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BIL
BIBLT
BIL - Bhp Billiton Production Report For The Quarter Ended 30 September 2008
BHP Billiton Plc
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504
22 October 2008
Number 34/08
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2008
BHP Billiton delivered a solid performance in the first quarter of the 2009
financial year. This was achieved within a challenging supply environment
characterised by unexpected disruptions, including the hurricanes in the Gulf of
Mexico.
Consistent with the outlook statement given at our interim and preliminary
results, China has not been immune to the global slowdown. Macroeconomic
indicators show that Chinese growth has softened during the quarter, albeit from
very high levels. We expect volatility and uncertainty to continue in the short
term. Notwithstanding this short term uncertainty, we remain confident that the
ongoing industrialisation and urbanisation of China and other developing
economies will continue to drive strong longer term demand for our products.
Our uniquely diversified portfolio of low cost and high quality assets places us
at a competitive advantage in the current uncertain environment and we are well
positioned to capitalise as markets recover. Our strong cash flow and balance
sheet allows us to re-invest throughout the cycle, in our growth projects that
are focused on lower risk brownfield expansions in high margin commodities.
* Quarterly production records delivered at Hunter Valley Coal, Mining Area C,
Saraji (all Australia), Samarco (Brazil), Samancor Manganese (South Africa),
Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) and Zamzama (Pakistan) operations.
* Record quarterly shipments for iron ore to meet customer demand.
* Samarco Third Pellet Plant (Brazil) successfully ramped up to full design
capacity.
* Olympic Dam (Australia) achieved a quarterly record for ore hoisted and
material mined.
* Petroleum production was 15 per cent higher than the September 2007 quarter
due to newly commissioned projects and strong operational performance. This was
achieved despite the impact of two hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico (USA).
* Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter (Australia) rebuild was successfully completed ahead
of schedule.
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
PETROLEUM QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Crude Oil, Condensate and 18,922 31% -7%
Natural Gas Liquids (`000 bbl)
Natural Gas (bcf) 95.28 0% 0%
Total Petroleum Products 34.80 15% -4%
(million boe)
Total Petroleum Products - Production was 15 per cent higher than the September
2007 quarter driven by the ramp up of new projects delivered in the 2008
financial year. In addition two new projects commenced during the quarter,
Neptune (USA) and North West Shelf Train 5 (Australia), contributing additional
volumes. Two million barrels of oil equivalent was delayed due to the impact of
two hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.
As announced by the operator, the Mad Dog (USA) drilling rig was lost as a
result of Hurricane Ike. The facility was shut down for part of the September
2008 quarter. It is currently anticipated that production will resume in the
next quarter. The operator and other owners are currently examining options to
permanently address the rig loss at Mad Dog.
Crude Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Liquids - Production was 31 per cent
higher than the September 2007 quarter due to significant growth in high margin
crude production from new projects. This was achieved despite the impact of two
hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.
Production was slightly lower than the previous quarter, mainly due to the
impact of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and unplanned interruptions at Bruce
(UK).
Natural Gas - Production was in line with the September 2007 quarterly
production record and the prior quarter.
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
ALUMINIUM QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Alumina (`000 tonnes) 1,098 -5% -4%
Aluminium (`000 tonnes) 309 -8% 1%
Alumina - Production decreased for the quarter mainly due to scheduled
maintenance at Alumar (Brazil) and Worsley (Australia). Stockpiled hydrate from
the calciner outages at Alumar and Worsley is expected to be processed next
quarter.
Aluminium - The Southern African smelters continued to operate at reduced levels
to comply with the mandatory reduction in power consumption. The September 2008
quarter included the complete shutdown of the B and C potlines at Bayside (South
Africa).
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
BASE METALS QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Copper (`000 tonnes) 308.9 0% -21%
Lead (tonnes) 58,252 -5% 10%
Zinc (tonnes) 41,761 12% -4%
Silver (`000 ounces) 10,300 -7% 12%
Uranium Oxide Concentrate 1,110 19% 8%
(Uranium) (tonnes)
Copper - Production was in line with the September 2007 quarter driven by the
continued ramp up of Spence and Escondida Sulphide Leach (both Chile) and
improved reliability, head grade and recovery at Olympic Dam; this was offset by
lower production at Escondida.
In line with expectations, production was lower than the June 2008 quarter.
Escondida`s production was impacted by declining ore grade and poor reliability
in the electrical motor of the Laguna Seca SAG mill. Escondida has reduced
throughput to minimise potential of further stoppages. However, this will result
in reduced copper concentrate production until a permanent solution is
implemented within an estimated nine month period.
