ADELAIDE, Australia—China’s demand for commodities including iron ore and copper remains robust, the chief executive of mining giant BHP Group said, even as the country’s economic recovery disappoints and its property sector struggles.

Mike Henry said China’s appetite for copper—used widely in manufacturing and construction—is even stronger than the world’s largest miner by market value was anticipating six to 12 months ago and that economic headwinds haven’t translated into reduced commodity demand more broadly.