The Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) and BHP Billiton have created a strategic alliance for joint research and development, education and technology commercialisation in scientific and technical areas for the minerals and energy industries. The agreement will involve an academic and scholarship program with the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Science (GSCAS), collaborative research with relevant institutes and joint efforts to commercialise research results in the global market.  

BHP Billiton is the largest diversified resource company in the world and is a major supplier of mineral and energy resources to China.  The CAS is the highest and most comprehensive research and development body in China in the areas of natural science and high-tech innovation.

Dr Megan Clark, Vice President of Technology, BHP Billiton said, “This agreement means that China’s finest scientific minds will be working with BHP Billiton to jointly develop and commercialise leading edge technology in BHP Billiton’s core businesses of minerals and energy development. The agreement extends our relationship with China as a supplier of raw materials for minerals and energy to a partner in the development of our industry.”

CAS Deputy Secretary General Dr. Guo Huadong said, “We see having a partnership with the world’s largest diversified resource company as a great opportunity to internationalise our activities.  In addition to cooperation in education, collaborative research and technology development, this alliance will provide an important commercial channel for moving our lab research into the international market.”

About BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP; NYSE: BHP [ADR]; LSE: BLT)
BHP Billiton is the world’s largest diversified resources group, operating a unique mix of high-quality assets across the globe.  BHP Billiton has 35,000 employees working in more than 100 operations in approximately 20 countries.  The portfolio of assets is structured into seven Customer Sector Groups: Petroleum; Aluminium; Base Metals; Carbon Steel Materials; Diamonds and Specialty Products; Energy Coal; and Stainless Steel Materials.

About the Chinese Academy of Sciences
CAS was founded in 1949 and is the highest and most comprehensive research and development centre in natural science, technological science and high-tech innovation in China.   It has 89 research institutes and a staff of 46,000.  For more information see www.cas.ac.cn.