BHP to grow potash business to size of iron ore — report

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mackenzie said the project ramains in BHP's main plans, but added the firm is not in a rush to develop it.

The division contributed just $746 million of the $21.12 billion earnings BHP reported for the 2013 financial year.

Speculation is of a new Perth-based company with current CFO Graham Kerr at the helm housing non-core assets including Australian lead-silver mine.

Decision to to lob off Billiton assets could come as early as next week.

Index gained 9% from April to June, outperforming the S&P/TSX Composite index, which gained 6%, and the London Metal Exchange index, which gained 7% in the same period.

CEO says company "well set" to advance project.

Trend of mine production moving to emerging economies will continue.

The potential mine could generate $2 billion worth of royalties for the province over the course of 40 years, and sustain close to 600 jobs.

AIM-listed African Potash Ltd Tuesday said that it has begun drilling at its Lac Dinga Potash Project in the Republic of Congo.