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BIL
BIBLT
BIL - BHP Billiton Plc - Bhp Billiton approves Klipspruit project
BHP Billiton Plc
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504
NEWS RELEASE
Date: 7 December 2007
BHP BILLITON APPROVES KLIPSPRUIT PROJECT
BHP Billiton announced today the approval of the Klipspruit Project, part of
its Energy Coal operations in South Africa.
The Klipspruit opencast mine (100% BHP Billiton owned) with a current run of
mine (ROM) capacity of 4.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) will be expanded
to 8 Mtpa.
The Klipspruit Project, which involves an investment of approximately US$450
million, will include the development of a 16 Mtpa coal processing plant
called the Phola Coal Processing Plant in a 50:50 joint venture with Anglo
Coal. The plant, processing 8Mtpa of coal from each of the joint venture
partners, will be located on the Klipspruit surface area and constructed by
Anglo Coal.
The existing Rietspruit coal washing plant, located 32 kilometres from
Klipspruit will be replaced by the new Phola Coal Processing Plant.
President BHP Billiton Coal, Dave Murray said: "The approval to expand our
Klipspruit mine, which is a world class ore body, demonstrates our commitment
to South Africa and the energy coal market. The new joint venture processing
facility with Anglo Coal will be a value adding investment for both parties
and will reduce the need to transport coal on public roads, thereby
supporting our goal of Zero Harm".
Increased production is due to commence in the second half of calendar year
2009. Utilising current reserves, the mine is expected to have a 20 year
life, although this has the potential to be extended through the development
of further resources. Approximately 4 Mtpa of coal will be exported through
the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, using BHP Billiton`s existing allocation.
In the year ended 30 June 2007, Klipspruit produced a total of 3.4 million
tonnes of energy coal which was sold through both the export market and to
Eskom, the South African power utility.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:
www.bhpbilliton.com
Australia United Kingdom
Samantha Evans, Media Relations Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Tel: +44 20 7802 4131
Mobile: +61 400 693 915 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974
Email: Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com Email:
Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com
Don Carroll, Investor Relations Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2686 Tel: +44 20 7802 4195
Mobile: +61 417 591 938 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246
Email: Don.A.Carroll@bhpbilliton.com Email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com
United States South Africa
Tracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Alison GIlbert, Investor Relations
Relations Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or
Tel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4183
UK +44 20 7802 4031 Mobile: +44 7769 936 227
Mobile: +44 7917 648 093 Email: Alison.Gilbert@bhpbilliton.com
Email:Tracey.Whitehead@bhpbilliton.co
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Date: 07/12/2007 16:00:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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