What specific assets is BHP exploring to sell in Chile, and why?

BHP is exploring the sale of its Puerto Coloso desalination plant and associated electricity transmission lines in Chile to monetize non-core infrastructure and concentrate capital on its core copper business. The desalination plant serves Escondida—the world’s largest copper mine—and is one of the world’s biggest reverse osmosis plants, delivering 3,800 liters per second to over 3,200 meters altitude; the transmission assets are part of the same strategic divestment effort.

What is the estimated combined valuation of the Chilean desalination plant and power lines, and what does this reflect about BHP's broader asset monetization strategy?

The assets are valued at a combined $1.5 billion to $2 billion—$1 billion to $1.3 billion for the transmission lines and $500 million to $700 million for the desalination plant—reflecting BHP’s wider plan to unlock up to $10 billion from infrastructure, by-products, and other non-core assets to fund its expanding copper business, following prior deals including a 49% stake sale in WA iron ore transmission assets and a $4.3 billion silver streaming agreement tied to Antamina in Peru.

BHP Explores Sale of Chilean Desalination Plant, Power Lines

Jul 10, 2026

BHP Group is exploring the sale of a Chilean desalination plant and power lines valued at up to $2 billion. The move aims to monetize infrastructure to fund the company's expanding core copper business.

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2026-07-10

BHP Explores Sale of Chilean Desalination Plant, Power Lines

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BHP Explores Sale of Chilean Desalination Plant, Power Lines

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