Global resources group BHP Billiton’s plans to spin off non-core businesses estimated to be worth US$16bn — including most of its assets in SA — will create a new company with flexibility to seek growth opportunities in Southern Africa and elsewhere. Billiton CEO Andrew Mackenzie yesterday confirmed weeks of detailed speculation about Billiton’s plans to dispose of assets that did not fit in with its focus on large, long-life resources in iron ore, copper, coking coal, petroleum and potash. Rubin Renecke comments.