Global mining company
BHP Billiton is expected to post an annual profit exceeding $10 billion due to the strong demand from Asia, particularly
China and increase in copper prices.
Estimates of the profit figure to be announced Wednesday range from $10.2 billion to $10.6 billion, eclipsing the previous year's $6.5 billion.
The company announced record
production levels for
iron ore, aluminum, copper, nickel and natural gas last month, figures that are expected to translate into a higher annual profit.