There are reports that mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd
(ASX:BHP) and steel giant ArcelorMittal are in joint venture talks regarding their ore interests in Liberia and Guinea.
A report from the Dow Jones Newswires in The Australian says the assets being discussed include BHP’s 43.5% interest in Guinea’s Euronimba, which owns 95% of the Nimba project, and ArcelorMittal’s 70% holding in five Liberian leases and rights to upgrade Liberia’s Yekepa-Buchanan railway and Panamax port.
According to the report a spokesperson for BHP says the talks are at an early stage of reviewing the opportunities and development options.
BHP will seek support from the West African governments.
BHP earned over $7.2 billion in profit for fiscal 2009.
