Top 3 ASX Copper Stocks for April 2026

These mining companies are showing strong performance with steady production growth and solid financial results. They are also focusing on future projects and improving efficiency to support long term growth. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) announced on 17 February 2026 that it has signed a long term deal with the Wheaton Precious Metals. It will receive US$4.3 billion upfront. In return it will supply silver from its share in the Antamina mine in Peru. The mine stake is 33.75 percent through CMA. The deal does not change existing contracts or joint venture rights. It unlocks value from silver and keeps full exposure to copper zinc and lead.

For the half year ended 31 December 2025 performance was strong. EBITDA reached US$15.5 billion and profit was US$6.2 billion. Cash flow stood at US$9.4 billion. Net debt was US$14.7 billion. An interim dividend of 73 US cents per share was declared with a 60 percent payout.

Copper became the largest earnings contributor at 51 percent of EBITDA. Guidance for FY26 rose to 1.9–2.0 Mt. Escondida output outlook increased for FY26 and FY27. WA iron ore delivered record shipments. Jansen Stage 1 reached 75% completion with first output expected mid 2027.

BHP targets about 2.5 Mtpa copper equivalent by FY35. Growth projects span Chile Argentina Arizona and South Australia. Agreements like WAIO and Antamina may unlock about US$10 billion.

Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO)

Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) on 19 February shared strong 2025 results. Copper equivalent output rose 8% year on year. Copper and bauxite reached annual records while Pilbara iron ore mining hit a high since April. Unit costs fell by 5% with copper costs at 67 US cents per pound.

Underlying EBITDA was $25.4 billion up 9 percent. Cash flow from operations reached $16.8 billion. The profit after tax came to $10.0 billion. RIO paid $6.5 billion in dividends with a 60% payout ratio and continued its long record of returns.

Oyu Tolgoi underground development was completed. First Simandou iron ore shipment was achieved in December. Western Range mine started on time. New Pilbara projects began construction. Arcadium acquisition was completed earlier in March.

For 2026, Iron ore sales guidance is 343 to 366 Mt. Tax rate is expected near 30%. Exploration spend is about $0.8 billion. Around $1 billion yearly will go to closure work. Focus remains on improving efficiency across iron ore copper and aluminium operations.

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP)

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) on 9 April 2026 reached steady state production at its Woodlawn copper mine. Output passed the 850000 tonnes per year capacity. March mining reached 80510 tonnes while processing was 77741 tonnes.

March quarter showed strong growth. Ore mined rose 46.4% to 181,973 tonnes. Processing increased 25.2% to 176,550 tonnes. Concentrate output climbed 50 percent and value grew 66 percent. 

For half year results to 31 December 2025, Revenue from concentrate sales was $58.54M.

Woodlawn is located in NSW and is now fully ramped. Sulphur Springs project is moving towards a final decision in June 2026. Pioneer Dome remains permitted with potential quick start options.

(Source: Company Report)