The impact to total copper production at Escondida is estimated to be around
10 per cent in the 2009 financial year. This is in addition to the impact of
grade decline announced in the June 2008 quarter.
Lead - Production was lower than the September 2007 quarter due to lower head
grades at Cannington (Australia) and Antamina (Peru). Production was higher than
the June 2008 quarter due to increased mill throughput.
Zinc - Production was higher than the September 2007 quarter mainly due to
improved grade at Antamina.
Silver - Production decreased versus the September 2007 quarter due to lower
grades at Cannington and Antamina. Lower production at Escondida was in line
with lower concentrate production. This was partially offset by improved mining
performance at Olympic Dam.
Production increased versus the June 2008 quarter primarily due to increased
mill throughput at Cannington and improved mining performance at Olympic Dam.
Uranium - Production increased versus all comparative quarters due to an
improvement in uranium recovery at Olympic Dam. Olympic Dam also achieved a
record for ore hoisted and material mined.
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
vs vs
DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Diamonds (`000 carats) 773 -24% -11%
Diamonds - Production decreased compared to the June 2008 and September 2007
quarters mainly due to lower grades and a change in ore source. As Ekati
(Canada) transitions from open pit mining to underground mining the mix of ore
processed will change from time to time. During the quarter Ekati processed a
higher proportion of higher value carats from Koala underground as production
continues to ramp up.
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Nickel (`000 tonnes) 26.8 -31% -37%
Nickel - In line with expectations, production for the quarter was affected by a
major furnace rebuild at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter. The Kwinana Nickel
Refinery (Australia) was shut down for the same duration for maintenance
activities. The furnace rebuild was successfully completed ahead of schedule.
Production at the smelter is now back at full capacity and the refinery is
expected to be at full capacity by the end of October 2008. In addition, Yabulu
(Australia) was impacted by planned maintenance. This was partially offset by
the continued ramp up of Ravensthorpe and the Yabulu Extension Project (both
Australia).
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
IRON ORE QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Iron ore (`000 tonnes) (a) 29,824 15% 0%
Iron Ore - Record shipments were achieved for the quarter ended September 2008.
Production was 15 per cent higher than the September 2007 quarter due to the
successful execution of a series of growth projects in Western Australia.
In addition, Samarco (Brazil) set a quarterly production record as the
operations benefited from the successful ramp up of the third pellet plant.
Production at Western Australian Iron Ore for the September 2008 quarter was
impacted by the temporary suspension of operations following safety incidents.
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
MANGANESE QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Manganese Ore (`000 tonnes) 1,830 27% -1%
Manganese Alloy (`000 tonnes) 203 10% 7%
Manganese Ore - Production was higher than the September 2007 quarter due to
improved mine performance at GEMCO (Australia) and Hotazel (South Africa) and
increased availability of rail and port capacity in South Africa.
Production for the quarter was in line with the June 2008 quarter. The South
African operations achieved a fourth consecutive quarterly record. GEMCO
production was impacted by maintenance and tie-in activities for its expansion
project.
Manganese Alloy - Production for the quarter was higher than both comparative
quarters despite the impact of the mandatory 10 per cent reduction in power
consumption and load shedding in South Africa.
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
METALLURGICAL COAL QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Metallurgical Coal (`000 9,210 -4% 1%
tonnes)
Metallurgical Coal - Production continued to recover strongly from the wet
weather events earlier in the year with record production for the quarter
achieved at Saraji. Mines are now operating at full capacity whilst continuing
to manage water and mud removal. Queensland Coal (Australia) had record
shipments for the quarter.
Illawarra Coal`s (Australia) production decreased for the quarter mainly due to
extended longwall change outs.
SEPT SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
2008 vs vs
ENERGY COAL QTR SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
Energy Coal (`000 tonnes) (b) 18,796 -4% -12%
Energy Coal - Quarterly production records were achieved at Cerrejon Coal and
Hunter Valley Coal. Production at New Mexico Coal (USA) was higher than the
September 2007 quarter due to increased operational efficiencies at Navajo
(USA). Moreover, the comparative quarter was impacted by poor geological
conditions at San Juan (USA). Production was in line with the quarter ended June
2008.
(a) Including Goldsworthy operations classified as continuing operations as at
1 July 2008. Reclassification is consistent with the long term mine production
strategy.
(b) Excluding Optimum operation which was sold effective 1 July 2007
Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP
Billiton share and exclude suspended and sold operations.
