BIL - BHP Billiton Plc - BHP Billiton production r18 Jan 2012
BIL
BIBLT                                                                           
BIL - BHP Billiton Plc - BHP Billiton production report for the quarter ended   
31 December 2011                                                                
BHP Billiton Plc                                                                
Share code:    BIL                                                              
ISIN:          GB0000566504                                                     
NEWS RELEASE                                                                    
18 January 2012                                                                 
01/12                                                                           
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011           
* Western Australia Iron Ore production rose to a record annualised rate of     
178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis) in the December 2011 quarter, a 25%   
increase over the previous corresponding period.                                
* A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a  
27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.                 
* Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal   
(Australia) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia), two of BHP Billiton`s high value,     
export oriented energy coal operations.                                         
* Petroleum production increased 36% from the December 2010 half year           
following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US          
businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.        
Petroleum                                                                       
                           DEC 2011  DEC 2011  DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11    
                          HALF      QTR       DEC H10    DEC Q10    vs SEP      
Q11             
Crude oil, condensate and   44,066    22,228    -10%       -5%        2%        
natural gas liquids (`000                                                       
boe)                                                                            
Natural gas (bcf)           391.84    214.49    108%       160%       21%       
Total petroleum products    109.38    57.98     36%        56%        13%       
(million boe)                                                                   
Total petroleum production - Petroleum production increased 36 per cent from    
the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and   
Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing,    
operated assets.                                                                
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids - Liquids volumes increased       
marginally from the September 2011 quarter as production from the Onshore US    
portfolio, development drilling at Shenzi and high uptime at Atlantis (all      
USA) offset anticipated field decline.                                          
The contribution from the Onshore US portfolio resulted in an eight per cent    
increase in natural gas liquids production in the December 2011 half year,      
although anticipated field decline and the temporary shut down of the non-      
operated Mad Dog facility (USA) resulted in lower overall liquids production    
relative to the prior corresponding period. Mad Dog is forecast by the          
operator to remain shut down until the June 2012 quarter.                       
Natural gas - Natural gas production was higher than all comparable periods     
reflecting strong performance from the Onshore US and Angostura (Trinidad and   
Tobago) businesses. Gas production in eastern Australia was down against the    
September 2011 quarter due to lower seasonal demand.                            
Aluminium                                                                       
                DEC 2011   DEC 2011   DEC H11 vs    DEC Q11 vs     DEC Q11 vs   
               HALF       QTR        DEC H10       DEC Q10        SEP Q11       
Alumina (`000    2,061      1,001      2%            -2%            -6%         
tonnes)                                                                         
Aluminium (`000  628        313        0%            0%             -1%         
tonnes)                                                                         
Alumina - Sales volumes increased when compared with all corresponding periods  
as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity.    
While a planned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia) constrained production   
during the December 2011 quarter, volumes are expected to recover as the        
refinery processes stockpiled hydrate in future periods.                        
Aluminium - Production was in line with comparable periods with all operations  
running at, or close to, maximum technical capacity.                            
Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium    
business continues to be challenged by underlying cost pressure and weaker      
prices.                                                                         
Base Metals                                                                     
                         DEC 2011   DEC 2011  DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs  DEC Q11 vs 
HALF       QTR       DEC H10    DEC Q10     SEP Q11     
Copper (`000 tonnes)      500.6      280.3     -16%       -7%         27%       
Lead (tonnes)             122,651    66,992    -9%        3%          20%       
Zinc (tonnes)             51,742     28,298    -33%       -23%        21%       
Silver (`000 ounces)      20,054     10,903    -15%       -6%         19%       
Uranium oxide concentrate 1,909      909       -3%        -5%         -9%       
(Uranium) (tonnes)                                                              
Copper - A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio       
delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.     
Escondida (Chile) average mill throughput per day steadily increased as         
operations recovered from the industrial action that affected production in     
the prior quarter. In addition, Olympic Dam (Australia) benefited from higher   
grades and improved smelter availability following the planned outage in the    
September 2011 quarter. The expansion of mining fleets at Antamina (Peru) and   
Pampa Norte (Chile) contributed to half yearly material mined records for both  
assets.                                                                         
Consistent with prior guidance, Escondida production is forecast to be          
marginally lower in the 2012 financial year, with volumes weighted to the       
second half. Production is expected to improve beyond the 2012 financial year   
as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the   
Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit.                                   
At 31 December 2011, the Group had 219,718 tonnes of outstanding copper sales   
that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.45 per pound. The final  
price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2012          
financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011       
financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current         
period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31     
December 2011 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$258 million  
for the period.                                                                 
Lead/silver - Production at Cannington (Australia) decreased in the December    
2011 half year reflecting lower average ore grades.                             
Zinc - Production at Antamina decreased in the December 2011 half year as       
mining continued to progress through a copper rich ore zone.                    
Uranium - Production was broadly in line with all comparable periods.           
Diamonds & Specialty Products                                                   
                DEC 2011   DEC 2011   DEC H11 vs    DEC Q11 vs     DEC Q11 vs   
HALF       QTR        DEC H10       DEC Q10        SEP Q11       
Diamonds (`000   938        481        -32%          -29%           5%          
carats)                                                                         
Diamonds - As anticipated, production in the December 2011 half year was lower  
than the prior corresponding period. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to   
remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade     
material, consistent with the mine plan.                                        
During the quarter, BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business,   
including the Group`s interests in the EKATI Diamond Mine. The process is       
ongoing and could continue through the first half of the 2012 calendar year.    
Stainless Steel Materials                                                       
               DEC 2011   DEC 2011   DEC H11 vs     DEC Q11 vs     DEC Q11 vs   
HALF       QTR        DEC H10        DEC Q10        SEP Q11       
Nickel (`000    73.5       38.4       -10%           -11%           9%          
tonnes)                                                                         
Nickel - Production increased in the December 2011 quarter with the Line 1      
furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) operating at full production rates           
following its successful replacement in the prior quarter. In addition, higher  
nickel in matte production at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie smelter (Australia)    
compensated for a decline in metal production at the Nickel West Kwinana        
refinery that resulted from a planned outage at a third party hydrogen          
supplier. Nickel West Kwinana is expected to commission its new hydrogen plant  
in the March 2012 quarter.                                                      
The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project, which enables the processing    
of talc bearing ore, was successfully commissioned in December 2011.            
