BHP BillitonGroup's acquisition of Anglo American Plc's Moranbah and Grosvenor coal mines in Queensland, Australia,will be supported by investors and analysts, The Australian Financial Review wrote July 25.

However, BHP will have to show that the mines will add valueto its metallurgical coal business.

"They do need to ensure that their coal business makessatisfactory returns for the capital invested, which is not currently thecase," managing director of the Australian Foundation Investment Co., RossBarker, said.

The BHP-led BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance is understood to be theonly bidder remaining for the coal assets, according to the report.

The auction results may be out as early as this week.