in the determination of stripping ratios and mineral reserves by component. Changes to estimates related tolife-of-componentwaste-to-ore (or mineral contained) strip ratios and the expected ore production from identified components are accounted for prospectively and may affect depreciation rates and asset carrying values.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Judgement is applied by management in determining the components of an ore body.

Estimates: Estimates are used in the determination of stripping ratios and mineral reserves by component. Changes to estimates related to life-of-componentwaste-to-ore (or mineral contained) strip ratios and the expected ore production from identified components are accounted for prospectively and may affect depreciation rates and asset carrying values.

Depreciation

Depreciation of assets, other than land, assets under construction and capitalised exploration and evaluation that are not depreciated, is calculated using either the straight-line (SL) method or units of production (UoP) method, net of residual values, over the estimated useful lives of specific assets. The depreciation method and rates applied to specific assets reflect the pattern in which the asset’s benefits are expected to be used by the Group. The Group’s reported reserves are used to determine UoP depreciation unless doing so results in depreciation charges that do not reflect the asset’s useful life. Where this occurs, alternative approaches to determining reserves are applied, such as using management’s expectations of future oil and gas prices rather than yearly average prices, to provide a phasing of periodic depreciation charges that better reflects the asset’s expected useful life.

Where assets are dedicated to a mine or petroleum lease, the below useful lives are subject to the lesser of the asset category’s useful life and the life of the mine or petroleum lease, unless those assets are readily transferable to another productive mine or lease.

 

Key estimates

The determination of useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods involves estimates and assumptions and is reviewed annually. Any changes to useful lives or any other estimates or assumptions may affect prospective depreciation rates and asset carrying values. The table below summarises the principal depreciation methods and rates applied to major asset categories by the Group.

Key estimates

The determination of useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods involves estimates and assumptions and is reviewed annually. Any changes to useful lives or any other estimates or assumptions may affect prospective depreciation rates and asset carrying values. The table below summarises the principal depreciation methods and rates applied to major asset categories by the Group.

Category

  

Buildings

  

Plant and

equipment

  

Mineral rights and

petroleum interests

  

Capitalised exploration,
evaluation and

development

expenditure

Typical depreciation methodology

  SL  SL  UoP  UoP

Depreciation rate

  25-50 years  3-30 years  Based on the rate of depletion of reserves  Based on the rate of depletion of reserves

Commitments

F-39The Group’s commitments for capital expenditure were US$2,585 million as at 30 June 2020 (2019: US$3,308 million). The Group’s commitments related to leases are included in note 20 ‘Leases’.


Impairment ofnon-current assets

Recognition and measurement

Impairment tests for all assets are performed when there is an indication of impairment, although goodwill is tested at least annually. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is impaired and an impairment loss is charged to the income statement so as to reduce the carrying amount in the balance sheet to its recoverable amount.

Previously impaired assets (excluding goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal of previous impairment at each reporting date. Impairment reversal cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset or cash generating units (CGUs). There were no reversals of impairment in the current or prior year.

How recoverable amount is calculated

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost of disposal (FVLCD) and its value in use (VIU). For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.

Valuation methods

Fair value less cost of disposal

FVLCD is an estimate of the amount that a market participant would pay for an asset or CGU, less the cost of disposal. FVLCD for mineral and petroleum assets is generally determined using independent market assumptions to calculate the present value of the estimated futurepost-tax cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset, including the anticipated cash flow effects of any capital expenditure to enhance production or reduce cost, and its eventual disposal where a market participant may take a consistent view. Cash flows are discounted using an appropriatepost-tax market discount rate to arrive at a net present value of the asset, which is compared against the asset’s carrying value. FVLCD may also take into consideration other market-based indicators of fair value.

Value in use

VIU is determined as the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset in its present form and its eventual disposal. VIU is determined by applying assumptions specific to the Group’s continued use and cannot take into account future development. These assumptions are different to those used in calculating FVLCD and consequently the VIU calculation is likely to give a different result (usually lower) to a FVLCD calculation.

F-40


Key judgements and estimates

Judgements:Assessment of indicators of impairment or impairment reversal and the determination of CGUs for impairment purposes require significant management judgement.

Indicators of impairment may include changes in the Group’s operating and economic assumptions, including those arising from changes in reserves or mine planning, updates to the Group’s commodity supply, demand and price forecasts (which include carbon price forecasts), or the possible additional impacts from emerging risks such as those related to climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy.

Additional impacts related to climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy may include:

a proportion of a CGU’s reserves becoming incapable of extraction in an economically viable fashion;

demand for the Group’s commodities decreasing, due to policy, regulatory (including carbon pricing mechanisms), legal, technological, market or societal responses to climate change;

physical impacts related to acute risks resulting from increased severity of extreme weather events, and those related to chronic risks resulting from longer-term changes in climate patterns.

Estimates:In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted market prices, estimates are made regarding the present value of futurepost-tax cash flows. These estimates require significant management judgements and assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainty that may be beyond the control of the Group; hence, there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will materially alter projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets at each reporting date. The estimates are made from the perspective of a market participant and include prices, future production volumes, operating costs, tax attributes and discount rates.

An indicator of impairment has been identified for the Jansen potash CGU at 30 June 2019 as the Group continues to assess project feasibility and the timing of project approval in accordance with the Group’s Capital Allocation Framework. Accordingly, the Group has assessed the recoverable amount of the Jansen CGU using FVLCD methodology including a market participant’s perspective of the net present value of future post-tax cash flows and other market-based indicators of fair value. The Jansen CGU carrying amount of US$3.0 billion as at 30 June 2019 is supported by the recoverable amount determination and as such, no impairment has been recognised.

The recoverable amount estimate is most sensitive to assumptions regarding the long-term forecasts of potash prices and discount rates:

Potash price: prices are based on the latest internal forecasts taking into account expected demand and supply for potash globally (which includes, amongst a range of factors, carbon price forecasts), benchmarked with external sources of information;

Discount rate: the discount rate is derived using the weighted average cost of capital methodology adjusted for any risks that are not reflected in the underlying cash flows, including where appropriate a country risk premium. A real post-tax discount rate of 7.5 per cent was applied to post-tax cash flows.

Changes in circumstances may affect the assumptions used to determine recoverable amount and could result in an impairment of non-current assets at future reporting dates.

F-41

Judgements: Assessment of indicators of impairment or impairment reversal and the determination of CGUs for impairment purposes require significant management judgement.

Indicators of impairment may include changes in the Group’s operating and economic assumptions, including those arising from changes in reserves or mine planning, updates to the Group’s commodity supply, demand and price forecasts, or the possible additional impacts from emerging risks such as those related to climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy and pandemics similar to COVID-19.

Climate change

Impacts related to climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy may include:

•   demand for the Group’s commodities decreasing, due to policy, regulatory (including carbon pricing mechanisms), legal, technological, market or societal responses to climate change, resulting in a proportion of a CGU’s reserves becoming incapable of extraction in an economically viable fashion;

•   physical impacts related to acute risks resulting from increased severity of extreme weather events, and those related to chronic risks resulting from longer-term changes in climate patterns.

The Group continues to develop its assessment of the potential impacts of climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy. Where sufficiently developed, the potential financial impacts on the Group of climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy have been considered in the assessment of indicators of impairment, including:

•   the Group’s current assumptions relating to demand for commodities and carbon pricing and their impact on the Group’s long term price forecasts;

•   the Group’s operational emissions reduction strategy. For example, transitioning to renewable power supply contracts at the Group’s Escondida and Spence operations.

COVID-19

The macro economic disruptions relating to COVID-19 and mitigating actions enforced by health authorities create uncertainty in the Group’s operating and economic assumptions, including commodity prices, demand and supply volumes, operating costs, and discount rates.

However, given the long-lived nature of the majority of the Group’s assets, COVID-19 did not, in isolation, result in the identification of indicators of impairment for the Group’s asset values at 30 June 2020.

Due to ongoing uncertainty as to the extent and duration of COVID-19 restrictions and the overall impact on economic activity, actual experience may materially differ from internal forecasts and may result in the reassessment of indicators of impairment for the Group’s assets in future reporting periods.

Petroleum

Given the significant petroleum price volatility in CY2020 and the potential impact of climate change on long term petroleum prices, the Group considered a range of long term price assumptions, including oil prices at US$55 a barrel (Brent), when determining that no indicators of impairment existed at 30 June 2020.

Estimates: In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted market prices, estimates are made regarding the present value of future post-tax cash flows. These estimates are made from the perspective of a market participant and include prices, future production volumes, operating costs, tax attributes and discount rates. All estimates require significant management judgements and assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainty that may be beyond the control of the Group; hence, there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will materially alter projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets at each reporting date.


12    Intangible assets

 

  2019 2018   2020 2019 
  Goodwill   Other
intangibles
 Total Goodwill Other
intangibles
 Total   Goodwill   Other
intangibles
 Total Goodwill   Other
intangibles
 Total 
  US$M   US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M   US$M   US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M 

Net book value

                 

At the beginning of the financial year

   247    531   778  3,269  699  3,968    247    428   675  247    531  778 

Additions

       31   31     50  50        98   98       31  31 

Amortisation for the year

       (142  (142    (197 (197       (118)   (118)       (142 (142

Impairments for the year (1)

       (14  (14 (2,339 (14 (2,353                 (14 (14

Disposals

            (16 (7 (23

Transferred to assets held for sale

            (667    (667

Transfers and other movements

       22   22                 (31)   (31)       22  22 
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year (2)

   247    428   675  247  531  778 

At the end of the financial year (1)

   247    377   624  247    428  675 
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

– Cost

   247    1,697   1,944  247  1,665  1,912    247    1,580   1,827  247    1,697  1,944 

– Accumulated amortisation and impairments

       (1,269  (1,269    (1,134 (1,134       (1,203)   (1,203)       (1,269 (1,269
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Includes impairment charges related to Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2018: US$2,339 million). Refer to note 27 ‘Discontinued operations’.

(2) 

The Group’s aggregate net carrying value of goodwill for Continuing operations is US$247 million (2018:(2019: US$247 million), representing less than 1one per cent of net equity at 30 June 2019 (2018:2020 (2019: less than 1one per cent). The goodwill is allocated across a number of CGUs.

Recognition and measurement

Goodwill

Where the fair value of the consideration paid for a business acquisition exceeds the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired, the difference is treated as goodwill. Where consideration is less than the fair value of acquired net assets, the difference is recognised immediately in the income statement. Goodwill is not amortised and is measured at cost less any impairment losses.

Other intangibles

The Group capitalises amounts paid for the acquisition of identifiable intangible assets, such as software, licences and initial payments for the acquisition of mineral lease assets, where it is considered that they will contribute to future periods through revenue generation or reductions in cost. These assets, classified as finite life intangible assets, are carried in the balance sheet at the fair value of consideration paid less accumulated amortisation and impairment charges. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The estimated useful lives are generally no greater than eight years.

Initial payments for the acquisition of intangible mineral lease assets are capitalised and amortised over the term of the permit. A regular review is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area. Capitalised costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recovered through the successful exploitation of the area of interest or alternatively by its sale. To the extent that capitalised expenditure is no longer expected to be recovered, it is charged to the income statement.

 

F-42

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Assessment of impairment indicators requires management judgement. If a judgement is made that recovery of previously capitalised intangible mineral lease assets is unlikely, the relevant amount will be charged to the income statement.

Estimates: Determining the recoverable amount requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular whether an economically viable extraction operation can be established.

Where indicators of impairment exist for intangible assets, in the absence of quoted market prices, estimates are made regarding the present value of future post-tax cash flows. These estimates require management judgement and assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainty that may be beyond the control of the Group; hence, there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will materially alter projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets at each reporting date. The estimates are made from the perspective of a market participant and include prices, future production volumes, operating costs, tax attributes and discount rates.


Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Assessment of impairment indicators requires management judgement. If a judgement is made that recovery of previously capitalised intangible mineral lease assets is unlikely, the relevant amount will be charged to the income statement.

Estimates: Determining the recoverable amount requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular whether an economically viable extraction operation can be established.

Where indicators of impairment exist for intangible assets, in the absence of quoted market prices, estimates are made regarding the present value of futurepost-tax cash flows. These estimates require management judgement and assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainty that may be beyond the control of the Group; hence, there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will materially alter projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets at each reporting date. The estimates are made from the perspective of a market participant and include prices, future production volumes, operating costs, tax attributes and discount rates.

13    Deferred tax balances

The movement for the year in the Group’s net deferred tax position is as follows:

 

  2020   2019 2018 
  2019
US$M
 2018
US$M
 2017
US$M
   US$M   US$M US$M 

Net deferred tax asset

         

At the beginning of the financial year

   569  2,023  1,823    530    569  2,023 

Income tax (charge)/credit recorded in the income statement (1)

   (81 (1,445 188 

Income tax credit/(charge) recorded directly in equity

   15  17  12 

Income tax credit/(charge) recorded in the income statement (1)

   335    (81 (1,445

Income tax credit recorded directly in equity

   34    15  17 

Other movements

   27  (26      31    27  (26
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   530  569  2,023    930    530  569 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes Discontinued operations income tax credit to the income statement of US$ nil (2019: US$40 million (2018:million; 2018: US$510 million, 2017: US$219 million).

For recognition and measurement refer to note 6 ‘Income tax expense’.

F-43


The composition of the Group’s net deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised in the balance sheet and the deferred tax expense charged/(credited)/charged to the income statement is as follows:

 

  Deferred tax
assets
 Deferred tax
liabilities
 Charged/(credited) to
the income statement
   Deferred tax
assets
 Deferred tax
liabilities
 (Credited)/charged to
the income statement
 
  2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2017   2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M US$M 

Type of temporary difference

                

Depreciation(1)

   (1,717 (2,756  1,444  1,356   (951 (752 391    (2,749 (1,717  1,807  1,444   1,394  (951 (752

Exploration expenditure

   449  492         43  51  (22   398  449         51  43  51 

Employee benefits

   310  321   (6 (2  14  31  (37   353  310   (26 (6  (38 14  31 

Closure and rehabilitation

   1,671  1,627   (203 (194  (53 218  (151   2,100  1,671   (109 (203  (334 (53 218 

Resource rent tax

   431  468   1,112  1,328   (179 (194 (189   359  431   921  1,112   (119 (179 (194

Other provisions

   144  141   (1 (2  (2 (11 14    173  144   (239 (1  (268 (2 (11

Deferred income

   24  21   (5     (9 (13 3    (4 24     (5  33  (9 (13

Deferred charges

   (416 (374  286  272   56  (119 (77   (383 (416  187  286   (132 56  (119

Investments, including foreign tax credits

   412  546   600  691   70  615  (17   348  412   458  600   (77 70  615 

Foreign exchange gains and losses

   (97 (120  (6 16   (45 (20 (77   (134 (97  (61 (6  (18 (45 (20

Tax losses

   2,611  3,758         1,147  1,595  (381   2,759  2,611         (148 1,147  1,595 

Lease liability (1)

   548     (245    (793    

Other

   (58 (83  13  7   (10 44  355    (80 (58  65  13   114  (10 44 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

   3,764  4,041   3,234  3,472   81  1,445  (188   3,688  3,764   2,758  3,234   (335 81  1,445 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(1)

Includes deferred tax associated with the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 20 ‘Leases’.

The Group recognisesamount of deferred tax assets dependent on future taxable profits not arising from the benefitreversal of existing deferred tax losses amountingliabilities, and which relate to tax jurisdictions where the taxable entity has suffered a loss in the current or preceding year, was US$2,6112,865 million (2018:at 30 June 2020 (2019: US$3,7582,229 million) only to the extent of. It is considered probable that these benefits will be utilised based on anticipated future taxable income or gains in relevant jurisdictions. The amounts recognised in the Financial Statements in respect of each matter are derived fromreflect the Group’s best judgements and estimates as described in note 6 ‘Income tax expense’.

The composition of the Group’s unrecognised deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:

 

  2019   2018   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

        

Tax losses and tax credits (1)

   3,720    3,028    4,088    3,720 

Investments in subsidiaries (2)

   1,656    1,659    1,575    1,656 

Deductible temporary differences relating to PRRT (3)

   2,197    2,282    2,079    2,197 

Mineral rights (4)

   2,230    2,263    2,244    2,230 

Other deductible temporary differences (5)

   412    437    673    412 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total unrecognised deferred tax assets

   10,215    9,669    10,659    10,215 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Unrecognised deferred tax liabilities

        

Investments in subsidiaries (2)

   2,253    2,216    2,375    2,253 

Taxable temporary differences relating to unrecognised deferred tax asset for PRRT (3)

   659    685 

Future taxable temporary differences relating to unrecognised deferred tax asset for PRRT (3)

   624    659 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total unrecognised deferred tax liabilities

   2,912    2,901    2,999    2,912 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

At 30 June 2019,2020, the Group had income and capital tax losses with a tax benefit of US$2,2652,405 million (2018:(2019: US$1,9462,265 million) and tax credits of US$1,4551,683 million (2018:(2019: US$1,0821,455 million), which are not recognised as deferred tax assets, because it is not probable that future taxable profits or capital gains will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits.

F-44


The gross amount of tax losses carried forward that have not been recognised is as follows:

 

Year of expiry

  Total2020 
   US$M 

Income tax losses

  

Not later than one year

   359474 

Later than one year and not later than two years

   443240 

Later than two years and not later than five years

   2,7232,525 

Later than five years and not later than 10 years

   530679 

Later than 10 years and not later than 20 years

   2,3122,379 

Unlimited

   2,0012,262 
  

 

 

 
   8,3688,559 
  

 

 

 

Capital tax losses

  

Not later than one year

    

Later than two years and not later than five years

    

Unlimited

   4,1144,150 
  

 

 

 

Gross amount of tax losses not recognised

   12,48212,709 
  

 

 

 

Tax effect of total losses not recognised

   2,2652,405 
  

 

 

 

Of the US$1,4551,683 million of tax credits, US$1,4491,637 million expires not later than 10 years and US$646 million expires later than 10 years and not later than 20 years.

 

(2) 

The Group had deferred tax assets of US$1,656 million at 30 June 2019 (2018: US$1,659 million) and deferred tax liabilities of US$2,253 million (2018: US$2,216 million) associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries that have not been recognised because the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is not probable that these differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

(3) 

The Group had US$2,197 million of unrecognised deferred tax assets relating to Australian Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) at 30 June 2019 (2018: US$2,282 million relating to Australian PRRT), with a corresponding unrecognised deferred tax liability for income tax purposes of US$659 million (2018: US$685 million). Recognition of a deferred tax asset for PRRT depends on benefits expected to be obtained from the deduction against PRRT liabilities. As PRRT payments are deductible for income tax purposes, to the extent these PRRT deferred tax assets are recognised this would give rise to a corresponding deferred tax liability for income tax (presented as the future taxable temporary differences relating to the unrecognised PRRT deferred tax assets).

 

(4) 

The Group had deductible temporary differences relating to mineral rights for which deferred tax assets of US$2,230 million at 30 June 2019 (2018: US$2,263 million) had not been recognised because it is not probable that future capital gains will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation.

 

(5) 

The Group had other deductible temporary differences for which deferred tax assets of US$412 million at 30 June 2019 (2018: US$437 million) had not been recognised because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation.

F-45


14    Closure and rehabilitation provisions

 

  2019 2018   2020 2019 
  US$M US$M   US$M US$M 

At the beginning of the financial year

   6,330  6,738    6,977  6,330 

Capitalised amounts for operating sites:

      

Change in estimate

   494  35    1,255  494 

Exchange translation

   (194 (122   (188 (194

Adjustments charged/(credited) to the income statement:

      

Increases to existing and new provisions

   318  132    731  318 

Exchange translation

   (7 (11   (19 (7

Released during the year

   (33 (165   (43 (33

Other adjustments to the provision:

      

Amortisation of discounting impacting net finance costs

   353  352    356  353 

Expenditure on closure and rehabilitation activities

   (201 (178   (258 (201

Exchange variations impacting foreign currency translation reserve

   (2      (1 (2

Divestment and demerger of subsidiaries and operations

   (80        (80

Transferred to liabilities held for sale

     (450

Other movements

   (1 (1     (1
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   6,977  6,330    8,810  6,977 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprising:

      

Current

   361  274    373  361 

Non-current

   6,616  6,056    8,437  6,616 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Operating sites

   5,535  5,120    6,636  5,535 

Closed sites

   1,442  1,210    2,174  1,442 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

The Group is required to rehabilitate sites and associated facilities at the end of, or in some cases, during the course of production, to a condition acceptable to the relevant authorities, as specified in licence requirements and the Group’s environmental performance requirements as set out within Our Charter.

The key components of closure and rehabilitation activities are:

 

the removal of all unwanted infrastructure associated with an operation;

 

the return of disturbed areas to a safe, stable, productive and self-sustaining condition, consistent with the agreed end land use.

Recognition and measurement

Provisions for closure and rehabilitation are recognised by the Group when:

 

it has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events;

 

it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation;

 

the amount can be reliably estimated.

F-46


Initial recognition

  

Subsequent remeasurement

Closure and rehabilitation provisions are initially recognised when an environmental disturbance first occurs. The individual site provisions are an estimate of the expected value of future cash flows required to rehabilitate the relevant site using current restoration standards and techniques and taking into account risks and uncertainties. Individual site provisions are discounted to their present value using countrycurrency specific discount rates aligned to the estimated timing of cash outflows.

 

When provisions for closure and rehabilitation are initially recognised, the corresponding cost is capitalised as an asset, representing part of the cost of acquiring the future economic benefits of the operation.

  

The closure and rehabilitation asset, recognised within property, plant and equipment, is depreciated over the life of the operations. The value of the provision is progressively increased over time as the effect of discounting unwinds, resulting in an expense recognised in net finance costs.

 

The closure and rehabilitation provision is reviewed at each reporting date to assess if the estimate continues to reflect the best estimate of the obligation. If necessary, the provision is remeasured to account for factors, including:

 

•   revisions to estimated reserves resources and lives of operations;

 

•   developments in technology;

 

•   regulatory requirements and environmental management strategies;

 

•   changes in the estimated extent and costs of anticipated activities, including the effects of inflation and movements in foreign exchange rates;

 

•   movements in interest rates affecting the discount rate applied.

 

Changes to the closure and rehabilitation estimate for operating sites are added to, or deducted from, the related asset and amortised on a prospective basis accordingly over the remaining life of the operation, generally applying the units of production method.

 

Costs arising from unforeseen circumstances, such as the contamination caused by unplanned discharges, are recognised as an expense and liability when the event gives rise to an obligation that is probable and capable of reliable estimation.

Closed sites

Where future economic benefits are no longer expected to be derived through operation, changes to the associated closure and remediation costs are charged/(credited) to the income statement in the period identified. This amounted to a charge of US$251669 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 (2018:2020 (2019: charge of US$251 million; 2018: credit of US$(21) million; 2017: charge of US$33 million).

F-47


Key estimates

The recognition and measurement of closure and rehabilitation provisions requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to:

•   the extent (due to legal or constructive obligations) of potential activities required for the removal of infrastructure and rehabilitation activities (including activities to mitigate the potential physical impact of climate change);

•   costs associated with future rehabilitation activities;

•   applicable real discount rates;

•   the timing of cash flows and ultimate closure of operations.

Rehabilitation activities are generally undertaken at the end of the production life at the individual sites, the estimated timing of which is informed by the Group’s current assumptions relating to demand for commodities and carbon pricing, and their impact on the Group’s long-term price forecasts. Remaining production lives range from 4-91 years with an average for all sites, weighted by current closure provision, of approximately 28 years. The discount rates applied to the Group’s closure and rehabilitation provisions were revised during the year to reflect decreases in market interest rates. The effect of changes to discount rates was an increase of approximatively US$675 million in the closure and rehabilitation provision of which US$90 million in respect of closed sites was recognised in the income statement.

A further 0.5 per cent decrease in the real discount rates applied at 30 June 2020 would result in an increase to the closure and rehabilitation provision of US$772 million, an increase in property, plant and equipment of US$606 million in relation to operating sites and an income statement charge of US$166 million in respect of closed sites. In addition, the change would result in an increase of approximately US$35 million to depreciation expense and a US$16 million reduction in net finance costs for the year ending 30 June 2021.

Given the long-lived nature of the majority of the Group’s assets, closure activities are not expected to occur for a significant period of time. While the closure and rehabilitation provisions reflect management’s best estimates based on current knowledge and information, further studies and detailed analysis of the closure activities for individual assets will be performed as the assets near the end of their operational life and/or detailed closure plans are required to be submitted to relevant regulatory authorities. Such studies and analysis can impact the estimated costs of closure activities. Estimates can also be impacted by the emergence of new restoration techniques, changes in regulatory requirements for rehabilitation, risks relating to climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy, and experience at other operations. These uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently provided for in the balance sheet.

The recognition and measurement of closure and rehabilitation provisions requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to:

the extent (due to legal or constructive obligations) of potential activities required for the removal of infrastructure and rehabilitation activities;

costs associated with future rehabilitation activities;

applicable real discount rates;

the timing of cash flows and ultimate closure of operations.

Rehabilitation activities are generally undertaken at the end of the production life at the individual sites. Remaining production lives range from 1-98 years with an average for all sites, weighted by current closure provision, of approximately 32 years. A 0.5 per cent decrease in the real discount rates applied at 30 June 2019 would result in an increase to the closure and rehabilitation provision of US$618 million, an increase in property, plant and equipment of US$524 million in relation to operating sites and an income statement charge of US$94 million in respect of closed sites. In addition, the change would result in an increase of approximately US$42 million to depreciation expense and an immaterial reduction in net finance costs for the year ending 30 June 2020.