Nickel West operating margins remain sensitive to persistent weakness in        
nickel prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar.              
Iron Ore                                                                        
DEC 2011    DEC 2011   DEC H11 vs    DEC Q11 vs     DEC Q11 vs  
               HALF        QTR        DEC H10       DEC Q10        SEP Q11      
Iron ore (`000   80,644      41,072     23%           22%            4%         
tonnes)                                                                         
Iron ore - Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) delivered another quarterly        
record as production rose to an annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per       
annum (100% basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the ramp up of   
Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company`s rail              
infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland all         
contributed to the record performance. While scheduled maintenance, tie-in      
activities and the wet season in the Pilbara are expected to affect WAIO        
production in the second half of the 2012 financial year, full year production  
is now forecast to marginally exceed prior guidance of 159 million tonnes per   
annum (100% basis).                                                             
Production at Samarco (Brazil) was in line with comparable periods with all     
three pellet plants continuing to run at full capacity.                         
Manganese                                                                       
                   DEC 2011    DEC 2011  DEC H11 vs    DEC Q11 vs   DEC Q11 vs  
                  HALF        QTR       DEC H10       DEC Q10      SEP Q11      
Manganese ore (`000 3,825       1,806     -3%           -1%          -11%       
tonnes)                                                                         
Manganese alloy     389         195       -1%           2%           1%         
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
Manganese ore - Production was lower than the September 2011 quarter as         
planned maintenance at Hotazel (South Africa) and a weather related reduction   
in plant availability at GEMCO (Australia) constrained performance.             
Manganese alloy - Alloy production was in line with comparable periods.         
Metallurgical Coal                                                              
DEC 2011   DEC 2011  DEC H11 vs   DEC Q11 vs   DEC Q11 vs 
                     HALF       QTR       DEC H10      DEC Q10      SEP Q11     
Metallurgical coal     17,784     8,493     -2%          9%           -9%       
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
Metallurgical coal - Queensland Coal (Australia) volumes for the December 2011  
quarter remained below capacity as a result of stoppages associated with the    
ongoing labour negotiations and the remnant effects of wet weather. In          
addition, geotechnical issues at the Gregory Crinum longwall adversely          
affected production in the period. While system capability is no longer         
constrained by the 2011 floods, the extent to which industrial action will      
continue to impact production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict.    
Illawarra Coal (Australia) production increased in the December 2011 half year  
following successful longwall moves at Dendrobium and Appin in the June 2011    
quarter. Volumes were lower than the September 2011 quarter as a planned        
shutdown of the West Cliff Coal Handling Preparation Plant was undertaken in    
readiness for commissioning of a plant upgrade. A longwall move and plant       
shutdown at Dendrobium is scheduled for the March 2012 quarter.                 
Energy Coal                                                                     
                 DEC 2011    DEC 2011   DEC H11 vs    DEC Q11 vs    DEC Q11 vs  
                HALF        QTR        DEC H10       DEC Q10       SEP Q11      
Energy coal (`000 35,379      16,919     5%            2%            -8%        
tonnes)                                                                         
Energy coal - Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales   
Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal, two of BHP Billiton`s high value, export         
oriented energy coal operations. However, unfavourable mining conditions and    
an industrial dispute at South Africa Coal, together with the suspension of     
operations at San Juan Coal (USA), resulted in lower production relative to     
the September 2011 quarter.                                                     
Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to    
BHP Billiton`s share and exclude suspended and sold operations.                 
****                                                                            
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affiliated with Barclays Capital)                                               
Media Relations                                                                 
Australia                                                                       
Samantha Stevens                                                                
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898  Mobile: +61 400 693 915                                   
email: Samantha.Stevens@bhpbilliton.com                                         
Kelly Quirke                                                                    
Tel: +61 3 9609 2896  Mobile: +61 429 966 312                                   
email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com                                             
Fiona Martin                                                                    
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211  Mobile: +61 427 777 908                                   
email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com                                            
United Kingdom and Americas                                                     
Ruban Yogarajah                                                                 
Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033                                  
Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022                                                     
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com                                          
Investor Relations                                                              
Australia                                                                       
James Agar                                                                      
Tel: +61 3 9609 2222  Mobile: +61 467 807 064                                   
email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com                                               
Andrew Gunn                                                                     
Tel: +61 3 9609 3575  Mobile: +61 439 558 454                                   
email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com                                              
United Kingdom and South Africa                                                 
Brendan Harris                                                                  
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131  Mobile: +44 7990 527 726                                 
email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com                                           
Tara Dines                                                                      
Tel : +44 20 7802 7113  Mobile : +44 7825 342 232                               
Email : Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com                                              
Americas                                                                        
Scott Espenshade                                                                
Tel: +1 713 599 6431  Mobile: +1 713 208 8565                                   
email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com                                         
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                                    
Registered in England and Wales                                                 
Registered Office: Neathouse Place                                              
London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom                                                  
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Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia           
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING                                    
OPERATIONS                                                                      
                       QUARTER ENDED         YEAR TO DATE     % CHANGE          
                                                              DEC    DEC  DEC   
YTD11  Q11  Q11   
                       DEC    SEP     DEC    DEC      DEC     vs     vs   vs    
                       2010   2011    2011   2011     2010    DEC    DEC  SEP   
                                                              YTD10  Q10  Q11   
PETROLEUM                                                                       
Crude oil &   (`000                                            -13%   -9%  2%   
condensate    bbl)      20,652 18,482  18,866 37,348   42,739                   
Natural gas   (bcf)                                            108%   160% 21%  
82.54  177.35  214.49 391.84   188.37                    
Natural gas   (`000                                            8%     18%  0%   
liquids       boe)      2,842  3,356   3,362  6,718    6,205                    
Total         (million                                         36%    56%  13%  
petroleum     boe)      37.25  51.40   57.98  109.38   80.34                    
products                                                                        
ALUMINIUM                                                                       
Alumina       (`000                                            2%     -2%  -6%  
tonnes)   1,025  1,060   1,001  2,061    2,025                     
