BHP BILLITON APPOINTS CHAIRMAN OF ITS SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES                  
BHP Billiton Plc                                                                
Share Code:    BIL                                                              
ISIN Number:   GB0000566504                                                     
NEWS RELEASE                                                                    
BHP BILLITON APPOINTS CHAIRMAN OF ITS SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES                  
BHP Billiton today announced the appointment of Dr Vincent Maphai to the        
position of Chairman of its wholly owned subsidiary BHP Billiton South Africa   
Limited. Dr Maphai will take up the position, to be based in Johannesburg, on 1 
May 2004.                                                                       
The Chairman of BHP Billiton SA will be the most senior group executive located 
in Southern Africa and will report to BHP Billiton Executive Director Mike      
Salamon.  The new role reflects BHP Billiton"s commitment to the region and to  
playing a constructive role in the development of the countries in which it has 
an operating presence.                                                          
Dr Maphai will chair BHP Billiton South Africa Limited and the Southern African 
Chief Operating Officer"s Council, which currently co-ordinates BHP Billiton"s  
activities in the region, including the aluminium, coal, chrome and manganese   
businesses.  He will also chair the BHP Billiton Development Trust, the local   
corporate social investment arm; the Employment Equity Steering Group, which is 
working to ensure that BHP Billiton fulfils the requirements of the Employment  
Equity Act; and lead the BHP Billiton SA Public Policy Unit.                    
Dr Maphai has an MA (Magna cum laude) from the University of Leuven in Belgium, 
a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Natal in South Africa and has  
also completed the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) at Harvard.  He is       
currently Corporate Affairs Director at SAB Miller based in Johannesburg.       
Commenting on the appointment Mr Charles Goodyear, Chief Executive Officer of   
BHP Billiton, said he was delighted to welcome Dr Maphai to this new and        
important position. "We look forward to the contribution that Dr Maphai will    
make in enhancing our profile and role in the region."                          
Mr Mike Salamon, Executive Director added: "Southern Africa is a core element of
our global business activities and Dr Maphai"s experience and stature will hold 
us in good stead as we progress our empowerment initiatives and seek development
opportunities throughout the region."