BHP in Talks to Sell U.S. Shale Assets

BHP is responding to Elliott Management's push to focus on core mining by planning to sell its US onshore shale assets, which are now considered non-core. Despite remaining invested in oil in Australia and the Gulf of Mexico, BHP faces challenges due to low oil prices, which could significantly reduce the value of its assets. The company initially invested $20 billion in these assets in 2011, but current market conditions suggest they may sell for much less.

What strategic focus did Elliott Management urge BHP Billiton to adopt?

• Concentrate on mining commodities

• Expand into the oil business

• Diversify into technology

• Invest in renewable energy

What is BHP Billiton's plan for its US onshore shale assets?

• Expand operations

• Sell them as non-core assets

• Invest more in them

• Merge with another company

How much did BHP Billiton spend on acquiring its US onshore shale assets in 2011?

• $25 billion

• $10 billion

• $20 billion

• $15 billion

What is a significant challenge BHP faces in selling its oil assets?

• Low oil prices

• High oil prices

• Lack of interested buyers

• Regulatory hurdles

What could be the potential carrying value of BHP's oil assets according to some banks?

• $10 billion

• $20 billion

• $15 billion

• $5 billion