Heath Jansen's questions to BHP Group (BHP) leadership • H1 2017
Question
Heath Jansen asked about the key milestones required for a Samarco restart, including debt restructuring, and whether the market could absorb the returning pellet production.
Answer
CEO Andrew Mackenzie expressed confidence that the market could absorb Samarco's product, as customers miss it. He outlined several critical milestones for a restart: securing an agreement with Vale to use their pits for tailings, successfully restructuring Samarco's debt with banks and bondholders, and obtaining numerous government approvals. He characterized a restart within the calendar year as an 'optimistic case' that would require significant effort from all parties.