Estimates can also be impacted by the emergence of new restoration techniques, changes in regulatory requirements for rehabilitation, and experience at other operations. These uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently provided for in the balance sheet.

Capital structure

15    Share capital

 

 BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc   BHP Group Limited BHP Group Plc 
 2019
shares
 2018
shares
 2017
shares
 2019
shares
 2018
shares
 2017
shares
   2020
shares
 2019
shares
 2018
shares
 2020
shares
 2019
shares
 2018
shares
 

Share capital issued

             

Opening number of shares

  3,211,691,105  3,211,691,105  3,211,691,105   2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796    2,945,851,394  3,211,691,105  3,211,691,105   2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796 

Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts

  (6,854,057 (7,469,236 (6,481,292  (274,069 (679,223 (225,646   (5,975,189 (6,854,057 (7,469,236  (185,297 (274,069 (679,223

Employee share awards exercised following vesting

  5,902,588  7,339,522  6,945,570   275,984  711,705  940,070    6,893,113  5,902,588  7,339,522   222,245  275,984  711,705 

Movement in treasury shares under Employee Share Plans

  951,469  129,714  (464,278  (1,915 (32,482 (714,424   (917,924 951,469  129,714   (36,948 (1,915 (32,482

Shares bought back and cancelled (1)

  (265,839,711                    (265,839,711            
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Closing number of shares (2)

  2,945,851,394  3,211,691,105  3,211,691,105   2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796    2,945,851,394  2,945,851,394  3,211,691,105   2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796  2,112,071,796 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprising:

             

Shares held by the public

  2,944,703,079  3,211,494,259  3,211,623,973   2,112,032,077  2,112,030,162  2,111,997,680    2,945,621,003  2,944,703,079  3,211,494,259   2,112,069,025  2,112,032,077  2,112,030,162 

Treasury shares

  1,148,315  196,846  67,132   39,719  41,634  74,116    230,391  1,148,315  196,846   2,771  39,719  41,634 

Other share classes

             

Special Voting share of no par value

  1  1  1             1  1  1          

Special Voting share of US$0.50 par value

           1  1  1             1  1  1 

5.5% Preference shares of £1 each

           50,000  50,000  50,000             50,000  50,000  50,000 

DLC Dividend share

  1  1  1             1  1  1          
      

 

(1) 

During December 2018, BHP completed an off-market buy-back program of US$5.2 billion of BHP Group Limited shares related to the disbursement of proceeds from the disposal of Onshore US.

(2) 

No fully paid ordinary shares in BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc were issued on the exercise of Group Incentive Schemeemployee share awards during the period 1 July 20192020 to 53 September 2019.2020.

F-48


Recognition and measurement

Share capital of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc is composed of the following classes of shares:

 

Ordinary shares fully paid

  

Special Voting shares

  

Preference shares

BHP Group Limited ordinary shares fully paid and BHP Group Plc ordinary shares fully paid of US$0.50 par value, represent 99.99 per cent of the total number of shares. Any profit remaining after payment of preferred distributions is available for distribution to the holders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc ordinary shares in equal amounts per share.  Each of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc issued one Special Voting share to facilitate joint voting by shareholders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc on Joint Electorate Actions. There has been no movement in these shares.  Preference shares have the right to repayment of the amount paid up on the nominal value and any unpaid dividends in priority to the holders of any other class of shares in BHP Group Plc on a return of capital or winding up. The holders of preference shares have limited voting rights if payment of the preference dividends are six months or more in arrears or a resolution is passed changing the rights of the preference shareholders. There has been no movement in these shares, all of which are held by JP Morgan Limited.

 

DLC Dividend share

  

Treasury shares

   
The DLC Dividend share supports the Dual Listed Company (DLC) equalisation principles in place since the merger in 2001, including the requirement that ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Limited are paid equal cash dividends per share. This share enables efficient and flexible capital management across the DLC and was issued on 23 February 2016 at par value of US$10.  Treasury shares are shares of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc and are held by the ESOP Trusts for the purpose of issuing shares to employees under the Group’s Employee Share Plans. Treasury shares are recognised at cost and deducted from equity, net of any income tax effects. When the treasury shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable costs and income tax effects, is recognised as an increase in equity. Any difference between the carrying amount and the consideration, if reissued, is recognised in retained earnings.  

F-49


16    Other equity

 

   2019  2018   2017   

Recognition and measurement

   US$M  US$M   US$M    

Share premium account

   518   518    518   The share premium account represents the premium paid on the issue of BHP Group Plc shares recognised in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006.

Foreign currency translation reserve

   37   42    40   The foreign currency translation reserve represents exchange differences arising from the translation ofnon-US dollar functional currency operations within the Group into US dollars.

Employee share awards reserve

   213   196    214   

The employee share awards reserve represents the accrued employee entitlements to share awards that have been charged to the income statement and have not yet been exercised.

Once exercised, the difference between the accumulated fair value of the awards and their historicalon-market purchase price is recognised in retained earnings.

Cash flow hedge reserve

   114   58    153   The cash flow hedging reserve represents hedging gains and losses recognised on the effective portion of cash flow hedges. The cumulative deferred gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the income statement when the hedged transaction impacts the income statement, or is recognised as an adjustment to the cost ofnon-financial hedged items. The hedging reserve records the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge that is determined to be an effective hedge relationship.

Cost of hedging reserve

   (74         The cost of hedging reserve represents the recognition of certain costs of hedging for example, basis adjustments, which have been excluded from the hedging relationship and deferred in other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction impacts the income statement.

Equity investments reserve

   17   16    10   The financial assets reserve represents the revaluation of investments in shares recognised through other comprehensive income. Where a revalued financial asset is sold, the relevant portion of the reserve is transferred to retained earnings.

Capital redemption reserve

   177   177    177   The capital redemption reserve represents the par value of BHP Group Plc shares that were purchased and subsequently cancelled. The cancellation of the shares creates anon-distributable capital redemption reserve.

Non-controlling interest contribution reserve

   1,283   1,283    1,288   Thenon-controlling interest contribution reserve represents the excess of consideration received over the book value of net assets attributable to equity instruments when acquired bynon-controlling interests.
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reserves

   2,285   2,290    2,400   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

F-50

   2020  2019  2018   

Recognition and measurement

   US$M  US$M  US$M    

Share premium account

   518   518   518   The share premium account represents the premium paid on the issue of BHP Group Plc shares recognised in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006.

Foreign currency translation reserve

   39   37   42   The foreign currency translation reserve represents exchange differences arising from the translation of non-US dollar functional currency operations within the Group into US dollars.

Employee share awards reserve

   246   213   196   

The employee share awards reserve represents the accrued employee entitlements to share awards that have been charged to the income statement and have not yet been exercised.

Once exercised, the difference between the accumulated fair value of the awards and their historical on-market purchase price is recognised in retained earnings.

Cash flow hedge reserve

   50   114   58   The cash flow hedge reserve represents hedging gains and losses recognised on the effective portion of cash flow hedges. The cumulative deferred gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the income statement when the hedged transaction impacts the income statement, or is recognised as an adjustment to the cost of non-financial hedged items. The hedging reserve records the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge that is determined to be an effective hedge relationship.

Cost of hedging reserve

   (23  (74     The cost of hedging reserve represents the recognition of certain costs of hedging for example, basis adjustments, which have been excluded from the hedging relationship and deferred in other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction impacts the income statement.

Equity investments reserve

   16   17   16   The financial assets reserve represents the revaluation of investments in shares recognised through other comprehensive income. Where a revalued financial asset is sold, the relevant portion of the reserve is transferred to retained earnings.

Capital redemption reserve

   177   177   177   The capital redemption reserve represents the par value of BHP Group Plc shares that were purchased and subsequently cancelled. The cancellation of the shares creates a non-distributable capital redemption reserve.

Non-controlling interest contribution reserve

   1,283   1,283   1,283   The non-controlling interest contribution reserve represents the excess of consideration received over the book value of net assets attributable to equity instruments when acquired by non-controlling interests.
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total reserves

   2,306   2,285   2,290   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   


Summarised financial information relating to each of the Group’s subsidiaries withnon-controlling interests (NCI) that are material to the Group before any intra-group eliminations is shown below:

 

 2019 2018   2020 2019 

US$M

 Minera
Escondida
Limitada
 Other
individually
immaterial
subsidiaries
(incl. intra-
group
eliminations)
 Total Minera
Escondida
Limitada
 Other
individually
immaterial
subsidiaries
(incl. intra-
group
eliminations)
 Total   Minera
Escondida
Limitada
 Other
individually
immaterial
subsidiaries
(incl. intra
-group
eliminations)
   Total Minera
Escondida
Limitada
 Other
individually
immaterial
subsidiaries
(incl. intra
-group
eliminations)
 Total 

Group share (per cent)

  57.5    57.5      57.5     57.5   
 

 

    

 

     

 

     

 

   

Current assets

  2,456    2,751      2,432     2,456   

Non-current assets

  12,538    13,389      12,121     12,538   

Current liabilities

  (1,826   (1,781     (1,614    (1,826  

Non-current liabilities

  (4,122   (4,352     (4,613    (4,122  
 

 

    

 

     

 

     

 

   

Net assets

  9,046    10,007      8,326     9,046   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net assets attributable to NCI

  3,845   739   4,584  4,253  825  5,078    3,539   771    4,310  3,845  739  4,584 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Revenue

  6,876    8,775      6,719     6,876   

Profit after taxation

  1,360    2,221      1,088     1,360   

Other comprehensive income

  (1   (2     (27    (1  
 

 

    

 

     

 

     

 

   

Total comprehensive income

  1,359    2,219      1,061     1,359   
 

 

    

 

     

 

     

 

   

Profit after taxation attributable to NCI

  578   301   879  944  174  1,118    462   318    780  578  301  879 

Other comprehensive income attributable to NCI

     (1  (1 (1 1       (11      (11    (1 (1
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net operating cash flow

  3,283    5,041      2,637     3,283   

Net investing cash flow

  (1,034   (997     (919    (1,034  

Net financing cash flow

  (2,517   (3,392     (1,920    (2,517  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Dividends paid to NCI (1)

  986   219   1,205  1,469  135  1,604    757   286    1,043  986  219  1,205 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes dividends paid tonon-controlling interests related to Onshore US of US$ nil (2019: US$7 million (2018: US$22 million). Refer to note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’.

While the Group controls Minera Escondida Limitada, thenon-controlling interests hold certain protective rights that restrict the Group’s ability to sell assets held by Minera Escondida Limitada, or use the assets in other subsidiaries and operations owned by the Group. Minera Escondida Limitada is also restricted from paying dividends without the approval of thenon-controlling interests.

F-51


17    Dividends

 

  Year ended
30 June 2019
   Year ended
30 June 2018
   Year ended
30 June 2017
   Year ended
30 June 2020
   Year ended
30 June 2019
   Year ended
30 June 2018
 
  Per share   Total   Per share   Total   Per share   Total   Per share   Total   Per share   Total   Per share   Total 
  US cents   US$M   US cents   US$M   US cents   US$M   US cents   US$M   US cents   US$M   US cents   US$M 

Dividends paid during the period (1)

                        

Prior year final dividend

   63    3,356    43    2,291    14    746    78    3,946    63    3,356    43    2,291 

Interim dividend

   55    2,788    55    2,930    40    2,125    65    3,288    55    2,788    55    2,930 

Special dividend

   102    5,158                            102    5,158         
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   220    11,302    98    5,221    54    2,871    143    7,234    220    11,302    98    5,221 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

5.5 per cent dividend on 50,000 preference shares of £1 each determined and paid annually (2018:(2019: 5.5 per cent; 2017:2018: 5.5 per cent).

Dividends paid during the period differs from the amount of dividends paid in the Cash Flow Statement as a result of foreign exchange gains and losses relating to the timing of equity distributions between the record date and the payment date. An additional derivative settlement of US$322 million was made as part of the funding of the interim dividend and is disclosed in Proceeds/(settlements) of cash management related instruments in the Cash Flow Statement.

The Dual Listed Company merger terms require that ordinary shareholders of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc are paid equal cash dividends on a per share basis. Each American Depositary Share (ADS) represents two ordinary shares of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc. Dividends determined on each ADS represent twice the dividend determined on BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc ordinary shares.

Dividends are determined afterperiod-end and announced with the results for the period. Interim dividends are determined in February and paid in March. Final dividends are determined in August and paid in September. Dividends determined are not recorded as a liability at the end of the period to which they relate. On 17 December 2018, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc determined a special dividend of US$1.02 per share (US$5.2 billion), which was paid on 30 January 2019 and relatedSubsequent to the disbursement of proceeds from the disposal of Onshore US. Subsequent toyear-end, on 2018 August 2019,2020, BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc determined a final dividend of 7855 US cents per share (US$3,9442,782 million), which will be paid on 2522 September 20192020 (30 June 2019: final dividend of 78 US cents per share – US$3,944 million; 30 June 2018: final dividend of 63 US cents per share – US$3,354 million; 30 June 2017: final dividend of 43 US cents per share – US$2,2893,356 million).

BHP Group Limited dividends for all periods presented are, or will be, fully franked based on a tax rate of 30 per cent.

 

  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Franking credits as at 30 June

   8,681    10,400    10,155    10,980    8,681    10,400 

Franking credits arising from the payment of current tax

   1,194    1,330    1,239    471    1,194    1,330 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total franking credits available (1)

   9,875    11,730    11,394    11,451    9,875    11,730 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

The payment of the final 20192020 dividend determined after 30 June 20192020 will reduce the franking account balance by US$984694 million.

F-52


18    Provisions for dividends and other liabilities

The disclosure below excludes closure and rehabilitation provisions (refer to note 14 ‘Closure and rehabilitation provisions’), employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions (refer to note 2425 ‘Employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions’) and provisions related to the Samarco dam failure (refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’).

 

   2019  2018 
   US$M  US$M 

Movement in provision for dividends and other liabilities

   

At the beginning of the financial year

   944   984 

Dividends determined

   11,302   5,221 

Charge/(credit) for the year:

   

Underlying

   372   337 

Discounting

   10   4 

Exchange variations

   101   3 

Released during the year

   (391  (78

Utilisation

   (338  (150

Dividends paid

   (11,395  (5,325

Transferred to liabilities held for sale

      (39

Transfers and other movements

   (104  (13
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   501   944 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprising:

   

Current

   220   290 

Non-current

   281   654 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-53

   2020  2019 
   US$M  US$M 

Movement in provision for dividends and other liabilities

   

At the beginning of the financial year

   501   944 

Dividends determined

   7,234   11,302 

Charge/(credit) for the year:

   

Underlying

   1,027   372 

Discounting

   3   10 

Exchange variations

   (356  101 

Released during the year

   (94  (391

Utilisation

   (99  (338

Dividends paid

   (6,876  (11,395

Transfers and other movements

   (100  (104
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   1,240   501 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprising:

   

Current

   258   220 

Non-current

   982   281 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 


Financial management

19    Net debt

The Group seeks to maintain a strong balance sheet and deploys its capital with reference to the Capital Allocation Framework.

The Group monitors capital using the net debt balance and the gearing ratio, being the ratio of net debt to net debt plus net assets.

With effect from 1 July 2019, the net debt definition includes the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge cash and borrowings. Management believes this amendment is useful because it reflects the Group’s risk management strategy of reducing the volatility of net debt caused by fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates.

   2019  2018 

US$M

  Current   Non-current  Current   Non-current 

Interest bearing liabilities

       

Bank loans

   508    1,990   308    2,247 

Notes and debentures

   1,002    20,527   2,228    21,070 

Finance leases

   65    650   77    725 

Bank overdraft and short-term borrowings

   20       58     

Other

   66       65    27 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest bearing liabilities

   1,661    23,167   2,736    24,069 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less cash and cash equivalents

       

Cash

   2,210       1,065     

Short-term deposits

   13,403       14,806     
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

   15,613       15,871     
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt

     9,215     10,934 
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net assets

     51,824     60,670 
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gearing

     15.1    15.3
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net debt-related derivative financial instruments are a subset of the other financial assets and liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in net debt calculation.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ (IFRS 16) from 1 July 2019, the current period ‘Total Interest bearing liabilities’ includes a US$2,793 million increase in gross debt during the year. The Group elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach to IFRS 16, with no restatement of comparative periods. Refer to note 20 ‘Leases’ for information on lease liabilities.

Vessel lease contracts that are priced with reference to a freight index, which did not meet the definition of a lease under IAS 17/AASB 117 ‘Leases’ (IAS 17) , now meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16. These contracts are required to be remeasured at each reporting date to the prevailing freight index. While these liabilities are included in the Group interest bearing liabilities, they are excluded from the net debt calculation as they do not align with how the Group assesses net debt for decision making in relation to the Capital Allocation Framework. In addition, the freight index has historically been volatile which creates significant short-term fluctuation in these liabilities. As of 1 January 2020, the Group excludes these liabilities from its net debt calculation.

   2020   2019
Restated
 

US$M

  Current  Non-current   Current  Non-current 

Interest bearing liabilities

      

Bank loans

   737   1,755    508   1,990 

Notes and debentures

   3,354   17,691    1,002   20,527 

Lease liabilities (1)

   853   2,590    65   650 

Bank overdraft and short-term borrowings

          20    

Other

   68       66    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total interest bearing liabilities

   5,012   22,036    1,661   23,167 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Lease liability associated with index-linked freight contracts

   379   781        
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

      

Cash

   3,493       2,210    

Short-term deposits

   9,933       13,403    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Total cash and cash equivalents

   13,426       15,613    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Derivatives included in net debt

      

Net debt management related instruments (2)

   (162  595    (48  (156

Net cash management related instruments (3)

   (15      (27   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Total derivatives included in net debt

   (177  595    (75  (156
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net debt

    12,044     9,446 
   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net assets

    52,246     51,824 
   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gearing

    18.7%     15.4% 
   

 

 

    

 

 

 

(1)

Reflects the impact of IFRS 16. Refer to note 20 ‘Leases’.

(2)

Represents the net cross currency and interest rate swaps designated as effective hedging instruments included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

(3)

Represents the net forward exchange contracts included within current and non-current other financial assets and liabilities.

Cash and short-term deposits are disclosed in the cash flow statement net of bank overdrafts and interest bearing liabilities at call.

 

  2019 2018 2017   2020   2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M   US$M   US$M US$M 

Total cash and cash equivalents

   15,613  15,871  14,153    13,426    15,613  15,871 

Bank overdrafts and short-term borrowing

   (20 (58 (45

Bank overdrafts and short-term borrowings

       (20 (58
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts

   15,593  15,813  14,108    13,426    15,593  15,813 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Recognition and measurement

Cash and short-term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and on hand and highly liquid cash deposits with short-term maturities that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value. The Group considers that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to their short term to maturity.

Cash and cash equivalents includes US$10896 million (2018:(2019: US$98108 million) restricted by legal or contractual arrangements.

F-54


Interest bearing liabilities and cash and cash equivalents include balances denominated in the following currencies:

 

  Interest bearing liabilities   Cash and cash equivalents   Interest bearing liabilities   Cash and cash equivalents 
  2019   2018   2019   2018   2020   2019   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

USD

   12,485    12,981    9,214    7,024    14,625    12,485    9,555    9,214 

EUR

   7,680    9,070    6    5,845    7,323    7,680    4    6 

GBP

   3,118    3,104    48    1,560    3,272    3,118    519    48 

AUD

   951    1,077    3,023    9    1,055    951    1,011    3,023 

CAD

   594    573    3,092    1,301    597    594    2,131    3,092 

Other

           230    132    176        206    230 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   24,828    26,805    15,613    15,871    27,048    24,828    13,426    15,613 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The Group enters into derivative transactions to convert the majority of its exposures above into US dollars. Further information on the Group’s risk management activities relating to these balances is provided in note 2122 ‘Financial risk management’.

Liquidity risk

The Group’s liquidity risk arises from the possibility that it may not be able to settle or meet its obligations as they fall due and is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy. Operational, capital and regulatory requirements are considered in the management of liquidity risk, in conjunction with short-term and long-term forecast information.

Recognising the cyclical volatility of operating cash flows, the Group has defined minimum target cash and liquidity buffers to be maintained to mitigate liquidity risk and support operations through the cycle.

The Group’s strong credit profile, diversified funding sources, its minimum cash buffer and its committed credit facilities ensure that sufficient liquid funds are maintained to meet its daily cash requirements.

Standard & Poor’s credit rating of the Group remained at the A level with stable outlook throughout FY2019.FY2020. On 1 May 2020, Moody’s upgradedaffirmed its credit rating of the Group from A3 toat A2 on 31 October 2018 with a stable outlook thereafter in FY2019.outlook.

There were no defaults on the Group’s liabilities during the period.

Counterparty risk

The Group is exposed to credit risk from its financing activities, including short-term cash investments such as deposits with banks and derivative contracts. This risk is managed by Group Treasury in line with the counterparty risk framework, which aims to minimise the exposure to a counterparty and mitigate the risk of financial loss through counterparty failure.

Exposure to counterparties is monitored at a Group level across all products and includes exposure with derivatives and cash investments.

Investments and derivatives are only transacted with approved counterparties who have been assigned specific limits based on a quantitative credit risk model. These limits are updated at leastbi-annually. Additionally, derivatives are subject to tenor limits and investments are subject to concentration limits by rating.

Derivative fair values are inclusive of valuation adjustments that take into account consideration of both the counterparty and the Group’s risk of default.

F-55


Standby arrangements and unused credit facilities

The Group’s committed revolving credit facility operates as a back-stop to the Group’s uncommitted commercial paper program. The combined amount drawn under the facility or as commercial paper will not exceed US$6.05.5 billion. As at 30 June 2019,2020, US$ nil commercial paper was drawn (2018:(2019: US$ nil). The revolving credit facility was refinanced on 10 October 2019 and has a five-year maturity ending 7 May 2021.10 October 2024. A commitment fee is payable on the undrawn balance and an interest rate comprising an interbank rate plus a margin applies to any drawn balance. The agreed margins are typical for a credit facility extended to a company with the Group’s credit rating.

Maturity profile of financial liabilities

The maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities based on the undiscounted contractual amounts, taking into account the derivatives related to debt, is as follows:

 

2020

US$M

 Bank loans,
debentures and
other loans
 Expected
future
interest
payments
 Derivatives
related to
debentures
 Other
derivatives
 Obligations
under
lease
liabilities (1)
 Trade and
other
payables (2)
 Total 

Due for payment:

       

In one year or less or on demand

  4,138   813   260   60   927   5,622   11,820 

In more than one year but not more than two years

  1,665   702   81      630   1   3,079 

In more than two years but not more than five years

  5,727   1,713   819      1,335      9,594 

In more than five years

  10,101   4,368   974      1,043      16,486 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  21,631   7,596   2,134   60   3,935   5,623   40,979 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Carrying amount

  23,605      1,579   60   3,443   5,623   34,310 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2019

US$M

 Bank loans,
debentures and
other loans
 Expected
future
interest
payments
 Derivatives
related to
debentures
 Other
derivatives
 Obligations
under
finance
leases
 Trade and
other
payables(1)
 Total  Bank loans,
debentures and
other loans
 Expected
future
interest
payments
 Derivatives
related to
debentures
 Other
derivatives
 Obligations
under
lease
liabilities (1)
 Trade and
other
payables (2)
 Total 

Due for payment:

              

In one year or less or on demand

  1,587   864   200   64   110   6,555   9,380  1,587  864  200  64  110  6,555  9,380 

In more than one year but not more than two years

  4,107   775   226   1   110   5   5,224  4,107  775  226  1  110  5  5,224 

In more than two years but not more than five years

  5,513   1,864   558      307      8,242  5,513  1,864  558     307     8,242 

In more than five years

  11,662   4,896   1,102      501      18,161  11,662  4,896  1,102     501     18,161 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  22,869   8,399   2,086   65   1,028   6,560   41,007  22,869  8,399  2,086  65  1,028  6,560  41,007 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Carrying amount

  24,113      958   65   715   6,560   32,411  24,113     958  65  715  6,560  32,411 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2018

US$M

 Bank loans,
debentures and
other loans
 Expected
future
interest
payments
 Derivatives
related to
debentures
 Other
derivatives
 Obligations
under
finance
leases
 Trade and
other
payables(1)
 Total 

Due for payment:

       

In one year or less or on demand

 2,647  682  302  17  127  5,788  9,563 

In more than one year but not more than two years

 1,545  957  188  1  113  3  2,807 

In more than two years but not more than five years

 8,019  2,203  823     335     11,380 

In more than five years

 13,287  5,519  1,191     590     20,587 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

 25,498  9,361  2,504  18  1,165  5,791  44,337 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Carrying amount

 26,003     1,213  18  802  5,791  33,827 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Lease obligations as at 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019 relate to lease liabilities under IFRS 16 and finance lease liabilities under IAS 17, respectively.

(2) 

Excludes input taxes of US$162145 million (2018:(2019: US$189162 million) included in other payables. Refer to note 9 ‘Trade and other payables’.

F-56


20    Leases

The Group applied IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ (IFRS 16) from 1 July 2019. The Group elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with no restatement of comparative periods. The comparative information relating to leases presented throughout the Financial Statements is in accordance with IAS 17/AASB 117 ‘Leases’ (IAS 17). Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ for information on the transition effects of IFRS 16 and policy choices made on implementation. Movements in the Group’s lease liabilities during the year are as follows:

2020
US$M

At the beginning of the financial year (1)

715

IFRS 16 transition

2,301

Additions

436

Remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts

733

Lease payments

(761

Foreign exchange movement

(43

Amortisation of discounting

90

Transfers and other movements

(28

At the end of thefinancial year

3,443

Comprising:

Current liabilities

853

Non-current liabilities

2,590

(1)

Relates to existing finance leases at 1 July 2019.

