BHP Billiton is a global resources company. Co. operates under a Dual Listed Company (DLC) structure, which consists of the BHP Billiton Limited Group and the BHP Billiton Plc Group, operating as a single economic entity. As of June 30 2017, Co. operated four reportable segments: Petroleum, which is involved in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas; Copper, which is involved in the mining of copper, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, uranium and gold; Iron ore, which is involved in the mining of iron ore; and Coal, which is involved in the mining of metallurgical coal and thermal (energy) coal.

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft is engaged in reinsurance, primary insurance and asset management. Co.'s international life business is written in the Life Division. The Global Clients and North America division manages accounts with international insurance groups. The Europe and Latin America division manages property-casualty business in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Germany, Asia Pacific and Africa division conducts property-casualty business in Germany, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. The Special and Financial Risks division manages the classes of credit, aviation and space, agriculture, enterprise and contingency risks.