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BIL
BIBLT
BIL - BHP Billiton - Production Report for the Half Year Ended 31 December 2008
BHP Billiton Plc
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504
NEWS RELEASE
21 January 2009
02/09
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008
* Record half year production of iron ore and copper cathode.
* Record half year iron ore shipments.
* Half year production records at Western Australia Iron Ore, Saraji, Poitrel
and Hunter Valley Coal (all Australia), Samarco (Brazil) and Cerrejon Coal
(Colombia).
* Olympic Dam (Australia) achieved a half year record ore hoisted.
* Record half year and quarterly gas production at North West Shelf (Australia)
due to the start up of Train 5 and Angel projects.
BHP Billiton delivered a robust production performance in the first half of the
2009 financial year. This result was achieved within a challenging environment
that resulted in prudent decisions being made regarding production adjustments
as well as maintenance being brought forward.
Production adjustments announced by BHP Billiton to date have been limited to
Samarco (Brazil) and the Samancor manganese operations. In Western Australia
Iron Ore and our metallurgical coal operations, we have received requests for
deferrals from some long term contract customers. However, this has not impacted
iron ore or metallurgical coal production in the first half of the 2009
financial year. Whilst we sold the deferred long term iron ore tonnages into the
spot market, we will likely have to opportunistically adjust our metallurgical
coal production in line with the weaker demand, during the second half of the
2009 financial year.
In addition, BHP Billiton separately announced today that it will indefinitely
suspend operations at Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (Australia). Consequently,
Yabulu (Australia) will also stop the processing of the mixed nickel cobalt
hydroxide product.
The global economic environment deteriorated sharply in the last quarter of the
2008 calendar year and we expect the market to remain weak and uncertain.
However, we do expect the longer term fundamentals to remain healthy for our
commodities.
BHP Billiton CEO, Marius Kloppers, said the company`s performance and market
position meant that it was strongly placed for both the current market
conditions and the longer term market recovery.
"Given the very challenging environment the whole industry has faced over the
past few months, our production performance was particularly strong. We have
also been quick to take appropriate action to respond to market conditions, such
as the previously announced production adjustments and project withdrawals, and
we will continue to do so if required.
"Our strong balance sheet and uniquely diversified portfolio of high quality and
low cost assets place us in a competitive position in these market conditions
and we expect to take full advantage of the recovery when it occurs. We continue
to invest in growth, but with a highly disciplined and value-focused approach.
We also remain alert to potential value accretive acquisition opportunities that
may arise in the current market," he said.
Highlighting our commitment to long term growth, we sanctioned one iron ore and
three oil and gas projects during the half year, being Western Australia Iron
Ore Rapid Growth Project 5 (RGP5), Bass Strait Turrum (Australia), Angostura Gas
Phase II (Trinidad) and North West Shelf Cossack, Wanaea, Lambert, Hermes (CWLH)
Life Extension projects.
PETROLEUM DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Crude Oil, Condensate and 37,039 18,119 26% 21% -4%
Natural Gas Liquids (`000 bbl)
Natural Gas (bcf) 185.50 90.23 -1% -1% -5%
Total Petroleum Products 67.96 33.16 12% 10% -5%
(million boe)
Total Petroleum Production - Production was higher than the December 2007 half
year and quarter mainly driven by the successful delivery of a series of growth
projects and continued strong gas sales in Western Australia and Pakistan. This
strong growth was achieved despite the continuing impact of two hurricanes in
the Gulf of Mexico (USA).
Crude Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Liquids - In comparison to the December
2007 half year and quarter, production improved significantly due to the
contribution from growth projects. Successful development and infill drilling
programs have also helped to offset natural field decline in existing fields.
Production was slightly lower than the September 2008 quarter mainly due to the
expected seasonal reduction in demand at Bass Strait (Australia) and hurricane
related disruptions at Genghis Khan (USA).
The March 2009 quarter will be impacted by the Bass Strait ethane pipe rupture
late in the December 2008 quarter as well as flat production from Atlantis (USA)
due to the need to install water injection for reservoir support.
Natural Gas - Production was 5 per cent lower than the September 2008 quarter
due to the expected seasonal demand reduction in Eastern Australia. This was
partially offset by the ramp up of North West Shelf Train 5 and first production
from North West Shelf Angel.
ALUMINIUM DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Alumina (`000 tonnes) 2,237 1,139 -3% -2% 4%
Aluminium (`000 tonnes) 619 310 -8% -8% 0%
Alumina - Production improved following the scheduled maintenance at Alumar
(Brazil) and Worsley (Australia) during the September 2008 quarter.
Aluminium - The Southern African smelters continued to operate at reduced levels
to comply with the mandatory reduction in power consumption. The December 2008
half year included the complete shutdown of the B and C potlines at Bayside
(South Africa).
