UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

April 21, 2010

 

 

 

BHP BILLITON LIMITED		BHP BILLITON PLC
(ABN 49 004 028 077)		(REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)		(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA		ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)		(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA		NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:    x  Form 20-F    ¨   Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:    ¨  Yes    x  No

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

		BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc
Date: April 21 2010		By:		/S/    JANE MCALOON
		Name:		Jane McAloon
		Title:		Group Company Secretary

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Release Time		IMMEDIATE
Date		21 April 2010
Number		11/10

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

 

•

BHP Billiton reached agreement with the majority of its iron ore customers to permanently move existing contracts to index based prices on a landed equivalent basis.

 

•

Record petroleum production was achieved for the nine months ended March 2010 with strong growth in its high margin crude operations, following the successful start-up of Pyrenees (Australia) and strong performances from operations in the Gulf of Mexico (USA).

 

•

Year to date production records for iron ore on the back of projects delivered from our deep inventory of ongoing expansions. Western Australia Iron Ore (Australia) and Samarco (Brazil) also achieved year to date production records.

 

•

Year to date production records were also achieved for nickel, alumina and zinc, and at North West Shelf, Hunter Valley Energy Coal, Nickel West and Worsley (all Australia), Mad Dog (USA), Alumar refinery (Brazil) and Zamzama (Pakistan).

 

•

Quarterly production records achieved for alumina, and at North West Shelf and Worsley (both Australia) and Samarco and Alumar refinery (both Brazil).

 

•

Iron ore and metallurgical coal production was impacted by weather related disruptions.

Petroleum

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids (‘000 bbl)		69,476		21,915		26	%		22	%		-4	%
Natural Gas (bcf)		281.63		89.58		5	%		9	%		-3	%
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)		116.41		36.84		17	%		16	%		-4	%

Total Petroleum Production – Petroleum has delivered its third consecutive year to date production record. Production was higher than the nine months ended March 2009 due to the successful start-up of Pyrenees, strong performances from Shenzi and Atlantis (both USA), and no weather related interruptions. This was partially offset by natural decline from existing producing fields. Production declined against the December 2009 quarter due to expected lower seasonal demand in eastern Australia and the planned manifold installation at Atlantis. The Atlantis manifold installation is expected to continue into the beginning of the June 2010 quarter.

Crude Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Liquids – Crude and condensate production was 29 per cent higher than the nine months ended March 2009 due to the successful start-up of Pyrenees and strong performance from Shenzi. Strong reservoir performance from Atlantis North and the lack of weather related impacts also contributed to the significant increase in crude production.

---

Production was lower than the December 2009 quarter due to natural field decline, the planned manifold installation at Atlantis, higher pricing impacting volume entitlements for Algeria and planned downtime at Stybarrow (Australia).

Natural Gas – Production was higher than the nine months ended March 2009 mainly due to the contribution from North West Shelf LNG Train 5, strong natural gas production in Pakistan and gas associated with strong production from the Gulf of Mexico assets. This was partially offset by natural field decline and a planned shut down at the UK operations.

Production was down against the December 2009 quarter mainly due to lower seasonal demand in eastern Australia.

Aluminium

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) (a)		2,801		1,021		9	%		24	%		9	%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes)		932		306		1	%		1	%		-2	%

Alumina – Production was higher than all comparative periods due to the continued ramp up of the Alumar refinery expansion and increased volume from Worsley. Alumar refinery ramp up period has been extended and will reach expanded capacity in late calendar year 2010. In the March 2010 quarter, Worsley recovered all the hydrate stockpiled during the calciner outage in the September 2009 quarter.

Aluminium – Production across all operations was in line with comparative periods.

Base Metals

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Copper (‘000 tonnes)		784.1		229.1		-13	%		-19	%		-15	%
Lead (tonnes)		185,570		61,127		8	%		29	%		-3	%
Zinc (tonnes)		152,857		46,597		28	%		18	%		-22	%
Silver (‘000 ounces)		33,949		11,491		11	%		32	%		-2	%
Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)		1,567		89		-45	%		-90	%		-74	%

Copper – Production for the nine months and quarter ended March 2010 decreased mainly due to the Olympic Dam (Australia) Clark Shaft incident, industrial action at Spence (Chile), and lower grades at Cerro Colorado (Chile) and Antamina (Peru). The cessation of Pinto Valley (USA) sulphide mining also impacted production when compared to the nine months and quarter ended March 2009. This was in part offset by the successful repair of the Escondida (Chile) Laguna Seca SAG mill in the September 2009 quarter.