This report together with the Exploration and Development Report represent the
Interim Management Statement for the purposes of the UK Listing Authority`s
Disclosure and Transparency Rules. There have been no significant changes in the
financial position of the Group in the quarter ended 30 September 2008.
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY -
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER % Change
ENDED
SEPT SEPT
Q08 Q08
SEPT JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT vs vs
2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 SEPT JUNE
Q07 Q08
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & (`000 11,299 17,588 16,182 16,182 11,299 43% -8%
condensate bbl)
Natural gas (bcf) 95.68 95.37 95.28 95.28 95.68 0% 0%
Natural gas liquid (`000 3,095 2,743 2,740 2,740 3,095 -11% 0%
bbl)
Total Petroleum (million 30.34 36.23 34.80 34.80 30.34 15% -4%
Products boe)
ALUMINIUM
Alumina (`000 1,153 1,149 1,098 1,098 1,153 -5% -4%
tonnes)
Aluminium (`000 337 305 309 309 337 -8% 1%
tonnes)
BASE METALS
Copper (`000 307.8 390.7 308.9 308.9 307.8 0% -21%
tonnes)
Lead (tonnes) 61,521 53,176 58,252 58,252 61,521 -5% 10%
Zinc (tonnes) 37,259 43,454 41,761 41,761 37,259 12% -4%
Gold (ounces) 40,313 38,424 41,751 41,751 40,313 4% 9%
Silver (`000 11,124 9,236 10,300 10,300 11,124 -7% 12%
ounces)
Uranium oxide (tonnes) 933 1,027 1,110 1,110 933 19% 8%
concentrate
Molybdenum (tonnes) 693 590 608 608 693 -12% 3%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
Diamonds (`000 1,022 864 773 773 1,022 -24% -11%
carats)
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
Nickel (`000 38.6 42.6 26.8 26.8 38.6 -31% -37%
tonnes)
IRON ORE
Iron ore (a) (`000 26,001 29,924 29,824 29,824 26,001 15% 0%
tonnes)
MANGANESE
Manganese ore (`000 1,445 1,851 1,830 1,830 1,445 27% -1%
tonnes)
Manganese alloy (`000 184 190 203 203 184 10% 7%
tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal (`000 9,572 9,132 9,210 9,210 9,572 -4% 1%
tonnes)
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal (b) (`000 19,623 21,353 18,796 18,796 19,623 -4% -12%
tonnes)
(a) Including Goldsworthy operations classified as continuing operations
as at 1 July 2008.Reclassification is consistent with the long term
mine production strategy.
(b) Excluding Optimum which was
disposed effective 1 July 2007.
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this
figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE
PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
BHP SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
Billiton
Interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & (`000 11,299 12,317 16,240 17,588 16,182 16,182 11,299
condensate bbl)
Natural gas (bcf) 95.68 91.21 85.76 95.37 95.28 95.28 95.68
NGL (a) (`000 3,095 2,685 2,201 2,743 2,740 2,740 3,095
bbl)
Total Petroleum (million 30.34 30.20 32.73 36.23 34.80 34.80 30.34
Products boe)
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (`000
tonnes)
Worsley 86% 784 771 712 768 733 733 784
Suriname 45% 244 252 247 240 241 241 244
Alumar 36% 125 134 136 141 124 124 125
Total 1,153 1,157 1,095 1,149 1,098 1,098 1,153
ALUMINIUM
Production (`000
tonnes)
Hillside 100% 178 180 167 170 175 175 178
Bayside 100% 48 47 44 29 25 25 48
Alumar 40% 44 44 45 45 45 45 44
Mozal 47% 67 67 62 61 64 64 67
Total 337 338 318 305 309 309 337
BASE METALS (b)
COPPER
Payable metal in
concentrate (`000
tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 167.0 177.3 157.0 178.2 116.8 116.8 167.0
Antamina 33.8% 27.5 29.3 24.1 30.8 28.4 28.4 27.5
Pinto Valley (d) 100% - 5.2 9.6 12.0 14.2 14.2 -
Total 194.5 211.8 190.7 221.0 159.4 159.4 194.5
Cathode (`000
tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 30.9 30.3 30.1 40.3 35.6 35.6 30.9
Cerro Colorado 100% 23.1 27.3 28.7 27.3 21.8 21.8 23.1
Spence (c) 100% 23.9 34.2 41.6 43.0 35.7 35.7 23.9
Pinto Valley (d) 100% 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.8
Olympic Dam 100% 33.6 42.8 36.0 57.5 54.8 54.8 33.6
Total 113.3 136.3 138.2 169.7 149.5 149.5 113.3
LEAD
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 61,073 70,369 67,505 52,601 57,768 57,768 61,073
Antamina 33.8% 448 175 380 575 484 484 448
Total 61,521 70,544 67,885 53,176 58,252 58,252 61,521
ZINC
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 14,503 15,487 13,735 17,244 14,449 14,449 14,503
Antamina 33.8% 22,756 12,320 22,235 26,210 27,312 27,312 22,756
Total 37,259 27,807 35,970 43,454 41,761 41,761 37,259
Refer footnotes on
page 4.