BASE METALS DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Copper (`000 tonnes) 617.1 308.2 -6% -11% 0%
Lead (tonnes) 122,215 63,963 -7% -9% 10%
Zinc (tonnes) 79,631 37,870 22% 36% -9%
Silver (`000 ounces) 21,815 11,515 -5% -3% 12%
Uranium Oxide Concentrate 1,970 860 -7% -28% -23%
(Uranium) (tonnes)
Copper - Production was lower than the half year and quarter ended December 2007
due to declining ore grade and electrical motor reliability issues at the Laguna
Seca SAG mill at Escondida (Chile).
This was partially offset by the continued ramp up of Spence and Escondida
Sulphide Leach (both Chile) and improved performance at Olympic Dam.
At 31 December 2008 the Group had 242,640 tonnes of outstanding copper sales
that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3,063 per tonne. The final
price of these sales will be determined in 2009. In addition, 327,941 tonnes of
copper sales were subject to a finalisation adjustment from the prior period.
The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31 December
2008 will decrease earnings(a) by US$1,297 million for the period.
Since 2005, Escondida has executed forward contracts for the physical delivery
of copper in order to achieve the average market prices over the relevant
quotational periods. Due to the significant fluctuations to copper prices and
unplanned interruptions at Escondida, this will decrease earnings(a) by US$333
million for the period.
In the December 2007 quarter, we opportunistically restarted copper sulphide
mining at Pinto Valley (USA) to take advantage of the market conditions at the
time. This is a short life and high cost operation, and as such is uneconomic in
the current environment. During February 2009 we will place the sulphide mining
operation on care and maintenance.
Lead - Production was lower than the half year and quarter ended December 2007
due to lower head grade at Cannington (Australia).
Production was higher than the September 2008 quarter due to increased mill
throughput and higher head grade at Cannington.
Zinc - Production was lower than the September 2008 quarter mainly due to a
reduction in head grade as a result of pit development sequencing at Antamina
(Peru). The December 2008 half year and quarter were higher than the comparative
December 2007 periods due to the processing of a higher proportion of ores
containing zinc and higher zinc head grades at Antamina.
Silver - Production decreased slightly in comparison to the December 2007 half
year and quarter mainly due to declining head grades at Cannington and
Escondida. Production increased compared to the September 2008 quarter mainly
due to improved head grade and mill throughput at Cannington.
Uranium - Production decreased versus all comparative quarters mainly due to
lower mill throughput and lower head grade at Olympic Dam.
DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Diamonds (`000 carats) 1,367 594 -27% -30% -23%
Diamonds - Production decreased due to lower grades following changed ore
sources. As Ekati (Canada) transitions from open pit mining to underground
mining the mix of ore processed will change from time to time.
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Nickel (`000 tonnes) 77.0 50.2 -6% 15% 87%
Nickel - Production for the December 2008 half year was lower primarily due to
the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter (Australia) furnace rebuild and maintenance at the
Kwinana Nickel Refinery (Australia) in the September 2008 quarter. Following
earlier than expected completion of the furnace rebuild, both the smelter and
refinery have fully ramped up and were operating at capacity in the December
2008 quarter. The start up of operations at Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation and
the Yabulu Extension Project adversely impacted earnings(a) by US$233 million
for the half year ended 31 December 2008. This is in addition to the impairment
charges for Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation and Yabulu.
In addition, BHP Billiton separately announced today that it will indefinitely
suspend operations at Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation. Consequently, Yabulu will
stop the processing of the mixed nickel cobalt hydroxide product.
IRON ORE DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Iron ore (`000 tonnes) (a) 59,179 29,355 10% 5% -2%
Iron Ore - Production for the half year and quarter ended December 2008
benefited from the successful ramp up of growth projects at Western Australia
Iron Ore and Samarco. This was in part offset by the impact of the temporary
suspension of operations following safety incidents and production interruptions
at Western Australia Iron Ore.
Western Australia Iron Ore is expected to produce 130 million tonnes (100 per
cent basis) in the 2009 financial year.
At the end of November 2008, in response to weak demand Samarco announced the
temporary suspension of two of its three pellet plants to mid-January 2009.
Following a subsequent reassessment of the market conditions, the suspension
will continue until the end of March 2009, at which time Samarco management will
reassess the situation.
Western Australia Iron Ore has deferred some sales to long term contract
customers. However, these deferred tonnes have been sold on the spot market.
