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BHP BILLITON PLC - PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2003
BHP BILLITON PLC
Registration number 3196209
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504
Issuer Code: BIBLT
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2003
BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended
30 September 2003.
Record quarterly Western Australian Iron Ore production of 22.0 million tonnes
and record quarterly despatches of 21.5 million tonnes (100 per cent basis).
Record quarterly Aluminium production resulting from early commissioning of the
Mozal 2 expansion in Mozambique.
Copper production lower than June 2003 quarter due to processing of higher grade
ore during the June 2003 quarter at Escondida (Chile) and a lower quantity of
ore milled at Antamina (Peru).
Escondida to return to its normal mine plan and production profile commencing
January 2004.
Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) sales volumes materially lower than the
June 2003 quarter due to significantly weaker market conditions.
Total Petroleum Products - Total production for the September 2003 quarter was
32 million barrels of oil equivalent, six per cent higher than the June 2003
quarter and three per cent lower than the September 2002 quarter.
* Oil and Condensate - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 15.5
million barrels, 16 per cent lower than the 18.6 million barrels produced
in the September 2002 quarter, mainly due to natural field decline in
Laminaria (Australia), Bass Strait and Griffin (Australia). This was
partly offset by increased production at Liverpool Bay (UK) and the Bruce
and Keith fields (UK) due to scheduled maintenance shutdowns in the
September 2002 quarter. Production was in line with the 15.6 million
barrels produced in the June 2003 quarter, reflecting natural field decline
across the portfolio which was largely offset by increased condensate
production from Bass Strait (Australia) as a result of increased gas
demand.
* Natural Gas - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 85.2 billion
cubic feet, 19 per cent higher than the 71.9 billion cubic feet produced in
the September 2002 quarter due to the commissioning of Zamzama Phase 1,
along with increased production at Liverpool Bay and the Bruce and Keith
fields due to scheduled maintenance shutdowns in the September 2002
quarter. Production for the quarter was 17 per cent higher than the 72.9
billion cubic feet produced in the June 2003 quarter. This was due to
seasonally driven increased demand for Bass Strait natural gas plus
increased production from Zamzama (Pakistan) following the successful
commissioning of the Phase 1 project. This was partly offset by seasonally
lower demand of Liverpool Bay gas.
* Alumina - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 1.1 million tonnes,
in line with both the September 2002 and June 2003 quarters. Higher
production at Alumar (Brazil) following scheduled maintenance during the
June 2003 quarter, was offset by lower production at Worsley (Australia),
where stockpiled hydrate was processed in the June 2003 quarter.
* Aluminium - Production for the September 2003 quarter was a record 282,000
tonnes, compared with 268,000 tonnes in the September 2002 quarter and
273,000 tonnes in the June 2003 quarter. The increase mainly reflects the
ramp up of production from the Mozal 2 (Mozambique) expansion, which
reached full commissioning in August 2003, seven months ahead of schedule.
This was partly offset by lower production at Alumar (Brazil) following an
electrical outage in July 2003.
* Copper - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 214,500 tonnes, 16
per cent higher than in the September 2002 quarter, reflecting additional
production from the Escondida (Chile) Phase IV expansion, which commenced
commercial production in October 2002. This was partly offset by
processing a lower quantity of material at Antamina (Peru) while access to
ore is restricted to the flanks of the deposit. This situation is likely
to continue for the next six to nine months. Production was six per cent
lower than the June 2003 quarter, mainly a result of higher head grades at
Escondida during the June 2003 quarter.
* Silver - Silver sales volumes of 6.7 million ounces from Cannington
(Australia) during the quarter, was 28 and 20 per cent lower than the
September 2002 and June 2003 quarters respectively. This primarily
reflects timing of lead concentrate shipments containing payable silver.
* Iron Ore - Record quarterly Western Australian production of 22.0 million
tonnes (100 per cent basis) was 14 per cent higher than the September 2002
quarter and eight per cent higher than the June 2003 quarter, a reflection
of ongoing strong customer demand in all Asian markets, particularly China.
