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BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003
BHP BILLITON PLC
ISIN: GB0000566504
JSE SHARE CODE: BIL
BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 31
December 2003.
*Record quarterly Western Australian Iron Ore production of 23.0 million tonnes
and record quarterly despatches of 22.5 million tonnes (100 per cent basis)
*Record quarterly Aluminium production resulting from early commissioning of the
Mozal 2 (Mozambique) and Hillside 3 (South Africa) expansions.
*Record quarterly production of Ekati(TM) Diamonds (Canada)
*First production from Ohanet wet gas development in Algeria.
- Total Petroleum Products - Total production for the December 2003 quarter was
30.2 million barrels of oil equivalent, one per cent higher than the December
2002 quarter and six per cent lower than the September 2003 quarter. Total
production for the second half of calendar year 2003 was 6.3 per cent higher
than the first half, as the predicted decline in some of our legacy oil assets
was more than offset by increased gas production and production from new assets.
- Oil and Condensate - Production for the December 2003 quarter was 14.9 million
barrels, nine per cent lower than the 16.4 million barrels produced in the
December 2002 quarter. This was mainly due to natural field decline in
Laminaria (Australia), Griffin (Australia), Bass Strait Australia) and Liverpool
Bay (UK), along with a scheduled maintenance shut down at North West Shelf
(Australia) and maintenance shut downs at Bruce (UK). This was partly offset
by new production from Ohanet in October 2003, Boris North (USA) in September
2003 and Boris South (USA) in February 2003. Production was four per cent lower
than the 15.5 million barrels produced in the September 2003 quarter, reflecting
natural field decline across the portfolio and the shut downs at North West
Shelf and Bruce. This was partly offset by the new production from Ohanet and
Boris North.
- Natural Gas - Production for the December 2003 quarter was 77.6 billion cubic
feet, 12 per cent higher than the 69.4 billion cubic feet produced in the
December 2002 quarter. This was due to the commissioning of Zamzama Phase 1
(Pakistan), Boris South and Boris North, and increased demand from Bass Strait
due to unseasonably cool weather conditions. These factors were partly offset
by maintenance shut downs at Bruce. Production for the quarter was nine per cent
lower than the 85.2 billion cubic feet produced in the September 2003 quarter
due to seasonally driven demand for Bass Strait natural gas and a scheduled shut
down at North West Shelf. This was partly offset by higher production at
Liverpool Bay due to winter demand.
- Alumina - Production for the December 2003 quarter was 1.1 million tonnes,
five per cent higher than the December 2002 quarter, due to power disruptions at
Worsley (Australia) and Paranam (Suriname) last year. Production was in line
with the September 2003 quarter.
- Aluminium - Production for the December 2003 quarter was a record 308,000
tonnes, 16 per cent higher than the December 2002 quarter, and nine per cent
higher than the September 2003 quarter. The increase mainly reflects the ramp
up of production from the Mozal 2 and Hillside 3 expansions, which reached full
commissioning in August 2003 and December 2003, respectively. This was partly
offset by lower production at Alumar (Brazil) following an electrical outage in
July 2003. Sales were 14 per cent lower than the September 2003 quarter due to
timing of shipments.
- Copper - Production for the December 2003 quarter of 226,800 tonnes was in
line with the December 2002 quarter, reflecting resumed sulphide mining
operations at Tintaya (Peru) in August 2003, offset by sale of the Group"s
interest in the Alumbrera (Argentina) mine in April 2003 and lower production at
Antamina (Peru) while access to ore is restricted to the flanks of the deposit.
Production was six per cent higher than the September 2003 quarter, mainly a
result of resumed sulphide operations at Tintaya.
In October 2003, BHP Billiton announced that Escondida would return to its
normal mine plan and production profile commencing January 2004. In preparing
for the return to the normal plan, Escondida has experienced difficulty in
achieving the expected water recovery rates from the new tailings dam
constructed during the Phase IV expansion. Escondida has identified the
associated technical issues related to the water recovery rates and will begin
to implement a solution. During this process, it is expected that the
concentrators at Escondida will operate between 5 and 10 per cent below full
rated throughput capacity.
