Key milestones, including the recovery of high-quality diamonds at the Botswana mine and a new long-term sales deal, contributed to the results.

Koné is regarded as one of the highest quality gold projects in Africa.

Botswana has not been formally approached by either BHP or Anglo.

A new mining code in Mali means the government's potential stake in the Goulamina project will likely rise to 30% from 20% previously.

BHP’s proposal includes a plan for Anglo to spin off its Johannesburg-listed platinum and iron ore units before an eventual takeover.

The board of the miner approved the proposal to acquire 40% of the Goulamina project from Leo Lithium.