News: BHP UPDATE 1-BHP prepared to be patient for right investment deal -executive, page-2

One of three mining companies recommended by Motley Fool.

2. BHP GroupExpandNYSE: BHPBHP GroupToday's Change(0.24%) $0.13Current Price$55.04BHP Group is a diversified resources company. It operates fully integrated mining assets that extract and process copper, iron ore, coal, nickel, zinc, and potash. Its mining assets span the globe. BHP Group also had an oil and natural gas business but merged those assets with Woodside Petroleum (NYSE:WDS) in a deal that closed in 2022. The merger transformed BHP into a pure-play mining company.Although BHP Group produces several commodities, it primarily aims to be a low-cost producer. It efficiently operates large resource-rich mines and uses technology such as autonomous vehicles to reduce costs. The mining company's focus on minimizing expenses also helps to mute the impact of inflation.BHP Group combines its low-cost operations with a strong balance sheet, which it strengthens by routinely selling its least-profitable mines and non-core assets.The mining company is well-positioned to invest in high-return expansion projects even when commodity prices are low. Its production volumes are relatively stable. Although there’s some variability to its cash flow, BHP’s low costs enable it to generate free cash flow to reliably pay dividends and repurchase stock.Like Barrick, BHP Group’s dividend has some variability. The company pays out at least 50% of its profits each reporting period in dividends, so its dividend outlay will rise or fall with its cash flow.