- Iron Ore - A new quarterly production record of 23.0 million tonnes (100 per
cent basis) was set at Western Australia during the December 2003 quarter, 20
per cent higher than the December 2002 quarter, and five per cent higher than
the September 2003 quarter. The increased production is in response to ongoing
strong customer demand in all Asian markets, particularly China. A quarterly
despatch record of 22.5 million tonnes (100% basis) was also set in Western
Australia during the December 2003 quarter. Total iron ore production for the
December 2003 quarter was 21.7 million tonnes (BHP Billiton share), 18 and four
per cent higher than the December 2002 and September 2003 quarters,
respectively.
- Metallurgical Coal - Production for the December 2003 quarter of 8.4 million
tonnes was in line with the December 2002 quarter, reflecting strong customer
demand at Queensland Coal (Australia), offset by decreased production at
Illawarra Coal (Australia), resulting from the closure of Tower colliery in
December 2002 and adverse mining conditions at the West Cliff colliery.
Production was seven per cent lower than the September 2003 quarter, due to the
scheduling of plant maintenance at Queensland Coal, and the adverse mining
conditions at West Cliff colliery. Shipments from Queensland Coal were nine per
cent higher than the September 2003 quarter and 25 per cent higher than the
December 2002 quarter, reflecting strong customer demand and increased sales to
China.
- Manganese alloys - Production for the December 2003 quarter of 183,000 tonnes
was 24 per cent higher than the September 2003 quarter following resumption of
normal operations at the Metalloys silicomanganese plant (South Africa) in
September 2003.
- Hot briquetted iron - Production for the December 2003 quarter of 527,000
tonnes was 27 per cent higher than the December 2002 quarter, reflecting strong
customer demand and continued ramp up of the Boodarie(TM) Iron plant.
- Ekati(TM) Diamonds - Production of 1.7 million carats was 59 per cent higher
than the December 2002 quarter and 10 per cent higher than the September 2003
quarter. This increase reflects the processing of a pocket of high grade
material from the Koala pit which was completed in December 2003, along with
sustained benefits from the processing plant de-bottlenecking program.
- Energy Coal - Production for the December 2003 quarter was 20.0 million
tonnes, three per cent lower than the December 2002 quarter and six per cent
lower than the September 2003 quarter. The decrease compared with the September
2003 quarter mainly reflects lower production at New Mexico Coal USA) Navajo
mine in anticipation of a planned major outage at a customer"s power plant and
longwall move at San Juan underground, along with lower production at Cerrejon
Coal (Colombia) mainly due to adverse weather conditions during the month of
December 2003. These factors were partly offset by higher production at Hunter
Valley (Australia) reflecting the ramp up of Mount Arthur North.
- Nickel - Production for the quarter of 20,000 tonnes was three per cent higher
than the December 2002 quarter, mainly reflecting benefits of processing
enhancements arising from operating excellence initiatives at both Cerro Matoso
(Colombia) and Yabulu (Australia). Production was three per cent lower than the
September 2003 quarter, due to the impact of adverse weather conditions during
the month of December at Cerro Matoso, and scheduled maintenance at Yabulu.
- Ferrochrome - Production of 269,000 tonnes for the quarter was 17 per cent
higher than the December 2002 quarter driven by the restart of idle furnaces in
the March 2003 quarter. Production was 19 per cent higher than the September
2003 quarter, when maintenance shut downs were scheduled to coincide with the
high winter electricity tariff period in South Africa.
