BHP Billiton is on course to report its sixth consecutive year of profits growth after the Anglo-Australian mining group on Wednesday published annual production figures that showed bumper results from its petroleum, iron ore, manganese and copper operations.

BHP, already the world’s largest mining group, is attempting to become an even more powerful global force as it attempts to secure rival Rio Tinto via a hostile all-share takeover offer worth about $170bn. The outcome of the takeover will not be known until next year as BHP seeks regulatory clearance for the deal.