MANGANESE DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
07 Q07 Q08
Manganese Ore (`000 tonnes) 3,242 1,412 6% -12% -23%
Manganese Alloy (`000 tonnes) 384 181 -2% -13% -11%
Manganese Ore - Production was higher than the December 2007 half year due to
improved mine performance at Hotazel (South Africa) and increased availability
of rail and port capacity in South Africa. Production decreased versus the
December 2007 and September 2008 quarters in line with previously announced
production cuts. Resources at GEMCO (Australia) were utilised for development
and re-building product inventories.
Manganese Alloy - Production was lower than the December 2007 half year and the
September 2008 quarter as production cuts were implemented in response to weak
demand.
METALLURGICAL COAL DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Metallurgical Coal (`000 19,360 10,150 1% 5% 10%
tonnes)
Metallurgical Coal - Production increased versus all comparative periods due to
the full recovery from the flood events in Queensland and planned longwall
change out at Illawarra Coal`s Appin mine (Australia).
Shipments for the December 2008 quarter were impacted by weaker demand.
Queensland Coal has deferred some sales to long term contract customers. Demand
for metallurgical coal is expected to be weaker for the second half of the 2009
financial year. As a result, sales for the full year will be slightly lower
than in the 2008 financial year. It is likely that BHP Billiton will
opportunistically adjust production at its metallurgical coal operations during
the second half of the 2009 financial year. This will include re-building
depleted above-ground and in-pit inventories, bringing forward necessary
maintenance and adjusting the use of workforce at the operations. Production
for the second half of the 2009 financial year is expected to be approximately
10 to 15 per cent below current capacity on an annualised basis.
ENERGY COAL DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
2008 2008 H08 Q08 Q08
HALF QTR vs vs vs
DEC DEC SEPT
H07 Q07 Q08
Energy Coal (`000 tonnes) (c) 35,272 16,476 2% -6% -12%
Energy Coal - Production was lower for the December 2008 quarter due to
scheduled outages at Navajo and poor geological conditions at San Juan (both
USA). In addition, Douglas Underground (South Africa) production was lower as it
ramped down to closure and Cerrejon was impacted by wet weather.
Hunter Valley Coal and Cerrejon Coal achieved half yearly production records.
a) Earnings before interest and tax.
b) Including Goldsworthy operations classified as continuing operations as at 1
July 2008. Reclassification is consistent with the long term mine production
strategy.
c) Excluding Optimum operation which was sold effective 1 July 2007.
****
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BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077
Registered in Australia
Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
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Registered Office: Neathouse Place
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A member of the BHP Billiton group which is headquartered in Australia
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR % CHANGE
ENDED
DEC DEC DEC
H08 Q08 Q08
DEC SEPT DEC DEC DEC vs vs vs
2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 DEC DEC SEP
H07 Q07 Q08
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & (`000 12,31 16,18 16,01 32,192 23,616 36% 30% -1%
condensate bbl) 7 0 2
Natural gas (bcf) 91.21 95.27 90.23 185.50 186.89 -1% -1% -5%
Natural gas (`000 2,685 2,740 2,107 4,847 5,780 -16% -22% -23%
liquid bbl)
Total (millio 30.20 34.80 33.16 67.96 60.54 12% 10% -5%
Petroleum n boe)
Products
ALUMINIUM
Alumina (`000 1,157 1,098 1,139 2,237 2,310 -3% -2% 4%
tonnes)
Aluminium (`000 338 309 310 619 675 -8% -8% 0%
tonnes)
BASE METALS
Copper (`000 348.1 308.9 308.2 617.1 655.9 -6% -11% 0%
tonnes)
Lead (tonnes) 70,54 58,25 63,96 122,21 132,06 -7% -9% 10%
4 2 3 5 5
Zinc (tonnes) 27,80 41,76 37,87 79,631 65,066 22% 36% -9%
7 1 0
Gold (ounces) 45,71 41,75 45,79 87,541 86,027 2% 0% 10%
4 1 0
Silver (`000 11,90 10,30 11,51 21,815 23,029 -5% -3% 12%
ounces) 5 0 5
Uranium (tonnes) 1,191 1,110 860 1,970 2,124 -7% -28% -23%
oxide