A significant proportion by value of the Group’s lease contracts relate to plant facilities, office buildings and vessels. Lease terms for plant facilities and office buildings typically run for over 10 years and vessels for four to 10 years. Other leases include port facilities, various equipment and vehicles. The lease contracts contain a wide range of different terms and conditions including extension and termination options and variable lease payments.

The Group’s lease obligations are included in the Group’s Interest bearing liabilities and, with the exception of vessel lease contracts that are priced with reference to a freight index, form part of the Group’s net debt.

The maturity profile of lease liabilities based on the undiscounted contractual amounts is as follows:

Lease liability (1)

  2020   2019 
   US$M   US$M 

Due for payment:

    

In one year or less or on demand

   927    110 

In more than one year but not more than two years

   630    110 

In more than two years but not more than five years

   1,335    307 

In more than five years

   1,043    501 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   3,935    1,028 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying amount

   3,443    715 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Lease liability as at 30 June 2019 represents finance lease liabilities under IAS 17.

At 30 June 2020, commitments for leases not yet commenced based on undiscounted contractual amounts were US$1,458 million; and commitments relating to short-term leases were US$103 million.

The Group’s aggregate amounts of minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases at 30 June 2019 under IAS 17 were as follows (reported under note 32 ‘Commitments’ in FY2019):

Commitments under operating leases

2019
US$M

Due not later than one year

440

Due later than one year and not later than five years

876

Due later than five years

589

Total

1,905

Movements in the Group’s right-of-use assets during the year are as follows:

2020

  Land and
buildings
  Plant and
equipment
  Total 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 
Net book value    

At the beginning of the financial year (1)

      492   492 

Assets recognised on adoption of IFRS 16

   754   1,400   2,154 

Additions

   104   332   436 

Remeasurements of index-linked freight contracts

      733   733 

Depreciation expensed during the period

   (113  (543  (656

Depreciation classified as exploration

      (34  (34

Impairments, net of reversals

   (2  (22  (24

Transfers and other movements

   (54     (54
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   689   2,358   3,047 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

– Cost

   804   3,349   4,153 

– Accumulated depreciation and impairments

   (115  (991  (1,106

(1)

Relates to assets previously held under finance leases under IAS 17.

Right-of-use assets are included within the underlying asset classes in Property, plant and equipment. Refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’.

Amounts recorded in the income statement and the cash flow statement for the year were:

2020
US$M

Included within

Income statement

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

656Profit from operations

Short-term, low-value and variable lease costs (1)

675Profit from operations

Interest on lease liabilities

90Financial expenses

Cash flow statement

Principal lease payments

671Cash flows from financing activities

Lease interest payments

90Cash flows from operating activities

(1)

Relates to US$438 million of variable lease costs, US$211 million of short-term lease costs and US$26 million of low-value lease costs.

Recognition and measurement (following adoption of IFRS 16)

All leases with the exception of short-term (under 12 months) and low-value leases are recognised on the balance sheet, as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding interest bearing liability. Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments from the lease commencement date and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the interest on lease liabilities, lease payments and any remeasurements due to, for example, lease modifications or a change to future lease payments linked to an index or rate. Lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, where this is readily determinable. Where the implicit interest rate is not readily determinable, the interest payments are discounted at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate, adjusted to reflect factors specific to the lease, including where relevant the currency, tenor and location of the lease.

Low-value and short-term leases continue to be expensed to the income statement. Variable lease payments not dependent on an index or rate are excluded from lease liabilities, and expensed to the income statement.

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost will initially correspond to the lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, lease payments made prior to lease commencement, capitalised provisions for closure and rehabilitation and any lease incentives.

The lease asset and liability associated with all index-linked freight contracts, including continuous voyage charters (CVCs), are measured at each reporting date based on the prevailing freight index (generally the Baltic C5 index).

Lease costs are recognised in the income statement over the lease term in the form of depreciation on the right-of-use asset and finance charges representing the unwind of the discount on the lease liability, replacing certain operating lease expenses previously reported under IAS 17.

Where the Group is the operator of an unincorporated joint operation and all investors are parties to a lease, the Group recognises its proportionate share of the lease liability and associated right-of-use asset. In the event the Group is the sole signatory to a lease, and therefore has the sole legal obligation to make lease payments, the lease liability is recognised in full. Where the associated right-of-use asset is sub-leased (under a finance sub-lease) to a joint operation, for instance where it is dedicated to a single operation and the joint operation has the right to direct the use of the asset, the Group recognises its proportionate share of the right-of-use asset and a net investment in the lease, representing amounts to be recovered from the other parties to the joint operation. If the Group is not party to the lease contract but sub-leases the associated right-of-use asset, it recognises its proportionate share of the right-of-use asset and a lease liability which is payable to the operator.

Key judgements and estimates

Judgements: Certain contractual arrangements not in the form of a lease require the Group to apply significant judgement in evaluating whether the Group controls the right to direct the use of assets and therefore whether the contract contains a lease. Management considers all facts and circumstances in determining whether the Group or the supplier has the rights to direct how, and for what purpose, the underlying assets are used in certain mining contracts and other arrangements, including outsourcing arrangements, shipping arrangements and power purchase agreements. Judgement is used to assess which decision-making rights mostly affect the benefits of use of the assets for each arrangement.

In addition to containing a lease, the Group’s contractual arrangements may include non-lease components. For example, certain mining services arrangements involve the provision of additional services, including maintenance, drilling activities and the supply of personnel. The Group has elected to separate these non-lease components from the lease components in measuring lease liabilities. Judgement is required to identify the lease and non-lease components.

Estimates: Where the Group cannot readily determine the interest rate implicit in the lease, estimation is involved in the determination of the weighted average incremental borrowing rate to measure lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate reflects the rates of interest a lessee would have to pay to borrow over a similar term, with similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. Under the Group’s portfolio approach to debt management, the Group does not specifically borrow for asset purchases. Therefore, the incremental borrowing rate is estimated with reference to the Group’s corporate borrowing portfolio, adjusted to reflect the terms and conditions of the lease (including the impact of currency, credit rating of subsidiary entering into the lease and the term of the lease), at the inception of the lease arrangement or the time of lease modification.

The Group estimates stand-alone prices, where such prices are not readily observable, in order to allocate the contractual payments between lease and non-lease components.

21    Net finance costs

 

  2019 2018 2017   2020 2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M 

Financial expenses

        

Interest expense using the effective interest rate method:

        

Interest on bank loans, overdrafts and all other borrowings

   1,296  1,168  1,130    1,099  1,296  1,168 

Interest capitalised at 4.96% (2018: 4.24%; 2017: 3.25%) (1)

   (248 (139 (113

Interest on finance leases

   47  59  33 

Interest capitalised at 4.14% (2019: 4.96%; 2018: 4.24%) (1)

   (308 (248 (139

Interest on lease liabilities

   90  47  59 

Discounting on provisions and other liabilities

   470  414  450    452  470  414 

Other gains and losses:

        

Fair value change on hedged loans

   729  (265 (1,185   721  729  (265

Fair value change on hedging derivatives

   (809 329  1,244    (788 (809 329 

Exchange variations on net debt

   6  (19 (23   (18 6  (19

Other

   19  20  24    14  19  20 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total financial expenses

   1,510  1,567  1,560    1,262  1,510  1,567 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Financial income

        

Interest income

   (446 (322 (143   (351 (446 (322
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net finance costs

   1,064  1,245  1,417    911  1,064  1,245 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Interest has been capitalised at the rate of interest applicable to the specific borrowings financing the assets under construction or, where financed through general borrowings, at a capitalisation rate representing the average interest rate on such borrowings. Tax relief for capitalised interest is approximately US$92 million (2019: US$74 million (2018:million; 2018: US$42 million; 2017: US$34 million).

Recognition and measurement

Interest income is accrued using the effective interest rate method. Finance costs are expensed as incurred, except where they relate to the financing of construction or development of qualifying assets.

2122    Financial risk management

21.122.1 Financial risks

Financial and capital risk management strategy

The financial risks arising from the Group’s operations comprise market, liquidity and credit risk. These risks arise in the normal course of business and the Group manages its exposure to them in accordance with the Group’s portfolio risk management strategy. The objective of the strategy is to support the delivery of the Group’s financial targets, while protecting its future financial security and flexibility by taking advantage of the natural diversification provided by the scale, diversity and flexibility of the Group’s operations and activities.

A Cash Flow at Risk (CFaR) framework is used to measure the aggregate and diversified impact of financial risks upon the Group’s financial targets. The principal measurement of risk is CFaR measured on a portfolio basis, which is defined as the worst expected loss relative to projected business plan cash flows over aone-year horizon under normal market conditions at a confidence level of 90 per cent.

Market risk management

The Group’s activities expose it to market risks associated with movements in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices. Under the strategy outlined above, the Group seeks to achieve financing costs, currency impacts, input costs and commodity prices on a floating or index basis. This strategy gives rise to a risk of variability in earnings, which is measured under the CFaR framework.

F-57


In executing the strategy, financial instruments are potentially employed in three distinct but related activities. The following table summarises these activities and the key risk management processes:

 

Activity

  

Key risk management processes

1   Risk mitigation

On an exception basis, hedging for the purposes of mitigating risk related to specific and significant expenditure on investments or capital projects will be executed if necessary to support the Group’s strategic objectives.

  

Execution of transactions within approved mandates.

2   Economic hedging of commodity sales, operating costs, short-term cash deposits and debt instruments

  

Where Group commodity production is sold to customers on pricing terms that deviate from the relevant index target and where a relevant derivatives market exists, financial instruments may be executed as an economic hedge to align the revenue price exposure with the index target and US dollars.

Measuring and reporting the exposure in customer commodity contracts and issued debt instruments.

Where debt is issued in a currency other than the US dollar and/or at a fixed interest rate, fair value and cash flow hedges may be executed to align the debt exposure with the Group’s functional currency of US dollars and/or to swap to a floating interest rate.

Executing hedging derivatives to align the total group exposure to the index target.

Where short-term cash deposits are held in a currency other than US dollars, derivative financial instruments may be executed to align the foreign exchange exposure to the Group’s functional currency of US dollars.

  

Measuring and reporting the exposure in customer commodity contracts and issued debt instruments.

Executing hedging derivatives to align the total group exposure to the index target.

Execution of transactions within approved mandates.

3   Strategic financial transactions

  

Opportunistic transactions may be executed with financial instruments to capture value from perceived market over/under valuations.

  Execution of transactions within approved mandates.

Primary responsibility for the identification and control of financial risks, including authorising and monitoring the use of financial instruments for the above activities and stipulating policy thereon, rests with the Financial Risk Management Committee under authority delegated by the Chief Executive Officer.

Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding borrowings and short-term cash deposits from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair value of fixed interest rate financial instruments. Interest rate risk is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy.

The majority of the Group’s debt is issued at fixed interest rates. The Group has entered into interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps to convert most of its fixed interest rate exposure to floating US dollar interest rate exposure. As at 30 June 2019,2020, 87 per cent of the Group’s borrowings were exposed to floating interest rates inclusive of the effect of swaps (2018: 89(2019: 87 per cent).

The fair value of interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps in hedge relationships used to hedge both interest rate and foreign currency risks are shown in the valuation hierarchy of this note.

The Group has early adopted amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ in relation to Interest Rate Benchmark Reform. There is no impact on the Group’s hedge accounting as a result of adopting the amendments and for further information refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’.

F-58


Based on the net debt position as at 30 June 2019,2020, taking into account interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps, it is estimated that a one percentage point increase in the US LIBOR interest rate will decrease the Group’s equity and profit after taxation by US$3947 million (2018:(2019: decrease of US$5439 million). This assumes the change in interest rates is effective from the beginning of the financial year and the fixed/floating mix and balances are constant over the year. However, interest rates and the net debt profile of the Group may not remain constant over the coming financial year and therefore such sensitivity analysis should be used with care.

Currency risk

The US dollar is the predominant functional currency within the Group and as a result, currency exposures arise from transactions and balances in currencies other than the US dollar. The Group’s potential currency exposures comprise:

 

translational exposure in respect ofnon-functional currency monetary items;

 

transactional exposure in respect ofnon-functional currency expenditure and revenues.

The Group’s foreign currency risk is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy.

Translational exposure in respect ofnon-functional currency monetary items

Monetary items, including financial assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of an operation are periodically restated to US dollar equivalents and the associated gain or loss is taken to the income statement. The exception is foreign exchange gains or losses on foreign currency denominated provisions for closure and rehabilitation at operating sites, which are capitalised in property, plant and equipment.

The Group has entered into cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forwards to convert its significant foreign currency exposures in respect of monetary items into US dollars. ChangesFluctuations in foreign exchange rates willare therefore not expected to have an insignificanta significant impact on equity and profit after tax.

The principalnon-functional currencies to which the Group is exposed are the Australian dollar, the Euro, the Pound sterling and the Chilean peso; however, 8280 per cent (2018: 88(2019: 82 per cent) of the Group’s net financial liabilities are denominated in US dollars. Based on the Group’s net financial assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2019,2020, a weakening of the US dollar against these currencies (one cent strengthening in Australian dollar, one cent strengthening in Euro, one penny strengthening in Pound sterling and 10 pesos strengthening in Chilean peso), with all other variables held constant, would decrease the Group’s equity and profit after taxation by US$12 million (2018:(2019: decrease of US$1012 million).

Transactional exposure in respect ofnon-functional currency expenditure and revenues

Certain operating and capital expenditure is incurred in currencies other than an operation’s functional currency. To a lesser extent, certain sales revenue is earned in currencies other than the functional currency of operations and certain exchange control restrictions may require that funds be maintained in currencies other than the functional currency of the operation. These currency risks are managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy. The Group may enter into forward exchange contracts when required under this strategy.

Commodity price risk

The risk associated with commodity prices is managed as part of the portfolio risk management strategy. Contracts for the sale and physical delivery of commodities are executed whenever possible on a pricing basis intended to achieve a relevant index target. While substantiallySubstantially all of the Group’s commodity production is sold on market-based index pricing terms, with derivatives mayused from time to time be used to align realised prices with the relevant index.achieve a specific outcome.

F-59


Financial instruments with commodity price risk comprise forward commodity and other derivative contracts with a net assets fair value of US$199159 million (2018:(2019: US$210199 million). Significant commodity price risk instruments within other derivative balances include derivatives embedded in physical commodity purchase and sales contracts of gas in Trinidad and Tobago with a net assets fair value of US$202180 million (2018:(2019: US$216202 million). These are included within other derivatives.derivatives and fair value measurement related to these resulted in an expense of US$22 million (2019: expense of US$14 million).

The potential effect on these derivatives’ fair values of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions in these models, based on a change in the most significant input, such as commodity prices, by a 10 per cent change with all other factors held constant (including the pricing on underlying physical exposures), would increase or decrease profit after taxation by US$558 million (2018:(2019: US$955 million).

Provisionally priced commodity sales and purchases contracts

Provisionally priced sales or purchases volumes are those for which price finalisation, referenced to the relevant index, is outstanding at the reporting date. Provisional pricing mechanisms within these sales and purchases arrangements have the character of a commodity derivative. Trade receivables or payables under these contracts are carried at fair value through profit and loss.loss using a method categorised as Level 2 based on forecast selling prices in the quotation period. The Group’s exposure at 30 June 20192020 to the impact of movements in commodity prices upon provisionally invoiced sales and purchases volumes was predominately around copper.

The Group had 277301 thousand tonnes of copper exposure as at 30 June 2019 (2018: 3562020 (2019: 277 thousand tonnes) that was provisionally priced. The final price of these sales and purchases volumes will be determined during the first half of FY2020.FY2021. A 10 per cent change in the price of copper realised on the provisionally priced sales, with all other factors held constant, would increase or decrease profit after taxation by US$114134 million (2018:(2019: US$178114 million).

The relationship between commodity prices and foreign currencies is complex and movements in foreign exchange rates can impact commodity prices. The sensitivities should therefore be used with care.

Liquidity risk

Refer to note 19 ‘Net debt’ for details on the Group’s liquidity risk.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial loss. The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (primarily from customer receivables) and from its financing activities, including deposits with banks and financial institutions, other short-term investments, interest rate and currency derivative contracts and other financial instruments.

Refer to note 8 ‘Trade and other receivables’ and note 19 ‘Net debt’ for details on the Group credit risk.

21.222.2 Recognition and measurement (following adoption of IFRS 9)

All financial assets and liabilities, other than derivatives and trade receivables, are initially recognised at the fair value of consideration paid or received, net of transaction costs as appropriate. Financial assets are initially recognised on their trade date.

Financial assets are subsequently carried at fair value or amortised cost based on:

 

the Group’s purpose, or business model, for holding the financial asset;

 

whether the financial asset’s contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest.

F-60


The resulting financial statement classifications of financial assets can be summarised as follows:

 

Contractual cash flows

  

Business model

  

Category

Solely principal and interest

  Hold in order to collect contractual cash flows  Amortised cost

Solely principal and interest

  Hold in order to collect contractual cash flows and sell  Fair value through other comprehensive income

Solely principal and interest

  Hold in order to sell  Fair value through profit or loss

Other

  Any of those mentioned above  Fair value through profit or loss

Solely principal and interest refers to the Group receiving returns only for the time value of money and the credit risk of the counterparty for financial assets held. The main exceptions for the Group are provisionally priced receivables and derivatives.

The Group has the intention of collecting payment directly from its customers in most cases, however the Group also participates in receivables financing programs in respect of selected customers. Receivables in these portfolios are therefore held at fair value through profit or loss prior to sale to the financial institution.

With the exception of derivative contracts and provisionally priced trade payables, the Group’s financial liabilities are classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost.

The Group may in addition elect to designate certain financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or to apply hedge accounting where they are not mandatorily held at fair value through profit or loss.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date the contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value.

Fair value measurement

The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value is principally calculated based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for these financial assets or liabilities, either directly (i.e. as unquoted prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). Where no price information is available from a quoted market source, alternative market mechanisms or recent comparable transactions, fair value is estimated based on the Group’s views on relevant future prices, net of valuation allowances to accommodate liquidity, modelling and other risks implicit in such estimates.

The inputs used in fair value calculations are determined by the relevant segment or function. The functions support the assets and operate under a defined set of accountabilities authorised by the Executive Leadership Team. Movements in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities may be recognised through the income statement or in other comprehensive income.

For financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value, the Group uses the following to categorise the method used based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

 

IFRS 13 Fair value hierarchy

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

Valuation method Based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial assets and liabilities. Based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the financial asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as unquoted prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). Based on inputs not observable in the market using appropriate valuation models, including discounted cash flow modelling.

F-61


21.322.3 Financial assets and liabilities

The financial assets and liabilities are presented by class in the table below at their carrying amounts.

 

  IFRS 13
Fair value
hierarchy
Level
 

IFRS 9 Classification (1)

 2019
US$M
  2018
US$M
 

Fair value hierarchy (2)

    

Current cross currency and interest rate swaps

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  15   12 

Current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  57   170 

Current other investments (4)

 1,2 Fair value through profit or loss  15   18 

Non-current cross currency and interest rate swaps

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  739   396 

Non-current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  180   195 

Non-current investment in shares

 3 Fair value through other comprehensive income  34   33 

Non-current investment in shares

 3 Fair value through profit or loss  6    

Non-current other investments (4)(5)

 1,2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  344   375 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other financial assets

    1,390   1,199 

Cash and cash equivalents

  Amortised cost  15,613   15,871 

Trade and other receivables (6)

  Amortised cost  1,929   1,799 

Provisionally priced trade receivables (6)

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  1,446   1,126 

Loans to equity accounted investments

  Amortised cost  33   13 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial assets

    20,411   20,008 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-financial assets

    80,450   91,985 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

    100,861   111,993 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Current cross currency and interest rate swaps

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  63   121 

Current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  64   17 

Non-current cross currency and interest rate swaps

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  895   1,092 

Non-current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  1   1 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other financial liabilities

    1,023   1,231 

Trade and other payables (7)

  Amortised cost  6,283   5,414 

Provisionally priced trade payables (7)

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  277   377 

Bank overdrafts and short-term borrowings (8)

  Amortised cost  20   58 

Bank loans (8)

  Amortised cost  2,498   2,555 

Notes and debentures (8)

  Amortised cost  21,529   23,298 

Finance leases

  Amortised cost  715   802 

Other (8)

  Amortised cost  66   92 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

    32,411   33,827 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-financial liabilities

    16,626   17,496 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    49,037   51,323 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-62


  IFRS 13
Fair value
hierarchy
Level (1)
 

IFRS 9 Classification

 2020
US$M
  2019
US$M
 

Current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  3   15 

Current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  45   57 

Current other investments (4)

 1,2 Fair value through profit or loss  36   15 

Non-current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  2,009   739 

Non-current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  159   180 

Non-current investment in shares

 3 Fair value through other comprehensive income  32   34 

Non-current investment in shares

 3 Fair value through profit or loss     6 

Non-current other investments (4)(5)

 1,2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  322   344 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other financial assets

    2,606   1,390 

Cash and cash equivalents

  Amortised cost  13,426   15,613 

Trade and other receivables (6)

  Amortised cost  1,633   1,929 

Provisionally priced trade receivables

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  1,480   1,446 

Loans to equity accounted investments

  Amortised cost  40   33 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial assets

    19,185   20,411 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-financial assets

    85,598   80,450 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

    104,783   100,861 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  165   63 

Current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss  60   64 

Non-current cross currency and interest rate swaps (2)

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  1,414   895 

Non-current other derivative contracts (3)

 2,3 Fair value through profit or loss     1 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other financial liabilities

    1,639   1,023 

Trade and other payables (7)

  Amortised cost  5,354   6,283 

Provisionally priced trade payables

 2 Fair value through profit or loss  269   277 

Bank overdrafts and short-term borrowings (8)

  Amortised cost     20 

Bank loans (8)

  Amortised cost  2,492   2,498 

Notes and debentures (8)

  Amortised cost  21,045   21,529 

Leases liabilities

  Amortised cost  3,443   715 

Other (8)

  Amortised cost  68   66 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

    34,310   32,411 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-financial liabilities

    18,227   16,626 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    52,537   49,037 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(1)

For classifications under IAS 39 refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’.

(2) 

All of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities recognised at fair value were valued using market observable inputs categorised as Level 2 with the exception of the specified items in the following footnotes.

 

(2)

Cross currency and interest rate swaps are measured at forward rate and swap models and present value calculations.

(3) 

Includes other derivative contracts of US$200179 million (2018:(2019: US$213200 million) categorised as Level 3. Significant items are derivatives embedded in physical commodity purchase and sales contracts of gas in Trinidad and Tobago with net assets fair value of US$202180 million (2018:(2019: US$216202 million).

 

(4) 

Includes investments held by BHP Billiton Foundation which are restricted and not available for general use by the Group of US$309296 million (2018:(2019: US$343309 million) of which other investment (US Treasury Notes) of US$12887 million categorised as Level 1 (2018:(2019: US$108128 million).

 

(5) 

Includes other investments of US$47 million (2018:(2019: US$47 million) categorised as Level 3.

 

(6) 

Excludes input taxes of US$367478 million (2018:(2019: US$338367 million) included in other receivables. Refer to note 8 ‘Trade and other receivables’.

 

(7) 

Excludes input taxes of US$162145 million (2018:(2019: US$189162 million) included in other payables. Refer to note 9 ‘Trade and other payables’.

 

(8) 

All interest bearing liabilities, excluding finance leases, are unsecured.

The carrying amounts in the table above generally approximate to fair value. In the case of US$3,019 million (2018:(2019: US$3,019 million) of fixed rate debt not swapped to floating rate, the fair value at 30 June 20192020 was US$4,114 million (2019: US$3,757 million (2018: US$3,434 million). The fair value is determined using a method that can be categorised as Level 2 and uses inputs based on benchmark interest rates, alternative market mechanisms or recent comparable transactions.

For financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorisation at the end of each reporting period. There were no transfers between categories during the period.

For financial instruments not valued at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group uses a method that can be categorised as Level 2.

Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

The Group enters into money market deposits and derivative transactions under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements that do not meet the criteria for offsetting, but allow for the related amounts to be set-off in certain circumstances. The amounts set out as cross currency and interest rate swaps in the table above represent the derivative financial assets and liabilities of the Group that may be subject to the above arrangements and are presented on a gross basis.

21.422.4    Derivatives and hedge accounting

The Group uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to certain market risks and may elect to apply hedge accounting.

Hedge accounting

The Group has early adopted amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ in relation to Interest Rate Benchmark Reform. There is no impact on the Group’s hedge accounting as a result of adopting the amendments. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’ for further information.

Derivatives are included within financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial instruments in this category are classified as current if they are expected to be settled within 12 months otherwise they are classified as non-current.

The Group uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to certain market risks and may elect to apply hedge accounting. Where hedge accounting is applied, at the start of the transaction, the Group documents the type of hedge, the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged items and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation also demonstrates that the hedge is expected to be effective.

F-63


The Group applies the following types of hedge accounting to its derivatives hedging the interest rate and currency risks in its notes and debentures:

 

Fair value hedges – the fair value gain or loss on interest rate and cross currency swaps relating to interest rate risk, together with the change in the fair value of the hedged fixed rate borrowings attributable to interest rate risk are recognised immediately in the income statement.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the fair value adjustment on the note or debenture is amortised to the income statement over the period to maturity using a recalculated effective interest rate.