A new quarterly despatch record of 21.5 million tonnes (100% basis) was
also set in Western Australia during the September 2003 quarter. Total iron
ore production for the September 2003 quarter was 20.9 million tonnes (BHP
Billiton share), 12 and eight per cent higher than the September 2002 and
June 2003 quarters, respectively.
* Metallurgical Coal - Production for the September 2003 quarter of 9.1
million tonnes was five per cent higher than the September 2002 quarter due
to increased customer demand from Queensland Coal (Australia), and adverse
roof conditions at Crinum mine (Australia) in the September 2002 quarter.
This was partly offset by lower production at Illawarra Coal (Australia)
following the closure of Tower Colliery in December 2002. Production was
in line with the June 2003 quarter.
* Manganese alloys - Production for the September 2003 quarter of 147,000
tonnes was 16 per cent lower than the September 2002 quarter and 25 per
cent lower than the June 2003 quarter. This was due to an electrical fault
at the Metalloys facility in South Africa in August 2003, which resulted in
operations being suspended for a period of 48 days.
* Ekati(TM) Diamonds - Production of 1.55 million carats was 63 per cent
higher than the September 2002 quarter, which reflects the processing of a
pocket of high grade but lower quality material from the Koala pit, along
with sustained benefits from the processing plant de-bottlenecking program.
Production was also 19 per cent higher than the June 2003 quarter for the
same reasons.
* Titanium Minerals - Sales volumes at Richards Bay Minerals were materially
lower than both the September 2002 and June 2003 quarters due to
significantly weaker market conditions. (Note: Due to confidentiality
agreements with joint venture partners, production figures for Richards Bay
Minerals are not contained in this report.)
* Energy Coal - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 21.2 million
tonnes, compared with 19.3 million tonnes in the September 2002 quarter.
The increase mainly reflects higher production at Mount Arthur North
(Australia) where deliveries to both the export and domestic thermal coal
markets are in accordance with the ramp up plan, higher production at
Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) largely reflecting stronger demand from the
European market and maintenance on two draglines at New Mexico Coal in the
September 2002 quarter. Export sales from Ingwe decreased by five per
cent, to 38 per cent of total sales volumes during the September quarter.
This reflects lower export tonnage availability from Koornfontein following
a fatal accident at that mine and subsequent safety interventions during
the September 2003 quarter, and shipment timing.
* Nickel - Production for the quarter of 20,600 tonnes was eight per cent
higher than the September 2002 quarter mainly reflecting scheduled
maintenance activities in the September 2002 quarter, along with benefits
in the current quarter of processing enhancements arising from operating
excellence initiatives at both Cerro Matoso (Colombia) and Yabulu
(Australia). Production was in line with the June 2003 quarter, although
sales were 18 per cent lower as a result of timing of shipments.
* Ferrochrome - Production of 227,000 tonnes for the quarter was five per
cent lower than the September 2002 quarter and 12 per cent lower than the
June 2003 quarter. This reduction is mainly due to scheduled maintenance
shut downs in the current quarter, coinciding with the high winter
electricity tariff period in South Africa.