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION
SUMMARY
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR % CHANGE
ENDED
DEC DEC Y
Q03 Q03 03
DEC SEPT DEC DEC DEC vs vs v
2002 2003 2003 2003 2002 DEC SEPT Y
Q02 Q03 02
PETROLEUM
Crude oil and ("000 16,398 15,512 14,877 30,389 34,948 -9% -4% -
condensate bbl)
Natural gas (bcf) 69.41 85.19 77.57 162.76 141.27 12% -9% 1
LPG ("000 167.97 199.33 200.51 399.84 376.93 19% 1% 6
tonnes)
Ethane ("000 19.91 27.32 25.25 52.57 47.58 27% -8% 1
tonnes)
Total (million 30.0 32.1 30.2 62.4 63.1 1% -6% -
Petroleum boe)
Products
ALUMINIUM
Alumina ("000 998 1,053 1,050 2,103 2,029 5% 0% 4
tonnes)
Aluminium ("000 266 282 308 590 534 16% 9% 1
tonnes)
BASE METALS
Copper ("000 225.6 214.5 226.8 441.3 410.1 1% 6% 8
tonnes)
Lead (tonnes) 58,345 59,364 55,211 114,575 121,588 -5% -7% -
Zinc (tonnes) 44,115 49,094 45,912 95,006 92,657 4% -6% 3
Gold (ounces) 69,175 29,170 32,085 61,255 124,328 -54% 10% -
Silver ("000 9,870 10,596 9,980 20,576 21,130 1% -6% -
ounces)
Molybdenum (tonnes) 365 325 290 615 678 -20% -11% -
CARBON STEEL
MATERIALS
Iron ore ("000 18,447 20,922 21,728 42,650 37,075 18% 4% 1
tonnes)
Metallurgical ("000 8,390 9,099 8,445 17,544 17,040 1% -7% 3
coal tonnes)
Manganese ores ("000 1,059 1,153 1,199 2,352 2,154 13% 4% 9
tonnes)
Manganese ("000 190 147 183 330 365 -4% 24% -
alloys tonnes)
Hot briquetted ("000 414 496 527 1,023 747 27% 6% 3
iron tonnes)
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
Diamonds ("000 1,071 1,552 1,704 3,256 2,025 59% 10% 6
carats)
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal ("000 20,648 21,156 19,978 41,134 39,977 -3% -6% 3
tonnes)
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
Nickel ("000 19.4 20.6 20.0 40.6 38.5 3% -3% 5
tonnes)
Ferrochrome ("000 230 227 269 496 468 17% 19% 6
tonnes)
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the
figure was previously reported.
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE
PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR
ENDED
BHP DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
Billiton
Interest 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil and (000 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 14,877 30,389 34,948
condensate bbl)
Natural gas (bcf) 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 77.57 162.76 141.27
LPG ("000 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 200.51 399.84 376.93
tonnes)
Ethane ("000 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 25.25 52.57 47.58
tonnes)
Total Petroleum (million 30.0 28.4 30.3 32.1 30.2 62.4 63.1
Products boe)
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production ("000
tonnes)
Worsley 86% 662 658 724 699 700 1,399 1,360
Suriname 45% 213 222 223 227 230 457 434
Alumar 36% 123 123 113 127 120 247 235
Total 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,050 2,103 2,029
ALUMINIUM
Production ("000
tonnes)
Hillside 100% 134 133 132 135 151 286 269
Bayside 100% 45 48 46 47 46 93 91
Alumar 46.3% 44 45 45 31 36 67 88
Valesul 45.5% 11 10 11 11 11 22 22
Mozal 47% 32 31 39 58 64 122 64
Total 266 267 273 282 308 590 534
BASE METALS (a)
COPPER
Payable metal in
concentrate ("000 tonnes)
Escondida (b) 57.5% 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 109.1 225.0 174.0
Tintaya (c) 100% - - - - 15.0 15.0 -
Antamina 33.8% 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 20.5 37.4 52.1
Alumbrera (d) 25% 13.4 9.9 - - - - 24.5
Highland Valley 33.6% 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.2 28.3 29.2
Copper (e)
Selbaie (f) 100% 2.1 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.8 3.4 4.9
Total 161.8 166.9 163.4 148.5 160.6 309.1 284.7
Cathode ("000
tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.8 43.2 37.0
Cerro Colorado 100% 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.0 66.1 65.6
Tintaya (c) 100% 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 18.0 17.3
Pinto Valley 100% 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.4 4.9 5.5
Total 63.8 64.4 65.8 66.0 66.2 132.2 125.4
LEAD
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 55,211 114,575 119,32
Pering (g) 100% 694 354 - - - - 2,261
Total 58,345 59,065 59,389 59,364 55,211 114,575 121,58
ZINC
Payable metal in
concentate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 11,692 26,542 29,903
Antamina 33.8% 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,026 54,959 33,613
Selbaie (f) 100% 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 7,194 13,505 16,380
Pering (g) 100% 7,430 4,335 - - - - 12,761
Total 44,115 46,755 54,396 49,094 45,912 95,006 92,657
Refer footnotes
on page 4.
