high value, lump `Pisolite' iron ore product at its Yandi mine in Western
Australia.
Approval for the A$27.5 million Yandi Lump Project follows the recent
signing of Letters of Intent with a number of major Japanese customers to
purchase Yandi lump.
BHP Billiton will deliver up to four million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of lump
`Pisolite' product, which will command a premium price over its existing
fines products.
Modifications will be made to the existing Ore Handling Plant 2 to support
the on-site production of fine and lump ores, without affecting the quality
of the two distinct products.  Commissioning is expected to take place in
July 2002.
BHP Billiton is currently undertaking feasibility studies to expand the
Yandi mine's capacity from its current level of 32 mtpa.
The Yandi mine has produced lump on a trial basis since 1999, already
shipping more than two million tonnes to customers.  These trials indicated
that Yandi lump performance is suitable for the iron making process and
provides strong support for its permanent addition to BHP Billiton's product
range.
President Western Australian Iron Ore Graeme Hunt said Yandi's lump
`Pisolite' ore would complement growing demand for lower cost ores that
maximised value to customers.
"Since Yandi began operating in 1992, we have observed a trend towards the
lower cost `Pisolite' and `Marra Mamba' ores and have taken action to meet
the increase in demand," he said.
"Today's announcement represents a key component in BHP Billiton's iron ore
product development program and will deliver long term benefits to the Group
through higher Yandi sales and an expanded suite of products."
BHP Billiton's Yandi mine is located 110 kilometres north of Newman in
Western Australia. The mine has progressively expanded to match production
at the Group's original Mt Whaleback mine, which was developed in the late
1960s to supply the richer `Hematite' ore.
The Yandi Joint Venture is owned by BHP Billiton (85 per cent - Operator),
CI Minerals Australia Pty Ltd (eight per cent) and Mitsui Iron Ore
Corporation Pty Ltd (seven per cent).
Further news and information can be found on our Internet site:
www.bhpbilliton.com
Australia
Dr Robert Porter, Investor Relations
Tel:  +61 3 9609 3540
Mobile: +61 419 587 456
E-Mail:Robert.Porter@bhpbilliton.com
Mandy Frostick, Media Relations
Tel:  +61 3 9609 4157
Mobile: +61 419 546 245
E-Mail:Mandy.J.Frostick@bhpbilliton.com
United States
Francis McAllister, Investor Relations
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Mobile: +1 713 480 3699
E-Mail:Francis.R.McAllister@bhpbilliton.com
United Kingdom/South Africa
Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations
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Mobile: +27 82 458 2587
E-Mail:Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com
Ariane Gentil, Manager Communications
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E-Mail:Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com