Production in the March 2010 quarter was also impacted by lower grade and safety interventions at Escondida. Lower production was partly offset by stronger production at Spence as it returned to capacity during the quarter following the industrial disruptions in the December 2009 quarter.

Recommissioning of the Clark Shaft commenced during the March 2010 quarter and it is expected to return to normal operation by the end of the June 2010 quarter. Olympic Dam also brought forward planned maintenance activities during the repair period.

---

Lead – Production was higher than the nine months and quarter ended March 2009 due to increased grade at Cannington (Australia).

Zinc – Production was higher than the nine months and quarter ended March 2009 due to higher zinc grade, and increased plant availability and utilisation at Cannington and Antamina. Production was lower than the December 2009 quarter due to lower ore milled at Cannington, and a decreased proportion of ore containing zinc at Antamina.

Silver – Production was higher than the nine months and quarter ended March 2009 due to increased grade at Cannington.

Uranium – Production was significantly below all comparative periods due to the Clark Shaft outage at Olympic Dam, noted above.

Diamonds & Specialty Products

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Diamonds (‘000 carats)		2,310		770		0	%		-19	%		1	%

Diamonds – Production was lower than the March 2009 quarter due to lower average grade. During the quarter a higher proportion of ore was sourced from the Fox pit at Ekati (Canada).

Stainless Steel Materials

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) (b)		127.7		43.3		30	%		8	%		-12	%

Nickel – Production for the nine months ended March 2010 increased following the major furnace rebuild at Nickel West Kalgoorlie (Australia) in the prior period. Production in the March 2010 quarter was impacted by a restriction in hydrogen supply at Nickel West Kwinana (Australia) and by planned and unplanned downtime at Nickel West Kalgoorlie and Cerro Matoso (Colombia).

Iron Ore

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Iron Ore (‘000 tonnes)		93,719		31,164		7	%		11	%		-4	%

Iron Ore – Production was higher than the nine months and quarter ended March 2009 due to the successful delivery of growth projects. Western Australia Iron Ore Rapid Growth Project 4 (RGP4) ramp up is progressing well. However, current quarter production was impacted by weather related disruptions and project tie-in activities at Western Australia Iron Ore.

---

Manganese

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Manganese Ore (‘000 tonnes)		4,403		1,710		11	%		133	%		11	%
Manganese Alloy (‘000 tonnes)		365		171		-25	%		64	%		31	%

Manganese Ore – Production continued to ramp up during the March 2010 quarter, in line with improved demand.

Manganese Alloy – As highlighted in the previous report, production reached full capacity at the end of the March 2010 quarter following the progressive recovery of market conditions.

Metallurgical Coal

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Metallurgical Coal (‘000 tonnes)		26,454		8,157		-2	%		7	%		-8	%

Metallurgical Coal – Production for the quarter was impacted by wet weather disruptions at Queensland Coal and planned longwall moves at Illawarra Coal (both Australia). Cyclone activity resulted in the suspension of shipments from the Hay Point Coal Terminal (Australia) from 11 March 2010. During this period production was constrained due to limited stockpile capacity. All mines had returned to normal operations by mid April 2010.

Hay Point Coal Terminal resumed loading on 2 April 2010 from one berth and on 7 April 2010 from both berths. Further testing and repair work is continuing, with completion expected by the end of April 2010.

Energy Coal

 

		MAR 2010 YTD		MAR 2010 QTR		MAR YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR Q10 vs DEC Q09
Energy Coal (‘000 tonnes)		49,861		16,342		2	%		11	%		6	%

Energy Coal – Production was higher than all comparative periods mainly due to the continuing ramp up of the Klipspruit (South Africa) expansion and record production at Hunter Valley Energy Coal. During the March 2010 quarter, long vessel queues at the Newcastle Port (Australia) delayed export sales from Hunter Valley Energy Coal.

 

(a)	Excluding Suriname which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	Excluding Yabulu which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton share and exclude suspended and sold operations.

