The key difference between Rio Tinto plc and BHP Billiton plc

///>

The two mining monsters are near-identical from a distance, but dig into their operations and you'll find one crucial difference that probably explains BHP Billiton's (LSE: BLT) recent underperformance compared to Rio Tinto's (LSE: RIO).

One of our top analysts has put together a BRAND-NEW free report for 2016 called A Top Growth Share From The Motley Fool, featuring a mid-cap firm enjoying strong growth that looks set to continue. To find out its name and why we like it for free and without any obligations, click here now!

Owain Bennallack owns shares of BHP Billiton. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Rio Tinto. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.