 

Cash flow hedges – changes in the fair value of cross currency interest rate swaps which hedge foreign currency cash flows on the notes and debentures are recognised directly in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the cash flow hedging reserve. To the extent a hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised immediately in the income statement.

When a hedging instrument expires, or is sold, terminated or exercised, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is amortised to the income statement over the period to the hedged item’s maturity.

When hedged, the Group hedges the full notional value of notes or debentures. However, certain components of the fair value of derivatives are not permitted under IFRS 9 to be included in the hedge accounting above. Certain costs of hedging are permitted to be recognised in other comprehensive income. Any change in the fair value of a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting, or is ineffective in hedging the designated risk due to contractual differences between the hedged item and hedging instrument, is recognised immediately in the income statement.

The table below shows the carrying amounts of the Group’s notes and debentures by currency and the derivatives which hedge them:

 

The carrying amount of the notes and debentures includes foreign exchange remeasurement to period end rates and fair value adjustments when included in a fair value hedge.

 

The breakdown of the hedging derivatives includes remeasurement of foreign currency notional values at period end rates, fair value movements due to interest rate risk, foreign currency cash flows designated into cash flow hedges, costs of hedging recognised in other comprehensive income, ineffectiveness recognised in the income statement and accruals or prepayments.

 

The hedged value of notes and debentures includes their carrying amounts adjusted for the offsetting derivative fair value movements due to foreign currency and interest rate risk remeasurement.

 

     Fair value of derivatives    

2020

US$M                                     

 Carrying
amount of
notes and
debentures
  Foreign
exchange
notional

at spot
rates
  Interest
rate risk
  Recognised
in cash flow
hedging
reserve
  Recognised
in cost of
hedging
reserve
  Recognised
in the
income
statement (1)
  Accrued
cash
flows
  Total  Hedged
value of
notes and
debentures (2)
 
  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  B to G  A + B + C 

USD

  9,926      (742        29   74   (639  9,184 

GBP

  3,245   764   (730  (16  13   (18  47   60   3,279 

EUR

  7,294   500   (576  (55  21   65   32   (13  7,218 

CAD

  580   199   (32     (2  (4  (2  159   747 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  21,045   1,463   (2,080  (71  32   72   151   (433  20,428 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     Fair value of derivatives    

2019

US$M

 Carrying
amount of
notes and
debentures
  Foreign
exchange
notional
at spot
rates
  Interest
rate risk
  Recognised
in cash flow
hedging
reserve
  Recognised
in cost of
hedging
reserve
  Recognised
in the
income
statement (1)
  Accrued
cash
flows
  Total  Hedged
value of
notes and
debentures (2)
 
  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  B to G  A + B + C 

USD

  9,433      (253        20   111   (122  9,180 

GBP

  3,118   678   (517  (57  70   (2  62   234   3,279 

EUR

  7,680   378   (566  (100  33   54   82   (119  7,492 

CAD

  594   175   (22  (5  3   (4  1   148   747 

AUD

  704   73   (4  (1)��        (5  63   773 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  21,529   1,304   (1,362  (163  106   68   251   204   21,471 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-64

(1)

Predominantly related to ineffectiveness.


     Fair value of derivatives 

2019

US$M

 Carrying
amount of
notes and
debentures
  Foreign
exchange
notional
at spot
rates
  Interest
rate risk
  Recognised
in cash flow
hedging
reserve
  Recognised
in cost of
hedging
reserve
  Recognised
in the
income
statement
  Accrued
cash
flows
  Total  Hedged
value of
notes and
debentures
 
  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  B to G  A + B + C 

USD

  9,433      (253  _      20   111   (122  9,180 

GBP

  3,118   678   (517  (57  70   (2  62   234   3,279 

EUR

  7,680   378   (566  (100  33   54   82   (119  7,492 

CAD

  594   175   (22  (5  3   (4  1   148   747 

AUD

  704   73   (4  (1        (5  63   773 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  21,529   1,304   (1,362  (163  106   68   251   204   21,471 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2018

US$M

  23,298   1,145   (633  (85     71   307   805   23,810 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
(2)

Includes US$3,019 million (2019: US$3,019 million) of fixed rate debt not swapped to floating rate that is not in a hedging relationship.

The weighted average interest rate payable is USD LIBOR + 2.3%2.95 per cent (2019: USD LIBOR + 2.3 per cent). Refer to note 2021 ‘Net finance costs’ for details of net finance costs for the year.

Movements in reserves relating to hedge accounting

The following table shows a reconciliation of the components of equity and an analysis of the movements in reserves for all hedges. For a description of these reserves, refer to note 16 ‘Other equity’.

 

2019

US$M

  Cash flow hedging
reserve
  Cost of hedging
reserve
  Total 
   Gross  Tax  Net  Gross  Tax  Net    

At the beginning of the financial year

   85   (27  58            58 

Impact of adoption of IFRS 9

   176   (52  124   (176  52   (124   

Add: Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI

   (327  98   (229           (229

Less: Reclassified from reserves to interest expense – recognised through OCI

   229   (68  161   70   (20  50   211 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   163   (49  114   (106  32   (74  40 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-65

2020

US$M

  Cash flow hedging
reserve
  Cost of hedging
reserve
  Total 
   Gross  Tax  Net  Gross  Tax  Net    

At the beginning of the financial year

   163   (49  114   (106  32   (74  40 

Add: Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI

   (315  94   (221           (221

Less: Reclassified from reserves to interest expense – recognised through OCI

   223   (66  157   74   (23  51   208 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   71   (21  50   (32  9   (23  27 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2019

US$M

  Cash flow hedging
reserve
  Cost of hedging
reserve
  Total 
   Gross  Tax  Net  Gross  Tax  Net    

At the beginning of the financial year

   85   (27  58            58 

Impact of adoption of IFRS 9

   176   (52  124   (176  52   (124   

Add: Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI

   (327  98   (229           (229

Less: Reclassified from reserves to interest expense – recognised through OCI

   229   (68  161   70   (20  50   211 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   163   (49  114   (106  32   (74  40 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


Changes in interest bearing liabilities and related derivatives resulting from financing activities

The movement in the year in the Group’s interest bearing liabilities and related derivatives are as follows:

 

2019

US$M

 Interest bearing liabilities  Derivatives
(assets)/

liabilities
    
  Bank
loans
  Notes and
debentures
  Finance
leases
  Bank
overdraft
and short-
term
borrowings
  Other  Cross
currency
and
interest
rate swaps
  Total 

At the beginning of the financial year

  2,555   23,298   802   58   92   805  

Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities

  250                  250 

Settlements of debt related instruments

                 (160  (160

Repayment of interest bearing liabilities

  (308  (2,198  (75     (23     (2,604
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change from Net financing cash flows

  (58  (2,198  (75     (23  (160  (2,514
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other movements:

       

Interest rate impacts

     729            (809 

Foreign exchange impacts

     (311  (11        319  

Other interest bearing liabilities/derivative related changes

  1   11   (1  (38  (3  49  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

At the end of the financial year

  2,498   21,529   715   20   66   204  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

2018

US$M

 Interest bearing liabilities  Derivatives
(assets)/
liabilities
    
  Bank
loans
  Notes and
debentures
  Finance
leases
  Bank
overdraft
and short-
term
borrowings
  Other  Cross
currency
and interest
rate swaps
  Total 

At the beginning of the financial year

  2,281   27,041   897   45   210   740  

Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities

  500            28      528 

Settlements of debt related instruments

                 (218  (218

Repayment of interest bearing liabilities

  (221  (3,736  (81     (150     (4,188
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change from Net financing cash flows

  279   (3,736  (81     (122  (218  (3,878
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other movements:

       

Interest rate impacts

     (353           329  

Foreign exchange impacts

     245   (9        (254 

Other interest bearing liabilities/derivative related changes

  (5  101      13   4   208  

Liabilities transferred to held for sale

        (5          
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

At the end of the financial year

  2,555   23,298   802   58   92   805  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

F-66

2020

US$M

 Interest bearing liabilities  Derivatives
(assets)/
liabilities
    
  Bank
loans
  Notes and
debentures
  Lease
liabilities
  Bank
overdraft
and short-
term
borrowings
  Other  Cross
currency
and

interest
rate swaps
  Total 

At the beginning of the financial year

  2,498   21,529   715   20   66   204  

Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities

  514                  514 

Settlements of debt related instruments

                 (157  (157

Repayment of interest bearing liabilities

  (522  (859  (671     5      (2,047
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change from Net financing cash flows

  (8  (859  (671     5   (157  (1,690
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other movements:

       

Interest rate impacts

     720            (788 

Foreign exchange impacts

     (354  (43     (4  316  

Leases recognised on IFRS 16 transition

        2,301           

Lease additions

        436           

Remeasurement of index-linked freight contracts

        733           

Other interest bearing liabilities/derivative related changes

  2   9   (28  (20  1   (8 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

At the end of the financial year

  2,492   21,045   3,443      68   (433 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

2019

US$M

 Interest bearing liabilities  Derivatives
(assets)/
liabilities
    
  Bank
loans
  Notes and
debentures
  Lease
liabilities
  Bank
overdraft
and short-
term
borrowings
  Other  Cross
currency
and
interest
rate swaps
  Total 

At the beginning of the financial year

  2,555   23,298   802   58   92   805  

Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities

  250                  250 

Settlements of debt related instruments

                 (160  (160

Repayment of interest bearing liabilities

  (308  (2,198  (75     (23     (2,604
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change from Net financing cash flows

  (58  (2,198  (75     (23  (160  (2,514
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other movements:

       

Interest rate impacts

     729            (809 

Foreign exchange impacts

     (311  (11        319  

Other interest bearing liabilities/derivative related changes

  1   11   (1  (38  (3  49  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

At the end of the financial year

  2,498   21,529   715   20   66   204  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  


Employee matters

2223    Key management personnel

Key management personnel compensation comprises:

 

  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 
  US$   US$   US$   US$   US$   US$ 

Short-term employee benefits

   11,557,506    13,190,838    16,439,948    12,564,637    11,557,506    13,190,838 

Post-employment benefits

   1,490,716    1,506,108    1,895,828    1,172,727    1,490,716    1,506,108 

Share-based payments

   15,821,972    13,356,657    13,747,355    13,514,588    15,821,972    13,356,657 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   28,870,194    28,053,603    32,083,131    27,251,952    28,870,194    28,053,603 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Following the dissolution of the Operations Management Committee (OMC) in FY2018, the Remuneration Committee re-examined the classification of Key Management Personnel (KMP) for FY2018 and determined thatincludes the roles which have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of BHPBHP. These are Non-executive Directors, the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the President Operations, Minerals Australia, the President Operations, Minerals Americas, and the President Operations, Petroleum. The Remuneration Committee also determined that, effective 1 July 2017 the Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief People Officer roles are no longer considered KMP.

Transactions and outstanding loans/amounts with key management personnel

There were no purchases by key management personnel from the Group during the financial year (2018:FY2020 (2019: US$ nil; 2017:2018: US$ nil).

There were no amounts payable by key management personnel at 30 June 2019 (2018:2020 (2019: US$ nil; 2017:2018: US$ nil).

There were no loans receivable from or payable to key management personnel at 30 June 2019 (2018:2020 (2019: US$ nil; 2017:2018: US$ nil).

Transactions with personally related entities

A number of Directors of the Group hold or have held positions in other companies (personally related entities) where it is considered they control or significantly influence the financial or operating policies of those entities. There were no reportable transactions with those entities and no amounts were owed by the Group to personally related entities at 30 June 2019 (2018:2020 (2019: US$ nil; 2017:2018: US$ nil).

For more information on remuneration and transactions with key management personnel, refer to section 3.

2324    Employee share ownership plans

Awards, in the form of the right to receive ordinary shares in either BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc, have been granted under the following employee share ownership plans: Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), Cash and Deferred Plan (CDP), Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP), Management Award Plan (MAP), Group Short-Term Incentive Plan (GSTIP), Transitional Executive KMP awards and theall-employee share plan, Shareplus.

Some awards are eligible to receive a cash payment, or the equivalent value in shares, equal to the dividend amount that would have been earned on the underlying shares awarded to those participants (the Dividend Equivalent Payment, or DEP). The DEP is provided to the participants once the underlying shares are allocated or transferred to them. Awards under the plans do not confer any rights to participate in a share issue; however, there is discretion under each of the plans to adjust the awards in response to a variation in the share capital of BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc.

F-67


The table below provides a description of each of the plans.

 

Plan

 

CDP/STIP and GSTIP

 

LTIP and MAP

 

Transitional Executive
KMP awards
Shareplus

Type

 

Shareplus

TypeShort-term incentiveLong-term incentive Long-term incentive All-employee share purchase plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

 

The CDP was implemented in FY2020 as a replacement of the STIP, is both of which are

generally a planplans for the Executive KMP and the Executive Leadership Team who are not Executive KMP. GSTIP is a plan for BHP senior management who are not KMP.

 

Under both plans,the CDP, two thirds of the value of a participant’s short-term incentive amount is awarded as rights to receive BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc shares at the end of the vesting period (and the remaining one third is delivered in cash). Two awards of deferred shares are granted, each of the equivalent value to the cash award, vesting in two and five years respectively.

Under STIP and GSTIP, half of the value of a participant’s short-term incentive amount is awarded as rights to receive BHP Group Limited or BHP Group Plc shares at the end of the two-year vesting period.

 

The LTIP is a plan for Executive KMP and awards are granted annually.

 

The MAP is a plan for BHP senior management who are not KMP. The number of share rights awarded is determined by a participant’s role and grade.

 Awards may be granted to new Executive KMP recruited from within the Group to bridge the gap created by the different timeframes of the vesting of MAP awards, granted in theirnon-KMP roles, and LTIP awards, granted to Executive KMP. No awards were granted to Executive KMP in FY2019.Employees may contribute up to US$5,000 to acquire shares in any plan year. On the third anniversary of the start of a plan year, the Group will match the number of acquired shares.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan

CDP/STIP and GSTIP

LTIP and MAP

Shareplus

Vesting conditions 

CDP: Service conditions and performance conditions for the awards of five-year deferred shares only. Vesting of the five-year award is subject to a satisfactory performance underpin which encompasses a holistic review of performance at the end of the five-year vesting period, including a five-year view on HSEC performance, profitability, cash flow, balance sheet health, returns to shareholders, corporate governance and conduct.

STIP and GSTIP: Service conditions only.

 

LTIP: Service and performance conditions.

 

For awards granted from December 2013 onwards, BHP’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR)(1) performance relative to the Peer Group TSR over a five-year performance period determines the vesting of 67 per cent of the awards, while performance relative to the Index TSR (being the index value where the comparator group is a market index) determines the vesting of 33 per cent of the awards. For the awards to vest in full, BHP’s TSR must exceed the Peer Group TSR and Index TSR (if applicable) by a specified percentage per year, determined for each grant by the Remuneration Committee. From the establishment of the LTIP in 2004 until the awards granted in December 2016, this percentage was set at 5.5 per cent per year.

 

For awards granted from December 2017 onwards, 25 per cent of the award will vest where BHP’s TSR is equal to the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s), as measured over the performance period. Where TSR is below the median, awards will not vest. Vesting occurs on a sliding scale when BHP’s TSR measured over the performance period is between the median TSR of the relevant comparator group(s) up to a nominated level of TSR outperformance over the relevant comparator group(s), as determined by the Committee, above which 100 per cent of the award will vest.

 

MAP: Service conditions only.

 

Service conditions and performance conditions.only.

The Remuneration Committee has absolute discretion to determine if the performance condition has been met and whether any, all or part of the award will vest (or otherwise lapse), having regard to (but not limited to) the BHP’s TSR(1) over the three-or four-year performance period (respectively), the participant’s contribution to Group outcomes and the participant’s personal performance (with guidance on this assessment from the CEO).

Service conditions only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-68


Plan

STIP and GSTIP

LTIP and MAP

Transitional Executive
KMP awards

Shareplus

Vesting period 

CDP – 2 and 5 years

STIP and GSTIP – 2 years

 

LTIP – 5 years

 

MAP – 1 to 5 years

3 or 4 years 3 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend Equivalent Payment 

CDP – Yes

STIP – Yes

 

GSTIP – No

 

LTIP – Yes

 

MAP – No

 NoNo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise period None 

LTIP – None

MAP – None

None None

 

(1) 

BHP’s TSR is the weighted average of the TSRs of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc.

Employee share awards

 

2019

  Number
of awards
at the
beginning
of the
financial
year
   Number of
awards
issued
during the
year
   Number of
awards
vested and
exercised
   Number of
awards
lapsed
   Number of
awards at
the end of
the
financial
year
   Number of
awards
vested and
exercisable
at the end
of the
financial
year
   Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
 

2020

 Number of
awards

at the
beginning
of the
financial
year
 Number of
awards
issued
during the
year
 Number of
awards
vested and
exercised
 Number of
awards
lapsed
 Number of
awards
at the end

of the
financial
year
 Number of
awards
vested and
exercisable
at the end
of the
financial
year
 Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
 Weighted
average
share
price at
exercise
date
 

BHP Group Limited

                      

STIP awards

   308,028    271,355    65,392        513,991        0.7   513,991   157,865   294,713   3   377,140      0.5   A$35.33 

GSTIP awards

   2,008,455        780,315    85,656    1,142,484    15,932    0.2   1,142,484      1,130,443      12,041      0.2   A$35.51 

LTIP awards

   5,980,975    947,153        1,197,239    5,730,889        2.1   5,730,889   809,055      1,602,438   4,937,506      1.7    

Transitional Executive KMP awards(1)

   46,840        16,160    7,260    23,420        0.2   23,420      19,439   3,981            A$35.25 

MAP awards

   10,379,263    4,604,638    2,416,107    1,077,449    11,490,345    94,921    1.3   11,490,345   3,898,575   3,465,901   763,029   11,159,990   25,549   1.2   A$35.62 

Shareplus

   4,775,079    2,025,302    2,590,297    352,939    3,857,145        1.2   3,857,145   2,483,483   1,985,787   297,459   4,057,382      1.3   A$32.16 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

BHP Group Plc

                      

GSTIP awards

   63,868        22,911    11,531    29,426        0.2   29,426      29,426               £17.14 

MAP awards

   315,451    132,676    107,756    67,340    273,031        1.3   273,031   80,033   76,267   58,394   218,403      1.1   £17.14 

Shareplus

   282,159    111,866    145,666    24,289    224,070        1.2   224,070   142,168   116,005   20,771   229,462      1.3   £12.96 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(1)

Awards were granted to new Executive KMP to bridge the gap created by the different timeframes of the vesting of MAP awards, granted in their non-KMP roles, and LTIP awards, granted to Executive KMP. Awards were last granted in FY2016. All awards had vested or lapsed at 30 June 2020.

Employee share awards pre-tax expense is US$128.999 million (2019: US$138.275 million (2018:million; 2018: US$123.313 million; 2017: US$106.214 million) and includes Onshore US..

F-69


Fair value and assumptions in the calculation of fair value for awards issued

 

2019

  Weighted
average fair
value of
awards
granted
during the
year US$
   Risk-free
interest
rate
 Estimated
life of
awards
   Share
price at
grant
date
   Estimated
volatility
of share
price
 Dividend
yield
 

2020

 Weighted
average fair
value of
awards
granted
during the
year US$
 Risk-free
interest

rate
 Estimated
life of
awards
 Share
price at
grant

date
 Estimated
volatility
of share
price
 Dividend
yield
 

BHP Group Limited

                

STIP awards

   24.10    n/a   3 years    A$33.50    n/a   n/a   25.36   n/a   3 years   A$37.24   n/a   n/a 

LTIP awards

   17.36    2.04  5 years    A$33.50    30.0  n/a   13.67   0.78%   5 years   A$37.24   22.0%   n/a 

MAP awards (1)

   21.29    n/a   1-5 years    

A$33.83 /
A$33.41 /
A$33.50
 
 
 
   n/a   5.30  21.46   n/a   1-5 years   
A$36.53
/A$37.24
 
 
  n/a   5.30% 

Shareplus

   20.68    2.13  3 years    A$28.29    n/a   4.71  19.03   1.49%   3 years   A$39.07   n/a   5.08% 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

BHP Group Plc

                

MAP awards

   18.68    n/a   1-5 years    £16.71    n/a   5.80  17.94   n/a   3 years   £17.33   n/a   6.00% 

Shareplus

   14.71    0.86  3 years    £14.04    n/a   5.40  12.17   0.66%   3 years   £19.02   n/a   5.60% 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes MAP awards granted on 2425 September 2018, 122019 and 20 November 2018 and 18 December 2018.2019.

Recognition and measurement

The fair value at grant date of equity-settled share awards is charged to the income statement over the period for which the benefits of employee services are expected to be derived. The fair values of awards granted were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation methodology and Black-Scholes option pricing technique and consider the following factors:

 

exercise price;

 

expected life of the award;

 

current market price of the underlying shares;

 

expected volatility using an analysis of historic volatility over different rolling periods. For the LTIP, it is calculated for all sector comparators and the published MSCI World index;

 

expected dividends;

 

risk-free interest rate, which is an applicable government bond rate;

 

market-based performance hurdles;

 

non-vesting conditions.

Where awards are forfeited becausenon-market-based vesting conditions are not satisfied, the expense previously recognised is proportionately reversed.

The tax effect of awards granted is recognised in income tax expense, except to the extent that the total tax deductions are expected to exceed the cumulative remuneration expense. In this situation, the excess of the associated current or deferred tax is recognised in other comprehensive incomeequity and forms part of the employee share awards reserve. The fair value of awards as presented in the tables above represents the fair value at grant date.

In respect of employee share awards, the Group utilises the Billiton Employee Share Ownership Trust and the BHP Billiton Limited Employee Equity Trust. The trustees of these trusts are independent companies, resident in Jersey. The trusts use funds provided by the Group to acquire ordinary shares to enable awards to be made or satisfied. The ordinary shares may be acquired by purchase in the market or by subscription at not less than nominal value. The BHP Billiton Limited Employee Equity Trust has waived its rights to current and future dividends on shares held to meet future awards under the plans.

F-70


2425    Employee benefits, restructuring and post-retirement employee benefits provisions

 

  2019   2018   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   

US$M

   

US$M

 

Employee benefits (1)

   1,140    1,232    1,313    1,140 

Restructuring (2)

   78    8    34    78 

Post-retirement employee benefits(3)

   493    449    547    493 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total provisions

   1,711    1,689    1,894    1,711 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Comprising:

        

Current

   1,154    1,148    1,283    1,154 

Non-current

   557    541    611    557 

 

2019

  Employee
benefits
 Restructuring Post-
retirement
employee
benefits (3)
 Total 

2020

  Employee
benefits
 Restructuring Post-
retirement
employee
benefits (3)
 Total 
  US$M US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M US$M 

At the beginning of the financial year

   1,232   8   449   1,689    1,140   78   493   1,711 

Charge/(credit) for the year:

          

Underlying

   1,011   160   55   1,226    1,224   26   65   1,315 

Discounting

         42   42          36   36 

Net interest expense

         (21  (21         (21  (21

Exchange variations

   (49  1   (6  (54   (31  (1  (34  (66

Released during the year

   (146  (11     (157   (127  (12  (1  (140

Remeasurement gains taken to retained earnings

         20   20          81   81 

Utilisation

   (908  (80  (46  (1,034   (893  (58  (70  (1,021

Transfers and other movements

      1   (2  (1
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year

   1,140   78   493   1,711    1,313   34   547   1,894 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

The expenditure associated with total employee benefits will occur in a pattern consistent with when employees choose to exercise their entitlement to benefits.

 

(2) 

Total restructuring provisions include provisions for terminations and office closures.

 

(3) 

Refer to note 2526 ‘Pension and other post-retirement obligations’.

Recognition and measurement

Provisions are recognised by the Group when:

 

there is a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events;

 

it is more likely than not that a permanent outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation;

 

the amount can be reliably estimated and measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the cash outflow required to settle the obligation at reporting date.

 

F-71


Provision

  

Description

Employee benefits

  

Liabilities for annual leave and any accumulating sick leave accrued up until the reporting date that are expected to be settled within 12 months are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.

 

Liabilities for long service leave are measured as the present value of estimated future payments for the services provided by employees up to the reporting date and disclosed within employee benefits.

 

Liabilities that are not expected to be settled within 12 months are discounted at the reporting date using market yields of high-quality corporate bonds or government bonds for countries where there is no deep market for corporate bonds. The rates used reflect the terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

 

In relation to industry-based long service leave funds, the Group’s liability, including obligations for funding shortfalls, is determined after deducting the fair value of dedicated assets of such funds.

 

Liabilities for unpaid wages and salaries are recognised in other creditors.

Restructuring

  

Restructuring provisions are recognised when:

 

•   the Group has a detailed formal plan identifying the business or part of the business concerned, the location and approximate number of employees affected, a detailed estimate of the associated costs, and an appropriate timeline;

 

•   the restructuring has either commenced or been publicly announced and can no longer be withdrawn.

 

Payments falling due greater than 12 months after the reporting date are discounted to present value.

F-72


2526    Pension and other post-retirement obligations

The Group operates or participates in a number of pension (including superannuation) schemes throughout the world. The funding of the schemes complies with local regulations. The assets of the schemes are generally held separately from those of the Group and are administered by trustees or management boards.

