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BHP Billiton PLC

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Company Information

BHP Billiton has a history of more than 150 years in the mining industry. It was formed by the merger of BHP Company and Billiton, which had been two separate mining companies.

Our History

In the beginning, Billiton was a small mining company. Created in 1860, it became a major player in the metal and mining sector. It was a major producer of:

• aluminium and alumina
• chrome
• steaming coal
• nickel
• titanium minerals

BHP or Broken Hill Proprietary started as a silver, lead and zinc mine. The Australian company was created in 1885. Over time, its main goal was the discovery, development, production and marketing of natural resources.

The two companies merged in 2001, becoming a leading company in the resources industry.

Strategy

The company’s strategy is the same as it has been since 2001. The main goal is to invest in long-life, large, low-cost, upstream, high-quality assets. But, no investment is made prior to a careful verification and study. Due to this prudent approach, the company has high financial performance. The simple structure and the skills and training of its employees make this company profitable.

Communities

Being a global company, it has an effect on various communities; this is why it is important for the social impact to be positive on each of the communities. The company has a strong investment policy in order to actively contribute to the improvement of the quality of life.

The Business

• Aluminium - the company produces all stages of aluminum from mining and refining bauxite into alumina and the production of aluminum
• Energy Coal is another one of the company’s operations; it provides much needed thermal coal for the electric-power generation industry
• Iron Ore - BHP Billiton is one of the world's biggest producers of iron ore, which is used in a large number of office towers
• Manganese - is a must-have element in the production of steel. The steel's strength and resistance is enhanced with the help of manganese. Here, the company has invested a great deal in the logistics. The construction of deepwater ports that can accommodate large vessels is of great advantage for customers.
• Metallurgical Coal is essential in the making of steel. The company has invested in metallurgical coal in the areas near the main steel manufacture regions and with access for costumers both by air and sea.
• Petroleum is another of its areas of interest. The company invested in prospecting new sites for exploration purposes.
• Uranium is used exclusively in the production of electricity in nuclear reactors for civil use only. But this branch of the business is also used for the extraction of gold, silver and copper.
• Stainless Steel Material has many applications. This side of the business is focused on the production of nickel.
• Base Metals; it consists of low-cost mining operations that can provide a large number of smelters with base metal concentrates.
• Diamonds & Specialty Products: mining of diamonds and potash, titanium, zircon and many others.
• Mineral Exploration’s main goal is the discovery of new mineral resources for the company. All of the company’s exploration and geological tests are made based on an environmental and community project.