BHP Billiton Embraces Independence Celebration

A top-level delegation from BHP Billiton, the world’s largest diversified resources mining company, was in the country to attend Liberia’s 163rd Independence celebration, a BHP Billiton spokesperson has said.

Deirdra McCracken, the company’s senior communications officer for the sub-region, says “BHP Billiton had looked forward to celebrating Independence Day in Sanniquellie with the people of Liberia. A substantial delegation of BHP Billiton executives traveled to Sanniquellie for the celebrations, including the Vice President of Business Development as well as the Director of Corporate and Commercial Services for Europe, Middle East and Africa, who have flown into Liberia for the Independence Day events.”

She confirmed that the company was in Sanniquellie for the Independence Day events, stating that “BHP Billiton was proud to celebrate this important day as a committed partner to Liberia.”

As part of its involvement in the Independence Day celebrations and at the request of the County, BHP Billiton funded the renovation of three historic palaver huts.

BHP Billiton continues to carry out exploration activities at Kitoma in Nimba County – one of its four Exploration License Areas in Liberia – and has worked in Sanniquellie for a number of years employing several hundred Liberians over that time.

BHP Billiton recently concluded a Mineral Development Agreement with the Government of Liberia which is now before the Legislature for ratification. BHP Billiton has spent over US$50 million on iron ore exploration in Liberia since 2005 with activities in Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa and Margibi Counties.

BHP Billiton is the largest diversified resources company in the world with 100 operations in 25 countries employing over 40,000 people.