This report, together with the Exploration and Development Report, represents the Interim Management Statement for the purposes of the UK Listing Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules. There have been no significant changes in the financial position of the Group in the quarter ended 31 March 2010.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our website: www.bhpbilliton.com

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Australia   Amanda Buckley, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2209 Mobile: +61 419 801 349 email: Amanda.Buckley@bhpbilliton.com		United Kingdom & South Africa   Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974 email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com
Fiona Martin, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908 email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com		Illtud Harri, Media Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246 email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com
		Americas
Leng Lau, Investor Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 706 email: Leng.Y.Lau@bhpbilliton.com		Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565 email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
		Ruban Yogarajah, Media Relations Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022 email: Ruban.Yogarajah@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 Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111
A member of the BHP Billiton group which is headquartered in Australia

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

				QUARTER ENDED						YEAR TO DATE				% CHANGE
				MAR 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009		MAR  YTD10 vs MAR YTD09			MAR  Q10 vs MAR Q09			MAR  Q10 vs DEC Q09
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate		(‘000 bbl)		15,613		20,506		19,736		61,890		47,805		29	%		26	%		-4	%
Natural gas		(bcf)		82.19		92.81		89.58		281.63		267.69		5	%		9	%		-3	%
Natural gas liquid		(‘000 bbl)		2,361		2,387		2,179		7,586		7,208		5	%		-8	%		-9	%
Total Petroleum Products		(million boe)		31.67		38.36		36.84		116.41		99.63		17	%		16	%		-4	%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		825		939		1,021		2,801		2,579		9	%		24	%		9	%
Aluminium		(‘000 tonnes)		304		313		306		932		923		1	%		1	%		-2	%
BASE METALS
Copper		(‘000 tonnes)		282.8		271.1		229.1		784.1		899.9		-13	%		-19	%		-15	%
Lead		(tonnes)		47,235		63,073		61,127		185,570		171,509		8	%		29	%		-3	%
Zinc		(tonnes)		39,397		59,835		46,597		152,857		119,028		28	%		18	%		-22	%
Gold		(ounces)		41,747		45,041		21,662		106,614		129,288		-18	%		-48	%		-52	%
Silver		(‘000 ounces)		8,730		11,689		11,491		33,949		30,545		11	%		32	%		-2	%
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		883		348		89		1,567		2,853		-45	%		-90	%		-74	%
Molybdenum		(tonnes)		337		113		190		544		1,356		-60	%		-44	%		68	%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds		(‘000 carats)		951		760		770		2,310		2,318		0	%		-19	%		1	%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel (b)		(‘000 tonnes)		40.0		49.0		43.3		127.7		98.4		30	%		8	%		-12	%
IRON ORE
Iron ore		(‘000 tonnes)		28,188		32,449		31,164		93,719		87,367		7	%		11	%		-4	%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore		(‘000 tonnes)		733		1,537		1,710		4,403		3,975		11	%		133	%		11	%
Manganese alloy		(‘000 tonnes)		104		131		171		365		488		-25	%		64	%		31	%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal		(‘000 tonnes)		7,596		8,893		8,157		26,454		26,956		-2	%		7	%		-8	%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal		(‘000 tonnes)		14,746		15,460		16,342		49,861		48,740		2	%		11	%		6	%

 

(a)	Excluding Suriname which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	Excluding Yabulu which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