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION
SUMMARY
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED % CHANGE
SEP SEP Q03
Q03
SEPT JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT vs Vs
2002 2003 2003 2003 2002 SEP JUN Q03
Q02
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & ("000
condensate bbl) 18,550 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550 -16% -1%
Natural gas (bcf) 71.86 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86 19% 17%
LPG ("000
tonnes) 208.96 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96 -5% -3%
Ethane ("000
tonnes) 27.67 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67 -1% 9%
Total
Petroleum (million
Products boe) 33 30 32 32 33 -3% 6%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina ("000
tonnes) 1,031 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031 2% -1%
Aluminium ("000
tonnes) 268 273 282 282 268 5% 3%
BASE METALS
Copper ("000
tonnes) 184.5 229.2 214.5 214.5 184.5 16% -6%
Lead (tonnes) 63,243 59,389 59,364 59,364 63,243 -6% 0%
Zinc (tonnes) 48,542 54,396 49,094 49,094 48,542 1% -10%
Gold (ounces) 55,153 25,752 29,170 29,170 55,153 -47% 13%
Silver ("000
ounces) 11,260 9,643 10,596 10,596 11,260 -6% 10%
Molybdenum (tonnes) 314 301 325 325 314 4% 8%
CARBON STEEL
MATERIALS
Iron ore ("000
tonnes) 18,628 19,420 20,922 20,922 18,628 12% 8%
Metallurgical ("000
coal tonnes) 8,650 9,026 9,099 9,099 8,650 5% 1%
Manganese ores ("000
tonnes) 1,095 1,058 1,153 1,153 1,095 5% 9%
Manganese ("000
alloys tonnes) 175 195 147 147 175 -16% -25%
Hot briquetted ("000
iron tonnes) 333 458 496 496 333 49% 8%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
Diamonds ("000
carats) 954 1,300 1,552 1,552 954 63% 19%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal ("000
tonnes) 19,329 21,991 21,156 21,156 19,329 9% -4%
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
Nickel ("000
tonnes) 19.1 21.0 20.6 20.6 19.1 8% -2%
Ferrochrome ("000
tonnes) 238 259 227 227 238 -5% -12%
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate
adjustments made since the figure was previously reported.
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE
PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
BHP SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
Billiton
Interest 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & (000
condensate bbl) 18,550 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550
Natural gas (bcf) 71.86 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86
LPG ("000
tonnes) 208.96 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96
Ethane ("000
tonnes) 27.67 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67
Total Petroleum (million
Products boe) 33 30 28 30 32 32 33
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production ("000
tonnes)
Worsley 86% 698 662 658 724 699 699 698
Suriname 45% 221 213 222 223 227 227 221
Alumar 36% 112 123 123 113 127 127 112
Total 1,031 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031
ALUMINIUM
Production ("000
tonnes)
Hillside 100% 135 134 133 132 135 135 135
Bayside 100% 46 45 48 46 47 47 46
Alumar 46.3% 44 44 45 45 31 31 44
Valesul 45.5% 11 11 10 11 11 11 11
Mozal 47% 32 32 31 39 58 58 32
Total 268 266 267 273 282 282 268
BASE METALS (a)
COPPER
Payable metal in
concentrate ("000 tonnes)
Escondida (b) 57.5% 68.4 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 115.9 68.4
Tintaya (b) 100% - - - - - - -
Antamina 33.8% 25.7 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 16.9 25.7
Alumbrera (c) 25% 11.1 13.4 9.9 - - - 11.1
Highland Valley
Copper 33.6% 14.9 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.1 14.9
Selbaie 100% 2.8 2.1 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 2.8
Total 122.9 161.8 166.9 163.4 148.5 148.5 122.9
Cathode ("000
tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 17.9 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.4 17.9
Cerro Colorado 100% 32.5 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.1 32.5
Tintaya (b) 100% 8.4 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 8.4
Pinto Valley 100% 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.8
Total 61.6 63.8 64.4 65.8 66.0 66.0 61.6
LEAD
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 61,676 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 59,364 61,676
Pering (d) 100% 1,567 694 354 - - - 1,567
Total 63,243 58,345 59,065 59,389 59,364 59,364 63,243
Refer footnotes
on page 4.
