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BIL
BIBLT
BIL - Bhp Billiton Plc - Heavy January And February Rainfall Causes
Production Impact At Queensland Coal Operations
News Release
BHP Billiton Plc
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504
Number: 08/08
HEAVY JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RAINFALL CAUSES PRODUCTION IMPACT AT QUEENSLAND
COAL OPERATIONS
BHP Billiton has today provided a preliminary estimate of the production
impact of the recent heavy rainfall experienced across Queensland`s Bowen
Basin (Australia).
While these assessments are continuing, it is currently estimated that the
two significant rainfall events, on January 18 - 20 and February 9 - 14,
will impact FY08 production from the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)
owned mines by between 6.5 and 7.5 million tonnes. In addition, the FY08
production impact from the BHP Billiton Mitsui (BMC) owned mines is
estimated to be between 0.5 and 1.0 million tonnes. These assessments
include any rollover into FY09.
The BHP Billiton share of this production impact is between 3.7 and 4.6
million tonnes after taking into account relevant ownership. BHP Billiton
has insurance cover for property damage and business interruption losses,
and potential claims are currently being assessed.
BMA CEO John Smith said: "These are initial assessments of the impacts on
production due to the inability to safely operate the mines and to maintain
access for our people and supplies following the rains.
"We anticipate we will be better informed on the actual extent of the impact
as the recovery process proceeds and mines are brought back to full
operational capacity. We will provide an update on the impacts if they are
materially different from our preliminary assessments once the situation has
been fully assessed.
"Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of all employees and contractors
at our operations and on swift recovery of operations, including dewatering
of the pits. We are working with the EPA to meet their conditions and
minimise downstream impacts.
"We are also continuing to work with our customers to minimise disruption to
their businesses," he said.
Background Information
The BMA owned mines are a 50/50 alliance between BHP Billiton Ltd and
Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. These operations include Peak Downs,
Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Saraji, Norwich Park, Blackwater and
Gregory Crinum.
The BMC mines of South Walker Creek and Poitrel are owned 80% by BHP
Billiton and 20% by Mitsui and Co. BMA is the operator of the BMC mines.
FY08 refers to the Financial Year ending June 30, 2008.
Further BHP Billiton information can be found on our Internet site:
www.bhpbilliton.com
Australia United Kingdom
Samantha Evans, Media Relations Andre Liebenberg, Investor & Media
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Relations
Mobile: +61 400 693 915 Tel: +44 20 7802 4131
email: Mobile: +44 7920 236 974
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: email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com
Don.A.Carroll@bhpbilliton.com
South Africa
United States Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations
Tracey Whitehead, Investor & Media RelationsTel: 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.com
25 February 2008
Date: 25/02/2008 08:28:25 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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