The company reports over 350ktpa growth in copper production by end of fiscal 2015 as the metals industry is significant for the company.
BHP Billiton stated that, "Substantial mineralization totaling 27.1 bt and a significant commitment to Andean copper belt exploration will ensure BHP Billiton remains a leading and highly competitive producer in the long term."
BHP Billiton is one of the largest producers of copper across the globe and owns the large Escondida copper mine in Chile.
Increasing demand from emerging markets such as China and India are factors contributing to the long-term projection for the copper market.
Growing investment in construction and infrastructure, applications in the electrical and power industries as well as demand from consumables, urbanisation and replacement are considered as the primary factors leading to a demand for copper.
