ArcelorMittal and BHP drop plan to combine iron operations

ArcelorMittal and BHP drop plan to combine iron operations in Liberia and Guinea. ArcelorMittal SA, the world's largest steel maker, and miner BHP Billiton Ltd. say they have ended talks about combining their iron ore mining operations in Liberia and Guinea. The companies said in a statement on Wednesday that they had been unable to reach a commercial agreement. The pair had announced in January that they were considering joining forces. ArcelorMittal says it will continue to develop its interests in Liberia independently and is "excited by the potential of this business." The company plans to begin production at its $1.5 billion project in the west of the country in the second half of next year. by The Associated Press