concentrate
Molybdenum (tonnes) 679 608 411 1,018 1,372 -26% -40% -32%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds (`000 843 773 594 1,367 1,865 -27% -30% -23%
carats)
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel (`000 43.7 26.8 50.2 77.0 82.3 -6% 15% 87%
tonnes)
IRON ORE
Iron ore (a) (`000 27,91 29,82 29,35 59,179 53,917 10% 5% -2%
tonnes) 6 4 5
MANGANESE
Manganese ore (`000 1,613 1,830 1,412 3,242 3,058 6% -12% -23%
tonnes)
Manganese (`000 209 203 181 384 393 -2% -13% -11%
alloy tonnes)
METALLURGICAL
COAL
Metallurgical (`000 9,643 9,210 10,15 19,360 19,215 1% 5% 10%
coal tonnes) 0
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal (`000 17,52 18,79 16,47 35,272 34,459 2% -6% -12%
(b) tonnes) 5 6 6
(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 HALF YEAR ENDED
BHP DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
Billiton
Interest 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & (`000 12,317 16,240 17,588 16,180 16,012 32,192 23,616
condensate bbl)
Natural gas (bcf) 91.21 85.76 95.37 95.27 90.23 185.50 186.89
NGL (a) (`000 2,685 2,201 2,743 2,740 2,107 4,847 5,780
bbl)
Total (million 30.20 32.73 36.23 34.80 33.16 67.96 60.54
Petroleum boe)
Products
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production
(`000 tonnes)
Worsley 86% 771 712 768 733 756 1,489 1,555
Suriname 45% 252 247 240 241 242 483 496
Alumar 36% 134 136 141 124 141 265 259
Total 1,157 1,095 1,149 1,098 1,139 2,237 2,310
ALUMINIUM
Production
(`000 tonnes)
Hillside 100% 180 167 170 175 176 351 358
Bayside 100% 47 44 29 25 25 50 95
Alumar 40% 44 45 45 45 44 89 88
Mozal 47% 67 62 61 64 65 129 134
Total 338 318 305 309 310 619 675
BASE METALS (b)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (`000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 177.3 157.0 178.2 116.8 102.7 219.5 344.3
Antamina 33.8% 29.3 24.1 30.8 28.4 28.6 57.0 56.8
Pinto Valley 100% 5.2 9.6 12.0 14.2 14.7 28.9 5.2
(d)
Total 211.8 190.7 221.0 159.4 146.0 305.4 406.3
Cathode (`000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 30.3 30.1 40.3 35.6 42.1 77.7 61.2
Cerro 100% 27.3 28.7 27.3 21.8 26.3 48.1 50.4
Colorado
Spence (c) 100% 34.2 41.6 43.0 35.7 44.5 80.2 58.1
Pinto Valley 100% 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.7 3.3 3.5
(d)
Olympic Dam 100% 42.8 36.0 57.5 54.8 47.6 102.4 76.4
Total 136.3 138.2 169.7 149.5 162.2 311.7 249.6
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 70,369 67,505 52,601 57,768 63,563 121,331 131,442
Antamina 33.8% 175 380 575 484 400 884 623
Total 70,544 67,885 53,176 58,252 63,963 122,215 132,065
BASE METALS (continued)
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 15,487 13,735 17,244 14,449 14,199 28,648 29,990
Antamina 33.8% 12,320 22,235 26,210 27,312 23,671 50,983 35,076
Total 27,807 35,970 43,454 41,761 37,870 79,631 65,066
Refer footnotes on page 4.
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 21,376 17,660 17,501 14,391 17,840 32,231 44,570
Olympic Dam 100% 24,338 18,555 20,505 27,360 27,950 55,310 41,457
(refined
gold)
Pinto Valley 100% - 1,300 - - - - -
(d)
Total 45,714 37,515 38,006 41,751 45,790 87,541 86,027
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (`000 ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 877 790 821 668 738 1,406 1,993
Antamina 33.8% 652 803 994 932 915 1,847 1,708
Cannington 100% 10,124 9,421 7,181 8,391 9,565 17,956 18,883
Olympic Dam 100% 239 169 179 244 234 478 432
(refined
silver)
Pinto Valley 100% 13 38 62 65 63 129 13
(d)
Total 11,905 11,221 9,236 10,300 11,515 21,815 23,029
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam 100% 1,191 993 1,027 1,110 860 1,970 2,124
Total 1,191 993 1,027 1,110 860 1,970 2,124
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina 33.8% 679 580 590 514 365 879 1,372
Pinto Valley 100% - - - 94 46 139 -
(d)
Total 679 580 590 608 411 1,018 1,372
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (`000 carats)
EkatiTrade 80% 843 620 864 773 594 1,367 1,865
Mark
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (`000 tonnes)
CMSA 99.9% 11.4 7.8 10.1 10.7 13.0 23.7 23.9
Yabulu 100% 6.0 6.2 10.3 9.1 9.5 18.6 11.5
Nickel West 100% 26.3 29.0 22.1 7.0 27.7 34.7 46.9
Total 43.7 43.0 42.6 26.8 50.2 77.0 82.3
Refer footnotes on page 4.