BASE METALS
(continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in
concentrate (ounces)
Escondida (b) 57.5% 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 24,833 49,849 26,010
Tintaya (c) 100% - - - - 2,658 2,658 -
Alumbrera (d) 25% 46,940 35,084 - - - - 86,219
Selbaie (f) 100% 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,428 6,557 9,555
Highland Valley 33.6% 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,166 2,191 2,544
Copper (e)
Total 69,175 57,802 25,752 29,170 32,085 61,255 124,32
SILVER
Payable metal in
concentrate ("000 ounces)
Cannington 100% 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 8,287 17,464 17,938
Escondida 57.5% 387 471 538 561 550 1,111 691
Antamina 33.8% 557 617 517 435 494 929 1,093
Tintaya (c) 100.0% - - - - 170 170 -
Alumbrera (d) 25.0% 72 75 - - - - 125
Highland Valley 33.6% 159 140 143 160 163 323 321
Copper (e)
Selbaie (f) 100% 369 279 284 263 316 579 962
Total 9,870 10,355 9,643 10,596 9,980 20,576 21,130
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina 33.8% 115 113 21 25 20 45 208
Highland Valley 33.6% 250 260 280 300 270 570 470
Copper (e)
Total 365 373 301 325 290 615 678
CARBON STEEL
MATERIALS
IRON ORE (h)
Production ("000
tonnes)
Mt Newman Joint 85% 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,707 13,346 10,773
Venture
Goldsworthy 85% 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,477 3,110 3,699
Joint Venture
(i)
Area C Joint 85% - - 19 341 1,048 1,389 -
Venture (j)
Yandi Joint 85% 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 9,005 17,684 15,983
Venture
Jimblebar 100% 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,520 3,142 2,619
Samarco 50% 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 1,971 3,979 4,001
Total 18,447 17,237 19,420 20,922 21,728 42,650 37,075
METALLURGICAL
COAL (k)
Production ("000
tonnes)
BMA 50% 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,395 10,986 9,684
BHP Mitsui Coal 80% 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,591 3,517 3,335
(l)
Illawarra 100% 1,886 1,518 1,224 1,582 1,459 3,041 4,021
Total 8,390 8,556 9,026 9,099 8,445 17,544 17,040
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable
production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa (m) 60% 560 534 574 600 651 1,251 1,141
Australia (m) 60% 499 356 484 553 548 1,101 1,013
Total 1,059 890 1,058 1,153 1,199 2,352 2,154
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable
production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa (m) 60% 125 117 137 93 122 215 249
Australia (m) 60% 65 60 58 54 61 115 116
Total 190 177 195 147 183 330 365
Refer footnotes
on page 4.
CARBON STEEL MATERIALS
(cont"d)
HOT BRIQUETTED
IRON
Production ("000
tonnes)
Boodarie(TM) 100% 414 465 458 496 527 1,023 747
Iron
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production ("000
carats)
Ekati(TM) 80% 1,071 1,015 1,300 1,552 1,704 3,256 2,025
ENERGY COAL
Production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa 100% 13,333 13,256 13,812 13,782 13,472 27,254 27,171
USA (n) 100% 4,339 3,147 3,877 3,582 2,829 6,411 7,139
Australia 100% 1,234 1,922 2,041 1,756 2,054 3,810 2,478
Indonesia (o) 80% 29 28 - - - - 245
Colombia 33% 1,713 1,382 2,261 2,036 1,623 3,659 2,944
Total 20,648 19,735 21,991 21,156 19,978 41,134 39,977
STAINLESS STEEL
MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production ("000
tonnes)
CMSA 99.8% 11.9 11.1 12.2 12.4 12.2 24.6 23.6
Yabulu 100% 7.5 7.5 8.8 8.2 7.8 16.0 14.9
Total 19.4 18.6 21.0 20.6 20.0 40.6 38.5
FERROCHROME
Saleable
production ("000
tonnes)
South Africa (m) 60% 230 263 259 227 269 496 468
(a) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
(b) The Escondida Phase IV expansion was commissioned in October 2002.