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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 Billiton Interest			MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl)					15,613		18,523		21,648		20,506		19,736		61,890		47,805
Natural gas (bcf)					82.19		97.17		99.24		92.81		89.58		281.63		267.69
NGL (‘000 bbl) (a)					2,361		2,840		3,020		2,387		2,179		7,586		7,208
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)					31.67		37.56		41.21		38.36		36.84		116.41		99.63
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley		86	%		688		747		709		755		811		2,275		2,177
Suriname (b)		45	%		226		226		78		—		—		78		709
Alumar		36	%		137		135		132		184		210		526		402
Total					1,051		1,108		919		939		1,021		2,879		3,288
ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside		100	%		174		177		179		180		174		533		525
Bayside		100	%		24		25		25		25		24		74		74
Alumar		40	%		44		44		44		43		44		131		133
Mozal		47	%		62		64		65		65		64		194		191
Total					304		310		313		313		306		932		923
BASE METALS (c)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida		57.5	%		86.6		111.5		102.8		130.6		101.5		334.9		306.1
Antamina		33.8	%		25.7		26.3		24.3		26.6		22.4		73.3		82.7
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		4.4		—		—		—		—		—		33.3
Total					116.7		137.8		127.1		157.2		123.9		408.2		422.1
Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida		57.5	%		45.0		49.4		47.9		45.9		36.2		130.0		122.7
Cerro Colorado		100	%		26.5		27.5		18.6		21.6		20.2		60.4		74.6
Spence		100	%		47.7		44.8		51.0		18.8		45.0		114.8		127.9
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		1.5		1.4		1.6		1.5		1.6		4.7		4.8
Olympic Dam		100	%		45.4		46.3		37.7		26.1		2.2		66.0		147.8
Total					166.1		169.4		156.8		113.9		105.2		375.9		477.8
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington		100	%		46,259		57,145		60,879		61,701		60,577		183,157		169,649
Antamina		33.8	%		976		1,397		491		1,372		550		2,413		1,860
Total					47,235		58,542		61,370		63,073		61,127		185,570		171,509

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ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington		100	%		12,943		13,258		15,190		18,324		15,257		48,771		41,591
Antamina		33.8	%		26,454		30,929		31,235		41,511		31,340		104,086		77,437
Total					39,397		44,187		46,425		59,835		46,597		152,857		119,028
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida		57.5	%		17,496		17,595		13,905		20,924		20,010		54,839		49,727
Olympic Dam (refined gold)		100	%		23,331		29,398		26,006		24,117		1,652		51,775		78,641
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		920		—		—		—		—		—		920
Total					41,747		46,993		39,911		45,041		21,662		106,614		129,288
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida		57.5	%		673		686		512		825		794		2,131		2,079
Antamina		33.8	%		1,003		1,240		1,039		1,360		1,079		3,478		2,850
Cannington		100	%		6,802		8,609		9,013		9,334		9,605		27,952		24,758
Olympic Dam (refined silver)		100	%		200		259		205		170		13		388		678
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		52		2		—		—		—		—		180
Total					8,730		10,796		10,769		11,689		11,491		33,949		30,545
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam		100	%		883		1,154		1,130		348		89		1,567		2,853
Total					883		1,154		1,130		348		89		1,567		2,853
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina		33.8	%		318		166		241		113		190		544		1,197
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		19		—		—		—		—		—		159
Total					337		166		241		113		190		544		1,356
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
Ekati TM		80	%		951		903		780		760		770		2,310		2,318
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA		99.9	%		13.1		13.7		12.0		13.0		11.6		36.6		36.8
Yabulu (e)		100	%		7.5		7.8		2.8		—		—		2.8		26.1
Nickel West		100	%		26.9		27.1		23.4		36.0		31.7		91.1		61.6
Total					47.5		48.6		38.2		49.0		43.3		130.5		124.5
Refer footnotes on page 4.
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (f)
Newman (g)		85	%		7,510		7,123		7,549		8,174		7,896		23,619		24,227
Goldsworthy Joint Venture		85	%		558		280		428		417		421		1,266		1,136
Area C Joint Venture		85	%		9,181		8,407		9,189		10,207		9,524		28,920		27,106
Yandi Joint Venture		85	%		9,370		9,461		10,194		10,885		10,549		31,628		28,357
Samarco		50	%		1,569		1,777		2,746		2,766		2,774		8,286		6,541
Total					28,188		27,048		30,106		32,449		31,164		93,719		87,367

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MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (h)		60	%		351		156		428		664		781		1,873		2,035
Australia (h)		60	%		382		344		728		873		929		2,530		1,940
Total					733		500		1,156		1,537		1,710		4,403		3,975
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (h) (i)		60	%		51		5		30		76		106		212		296
Australia (h)		60	%		53		20		33		55		65		153		192
Total					104		25		63		131		171		365		488
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (j)
BMA		50	%		5,165		6,378		5,822		5,609		5,871		17,302		18,330
BHP Mitsui Coal (k)		80	%		549		1,482		1,597		1,829		1,251		4,677		3,953
Illawarra		100	%		1,882		1,600		1,985		1,455		1,035		4,475		4,673
Total					7,596		9,460		9,404		8,893		8,157		26,454		26,956
ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa		100	%		6,453		7,682		8,099		7,382		7,741		23,222		22,215
USA		100	%		2,907		4,207		4,162		2,978		2,925		10,065		9,929
Australia		100	%		2,768		3,039		3,173		2,887		3,177		9,237		8,736
Colombia		33	%		2,618		2,734		2,625		2,213		2,499		7,337		7,860
Total					14,746		17,662		18,059		15,460		16,342		49,861		48,740