IRON ORE
Production (`000 tonnes) (e)
Mt Newman 85% 8,147 7,265 7,013 7,210 7,006 14,216 16,051
Joint
Venture
Goldsworthy 85% 170 386 251 232 346 578 304
Joint
Venture
Area C Joint 85% 6,474 7,114 8,626 9,209 8,716 17,925 11,390
Venture
Yandi Joint 85% 9,770 10,061 10,622 8,961 10,026 18,987 19,593
Venture
Jimblebar 85% 1,248 1,660 1,054 1,461 1,040 2,501 2,405
Samarco 50% 2,107 1,933 2,357 2,751 2,221 4,972 4,174
Total 27,916 28,419 29,924 29,824 29,355 59,179 53,917
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (`000 tonnes)
South Africa 60% 709 877 882 929 755 1,684 1,281
(f)
Australia 60% 904 789 969 901 657 1,558 1,777
(f)
Total 1,613 1,666 1,851 1,830 1,412 3,242 3,058
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (`000 tonnes)
South Africa 60% 141 125 124 133 112 245 264
(f) (g)
Australia 60% 68 67 66 70 69 139 129
(f)
Total 209 192 190 203 181 384 393
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (`000 tonnes) (h)
BMA 50% 6,138 4,232 6,508 6,384 6,781 13,165 12,055
BHP Mitsui 80% 1,526 847 1,306 1,633 1,771 3,404 2,980
Coal (i)
Illawarra 100% 1,979 1,767 1,318 1,193 1,598 2,791 4,180
Total 9,643 6,846 9,132 9,210 10,150 19,360 19,215
ENERGY COAL
Production (`000 tonnes)
South Africa 100% 11,277 11,129 10,960 9,009 8,031 17,040 22,983
USA 100% 3,671 2,636 4,834 4,005 3,017 7,022 6,182
Australia 100% 2,959 2,965 2,934 2,975 2,993 5,968 5,877
Colombia 33% 2,702 2,553 2,625 2,807 2,435 5,242 5,190
Total 20,609 19,283 21,353 18,796 16,476 35,272 40,232
(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.
During February 2009 the operations will be placed on care and maintenance.
(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 HALF YEAR
ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (`000 barrels)
Bass Strait 3,103 2,918 3,184 3,412 3,230 6,642 6,741
North West Shelf (a) 2,493 1,912 2,153 2,115 2,434 4,549 5,025
Stybarrow (b) 1,017 2,979 3,527 3,376 2,720 6,096 1,017
Other Australia (c) 260 157 263 206 185 391 510
Atlantis (d) 615 3,320 3,471 2,232 2,319 4,551 615
Shenzi (d) 32 194 322 186 - 186 32
Trinidad /Tobago 1,103 946 879 705 568 1,273 2,110
Other Americas (e) 961 1,160 1,309 1,561 2,025 3,586 2,013
UK 946 935 836 680 777 1,457 1,869
Algeria 1,709 1,628 1,555 1,624 1,664 3,288 3,539
Pakistan 78 91 88 83 90 173 145
Total 12,317 16,240 17,588 16,180 16,012 32,192 23,616
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) (d)
Bass Strait 28.41 22.44 33.31 37.08 25.12 62.20 68.18
North West Shelf (a) 28.13 26.43 26.76 27.01 31.79 58.80 55.30
Other Australia (c) 8.21 7.45 6.64 7.33 6.35 13.68 16.17
Atlantis (d) 0.12 1.54 2.07 1.25 1.16 2.41 0.12
Shenzi (d) 0.01 0.06 0.07 0.04 - 0.04 0.01
Other Americas (e) 2.05 1.95 2.05 1.74 1.68 3.42 4.05
UK 12.70 12.32 11.32 7.51 9.70 17.21 21.57
Pakistan 11.58 13.57 13.14 13.31 14.43 27.74 21.49
Total 91.21 85.76 95.37 95.27 90.23 185.50 186.89
NGL (`000 barrels)
Bass Strait 1,801 1,571 2,056 2,149 1,352 3,501 4,128
North West Shelf (a) 417 300 343 364 402 766 855
UK 153 109 116 41 89 130 201
Algeria 314 221 228 186 264 450 596
Total 2,685 2,201 2,743 2,740 2,107 4,847 5,780
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 30.20 32.73 36.23 34.80 33.16 67.96 60.54
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)
(a) North West Shelf LNG Train 5 was commissioned during the September 2008
quarter.
(b) The Stybarrow operation was commisioned during the December 2007 quarter.
(c) Other Australia includes Griffin and Minerva.
(d) The Atlantis and Genghis Khan operations were commissioned during the
December 2007 quarter. Genghis Khan is reported in Shenzi.
(e) Other Americas includes Neptune, Mad Dog, West Cameron 76, Mustang, Genesis
and Starlifter. The Neptune operation was commissioned during the
September 2008 quarter.