BASE METALS
(continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in
concentrate (ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 23,194 21,376 17,660 17,501 14,391 14,391 23,194
Olympic Dam 100% 17,119 24,338 18,555 20,505 27,360 27,360 17,119
(refined gold)
Pinto Valley (d) 100% - - 1,300 418 - - -
Total 40,313 45,714 37,515 38,424 41,751 41,751 40,313
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate
(`000 ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 1,116 877 790 821 668 668 1,116
Antamina 33.8% 1,056 652 803 994 932 932 1,056
Cannington 100% 8,759 10,124 9,421 7,181 8,391 8,391 8,759
Olympic Dam 100% 193 239 169 179 244 244 193
(refined silver)
Pinto Valley (d) 100% - 13 38 62 65 65 -
Total 11,124 11,905 11,221 9,236 10,300 10,300 11,124
URANIUM OXIDE
CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam 100% 933 1,191 993 1,027 1,110 1,110 933
Total 933 1,191 993 1,027 1,110 1,110 933
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina 33.8% 693 679 580 590 514 514 693
Pinto Valley (d) 100% - - - - 94 94 -
Total 693 679 580 590 608 608 693
DIAMONDS AND
SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (`000
carats)
EkatiT 80% 1,022 843 620 864 773 773 1,022
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (`000
tonnes)
CMSA 99.9% 12.5 11.4 7.8 10.1 10.7 10.7 12.5
Yabulu 100% 5.5 6.0 6.2 10.3 9.1 9.1 5.5
Nickel West 100% 20.6 26.3 29.0 22.1 7.0 7.0 20.6
Total 38.6 43.7 43.0 42.6 26.8 26.8 38.6
Refer footnotes on
page 4.
IRON ORE
Production (`000
tonnes) (e)
Mt Newman Joint 85% 7,904 8,147 7,265 7,013 7,210 7,210 7,904
Venture
Goldsworthy Joint 85% 134 170 386 251 232 232 134
Venture
Area C Joint 85% 4,916 6,474 7,114 8,626 9,209 9,209 4,916
Venture
Yandi Joint Venture 85% 9,823 9,770 10,061 10,622 8,961 8,961 9,823
Jimblebar 85% 1,157 1,248 1,660 1,054 1,461 1,461 1,157
Samarco 50% 2,067 2,107 1,933 2,357 2,751 2,751 2,067
Total 26,001 27,916 28,419 29,924 29,824 29,824 26,001
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production
(`000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) 60% 572 709 877 882 929 929 572
Australia (f) 60% 873 904 789 969 901 901 873
Total 1,445 1,613 1,666 1,851 1,830 1,830 1,445
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production
(`000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) 60% 123 141 125 124 133 133 123
(g)
Australia (f) 60% 61 68 67 66 70 70 61
Total 184 209 192 190 203 203 184
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (`000
tonnes) (h)
BMA 50% 5,917 6,138 4,232 6,508 6,384 6,384 5,917
BHP Mitsui Coal (i) 80% 1,454 1,526 847 1,306 1,633 1,633 1,454
Illawarra 100% 2,201 1,979 1,767 1,318 1,193 1,193 2,201
Total 9,572 9,643 6,846 9,132 9,210 9,210 9,572
ENERGY COAL
Production (`000 tonnes)
South Africa 100% 11,706 11,277 11,129 10,960 9,009 9,009 11,706
USA 100% 2,511 3,671 2,636 4,834 4,005 4,005 2,511
Australia 100% 2,918 2,959 2,965 2,934 2,975 2,975 2,918
Colombia 33% 2,488 2,702 2,553 2,625 2,807 2,807 2,488
Total 19,623 20,609 19,283 21,353 18,796 18,796 19,623
(a) LPG and Ethane are reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL). Product-specific
conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels
of oil equivalent (boe).