BASE METALS
(continued)
ZINC
Payable metal in
concentate
(tonnes)
Cannington 100% 15,182 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 14,850 15,182
Antamina 33.8% 18,189 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,933 18,189
Selbaie 100% 9,840 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 6,311 9,840
Pering (d) 100% 5,331 7,430 4,335 - - - 5,331
Total 48,542 44,115 46,755 54,396 49,094 49,094 48,542
GOLD
Payable metal in
concentrate (ounces)
Escondida (b) 57.5% 10,074 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 25,016 10,074
Tintaya (b) 100% - - - - - - -
Alumbrera (c) 25% 39,279 46,940 35,084 - - - 39,279
Selbaie 100% 4,486 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,129 4,486
Highland Valley
Copper 33.6% 1,314 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,025 1,314
Total 55,153 69,175 57,802 25,752 29,170 29,170 55,153
SILVER
Payable metal in
concentrate ("000 ounces)
Cannington 100% 9,612 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 9,177 9,612
Escondida 57.5% 304 387 471 538 561 561 304
Antamina 33.8% 536 557 617 517 435 435 536
Alumbrera (c) 25.0% 53 72 75 - - - 53
Highland Valley
Copper 33.6% 162 159 140 143 160 160 162
Selbaie 100% 593 369 279 284 263 263 593
Total 11,260 9,870 10,355 9,643 10,596 10,596 11,260
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina 33.8% 94 115 113 21 25 25 94
Highland Valley
Copper 33.6% 220 250 260 280 300 300 220
Total 314 365 373 301 325 325 314
CARBON STEEL
MATERIALS
IRON ORE
Production ("000
tonnes)
Mt Newman Joint
Venture 85% 5,486 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,639 5,486
Goldsworthy
Joint Venture 85% 1,891 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,633 1,891
(e)
Area C Joint
Venture (f) 85% - - - 19 341 341 -
Yandi Joint
Venture 85% 7,796 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 8,679 7,796
Jimblebar 100% 1,433 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,622 1,433
Samarco 50% 2,022 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 2,008 2,022
Total 18,628 18,447 17,237 19,420 20,922 20,922 18,628
METALLURGICAL
COAL (g)
Production ("000
tonnes)
BMA 50% 4,652 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,591 4,652
BHP Mitsui Coal
(h) 80% 1,863 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,926 1,863
Illawarra 100% 2,135 1,886 1,518 1,224 1,582 1,582 2,135
Total 8,650 8,390 8,556 9,026 9,099 9,099 8,650
Refer footnotes
on page 4.
CARBON STEEL MATERIALS
(cont"d)
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable
production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa (i) 60% 581 560 534 574 600 600 581
Australia (i) 60% 514 499 356 484 553 553 514
Total 1,095 1,059 890 1,058 1,153 1,153 1,095
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable
production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa (i) 60% 124 125 117 137 93 93 124
Australia (i) 60% 51 65 60 58 54 54 51
Total 175 190 177 195 147 147 175
HOT BRIQUETTED
IRON
Production ("000
tonnes)
Boodarie(TM)
Iron 100% 333 414 465 458 496 496 333
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production ("000
carats)
Ekati(TM) 80% 954 1,071 1,015 1,300 1,552 1,552 954
ENERGY COAL
Production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa 100% 13,838 13,333 13,256 13,812 13,782 13,782 13,838
USA 100% 2,800 4,339 3,147 3,877 3,582 3,582 2,800
Australia 100% 1,244 1,234 1,922 2,041 1,756 1,756 1,244
Indonesia (j) 80% 216 29 28 - - - 216
Colombia 33% 1,231 1,713 1,382 2,261 2,036 2,036 1,231
Total 19,329 20,648 19,735 21,991 21,156 21,156 19,329
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production ("000
tonnes)
CMSA 99.8% 11.7 11.9 11.1 12.2 12.4 12.4 11.7
Yabulu 100% 7.4 7.5 7.5 8.8 8.2 8.2 7.4
Total 19.1 19.4 18.6 21.0 20.6 20.6 19.1
FERROCHROME
Saleable
production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa (i) 60% 238 230 263 259 227 227 238
(a) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
(b) Sulphide production at Escondida and Tintaya was temporarily reduced
in November 2001 and January 2002 respectively due to weak market
conditions. Sulphide mining operations recommenced at Tintaya during
August 2003.
The Escondida Phase IV expansion was commissioned in October 2002.
Commercial production of copper cathode commenced at Tintaya in June
2002.
