BHP Group Strikes Back in the Copper BattleBHP Group LtdASX_DLY:BHPActivTrades Ion Jauregui – Analyst at ActivTrades BHP Group (ASX: BHP), the world’s largest mining producer, has reignited its push to acquire Anglo American (LSE: AAL), just months after the latter agreed to merge with Canadian Teck Resources (TSX: TECKb). The move comes as no surprise: copper has become the “star metal” of the energy transition, and whoever controls future supply will dominate much of the industrial pulse of the next decade. BHP’s interest is clear. If the deal goes through, the company would add approximately 1.9 million tonnes of annual copper production, surpassing the future Anglo-Teck, whose combined potential would be around 1.2 million tonnes. In a market where demand for copper in power grids, electric vehicles, and energy storage is growing at double-digit rates, this difference is strategic: volume is power. Anglo, meanwhile, is undergoing a comprehensive restructuring, focusing on higher-quality assets and reducing exposure to less profitable segments. The merger with Teck aimed to strengthen its critical minerals portfolio, but renewed pressure from BHP could completely reshape the global mining map. This is not just about size; it is about securing long-life assets in key regions such as Chile and Peru, where major copper mines remain essential for global supply stability. Strategy, Power, and Influence At the same time, copper prices remain firm, supported by expectations of a structural deficit starting in 2026 due to the scarcity of new large-scale projects. The industry needs investment, and BHP wants to lead it. The company’s move should be understood in the context of a global electrification push that demands increasing amounts of copper for grids, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure. As global supply stagnates and new mining projects advance slowly, controlling major assets in Chile and Peru provides an exceptional strategic advantage. BHP is not just buying size; it is buying the future. The potential transaction also raises geopolitical stakes. Anglo is a historical player in South Africa and the United Kingdom, meaning the deal could face political and regulatory resistance. Nevertheless, BHP believes the synergies and scale outweigh the risks. The Australian miner arrives with a solid financial structure and record copper production, enabling it to pursue such a high-stakes bet. Fundamental Analysis In its latest fiscal year, BHP maintained robust margins despite pressure from iron ore prices. Its EBITDA exceeded USD 26 billion, with copper contributing significantly to the results, surpassing 2 million tonnes of production. The company maintains a healthy balance sheet, controlled net debt, and sufficient cash flow to fund both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The Jansen potash project adds further diversification, though execution risks remain. The main challenges continue to be iron ore volatility and rising costs in some assets. Still, BHP’s exposure to copper positions it well to capitalize on the metal’s secular uptrend. Technical Analysis BHP’s chart shows a wide lateral movement since 2022. Last year, it reached a high of 46.19 AUD, but in 2025 it dropped to lows of 31.71 AUD, reflecting sector volatility. More recently, the price has tested the 44.55 AUD area twice, most recently on October 31. The most stable operational range lies between 41.69 AUD and 37.48 AUD, with the current price around 40.60 AUD, positioned near the middle. The point of control (POC)—the area with the highest traded volume—is slightly below, at approximately 38.24 AUD. Regarding indicators, the price has lost the 50- and 100-day moving averages and is currently supported by the 200-day moving average, a significant long-term support level. The RSI is at 37.7, indicating a high level of oversold conditions, while the MACD remains bearish. If this structure persists, a retest of the POC and a possible correction toward the lower range is plausible. Conversely, if the 200-day support holds, the stock could attempt to retest the key resistance at 44.55 AUD. A solid breakout above this level, supported by strong copper prices, could open the door to a new upward leg. On the downside, losing key supports would increase bearish pressure, especially if iron ore and coal prices continue to weigh on margins. ******************************************************************************************* The information provided does not constitute investment research. 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