(b) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
(c) Spence operations were commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.
(d) The Pinto Valley operations were restarted during the December 2007
quarter.
(e) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(f) Shown on 100% basis.BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
(g) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
(h) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable
product.Production figures include some thermal coal.
(i) Shown on 100% basis.BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (`000
barrels)
Bass Strait 3,638 3,103 2,918 3,184 3,412 3,412 3,638
North West Shelf (a) 2,532 2,493 1,912 2,153 2,115 2,115 2,532
Atlantis (b) - 615 3,320 3,471 2,232 2,232 -
Shenzi (b) - 32 194 322 188 188 -
Liverpool Bay & Bruce 923 946 935 836 680 680 923
/ Keith
ROD / Ohanet 1,830 1,709 1,628 1,555 1,624 1,624 1,830
Other (c) 2,376 3,419 5,333 6,066 5,931 5,931 2,376
Total 11,299 12,317 16,240 17,588 16,182 16,182 11,299
NATURAL GAS (billion
cubic feet) (d)
Bass Strait 39.77 28.41 22.44 33.31 37.08 37.08 39.77
North West Shelf (a) 27.17 28.13 26.43 26.76 27.01 27.01 27.17
Atlantis (b) - 0.12 1.54 2.07 1.25 1.25 -
Shenzi (b) - 0.01 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.04 -
Liverpool Bay & Bruce 8.87 12.70 12.32 11.32 7.51 7.51 8.87
/ Keith
Other c 19.87 21.84 22.97 21.83 22.39 22.39 19.87
Total 95.68 91.21 85.76 95.37 95.28 95.28 95.68
NGL (`000 barrels)
Bass Strait 2,327 1,801 1,571 2,056 2,149 2,149 2,327
North West Shelf (a) 438 417 300 343 364 364 438
Liverpool Bay & Bruce 48 153 109 116 41 41 48
/ Keith
ROD / Ohanet 282 314 221 228 186 186 282
Total 3,095 2,685 2,201 2,743 2,740 2,740 3,095
TOTAL PETROLEUM 30.34 30.20 32.73 36.23 34.80 34.80 30.34
PRODUCTS
(million barrels of
oil equivalent) (d)
(a) North West Shelf LNG Train 5 was commissioned during the September 2008
quarter.
(b) The Atlantis and Genghis Khan operations were commissioned during the
December 2007 quarter. Genghis Khan is reported in Shenzi.
(c) Other includes Neptune, Stybarrow, Griffin, Minerva, Angostura, Mad Dog,
West Cameron 76, Mustang, Genesis, Starlifter, and Pakistan. The
Stybarrow operation was commisioned during the December 2007 quarter and
the Neptune operation was commissioned during the September 2008
quarter.
(d) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000scf
of natural gas equals 1 boe.
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia 784 771 712 768 733 733 784
Paranam, Suriname 244 252 247 240 241 241 244
Alumar, Brazil 125 134 136 141 124 124 125
Total 1,153 1,157 1,095 1,149 1,098 1,098 1,153
Sales
Worsley, Australia 792 803 683 703 781 781 792
Paranam, Suriname 244 265 246 261 216 216 244
Alumar, Brazil 131 128 135 137 128 128 131
Total (a) 1,167 1,196 1,064 1,101 1,126 1,126 1,167
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South 178 180 167 170 175 175 178
Africa
Bayside, South 48 47 44 29 25 25 48
Africa
Alumar, Brazil 44 44 45 45 45 45 44
Mozal, Mozambique 67 67 62 61 64 64 67
Total 337 338 318 305 309 309 337
Sales
Hillside, South 165 180 159 183 160 160 165
Africa
Bayside, South 50 50 48 29 24 24 50
Africa
Alumar, Brazil 43 48 43 47 37 37 43
Mozal, Mozambique 56 72 57 73 36 36 56
Total 314 350 307 332 257 257 314
Tolling Agreement 33 33 30 34 31 31 33
(a)
347 383 337 366 288 288 347
(a) Equity Alumina is converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling
agreement. These tonnages are allocated to equity sales.