 

Schemes/Obligations

  

Description

Defined contribution pension schemes and multi-employer pension schemes  For defined contribution schemes or schemes operated on an industry-wide basis where it is not possible to identify assets attributable to the participation by the Group’s employees, the pension charge is calculated on the basis of contributions payable. The Group contributed US$274260 million during the financial year (2018:(2019: US$277274 million; 2017:2018: US$247277 million) to defined contribution plans and multi-employer defined contribution plans. These contributions are expensed as incurred.
Defined benefit pension schemes  

For defined benefit pension schemes, the cost of providing pensions is charged to the income statement so as to recognise current and past service costs, net interest cost on the net defined benefit obligations/plan assets and the effect of any curtailments or settlements. Remeasurement gains and losses are recognised directly in equity. An asset or liability is consequently recognised in the balance sheet based on the present value of defined benefit obligations less the fair value of plan assets, except that any such asset cannot exceed the present value of expected refunds from and reductions in future contributions to the plan. Defined benefit obligations are estimated by discounting expected future payments using market yields at the reporting date on high-quality corporate bonds in countries that have developed corporate bond markets. However, where developed corporate bond markets do not exist, the discount rates are selected by reference to national government bonds. In both instances, the bonds are selected with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash flows.

 

The Group has closed all defined benefit pension schemes to new entrants. Defined benefit pension schemes remain operating in Australia, the United States, Canada and Europe for existing members. Full actuarial valuations are prepared and updated annually to 30 June by local actuaries for all schemes. The Group operates final salary schemes (that provide final salary benefits only),non-salary related schemes (that provide flat dollar benefits) and mixed benefit schemes (that consist of a final salary defined benefit portion and a defined contribution portion).

Defined benefit post-retirement medical schemes  The Group operates a number of post-retirement medical schemes in the United States, Canada and Europe and certain Group companies provide post-retirement medical benefits to qualifying retirees. In some cases, the benefits are provided through medical care schemes to which the Group, the employees, the retirees and covered family members contribute. Full actuarial valuations are prepared by local actuaries for all schemes. These schemes are recognised on the same basis as described for defined benefit pension schemes. All of the post-retirement medical schemes in the Group are unfunded.
Defined benefit post-employment obligations  

The Group has a legal obligation to provide post-employment benefits to employees in Chile. The benefit is a function of an employee’s final salary and years of service.These obligations are recognised on the same basis as described for defined benefit pension schemes.

 

Full actuarial valuations are prepared by local actuaries. These post-employment obligations are unfunded.

F-73


Risk

The Group’s defined benefit schemes/obligations expose the Group to a number of risks, including asset value volatility, interest rate variations, inflation, longevity and medical expense inflation risk.

Recognising this, the Group has adopted an approach of moving away from providing defined benefit pensions. The majority of Group-sponsored defined benefit pension schemes have been closed to new entrants for many years. Existing benefit schemes and the terms of employee participation in these schemes are reviewed on a regular basis.

Fund assets

The Group follows a coordinated strategy for the funding and investment of its defined benefit pension schemes (subject to meeting all local requirements). The Group’s aim is for the value of defined benefit pension scheme assets to be maintained at close to the value of the corresponding benefit obligations, allowing for some short-term volatility.

Scheme assets are invested in a diversified range of asset classes, predominantly comprising bonds and equities.

The Group’s aim is to progressively shift defined benefit pension scheme assets towards investments that match the anticipated profile of the benefit obligations, as funding levels improve and benefit obligations mature. Over time, this is expected to result in a further reduction in the total exposure of pension scheme assets to equity markets. For pension schemes that pay lifetime benefits, the Group may consider and support the purchase of annuities to back these benefit obligations if it is commercially sensible to do so.

Net liability recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

The net liability recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows:

 

  Defined benefit pension
schemes / post-
employment obligations
 Post-retirement medical
schemes
   Defined benefit pension
schemes / post-
employment obligations
 Post-retirement medical
schemes
 
  2019 2018 2019   2018   2020 2019 2020   2019 
  US$M US$M US$M   US$M   US$M US$M US$M   US$M 

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

   632  616           613  632        

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligation

   306  274   203    192    354  306   214    203 

Fair value of defined benefit scheme assets

   (648 (633          (634 (648      
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Scheme deficit

   290  257   203    192    333  290   214    203 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Unrecognised surplus

                            

Unrecognised past service credits

                           

Adjustment for employer contributions tax

                           
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net liability recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

   290  257   203    192    333  290   214    203 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

The Group has no legal obligation to settle these liabilities with any immediate contributions or additionalone-off contributions. The Group intends to continue to contribute to each defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical scheme in accordance with the latest recommendations of each scheme actuary.

F-74


2627    Employees

 

  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 
  Number   Number   Number   Number   Number   Number 

Average number of employees (1)

            

Australia

   18,146    16,504    15,906    20,967    18,146    16,504 

South America

   6,979    6,729    6,361    7,330    6,979    6,729 

North America

   1,999    1,839    2,072    1,296    1,999    1,839 

Asia

   1,743    1,368    1,019    1,939    1,743    1,368 

Europe

   59    70    74    57    59    70 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total average number of employees from Continuing operations

   28,926    26,510    25,432    31,589    28,926    26,510 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total average number of employees from Discontinued operations

       651    714            651 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total average number of employees

   28,926    27,161    26,146    31,589    28,926    27,161 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

Average employee numbers include the Executive Director and 100 per cent of employees of subsidiary companies. Employees of equity accounted investments and joint operations are not included. Part-time employees are included on a full-time equivalent basis. Employees of businesses disposed of during the year are included for the period of ownership. Contractors are not included.

Group and related party information

2728    Discontinued operations

On 28 September 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of BHP Billiton Petroleum (Arkansas) Inc. and 100 per cent of the membership interests in BHP Billiton Petroleum (Fayetteville) LLC, which held the Fayetteville assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$0.3 billion.

On 31 October 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the BHP subsidiary which held the Eagle Ford (being Black Hawk and Hawkville), Haynesville and Permian assets, for a gross cash consideration of US$10.3 billion (net of preliminary customary completion adjustments of US$0.2 billion).

While the effective date at which the right to economic profits transferred to the purchasers was 1 July 2018, the Group continued to control the Onshore US assets until the completion dates of their respective transactions. As such the Group continued to recognise its share of revenue, expenses, net finance costs and associated income tax expense related to the operation until the completion date. In addition, the Group provided transitional services to the buyer, which ceased in July 2019.

The completion adjustments included a reduction in sale proceeds, based on the operating cash generated and retained by the Group in the period prior to completion, in order to transfer the economic profits from 1 July 2018 to completion date to the buyers. Therefore, thepre-tax profit from operating the assets is largely offset by apre-tax loss on disposal. Accordingly, the net loss from discontinuedDiscontinued operations predominantly relates to incremental costs arising as a consequence of the divestment, including restructuring costs and provisions for surplus office accommodation, and tax expenses largely triggered by the completion of the transactions.

F-75


There was no contribution of Discontinued operations for the year ended 30 June 2020. The contribution of Discontinued operations included within the Group’s profit and cash flows for the year ended 30 June 2019 and the year ended 30 June 2018 are detailed below:

Income statement – Discontinued operations

 

   2019  2018  2017 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 

Revenue

   851   2,171   2,150 

Other income

   94   34   74 

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (729  (5,790  (3,025
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) from operations

   216   (3,585  (801
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financial expenses

   (8  (22  (14
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net finance costs

   (8  (22  (14
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) before taxation

   208   (3,607  (815
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income tax (expense)/benefit

   (33  686   343 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from operating activities

   175   (2,921  (472
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss on disposal

   (510      
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss after taxation

   (335  (2,921  (472
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests

   7   26   13 

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (342  (2,947  (485
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic loss per ordinary share (cents)

   (6.6  (55.4  (9.1

Diluted loss per ordinary share (cents)

   (6.6  (55.4  (9.1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   2019  2018 
   US$M  US$M 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from operating activities

   175   (2,921
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss on disposal

   (510   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss after taxation

   (335  (2,921
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

   7   26 

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (342  (2,947
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic loss per ordinary share (cents)

   (6.6  (55.4

Diluted loss per ordinary share (cents)

   (6.6  (55.4
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The total comprehensive income attributable to BHP shareholders from Discontinued operations was a loss of US$342 million (2018:in FY2019 and a loss of US$2,943 million; 2017: loss of US$489 million).million in FY2018.

The conversion of options and share rights would decrease the loss per share for the years ended 30 June 2019 2018 and 20172018 and therefore its impact has been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.

Cash flows from Discontinued operations

 

  2019 2018 2017   2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M   

US$M

 

US$M

 

Net operating cash flows

   474  900  928    474  900 

Net investing cash flows (1)

   (443 (861 (437   (443 (861

Net financing cash flows (2)

   (13 (40 (28   (13 (40
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from Discontinued operations

   18  (1 463    18  (1
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net proceeds received from the sale of Onshore US

   10,531          10,531    

Less Cash and cash equivalents

   (104         (104   
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Proceeds from divestment of Onshore US, net of its cash

   10,427          10,427    
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total cash impact

   10,445  (1 463    10,445  (1
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes purchases of property, plant and equipment of US$443 million in FY2019 (2018: US$900 million; 2017: US$555 million) less proceeds from sale of assets of US$ nil in FY2019 (2018: US$39 million; 2017: US$118 million).

 

(2) 

Includes net repayment of interest bearing liabilities of US$6 million in FY2019 (2018: US$4 million; 2017: US$6 million), distribution tonon-controlling interests of US$ nil in FY2019 (2018: US$14 million; 2017: US$16 million) and dividends paid tonon-controlling interests of US$7 million in FY2019 (2018: US$22 million; 2017: US$6 million).

F-76


Net loss on disposal of Discontinued operations

Details of the net loss on disposal for the year ended 30 June 2019 is presented in the table below:

 

   2019 
   

US$M

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

104

Trade and other receivables

562

Other financial assets

31

Inventories

34

Property, plant and equipment

10,998

Intangible assets

667

Total assets

12,396

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

794

Provisions

491

Total liabilities

1,285

 

Net assets

   11,111 
  

 

 

 

Lessnon-controlling interest share of net assets disposed

   (168
  

 

 

 

BHP Share of net assets disposed

   10,943 
  

 

 

 

Gross consideration

   10,555 

Less transaction costs

   (54

Income tax expense

   (68
  

 

 

 

Net loss on disposal

   (510
  

 

 

 

Exceptional items – Discontinued operations

Exceptional items are those gains or losses where their nature, including the expected frequency of the events giving rise to them, and amountimpact is considered material to the Financial Statements.

There were no exceptional items related to Discontinued operations for the yearyears ended 30 June 20192020 and 30 June 2017.2019.

Items related to Discontinued operations included within profit for the year ended 30 June 2018 are detailed below.

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

  Gross  Tax   Net 
   US$M  US$M   US$M 

Exceptional items by category

     

US tax reform

      492    492 

Impairment of Onshore US assets

   (2,859  109    (2,750
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (2,859  601    (2,258
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable tonon-controlling interests

           

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (2,859  601    (2,258
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

F-77


Year ended 30 June 2018

  Gross  Tax   Net 
   

US$M

  

US$M

   

US$M

 

Exceptional items by category

     

US tax reform

      492    492 

Impairment of Onshore US assets

   (2,859  109    (2,750
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (2,859  601    (2,258
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

           

Attributable to BHP shareholders

   (2,859  601    (2,258
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

US tax reform

On 22 December 2017, the US President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) into law. The TCJA (effective 1 January 2018) includes a broad range of tax reforms affecting the Group, including, but not limited to, a reduction in the US corporate tax rate from 35 per cent to 21 per cent and changes to international tax provisions. As a result of the TCJA, the Group has recognised an exceptional income tax benefit of US$492 million relating to there-measurement of the Onshore US deferred tax positions arising from temporary differences.

Impairment of Onshore US assets

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows. At 30 June 2018, the Onshore US assets, including goodwill, have been allocated to two CGUs reflecting the separately identifiable cash flows expected from the divestment of the assets.

The Group recognised impairment charges as follows:

 

Cash generating unit

  Property,
plant and
equipment
 Goodwill Total   Property,
plant and
equipment
 Goodwill Total 
  US$M US$M US$M   

US$M

 

US$M

 

US$M

 

Petrohawk

     (2,253 (2,253     (2,253 (2,253

Fayetteville

   (520 (86 (606   (520 (86 (606
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total impairment ofnon-current assets

   (520 (2,339 (2,859   (520 (2,339 (2,859
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

The charges reflect a robust and competitive exit process with fair value based on the agreed sales consideration (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy) less expected costs of disposal.

In previous reporting periods the Group performed impairment testing of the five individual Onshore US assets as each asset had separately identifiable cash flows. In addition, the goodwill attributable to the Onshore US group of CGUs (2017: US$3,022 million) was tested for impairment after the assessment of the individual CGUs. The recoverable amount determinations for the Onshore US CGUs were based on FVLCD using discounted cash flow techniques. The FVLCD calculations were based primarily on Level 3 inputs and significant assumptions included management’s assessment of a market participant’s perspective of crude oil and natural gas prices, production volumes and discount rates.

F-78


2829    Subsidiaries

Significant subsidiaries of the Group are those with the most significant contribution to the Group’s net profit or net assets. The Group’s interest in the subsidiaries results are listed in the table below. For a complete list of the Group’s subsidiaries refer to Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaires.Subsidiaries.

 

        Group’s interest          Group’s interest 

Significant subsidiaries

  Country of
incorporation
  

Principal activity

  2019
%
   2018
%
   Country of
incorporation
   

Principal activity

  2020
%
   2019
%
 

Coal

                

BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal Pty Ltd

  Australia  Coal mining   80    80    Australia   Coal mining   80    80 

Hunter Valley Energy Coal Pty Ltd

  Australia  Coal mining   100    100    Australia   Coal mining   100    100 

Copper

                

BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Corporation Pty Ltd

  Australia  Copper and uranium mining   100    100    Australia   Copper and uranium mining   100    100 

Compañia Minera Cerro Colorado Limitada

  Chile  Copper mining   100    100    Chile   Copper mining   100    100 

Minera Escondida Limitada (1)

  Chile  Copper mining   57.5    57.5    Chile   Copper mining   57.5    57.5 

Minera Spence S.A.

  Chile  Copper mining   100    100    Chile   Copper mining   100    100 

Iron Ore

                

BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd

  Australia  Service company   100    100    Australia   Service company   100    100 

BHP Billiton Minerals Pty Ltd

  Australia  Iron ore and coal mining   100    100    Australia   Iron ore and coal mining   100    100 

BHP Iron Ore (Jimblebar) Pty Ltd (2)

  Australia  Iron ore mining   85    85    Australia   Iron ore mining   85    85 

BHP (Towage Service) Pty Ltd

  Australia  Towing services   100    100    Australia   Towing services   100    100 

Marketing

                

BHP Billiton Freight Singapore Pte Limited

  Singapore  Freight services   100    100    Singapore   Freight services   100    100 

BHP Billiton Marketing AG

  Switzerland  Marketing and trading   100    100    Switzerland   Marketing and trading   100    100 

BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd

  Singapore  Marketing support and other services   100    100    Singapore   Marketing support and other services   100    100 

Group and Unallocated

                

BHP Billiton Canada Inc.

  Canada  Potash development   100    100    Canada   Potash development   100    100 

BHP Billiton Finance BV

  The
Netherlands
  Finance   100    100    The Netherlands   Finance   100    100 

BHP Billiton Finance Limited

  Australia  Finance   100    100    Australia   Finance   100    100 

BHP Billiton Finance (USA) Ltd

  Australia  Finance   100    100    Australia   Finance   100    100 

BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd

   Australia   Nickel mining, smelting, refining and administrative services   100    100 

BHP Group Operations Pty Ltd

  Australia  Administrative services   100    100    Australia   Administrative services   100    100 

BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd

  Australia  Nickel mining, smelting, refining and administrative services   100    100 

WMC Finance (USA) Limited

  Australia  Finance   100    100    Australia   Finance   100    100 
                

 

(1) 

As the Group has the ability to direct the relevant activities at Minera Escondida Limitada, it has control over the entity. The assessment of the most relevant activity in this contractual arrangement is subject to judgement. The Group establishes the mine plan and the operating budget and has the ability to appoint the key management personnel, demonstrating that the Group has the existing rights to direct the relevant activities of Minera Escondida Limitada.

 

(2) 

The Group has an effective interest of 92.5 per cent in BHP Iron Ore (Jimblebar) Pty Ltd; however, by virtue of the shareholder agreement with ITOCHU Iron Ore Australia Pty Ltd and Mitsui & Co. Iron Ore Exploration & Mining Pty Ltd, the Group’s interest in the Jimblebar mining operation is 85 per cent, which is consistent with the other respective contractual arrangements at Western Australia Iron Ore.

F-79


2930    Investments accounted for using the equity method

Significant interests in equity accounted investments of the Group are those with the most significant contribution to the Group’s net profit or net assets. The Group’s ownership interest in equity accounted investments results are listed in the table below. For a complete list of the Group’s associates and joint ventures, refer to Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries.

 

Significant associates

and joint ventures

 Country of
incorporation/
principal place of
business
 Associate or
joint
venture
 

Principal
activity

 Reporting
date
 Ownership interest  

Country of
incorporation/

principal
place of

business

 

Associate or

joint

venture

 

Principal

activity

 

Reporting

date

 

Ownership interest

 
2019
%
 2018
%
  2020
%
 2019
%
 

Cerrejón

 Anguilla/
Colombia/
Ireland
 Associate Coal mining in Colombia 31 December  33.33   33.33  Anguilla/
Colombia/
Ireland
 Associate Coal mining in Colombia 31 December  33.33   33.33 

Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. (Antamina)

 Peru Associate Copper and zinc mining 31 December  33.75   33.75  Peru Associate Copper and zinc mining 31 December  33.75   33.75 

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco)

 Brazil Joint
venture
 Iron ore mining 31 December  50.00   50.00  Brazil Joint venture Iron ore mining 31 December  50.00   50.00 

Voting in relation to relevant activities in Antamina and Cerrejón, determined to be the approval of the operating and capital budgets, does not require unanimous consent of all participants to the arrangement, therefore joint control does not exist. Instead, because the Group has the power to participate in the financial and operating policies of the investee, these investments are accounted for as associates.

Samarco is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) and Vale.Vale S.A. (Vale). As the Samarco entity has the rights to the assets and obligations to the liabilities relating to the joint arrangement and not its owners, this investment is accounted for as a joint venture.

The Group is restricted in its ability to make dividend payments from its investments in associates and joint ventures as any such payments require the approval of all investors in the associates and joint ventures. The ownership interest at the Group’s and the associates’ or joint ventures’ reporting dates are the same. When the annual financial reporting date is different to the Group’s, financial information is obtained as at 30 June in order to report on an annual basis consistent with the Group’s reporting date.

The movement for the year in the Group’s investments accounted for using the equity method is as follows:

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

US$M

 Investment in
associates
 Investment in
joint ventures
 Total equity
accounted
investments
 

Year ended 30 June 2020

US$M

  Investment in
associates
 Investment in
joint ventures
 Total equity
accounted
investments
 

At the beginning of the financial year

  2,473      2,473    2,569      2,569 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses (1)

  399   (945  (546   (4  (508  (512

Investment in equity accounted investments

  207   96   303    147   95   242 

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

  (510     (510   (126     (126

Other

     849   849    (1  413   412 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

At the end of the financial year

  2,569      2,569    2,585      2,585 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

US$(945)(508) million represents US$(96)(95) million share of loss fromimpairment relating to US$(96)(95) million funding provided during the period, US$(459) million movement in the Samarco dam failure provision including US$(916) million change in estimate and US$(849)457 million exchange translation and US$46 million movement in provisions related to the Samarco Germano dam failuredecommissioning provision including US$(579)(37) million change in estimate and US$(7)83 million exchange translation and US$(263) million Samarco Germano dam decommissioning provision.translation. Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information.

 

F-80Key judgements and estimates

Estimates: An indicator of impairment was identified for the Group’s net investment in Cerrejón at 30 June 2020 as a result of reductions in the Group’s forecast prices for Colombian thermal coal and the reduced production volumes in Cerrejón’s latest mine plan. Accordingly the Group assessed the recoverable amount of Cerrejón in line with the impairment of non-current assets principles (including key judgements and estimates) detailed in note 11 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’. The recoverable amount was assessed using the FVLCD methodology including a market participant’s perspective of the net present value of future post-tax cash flows and other market-based indicators of fair value. The Cerrejón carrying amount of US$776 million is supported by the recoverable amount determination and as such, no impairment has been recognised.

The recoverable amount assessment is most susceptible to assumptions regarding the long term forecasts of Colombian thermal coal prices and discount rates:

Colombian thermal coal prices: At 30 June 2020 the price assumptions used in determining the recoverable amount considered the Group’s latest internal price forecasts, taking into account expected demand and supply for Colombian thermal coal, and price forecasts available from external sources (including consensus pricing). The short to long term range of prices used in the valuations were consistent with those published by market commentators of approximately US$45 to US$65 per tonne;

Discount rate: the discount rate is derived using the weighted average cost of capital methodology adjusted for any risks that are not reflected in the underlying cash flows, including where appropriate a country risk premium. A real post-tax discount rate of 9.5 per cent was applied to post-tax cash flows.

Changes in circumstances may affect the assumptions used to determine recoverable amount at future reporting dates.


The following table summarises the financial information relating to each of the Group’s significant equity accounted investments. BHP Billiton Brasil’s 50 per cent portion of Samarco’s commitments, for which BHP Billiton Brasil has no funding obligation, is US$250200 million (2018:(2019: US$550250 million).

 

  Associates  Joint ventures    

2019

US$M

 Antamina  Cerrejón  Individually
immaterial (1)
  Samarco (2)  Individually
immaterial
  Total 

Current assets

  1,065   845    290 (3)   

Non-current assets

  4,495   2,664    6,103   

Current liabilities

  (498  (344   (6,704(4)   

Non-current liabilities

  (1,076  (801   (5,830  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net assets/(liabilities) – 100%

  3,986   2,364    (6,141  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net assets/(liabilities) – Group share

  1,345   788    (3,071  

Adjustments to net assets related to accounting policy adjustments

     65    366 (5)   

Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco

         (525(6)   

Additional share of Samarco losses

         3,145 (7)   

Unrecognised losses

         85 (8)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying amount of investments accounted for using the equity method

  1,345   853   371         2,569 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue – 100%

  3,203   2,094    24   

Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%

  1,168   309    (2,166(9)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share of operating profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments

  394   103    (1,075  

Additional share of Samarco losses

         108   

Unrecognised losses

         22 (8)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

  394   103   (98  (945     (546
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income/(loss) – 100%

  1,168   309    (2,166  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments

  394   103   (98  (945     (546
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

  361   134   15         510 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-81

  Associates  Joint ventures    

2020

US$M

 Antamina  Cerrejón  Individually
immaterial (1)
  Samarco (2)  Individually
immaterial
  Total 

Current assets

  974   712    49 (3)   

Non-current assets

  4,743   2,462    3,601   

Current liabilities

  (239  (170   (7,961) (4)   

Non-current liabilities

  (1,173  (854   (5,447  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net assets/(liabilities) – 100%

  4,305   2,150    (9,758  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net assets/(liabilities) – Group share

  1,453   717    (4,879  

Adjustments to net assets related to accounting policy adjustments

     59    256 (5)   

Investment in Samarco

         405 (6)   

Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco

         (930) (7)   

Additional share of Samarco losses

         3,341 (8)   

Unrecognised losses

         1,807 (9)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying amount of investments accounted for using the equity method

  1,453   776   356         2,585 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue – 100%

  2,464   1,091    26   

Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%

  629   (182   (3,617(10)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share of operating profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments

  212   (68   (1,918(11)   

Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco

         (95) (7)   

Additional share of Samarco losses

         93   

Unrecognised losses

         1,412 (9)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

  212   (68  (148  (508     (512
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income – 100%

  629   (182   (3,617  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments

  212   (68  (148  (508     (512
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

  105   9   12         126 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


  Associates  Joint ventures    

2018

US$M

 Antamina  Cerrejón  Individually
immaterial (1)
  Samarco (2)  Individually
immaterial
  Total 

Current assets

  1,099   1,187    79 (3)   

Non-current assets

  4,385   2,485    6,023   

Current liabilities

  (532  (585   (5,811) (4)   

Non-current liabilities

  (1,064  (663   (4,265  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net assets/(liabilities) – 100%

  3,888   2,424    (3,974  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net assets/(liabilities) – Group share

  1,312   808    (1,987  

Adjustments to net assets related to accounting policy adjustments

  1   75    357 (5)   

Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco

         (525) (6)   

Additional share of Samarco losses

         2,092 (7)   

Unrecognised losses

         63 (8)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying amount of investments accounted for using the equity method

  1,313   883   277         2,473 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenue – 100%

  3,866   2,453    30   

Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%

  1,613   576    (1,558) (9)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share of operating profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments

  544   192    (823  

Additional share of Samarco losses

         251   

Unrecognised losses

         63 (8)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

  544   192   (80  (509     147 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income/(loss) – 100%

  1,613   576    (1,558  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments

  544   192   (80  (509     147 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

  496   181   16         693 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-82

   Associates  Joint ventures     

2019

US$M

  Antamina  Cerrejón  Individually
immaterial (1)
  Samarco (2)  Individually
immaterial
   Total 

Current assets

   1,065   845    290 (3)    

Non-current assets

   4,495   2,664    6,103    

Current liabilities

   (498  (344   (6,704) (4)    

Non-current liabilities

   (1,076  (801   (5,830   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

Net assets/(liabilities) – 100%

   3,986   2,364    (6,141   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

Net assets/(liabilities) – Group share

   1,345   788    (3,071   

Adjustments to net assets related to accounting policy adjustments

      65    366 (5)    

Investment in Samarco

          310 (6)    

Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco

          (835) (7)    

Additional share of Samarco losses

          2,835 (8)    

Unrecognised losses

          395 (9)    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying amount of investments accounted for using the equity method

   1,345   853   371          2,569 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue – 100%

   3,203   2,094    24    

Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%

   1,168   309    (2,166) (10)    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of operating profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments

   394   103    (1,075(11)    

Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco

          (96(7)    

Additional share of Samarco losses

          108    

Unrecognised losses

          118 (9)    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

   394   103   (98  (945      (546
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income/(loss) – 100%

   1,168   309    (2,166   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments

   394   103   (98  (945      (546
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

   361   134   15          510 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 


 Associates Joint ventures     Associates Joint ventures     

2017

US$M

 Antamina Cerrejón Individually
immaterial
 Samarco (2) Individually
immaterial
 Total 

2018

US$M

  Antamina   Cerrejón   Individually
immaterial
 Samarco (2) Individually
immaterial
   Total 

Revenue – 100%

 2,905  2,247   28      3,866    2,453    30    

Profit/(loss) from Continuing operations – 100%

 1,010  388   (1,520) (9)      1,613    576    (1,558) (10)    
 

 

  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

    

 

    

Share of operating profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments

 341  129   (760     544    192    (823(11)    

Impairment of the carrying value of the investment in Samarco

           (80(7)    

Additional share of Samarco losses

        588              117    

Unrecognised losses

           277 (9)    
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Profit/(loss) from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expenses

 341  129  (26 (172    272    544    192    (80 (509      147 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Comprehensive income/(loss) – 100%

 1,010  388   (1,520     1,613    576    (1,558   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Share of comprehensive income/(loss) – Group share in equity accounted investments

 341  129  (26 (172    272    544    192    (80 (509      147 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

 425  163  32        620    496    181    16          693 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

The unrecognised share of loss for the period was US$12 million (2019: unrecognised share of profit for the period was US$15 million (2018: unrecognised share of loss for the period was US$56 million), which decreasedincreased the cumulative losses to US$181193 million (2018: increase(2019: decrease to US$196181 million).

