Source:  Bloomberg.com                           date: 27 August, 2010

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s largest mining company, has reported its full-year profit to be more than double last year’s. Net income was USD12.7 billion for the year ended June 30, from USD5.9 billion a year ago, the Melbourne-based company has said. That missed the USD13.3 billion average estimate of 15 analysts, but compares with 2008’s record USD15.4 billion.

The company joined competitors Anglo American Plc, Xstrata Plc, Vale SA and Rio Tinto Group in reporting an increase in profit in the past month as the economic recovery pushes up commodity demand and prices.