(c) BHP Billiton announced the sale of its interest in Alumbrera in
March 2003. The sale transaction reached closure in June 2003.
(d) Production ceased, ahead of mine closure, in February 2003.
(e) Includes bulk sample production from Area C prior to May 2003.
(f) Production commenced in May 2003.
(g) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product.
Production figures include some thermal coal.
(h) Shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest.
(i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production
is 60%.
(j) Production shown on 86.5% basis after allowing for Indonesian state
owned corporation"s 13.5% share of production.
Mining operations at Petangis ceased in October 2002.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable
production unless otherwise
stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE
("000 barrels)
Bass Strait 6,799 5,799 5,391 5,643 5,872 5,872 6,799
North West Shelf -
condensate 1,602 1,510 1,566 1,560 1,491 1,491 1,602
North West Shelf -
Wanaea/Cossack 1,876 1,655 1,679 1,606 1,604 1,604 1,876
Laminaria 2,914 1,869 1,419 1,161 1,151 1,151 2,914
Griffin 1,281 1,089 831 708 742 742 1,281
Pakistan 18 17 16 14 53 53 18
Typhoon/Boris
(a) 1,233 654 852 1,430 1,214 1,214 1,233
Americas 718 652 816 715 608 608 718
Liverpool Bay 1,838 2,463 2,174 2,344 2,324 2,324 1,838
Bruce/Keith 271 690 566 454 453 453 271
Total 18,550 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550
NATURAL GAS (billion
cubic feet)
Bass Strait 33.07 21.07 17.51 25.37 33.04 33.04 33.07
North West
Shelf - 3.62 3.82 3.81 4.07 3.99 3.99 3.62
Domestic
North West
Shelf - LNG 16.55 14.93 15.11 15.41 16.74 16.74 16.55
Griffin 0.95 1.03 0.81 0.81 0.96 0.96 0.95
Pakistan 2.83 2.76 2.57 2.33 7.86 7.86 2.83
Typhoon/Boris
(a) 1.38 0.71 2.03 2.03 1.58 1.58 1.38
Americas 3.91 3.80 3.34 3.42 3.25 3.25 3.91
Bruce 4.59 10.55 10.04 8.17 8.77 8.77 4.59
Keith 0.07 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.11 0.11 0.07
Liverpool Bay 4.89 10.59 11.62 11.16 8.89 8.89 4.89
Total 71.86 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86
LPG ("000
tonnes)
Bass Strait 149.66 115.23 111.74 135.18 150.19 150.19 149.66
North West
Shelf 36.32 31.04 32.67 32.39 34.21 34.21 36.32
Bruce 22.45 20.47 15.10 37.24 14.12 14.12 22.45
Keith 0.53 1.23 1.11 0.76 0.81 0.81 0.53
Total 208.96 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96
ETHANE ("000
tonnes) 27.67 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67
TOTAL PETROLEUM
PRODUCTS 33.1 30.0 28.4 30.3 32.1 32.1 33.1
(million barrels of oil
equivalent) (b)
(a) Boris commenced production in February 2003.
(b) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions based on the
following:
6000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe
1 tonne of LPG equals 11.6 boe
1 tonne of ethane equals 4.4667 boe
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production
and sales unless otherwise stated.
