Today, BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Marius Kloppers, said that the company was encouraged by the comments of the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, that her Government will open the door for negotiations with the objective of achieving consensus.
"The industry has consistently been calling for the Government to properly engage on all aspects of the tax and we welcome the opportunity to do so. We agree with the Prime Minister that 'the uncertainty around the introduction of the proposed super mining tax must be ended'."
"BHP Billiton has consistently stated that any new resources tax must be prospective, competitive, differentiated and resource based," Mr Kloppers said.
"It is very important that this issue is resolved quickly and consistently with these four principles for the benefit of all Australians. They underpin investment decisions, are central to Australia's reputation and affect our employees and shareholders."
In response to the Prime Minister's request, BHP Billiton has immediately asked our agencies to suspend all advertising as a sign of good faith.
"We look forward to working with the Government in this new way so as to quickly find a solution that is in the national interest", Mr Kloppers said.