Lure of Anglo’s copper mines could test BHP’s spending resolve
BHP needs to offer at least a 40% premium over Anglo's share price for a new takeover bid, but its CEO has committed to spending discipline.
The Star Phoenix reports on Thursday BHP Billiton plans to spend an additional $488 million at its Jansen potash project east of Saskatoon, Canada bringing the company’s total investment to $1.2 billion.
If converted to a mine Jansen would have a maximum operational capacity of eight million tonnes per year and would cost an estimated $12 billion. Production could start in 2015 with an estimated life of mine of 70 years.
The investment will also allow the firm to develop the first 350 metres of underground production and service shafts at the site should it receive the necessary approvals from the provincial government.