("000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley,
Australia 698 662 658 724 699 699 698
Paranam,
Suriname 221 213 222 223 227 227 221
Alumar, Brazil 112 123 123 113 127 127 112
Total 1,031 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031
Sales
Worsley,
Australia 758 606 751 636 697 697 758
Paranam,
Suriname 253 201 243 228 221 221 253
Alumar, Brazil 130 125 124 107 120 120 130
Total 1,141 932 1,118 971 1,038 1,038 1,141
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside,
South Africa 135 134 133 132 135 135 135
Bayside, South
Africa 46 45 48 46 47 47 46
Alumar, Brazil 44 44 45 45 31 31 44
Valesul,
Brazil 11 11 10 11 11 11 11
Mozal,
Mozambique 32 32 31 39 58 58 32
Total 268 266 267 273 282 282 268
Sales
Hillside,
South Africa 124 135 133 143 134 134 124
Bayside, South
Africa 47 45 48 48 54 54 47
Alumar, Brazil 38 52 38 51 38 38 38
Valesul,
Brazil 9 12 9 10 11 11 9
Mozal,
Mozambique 27 35 33 41 61 61 27
Total 245 279 261 293 298 298 245
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise
stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida,
Chile (a)
Material mined ("000
(100%) tonnes) 74,671 74,303 73,466 74,665 69,342 69,342 74,671
Sulphide ore ("000
milled (100%) tonnes) 10,142 14,632 16,744 16,416 18,888 18,888 10,142
Average copper
grade (%) 1.45% 1.59% 1.49% 1.62% 1.33% 1.33% 1.45%
Production ex ("000
Mill (100%) tonnes) 125.6 191.8 210.8 230.9 208.2 208.2 125.6
Production
Payable copper ("000
tonnes) 68.4 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 115.9 68.4
Payable gold (fine
concentrate ounces) 10,074 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 25,016 10,074
Copper cathode ("000
(SXEW) tonnes) 17.9 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.4 17.9
Payable silver ("000
concentrate ounces) 304 387 471 538 561 561 304
Sales
Payable copper ("000
tonnes) 77.0 104.8 113.5 128.9 116.2 116.2 77.0
Payable gold (fine
concentrate ounces) 11,689 16,709 17,166 20,138 25,335 25,335 11,689
Copper cathode ("000
(SXEW) tonnes) 18.1 19.5 19.3 20.3 18.1 18.1 18.1
Payable silver ("000
concentrate ounces) 269 400 484 584 574 574 269
(a) Includes production from the Escondida Phase IV expansion which
commissioned in October 2002.
Tintaya, Peru
(a) (b)
Material mined ("000
tonnes) - - - - 4,151 4,151 -
Ore milled ("000
tonnes) - - - - - - -
Average copper
grade (%) - - - - - - -
Production
Payable copper ("000
tonnes) - - - - - - -
Payable gold (fine
concentrate ounces) - - - - - - -
Copper cathode ("000
(SXEW) tonnes) 8.4 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 8.4
Sales
Payable copper ("000
tonnes) - - - - - - -
Payable gold (fine
concentrate ounces) - - - - - - -
Copper cathode ("000
(SXEW) tonnes) 8.0 8.7 8.7 9.5 8.9 8.9 8.0
(a) Sulphide production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended in
January 2002 due to weak market conditions.
Sulphide mining operations recommenced during August 2003.
(b) Commercial production of copper cathode commenced in June 2002.
Cerro
Colorado,
Chile
Material ("000
mined tonnes) 17,963 15,027 16,564 16,458 20,332 20,332 17,963
Ore milled ("000
tonnes) 3,759 3,942 3,916 4,130 4,346 4,346 3,759
Average
copper grade (%) 0.97% 1.03% 1.00% 0.96% 0.99% 0.99% 0.97%
Production
Copper ("000
cathode tonnes) 32.5 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.1 32.5
Sales
Copper ("000
cathode tonnes) 27.2 29.1 39.3 31.5 28.9 28.9 27.2
Antamina,
Peru
Material ("000
mined (100%) tonnes) 30,235 25,797 25,290 28,353 30,174 30,174 30,235
Ore milled ("000
(100%) tonnes) 6,794 6,395 6,424 6,697 6,018 6,018 6,794
Average head
grades
- Copper (%) 1.33% 1.41% 1.32% 1.09% 1.17% 1.17% 1.33%
- Zinc (%) 1.28% 1.15% 1.54% 1.97% 2.17% 2.17% 1.28%