 

(2) 

Refer to note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’ for further information regarding the financial impact of the Samarco dam failure in November 2015 on BHP Billiton Brasil’s share of Samarco’s losses.

 

(3) 

Includes cash and cash equivalents of US$24615 million (2018:(2019: US$23246 million).

 

(4) 

Includes current financial liabilities (excluding trade and other payables and provisions) of US$5,5106,023 million (2018:(2019: US$5,0665,510 million).

 

(5) 

Relates mainly to dividends declared by Samarco that remain unpaid at balance date and which, in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy, are recognised when received not receivable.

 

(6) 

Working capital funding provided to Samarco is capitalised as part of the Group’s investments in joint ventures. Following a change to IAS 28 the Group no longer recognises an additional share of Samarco’s losses related to working capital funding provided during the period. This is now disclosed as an impairment included within the Samarco impairment expense line item. Comparative periods, including the impact on unrecognised losses have been restated to reflect the change.

(7)

In the year ended 30 June 2016 BHP Billiton Brasil adjusted its investment in Samarco to US$ nil (resulting from US$(655) million share of loss from Samarco and US$(525) million impairment). Additional cumulative impairment losses relating to working capital funding of US$(405) million have also been recognised.

 

(7)(8) 

BHP Billiton Brasil has recognised accumulated additional share of Samarco losses of US$(3,145)(3,341) million resulting from US$(310)(2,929) million share of loss from funding provided to Samarco and US$(2,835) million from provisions relating to the Samarco dam failure, including US$(319)(412) million recognised as net finance costs.

 

(8)(9) 

Share of Samarco’s losses for which BHP Billiton Brasil does not have an obligation to fund.

 

(9)(10) 

Includes depreciation and amortisation of US$84 million (2019: US$85 million (2018:million; 2018: US$73 million; 2017: US$88 million), interest income of US$16 million (2019: US$22 million (2018:million; 2018: US$31 million; 2017: US$57 million), interest expense of US$588 million (2019: US$342 million (2018:million; 2018: US$385 million; 2017: US$473 million) and income tax benefit/(expense) of US$(256) million (2019: US$52 million (2018:million; 2018: US$(154) million; 2017: US$(851) million).

 

F-83
(11)

Includes accounting policy adjustments mainly related to the removal of foreign exchange gains on excluded dividends payable.


3031    Interests in joint operations

Significant joint operations of the Group are those with the most significant contributions to the Group’s net profit or net assets. The Group’s interest in the joint operations results are listed in the table below. For a complete list of the Group’s investments in joint operations, refer to ExibitExhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries.

 

        Group’s interest  Group’s interest 

Significant joint operations

  

Country of operation

  

Principal activity

  2019
%
   2018
%
  

Country of operation

 

Principal activity

 2020
%
 2019
%
 

Atlantis

 US 

Hydrocarbons production

  44  44 

Bass Strait

  

Australia

  

Hydrocarbons production

   50    50  Australia 

Hydrocarbons production

  50  50 

Greater Angostura

  

Trinidad and Tobago

  

Hydrocarbons production

   45    45  Trinidad and Tobago 

Hydrocarbons production

  45  45 

Gulf of Mexico

  

US

  

Hydrocarbons exploration and production

   23.9–44    23.9–44 

Macedon (1)

  

Australia

  

Hydrocarbons exploration and production

   71.43    71.43  Australia 

Hydrocarbons production

  71.43  71.43 

Mad Dog

 US 

Hydrocarbons production

  23.9  23.9 

North West Shelf

  

Australia

  

Hydrocarbons production

   12.5–16.67    12.5–16.67  Australia 

Hydrocarbons production

  12.5–16.67  12.5–16.67 

Pyrenees (1)

  

Australia

  

Hydrocarbons exploration and production

   40–71.43    40–71.43  Australia 

Hydrocarbons production

  40–71.43  40–71.43 

ROD Integrated Development (2)

  

Algeria

  

Hydrocarbons exploration and production

   29.50    29.50  Algeria 

Hydrocarbons production

  29.50  29.50 

Shenzi

 US 

Hydrocarbons production

  44  44 

Mt Goldsworthy (3)

  

Australia

  

Iron ore mining

   85    85  Australia 

Iron ore mining

  85  85 

Mt Newman (3)

  

Australia

  

Iron ore mining

   85    85  Australia 

Iron ore mining

  85  85 

Yandi (3)

  

Australia

  

Iron ore mining

   85    85  Australia 

Iron ore mining

  85  85 

Central Queensland Coal Associates

  

Australia

  

Coal mining

   50    50  Australia 

Coal mining

  50  50 

 

(1) 

While the Group may hold a greater than 50 per cent interest in these joint operations, all the participants in these joint operations approve the operating and capital budgets and therefore the Group has joint control over the relevant activities of these arrangements.

 

(2) 

Group interest reflects the working interest and may varyyear-on-year based on the Group’s effective interest in producing wells.

 

(3) 

These contractual arrangements are controlled by the Group and do not meet the definition of joint operations. However, as they are formed by contractual arrangement and are not entities, the Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses arising from these arrangements.

Assets held in joint operations subject to significant restrictions are as follows:

 

  Group’s share   Group’s share 
  2019   2018   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Current assets

   1,946    2,445    2,059    1,946 

Non-current assets

   35,682    36,144    37,193    35,682 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total assets (1)

   37,628    38,589    39,252    37,628 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

While the Group is unrestricted in its ability to sell a share of its interest in these joint operations, it does not have the right to sell individual assets that are used in these joint operations without the unanimous consent of the other participants. The assets in these joint operations are also restricted to the extent that they are only available to be used by the joint operation itself and not by other operations of the Group.

F-84


3132    Related party transactions

The Group’s related parties are predominantly subsidiaries, joint operations, joint ventures and associates and key management personnel of the Group. Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 2223 ‘Key management personnel’. Transactions between each parent company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

 

All transactions to/from related parties are made at arm’s length, i.e. at normal market prices and rates and on normal commercial terms.

 

Outstanding balances atyear-end are unsecured and settlement occurs in cash. Loan amounts owing from related parties represent secured loans made to joint operations, associates and joint ventures underco-funding arrangements. Such loans are made on an arm’s length basis with interest charged at market ratesbasis. Such loans made to joint operations are payable on demand and loans made to associates are due to be repaid by 16 August 2022.

 

No guarantees are provided or received for any related party receivables or payables.

 

No provision for expected credit losses has been recognised in relation to any outstanding balances and no expense has been recognised in respect of expected credit losses due from related parties.

 

There were no other related party transactions in the year ended 30 June 2019 (2018:2020 (2019: US$ nil), other than those with post-employment benefit plans for the benefit of Group employees. These are shown in note 2526 ‘Pension and other post-retirement obligations’.

Transactions with related parties

Further disclosures related to other related party transactions are as follows:

 

  Joint operations   Joint ventures   Associates   Joint operations   Joint ventures   Associates 
  2019   2018   2019   2018   2019   2018   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Sales of goods/services

                                                

Purchases of goods/services

                   1,141.230    1,358.016                    967.276    1,141.230 

Interest income

   1.532    1.764            0.826    19.337    1.306    1.532            2.370    0.826 

Interest expense

                   0.011                            0.011 

Dividends received

                   509.577    693.105                    126.187    509.577 

Net loans made to/(repayments from) related parties

   12.539    60.566            14.547    (599.979   4.851    12.539            12.273    14.547 

Outstanding balances with related parties

Disclosures in respect of amounts owing to/from joint operations represent the amount that does not eliminate on consolidation.

 

   Joint operations   Joint ventures   Associates 
   2019   2018   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Trade amounts owing to related parties

                   169.773    210.716 

Loan amounts owing to related parties

   40.513    55.667            10.097    4.097 

Trade amounts owing from related parties

                   3.828    3.932 

Loan amounts owing from related parties

   15.474    18.089            33.486    12.939 

F-85

   Joint operations   Joint ventures   Associates 
   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019 
   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Trade amounts owing to related parties

                   69.490    169.773 

Loan amounts owing to related parties

   33.812    40.513            5.097    10.097 

Trade amounts owing from related parties

                   0.473    3.828 

Loan amounts owing from related parties

   13.625    15.474            40.759    33.486 


Unrecognised items and uncertain events

32    Commitments

The Group’s commitments for capital expenditure were US$3,308 million as at 30 June 2019 (2018: US$2,110 million). The Group’s other commitments are as follows:

   Commitments under
finance leases
  Commitments under
operating leases
 
   2019  2018  2019   2018 
   US$M  US$M  US$M   US$M 

Due not later than one year

   110   127   440    388 

Due later than one year and not later than five years

   417   448   876    785 

Due later than five years

   501   590   589    839 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,028   1,165   1,905    2,012 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Future financing liability

   (313  (363   
  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Finance lease liability

   715   802    
  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Finance leases include leases of power generation and transmission assets. Certain lease payments may be subject to inflation escalation clauses on which contingent rentals are determined. The leases contain extension and renewal options.

Operating leases include leases of property, plant and equipment. Rental payments are generally fixed, but with inflation escalation clauses on which contingent rentals are determined. Certain leases contain extension and renewal options. From 1 July 2019, IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ became effective for the Group. Refer to note 38 ‘New and amended accounting standards and interpretations’.

33    Contingent liabilities

 

  2019   2018   2020   2019 
  US$M   US$M   

US$M

   

US$M

 

Associates and joint ventures (1)

   1,822    1,588    1,314    1,822 

Subsidiaries and joint operations (1)

   1,621    1,915    1,534    1,621 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   3,443    3,503    2,848    3,443 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

There are a number of matters, for which it is not possible at this time to provide a range of possible outcomes or a reliable estimate of potential future exposures, and for which no amounts have been included in the table above.

A contingent liability is a possible obligation arising from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by occurrence ornon-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Group. A contingent liability may also be a present obligation arising from past events but is not recognised on the basis that an outflow of economic resources to settle the obligation is not viewed as probable, or the amount of the obligation cannot be reliably measured.

When the Group has a present obligation, an outflow of economic resources is assessed as probable and the Group can reliably measure the obligation, a provision is recognised.

The Group has entered into various counter-indemnities of bank and performance guarantees related to its own future performance, which are in the normal course of business. The likelihood of these guarantees being called upon is considered remote.

F-86


The Group presently has tax matters, litigation and other claims, for which the timing of resolution and potential economic outflow are uncertain. Obligations assessed as having probable future economic outflows capable of reliable measurement are provided at reporting date and matters assessed as having possible future economic outflows capable of reliable measurement are included in the total amount of contingent liabilities above. Individually significant matters, including narrative on potential future exposures incapable of reliable measurement, are disclosed below, to the extent that disclosure does not prejudice the Group.

 

Uncertain tax and royalty matters  

The Group is subject to a range of taxes and royalties across many jurisdictions, the application of which is uncertain in some regards. Changes in tax law, changes in interpretation of tax law, periodic challenges and disagreements with tax authorities, and legal proceedings result in uncertainty of the outcome of the application of taxes and royalties to the Group’s business. Areas of uncertainty at reporting date include the application of taxes and royalties to the Group’s cross-border operations and transactions.

 

Details of uncertain tax and royalty matters have been disclosed in note 6 ‘Income tax expense’. To the extent uncertain tax and royalty matters give rise to a contingent liability, an estimate of the potential liability is included within the table above, where it is capable of reliable measurement.

 

Samarco contingent liabilities  The table above includes contingent liabilities related to the Group’s equity accounting investment in Samarco to the extent they are capable of reliable measurement. Details of contingent liabilities related to Samarco are disclosed in note 4 ‘Significant events – Samarco dam failure’.

 

Demerger of South32  As part of the demerger of South32 Limited (South32) in May 2015, certain indemnities were agreed under the Separation Deed. Subject to certain exceptions, BHP Group Limited indemnifies South32 against claims and liabilities relating to the Group Businesses and former Group Businesses prior to the demerger and South32 indemnifies the Group against all claims and liabilities relating to the South32 Businesses and former South32 Businesses. No material claims have been made pursuant to the Separation Deed as at 30 June 2019.2020.

34    Subsequent events

On 18 August 2020, the Group announced that, as part of its ongoing review of its portfolio, it will pursue options to divest its interests in BMC, NSWEC and Cerrejon. Execution of these options, including demerger of an independent, listed company and trade sale opportunities, may take time and, as such, the Group is not able to estimate the financial effect of any future transaction and these assets have not been classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2020.

On the same day, the Group also announced that it will continue to optimise its petroleum portfolio through the exit of later life assets, including an intended exit from Bass Strait, and farm-downs of the longer dated options. Execution of these options may take time and, as such, the Group is not able to estimate the financial effect of any future transaction and these assets have not been classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2020.

Other than the matters outlined in the Financial Statements,above, no matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations, results of operations or state of affairs of the Group in subsequent accounting periods.

Other items

35    Auditor’s remuneration

 

   2019   2018   2017 
   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for assurance services

      

Audit of the Group’s Annual Report

   4.033    3.909    3.381 

Audit of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates

   5.275    13.902    7.040 

Audit-related assurance services

   4.089    4.039    3.597 

Other assurance services

   0.594    1.343    1.849 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assurance services

   13.991    23.193    15.867 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for other services

      

Other services relating to corporate finance

   0.055    0.104    0.042 

All other services

   0.482    0.553    0.589 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other services

   0.537    0.657    0.631 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fees

   14.528    23.850    16.498 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2020   2019   2018 
   

US$M

   

US$M

   

US$M

 

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for assurance services

      

Audit of the Group’s Annual Report

   11.196    6.764    6.585 

Audit of the accounts of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates

   1.262    5.127    5.369 

Audit-related assurance services required by legislation to be provided by the auditor

   1.815    1.358    1.363 

Other assurance and agreed-upon procedures under legislation or contractual arrangements

   2.003    1.266    10.533 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assurance services

   16.276    14.515    23.850 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for non-assurance services

      

Other services

   0.400    0.013     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other services

   0.400    0.013     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fees

   16.676    14.528    23.850 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

AllIn FY2020, all amounts were paid to EY or EY affiliated firms. Fees are determined, and predominantly billed, in US dollars.

In each of FY2019 and FY2018, all amounts were paid to KPMG or KPMG affiliated firms.firms, being the Group’s auditors for these financial years. Fees arewere determined in local currencies and are predominantly billed in US dollars based on the exchange rate at the beginning of the relevant financial year.

F-87


Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for assurance services

For all periods disclosed, no fees are payable in respect of the audit of pension funds.

Audit of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates comprise auditsthe Group’s Annual Report comprises fees for auditing the statutory financial report of the Group’s subsidiaries, joint venturesGroup and associates including additionalnon-recurring audit fees in FY2018 in connection with the sale of the Onshore US oil and gas assets.

Audit-related assurance services comprise review of half-year reports andincludes audit work in relation to compliance with section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Audit-related assurance services required by legislation to be provided by the auditors mainly comprises review of half-year reports.

Other assurance services comprise assurance in respect of the Group’s sustainability reporting.reporting, economic contribution reporting, and comfort letters, and in FY2018, non-recurring fees in connection with the sale of the Onshore US oil and gas assets.

Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for other services

Other services relating to corporate finance comprise services in connection with debt raising transactions.

All other services comprisenon-statutory assurance based procedures, advice on accounting matters, as well as tax compliance services of US$0.269 million (2019: US$0.013 million; 2018: US$ nil) and tax advisory services of US$0.131 million (2018:(2019: US$ nil; 2017:2018: US$0.027 million) nil).

36    Not requiredRequired for US reportingReporting

37    Deed of Cross Guarantee

BHP Group Limited together with wholly owned subsidiaries identified in Exhibit 8.1 – List of Subsidiaries entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee (Deed) on 6 June 2016. The effect of the Deed is that BHP Group Limited has guaranteed to pay any outstanding liabilities upon the winding up of any wholly owned subsidiary that is party to the Deed. Wholly owned subsidiaries that are party to the Deed have also given a similar guarantee in the event that BHP Group Limited or another party to the Deed is wound up.

The wholly owned Australian subsidiaries identified in Exhibit 8.1 – List of Subsidiaries are relieved from the requirements to prepare and lodge audited financial reports.

A Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings and Consolidated Balance Sheet, comprising BHP Group Limited and the wholly owned subsidiaries that are party to the DeedNot Required for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 are as follows:

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings

  2019  2018 
   US$M  US$M 

Revenue

   22,660   20,434 

Other income

   2,881   3,188 

Expenses excluding net finance costs

   (14,610  (12,693

Net finance costs

   (414  (470

Income tax expense

   (2,317  (2,218
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after taxation

   8,200   8,241 

Total other comprehensive income

   10   12 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

   8,210   8,253 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Retained earnings at the beginning of the financial year

   48,442   45,979 

Net effect on retained earnings of entities added to/removed from the Deed

   (34  48 

Profit after taxation for the year

   8,200   8,241 

Transfers to and from reserves

   (31  (15

Shares bought back and cancelled

   (5,199   

Dividends

   (6,655  (5,811
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Retained earnings at the end of the financial year

   44,723   48,442 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-88US Reporting


Consolidated Balance Sheet

  2019   2018 
   US$M   US$M 

ASSETS

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   13    2 

Trade and other receivables

   4,875    3,977 

Loans to related parties

   4,255    16,730 

Inventories

   1,677    1,649 

Other

   92    90 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

   10,912    22,448 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets

    

Trade and other receivables

   40    73 

Loans to related parties

       151 

Inventories

   326    323 

Property, plant and equipment

   31,508    31,009 

Intangible assets

   362    444 

Investments in Group companies

   33,123    27,354 

Deferred tax assets

   442    329 

Other

   59    68 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totalnon-current assets

   65,860    59,751 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   76,772    82,199 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Current liabilities

    

Trade and other payables

   4,790    3,425 

Loans from related parties

   13,682    15,719 

Interest bearing liabilities

   104    115 

Current tax payable

   694    1,053 

Provisions

   889    952 

Deferred income

   6    6 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   20,165    21,270 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

    

Trade and other payables

   8    3 

Loans from related parties

   7,689    7,870 

Interest bearing liabilities

   143    191 

Non-current tax payable

   75     

Deferred tax liabilities

   542    573 

Provisions

   2,136    2,475 

Deferred income

   14    18 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totalnon-current liabilities

   10,607    11,130 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   30,772    32,400 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets

   46,000    49,799 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EQUITY

    

Share capital – BHP Group Limited

   1,111    1,186 

Treasury shares

   (31)    (5

Reserves

   197    176 

Retained earnings

   44,723    48,442 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

   46,000    49,799 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

F-89


38    New and amended accounting standards and interpretations

The Group adopted IFRS 16/AASB 16 ‘Leases’ (IFRS 16) in the Group’s Financial Statements from 1 July 2019. The adoption of other new or amended accounting standards or interpretations applicable from 1 July 2019, including IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatment’, did not have a significant impact on the Group’s Financial Statements.

The Group has also early adopted amendments to IFRS 9/AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (IFRS 9) and IFRS 15/7/AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ (IFRS 15) in these Financial Statements from 1 July 2018. The adoption of other changes to IFRS applicable from 1 July 2018, including IFRIC 22 ‘Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration’, did not have a significant impact on these Financial Statements.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

This standard replaces IAS 39/AASB 1397 ‘Financial Instruments: RecognitionDisclosures’ (IFRS 7) in relation to Interest Rate Benchmark Reform.

All new and measurement’ (IAS 39). It revises the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, introduces a forward looking ‘expected credit loss’ impairment model and modifies the approachamendments to hedge accounting. Upon adoption of the new standard on 1 July 2018, the Group adjusted the opening balance sheet, with no restatement of comparatives required. Adoption impacts include:

At 1 July 2018, the Group reassessed the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities based on the business model by which they are managed and their cash flow characteristics.

Financial assets previously classified as loans and receivables of US$17.7 billion were recategorised as amortised cost. The Group’s available for sale (AFS) shares of US$33 million were designated as fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI), while investments in shares after 1 July 2018 will be designated at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) or FVOCI on an investment by investment basis.

Other AFS investments of US$47 million were classified as held at FVTPL because they are not investments in shares and their cash flows do not consist solely of payments of principal and interest. The adoption of IFRS 9 has not resulted in any changes to the classification of financial assets held at FVTPL or to the classification or measurement of financial liabilities.

Financial assets carried at amortised cost are tested for impairment based on expected losses, whereas the previous policy required that impairments were recognised only when there was objective evidence that a credit loss was present. Upon adoption of IFRS 9, an expected credit loss provision of US$7 million against cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables was recognised in retained earnings.

From 1 July 2018, the Group has applied the amended rules on hedge accounting which enable closer alignment between the Group’s risk management strategy and the accounting outcomes. IFRS 9 broadens the scope of arrangements that may qualify for hedge accounting and allows for simplification of hedge designations. Other changes under the standard mean that hedge effectiveness is only considered on a prospective basis with no set quantitative thresholds and voluntaryde-designation of hedges is prohibited.

Certain of the Group’s existing derivatives hedging foreign currency notes and debentures, were in qualifying fair value and cash flow hedge relationships and have been treated as continuing hedges. The opportunity to apply simplified hedge designations under IFRS 9 will continue to be assessed for future hedge relationships. Risks present in the derivative only, such as counterparty credit risk, are not part of the hedge designation and will continue to be recognised through the income statement.

Foreign currency basis has been separately measured as a cost of hedging and movements continue to be recognised in reserves, with US$176 million being reclassified from the cash flow hedging reserve into the cost of hedging reserve on transition. The hedging reserves at transition will continue to be transferred to the income statement over the life of the underlying notes and debentures.

The impact of adopting IFRS 9 on Total equity as at 1 July 2018 is as follows:

US$M

Total equity as at 30 June 2018

60,670

Impairment provision resulting from application of the Expected Credit Loss model

(7

Total equity as at 1 July 2018

60,663

F-90


The table below summarises the change in classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities upon adoption of IFRS 9 on 1 July 2018.

Measurement category under

IAS 39

Measurement category under

IFRS 9

Financial assets

Derivative contracts

FVTPLFVTPL

Investment in shares

AFSFVOCI or FVTPL

Other investments

AFS or FVTPLFVTPL

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and receivablesAmortised cost

Trade and other receivables

Loans and receivablesAmortised cost

Provisionally priced trade receivables

FVTPLFVTPL

Loans to equity accounted investments

Loans and receivablesAmortised cost

Financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities

FVTPLFVTPL

Trade and other payables

Amortised costAmortised cost

Provisionally priced trade payables

FVTPLFVTPL

Bank overdrafts and short-term borrowings

Amortised costAmortised cost

Bank loans

Amortised costAmortised cost

Notes and debentures

Amortised costAmortised cost

Finance leases

Amortised costAmortised cost

Other

Amortised costAmortised cost

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

This standard modifies the determination of when to recognise revenue and how much revenue to recognise. Revenue is recognised when control of the promised goods or services passes to the customer. The amount of revenue recognised should reflect the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

The Group has applied the full retrospective transition approach, resulting in the restatement of comparative information. Comparative information in the consolidated income statement has been restated to reflect changes in the presentation of treatment costs and refining charges (TCRC) included in concentrate sales contracts.

Concentrate sales contracts require the Group to physically deliver concentrate with the contractual sales amount reflecting the final refined metal content delivered, reduced by TCRC. Revenue was previously recognised at the gross value of the final refined metal content delivered with contractually agreed TCRC recorded as an expense. Under IFRS 15, TCRC will instead be recognised as a reduction to revenue, reflecting the consideration that the Group expects to receive from the customer. This will have no net income statement impact as applying this change would have reduced revenue and expenses by US$522 million for the year ended 30 June 2019, US$509 million for the year ended 30 June 2018 and US$395 million for the year ended 30 June 2017, with no impact on profit after tax. This change has no impact on the basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share.

