RAGNAR UDD

Ragnar Udd , President Minerals Americas , BHP , outlines why , despite the uncertainties triggered by a global pandemic , the future looks bright for the resources sector

» “ I have never been quite as excited and optimistic about the opportunities and challenges of a role as I am today leading two of BHP ’ s future facing commodities : in copper and our potash development . It may sound odd coming at a time when most of the world is still dealing with the effects of the pandemic . Later stage urbanisation and industrialisation in China , earlystage urbanisation in India and the significant impact of China ’ s Belt and Road initiative are all expected to provide additional demand for our products over the long term .”

» “ In the 2020s , we expect the global population to expand to 8.5 billion from the current level of 7.7 billion , of which 5.2 billion will live in urban centres . As a consequence , we expect corresponding increases in global GDP as well as capital expenditure . In addition to creating demand for raw materials , population growth will also fuel demand for Potash , which will be vital for more efficient agricultural practices to feed this growing population . Another factor is the strong push across the world to decarbonise . This effort will require substantial investment in infrastructure and the technologies that will leverage them .”