Production
Payable ("000
copper tonnes) 25.7 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 16.9 25.7
Payable zinc (tonnes) 18,189 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,933 18,189
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 536 557 617 517 435 435 536
Payable ("000
molybdenum tonnes) 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.09
Sales
Payable ("000
copper tonnes) 30.6 25.8 22.4 21.2 18.6 18.6 30.6
Payable zinc (tonnes) 19,184 14,407 15,400 31,034 26,781 26,781 19,184
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 590 530 575 435 420 420 590
Payable ("000
molybdenum tonnes) 0.02 0.17 0.10 0.10 0.01 0.01 0.02
Alumbrera,
Argentina (a)
Material ("000
mined (100%) tonnes) 29,356 28,730 26,400 - - - 29,356
Ore milled ("000
(100%) tonnes) 8,034 8,703 8,376 - - - 8,034
Average head
grades
- Copper (%) 0.62% 0.69% 0.54% - - - 0.62%
- Gold (g/t) 0.8 0.9 0.7 - - - 0.8
Production
Payable ("000
copper tonnes) 11.1 13.4 9.9 - - - 11.1
Payable gold (fine
ounces) 35,935 42,594 30,730 - - - 35,935
Payable gold (fine
- dore ounces) 3,344 4,346 4,354 - - - 3,344
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 53 72 75 - - - 53
Sales
Payable ("000
copper tonnes) 10.3 13.3 10.8 - - - 10.3
Payable gold (fine
ounces) 33,957 42,381 33,438 - - - 33,957
Payable gold (fine
- dore ounces) 3,082 4,409 4,159 - - - 3,082
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 53 72 75 - - - 53
(a) BHP Billiton announced the sale of its interest in Alumbrera in
March 2003.
Participation in the joint venture ceased on 2nd April 2003.
Highland
Valley,
Canada
Material ("000
mined (100%) tonnes) 20,455 18,682 16,642 18,186 16,892 16,892 20,455
Ore milled ("000
(100%) tonnes) 12,941 12,924 11,602 12,565 12,261 12,261 12,941
Average
copper grade (%) 0.40% 0.39% 0.40% 0.39% 0.40% 0.40% 0.40%
Production
Payable ("000
copper tonnes) 14.9 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.1 14.9
Payable ("000
molybdenum tonnes) 0.22 0.25 0.26 0.28 0.30 0.30 0.22
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 162 159 140 143 160 160 162
Payable gold (fine
concentrate ounces) 1,314 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,025 1,314
Sales
Payable ("000
copper tonnes) 14.4 17.5 10.0 10.7 16.7 16.7 14.4
Payable ("000
molybdenum tonnes) 0.19 0.22 0.26 0.23 0.28 0.28 0.19
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 153 189 106 116 177 177 153
Payable gold (fine
concentrate ounces) 1,240 1,644 843 793 1,505 1,505 1,240
Cannington,
Australia
Material ("000
mined tonnes) 631 573 601 588 637 637 631
Ore milled ("000
tonnes) 599 564 589 560 589 589 599
Average head
grades
- Silver (g/t) 564 535 550 525 564 564 564
- Lead (%) 11.7% 11.9% 11.8% 12.1% 11.5% 11.5% 11.7%
- Zinc (%) 4.3% 4.3% 4.3% 5.3% 4.0% 4.0% 4.3%
Production
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 9,612 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 9,177 9,612
Payable lead (tonnes) 61,676 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 59,364 61,676
Payable zinc (tonnes) 15,182 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 14,850 15,182
Sales
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 9,401 9,081 8,956 8,412 6,765 6,765 9,401
Payable lead (tonnes) 59,856 62,735 57,961 58,742 43,953 43,953 59,856
Payable zinc (tonnes) 12,077 14,849 18,056 13,288 16,223 16,223 12,077
Selbaie,
Canada
Ore milled ("000
tonnes) 1,049 999 919 982 858 858 1,049
Average head
grades
- Zinc (%) 1.37% 1.09% 1.11% 1.18% 1.13% 1.13% 1.37%
- Copper (%) 0.33% 0.28% 0.25% 0.24% 0.25% 0.25% 0.33%
- Gold (g/t) 0.23 0.25 0.23 0.23 0.22 0.22 0.23
- Silver (g/t) 35.10 22.75 22.15 20.62 22.38 22.38 35.10
