BHP Billiton (BHP), the world’s largest mining company, has finally decided to exit the shale energy industry entirely. In a recent statement, BHP Billiton has asked four investment banks to assist in either selling or spinning off its underperforming U.S. shale oil and gas assets. Unfortunately for BHP, the company sunk nearly $50 billion on its shale assets and will be lucky to receive $10 billion.

Something must have changed at corporate headquarters because the company stated last month that they were considering selling their shale assets over the next two years. However, the company now wants to make a decision and get the ball rolling by early 2018. So, there seems to be a motivating factor to unload their shale assets sooner than later.

What a change in the company’s strategic position from just a year ago when they decided to stick with their U.S. shale assets for the long haul. According to the article published in October 2016, BHP Billiton Bets Long On Its Shale Assets:

Yet the head of BHP’s petroleum business says the company remains committed to its shale assets, which he believes can outstrip its conventional oilfields and plug a supply gap that it sees emerging from the industry-wide investment drought brought about by the collapse in crude prices since mid-2014.

“We admit straight away that we didn’t get the timing right [of the shale deals],” says Steve Pastor in an interview in London. “But what we did pick up were fantastic assets.”

Interestingly, the head of BHP’s petroleum business says they were committed to their “fantastic” shale assets. Amazing how one year’s time will change a “fantastic asset” to one that needs to be unloaded .. ASAP (As Soon As Possible).

I knew back in 2011 when BHP Billiton was buying up their U.S. shale assets that it was going to a BIG MISTAKE. However, the company thought it had purchased some of the best “Shale Energy Jewels” the U.S. had to offer. According to their 2011 Investor Presentation on their shale assets, the company had big plans: