The Australian mining giant BHP Billiton has halted its exploration works for iron oxide, copper and gold in Zambia's central Mumbwa district due to the current rainy season, the Post of Zambia reported on Tuesday.

"No drilling operations are being undertaken because of the annual wet season in Zambia," the paper quoted the company as saying in a note sent to investors and shareholders.

The Australian mining giant, one of the world's largest mining firms, has been managing and funding the next phase of exploration works in the Zambian district with its partner, Blackthorn Resources. The joint venture was announced on Dec. 21, 2010.

The statement, however, noted that during the period of suspension, it was considering its area of work to go beyond the initial area, adding that the drilling and further exploration works in the area were expected to resume in late March or early April though it was dependent on ground and access condition.

BHP owns 40 percent of the joint venture project while Blackthorn Resources owns 60 percent. However, the joint venture terms were that once the exploration workers were completed, BHP could elect to increase its interest in the project from 40 percent to 60 percent, according to the Post.

Zambia, Africa's largest copper producer, was trying to woo more investment in the mining industry, which brings about 70 percent of the southern African country's foreign exchange. Last year, the country produced 740, 000 tons of copper but has projected to produce 1 million tons by 2012 due to anticipated increased investment.

Last year, Zambia attracted 2 billion US dollars in new mining investments. According to the Chamber of Mines, it has taken 5 billion dollars in investment over the last decade for Zambia to get back to the current annual copper production.