How BHP (BHP) Is Using AI to Improve Copper Extraction as Supply Gets Harder to Grow

BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) is one of the best copper stocks to buy for the AI and electrification boom. On June 3, 2026, BHP said it was collaborating with Microsoft and Prescience Insilico to accelerate the discovery of advanced copper leaching solutions. The project uses Microsoft Discovery, high-performance computing, and AI agents to screen molecules that could improve copper extraction from ore. BHP said the team screened more than half a million molecules and used tens of thousands of quantum chemistry calculations and simulations before narrowing candidates for laboratory testing in Australia.

The update is relevant because BHP is trying to grow copper supply from existing operations as new deposits become harder and more expensive to develop. The company said it is the world’s largest copper producer and has increased copper production by around 30% since 2021. In its May 12 Bank of America conference update, BHP also said its copper business is expected to grow around 5% per year on average, with attributable copper production rising to about 2 million tonnes per year by 2035.

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BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) is a Melbourne-based global resources company producing copper, iron ore, metallurgical coal, potash, and other commodities.

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