Company news highlights:BHP Billiton (BHP) said demand from...

Company news highlights:

BHP Billiton (BHP) said demand from steel mills for coking

coal remains strong and that it plans to build on its coal

position in the Bowen Basin in the Australian state of

Queensland. "The outlook for the metallurgical coal market is

strong with robust demand from key growth markets," BHP

Coal President Dave Murray said in a statement. "BHP

Billiton continues to build on its position within the Bowen

Basin to accelerate growth and bring new production to meet

the needs of our customers and generate value for our

shareholders." BHP and joint venture partner Mitsubishi Corp

said they have completed their purchase of the New Saraji

project from New Hope (NHC) and will commence an

exploration and evaluation program there immediately. New

Hope said that following the $2.45bn sale it would assess its

capital structure and consider potential uses of the proceeds

from the sale. BHP dropped $1.25 (3.47%) to $34.80 and

NHC remained unchanged at $4.40.