Top ASX Copper Companies Driving Copper Growth in 2026

Copper is emerging as a key commodity in the global energy transition, supported by rising demand for electrification and infrastructure. This blog informs about two major copper producers, BHP Group Limited and Sandfire Resources Limited and their annual performance.

BHP Group Limited (ASX: BHP)

As on 18 August 2026, published its June ending full year results, reflecting strong growth as revenue stood at US$58.8 billion with an underlying EBITDA of US$32.9 billion, a 27% increase compared to previous year. Underlying EBITDA margin also improved by 6% to 59%.

The company’s return on capital employed (ROCE) increased to 26% from 20%, highlighting improved operations. Underlying attributable profit for the year went up significantly by 30% to US$13.2 billion, demonstrating company’s ability to maintain profitability.

BHP Group has a market capitalisation of approximately $318.01 billion with a stable dividend yield of 3.86%, supported by a payout announcement of fully franked dividends of US99 cps to be paid on 23 September 2026, totalling the full year payout to US172 cps.

BHP Group is the largest producer of copper in the world with a production of 2 Mt in FY26, securing an EBITDA margin of 70% and also comprising of 54% of the total group EBITDA. Along with this the company has also executed low cost iron ore production at WAIO, highlighting its operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, the company focuses on improving copper growth to 5% p.a. with increasing FCF every year. It also focuses on reducing costs even further, making it the world’s highest margin major iron ore business.

Sandfire Resources Limited (ASX: SFR)

On 26 August 2026, published its June ending full year results for FY26, delivering record financial outcomes as group sales revenue increased by 41% to $1.65 billion. Underlying EBITDA went up by 64% to $867 million, driving the margin by 7% to 52%.

Underlying earnings shoot up significantly with a reported profit after tax of $354 million from just $90 million in the previous year, reflecting a 294% growth. This is also backed by a strong cash generation as the company reported operating cash flow of $887 million.

Sandfire Resources has a market capitalisation of approximately $10.52 billion and has announced a fully franked dividend payout of 35cps to be paid on 30 September, reflecting management confidence in its operations.

The company has maintained a significant copper portfolio globally, with MATSA being the major producer with copper equivalent production of 94.5kt in FY26 with an improved operating margin of 55%.

Looking ahead, the company expects an increased capex of $299 million, primarily to advance the pre-feasibility study and a 130-km drilling program at Kalkaroo, supporting in scaling its operations further.

(Source: Company Announcements)