Production
Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,840 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 6,311 9,840
Payable
copper (tonnes) 2,789 2,111 1,654 1,768 1,606 1,606 2,789
Payable gold
concentrate (ounces) 4,486 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,129 4,486
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 593 369 279 284 263 263 593
Sales
Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,861 7,245 6,649 6,812 6,209 6,209 9,861
Payable
copper (tonnes) 2,823 2,107 2,751 1,612 1,918 1,918 2,823
Payable gold
concentrate (ounces) 5,932 3,082 5,508 4,280 4,384 4,384 5,932
Payable ("000
silver ounces) 527 478 444 355 292 292 527
Pering, South
Africa (a)
Ore milled ("000
tonnes) 320 288 151 - - - 320
Average head
grades
- Zinc (%) 2.21% 3.34% 3.47% - - - 2.21%
- Lead (%) 0.66% 0.40% 0.33% - - - 0.66%
Production
Payable zinc (tonnes) 5,331 7,430 4,335 - - - 5,331
Payable lead (tonnes) 1,567 694 354 - - - 1,567
Sales
Payable zinc (tonnes) 3,701 6,179 5,343 4,466 - - 3,701
Payable lead (tonnes) 1,367 1,327 995 117 - - 1,367
(a) Production ceased, ahead of mine closure, in February 2003.
Pinto Valley,
USA
Production
Copper ("000
cathode tonnes) 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.8
(SXEW)
Sales
Copper ("000
cathode tonnes) 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.7
(SXEW)
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED QUARTER
ENDED
SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT
2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
CARBON STEEL
MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production
and sales unless otherwise stated.
("000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara,
Australia
Production
Mt Newman
Joint Venture 5,486 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,639 5,486
Goldsworthy Joint
Venture (b) 1,891 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,633 1,891
Area C Joint
Venture (c) - - - 19 341 341 -
Yandi Joint
Venture 7,796 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 8,679 7,796
Jimblebar 1,433 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,622 1,433
Total (BHP
Billiton
share) 16,606 16,468 15,284 17,518 18,914 18,914 16,606
Total
production
(100%) 19,284 19,165 17,739 20,359 21,965 21,965 19,284
Shipments
Lump 4,335 4,290 4,352 4,193 4,898 4,898 4,335
Fines 11,842 13,896 12,144 13,187 13,334 13,334 11,842
Total (BHP
Billiton
share) 16,177 18,186 16,496 17,380 18,232 18,232 16,177
Total
shipments
(100%) 19,033 21,396 19,407 20,448 21,450 21,450 19,033
(a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes
basis.
(b) Includes bulk sample production from Area C prior to May 2003.
(c) Production commenced in May 2003.
Samarco, Brazil
Production 2,022 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 2,008 2,022
Shipments 2,034 2,004 2,049 2,153 2,013 2,013 2,034
METALLURGICAL
COAL (a)
Queensland,
Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater 1,633 1,603 1,668 1,937 1,578 1,578 1,633
Goonyella 734 812 1,191 1,075 994 994 734
Peak Downs 789 757 1,009 1,076 1,004 1,004 789
Saraji 427 629 599 666 747 747 427
Norwich Park 573 451 610 527 524 524 573
South
Blackwater - - - - - - -
Gregory Joint
Venture 496 780 761 488 744 744 496
BMA total 4,652 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,591 4,652
BHP Mitsui
Coal (b)
Riverside 927 400 300 1,014 969 969 927
South Walker
Creek 936 1,072 900 1,019 957 957 936
BHP Mitsui
Coal total 1,863 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,926 1,863
Queensland
total 6,515 6,504 7,038 7,802 7,517 7,517 6,515
Shipments
Coking coal 4,165 |
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