Mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP, BHP.AX, BBL, BLT.L) announced that it would take $3.29 billion writedown, comprising of $2.84 billion writedown on its U.S. shale gas business and a further $450 million writedown on Australian nickel operations. The company noted that the Petrohawk division was not affected by the writedown.
As a result of the write down both Marius Kloppers and Mike Yeager have advised the Remuneration Committee that they do not wish to be considered for a bonus for the 2012 financial year, the company specified.
BHP Billiton's chief executive Marius Kloppers said that he is disappointed with the write-down, but the board remains of the view that the investment in the US shale assets is the right decision for BHP Billiton shareholders.
"Our work convinced us that this significant, low-carbon fuel source would play a meaningful role as the world makes its future energy choices," Kloppers stated.
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