BHP Billiton posted record annual iron ore production in Western Australia for the fourteenth consecutive year Wednesday, while Queensland coal production also hit an all-time high. The Anglo-Australian mining giant's operational review for the year ended June 30 also showed copper production rose two percent year on year and petroleum up four percent. "Our focus on productivity has resulted in a significant improvement in operating performance at each of our major businesses this year, with a nine percent increase in group production and record output at 12 operations," chief executive Andrew Mackenzie said. Rival mining giant Rio Tinto last week said its iron ore production and shipments surged to record highs in the first-half of the year as it boosted output despite a recent fall in commodity prices.

BEIJING (AP) — Five employees of a company accused of selling expired beef and chicken to McDonald's, KFC and other restaurants were detained by police Wednesday after an official said illegal activity was an organized effort by the supplier.