BHP's new chief executive Mike Henry has signalled the mining giant could exit thermal coal and boost exposure to minerals used in green technologies as it looks to reposition itself for a lower-carbon world.

In his first detailed comments about the implications of a "decarbonised" future for BHP, Mr Henry said he would consider a sale of the company's thermal coal mine assets" if someone presented us with an opportunity to exit for value". It would also pursue growth in nickel and copper, which will be increasingly needed to power green technologies, he said.

BHP chief executive Mike Henry. Credit:Trevor Collens

Mr Henry, who took the reins of the world's biggest miner in January, said BHP was continuously reviewing the make-up of its portfolio and determined thermal coal – coal used to generate electricity – posed "downside" risks when it mapped out future scenarios such as the global transition to cleaner energy.

Thermal coal is the heaviest-polluting fuel and the focus of rising investor pressure in response to concerns surrounding its contribution to global warming. BHP rival Rio Tinto, the world's second largest miner, has already removed all exposure to thermal coal while Anglo-American this month said it intended to offload its thermal coal assets in coming years.