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise
stated.Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida, Chile
Material mined (`000 82,995 88,319 102,566 103,253 99,375 99,375 82,995
(100%) tonnes)
Sulphide ore (`000 22,406 21,777 22,029 24,491 20,416 20,416 22,406
milled (100%) tonnes)
Average copper (%) 1.63% 1.72% 1.56% 1.55% 1.32% 1.32% 1.63%
grade
Production ex (`000 305.2 316.8 285.0 312.7 208.6 208.6 305.2
Mill (100%) tonnes)
Production
Payable copper (`000 167.0 177.3 157.0 178.2 116.8 116.8 167.0
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 23,194 21,376 17,660 17,501 14,391 14,391 23,194
concentrate ounces)
Copper cathode (`000 30.9 30.3 30.1 40.3 35.6 35.6 30.9
(EW) tonnes)
Payable silver (`000 1,116 877 790 821 668 668 1,116
concentrate ounces)
Sales
Payable copper (`000 162.9 173.0 160.6 178.4 118.2 118.2 162.9
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 22,957 21,158 18,190 17,477 14,521 14,521 22,957
concentrate ounces)
Copper cathode (`000 31.7 23.8 32.3 41.6 31.2 31.2 31.7
(EW) tonnes)
Payable silver (`000 1,089 864 813 820 666 666 1,089
concentrate ounces)
Cerro Colorado,
Chile
Material mined (`000 17,095 17,798 16,769 17,107 16,526 16,526 17,095
tonnes)
Ore milled (`000 4,278 4,410 4,437 4,599 4,594 4,594 4,278
tonnes)
Average copper (%) 0.84% 1.03% 0.80% 0.85% 0.86% 0.86% 0.84%
grade
Production
Copper cathode (`000 23.1 27.3 28.7 27.3 21.8 21.8 23.1
(EW) tonnes)
Sales
Copper cathode (`000 23.5 24.5 28.5 29.8 23.7 23.7 23.5
(EW) tonnes)
Spence, Chile
(a)
Material mined (`000 16,983 19,758 20,335 20,065 18,738 18,738 16,983
tonnes)
Ore milled (`000 4,132 4,333 3,918 4,255 4,490 4,490 4,132
tonnes)
Average copper (%) 1.56% 1.61% 1.48% 1.85% 2.18% 2.18% 1.56%
grade
Production
Copper cathode (`000 23.9 34.2 41.6 43.0 35.7 35.7 23.9
(EW) tonnes)
Sales
Copper cathode (`000 29.5 24.0 39.9 51.3 34.6 34.6 29.5
(EW) tonnes)
(a) Spence operations were commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (`000 31,145 31,289 29,095 29,336 30,026 30,026 31,145
(100%) tonnes)
Sulphide ore (`000 8,344 6,955 6,518 7,729 8,133 8,133 8,344
milled (100%) tonnes)
Average head
grades
- Copper (%) 1.15% 1.47% 1.21% 1.38% 1.15% 1.15% 1.15%
- Zinc (%) 1.17% 0.69% 1.55% 1.46% 1.54% 1.54% 1.17%
Production
Payable copper (`000 27.5 29.3 24.1 30.8 28.4 28 28
tonnes)
Payable zinc (tonnes) 22,756 12,320 22,235 26,210 27,312 27,312 22,756
Payable silver (`000 1,056 652 803 994 932 932 1,056
ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 448 175 380 575 484 484 448
Payable (tonnes) 693 679 580 590 514 514 693
molybdenum
Sales
Payable copper (`000 28.5 32.6 20.4 33.5 26.7 27 29
tonnes)
Payable zinc (tonnes) 25,306 12,458 16,630 29,385 26,402 26,402 25,306
Payable silver (`000 917 719 512 940 719 719 917
ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 334 140 261 461 387 387 334
Payable (tonnes) 662 605 531 837 482 482 662
molybdenum
Cannington,
Australia
Material mined (`000 824 808 698 821 724 724 824
tonnes)
Ore milled (`000 661 755 726 658 824 824 661
tonnes)
Average head
grades
- Silver (g/t) 478 489 472 397 384 384 478
- Lead (%) 10.4% 10.7% 10.7% 9.2% 8.3% 8.3% 10.40%
- Zinc (%) 3.5% 3.3% 3.2% 3.8% 3.0% 3.0% 3.50%
Production
Payable silver (`000 8,759 10,124 9,421 7,181 8,391 8,391 8,759
ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 61,073 70,369 67,505 52,601 57,768 57,768 61,073
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,503 15,487 13,735 17,244 14,449 14,449 14,503
Sales
Payable silver (`000 6,725 11,266 7,727 8,918 9,507 9,507 6,725
ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 46,148 78,325 53,167 62,997 64,980 64,980 46,148
Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,257 19,577 9,629 17,710 16,949 16,949 9,257
Olympic Dam,
Australia
Material mined (`000 2,424 2,520 2,333 2,397 2,628 2,628 2,424
(a) tonnes)
Ore milled (`000 2,239 2,552 2,225 2,570 2,518 2,518 2,239
tonnes)
