In their financial report released Tuesday morning, BHP Billiton says that they are considering options to maximize the value of their Jansen project.

One of those options may include bringing in a partner to help save money. The report adds further improvements to capital efficiency and optimisation of design are also options.

In May, Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKenzie had stated that an approval vote for the project to move forward could take place in mid-2018.

Tuesday's report, however, states that the project won't be tabled for approval in 2018, which could delay the start of production.

Earlier reports from the mining giant have stated that first production could take place in 2023.