BHP Billiton wins case vs RP partner

BHP Billiton Ltd. has reportedly won its case filed in a Singapore arbitration court against its Filipino joint venture partners led by Peter Tan. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza said yesterday.

Atienza said the DENR would meet with the two disputing partners to help them come to an agreement on the implementation of the decision and hopefully allow the stalled Pujada nickel mining venture to finally proceed.

Atienza, in an interview at the close of the two-day Mining Financial Forum at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, said he is scheduling separate meetings with representatives of BHP and with Tan.

Atienza said one of the things he wants to clarify is whether BHP will go ahead and operate the planned joint venture project itself or if the group of Peter Tan would agree to a settlement or completely sell out to BHP.

Whatever it is, Atienza said the DENR is keen on ensuring that BHP proceeds with its previously estimated $2 billion investment in the country. BHP Billiton had scaled down its operations in the country because of its legal dispute with Tan.

BHP Billiton laid off last year its Manila staff for its joint venture mining firm Amkor and suspended operations in its mining exploration site in Mati, Davao, following a dispute with Tan who rescinded a joint venture agreement with the former following his perception that BHP is dragging its feet on the project.

Tan has complains that BHP’s inaction was costing its Filipino joint venture partners.

BHP Billiton is the world’s largest resource company. It is a producer of energy-related products, such as energy coal, oil, gas, liquefied natural gas and uranium.