Revenue includes both revenue from contracts with customers, which is recognised under IFRS 15 and provisional pricing adjustments, which are recognised under IFRS 9. Following adoption of IFRS 15 provisional pricing adjustments will be separately disclosed in the notes to these Financial Statements as other revenue. The impact of all other measurement differences identified between IAS 18 and IFRS 15 was immaterial at 1 July 2018.

F-91


Issued but not yet effective

The following new accounting standards and interpretations will become effective for future reporting periods and may have a significant impact onbeen endorsed by the income statement or net assets of the Group.EU.

IFRS 16 Leases

This standard provides a new model for lessee accounting under which all leases, with the exception of short term (under 12 months)IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17/AASB 117 ‘Leases’ (IAS 17) including associated interpretative guidance and low-value leases, will be accounted for bycovers the recognition, on the balance sheetmeasurement, presentation and disclosures of a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability. Lease costs will be recognisedleases in the income statement over the lease term in the formFinancial Statements of depreciation on the right of use assetboth lessees and finance charges representing the unwind of the discount on the lease liability.lessors.

The standardTransition impact

IFRS 16 became effective for the Group from 1 July 2019 and the Group has elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with no restatement of comparative financial information. For existing finance leases, the right of useright-of-use asset and lease liability on transition will bewas the IAS 17/AASB 117 ‘Leases’ (IAS 17)17 carrying amounts as at 30 June 2019.

As allowed by the standard,IFRS 16, the Group has elected:

 

except for existing finance leases, to measure the right of useright-of-use asset on transition at an amount equal to the lease liability (as adjusted for prepaid or accrued lease payments);

 

not to recognise low-value or short termshort-term leases on the balance sheet. Costs for these lease arrangements will continue to be expensed;sheet;

 

to only recognise, within the lease liability, the lease component of contracts that include non-lease components and other services;

 

to reflectadjust the impairmentcarrying amount of right of useright-of-use assets on transition by adjusting their carrying amounts for related onerous lease provisions that were recognised on the Group balance sheet as at 30 June 2019.

Where the Group is the operator of an unincorporated joint operation and all investors are parties to a lease, the Group will recognise its proportionate share of the lease liability and associated right of use asset. Where the Group is the sole signatory to a lease, and therefore has the sole legal obligation to make lease payments, the lease liability will be recognised in full. Where the associated right of use asset is sub-leased (under a finance sub-lease) to a joint operation, for instance where it is dedicated to a single operation and the joint operation has the right to direct the use of the asset, the Group will recognise its proportionate share of the right of use asset and a net investment in the lease, representing amounts to be recovered from the other parties. If the Group is not party to the lease contract but sub-leases the associated right of use asset it will recognise its proportionate share of the right of use asset and a lease liability which is payable to the operator.

The applicationAdoption of IFRS 16 requires certain significant judgements, estimates and assumptions including whether the Group controls the right to direct the use of assets in certain contractual arrangements, the likelihood of extension and termination options being exercised, the separation and estimation of non-lease components of payments, the identification and valuation of in-substance fixed payments and the determination of the incremental borrowing rate relevant in calculating lease liabilities.

The impact on transition is expected to resultresulted in an increase in leaseinterest bearing liabilities of approximately US$2.3 billion, right of useright-of-use assets of US$2.2 billion and net adjustments to other assets and liabilities of US$0.1 billion. The Group is required to recognise these leases applying the incremental borrowing rate that takes into account the currency, tenor and location of each lease.billion at 1 July 2019. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the Group’s additional lease liabilities at 1 July 2019 iswas 2.1 per cent. The Group will recognise leases enteredcent taking into after 1 July 2019 usingaccount the interest rate implicit in the lease, where this is readily determinable.currency, tenor and location of each lease.

F-92


The following table provides a reconciliation of the operating lease commitments disclosed in note 32 ‘Commitments’ in the 2019 Annual Report to the expected total lease liability to be recognised at 1 July 2019:

 

   US$BM 

Operating lease commitments as at 30 June 2019

   1.91,905 

Add: Leases which did not meet the definition of a lease under IAS 17 (1)

   0.7686 

Add: Cost of reasonably certain extension options (undiscounted)

   0.191 

Less: Components excluded from lease liability (undiscounted)

   (0.2190

Less: Effect of discounting

   (0.2191
  

 

 

 

Total additional lease liabilities recognised on transitionat 1 July 2019

   2.32,301 
  

 

 

 

Leases recognised under IFRS 16, which did

(1)

These relate to freight contracts known as continuous voyage charters (CVCs). Generally CVCs were not considered leases under IAS 17 given the supplier has the right, whether exercised or not, to substitute the named vessel. However, these rights are not considered substantial substitution rights under IFRS 16. Additionally, the Group has the right to direct the use of the vessel throughout the period of use due to the ability to designate the destination port for each voyage and make changes to relevant decisions within the scope of contractual constraints. Consequently, the CVCs meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16.

The Group’s activities as a lessor are not meet the definition of a lease under IAS 17, relate to freight contracts known as continuous voyage charters (CVCs). The lease assetmaterial and liability associated with all index-linked freight contracts, including CVCs, will be remeasured at each reporting date basedhence there is no significant impact on the prevailing freight index (Baltic C5 index). Freight indices, which reflect demandFinancial Statements on adoption of IFRS 16.

Amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and supplyIFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ – Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other benchmark interest rates are expected to be replaced by alternative risk-free rates by the end of CY2021 as part of inter-bank offer rate (IBOR) reform. The amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 provide temporary relief from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to hedging arrangements directly impacted by these reforms. The Group has early adopted the amendments resulting in no impact on the Group’s hedge accounting.

As outlined in note 22 ‘Financial risk management’, the Group has foreign currency and US dollar denominated loans and debentures at fixed interest rates. The Group uses interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps to convert most of its fixed interest exposure to a floating USD LIBOR. The interest rate derivatives are designated into fair value hedges.

The reliefs provided by the amendments allow the Group to assume that:

USD LIBOR remains a separately identifiable component for vessels, have shown historic volatility. the duration of the hedge;

for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of the hedge relationship the USD LIBOR rates referenced by fixed-to-floating rate swaps in the fair value hedge relationships do not change as a result of IBOR reform.

The accounting for these contracts continuesamendments were applied retrospectively, including to evolvehedging arrangements designated as hedges during the period, and will continue to apply until the uncertainty arising from the reforms with respect to the timing and the amount of the underlying cash flows that the Group is monitoring industry practice.

The Group’s finance lease obligations at 30 June 2019 are currently included inexposed to ends. A project has been established to assess the Group’s net debt (note 19 ‘Net debt’). From 1 July 2019, net debt will includeimplications of IBOR reform across the Group’s total lease liabilities.

The Group, has developed lease accounting systems, processes and controls which will be used to account formanage and execute the Group’s lease contracts following transition. Practical application of the standard continuestransition from current benchmark rates to develop in a number of areas and thealternative benchmark rates. The Group will continue to monitor developments and assess any implicationsamendments to certain accounting standards covering the accounting for the expected lease liability on transition to alternative rates which were released in August 2020 and post transition accounting.will be applicable to the Group in future reporting periods.

Other interpretations issuedIssued but not yet effective

The adoption of other changes to IFRS applicable from 1 July 2019, including IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments’ is not expected to have a significant impact on these Financial Statements.

A number of other accounting standards and interpretations, along with revisions to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, have been issued and will be applicable in future periods. While these remain subject to ongoing assessment, no significant impacts have been identified to date. These standards have not been applied in the preparation of these Financial Statements. The classification of future acquisitions may be impacted by the change in the definition of a business under the amendments to IFRS 3/AASB 3 ‘Business Combinations’ effective for the Group from 1 July 2020.

F-93On 29 April 2020, the IFRS Interpretations Committee issued an agenda decision on the application of IAS 12 ‘Income Tax’ when the recovery of the carrying amount of an asset gives rise to multiple tax consequences, concluding that an entity must account for distinct tax consequences separately. The Group is in the process of evaluating the implications of the agenda decision. Changes to the Group’s accounting policy for income tax will be implemented from 1 July 2020 on a retrospective basis.


5.2    Not required for US reportingReporting

5.2A    Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

 

LOGO

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the members of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries (the “BHP Group” or “the Group”) as of 30 June 2020, the related consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 30 June 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the BHP Group at 30 June 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended 30 June 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and interpretations as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the BHP Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), as applicable and our report dated 22 September 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the BHP Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the BHP Group’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the BHP Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the Risk and Audit Committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgements. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

LOGO

Samarco dam failure provisions and contingent liabilities

Description of the Matter

As described in Notes 3, 4, and 33 to the consolidated financial statements the BHP Group recorded losses of US$176 million for the year ended 30 June 2020 and had provisions of US$2,051 million for the Samarco dam failure as of 30 June 2020. The Group recognises a provision when it has a present obligation, an outflow of economic resources is probable, and the obligation can be reliably measured.

Auditing management’s estimate of the Samarco dam failure provisions and contingent liabilities was complex and highly judgemental due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the completeness and timing of future cash outflows, as well as the extent of the Group’s legal obligations to fund the costs under the Framework Agreement. In particular, there was significant judgement in determining the nature and extent of remediation activities, the cost estimates for remediation and the number and categorisation of impacted people entitled to compensation. As a result of these inputs the provision has a significant estimation uncertainty and a wide range of potential outcomes.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Group’s controls in determining the Samarco dam failure provisions. Specifically, we tested management’s controls over the significant assumptions as described above and the completeness and accuracy of data used within management’s estimates.

To test the provisions, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies and testing the significant assumptions discussed above and the underlying data used by the Group in its analysis. We tested a sample of cost estimates used to source documents such as court decisions outlining compensation levels. We compared the nature and extent of activities included in the forecasted cash flows to the Framework Agreement. We tested the mathematical accuracy of the models. To assess management’s ability to forecast we compared the prior year’s forecasted cash flows to actual results.

To assess the status of claims we held discussions with internal and external counsel regarding ongoing Samarco dam failure litigation matters. In addition, we obtained legal confirmations and inspected communications with the Group’s external legal counsel.

We evaluated the competence and objectivity of the Group’s experts who assisted management in estimating the provision by considering the scope of work, their professional qualifications, and remuneration structure. We also assessed the adequacy and completeness of the disclosures within Notes 3, 4, and 33 to the consolidated financial statements.

LOGO

Long-lived asset impairment

Description of the Matter

As disclosed in Notes 11 and 30 to the consolidated financial statements the Group had US$72,362 million in property plant and equipment and US$2,585 million in equity method investments as of 30 June 2020 and recorded an impairment charge of US$492 million primarily related to Cerro Colorado for the year ended 30 June 2020. The Group assessed the recoverable amount of Cerrejón; no impairment charge was required. The Group performs impairment assessments for all cash generating units (CGU) where there are indicators of impairment. Where such indicators exist, the Group determines the recoverable value based on the higher of the value in use (VIU) or Fair Value Less Cost of Disposal model (FVLCD) for each CGU. Previously impaired assets are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment at each reporting date. There were no reversals of impairment in the period.

Auditing management’s assessment of impairment indicators and subsequent impairment estimates was complex due to the high degree of estimation uncertainty in forecasting the future cash flows for each CGU. Specifically, the forecasted cash flows were sensitive to changes in significant assumptions, such as forecast commodity prices, reserve quantities and discount rates.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the controls over the Group’s process to identify indicators of impairment and the assessment of the recoverable amounts of CGUs for which an indicator of impairment was identified.

We performed an independent analysis for indicators of impairment. Our procedures involved assessing the key inputs such as forecast commodity prices, reserve quantities and discount rates.

Our testing of management’s estimates of the recoverable amount for Cerro Colorado and Cerrejón CGUs included, among others, evaluating the significant assumptions used and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. We involved our valuation professionals to assist in assessing the reasonableness of commodity prices by comparing the forecasted price assumptions to analysts’ and broker forecasts and those used by other market participants. In addition, our valuation professionals assisted in testing the discount rates used, including a comparison to external market data and evaluating whether the valuation methodology used was consistent with industry practice. We compared the projected cash flows against approved budgets and plans and performed a retrospective comparison to actual historical data for the material cashflow forecasts. In addition, we performed sensitivity analyses over the significant assumptions used within the impairment forecasts.

To test the reserve quantities, we examined the information provided by the Group’s experts and we involved our mining and oil and gas reserve professionals to assist in the assessment of the reserve estimation methodology against the relevant industry and regulatory guidance.

In addition, we tested the mathematical accuracy of the models used and assessed the competence, qualifications, and objectivity of management’s internal and external specialists. Finally, we assessed the adequacy of the disclosures within Notes 11 and 30 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Closure and rehabilitation provisions

Description of the Matter

As disclosed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group recorded US$8,810 million in closure and rehabilitation provisions as of 30 June 2020. Provisions for closure and rehabilitation are recognised by the Group when there is a present legal or constructive obligation, it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

The Group estimates the individual site provisions using the expected value of future cash flows required to close and rehabilitate the relevant site using current restoration standards and techniques and taking into account risks and uncertainties. Individual site provisions are discounted to their present value using currency specific discount rates aligned to the estimated timing of cash outflows.

Auditing management’s closure and rehabilitation provisions was complex and highly judgemental due to the significant uncertainty inherent within the key assumptions in the evaluation. Specifically, there was significant judgement in determining the expected life of the site, estimated cost and extent of rehabilitation activities, timing of activities, and the discount rates used. As a result of these inputs the provision has a significant estimation uncertainty and a wide range of potential outcomes.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Group’s closure and rehabilitation provision estimate process. Specifically, our procedures involved testing the controls around the significant assumptions used within the estimate, including the Group’s process for identifying legal and regulatory obligations for closure and rehabilitation, and the completeness and accuracy of data used within management’s estimate.

Our testing of the closure and rehabilitation provisions included, among others, comparing the provisions to the approved closure cost estimates prepared by management’s internal specialists, which included the expected operating life of a site. With the assistance of our environmental professionals we evaluated a sample of closure and rehabilitation provisions for operating and closed sites within the Group. Our testing included evaluating the closure and rehabilitation plan based on the relevant legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, we compared the timing of future cash flows and cost estimates against the closure and rehabilitation plan, environmental studies, and industry practices. We evaluated the discount rates used against market data.

We tested the mathematical accuracy of the Closure and Rehabilitation provision calculations and assessed the competence, qualifications, and objectivity of management’s internal and external specialists. Finally, we assessed the adequacy of the disclosures within Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young

We have served as BHP Group Limited’s auditor since 1 July 2019

Melbourne, Australia

22 September 2020

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as BHP Group Plc’s auditor since 1 July 2019

London, United Kingdom

22 September 2020

Ernst & Young, an Australian partnership and Ernst & Young LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, are member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

Ernst & Young Australia liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the members of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the “COSO criteria”).

In our opinion, BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and their respective subsidiaries (the “BHP Group”) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2020, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheet of the BHP Group as of 30 June, 2020, the related consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended 30 June 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”) and our report dated 22 September 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The BHP Group’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying section 2.10 Risk and Audit Committee Report / Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the BHP Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the BHP Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young

Melbourne, Australia

22 September 2020

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP

London, United Kingdom

22 September 2020

Ernst & Young, an Australian partnership and Ernst & Young LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, are member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

Ernst & Young Australia liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the members of BHP Group Plc and BHP Group Limited:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet of the BHP Group (comprising BHP Group Plc, BHP Group Limited and their respective subsidiaries) as of 30 June 2019, and 2018, the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the years in the three-yeartwo-year period ended 30 June 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the BHP Group as of 30 June 2019, and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-yeartwo-year period ended 30 June 2019, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We also have audited,Revision due to a Change in accordance with the standardsAccounting Standard, Revision of Segment Reporting, and Change in Definition of Net Debt

As discussed in Notes 3, 4, and 30 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB),consolidated financial statements, BHP Group adopted an amendment to IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ as of 1 July 2019, which required reclassification of certain exceptional items. Also, as discussed in Notes 1 and 19 of the consolidated financial statements, BHP Group’s internal control over financialGroup revised certain segment reporting and changed the definition of net debt, respectively. All revisions have been retrospectively adjusted as of 30 June 2019, based on criteria established inInternal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizationsand for each of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated 17 September 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion onyears in the effectiveness of the BHP Group’s internal control over financial reporting.two-year period then ended.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the BHP Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOBPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters: including our assessment of risks of material misstatement

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved challenging, subjective, or complex judgements. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

KPMG, an Australian partnership, and KPMG LLP, a

UK limited liability partnership, member firms of the
KPMG network of independent member  firms affiliated
with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG
International”), a Swiss entity.

KPMG’s liability limited by a scheme approved
under Professional Standards Legislation.

KPMG LLP

Registered in England No OC301540

Registered office: 15 Canada Square, London, E14 5GL

For full details of our professional registration please
refer to ‘Regulatory Information’ under ‘About/

About KPMG’ at www.kpmg.com/uk

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Critical audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Samarco dam failure

Loss from equity accounted investments, related impairments and expense: US$1.0 billion

Provision: US$1.9 billion

Contingent liability disclosures

As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, there are a number of complex accounting judgements and disclosures made by the Group resulting from the Samarco dam failure, including:

•   Determining the legal status of claims made against Samarco, the Group, and BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda and the resulting accounting treatment;

•   Determining the extent of BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda’s legal obligation to provide funding to Samarco and the quantification of that obligation in line with the requirements of the Governance Agreement, Framework Agreement, and Preliminary Agreement; and

•   Disclosure of contingent liabilities associated with the various claims and other circumstances that represent exposures to Samarco and the Group and that cannot be reliably estimated.

We identified the evaluation of the accounting treatment of the Samarco dam failure as a critical audit matter due to the high degree of estimation uncertainty, which required especially challenging auditor judgement in:

•   Assessing the status, the Group’s accounting treatment, and disclosure of potential and existing legal claims; and

•   Assessing the key assumptions the Group used to determine the provision recorded by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda in relation to its potential funding obligations, including:

•  Cost estimates to remediate the Samarco dam failure;

•  Nature and extent of remediation activities; and

•  Timing of cash flows.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:

•   Testing certain internal controls over the Group’s accounting and disclosure process relating to the Samarco dam failure. This included controls over the Group’s review of legal claims and assessment of the accounting treatment and controls over the determination of key assumptions such as the cost estimates to remediate the Samarco dam failure, nature and extent of remediation activities, and timing of cash flows;

•   Assessing the existence of legal and/or constructive obligations under the Samarco shareholders’ agreement, Brazilian law, and the Group’s public statements;

•   Assessing the key assumptions the Group used to determine the provision recorded by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda in relation to its potential funding obligations by:

•  Comparing the nature, timing, and extent of remediation activities described in the Framework Agreement with those included within the cash flow forecasts;

•  Testing a sample of cost estimates included in the provision to underlying documentation, such as the Group’s external engineering reports;

•  Evaluating the scope, competency, and objectivity of the Group’s experts involved in the determination of the cost estimates by considering the work they were engaged to perform, their professional qualifications, and reporting lines; and

•  Evaluating the historical accuracy of prior year’s forecasted cash flows by comparing to current year actual cash flows.

•   Assessing the status of claims and disclosures relating to contingent liabilities through inspection of the Group’s internal legal documentation, inquiry of internal and external legal personnel, Group finance, and members of the executive leadership team, and inspection of documentation provided by external legal counsel.

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Critical audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Impairment of non-current assets

Property, plant, and equipment: US$68.0 billion

Impairment of property, plant, and equipment, goodwill, and other intangibles (pre-tax): US$0.3 billion

As discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group is required to perform impairment tests for all assets where there is an indication of impairment. As part of their assessment of indicators of impairment, the Group determines an estimate of future cash flows for each cash generating unit (“CGU”), considering different internal and external factors.

The Group determined that there was an indicator of impairment for the Jansen CGU and therefore estimated its recoverable amount and compared it to its carrying value, and calculated that no impairment is required.

The determination of the future cash flows in the process for identifying impairment indicators and the Jansen CGU recoverable amount use forward looking estimates which are inherently difficult to determine with precision. There is also a level of judgement applied by the Group in determining the key inputs into these forward looking estimates, including:

•   Future commodity prices;

•   Reserves;

•   Future production volumes;

•   Discount rates; and

•   Future capital and operating expenditures.

We identified the assessment of possible indicators of impairment and the evaluation of the recoverable amount of the Jansen CGU as critical audit matters. This was due to the complex auditor judgement and level of specialised skills needed to evaluate the key inputs noted above.

The primary procedures we performed to address these critical audit matters included the following:

•   Testing certain internal controls over the Group’s impairment assessment process including controls over the Group’s assessment of indicators of impairment and controls over the determination of key inputs such as future commodity prices, reserves and future production volumes, discount rates, and future capital and operating expenditures;

•   Evaluating key inputs used in the Group’s impairment indicator process and the determination of the recoverable amount of the Jansen CGU by:

•  Evaluating future commodity prices by comparing to published commodity price reports and research reports from external parties;

•  Comparing future capital and operating expenditures and reserves to the latest approved mine plans and long term budgets. We assessed the Group’s ability to budget accurately by comparing prior years’ estimated cashflows to actual results;

•  Evaluating the scope, competency, and objectivity of the Group’s experts who produced the reserve estimates used in the valuations by considering the work that they were engaged to perform, their professional qualifications, experience, use of industry accepted methodology, remuneration structure, and reporting lines;

•  Involving our valuation professionals with specialised skill and knowledge, who assisted in comparing key inputs such as discount rates to external market data; and

•  Performing sensitivity analysis on the key inputs including: future commodity prices, future production volumes, future capital and operating expenditures, and discount rates.

•   Additional procedures performed over the evaluation of the recoverable amount of the Jansen CGU included:

•  Challenging estimated future capital expenditures by:

•  Comparing the capital expenditures to a report prepared by the Group’s external expert with specialised skills; and

•  Testing a sample of future capital expenditures to current third-party quotations.

•  Evaluating the scope, competency, and objectivity of the Group’s expert who assisted in determining the capital expenditure estimate by considering the work that they were engaged to perform, their professional qualifications, experience, and remuneration structure.

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Critical audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Closure and rehabilitation provisions

Closure and rehabilitation provisions: US$7.0 billion

As discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group incurs obligations to close, restore, and rehabilitate its sites and associated facilities. The majority of the Group’s assets are long-life assets, which increases the estimation uncertainty relating to future cash flows. The size of the closure and rehabilitation provisions are significant relative to the Group’s financial position.

Closure and rehabilitation activities are governed by a combination of legislative requirements and the Group’s policies. Estimates over the life of mine and reserves are made by the Group in determining its closure and rehabilitation provision.

We identified the evaluation of the closure and rehabilitation provisions as a critical audit matter as complex auditor judgement and specialised skills were required to evaluate:

•   The life of mine including the reserves and production profile;

•   The interpretation of legislative requirements;

•   The costs associated with future rehabilitation;

•   Discount rates; and

•   The timing of future rehabilitation costs.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:

•   Testing certain internal controls over the Group’s process to estimate closure and rehabilitation provisions, including controls over the determination of key inputs such as life of mine reserves and production profile, discount rates, and the amount and timing of future rehabilitation costs;

•   Involving our environmental professionals with specialised skills and knowledge, who assisted in assessing the estimates of life of mine and reserves used by the Group. We evaluated a sample of mine closure and rehabilitation provisions, based on the known reserves and the expected production profile of the reserves;

•   Assessing the nature and extent of the work performed by the Group’s mine closure engineers in identifying future rehabilitation activities against our independent interpretation of the legislative requirements and the Group’s policies and assessing the timing and likely cost of such activities. We evaluated the methodology used by the mine closure engineers against industry practice and our understanding of the business;

•   Evaluating the scope, competency, and objectivity of the mine closure engineers based on the work they were engaged to perform, their professional qualifications, experience, remuneration structure, and reporting lines; and

•   Evaluating the discount rates applied to calculate the net present value of the provision. The assumptions used by the Group to determine the discount rates were compared against market available data including risk free rates.

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Critical audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Taxation

Income tax expense (including royalties): US$5.5 billion

Non-current deferred tax assets: US$3.8 billion and non-current deferred tax liabilities: US$3.2 billion

Contingent liability disclosures

As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group has operations in multiple countries, each with its own taxation regime. The nature of the Group’s activities triggers various taxation obligations including corporation tax, royalties, other resource and production based taxes, and employment related taxes.

We identified the assessment of the Group’s uncertain tax matters as a critical audit matter because complex auditor judgement and specialised skills were required in evaluating the Group’s interpretation of tax law in multiple countries, and its estimate of the associated provisions, tax charges, and contingent liability disclosures across the various tax obligations.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:

•   Testing certain internal controls over the Group’s uncertain tax position process, including controls over the Group’s assessment of tax law and the process to estimate the associated provisions, related tax charges, and contingent liability disclosures;

•   Involving our tax professionals with specialised skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the Group’s tax obligations by:

•  Inquiring with the Group’s Tax team and inspecting internally and externally prepared documentation to evaluate current disputes and uncertain tax positions; and

•  Evaluating the Group’s conclusions regarding the status, possible outcomes, and associated exposures and the related accounting treatment.

•   Inspecting settlement documents with applicable taxation authorities. We compared the total amount in the settlement documents to the cash paid and the release of the provision; and

•   Assessing the Group’s disclosures in respect of tax and the associated contingent liability disclosures.

/s/ KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP

We have served as the BHP Group’s auditor since 3 May 2002.from 2002 to 2019.

London, United Kingdom

17 September 2019 (except as to Notes 1, 3, 4, 19 and 30, which are as of 22 September 2020)

/s/ KPMG

KPMG

We have served as the BHP Group’s auditor since 3 May 2002.from 2002 to 2019.

