U.S. REPORT Billiton in U.S. dealing properties

A portfolio of 15 American precious metal properties in various stages of development is being offered for sale by Billiton Minerals U.S.A., a division of Shell Oil Co. “Bids for these properties are currently being received. While we are pleased with the bid results for some of the properties, we have decided to keep the bidding open on a number of the others,” said the Mellon Bank, which is representing Shell and Billiton. The bank said it is open to all forms of consideration, including cash, stock, mineral asset swaps and joint ventures.