(f) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000scf of
natural gas equals 1 boe.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR
ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia
771 712 768 733 756 1,489 1,555
Paranam, Suriname
252 247 240 241 242 483 496
Alumar, Brazil
134 136 141 124 141 265 259
Total
1,157 1,095 1,149 1,098 1,139 2,237 2,310
Sales
Worsley, Australia
803 683 703 781 763 1,544 1,595
Paranam, Suriname
265 246 261 216 252 468 509
Alumar, Brazil
128 135 137 128 140 268 259
Total (a)
1,196 1,064 1,101 1,125 1,155 2,280 2,363
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa
180 167 170 175 176 351 358
Bayside, South Africa
47 44 29 25 25 50 95
Alumar, Brazil
44 45 45 45 44 89 88
Mozal, Mozambique
67 62 61 64 65 129 134
Total
338 318 305 309 310 619 675
Sales
Hillside, South Africa
180 159 183 160 185 345 345
Bayside, South Africa
50 48 29 24 24 48 100
Alumar, Brazil
48 43 47 37 50 87 91
Mozal, Mozambique
72 57 73 36 105 141 128
Total
350 307 332 257 364 621 664
Tolling Agreement (a)
33 30 34 31 27 58 66
383 337 366 288 391 679 730
(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 HALF YEAR ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 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 (`000
mined tonnes) 88,319 102,566 103,253 99,375 100,544 199,919 171,314
(100%)
Sulphide (`000
ore milled tonnes) 21,777 22,029 24,491 20,416 22,516 42,932 44,183
(100%)
Average (%) 1.72% 1.56% 1.55% 1.32% 1.04% 1.17% 1.67%
copper
grade
Production (`000
ex Mill tonnes) 316.8 285.0 312.7 208.6 186.3 394.9 622.0
(100%)
Production
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 177.3 157.0 178.2 116.8 102.7 219.5 344.3
Payable (fine
gold ounces) 21,376 17,660 17,501 14,391 17,840 32,231 44,570
concentrate
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 30.3 30.1 40.3 35.6 42.1 77.7 61.2
(EW)
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 877 790 821 668 738 1,406 1,993
concentrate
Sales
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 173.0 160.6 178.4 118.2 93.8 212.0 335.9
Payable (fine
gold ounces) 21,158 18,190 17,477 14,521 16,377 30,898 44,115
concentrate
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 23.8 32.3 41.6 31.2 41.8 73.0 55.5
(EW)
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 864 813 820 666 678 1,344 1,953
concentrate
Cerro Colorado, Chile
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 17,798 16,769 17,107 16,526 18,598 35,124 34,893
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 4,410 4,437 4,599 4,594 4,379 8,973 8,688
Average (%) 1.03% 0.80% 0.85% 0.86% 0.86% 0.86% 0.94%
copper
grade
Production
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 27.3 28.7 27.3 21.8 26.3 48.1 50.4
(EW)
Sales
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 24.5 28.5 29.8 23.7 26.2 49.9 48.0
(EW)
Spence, Chile (a)
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 19,758 20,335 20,065 18,738 20,562 39,300 36,741
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 4,333 3,918 4,255 4,490 4,154 8,644 8,465
Average (%) 1.61% 1.48% 1.85% 2.18% 1.66% 1.93% 1.59%
copper
grade
Production
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 34.2 41.6 43.0 35.7 44.5 80.2 58.1
(EW)
Sales
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 24.0 39.9 51.3 34.6 43.3 77.9 53.5
(EW)
(a) Spence operations were commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.