(c) Sulphide production at Tintaya was temporarily reduced in January 2002 due
to weak market conditions. Sulphide mining operations recommenced during August
2003.
(d) BHP Billiton announced the sale of its interest in Alumbrera in March
2003.The sale transaction reached closure in June 2003.
(e) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Highland Valley Copper with effect from
January 3, 2004.The sale is expected toclose by the end of February 2004.
(f) Production at Selbaie is expected to cease in February 2004, in accordance
with mine plan.Shipments are expected to cease in May 2004.
(g) Production ceased at Pering, ahead of mine closure, in February 2003.
(h) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(i) Includes bulk sample production from Area C prior to May 2003.
(j) Production commenced in May 2003.
(k) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product.Production
figures include some thermal coal.
(l) Shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest.
(m) Shown on 100% basis.BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
(n) Includes production from longwall operations at San Juan, which commenced in
October 2002.
(o) 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 HALF YEAR
ENDED
DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production
unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL and CONDENSATE ("000
barrels)
Bass Strait 5,799 5,391 5,643 5,872 5,333 11,205 12,598
North West Shelf - 1,510 1,566 1,560 1,491 1,204 2,695 3,112
condensate
North West Shelf - 1,655 1,679 1,606 1,604 1,675 3,279 3,531
Wanaea/Cossack
Laminaria 1,869 1,419 1,161 1,151 966 2,117 4,783
Griffin 1,089 831 708 742 563 1,305 2,370
Pakistan 17 16 14 53 53 106 35
Typhoon/Boris 654 852 1,430 1,214 1,605 2,819 1,887
(a)
Americas 652 816 715 608 586 1,194 1,370
Liverpool Bay 2,463 2,174 2,344 2,324 2,061 4,385 4,301
Bruce/Keith 690 566 454 453 387 840 961
Algeria (b) 444 444
Total 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 14,877 30,389 34,948
NATURAL GAS (billion
cubic feet)
Bass Strait 21.07 17.51 25.37 33.04 23.86 56.90 54.14
North West Shelf - 3.82 3.81 4.07 3.99 3.95 7.94 7.44
Domestic
North West 14.93 15.11 15.41 16.74 14.93 31.67 31.48
Shelf - LNG
Griffin 1.03 0.81 0.81 0.96 0.90 1.86 1.98
Pakistan 2.76 2.57 2.33 7.86 7.83 15.69 5.59
Typhoon/Boris 0.71 2.03 2.03 1.58 2.41 3.99 2.09
(a)
Americas 3.80 3.34 3.42 3.25 3.73 6.98 7.71
Bruce 10.55 10.04 8.17 8.77 8.52 17.29 15.14
Keith 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.11 0.08 0.19 0.22
Liverpool Bay 10.59 11.62 11.16 8.89 11.36 20.25 15.48
Total 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 77.57 162.76 141.27
LPG ("000
tonnes)
Bass Strait 115.23 111.74 135.18 150.19 130.02 280.21 264.89
North West 31.04 32.67 32.39 34.21 28.11 62.32 67.36
Shelf
Bruce 20.47 15.10 37.24 14.12 17.71 31.83 42.92
Keith 1.23 1.11 0.76 0.81 0.31 1.12 1.76
Algeria (b) 24.36 24.36
Total 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 200.51 399.84 376.93
ETHANE ("000 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 25.25 52.57 47.58
tonnes)
TOTAL PETROLEUM 30.0 28.4 30.3 32.1 30.2 62.4 63.1
PRODUCTS
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (c)
(a) Boris commenced production in February 2003.
(b) Ohanet commenced production in October 2003.
(c) 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 HALF YEAR
ENDED
DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and
sales unless otherwise stated.