Aluminium     (`000                                            0%     0%   -1%  
             tonnes)   314    315     313    628      628                       
BASE METALS                                                                     
Copper        (`000                                            -16%   -7%  27%  
             tonnes)   302.3  220.3   280.3  500.6    593.5                     
Lead          (tonnes)                                         -9%    3%   20%  
                       64,925 55,659  66,992 122,651  134,066                   
Zinc          (tonnes)                                         -33%   -23% 21%  
                       36,945 23,444  28,298 51,742   77,142                    
Gold          (ounces)                                         -17%   -15% 12%  
                       51,626 39,439  44,007 83,446   100,987                   
Silver        (`000                                            -15%   -6%  19%  
             ounces)   11,571 9,151   10,903 20,054   23,723                    
Uranium oxide (tonnes)                                         -3%    -5%  -9%  
concentrate             957    1,000   909    1,909    1,967                    
Molybdenum    (tonnes)                                         96%    58%  29%  
                       485    595     766    1,361    693                       
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY                                                          
PRODUCTS                                                                        
Diamonds      (`000                                            -32%   -29% 5%   
             carats)   676    457     481    938      1,379                     
STAINLESS                                                                       
STEEL                                                                           
MATERIALS                                                                       
Nickel        (`000                                            -10%   -11% 9%   
             tonnes)   43.0   35.1    38.4   73.5     81.5                      
IRON ORE                                                                        
Iron ore      (`000                                            23%    22%  4%   
             tonnes)   33,666 39,572  41,072 80,644   65,649                    
MANGANESE                                                                       
Manganese ore (`000                                            -3%    -1%  -    
tonnes)   1,829  2,019   1,806  3,825    3,951               11%   
Manganese     (`000                                            -1%    2%   1%   
alloy         tonnes)   192    194     195    389      391                      
METALLURGICAL                                                                   
COAL                                                                            
Metallurgical (`000                                            -2%    9%   -9%  
coal          tonnes)   7,787  9,291   8,493  17,784   18,086                   
ENERGY COAL                                                                     
Energy coal   (`000                                            5%     2%   -8%  
             tonnes)   16,513 18,460  16,919 35,379   33,619                    
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been    
adjusted since it was previously reported.                                      
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE                                                       
PRODUCTION                                                                      
                        QUARTER ENDED                         YEAR TO DATE      
               BHP      DEC     MAR    JUN     SEP    DEC     DEC     DEC       
Billiton                                                         
               Interest 2010    2011   2011    2011   2011    2011    2010      
PETROLEUM                                                                       
Production                                                                      
Crude oil &                                                                   
  condensate            20,652  19,200 18,652  18,482 18,866  37,348  42,739    
  (`000 bbl)                                                                    
  Natural gas                                                                   
(bcf)                 82.54   84.90  131.79  177.35 214.49  391.84  188.37    
  NGL (`000                                                                     
  boe) (a)              2,842   2,442  2,636   3,356  3,362   6,718   6,205     
  Total petroleum                                                               
products (million     37.25   35.79  43.25   51.40  57.98   109.38  80.34     
  boe)                                                                          
ALUMINIUM                                                                       
ALUMINA                                                                         
Production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
  Worsley      86%                                                              
                        758     663    725     752    694     1,446   1,514     
Alumar       36%                                                              
                        267     296    301     308    307     615     511       
  Total                                                                         
                        1,025   959    1,026   1,060  1,001   2,061   2,025     
ALUMINIUM                                                                       
Production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
  Hillside     100%                                                             
179     173    179     180    180     360     359       
  Bayside      100%                                                             
                        25      24     24      25     24      49      49        
  Alumar       40%                                                              
43      44     43      44     42      86      87        
  Mozal        47%                                                              
                        67      64     67      66     67      133     133       
  Total                                                                         
314     305    313     315    313     628     628       
BASE METALS                                                                     
(b)                                                                             
COPPER                                                                          
Payable metal in                                                                
concentrate (`000                                                               
tonnes)                                                                         
  Escondida    57.5%                                                            
112.7   87.7   79.4    49.9   80.4    130.3   223.4     
  Antamina     33.8%                                                            
                        27.2    24.9   22.5    30.3   30.9    61.2    50.4      
  Total                                                                         
139.9   112.6  101.9   80.2   111.3   191.5   273.8     
Cathode (`000                                                                   
tonnes)                                                                         
  Escondida    57.5%                                                            
47.1    44.4   42.6    32.9   43.0    75.9    92.1      
  Pampa Norte  100%                                                             
  (c)                   66.0    64.1   75.7    65.4   70.0    135.4   132.4     
  Pinto        100%                                                             
Valley                1.5     1.4    1.4     1.4    1.4     2.8     2.9       
  Olympic Dam  100%                                                             
                        47.8    51.1   50.7    40.4   54.6    95.0    92.3      
  Total                                                                         
162.4   161.0  170.4   140.1  169.0   309.1   319.7     
LEAD                                                                            
Payable metal in                                                                
concentrate (tonnes)                                                            
Cannington   100%                                                             
                        64,748  51,673 58,414  55,557 66,787  122,344 133,277   
  Antamina     33.8%                                                            
                        177     237    164     102    205     307     789       
Total                                                                         
                        64,925  51,910 58,578  55,659 66,992  122,651 134,066   
ZINC                                                                            
Payable metal                                                                   
in concentrate                                                                  
(tonnes)                                                                        
  Cannington   100%                                                             
                        14,920  16,129 14,348  14,488 14,745  29,233  30,180    
Antamina     33.8%                                                            
                        22,025  24,123 20,385  8,956  13,553  22,509  46,962    
  Total                                                                         
                        36,945  40,252 34,733  23,444 28,298  51,742  77,142    
Refer footnotes on page 4.                                                    
BASE METALS                                                                     
(continued)                                                                     
GOLD                                                                            
Payable metal                                                                   
