WMC controls the world's biggest uranium reserve

A majority of WMC shareholders have backed BHP Billiton's 9.2bn Australian dollar ($7.2bn, �3.8bn) takeover bid, giving it 55.45% of the firm's shares.

BHP Billiton intervened in March after WMC's board rejected an A$8.2bn bid from Swiss rival Xstrata as too low.

WMC's Olympic Dam mine holds nearly 40% of the world's known uranium deposits.

Uranium market

We are delighted with the level of support from WMC shareholders Chip Goodyear, BHP Billiton chief executive Check BHP Billiton's share price

BHP, which owns the world's largest copper mine in Chile, had pursued WMC in order to get a slice of the uranium market, as well as to enhance its nickel and copper production.

Remaining WMC shareholders have until 17 June to decide whether to sell their shares.

"We are delighted with the level of support from WMC shareholders and we strongly encourage remaining WMC shareholders to accept the offer before 17 June," said BHP chief executive Chip Goodyear.