Average copper (%) 1.83% 1.86% 1.86% 2.06% 2.08% 2.08% 1.83%
grade
Average kg/t 0.57 0.63 0.59 0.58 0.56 0.56 0.57
uranium grade
Production
Copper cathode (`000 30.6 40.2 32.9 53.2 51.9 51.9 30.6
(ER) tonnes)
Copper cathode (`000 3.0 2.6 3.1 4.4 2.9 2.9 3.0
(EW) tonnes)
Uranium oxide (tonnes) 933 1,191 993 1,027 1,110 1,110 933
concentrate
Refined gold (fine 17,119 24,338 18,555 20,505 27,360 27,360 17,119
ounces)
Refined silver (`000 193 239 169 179 244 244 193
ounces)
Sales
Copper cathode (`000 30.7 41.0 31.9 52.0 49.5 49.5 30.7
(ER) tonnes)
Copper cathode (`000 3.1 2.5 2.3 4.3 3.3 3.3 3.1
(EW) tonnes)
Uranium oxide (ones) 562 346 1,182 1,610 868 868 562
concentrate
Refined gold (fine 20,118 21,760 19,767 19,556 26,121 26,121 20,118
ounces)
Refined silver (`000 192 237 173 185 232 232 192
ounces)
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley,
USA
Production
Copper (`000 - 5.2 9.6 12.0 14.2 14.2 -
concentrate tonnes)
(a)
Copper cathode (`000 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.8
(EW) tonnes)
Payable silver (`000 - 13.3 38.4 61.7 65.2 65.2 -
(a) ounces)
Payable gold (`000 - - 1.3 0.4 - - -
(a) ounces)
Payable (tonnes) 93.7 93.7 -
molybdenum
Sales
Copper (`000 - 2.6 7.9 12.4 14.0 14.0 -
concentrate tonnes)
Copper cathode (`000 0.9 0.9 4.0 1.4 1.6 1.6 0.9
(EW) tonnes)
Payable silver (`000 - 13.3 38.4 61.7 65.2 65.2 -
ounces)
Payable gold (`000 - - 1.3 0.4 - - -
ounces)
Payable (tonnes) 15.0 15.0 -
molybdenum
(a) Production restarted during the December 2007 quarter.
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
Ekati(TM), Canada
Ore Processed (`000 1,009 1,080 967 1,356 1,192 1,192 1,009
(100%) tonnes)
Production (`000 1,022 843 620 864 773 773 1,022
carats)
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production 12.5 11.4 7.8 10.1 10.7 10.7 12.5
Sales 6.9 13.2 13.6 8.2 10.7 10.7 6.9
Yabulu, Australia (a)
Production
Nickel metal 5.5 6.0 6.2 10.3 9.1 9.1 5.5
Cobalt 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5
Sales
Nickel metal 5.3 6.3 6.5 9.7 7.2 7.2 5.3
Cobalt 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4
(a) Yabulu Extension was commissioned during the March 2008 quarter.
Nickel West,
Australia
Production
Nickel contained in - 1.2 1.3 2.8 6.4 6.4 -
concentrate
Nickel contained in 3.9 8.5 10.3 4.9 0.6 0.6 3.9
finished matte
Nickel metal 16.7 16.6 17.4 14.5 - - 16.7
Nickel production 20.6 26.3 29.0 22.1 7.0 7.0 20.6
Sales
Nickel contained in - 0.9 0.6 3.8 6.1 6.1 -
concentrate
Nickel contained in 6.2 9.5 9.4 7.2 - - 6.2
finished matte
Nickel metal 14.7 14.4 15.7 20.7 4.7 4.7 14.7
Nickel sales 20.9 24.8 25.7 31.7 10.8 10.8 20.9
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Mt Newman Joint 7,904 8,147 7,265 7,013 7,210 7,210 7,904
Venture
Goldsworthy Joint 134 170 386 251 232 232 134
Venture
Area C Joint 4,916 6,474 7,114 8,626 9,209 9,209 4,916
Venture
Yandi Joint Venture 9,823 9,770 10,061 10,622 8,961 8,961 9,823
Jimblebar 1,157 1,248 1,660 1,054 1,461 1,461 1,157
Total (BHP Billiton 23,934 25,809 26,486 27,567 27,073 27,073 23,934
share)
Total production 28,159 30,363 31,160 32,432 31,851 31,851 28,159
(100%)
Shipments
Lump 6,076 7,179 7,603 8,282 9,172 9,172 6,076
Fines 17,979 18,847 19,714 19,881 19,013 19,013 17,979
Total (BHP Billiton 24,055 26,026 27,317 28,164 28,185 28,185 24,055
share)
Total sales (100%) 28,300 30,619 32,138 33,134 33,159 33,159 28,300
(a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
Samarco, Brazil
Production 2,067 2,107 1,933 2,357 2,751 2,751 2,067
Shipments 1,850 2,316 1,589 2,234 2,836 2,836 1,850
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa
Saleable production 572 709 877 882 929 929 572
(a)
Australia
Saleable production 873 904 789 969 901 901 873
(a)
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa
Saleable production 123 141 125 124 133 133 123
(a) (b)
Australia
Saleable production 61 68 67 66 70 70 61
(a)
(a) Shown on 100% basis.BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is
60%.
