BHP spin-off considers London

BHP Billiton is considering listing its massive spin-off company on the London Stock Exchange, chairman Jaques Nasser told shareholders in a letter released late yesterday.

“Since the announcement, we have been able to engage extensively with investors and other stakeholders,” Nasser said.

“We have been pleased by the support for the demerger and the level of interest investors have shown in the new company.

“Based on this, we are now assessing a potential standard listing in London for the new company.”

Bougainville president slams Panguna report

The president of Bougainville has reportedly slammed a Greens evaluation of the reopening of Rio Tinto’s Panguna copper-gold mine as “misleading” and “irresponsible”

According to ABC News, president John Momis said the Greens report was “deeply flawed” and that interviews with nearby residents in the report were selected for their views.

The report by the Jubilee Australia Research Centre was launched by Greens leader Christine Milne.

Coal scale-back planned

The Sydney Morning Herald has cited a report by globally renowned economist Jeffery Sachs saying that Australia can end its reliance on coal while maintaining its economic growth and lifestyles.

However, outside of coal, oil and petroleum, traditional mining sectors were expected to continue to grow in scenarios pressing renewable energy agendas.

The report also indicated that the jobs created by the growing renewables sector would more than double the losses from the end of coal-fired electricity generation.