Metalnewsnet 20 Jan:

Steelmaker ArcelorMittal said Tuesday that it has started discussions with mining giant BHP Billiton to potentially combine iron ore mining and infrastructure interests in Liberia and Guinea within a joint venture.

"The iron ore interests of the two companies in Liberia and in Guinea are proximate and could be significantly more competitive if brought together in a combined operation," the steelmaker said.

(from MarketWatch)