BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) says the miner will simplify its aluminium and nickel divisions and run them as ''lean and mean as possible''.
CEO Marius Kloppers has advised neither divisions are likely to see new investment and has labeled both the divisions as “tough”.
The comments add to speculation the miner is looking to offload its aluminium and nickel divisions, just one week after BHP flagged the potential sale of its diamond business in Canada.
Some media reports claim Mr Kloppers has denied the divisions are up for sale, others report he would consider selling them.
Shares in BHP Billiton closed 0.84 per cent higher yesterday at $37.02.
BHP Billiton generated a record net profit of $22.3 billion in fiscal 2011.
