The Anglo-Australian mining company saw profits rise by 12.4% to $US15.39 billion in the year
BHP Billiton has announced record annual profits for the seventh consecutive year on the back of surging commodity prices.
The Anglo-Australian mining company saw profits rise by 12.4% to $US15.39 billion in the year to the end of June.
BHP predicted that demand for commodities would remain strong in the longer term, but said the global economy would slow in the near term.
The EU is currently probing BHP's $US170 billion bid for rival Rio Tinto.
A tie-up between BHP and Rio would create a firm with a third of the world's iron-ore market. Rio says the offer does not meet the value of its assets.
Increased production of copper, iron ore, manganese ore and alloy and alumina all bolstered BHP's profits.
BHP employs about 39,000 people and has about 100 operations in 25 countries. It is investing almost $US25 billion on a further 28 projects globally.
