BHP Billiton reports fourth quarter production
BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, said that its fourth-quarter iron ore production rose 23 percent as its Western Australian operations boosted output to meet strong China demand. Iron ore production rose to 25.3 million metric tons in the three months ended June 30, from 20.5 million metric tons a year earlier, BHP said. BHP Billiton set full-year output records for nine of its products including iron ore, coking coal and nickel, as China's economic growth fueled demand.