Antamina,
Peru
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 31,289 29,095 29,336 30,026 28,111 58,137 62,434
(100%)
Sulphide (`000
ore milled tonnes) 6,955 6,518 7,729 8,133 8,058 16,191 15,299
(100%)
Average
head grades
- Copper (%) 1.47% 1.21% 1.38% 1.15% 1.25% 1.20% 1.30%
- Zinc (%) 0.69% 1.55% 1.46% 1.54% 1.33% 1.43% 0.95%
Production
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 29.3 24.1 30.8 28.4 28.6 57.0 56.8
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 12,320 22,235 26,210 27,312 23,671 50,983 35,076
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 652 803 994 932 915 1,847 1,708
Payable (tonnes)
lead 175 380 575 484 400 884 623
Payable (tonnes)
molybdenum 679 580 590 514 365 879 1,372
Sales
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 32.6 20.4 33.5 26.7 29.4 56.1 61.1
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 12,458 16,630 29,385 26,402 27,024 53,426 37,764
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 719 512 940 719 844 1,563 1,636
Payable (tonnes)
lead 140 261 461 387 518 905 474
Payable (tonnes)
molybdenum 605 531 837 482 398 880 1,267
Cannington,
Australia
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 808 698 821 724 863 1,587 1,632
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 755 726 658 824 817 1,641 1,416
Average
head grades
- Silver (g/t)
489 472 397 384 438 411 484
- Lead (%) 10.7% 10.7% 9.2% 8.3% 9.5% 8.9% 10.5%
- Zinc (%) 3.3% 3.2% 3.8% 3.0% 3.1% 3.0% 3.4%
Production
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 10,124 9,421 7,181 8,391 9,565 17,956 18,883
Payable (tonnes)
lead 70,369 67,505 52,601 57,768 63,563 121,331 131,442
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 15,487 13,735 17,244 14,449 14,199 28,648 29,990
Sales
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 11,266 7,727 8,918 9,507 9,958 19,465 17,991
Payable (tonnes)
lead 78,325 53,167 62,997 64,980 67,467 132,447 124,473
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 19,577 9,629 17,710 16,949 10,990 27,939 28,834
Olympic Dam,
Australia
Material (`000
mined (a) tonnes) 2,520 2,333 2,397 2,628 2,419 5,047 4,944
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 2,552 2,225 2,570 2,518 2,456 4,974 4,791
Average (%) 1.86% 1.86% 2.06% 2.08% 1.80% 1.94% 1.85%
copper
grade
Average kg/t
uranium 0.63 0.59 0.58 0.56 0.50 0.53 0.60
grade
Production
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 40.2 32.9 53.2 51.9 44.6 96.5 70.8
(ER)
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 2.6 3.1 4.4 2.9 3.0 5.9 5.6
(EW)
Uranium (tonnes)
oxide 1,191 993 1,027 1,110 860 1,970 2,124
concentrate
Refined (fine
gold ounces) 24,338 18,555 20,505 27,360 27,950 55,310 41,457
Refined (`000
silver ounces) 239 169 179 244 234 478 432
Sales
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 41.0 31.9 52.0 49.5 48.3 97.8 71.7
(ER)
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 2.5 2.3 4.3 3.3 2.8 6.1 5.6
(EW)
Uranium (tonnes)
oxide 346 1,182 1,610 868 1,262 2,130 908
concentrate
Refined (fine
gold ounces) 21,760 19,767 19,556 26,121 26,383 52,504 41,878
Refined (`000
silver ounces) 237 173 185 232 250 482 429
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley,
USA
Production
Copper (`000
concentrate tonnes) 5.2 9.6 12.0 14.2 14.7 28.9 5.2
(a)
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.7 3.3 3.5
(EW)
Payable (`000
silver (a) ounces) 13.3 38.4 61.7 65.2 63.3 128.5 13.3
Payable (`000
gold (a) ounces) - 1.3 - - - - -
Payable (tonnes)
molybdenum 93.7 45.6 139.3 -
Sales
Copper (`000
concentrate tonnes) 2.6 7.9 12.4 14.0 13.0 27.0 2.6
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 0.9 4.0 1.4 1.6 1.4 3.0 1.8
(EW)
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 13.3 38.4 61.7 65.2 63.3 128.5 13.3
Payable (`000
gold ounces) - 1.3 - - - - -
Payable (tonnes) - - -
molybdenum 15.0 44.0 59.0 -
(a) Production restarted during the December 2007 quarter. During February
2009 the operations will be placed on care and maintenance
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR
ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
EkatiTrade Mark,
Canada
Ore Processed (`000
(100%) tonnes) 1,080 967 1,356 1,192 910 2,102 2,089
Production (`000
carats) 843 620 864 773 594 1,367 1,865
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR
ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production
11.4 7.8 10.1 10.7 13.0 23.7 23.9
Sales
13.2 13.6 8.2 10.7 11.0 21.7 20.1
Yabulu, Australia (a)
Production
Nickel metal
6.0 6.2 10.3 9.1 9.5 18.6 11.5
Cobalt
0.4 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.9
Sales
Nickel metal
6.3 6.5 9.7 7.2 9.4 16.6 11.6
