BHP is trading 3.2% down today at $80.93, amid broader market weakness. - The decline occurs despite BHP receiving key environmental approval on July 7, 2026, for its $14.7 billion Escondida copper mine expansion in Chile. - This approval allows early-stage works, including sulphide leaching and electricity upgrades, to commence, with this initial phase costing around $1.3 billion. - Broader U.S. markets, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, are also trading lower, suggesting macro sentiment is a factor in today's decline.