BHP said it would seek responses from the World Coal Association over policy differences before making a final decision on whether to quit in March 2018.
The operation —a joint venture between BHP Billiton (ASX, NYSE:BHP), Anglo American (LON:AAL) and Xstrata (LON:XTA)— produced 34.6 million tons of coal last year, 4% more than the projected 33.3 million tons and exported 32.8 million tons, 2.5% over the 32 million ton target.
The FTSE 100 index rose 139 points to 6,037 points, the first time it has been above the 6,000 level in 17 months, with mining shares exceptionally high.
Concerted campaign by the mining industry in collusion with Western Australia's Burke government thwarted efforts to give Aboriginal communities a greater say and share in resource development