BHP signals determination to shift its portfolio decisively away from steel-making commodities

Stance defies government hostility to plan that would break up national champion

The company requires a new plan to create value from the troubled mining house

Journey from industrial behemoth to takeover target reflects country’s decline as a mining powerhouse

Amid BHP approach for Anglo, prolific dealmaker says consolidation does not guarantee more production

Geologists are exploring whether magmatic brine can be tapped for dissolved treasure such as lithium, copper and cobalt