in concentrate                                                                  
(ounces)                                                                        
  Escondida    57.5%                                                            
23,133  19,667 17,116  11,063 14,242  25,305  47,940    
  Olympic Dam  100%                                                             
  (refined              28,493  29,892 28,429  28,376 29,765  58,141  53,047    
  gold)                                                                         
Total                                                                         
                        51,626  49,559 45,545  39,439 44,007  83,446  100,987   
SILVER                                                                          
Payable metal in                                                                
concentrate (`000                                                               
ounces)                                                                         
  Escondida    57.5%                                                            
                        796     670    580     403    549     952     1,599     
Antamina     33.8%                                                            
                        1,025   813    773     972    1,087   2,059   2,014     
  Cannington   100%                                                             
                        9,509   7,315  8,242   7,559  9,056   16,615  19,668    
Olympic Dam  100%                                                             
  (refined              241     258    282     217    211     428     442       
  silver)                                                                       
  Total                                                                         
11,571  9,056  9,877   9,151  10,903  20,054  23,723    
URANIUM OXIDE                                                                   
CONCENTRATE                                                                     
Payable metal                                                                   
in concentrate                                                                  
(tonnes)                                                                        
  Olympic Dam  100%                                                             
                        957     1,063  1,015   1,000  909     1,909   1,967     
Total                                                                         
                        957     1,063  1,015   1,000  909     1,909   1,967     
MOLYBDENUM                                                                      
Payable metal                                                                   
in concentrate                                                                  
(tonnes)                                                                        
  Antamina     33.8%                                                            
                        485     334    418     595    766     1,361   693       
Total                                                                         
                        485     334    418     595    766     1,361   693       
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY                                                          
PRODUCTS                                                                        
DIAMONDS                                                                        
Production                                                                      
(`000 carats)                                                                   
  EKATI (TM)   80%                                                              
676     551    576     457    481     938     1,379     
STAINLESS                                                                       
STEEL                                                                           
MATERIALS                                                                       
NICKEL                                                                          
Production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
  CMSA         99.9%                                                            
12.4    7.8    7.4     10.4   12.3    22.7    24.8      
  Nickel West  100%                                                             
                        30.6    25.2   30.8    24.7   26.1    50.8    56.7      
  Total                                                                         
43.0    33.0   38.2    35.1   38.4    73.5    81.5      
  Refer footnotes on page 4.                                                    
IRON ORE                                                                        
Production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
(d)                                                                             
  Newman (e)   85%                                                              
                        11,213  11,912 12,480  13,158 13,247  26,405  20,853    
Goldsworthy  85%                                                              
  Joint                 225     305    284     254    334     588     609       
  Venture                                                                       
  Area C       85%                                                              
Joint                 10,154  9,510  10,044  10,479 10,437  20,916  20,240    
  Venture                                                                       
  Yandi Joint  85%                                                              
  Venture               9,078   8,799  9,796   12,708 14,170  26,878  17,865    
Samarco      50%                                                              
                        2,996   2,705  2,922   2,973  2,884   5,857   6,082     
  Total                                                                         
                        33,666  33,231 35,526  39,572 41,072  80,644  65,649    
MANGANESE                                                                       
MANGANESE ORES                                                                  
Saleable                                                                        
production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
  South        60%                                                              
  Africa (f)            779     514    776     911    808     1,719   1,717     
  Australia    60%                                                              
(f)                   1,050   838    1,014   1,108  998     2,106   2,234     
  Total                                                                         
                        1,829   1,352  1,790   2,019  1,806   3,825   3,951     
MANGANESE                                                                       
ALLOYS                                                                          
Saleable                                                                        
production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
South        60%                                                              
  Africa (f)            123     111    120     124    124     248     255       
  (g)                                                                           
  Australia    60%                                                              
(f)                   69      61     70      70     71      141     136       
  Total                                                                         
                        192     172    190     194    195     389     391       
METALLURGICAL                                                                   
COAL                                                                            
Production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
(h)                                                                             
BMA          50%                                                              
                        4,534   3,955  4,874   5,274  5,006   10,280  11,072    
  BHP Mitsui   80%                                                              
  Coal (i)              1,421   1,133  1,426   1,803  1,580   3,383   3,334     
Illawarra    100%                                                             
                        1,832   1,582  1,622   2,214  1,907   4,121   3,680     
  Total                                                                         
                        7,787   6,670  7,922   9,291  8,493   17,784  18,086    
ENERGY COAL                                                                     
Production                                                                      
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
  South        100%                                                             
Africa                8,507   8,596  8,228   9,095  7,976   17,071  17,504    
  USA          100%                                                             
                        2,296   2,360  3,779   2,467  2,163   4,630   5,473     
  Australia    100%                                                             
3,394   3,978  3,793   4,046  4,027   8,073   5,900     
  Colombia     33%                                                              
                        2,316   2,609  2,538   2,852  2,753   5,605   4,742     
  Total                                                                         
16,513  17,543 18,338  18,460 16,919  35,379  33,619    
(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) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.                                         
(d) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.                      
(e) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.                      
(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                         YEAR TO DATE     
                         DEC     MAR    JUN     SEP     DEC    DEC     DEC      
2010    2011   2011    2011    2011   2011    2010     
PETROLEUM                                                                       
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.                   