Melbourne, Australia

17 September 2019

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the members of BHP Group Plc (except as to Notes 1, 3, 4, 19 and BHP Group Limited:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the BHP Group’s (comprising BHP Group Plc, BHP Group Limited and their respective subsidiaries) internal control over financial reporting30, which are as of 30 June 2019, based on criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the BHP Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the BHP Group as of 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018, the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended 30 June 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated 1722 September 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.2020)

Basis for Opinion

The BHP Group’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying section 2.13.1 Risk and Audit Committee Report / Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the BHP Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP

/s/ KPMG

KPMG

London, United Kingdom

17 September 2019

Melbourne, Australia

17 September 2019

 

KPMG, an Australian partnership, and KPMG LLP, a


UK limited liability partnership, member  firms of the
KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG
International”), a Swiss entity.

 

 

KPMG’s liability limited by a scheme approved
under Professional Standards Legislation.

 

 

KPMG LLP

Registered in England No OC301540

Registered office: 15 Canada Square, London, E14 5GL


For full details of our professional  registration please
refer to ‘Regulatory Information’ under ‘About/About
KPMG’ at www.kpmg.com/uk

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5.3    Directors’ declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of BHP Group Limited and BHP Group Plc, the Directors declare that:

 

(a)

in the Directors’ opinion and to the best of their knowledge the Financial Statements and notes, set out in sections 5.1 and 5.2, are in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006 and the Australian Corporations Act 2001, including:

 

 (i)

complying with the applicable Accounting Standards;

 

 (ii)

giving a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of each of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc, the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole as at 30 June 20192020 and of their performance for the year ended 30 June 2019;2020;

 

(b)

the Financial Statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards, as disclosed in section 5.1;

 

(c)

to the best of the Directors’ knowledge, the management report (comprising the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the financial position of the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Group faces;

 

(d)

in the Directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that each of BHP Group Limited, BHP Group Plc and the Group will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable;

 

(e)

as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that BHP Group Limited and each of the Closed Group entities identified in Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries will be able to meet any liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject because of the Deed of Cross Guarantee between BHP Group Limited and those group entities pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly-owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785; and

 

(f)

the Directors have been given the declarations required by Section 295A of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 from the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 30 June 2019.2020.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Ken MacKenzie

ChairmanChair

Andrew MackenzieMike Henry

Chief Executive Officer

Dated this 5th3rd day of September 2019

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5.4  �� Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Parent company Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. References to the ‘Group and Parent company Financial Statements’ are made in relation to the Group and individual Parent company Financial Statements of BHP Group Plc.

UK company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent company Financial Statements for each financial year. The Directors are required to prepare the Group Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare the Parent company Financial Statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The Group Financial Statements must, in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and applicable law, present fairly the financial position and performance of the Group; references in the UK Companies Act 2006 to such Financial Statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

The Parent company Financial Statements must, in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the parent company at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of the parent company for the financial year.

In preparing each of the Group and Parent company Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:

 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

for the Group Financial Statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU;

 

for the Parent company Financial Statements, state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Parent company Financial Statements;

 

assess the Group and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, related matters;

 

use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and enable them to ensure that its Financial Statements comply with the UK Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of Financial Statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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5.5    Not required for US reportingReporting

5.6    Included as Itemitem 5.2A

5.7    Supplementary oil and gas information – unaudited

In accordance with the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification ‘ExtractiveActivities-Oil and Gas’ (Topic 932) and SEC requirements set out in Subpart 1200 of RegulationS-K, the Group is presenting certain disclosures about its oil and gas activities. These disclosures are presented below as supplementary oil and gas information, in addition to information disclosed in section 1.13.11.11.1 ‘Petroleum’ and section 6.3.16.4.1 ‘Petroleum reserves’.

The information set out in this section is referred to as unaudited as it is not included in the scope of the audit opinion of the independent auditor on the Financial Statements, refer to section 5.6 ‘Independent Auditors’ reports’.

On 28 September 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of BHP Billiton Petroleum (Arkansas) Inc. and 100 per cent of the membership interests in BHP Billiton Petroleum (Fayetteville) LLC, which held the Fayetteville assets. On 31 October 2018, BHP completed the sale of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the BHP subsidiary which held the Eagle Ford (being Black Hawk and Hawkville), Haynesville and Permian assets. The financial and non-financial impact of the Onshore US assets is included in the supplementary oil and gas information presented below. The financial andnon-financial impact of these assets has been footnoted beneath each applicable table. Refer to note 2728 ‘Discontinued operations’ in Section 5.1 for further information.

Reserves and production

Proved oil and gas reserves and net crude oil and condensate, natural gas, LNG and NGL production information is included in section 6.2.26.3.2 ‘Production – Petroleum’ and section 6.3.16.4.1 ‘Petroleum reserves’.

F-103


Capitalised costs relating to oil and gas production activities

The following table shows the aggregate capitalised costs relating to oil and gas exploration and production activities and related accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions.

 

  Australia United States (1) Other (2) Total   Australia United States (1) Other (2) Total 
  US$M US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M US$M 

Capitalised cost

          

2020

     

Unproved properties

   10   808   576   1,394 

Proved properties

   17,079   12,538   1,743   31,360 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total costs

   17,089   13,346   2,319   32,754 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions

   (11,423  (8,726  (1,370  (21,519
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net capitalised costs

   5,666   4,620   949   11,235 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2019

          

Unproved properties

   10   875   458   1,343    10  875  458  1,343 

Proved properties

   16,514   11,751   1,625   29,890    16,514  11,751  1,625  29,890 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total costs

   16,524   12,626   2,083   31,233    16,524  12,626  2,083  31,233 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions

   (10,867  (8,339  (1,302  (20,508   (10,867 (8,339 (1,302 (20,508
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net capitalised costs

   5,657   4,287   781   10,725    5,657  4,287  781  10,725 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2018

          

Unproved properties

   10  4,528  202  4,740    10  4,528  202  4,740 

Proved properties

   16,258  43,885  2,424  62,567    16,258  43,885  2,424  62,567 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total costs

   16,268  48,413  2,626  67,307    16,268  48,413  2,626  67,307 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions

   (9,984 (33,437 (2,065 (45,486   (9,984 (33,437 (2,065 (45,486
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net capitalised costs

   6,284  14,976  561  21,821    6,284  14,976  561  21,821 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2017

     

Unproved properties

   94  5,284  165  5,543 

Proved properties

   16,190  41,837  2,404  60,431 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total costs

   16,284  47,121  2,569  65,974 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provisions

   (9,085 (30,969 (1,984 (42,038
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net capitalised costs

   7,199  16,152  585  23,936 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Net capitalised costs includes Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2018:(2019: US$ nil; 2018: US$10,672 million; 2017: US$11,803 million).

 

(2) 

Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (divested 30 November 2018).

F-104


Costs incurred relating to oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities

The following table shows costs incurred relating to oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities (whether charged to expense or capitalised). Amounts shown include interest capitalised.

 

  Australia   United States (3)   Other (4)   Total   Australia   United States (3)   Other (4)   Total 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

2020

        

Acquisitions of proved property

                

Acquisitions of unproved property

       38    6    44 

Exploration (1)

   38    278    370    686 

Development

   232    676    100    1,008 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total costs (2)

   270    992    476    1,738 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

2019

                

Acquisitions of proved property

                                

Acquisitions of unproved property

       5        5        5        5 

Exploration (1)

   44    190    492    726    44    190    492    726 

Development

   132    792    54    978    132    792    54    978 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total costs (2)

   176    987    546    1,709    176    987    546    1,709 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

2018

                

Acquisitions of proved property

                                

Acquisitions of unproved property

       9        9        9        9 

Exploration (1)

   25    418    291    734    25    418    291    734 

Development

   195    1,548    34    1,777    195    1,548    34    1,777 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total costs (2)

   220    1,975    325    2,520    220    1,975    325    2,520 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

2017

        

Acquisitions of proved property

                

Acquisitions of unproved property

       12    62    74 

Exploration (1)

   32    471    235    738 

Development

   360    1,034    18    1,412 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total costs (2)

   392    1,517    315    2,224 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

Represents gross exploration expenditure, including capitalised exploration expenditure, geological and geophysical expenditure and development evaluation costs charged to income as incurred.

 

(2) 

Total costs include US$1,178 million (2019: US$1,275 million (2018:million; 2018: US$1,970 million; 2017: US$1,744 million) capitalised during the year.

 

(3) 

Total costs include Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2019: US$331 million (2018:million; 2018: US$1,081 million; 2017: US$608 million).

 

(4)

Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Canada, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

F-105


Results of operations from oil and gas producing activities

The following information is similar to the disclosures in note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 5.1, but differs in several respects as to the level of detail and geographic information. Amounts shown in the following table exclude financial income, financial expenses, and general corporate overheads. Further, the amounts shown below include Onshore US however the disclosures in note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in Section 5.1 do not.

Income taxes were determined by applying the applicable statutory rates topre-tax income with adjustments for permanent differences and tax credits.

 

  Australia  United States (7)  Other (8)  Total 
  US$M  US$M  US$M  US$M 

2019

    

Oil and gas revenue (1)

  3,404   2,675   610   6,689 

Production costs

  (752  (568  (118  (1,438

Exploration expenses

  (44  (162  (229  (435

Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision (2)

  (917  (621  (103  (1,641

Production taxes (3)

  (198     (25  (223
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  1,493   1,324   135   2,952 

Accretion expense (4)

  (80  (34  (13  (127

Income taxes

  (530  (193  (267  (990

Royalty-related taxes (5)

  (164        (164
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Results of oil and gas producing activities (6)

  719   1,097   (145  1,671 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2018

    

Oil and gas revenue (1)

  3,229   3,747   421   7,397 

Production costs

  (701  (1,312  (121  (2,134

Exploration expenses

  (25  (270  (254  (549

Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision (2)

  (1,045  (2,842  (81  (3,968

Production taxes (3)

  (171     (1  (172
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  1,287   (677  (36  574 

Accretion expense (4)

  (81  (46  (14  (141

Income taxes

  (418  (723  (124  (1,265

Royalty-related taxes (5)

  (103        (103
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Results of oil and gas producing activities (6)

  685   (1,446  (174  (935
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2017

    

Oil and gas revenue (1)

  2,876   3,479   356   6,711 

Production costs

  (533  (1,515  (200  (2,248

Exploration expenses

  (32  (242  (206  (480

Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision (2)

  (814  (2,592  (91  (3,497

Production taxes (3)

  (158  (4     (162
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  1,339   (874  (141  324 

Accretion expense (4)

  (56  (32  (14  (102

Income taxes

  (361  386   (142  (117

Royalty-related taxes (5)

  (104        (104
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Results of oil and gas producing activities (6)

  818   (520  (297  1 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-106


   Australia  United States (7)  Other (8)  Total 
   US$M  US$M  US$M  US$M 

2020

     

Oil and gas revenue (1)

   2,535   1,101   350   3,986 

Production costs

   (575  (161  (80  (816

Exploration expenses

   (37  (271  (252  (560

Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision (2)

   (906  (476  (75  (1,457

Production taxes (3)

   (177  (1  (13  (191
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   840   192   (70  962 

Accretion expense (4)

   (78  (24  (10  (112

Income taxes

   (275  (35  (157  (467

Royalty-related taxes (5)

   (85        (85
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Results of oil and gas producing activities (6)

   402   133   (237  298 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2019

     

Oil and gas revenue (1)

   3,404   2,675   610   6,689 

Production costs

   (752  (568  (118  (1,438

Exploration expenses

   (44  (162  (229  (435

Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision (2)

   (917  (621  (103  (1,641

Production taxes (3)

   (198     (25  (223
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,493   1,324   135   2,952 

Accretion expense (4)

   (80  (34  (13  (127

Income taxes

   (530  (193  (267  (990

Royalty-related taxes (5)

   (164        (164
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Results of oil and gas producing activities (6)

   719   1,097   (145  1,671 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2018

     

Oil and gas revenue (1)

   3,229   3,747   421   7,397 

Production costs

   (701  (1,312  (121  (2,134

Exploration expenses

   (25  (270  (254  (549

Depreciation, depletion, amortisation and valuation provision (2)

   (1,045  (2,842  (81  (3,968

Production taxes (3)

   (171     (1  (172
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,287   (677  (36  574 

Accretion expense (4)

   (81  (46  (14  (141

Income taxes

   (418  (723  (124  (1,265

Royalty-related taxes (5)

   (103        (103
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Results of oil and gas producing activities (6)

   685   (1,446  (174  (935
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes sales to affiliated companies of US$7562 million (2018:(2019: US$75 million; 2017:2018: US$8375 million).

 

(2)

Includes valuation provision of US$12 million (2019: US$21 million (2018:million; 2018: US$596 million; 2017: US$102 million).

 

(3)

Includes royalties and excise duty.

 

(4)

Represents the unwinding of the discount on the closure and rehabilitation provision.

 

(5)

Includes petroleum resource rent tax and petroleum revenue tax where applicable.

 

(6)

Amounts shown exclude financial income, financial expenses and general corporate overheads and, accordingly, do not represent all of the operations attributable to the Petroleum segment presented in note 1 ‘Segment reporting’ in section 5.1.

 

(7)

Results of oil and gas producing activities includes Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2019: US$431 million (2018:million; 2018: US$(465) million; 2017: US$(564) million).

 

(8) 

Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom (divested 30 November 2018).

Standardised measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves (Standardised measure)

The following tables set out the standardised measure of discounted future net cash flows, and changes therein, related to the Group’s estimated proved reserves as presented in section 6.3.16.4.1 ‘Petroleum reserves’, and should be read in conjunction with that disclosure.

The analysis is prepared in compliance with FASB Oil and Gas Disclosure requirements, applying certain prescribed assumptions under Topic 932 including the use of unweighted averagefirst-day-of-the-month market prices for the previous12-months,year-end cost factors, currently enacted tax rates and an annual discount factor of 10 per cent to year end quantities of net proved reserves.

Certain key assumptions prescribed under Topic 932 are arbitrary in nature and may not prove to be accurate. The reserve estimates on which the Standard measure is based are subject to revision as further technical information becomes available or economic conditions change.

F-107


Discounted future net cash flows like those shown below are not intended to represent estimates of fair value. An estimate of fair value would also take into account, among other things, the expected recovery of reserves in excess of proved reserves, anticipated future changes in commodity prices, exchange rates, development and production costs as well as alternative discount factors representing the time value of money and adjustments for risk inherent in producing oil and gas.

 

  Australia United States (1) Other (2) Total   Australia United States (1) Other (2) Total 
  US$M US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M US$M 

Standardised measure

          

2020

     

Future cash inflows

   11,526   12,997   1,660   26,183 

Future production costs

   (4,027  (4,943  (494  (9,464

Future development costs

   (4,124  (3,242  (433  (7,799

Future income taxes (3)

   (187  (880  (473  (1,540
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Future net cash flows

   3,188   3,932   260   7,380 

Discount at 10 per cent per annum

   (642  (1,586  (94  (2,322
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Standardised measure

   2,546   2,346   166   5,058 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2019

          

Future cash inflows

   18,292   18,076   1,807   38,175    18,292  18,076  1,807  38,175 

Future production costs

   (4,710  (4,917  (459  (10,086   (4,710 (4,917 (459 (10,086

Future development costs

   (3,860  (4,516  (226  (8,602   (3,860 (4,516 (226 (8,602

Future income taxes

   (2,551  (1,657  (711  (4,919

Future income taxes (3)

   (2,551 (1,657 (711 (4,919
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Future net cash flows

   7,171   6,986   411   14,568    7,171  6,986  411  14,568 

Discount at 10 per cent per annum

   (1,926  (3,396  (94  (5,416   (1,926 (3,396 (94 (5,416
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Standardised measure

   5,245   3,590   317   9,152    5,245  3,590  317  9,152 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2018

          

Future cash inflows

   17,398  28,012  2,124  47,534    17,398  28,012  2,124  47,534 

Future production costs

   (5,345 (11,182 (501 (17,028   (5,345 (11,182 (501 (17,028

Future development costs

   (3,842 (6,554 (189 (10,585   (3,842 (6,554 (189 (10,585

Future income taxes

   (1,919 (1,236 (901 (4,056

Future income taxes (3)

   (1,919 (1,236 (901 (4,056
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Future net cash flows

   6,292  9,040  533  15,865    6,292  9,040  533  15,865 

Discount at 10 per cent per annum

   (1,713 (3,783 (129 (5,625   (1,713 (3,783 (129 (5,625
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Standardised measure

   4,579  5,257  404  10,240    4,579  5,257  404  10,240 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

2017

     

Future cash inflows

   18,407  23,537  1,954  43,898 

Future production costs

   (6,663 (11,176 (534 (18,373

Future development costs

   (3,714 (6,451 (208 (10,373

Future income taxes

   (1,508 (18 (746 (2,272
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Future net cash flows

   6,522  5,892  466  12,880 

Discount at 10 per cent per annum

   (2,104 (2,426 (108 (4,638
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Standardised measure

   4,418  3,466  358  8,242 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Standardised measure includes Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2018:(2019: US$ nil; 2018: US$1,932 million; 2017: US$1,962 million).

 

(2) 

Other is primarily comprised of Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago.

 

F-108
(3)

Future income taxes include credits to be received as a result of Petroleum operations and the utilisation of future tax losses by the Group.


Changes in the Standardised measure are presented in the following table.

 

  2019 2018 2017   2020 2019 2018 
  US$M US$M US$M   US$M US$M US$M 

Changes in the Standardised measure

        

Standardised measure at the beginning of the year

   10,240  8,242  8,987    9,152  10,240  8,242 

Revisions:

        

Prices, net of production costs

   3,821  5,540  (96   (5,633 3,821  5,540 

Changes in future development costs

   (228 (358 275    330  (228 (358

Revisions of reserves quantity estimates (1)

   1,268  (166 2,961    (229 1,268  (166

Accretion of discount

   1,178  1,016  1,147    1,313  1,178  1,016 

Changes in production timing and other

   (618 946  (1,611   (310 (618 946 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
   15,661  15,220  11,663    4,623  15,661  15,220 

Sales of oil and gas, net of production costs

   (5,029 (5,091 (4,301   (2,980 (5,029 (5,091

Acquisitions ofreserves-in-place

                    

Sales ofreserves-in-place(2)

   (1,489 (26 (15     (1,489 (26

Previously estimated development costs incurred

   545  1,068  718    1,005  545  1,068 

Extensions, discoveries, and improved recoveries, net of future costs

   (33 502  (401   145  (33 502 

Changes in future income taxes

   (503 (1,433 578    2,265  (503 (1,433
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Standardised measure at the end of the year (3)

   9,152  10,240  8,242    5,058  9,152  10,240 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Changes in reserves quantities are shown in the Petroleum reserves tables in section 6.3.1.6.4.1.

 

(2) 

Onshore US assets disposal.disposal in 2019.

 

(3)

Standardised measure at the end of the year includes Onshore US assets of US$ nil (2018:(2019: US$ nil; 2018: US$1,932 million; 2017: US$1,962 million).

Accounting for suspended exploratory well costs

Refer to note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ in section 5.1 for a discussion of the accounting policy applied to the cost of exploratory wells. Suspended wells are also reviewed in this context.

The following table provides the changes to capitalised exploratory well costs that were pending the determination of proved reserves for the three years ended 30 June 2019,2020, 30 June 20182019 and 30 June 2017.2018.

 

   2019  2018  2017 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 

Movement in capitalised exploratory well costs

    

At the beginning of the year

   794   668   770 

Additions to capitalised exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves

   297   186   258 

Capitalised exploratory well costs charged to expense

   (9  (62  (69

Capitalised exploratory well costs reclassified to wells, equipment, and facilities based on the determination of proved reserves

   (42  2   (155

Other

         (136
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the year

   1,040   794   668 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-109

   2020  2019  2018 
   US$M  US$M  US$M 

Movement in capitalised exploratory well costs

    

At the beginning of the year

   1,040   794   668 

Additions to capitalised exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves

   120   297   186 

Capitalised exploratory well costs charged to expense

      (9  (62

Capitalised exploratory well costs reclassified to wells, equipment, and facilities based on the determination of proved reserves

   (6  (42  2 

Sale of suspended wells

   (65      
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At the end of the year

   1,089   1,040   794 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


The following table provides an ageing of capitalised exploratory well costs, based on the date the drilling was completed, and the number of projects for which exploratory well costs has been capitalised for a period greater than one year since the completion of drilling.

Exploration activity typically involves drilling multiple wells, over a number of years, to fully evaluate and appraise a project. The term “project”‘project’ as used in this disclosure refers primarily to individual wells and associated exploratory activities.

 

  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 
  US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M   US$M 

Ageing of capitalised exploratory well costs

            

Exploratory well costs capitalised for a period of one year or less

   210    124    120    120    210    124 

Exploratory well costs capitalised for a period greater than one year

   830    670    548    969    830    670 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

At the end of the year

   1,040    794    668    1,089    1,040    794 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
            
  2019   2018   2017   2020   2019   2018 

Number of projects that have been capitalised for a period greater than one year

   13    17    14    14    13    17 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Drilling and other exploratory and development activities

The number of crude oil and natural gas wells drilled and completed for each of the last three years was as follows:

 

  Net exploratory wells   Net development wells       Net exploratory wells   Net development wells     

  Productive   Dry   Total   Productive   Dry   Total   Total 

Year ended 30 June 2020

              

Australia

                            

United States (1)

                   1    1    1 

Other (2)

   1    1    2    1        1    3 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   1    1    2    1    1    2    4 
  Productive   Dry   Total   Productive   Dry   Total   Total   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2019

                            

Australia

               1        1    1                1        1    1 

United States (1)

   1        1    33        33    34    1        1    33        33    34 

Other (2)

   4    2    6                6    4    2    6                6 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   5    2    7    34        34    41    5    2    7    34        34    41 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2018

                            

Australia

               1        1    1                1        1    1 

United States (1)

   1    1    2    84    1    85    87    1    1    2    84    1    85    87 

Other (2)

                                                        
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   1    1    2    85    1    86    88    1    1    2    85    1    86    88 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Year ended 30 June 2017

              

Australia

                            

United States (1)

               80        80    80 

Other (2)

   3    2    5    1        1    6 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   3    2    5    81        81    86 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes Onshore US assets net productive development wells of 33 (2018: 84; 2017: 79)nil (2019: 33; 2018: 84) and net dry development wells of nil (2018: 1; 2017: nil)(2019: nil; 2018: 1). Onshore US assets had nil net exploratory wells in 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018.

 

(2) 

Other is primarily comprised of Algeria, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

The number of wells drilled refers to the number of wells completed at any time during the respective year, regardless of when drilling was initiated. Completion refers to the installation of permanent equipment for production of oil or gas, or, in the case of a dry well, to reporting to the appropriate authority that the well has been abandoned.

F-110


An exploratory well is a well drilled to find oil or gas in a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir. A development well is a well drilled within the limits of a known oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

A productive well is an exploratory, development or extension well that is not a dry well. Productive wells include wells in which hydrocarbons were encountered and the drilling or completion of which, in the case of exploratory wells, has been suspended pending further drilling or evaluation. A dry well (hole) is an exploratory, development, or extension well that proves to be incapable of producing either oil or gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or gas well.

Oil and gas properties, wells, operations, and acreage

The following tables show the number of gross and net productive crude oil and natural gas wells and total gross and net developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas acreage as at 30 June 2019.2020. A gross well or acre is one in which a working interest is owned, while a net well or acre exists when the sum of fractional working interests owned in gross wells or acres equals one. Productive wells are producing wells and wells mechanically capable of production. Developed acreage is comprised of leased acres that are within an area by or assignable to a productive well. Undeveloped acreage is comprised of leased acres on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of economic quantities of oil and gas, regardless of whether such acres contain proved reserves.

The number of productive crude oil and natural gas wells in which the Group held an interest at 30 June 20192020 was as follows:

 

   Crude oil wells   

Natural gas wells

   Total 
   Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net 

Australia

   352    176    153    53    505    229 

United States

   60    25            60    25 

Other (1)

   57    21    8    4    65    25 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   469    222    161    57    630    279 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Crude oil wells   Natural gas wells   Total 
   Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net 

Australia

   353    176    162    54    515    230 

United States

   61    24            61    24 

Other (1)

   59    22    8    4    67    26 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   473    222    170    58    643    280 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Other is primarily comprised of Algeria Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the productive crude oil and natural gas wells, 43133 (net: 18)62) operated wells had multiple completions.

Developed and undeveloped acreage (including both leases and concessions) held at 30 June 20192020 was as follows:

 

  Developed acreage   Undeveloped acreage   Developed acreage   Undeveloped acreage 

Thousands of acres

  Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net 

Australia

   2,152    823    963    393    2,152    823    766    279 

United States

   105    39    828    776    98    36    844    800 

Other (1)(2)

   146    57    3,526    2,869    146    57    3,926    3,445 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   2,403    919    5,317    4,038    2,396    916    5,536    4,524 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

Developed acreage in Other primarily consists of Algeria and Trinidad and Tobago.

 

(2) 

Undeveloped acreage in Other primarily consists of Barbados, Canada, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

Approximately 126833 thousand gross acres (59(411 thousand net acres), 1,6121,089 thousand gross acres (932(655 thousand net acres) and 1,257264 thousand gross acres (889(256 thousand net acres) of undeveloped acreage will expire in the years ending 30 June 2020, 2021, 2022 and 20222023 respectively, if the Group does not establish production or take any other action to extend the terms of the licences and concessions.

 

F-111F-106