SOUTH Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Thursday approved the $31-billion merger of Australia’s BHP Ltd and London-listed miner Billiton Plc, which has major operations in South Africa. BHP Billiton is set to become the world’s largest diversified miner when the deal closes on Friday, with the eventual split in ownership to be 58-42 in favour of BHP shareholders. ”The investigation was done very quickly and thoroughly. We believe…the deal complied and did not present any difficulties,” BHP Billiton lawyer Michael Katz said after the Tribunal gave its ruling. – Reuters