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (`000                                                    
barrels)                                                                        
Bass Strait                                                                     
                         2,553   2,465  2,485   2,527   2,190  4,717   5,264    
North West Shelf                                                                
2,188   1,719  1,442   1,400   1,686  3,086   4,425    
Stybarrow                                                                       
                         358     862    1,037   1,171   836    2,007   909      
Pyrenees                                                                        
5,362   4,326  4,584   3,901   3,207  7,108   10,878   
Other Australia                                                                 
(a)                      10      13     13      13      13     26      25       
Atlantis (b)                                                                    
2,881   2,694  2,098   2,081   2,390  4,471   5,919    
Mad Dog (b)                                                                     
                         874     952    128     -       -      -       1,949    
Shenzi (b) (c)                                                                  
3,859   3,378  3,630   3,848   4,119  7,967   7,775    
Onshore US (d)                                                                  
                         -       -      -       672     1,631  2,303   -        
Trinidad/Tobago                                                                 
-       299    687     466     466    932     285      
Other Americas                                                                  
(b) (e)                  430     397    448     373     374    747     789      
UK                                                                              
479     542    534     447     433    880     1,090    
Algeria                                                                         
                         1,587   1,474  1,498   1,498   1,437  2,935   3,273    
Pakistan                                                                        
71      79     68      85      84     169     158      
Total                                                                           
                         20,652  19,200 18,652  18,482  18,866 37,348  42,739   
NATURAL GAS (billion                                                            
cubic feet)                                                                     
Bass Strait                                                                     
                         20.94   22.31  29.97   31.88   23.65  55.53   59.75    
North West Shelf                                                                
36.47   35.11  35.44   32.97   32.56  65.53   72.96    
Other Australia                                                                 
(a)                      3.83    4.69   4.68    4.45    4.56   9.01    9.83     
Atlantis (b)                                                                    
1.07    0.84   0.67    0.64    0.67   1.31    2.40     
Mad Dog (b)                                                                     
                         0.06    0.13   0.01    -       -      -       0.31     
Shenzi (b) (c)                                                                  
0.77    0.64   0.67    0.62    0.57   1.19    1.52     
Onshore US (d)                                                                  
                         -       -      36.43   77.59   121.63 199.22  -        
Trinidad/Tobago                                                                 
-       -      4.69    9.31    9.72   19.03   -        
Other Americas                                                                  
(b) (e)                  1.32    1.33   1.42    1.19    0.98   2.17    2.72     
UK                                                                              
6.14    6.32   5.69    3.91    5.51   9.42    12.45    
Pakistan                                                                        
                         11.94   13.53  12.12   14.79   14.64  29.43   26.43    
Total                                                                           
82.54   84.90  131.79  177.35  214.49 391.84  188.37   
NGL (`000 barrels of oil                                                        
equivalent)                                                                     
Bass Strait                                                                     
1,412   1,252  1,554   1,823   1,407  3,230   3,442    
North West Shelf                                                                
                         442     434    367     423     434    857     913      
Atlantis (b)                                                                    
177     150    117     120     123    243     365      
Mad Dog (b)                                                                     
                         42      39     11      -       -      -       84       
Shenzi (b) (c)                                                                  
336     245    252     296     293    589     532      
Onshore US (d)                                                                  
                         -       -      -       416     943    1,359   -        
Other Americas                                                                  
(b) (e)                  54      42     47      41      34     75      96       
UK                                                                              
                         74      79     66      18      45     63      134      
Algeria                                                                         
305     201    222     219     83     302     639      
Total                                                                           
                         2,842   2,442  2,636   3,356   3,362  6,718   6,205    
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS                                                        
37.25   35.79  43.25   51.40   57.98  109.38  80.34    
(million barrels of oil                                                         
equivalent) (f)                                                                 
(a) Other Australia includes Minerva.                                           
(b) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.                                
(c) The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.                           
(d) Fayetteville shale acquisition completed on 31 March 2011. Petrohawk        
Energy Corporation acquisition completed on 20 August 2011. Onshore US volumes  
are net of mineral holder royalties.                                            
(e) Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Genesis and Starlifter.   
(f) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf    
of natural gas equals 1 boe.                                                    
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT                                                  
                             QUARTER ENDED                       YEAR TO DATE   
                             DEC     MAR    JUN    SEP    DEC    DEC    DEC     
                             2010    2011   2011   2011   2011   2011   2010    
ALUMINIUM                                                                       
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.         
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
ALUMINA                                                                         
Production                                                                      
Worsley, Australia                                                              
                             758     663    725    752    694    1,446  1,514   
Alumar, Brazil                                                                  
267     296    301    308    307    615    511     
Total                                                                           
                             1,025   959    1,026  1,060  1,001  2,061  2,025   
Sales                                                                           
Worsley, Australia                                                              
                             735     633    727    720    745    1,465  1,502   
Alumar, Brazil                                                                  
                             271     249    324    280    349    629    510     
Total                                                                           
                             1,006   882    1,051  1,000  1,093  2,093  2,012   
ALUMINIUM                                                                       
Production                                                                      
Hillside, South                                                                 
Africa                       179     173    179    180    180    360    359     
Bayside, South                                                                  
Africa                       25      24     24     25     24     49     49      
Alumar, Brazil                                                                  
                             43      44     43     44     42     86     87      
Mozal, Mozambique                                                               
                             67      64     67     66     67     133    133     
Total                                                                           
                             314     305    313    315    313    628    628     
Sales                                                                           
Hillside, South                                                                 
Africa                       160     163    181    163    186    349    308     
Bayside, South                                                                  
Africa                       31      38     29     24     25     49     60      
Alumar, Brazil                                                                  
43      43     44     44     43     87     87      
Mozal, Mozambique                                                               
                             76      66     80     60     85     145    131     
Total                                                                           
310     310    334    291    339    630    586     
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT                                                         