 

(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)	Suriname was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(c)	Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(d)	The Pinto Valley operations were placed on care and maintenance in February 2009.

(e)	Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(f)	Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(g)	Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

(h)	Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.

(i)	Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

(j)	Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

(k)	Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		3,057		3,744		3,501		3,031		2,779		9,311		9,699
North West Shelf (a)		2,150		2,178		2,305		2,362		2,328		6,995		6,699
Stybarrow		1,843		1,538		1,328		979		433		2,740		7,939
Pyrenees (b)		—		—		—		—		1,530		1,530		—
Other Australia (c)		158		150		172		46		15		233		549
Atlantis (d)		2,449		3,333		4,630		4,301		3,792		12,723		7,000
Mad Dog (d)		1,403		1,355		1,268		906		1,219		3,393		3,318
Shenzi (d) (e)		49		2,788		5,001		5,528		4,421		14,950		235
Trinidad /Tobago		542		354		445		398		407		1,250		1,815
Other Americas (d) (f)		613		505		473		453		403		1,329		2,284
UK		796		869		629		677		767		2,073		2,253
Algeria		2,457		1,611		1,793		1,717		1,543		5,053		5,745
Pakistan		96		98		103		108		99		310		269
Total		15,613		18,523		21,648		20,506		19,736		61,890		47,805

---

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait		17.02		28.98		31.31		24.20		18.81		74.32		79.22
North West Shelf (a)		31.63		32.97		32.86		33.98		35.34		102.18		90.43
Other Australia (c)		6.75		6.11		5.83		5.47		5.60		16.90		20.43
Atlantis (d)		1.32		1.95		2.85		2.38		2.44		7.67		3.73
Mad Dog (d)		0.33		0.33		0.35		0.20		0.35		0.90		0.77
Shenzi (d) (e)		—		0.73		1.75		1.90		1.49		5.14		0.04
Other Americas (d) (f)		1.76		1.68		1.75		1.54		1.41		4.70		4.74
UK		8.95		8.11		5.20		5.08		7.36		17.64		26.16
Pakistan		14.43		16.31		17.34		18.06		16.78		52.18		42.17
Total		82.19		97.17		99.24		92.81		89.58		281.63		267.69
NGL (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		982		1,875		2,080		1,572		1,376		5,028		4,483
North West Shelf (a)		416		437		438		464		478		1,380		1,182
UK		31		97		51		—		49		100		161
Algeria		932		431		451		351		276		1,078		1,382
Total		2,361		2,840		3,020		2,387		2,179		7,586		7,208
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS		31.67		37.56		41.21		38.36		36.84		116.41		99.63

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (g)

 

(a)	North West Shelf LNG Train 5 was commissioned during the September 2008 quarter.

North West Shelf Angel was commissioned during the December 2008 quarter.

 

(b)	Pyrenees achieved first production on 1 March 2010.

(c)	Other Australia includes Griffin and Minerva. Griffin ceased production on 23 October 2009.

(d)	Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.

(e)	The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi. The Shenzi operation was commissioned during the March 2009 quarter.

(f)	Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Mustang, Genesis and Starlifter.

The Neptune operation was commissioned during the September 2008 quarter.

