SYDNEY -- BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP.AX) is facing major headwinds over delayed multibillion dollar expansions, shale gas writedowns, the impact of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax, or MRRT, the carbon tax, and failing investor confidence in CEO Marius Kloppers.
The company has announced that it hasn't made any decisions on its high-cost projects and that it was unlikely to approve any projects until at least December. BHP has three major high-cost projects that require board approval to go ahead: the AU$20 billion expansion of the company's Olympic Dam project, a AU$19 billion expansion of its Port Hedland harbor, and an AU$8 billion Canadian potash project.
The pressure is on the company to approve Olympic Dam before Dec. 15. That's the deadline for an indenture agreement with the South Australian government, which establishes the royalty payment levels for the project for 45 years. However, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said on Tuesday that the government would be willing to consider an extension of the deadline -- perhaps no surprise, given the amount of revenue that will flow into the state's coffers should the project go ahead.
The Australian reported today that the big miner has also decided to delay the AU$19 billion expansion of its Port Hedland harbor for two years. The newspaper added that mining contractors in Perth have allegedly begun laying off workers in anticipation of construction delays on the project.
With two megaprojects potentially delayed, one wonders when speculation will turn to the Canadian potash project.
In more worrying news for shareholders, there are reports that investors have lost confidence in Marius Kloppers during his five-year reign at BHP due to failed takeovers and delayed projects. Mr. Kloppers has also refused to confirm that he had the chairman's confidence, dodging the question when speaking to reporters yesterday.
Add in the MRRT, falling commodity prices, and the carbon tax, and the company finds itself in something of a perfect storm.
Australia's other big miners, Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO.AX) and Fortescue Metals (ASX: FMG.AX), have also announced a slowdown in their expansion, but they could further curtail upcoming projects if commodities prices fall further.
All three companies have seen their share prices drop following the fall in commodity prices. Over the past six months, BHP shares have fallen 15%, Fortescue is down 14.8%, and Rio is down 10.7%, compared with the S&P/ASX 200
Foolish takeaway
Shareholders will be hoping some of these issues will be cleared up when the company reports its 2012 financial-year results later this month, and they'll be looking for positive updates on BHP's megaprojects.
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