REPORT                                                                          
                        QUARTER ENDED                         YEAR TO DATE      
DEC    MAR      JUN    SEP     DEC    DEC      DEC      
                        2010   2011     2011   2011    2011   2011     2010     
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)   98,167 100,966  97,705 69,006  96,152 165,158  202,008  
  (100%)                                                                        
  Sulphide    (`000                                                             
  ore milled  tonnes)   18,789 15,993   16,399 12,029  18,663 30,692   38,486   
(100%)                                                                        
  Average     (%)       1.26%  1.15%    1.06%  0.97%   0.97%  0.97%    1.25%    
  copper                                                                        
  grade                                                                         
Production  (`000                                                             
  ex mill     tonnes)   194.6  153.1    141.2  91.9    144.3  236.2    392.3    
  (100%)                                                                        
  Production                                                                    
Payable     (`000                                                             
  copper      tonnes)   112.7  87.7     79.4   49.9    80.4   130.3    223.4    
  Payable     (fine                                                             
  gold        ounces)   23,133 19,667   17,116 11,063  14,242 25,305   47,940   
concentrat                                                                    
  e                                                                             
  Copper      (`000                                                             
  cathode     tonnes)   47.1   44.4     42.6   32.9    43.0   75.9     92.1     
(EW)                                                                          
  Payable     (`000                                                             
  silver      ounces)   796    670      580    403     549    952      1,599    
  concentrat                                                                    
e                                                                             
  Sales                                                                         
  Payable     (`000                                                             
  copper      tonnes)   113.9  74.3     90.9   49.2    82.1   131.3    228.7    
Payable     (fine                                                             
  gold        ounces)   23,357 16,754   20,251 10,974  14,435 25,409   49,018   
  concentrat                                                                    
  e                                                                             
Copper      (`000                                                             
  cathode     tonnes)   46.1   47.7     48.0   25.7    45.3   71.0     86.1     
  (EW)                                                                          
  Payable     (`000                                                             
silver      ounces)   804    569      673    404     558    962      1,635    
  concentrat                                                                    
  e                                                                             
Pampa Norte,                                                                    
Chile                                                                           
  Cerro                                                                         
  Colorado                                                                      
  Material    (`000                                                             
mined       tonnes)   18,290 16,320   17,840 14,736  16,792 31,528   33,934   
  Ore milled  (`000                                                             
              tonnes)   4,631  4,251    4,771  4,608   4,601  9,209    9,215    
  Average     (%)       0.76%  0.75%    0.74%  0.72%   0.71%  0.72%    0.75%    
copper                                                                        
  grade                                                                         
  Production                                                                    
  Copper      (`000                                                             
cathode     tonnes)   22.4   22.6     25.7   22.5    23.5   46.0     44.1     
  (EW)                                                                          
  Sales                                                                         
  Copper      (`000                                                             
cathode     tonnes)   24.7   22.5     25.7   22.4    23.8   46.2     46.1     
  (EW)                                                                          
  Spence                                                                        
  Material    (`000                                                             
mined       tonnes)   18,389 19,046   19,487 19,816  26,511 46,327   35,537   
  Ore milled  (`000                                                             
              tonnes)   4,567  4,892    4,545  3,862   4,909  8,771    8,994    
  Average     (%)       1.28%  1.23%    1.22%  1.30%   1.46%  1.39%    1.27%    
copper                                                                        
  grade                                                                         
  Production                                                                    
  Copper      (`000                                                             
cathode     tonnes)   43.6   41.5     50.0   42.9    46.5   89.4     88.3     
  (EW)                                                                          
  Sales                                                                         
  Copper      (`000                                                             
cathode     tonnes)   48.2   45.7     54.5   43.2    46.6   89.8     85.2     
  (EW)                                                                          
Antamina, Peru                                                                  
  Material    (`000                                                             
mined       tonnes)   32,722 33,154   41,669 44,212  38,759 82,971   63,321   
  (100%)                                                                        
  Sulphide    (`000                                                             
  ore milled  tonnes)   9,347  9,288    9,253  9,396   9,656  19,052   18,388   
(100%)                                                                        
  Average                                                                       
  head                                                                          
  grades                                                                        
- Copper   (%)       1.06%  0.99%    0.90%  1.11%   1.15%  1.13%    1.00%    
   - Zinc     (%)       1.11%  1.15%    1.03%  0.68%   0.72%  0.70%    1.23%    
  Production                                                                    
  Payable     (`000                                                             
copper      tonnes)   27.2   24.9     22.5   30.3    30.9   61.2     50.4     
  Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  zinc                  22,025 24,123   20,385 8,956   13,553 22,509   46,962   
  Payable     (`000                                                             
silver      ounces)   1,025  813      773    972     1,087  2,059    2,014    
  Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  lead                  177    237      164    102     205    307      789      
  Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
molybdenum            485    334      418    595     766    1,361    693      
  Sales                                                                         
  Payable     (`000                                                             
  copper      tonnes)   21.8   26.1     23.5   28.2    31.7   59.9     49.5     
Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  zinc                  24,912 25,571   18,479 9,586   12,654 22,240   48,849   
  Payable     (`000                                                             
  silver      ounces)   882    839      658    833     940    1,773    2,124    
Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  lead                  503    180      92     91      139    230      1,251    
  Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  molybdenum            292    394      346    549     591    1,140    730      
Cannington,                                                                     
Australia                                                                       
  Material    (`000                                                             
  mined       tonnes)   824    703      841    819     778    1,597    1,566    
Ore milled  (`000                                                             
              tonnes)   760    713      786    826     888    1,714    1,591    
  Average                                                                       
  head                                                                          
grades                                                                        
   - Silver   (g/t)                                                             
                        459    377      381    332     370    352      453      
   - Lead     (%)       9.9%   8.6%     8.6%   7.9%    8.8%   8.4%     9.7%     
- Zinc     (%)       3.3%   3.6%     2.9%   2.9%    2.9%   2.9%     3.1%     
  Production                                                                    
  Payable     (`000                                                             
  silver      ounces)   9,509  7,315    8,242  7,559   9,056  16,615   19,668   
Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  lead                  64,748 51,673   58,414 55,557  66,787 122,344  133,277  
  Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  zinc                  14,920 16,129   14,348 14,488  14,745 29,233   30,180   
Sales                                                                         
  Payable     (`000                                                             
  silver      ounces)   9,973  7,263    8,235  6,434   8,960  15,394   19,192   
  Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
lead                  67,815 52,199   58,868 48,258  66,657 114,915  130,906  
  Payable     (tonnes)                                                          
  zinc                  16,621 12,986   14,530 15,734  14,078 29,812   29,098   
Olympic Dam,                                                                    
Australia                                                                       
  Material    (`000                                                             
  mined (a)   tonnes)   2,513  2,433    2,675  2,543   2,440  4,983    5,223    
  Ore milled  (`000                                                             
tonnes)   2,622  2,670    2,533  2,471   2,440  4,911    5,127    
  Average     (%)       1.78%  1.84%    1.92%  1.98%   2.08%  2.03%    1.84%    
  copper                                                                        
  grade                                                                         
Average     kg/t                                                              
  uranium               0.50   0.54     0.54   0.54    0.50   0.52     0.52     
  grade                                                                         
  Production                                                                    
Copper      (`000                                                             
  cathode     tonnes)   45.0   47.8     47.0   37.6    51.5   89.1     86.6     
  (ER)                                                                          
  Copper      (`000                                                             
cathode     tonnes)   2.8    3.3      3.7    2.8     3.1    5.9      5.7      
  (EW)                                                                          
  Uranium     (tonnes)                                                          
  oxide                 957    1,063    1,015  1,000   909    1,909    1,967    
concentrat                                                                    
  e                                                                             
  Refined     (fine                                                             
  gold        ounces)   28,493 29,892   28,429 28,376  29,765 58,141   53,047   
Refined     (`000                                                             
  silver      ounces)   241    258      282    217     211    428      442      
  Sales                                                                         
  Copper      (`000                                                             
cathode     tonnes)   45.3   48.7     46.5   36.4    51.7   88.1     87.5     
  (ER)                                                                          
  Copper      (`000                                                             
  cathode     tonnes)   2.9    2.7      4.1    3.5     2.5    6.0      5.7      
(EW)                                                                          
  Uranium     (tonnes)                                                          
  oxide                 1,121  930      1,143  910     1,126  2,036    1,872    
  concentrat                                                                    
e                                                                             
  Refined     (fine                                                             
  gold        ounces)   29,757 31,742   30,323 28,979  24,327 53,306   48,671   
  Refined     (`000                                                             
silver      ounces)   150    334      269    289     155    444      351      
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.                 
Pinto Valley,                                                                   
USA                                                                             
Production                                                                    
  Copper      (`000                                                             
  cathode     tonnes)   1.5    1.4      1.4    1.4     1.4    2.8      2.9      
  (EW)                                                                          
Sales                                                                         
  Copper      (`000                                                             
  cathode     tonnes)   1.0    1.9      1.2    1.7     1.2    2.9      2.8      
  (EW)                                                                          
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT                                                  
                              QUARTER ENDED                      YEAR TO DATE   
                              DEC    MAR    JUN    SEP    DEC    DEC    DEC     
                              2010   2011   2011   2011   2011   2011   2010    
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS                                                 
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.         
DIAMONDS                                                                        
EKATI (TM), Canada                                                              
Ore Processed        (`000                                                      
(100%)               tonnes)  1,162  1,122  1,212  1,177  1,090  2,267  2,358   
Production           (`000                                                      
                     carats)  676    551    576    457    481    938    1,379   
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT                                                  
                             QUARTER ENDED                       YEAR TO DATE   
                             DEC     MAR    JUN    SEP    DEC    DEC    DEC     
                             2010    2011   2011   2011   2011   2011   2010    
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS                                                       
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.         
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
NICKEL                                                                          
CMSA, Colombia                                                                  
Production                                                                      
                             12.4    7.8    7.4    10.4   12.3   22.7   24.8    
Sales                                                                           
12.8    8.5    8.5    7.7    13.1   20.8   24.8    
Nickel West,                                                                    
Australia                                                                       
Production                                                                      
Nickel contained in                                                             
concentrate                  1.7     1.6    3.3    2.6    1.8    4.4    2.6     
Nickel contained in                                                             
finished matte               21.8    12.4   16.1   9.0    15.2   24.2   35.4    
Nickel metal                                                                    
                             7.1     11.2   11.4   13.1   9.1    22.2   18.7    
Nickel production                                                               
                             30.6    25.2   30.8   24.7   26.1   50.8   56.7    
Sales                                                                           
Nickel contained in                                                             
concentrate                  0.8     2.2    3.9    1.2    2.6    3.8    2.4     
Nickel contained in                                                             
finished matte               19.9    14.7   14.9   10.1   13.9   24.0   34.5    
Nickel metal                                                                    
                             9.6     9.2    12.4   9.4    10.9   20.3   21.8    
Nickel sales                                                                    
30.3    26.1   31.2   20.7   27.4   48.1   58.7    
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT                                                         
REPORT                                                                          
                         QUARTER ENDED                         YEAR TO DATE     
DEC     MAR    JUN     SEP     DEC    DEC     DEC      
                         2010    2011   2011    2011    2011   2011    2010     
IRON ORE                                                                        
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.         
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
IRON ORE (a)                                                                    
Pilbara, Australia                                                              
Production                                                                      
Newman (b)                                                                      
                         11,213  11,912 12,480  13,158  13,247 26,405  20,853   
Goldsworthy Joint                                                               
Venture                  225     305    284     254     334    588     609      
Area C Joint                                                                    
Venture                  10,154  9,510  10,044  10,479  10,437 20,916  20,240   
Yandi Joint                                                                     
Venture                  9,078   8,799  9,796   12,708  14,170 26,878  17,865   
Total (BHP                                                                      
Billiton share)          30,670  30,526 32,604  36,599  38,188 74,787  59,567   
Total production                                                                
(100%)                   36,082  35,913 38,358  43,058  44,927 87,985  70,078   
Shipments                                                                       
Lump                                                                            
                         7,830   7,669  7,463   7,744   8,700  16,444  15,652   
Fines                                                                           
23,870  22,648 25,379  29,311  28,406 57,717  44,919   
Total (BHP                                                                      
Billiton share)          31,700  30,317 32,842  37,055  37,106 74,161  60,571   
Total sales                                                                     
(100%)                   37,294  35,667 38,638  43,594  43,654 87,248  71,260   
(a)  Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.      