("000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, 662 658 724 699 700 1,399 1,360
Australia
Paranam, 213 222 223 227 230 457 434
Suriname
Alumar, Brazil 123 123 113 127 120 247 235
Total 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,050 2,103 2,029
Sales
Worsley, 606 751 636 697 740 1,437 1,364
Australia
Paranam, 201 243 228 221 250 471 454
Suriname
Alumar, Brazil 125 124 107 120 128 248 255
Total 932 1,118 971 1,038 1,118 2,156 2,073
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, 134 133 132 135 151 286 269
South Africa
Bayside, South 45 48 46 47 46 93 91
Africa
Alumar, Brazil 44 45 45 31 36 67 88
Valesul, 11 10 11 11 11 22 22
Brazil
Mozal, 32 31 39 58 64 122 64
Mozambique
Total 266 267 273 282 308 590 534
Sales
Hillside, 135 133 143 134 145 279 259
South Africa
Bayside, South 45 48 48 54 35 89 92
Africa
Alumar, Brazil 52 38 51 38 25 63 90
Valesul, 12 9 10 11 12 23 21
Brazil
Mozal, 35 33 41 61 40 101 62
Mozambique
Total 279 261 293 298 257 555 524
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED
DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2002 2003 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 ("000 74,303 73,466 74,665 69,342 82,909 152,251 148,974
mined (100%) tonnes)
Sulphide ore ("000 14,632 16,744 16,416 18,888 18,299 37,187 24,774
milled (100%) tonnes)
Average (%) 1.59% 1.49% 1.62% 1.33% 1.31% 1.32% 1.53%
copper grade
Production ex ("000 191.8 210.8 230.9 208.2 197.1 405.3 317.4
Mill (100%) tonnes)
Production
Payable ("000 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 109.1 225.0 174.0
copper tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 24,833 49,849 26,010
concentrate ounces)
Copper ("000 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.8 43.2 37.0
cathode tonnes)
(SXEW)
Payable ("000 387 471 538 561 550 1,111 691
silver ounces)
concentrate
Sales
Payable ("000 104.8 113.5 128.9 116.2 114.8 231.0 181.8
copper tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 16,709 17,166 20,138 25,335 26,984 52,319 28,398
concentrate ounces)
Copper ("000 19.5 19.3 20.3 18.1 23.8 41.9 37.6
cathode tonnes)
(SXEW)
Payable ("000 400 484 584 574 634 1,208 669
silver ounces)
concentrate
(a) Includes production from the Escondida Phase IV
expansion which commissioned in October 2002.
Tintaya, Peru
(a)
Material ("000 - - - 4,151 17,450 21,601 -
mined tonnes)
Ore milled ("000 - - - - 1,408 1,408 -
tonnes)
Average (%) - - - - 1.38% 1.38% -
copper grade
Production
Payable ("000 - - - - 15.0 15.0 -
copper tonnes)
Payable gold (fine - - - - 2,658 2,658 -
concentrate ounces)
Copper ("000 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 18.0 17.3
cathode tonnes)
(SXEW)
Payable ("000 - - - - 170.0 170.0 -
silver ounces)
concentrate
Sales
Payable ("000 - - - - 10.6 10.6 -
copper tonnes)
Payable gold (fine - - - - 3,086 3,086 -
concentrate ounces)
Copper ("000 8.7 8.7 9.5 8.9 8.7 17.6 16.7
cathode tonnes)
(SXEW)
Payable ("000 - - - - 100.0 100.0 -
silver ounces)
concentrate
(a) Sulphide production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended in January
2002 due to weak market conditions.
Sulphide mining operations recommenced during August 2003.