 

(g)	Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia		688		747		709		755		811		2,275		2,177
Paranam, Suriname (a)		226		226		78		—		—		78		709
Alumar, Brazil		137		135		132		184		210		526		402
Total		1,051		1,108		919		939		1,021		2,879		3,288
Sales
Worsley, Australia		683		731		716		773		735		2,224		2,227
Paranam, Suriname (a)		218		246		74		—		—		74		686
Alumar, Brazil		110		145		154		180		218		552		378
Total (b)		1,011		1,122		944		953		953		2,850		3,291
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa		174		177		179		180		174		533		525
Bayside, South Africa		24		25		25		25		24		74		74
Alumar, Brazil		44		44		44		43		44		131		133
Mozal, Mozambique		62		64		65		65		64		194		191
Total		304		310		313		313		306		932		923
Sales
Hillside, South Africa		173		189		147		203		172		522		518
Bayside, South Africa		26		22		26		27		25		78		74
Alumar, Brazil		48		47		44		45		43		132		135
Mozal, Mozambique		41		88		67		56		58		181		182
Total		288		346		284		331		298		913		909
Tolling Agreement (b)		40		31		15		—		—		15		98
		328		377		299		331		298		928		1,007

 

(a)	Suriname was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	Equity Alumina from Suriname was converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement.

These tonnages were allocated to equity sales.

---

This Aluminium is now treated as third party product following the sale of Suriname.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

				QUARTER ENDED															YEAR TO DATE
				MAR 2009			JUNE 2009			SEPT 2009			DEC 2009			MAR 2010			MAR 2010			MAR 2009
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida, Chile
Material mined (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		97,357			102,558			102,352			101,976			103,216			307,544			297,276
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		21,381			19,898			16,224			20,246			17,697			54,167			64,313
Average copper grade		(%)		0.93	%		1.22	%		1.40	%		1.38	%		1.29	%		1.36	%		1.09	%
Production ex Mill (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		156.4			199.6			188.4			233.0			189.6			611.0			551.3
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		86.6			111.5			102.8			130.6			101.5			334.9			306.1
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces)		17,496			17,595			13,905			20,924			20,010			54,839			49,727
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		45.0			49.4			47.9			45.9			36.2			130.0			122.7
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces)		673			686			512			825			794			2,131			2,079
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		93.0			114.2			88.9			144.3			100.4			333.6			305.0
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces)		19,050			17,816			11,991			23,031			20,390			55,412			49,948
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		45.6			48.4			40.7			51.1			40.3			132.1			118.6
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces)		732			685			441			910			786			2,137			2,076
Cerro Colorado, Chile
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)		17,927			17,289			17,019			16,586			14,513			48,118			53,051
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		4,405			3,598			3,758			4,314			4,367			12,439			13,378
Average copper grade		(%)		0.86	%		0.89	%		0.79	%		0.77	%		0.72	%		0.76	%		0.86	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		26.5			27.5			18.6			21.6			20.2			60.4			74.6
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		26.5			30.5			18.3			21.2			20.7			60.2			75.6
Spence, Chile
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)		19,505			20,049			19,111			3,800			18,739			41,650			58,805
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		4,300			4,921			4,670			1,190			4,917			10,777			12,944
Average copper grade		(%)		1.51	%		1.36	%		1.55	%		1.22	%		1.34	%		1.42	%		1.79	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		47.7			44.8			51.0			18.8			45.0			114.8			127.9
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		45.1			45.2			42.2			32.7			40.3			115.2			123.0
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		27,060			29,381			27,571			29,485			26,705			83,761			85,197
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		7,853			8,437			8,321			8,962			8,791			26,074			24,044
Average head grades
- Copper		(%)		1.22	%		1.19	%		1.10	%		1.15	%		1.02	%		1.09	%		1.21	%
- Zinc		(%)		1.57	%		1.73	%		1.65	%		2.04	%		1.59	%		1.76	%		1.48	%
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		25.7			26.3			24.3			26.6			22.4			73.3			82.7
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		26,454			30,929			31,235			41,511			31,340			104,086			77,437
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		1,003			1,240			1,039			1,360			1,079			3,478			2,850
Payable lead		(tonnes)		976			1,397			491			1,372			550			2,413			1,860
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		318			166			241			113			190			544			1,197
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		28.7			24.2			25.6			26.6			20.3			72.5			84.8
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		24,457			29,110			30,633			40,280			33,030			103,943			77,883
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		754			987			1,079			1,135			965			3,179			2,317
Payable lead		(tonnes)		207			724			1,707			703			830			3,240			1,112
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		382			171			264			107			148			519			1,262