Cobalt
0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.9
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in
concentrate 1.2 1.3 2.8 6.4 5.4 11.8 1.2
Nickel contained in
finished matte 8.5 10.3 4.9 0.6 10.8 11.4 12.4
Nickel metal
16.6 17.4 14.5 - 11.5 11.5 33.3
Nickel production
26.3 29.0 22.1 7.0 27.7 34.7 46.9
Sales
Nickel contained in
concentrate 0.9 0.6 3.8 6.1 5.6 11.7 0.9
Nickel contained in
finished matte 9.5 9.4 7.2 - 10.2 10.2 15.7
Nickel metal
14.4 15.7 20.7 4.7 6.6 11.3 29.1
Nickel sales
24.8 25.7 31.7 10.8 22.4 33.2 45.7
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
HALF YEAR
QUARTER ENDED ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 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
Venture 8,147 7,265 7,013 7,210 7,006 14,216 16,051
Goldsworthy Joint
Venture 170 386 251 232 346 578 304
Area C Joint Venture
6,474 7,114 8,626 9,209 8,716 17,925 11,390
Yandi Joint Venture
9,770 10,061 10,622 8,961 10,026 18,987 19,593
Jimblebar
1,248 1,660 1,054 1,461 1,040 2,501 2,405
Total (BHP Billiton
share) 25,809 26,486 27,567 27,073 27,134 54,207 49,743
Total production
(100%) 30,363 31,160 32,432 31,851 31,922 63,773 58,522
Shipments
Lump
7,179 7,603 8,282 9,172 7,598 16,770 13,255
Fines
18,847 19,714 19,881 19,013 18,917 37,930 36,826
Total (BHP Billiton
share) 26,026 27,317 28,164 28,185 26,515 54,700 50,081
Total sales (100%)
30,619 32,138 33,134 33,159 31,194 64,353 58,919
Samarco, Brazil
Production 2,107 1,933 2,357 2,751 2,221 4,972 4,174
Shipments 2,316 1,589 2,234 2,836 1,808 4,644 4,166
(a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
HALF YEAR
QUARTER ENDED ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa
Saleable production
(a) 709 877 882 929 755 1,684 1,281
Australia
Saleable production
(a) 904 789 969 901 657 1,558 1,777
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa
Saleable production
(a) (b) 141 125 124 133 112 245 264
Australia
Saleable production
(a) 68 67 66 70 69 139 129
(a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
(b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
HALF YEAR
QUARTER ENDED ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 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
1,370 1,345 1,510 1,457 1,239 2,696 2,777
Goonyella
1,505 1,117 1,737 1,699 1,915 3,614 3,182
Peak Downs
1,243 849 1,121 914 1,103 2,017 2,124
Saraji
890 376 853 1,104 1,027 2,131 1,667
Norwich Park
576 306 642 439 605 1,044 1,078
Gregory Joint Venture
554 239 644 771 892 1,663 1,227
BMA total
6,138 4,232 6,508 6,384 6,781 13,165 12,055
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek
868 438 617 1,049 943 1,992 1,807
Poitrel
658 409 688 584 828 1,412 1,173
BHP Mitsui Coal total
1,526 847 1,306 1,633 1,771 3,404 2,980
Queensland total
7,664 5,079 7,814 8,017 8,552 16,569 15,035
Shipments
Coking coal
5,875 3,790 5,275 5,923 5,590 11,513 11,354
Weak coking coal
1,966 1,726 1,442 1,961 1,547 3,508 3,634
Thermal coal
328 497 491 462 297 759 844
Total
8,169 6,013 7,207 8,346 7,434 15,780 15,832
Illawarra, Australia
Production
1,979 1,767 1,318 1,193 1,598 2,791 4,180
Shipments
Coking coal
1,851 1,549 1,097 895 1,195 2,090 3,757
Thermal coal
290 194 157 160 166 326 489
Total
2,141 1,743 1,254 1,055 1,361 2,416 4,246
(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%.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
HALF YEAR
QUARTER ENDED ENDED
DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
South Africa (a)
Production
11,277 11,129 10,960 9,009 8,031 17,040 22,983
Sales
Export
4,269 3,119 3,989 2,329 2,945 5,274 8,476
Local utility
7,351 7,430 7,381 7,066 6,212 13,278 14,414
Inland
209 190 487 376 123 499 597
Total
11,829 10,739 11,857 9,771 9,280 19,051 23,487
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal
1,899 1,800 2,286 2,064 1,923 3,987 3,447
San Juan Coal
1,772 836 2,548 1,941 1,094 3,035 2,735
Total
3,671 2,636 4,834 4,005 3,017 7,022 6,182
Sales - local utility
3,254 2,573 3,207 3,660 3,605 7,265 6,947
Hunter Valley, Australia
Production
2,959 2,965 2,934 2,975 2,993 5,968 5,877
Sales
Export
1,892 1,842 2,549 1,849 2,242 4,091 3,315
Inland
985 791 512 946 650 1,596 2,164
Total
2,877 2,633 3,061 2,795 2,892 5,687 5,479
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production
2,702 2,553 2,625 2,807 2,435 5,242 5,190
Sales - export
2,334 2,534 2,547 2,593 2,829 5,422 5,095
(a) Comparative periods include production from the South African Optimum
operations, which was sold effective from 1 July 2007
Date: 21/01/2009 07:15:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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