The company said it expects its full-year gold production to be 1.55 million oz, up from the initial forecast between 1.38-1.48 million oz.

Greatland considers itself “strongly positioned” should there be an opportunity to consolidate ownership of Havieron.

"This is not good news for China given the heavy reliance on external supply, and Chinese companies hold limited resources," one analyst said.

Even though BHP doesn’t want to buy Kumba and Amplats, South Africa could have an important role to play if an eventual deal is structured.

However, the company left its full-year production forecast unchanged.

The world’s largest shipper of thermal coal had said it intended to spin the business off within two years of closing a deal to buy Teck Resources' steelmaking coal assets.

The bid may also be a tacit admission on BHP's part that buying copper assets is far easier than trying to find them and develop new mines.

Companies presented Brazilian authorities with a settlement proposal related to reparations for the 2015 tailings dam burst.