---

Cannington, Australia
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)		824			793			840			839			714			2,393			2,411
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		628			746			798			859			708			2,365			2,269
Average head grades
- Silver		(g/t)		398			427			418			405			494			436			407
- Lead		(%)		8.8	%		9.0	%		9.0	%		8.5	%		10.0	%		9.1	%		8.9	%
- Zinc		(%)		3.3	%		3.0	%		3.1	%		3.4	%		3.5	%		3.3	%		3.1	%
Production
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		6,802			8,609			9,013			9,334			9,605			27,952			24,758
Payable lead		(tonnes)		46,259			57,145			60,879			61,701			60,577			183,157			169,649
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		12,943			13,258			15,190			18,324			15,257			48,771			41,591
Sales
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		5,490			9,841			7,978			9,652			8,268			25,898			24,955
Payable lead		(tonnes)		36,945			64,544			53,778			66,088			51,745			171,611			169,392
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		11,195			15,649			10,697			19,766			18,243			48,706			39,134
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		2,415			2,370			2,479			734			689			3,902			7,462
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		2,301			2,608			2,453			717			234			3,404			7,275
Average copper grade		(%)		1.83	%		1.75	%		1.70	%		1.99	%		2.33	%		1.80	%		1.91	%
Average uranium grade		kg/t		0.52			0.57			0.58			0.58			0.57			0.58			0.53
Production
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)		42.7			42.6			34.5			25.0			1.9			61.4			139.2
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		2.7			3.7			3.2			1.1			0.3			4.6			8.6
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		883			1,154			1,130			348			89			1,567			2,853
Refined gold		(fine ounces)		23,331			29,398			26,006			24,117			1,652			51,775			78,641
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)		200			259			205			170			13			388			678
Sales
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)		42.7			40.5			36.1			23.7			6.1			65.9			140.5
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		2.7			3.8			3.2			1.5			0.7			5.4			8.8
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		829			1,261			537			1,540			182			2,259			2,959
Refined gold		(fine ounces)		24,298			35,876			25,053			22,666			5,980			53,699			76,802
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)		79			400			173			198			46			417			561
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA (a)
Production
Copper concentrate		(‘000 tonnes)		4.4			—			—			—			—			—			33.3
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		1.5			1.4			1.6			1.5			1.6			4.7			4.8
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		52			2			—			—			—			—			180
Payable gold		(ounces)		920			—			—			—			—			—			920
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		19			—			—			—			—			—			159
Sales
Copper concentrate		(‘000 tonnes)		10.5			—			—			—			—			—			37.5
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		1.5			1.6			1.3			1.6			1.1			4.0			4.5
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		52			2			—			—			—			—			180
Payable gold		(ounces)		920			—			—			—			—			—			920
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		100			—			—			—			—			—			159

 

(a)	During February 2009 the operations were placed on care and maintenance.

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

				QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
				MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
Ekati TM, Canada
Ore Processed (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		1,250		1,410		1,223		1,216		1,256		3,695		3,352
Production		(‘000 carats)		951		903		780		760		770		2,310		2,318

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production		13.1		13.7		12.0		13.0		11.6		36.6		36.8
Sales		11.6		18.1		11.4		11.4		13.4		36.2		33.3
Yabulu, Australia (a)
Production
Nickel metal		7.5		7.8		2.8		—		—		2.8		26.1
Cobalt		0.2		0.4		0.1		—		—		0.1		1.0
Sales
Nickel metal		9.1		7.9		2.2		—		—		2.2		25.7
Cobalt		0.3		0.3		0.1		—		—		0.1		1.0
(a)    Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate		4.5		5.0		4.1		5.3		7.1		16.5		16.3
Nickel contained in finished matte		6.1		4.1		5.0		13.0		10.6		28.6		17.5
Nickel metal		16.3		18.0		14.3		17.7		14.0		46.0		27.8
Nickel production		26.9		27.1		23.4		36.0		31.7		91.1		61.6
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate		4.3		5.2		3.9		5.2		7.0		16.1		16.0
Nickel contained in finished matte		5.9		5.5		3.7		11.8		10.8		26.3		16.1
Nickel metal		15.1		19.0		14.1		17.5		14.9		46.5		26.4
Nickel sales		25.3		29.7		21.7		34.5		32.7		88.9		58.5