Cerro
Colorado,
Chile
Material ("000 15,027 16,564 16,458 20,332 19,855 40,187 32,990
mined tonnes)
Ore milled ("000 3,942 3,916 4,130 4,346 4,405 8,751 7,701
tonnes)
Average (%) 1.03% 1.00% 0.96% 0.99% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
copper grade
Production
Copper ("000 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.0 66.1 65.6
cathode tonnes)
Sales
Copper ("000 29.1 39.3 31.5 28.9 35.2 64.1 56.3
cathode tonnes)
Antamina, Peru
Material ("000 25,797 25,290 28,353 30,174 28,474 58,648 56,032
mined (100%) tonnes)
Ore milled ("000 6,395 6,424 6,697 6,018 7,273 13,291 13,189
(100%) tonnes)
Average head
grades
- Copper (%) 1.41% 1.32% 1.09% 1.17% 1.17% 1.17% 1.37%
- Zinc (%) 1.15% 1.54% 1.97% 2.17% 1.77% 1.95% 1.22%
Production
Payable ("000 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 20.5 37.4 52.1
copper tonnes)
Payable zinc (tonnes) 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,026 54,959 33,613
Payable ("000 557 617 517 435 494 929 1,093
silver ounces)
Payable ("000 0.11 0.11 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.05 0.21
molybdenum tonnes)
Sales
Payable ("000 25.8 22.4 21.2 18.6 22.6 41.2 56.4
copper tonnes)
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,407 15,400 31,034 26,781 26,928 53,709 33,591
Payable ("000 530 575 435 420 491 911 1,120
silver ounces)
Payable ("000 0.17 0.10 0.10 0.01 0.03 0.04 0.19
molybdenum tonnes)
Highland
Valley, Canada
(a)
Material ("000 18,682 16,642 18,186 16,892 15,774 32,666 39,137
mined (100%) tonnes)
Ore milled ("000 12,924 11,602 12,565 12,261 12,602 24,863 25,865
(100%) tonnes)
Average (%) 0.39% 0.40% 0.39% 0.40% 0.38% 0.39% 0.40%
copper grade
Production
Payable ("000 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.2 28.3 29.2
copper tonnes)
Payable ("000 0.25 0.26 0.28 0.30 0.27 0.57 0.47
molybdenum tonnes)
Payable ("000 159 140 143 160 163 323 321
silver ounces)
Payable gold (fine 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,166 2,191 2,544
concentrate ounces)
Sales
Payable ("000 17.5 10.0 10.7 16.7 16.7 33.4 31.9
copper tonnes)
Payable ("000 0.22 0.26 0.23 0.28 0.30 0.58 0.41
molybdenum tonnes)
Payable ("000 189 106 116 177 190 367 342
silver ounces)
Payable gold (fine 1,644 843 793 1,505 1,225 2,730 2,884
concentrate ounces)
(a) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Highland Valley Copper with effect
from January 3, 2004.The sale is expected to close by the end of
February 2004.
Cannington,
Australia
Material ("000 573 601 588 637 699 1,336 1,204
mined tonnes)
Ore milled ("000 564 589 560 589 598 1,187 1,163
tonnes)
Average head
grades
- Silver (g/t) 535 550 525 564 497 530 550
- Lead (%) 11.9% 11.8% 12.1% 11.5% 10.5% 11.0% 11.8%
- Zinc (%) 4.3% 4.3% 5.3% 4.0% 3.4% 3.7% 4.3%
Production
Payable ("000 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 8,287 17,464 17,938
silver ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 55,211 114,575 119,327
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 11,692 26,542 29,903
Sales
Payable ("000 9,049 8,956 8,412 6,765 10,716 17,481 18,450
silver ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 62,748 57,961 58,742 43,953 69,447 113,400 122,604
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,849 18,056 13,288 16,223 15,443 31,666 26,926
Selbaie,
Canada (a)
Ore milled ("000 999 919 982 858 1,017 1,875 2,048
tonnes)
Average head
grades
- Zinc (%) 1.09% 1.11% 1.18% 1.13% 1.13% 1.13% 1.23%
- Copper (%) 0.28% 0.25% 0.24% 0.25% 0.24% 0.24% 0.31%
- Gold (g/t) 0.25 0.23 0.23 0.22 0.20 0.21 0.24
- Silver (g/t) 22.75 22.15 20.62 22.38 24.25 23.39 29.08
Production
Payable zinc (tonnes) 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 7,194 13,505 16,380
Payable (tonnes) 2,111 1,654 1,768 1,606 1,764 3,370 4,900
copper
Payable gold (ounces) 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,428 6,557 9,555
concentrate
Payable ("000 369 279 284 263 316 579 962
silver ounces)
Sales
Payable zinc (tonnes) 7,245 6,649 6,812 6,209 7,429 13,638 17,106
Payable (tonnes) 2,107 2,751 1,612 1,918 1,615 3,533 4,930
copper
Payable gold (ounces) 3,082 5,508 4,280 4,384 3,377 7,761 9,014
concentrate
Payable ("000 478 444 355 292 253 545 1,005
silver ounces)
(a) Production is expected to cease in February 2004, in accordance with
mine plan.Shipments are expected to cease in May 2004.
