Australia BHP Billiton

In this undated hand out photo from BHP Billiton shows a earth moving machine in operation at Mt Newman mine in Western Australia. BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s biggest mining company, warned on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009 of continued volatility in commodities markets and falling demand for its products after reporting a 56.5 percent drop in first half profiit. Net profit for the six months to Dec. 31, 2008, fell to $2.617 billion, from $6.017 billion in the previous corresponding period, the Anglo-Australian company said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.
(AP Photo/BHP Billiton,HO) **EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALES**