BHP has completed a sale of 'carbon neutral' copper sourced from mines in Chile to US copper cable and wire manufacturer, Southwire.

The transaction is part of a blockchain pilot that traces BHP's copper cathodes and associated greenhouse gas emissions through Southwire's rod production operations.

Supply chain traceability provider Circulor's technology has been used in tandem with BHP's carbon offsetting capabilities.

Carbon offsets were sourced from a project in Peru that offers biodiversity conservation, improved water quality and support for local communities.

BHP's Group Sales and Marketing Officer, Michiel Hovers, said: "This is our first ever 'carbon neutral' sale of any of our commodities. The pilot helps improve understanding of greenhouse gas emissions in the copper value chain and demonstrate the role high-quality offsets can play, as a complement to operational decarbonisation."

Southwire's Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer, Burt Fealing said: "As Southwire explores the potential of low-carbon wire and cable products, we are pleased to work with key leaders in our supply chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain. "