Pinto Valley,
USA
Production
Copper ("000 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.4 4.9 5.5
cathode tonnes)
(SXEW)
Sales
Copper ("000 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.4 4.9 5.3
cathode tonnes)
(SXEW)
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR
ENDED
DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC
2002 2003 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 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,707 13,346 10,773
Joint Venture
Goldsworthy Joint 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,477 3,110 3,699
Venture (b)
Area C Joint - - 19 341 1,048 1,389 -
Venture (c)
Yandi Joint 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 9,005 17,684 15,983
Venture
Jimblebar 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,520 3,142 2,619
Total (BHP 16,468 15,284 17,518 18,914 19,757 38,671 33,074
Billiton
share)
Total 19,165 17,739 20,359 21,965 22,975 44,940 38,449
production
(100%)
Shipments
Lump 4,290 4,352 4,193 4,898 5,169 10,067 8,625
Fines 13,896 12,144 13,187 13,334 13,968 27,302 25,738
Total (BHP 18,186 16,496 17,380 18,232 19,137 37,369 34,363
Billiton
share)
Total 21,396 19,407 20,448 21,450 22,515 43,965 40,429
shipments
(100%)
(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) Mining commenced in May 2003.
Samarco, Brazil
Production 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 1,971 3,979 4,001
Shipments 2,004 2,049 2,153 2,013 1,886 3,899 4,038
METALLURGICAL
COAL (a)
Queensland,
Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater 1,603 1,668 1,937 1,578 1,581 3,159 3,236
Goonyella 812 1,191 1,075 994 829 1,823 1,546
Peak Downs 757 1,009 1,076 1,004 1,004 2,008 1,546
Saraji 629 599 666 747 655 1,402 1,056
Norwich Park 451 610 527 524 582 1,106 1,024
Gregory Joint 780 761 488 744 744 1,488 1,276
Venture
BMA total 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,395 10,986 9,684
BHP Mitsui
Coal (b)
Riverside 400 300 1,014 969 812 1,781 1,327
South Walker 1,072 900 1,019 957 779 1,736 2,008
Creek
BHP Mitsui 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,591 3,517 3,335
Coal total
Queensland 6,504 7,038 7,802 7,517 6,986 14,503 13,019
total
Shipments
Coking coal 4,034 4,707 4,395 4,838 5,258 10,096 8,199
Weak coking 1,503 1,569 1,525 1,617 1,649 3,266 3,242
coal
Thermal coal 800 852 943 801 987 1,788 1,822
Total 6,337 7,128 6,863 7,256 7,894 15,150 13,263
(a) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product.
Production figures include some thermal coal.
(b) BHP Mitsui Coal production shown on 100% basis before 20% outside
equity interest.
Illawarra,
Australia
Production 1,886 1,518 1,224 1,582 1,459 3,041 4,021
Shipments
Coking coal 1,900 1,611 1,571 1,513 1,293 2,806 3,415
Thermal coal 95 242 179 91 47 138 229
Total 1,995 1,853 1,750 1,604 1,340 2,944 3,644
MANGANESE ORES
South Africa
Saleable 560 534 574 600 651 1,251 1,141
production (a)
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production
is 60%.
Australia
Saleable 499 356 484 553 548 1,101 1,013
production (a)
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production
is 60%.
MANGANESE
ALLOYS
South Africa
Saleable 125 117 137 93 122 215 249
production (a)
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production
is 60%.
Australia |
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