The Australian reported that record production at its Upper Hunter mine and higher export prices have improved BHP Billiton's bottom line for the first half of the current financial year.

BHP said that its energy coal division, which includes the Mount Arthur mine near Muswellbrook, generated revenue of almost USD 4.4 billion, 50 % more than for the same period in 2007.

The Hunter Valley coal operation produced 6 million tonnes of coal between July and December in 2008, including 3 million tonnes for the December quarter.

Current events in the world economy are forecast to have an impact on BHP Billiton's commodities in the short term, but BHP said that it believes there will be strong long term demand from China and other emerging economies.

(Sourced from The Australian)