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (b)		7,510		7,123		7,549		8,174		7,896		23,619		24,227
Goldsworthy Joint Venture		558		280		428		417		421		1,266		1,136
Area C Joint Venture		9,181		8,407		9,189		10,207		9,524		28,920		27,106
Yandi Joint Venture		9,370		9,461		10,194		10,885		10,549		31,628		28,357
Total (BHP Billiton share)		26,619		25,271		27,360		29,683		28,390		85,433		80,826
Total production (100%)		31,316		29,731		32,188		34,921		33,400		100,509		95,089
Shipments
Lump		8,163		7,989		7,839		8,141		8,071		24,051		24,933
Fines		19,486		17,035		19,932		20,787		19,974		60,693		57,416
Total (BHP Billiton share)		27,649		25,024		27,771		28,928		28,045		84,744		82,349
Total sales (100%)		32,528		29,441		32,672		34,033		32,994		99,699		96,881
(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		1,569		1,777		2,746		2,766		2,774		8,286		6,541
Shipments		1,428		1,788		3,076		2,933		2,594		8,603		6,072

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production		351		156		428		664		781		1,873		2,035
Sales		221		367		712		751		741		2,204		1,628
Australia (a)
Saleable production		382		344		728		873		929		2,530		1,940
Sales		442		530		838		985		835		2,658		1,637
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production		51		5		30		76		106		212		296
Sales		54		70		101		66		77		244		216
Australia (a)
Saleable production		53		20		33		55		65		153		192
Sales		36		32		60		68		54		182		149

 

(a)	Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.

(b)	Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater		1,165		1,521		1,352		1,500		1,254		4,106		3,861
Goonyella		1,346		1,725		1,507		1,548		1,667		4,722		4,960
Peak Downs		1,105		1,268		1,187		817		1,030		3,034		3,122
Saraji		651		723		779		726		965		2,470		2,782
Norwich Park		427		513		392		575		375		1,342		1,471
Gregory Joint Venture		471		628		605		443		580		1,628		2,134
BMA total		5,165		6,378		5,822		5,609		5,871		17,302		18,330
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek		386		600		821		1,063		697		2,581		2,378
Poitrel		163		882		776		766		554		2,096		1,575
BHP Mitsui Coal total		549		1,482		1,597		1,829		1,251		4,677		3,953
Queensland total		5,714		7,860		7,419		7,438		7,122		21,979		22,283
Shipments
Coking coal		4,703		5,087		5,725		5,935		4,836		16,496		16,216
Weak coking coal		1,041		1,796		1,613		1,778		1,356		4,747		4,549
Thermal coal		253		461		453		204		385		1,042		1,012
Total		5,997		7,344		7,791		7,917		6,577		22,285		21,777

 

(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		1,882		1,600		1,985		1,455		1,035		4,475		4,673
Shipments
Coking coal		1,637		1,696		2,097		1,408		980		4,485		3,727
Thermal coal		346		46		159		250		109		518		672
Total		1,983		1,742		2,256		1,658		1,089		5,003		4,399

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		DEC 2009		MAR 2010		MAR 2010		MAR 2009
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production		6,453		7,682		8,099		7,382		7,741		23,222		22,215
Sales
Export		1,672		1,700		2,377		2,849		2,856		8,082		6,946
Local utility		4,725		5,446		5,378		4,687		4,263		14,328		15,349
Inland		97		70		46		49		56		151		596
Total		6,494		7,216		7,801		7,585		7,175		22,561		22,891
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal		1,950		2,426		2,167		1,785		1,873		5,825		5,937
San Juan Coal		957		1,781		1,995		1,193		1,052		4,240		3,992
Total		2,907		4,207		4,162		2,978		2,925		10,065		9,929
Sales - local utility		3,172		3,453		3,604		3,660		2,555		9,819		10,437
Hunter Valley, Australia
Production		2,768		3,039		3,173		2,887		3,177		9,237		8,736
Sales
Export		2,360		1,958		1,766		2,959		2,263		6,988		6,451
Inland		764		573		619		382		601		1,602		2,360
Total		3,124		2,531		2,385		3,341		2,864		8,590		8,811
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production		2,618		2,734		2,625		2,213		2,499		7,337		7,860
Sales - export		2,409		2,623		2,335		2,745		2,419		7,499		7,831