Jiang Wei Meets with BHP Chief Executive Officer Compad

During the 15th China International Steel Congress on September 20, Jiang Wei, Vice‑President and Secretary‑General of the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), met with Compad, Chief Executive Officer of BHP Group. Luo Tiejun, Vice‑President of CISA, and Su Changyong, Deputy Secretary‑General of CISA, as well as Marcello Barbanti (He Mukai), President of Sales and Operations at BHP Group, attended the meeting.

Jiang Wei stated that the rapid development of China’s iron and steel industry would not have been possible without the cooperation and support of iron ore enterprises including BHP. Such cooperation has not only driven the growth of China’s steel sector but also fostered the business development of iron ore producers. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “When everybody adds fuel, the flames rise high.” Particularly amid periodic fluctuations in the iron ore market and substantial downward pressure facing China’s steel industry, both sides should pursue pragmatic win‑win cooperation with a long‑term vision, and continuously deepen collaboration through integrated innovation, quality improvement and industrial upgrading. Currently, China’s steel industry is under pressure to pursue low‑carbon transition, which generates enormous demand for technological innovation. It is hoped that this meeting will serve as a new starting point for both sides to further deepen cooperation, especially carry out substantive collaboration in low‑carbon ore technologies, support steel enterprises to break through technical bottlenecks via green transition, and achieve win‑win outcomes at a higher level.

Luo Tiejun noted that CISA and BHP have maintained close ties. As a major global iron ore supplier, BHP boasts world‑class iron ore resources, mature operating systems and robust supply capacity, and has long provided critical raw material support for China’s iron and steel industry. CISA has been committed to acting as a bridge to facilitate pragmatic cooperation between steel mills and mining enterprises. It is expected that both sides will take this exchange as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in green and low‑carbon development, technological innovation and market information communication, promote win‑win development for upstream and downstream participants, and make cooperation deeper, more solid and more far‑reaching.

Compad remarked that BHP attaches great importance to China’s huge market, and iron ore is a key component in its asset portfolio. BHP hopes to further advance bilateral relations through this occasion. He has followed the long‑term changing trends of China’s steel output and demand, and acknowledged that product prices should follow market rules. In terms of low‑carbon development, BHP stands ready to establish long‑term partnerships with downstream steel mills and end‑users, strengthen technical cooperation and deliver shared carbon reduction goals. BHP aspires to be China’s long‑term partner, maintain sound cooperative relations with CISA and downstream clients, sustain investment, ensure stable supply, build a more stable communication platform, enhance information exchange, promote better and more efficient market operation, and better meet the resource demands for high‑quality development of China’s steel industry.

Marcello Barbanti (He Mukai) said that BHP firmly believes in and expects to join hands with CISA to serve China’s steel industry. As an important player in the Chinese market, BHP has strived to fulfill its due role as a responsible iron ore supplier, placing high priority on product quality and customer feedback. It is hoped that both sides will keep close communication, further refine market exchanges, and advance steady and sustained growth of cooperative ties.

Heads from the International Cooperation Department of CISA, the Metallurgical Industry Branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and relevant departments of BHP attended the meeting.