(b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL
(a)
Queensland,
Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater 1,407 1,370 1,345 1,510 1,457 1,457 1,407
Goonyella 1,677 1,505 1,117 1,737 1,699 1,699 1,677
Peak Downs 881 1,243 849 1,121 914 914 881
Saraji 777 890 376 853 1,104 1,104 777
Norwich Park 502 576 306 642 439 439 502
Gregory Joint 673 554 239 644 771 771 673
Venture
BMA total 5,917 6,138 4,232 6,508 6,384 6,384 5,917
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek 939 868 438 617 1,049 1,049 939
Poitrel 515 658 409 688 584 584 515
BHP Mitsui Coal 1,454 1,526 847 1,306 1,633 1,633 1,454
total
Queensland total 7,371 7,664 5,079 7,814 8,017 8,017 7,371
Shipments
Coking coal 5,479 5,875 3,790 5,275 5,923 5,923 5,479
Weak coking coal 1,668 1,966 1,726 1,442 1,961 1,961 1,668
Thermal coal 516 328 497 491 462 462 516
Total 7,663 8,169 6,013 7,207 8,346 8,346 7,663
(a) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable
product.Production figures include some thermal coal.
(b) Shown on 100% basis.BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is
80%.
Illawarra, Australia
Production 2,201 1,979 1,767 1,318 1,193 1,193 2,201
Shipments
Coking coal 1,906 1,851 1,549 1,097 895 895 1,906
Thermal coal 199 290 194 157 160 160 199
Total 2,105 2,141 1,743 1,254 1,055 1,055 2,105
PRODUCTION AND
SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MAR JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
South Africa (a)
Production 11,706 11,277 11,129 10,960 9,009 9,009 11,706
Sales
Export 4,207 4,269 3,119 3,989 2,329 2,329 4,207
Local utility 7,063 7,351 7,430 7,381 7,066 7,066 7,063
Inland 388 209 190 487 376 376 388
Total 11,658 11,829 10,739 11,857 9,771 9,771 11,658
(a) Comparative periods include production from the South African Optimum
operations, which was sold effective from 1 July 2007
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal 1,548 1,899 1,800 2,286 2,064 2,064 1,548
San Juan Coal 963 1,772 836 2,548 1,941 1,941 963
Total 2,511 3,671 2,636 4,834 4,005 4,005 2,511
Sales - local 3,693 3,254 2,573 3,207 3,660 3,660 3,693
utility
Hunter Valley,
Australia
Production 2,918 2,959 2,965 2,934 2,975 2,975 2,918
Sales
Export 1,423 1,892 1,842 2,549 1,849 1,849 1,423
Inland 1,179 985 791 512 946 946 1,179
Total 2,602 2,877 2,633 3,061 2,795 2,795 2,602
Cerrejon Coal,
Colombia
Production 2,488 2,702 2,553 2,625 2,807 2,807 2,488
Sales - export 2,761 2,334 2,534 2,547 2,593 2,593 2,761
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:
www.bhpbilliton.com
Australia
Samantha Evans, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915
email: Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com
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Tel: +61 3 9609 2812 Mobile: +61 428 599 190
email: Peter.Ogden@bhpbilliton.com
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Tel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 706
email: Leng.Y.Lau@bhpbilliton.com
United Kingdom & South Africa
Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974
email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com
Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246
email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com
United States
Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah, Media Relations
Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 Mobile: UK +44 20 7802 4033
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email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077
Registered in Australia
Registered Office:
Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone +61 1300 554 757
Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Telephone +44 20 7802 4000
Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111
The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
Date: 22/10/2008 08:00:10 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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