(b)  Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.                     
Samarco, Brazil                                                                 
Production                                                                      
                         2,996   2,705  2,922   2,973   2,884  5,857   6,082    
Shipments                                                                       
                         3,460   2,598  2,736   2,926   2,961  5,887   6,094    
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT                                                  
                              QUARTER ENDED                      YEAR TO DATE   
                              DEC    MAR    JUN    SEP    DEC    DEC    DEC     
                              2010   2011   2011   2011   2011   2011   2010    
MANGANESE                                                                       
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.         
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
MANGANESE ORE                                                                   
South Africa (a)                                                                
Saleable production                                                             
                              779    514    776    911    808    1,719  1,717   
                                                                                
Sales                                                                           
                              947    701    746    861    853    1,714  1,604   
Australia (a)                                                                   
Saleable production                                                             
1,050  838    1,014  1,108  998    2,106  2,234   
Sales                                                                           
                              1,173  1,127  1,108  1,094  876    1,970  1,725   
MANGANESE ALLOY                                                                 
South Africa (a) (b)                                                            
Saleable production                                                             
                              123    111    120    124    124    248    255     
Sales                                                                           
153    145    123    95     138    233    248     
Australia (a)                                                                   
Saleable production                                                             
                              69     61     70     70     71     141    136     
Sales                                                                           
                              68     62     75     91     58     149    121     
(a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%,   
except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.                                  
(b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.                          
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT                                                  
                              QUARTER ENDED                    YEAR TO DATE     
                              DEC    MAR   JUN    SEP    DEC   DEC     DEC      
2010   2011  2011   2011   2011  2011    2010     
METALLURGICAL COAL                                                              
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.         
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)                                                          
Queensland, Australia                                                           
Production                                                                      
BMA                                                                             
Blackwater                                                                      
                              1,134  870   1,127  1,367  1,122 2,489   2,592    
Goonyella                                                                       
1,086  993   1,417  1,463  1,375 2,838   2,949    
Peak Downs                                                                      
                              984    758   543    971    992   1,963   2,101    
Saraji                                                                          
819    532   556    802    900   1,702   1,691    
Norwich Park                                                                    
                              73     128   386    365    369   734     541      
Gregory Joint                                                                   
Venture                       438    674   845    306    248   554     1,198    
BMA total                                                                       
                              4,534  3,955 4,874  5,274  5,006 10,280  11,072   
                                                                                

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)                                                             
South Walker Creek                                                              
                              765    623   690    1,106  901   2,007   1,821    
Poitrel                                                                         
                              656    510   736    697    679   1,376   1,513    
BHP Mitsui Coal                                                                 
total                         1,421  1,133 1,426  1,803  1,580 3,383   3,334    
Queensland total                                                                
                              5,955  5,088 6,300  7,077  6,586 13,663  14,406   
                                                                                
Shipments                                                                       
Coking coal                                                                     
                              5,243  3,475 4,865  5,066  4,845 9,911   11,884   
Weak coking coal                                                                
                              1,886  970   1,411  1,691  1,747 3,438   3,539    
Thermal coal                                                                    
                              206    125   285    176    20    196     574      
Total                                                                           
                              7,335  4,570 6,561  6,933  6,612 13,545  15,997   

(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                                                                      
1,832  1,582 1,622  2,214  1,907 4,121   3,680    
                                                                                
Shipments                                                                       
Coking coal                                                                     
1,495  1,374 1,407  1,673  1,255 2,928   2,883    
Thermal coal                                                                    
                              536    211   216    159    441   600     898      
Total                                                                           
2,031  1,585 1,623  1,832  1,696 3,528   3,781    
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT                                                  
                             QUARTER ENDED                     YEAR TO DATE     
                             DEC    MAR    JUN    SEP   DEC    DEC     DEC      
2010   2011   2011   2011  2011   2011    2010     
ENERGY COAL                                                                     
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.         
(`000 tonnes)                                                                   
South Africa                                                                    
Production                                                                      
                             8,507  8,596  8,228  9,095 7,976  17,071  17,504   
Sales                                                                           
Export                                                                          
                             3,365  2,887  3,082  3,439 3,546  6,985   6,412    
Local utility                                                                   
                             5,024  5,254  5,363  5,622 4,582  10,204  10,691   
Inland                                                                          
                             96     78     37     85    165    250     206      
Total                                                                           
                             8,485  8,219  8,482  9,146 8,293  17,439  17,309   
New Mexico, USA                                                                 
Production                                                                      
Navajo Coal                                                                     
                             1,818  1,629  2,271  1,178 2,060  3,238   3,572    
San Juan Coal                                                                   
                             478    731    1,508  1,289 103    1,392   1,901    
Total                                                                           
                             2,296  2,360  3,779  2,467 2,163  4,630   5,473    
Sales - local                                                                   
utility                      3,339  3,385  3,106  3,630 3,108  6,738   6,700    
NSW Energy Coal,                                                                
Australia                                                                       
Production                                                                      
                             3,394  3,978  3,793  4,046 4,027  8,073   5,900    
Sales                                                                           
Export                                                                          
3,253  3,824  3,522  3,523 3,566  7,089   5,879    
Inland                                                                          
                             180    339    364    625   333    958     584      
Total                                                                           
3,433  4,163  3,886  4,148 3,899  8,047   6,463    
Cerrejon Coal,                                                                  
Colombia                                                                        
Production                                                                      
2,316  2,609  2,538  2,852 2,753  5,605   4,742    
Sales - export                                                                  
                             2,672  2,149  2,853  2,901 2,784  5,685   5,448    
Date: 18/01/2012 07:05:56 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
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