BHP Group LimitedAI data center boom drives copper demand; BHP leveraging strong execution at Escondida and Copper South Australia.
Zacks Investment Research has identified Freeport-McMoRan, Southern Copper, and BHP Group as copper producers poised to benefit from the massive growth in AI-powered data centers. The four major hyperscalers have raised their AI capital expenditure budget to $750 billion for 2026, a figure expected to surpass $1 trillion next year, with Moody's estimating more than $3 trillion in total investment over the next five years. An AI-led data center consumes ten times more copper than a conventional one, and while data centers currently account for just 1% of global copper demand, the AI boom could dramatically reshape the landscape. Freeport-McMoRan is expanding reserves and executing smelter projects in Indonesia, Southern Copper is advancing over $20.5 billion in investments across Peru and Mexico, and BHP Group is leveraging strong execution at Escondida and Copper South Australia while shifting toward future-facing commodities. All three stocks carry a Zacks Rank of 3, or Hold.
BHP Group LimitedAI data center boom drives copper demand; BHP leveraging strong execution at Escondida and Copper South Australia.
Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold IncAI data center boom drives copper demand; Freeport-McMoRan expanding reserves and smelter projects.
Southern Copper CorporationAI data center boom drives copper demand; Southern Copper advancing $20.5B investments.