BHP Billiton, the world's biggest mining company, is expected to report a record 60% first-half profit rise when it reports Wednesday after China demand caused iron, copper and coal prices to soar, Bloomberg reported. Analysts expect the Anglo-Australian company's net income to hit US$4.53 billion in the six months ended December 31, up from US$2.83 billion a year earlier. China's economy has expanded 55% in five years, fueling demand for materials used to build cars and power plants and sending metals prices to record highs. BHP plans to spend as much as US$11.9 billion to expand its mines and oil fields as it targets a fifth of sales from China by 2010.
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