BHP Billiton has two headquarters and two main stock market listings but it is run as a single company under the same management and board ReutersBHP Billiton, the world’s biggest miner, reported a 25 per cent surge in underlying profits boosted by higher raw material prices as it batted away criticism from a top investor of its dual-listing structure. BHP said that it would listen to shareholders’ concerns but that it was concentrating on reducing debt levels as it announced that underlying profit in the half-year to December 31 rose to $4.05 billion from $3.24 billion a year ago. That was its highest half-year profit since 2014, before steep falls in commodity prices triggered a crisis across the global mining industry. The Anglo-Australian group benefited from higher oil, coal and copper prices and said that it was on track to sell off its US shale business with initial bids due…

Source: The Times February 20, 2018 09:00 UTC