According to AAP reports, BHPB submitted bids for 65 blocks during a recent US mineral lease sale in New Orleans and was successful on the 17 of the most sought-after deep-water blocks.

BHP Billiton said the acquisitions, worth $US12.2 million, should be completed within months and is in keeping in line with the company strategy of expanding operations in the area.

BHP Billiton and its other Gulf of Mexico partners intend to spend around $US2.5 billion commercialising the Atlantis field, one of the largest in the area.