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 22, 2009

 

 

 

BHP BILLITON LIMITED (ABN 49 004 028 077) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)   VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)   180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA (Address of principal executive offices)		BHP BILLITON PLC (REG. NO. 3196209) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)   ENGLAND AND WALES (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)     NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (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: 22 April 2009		By:		/s/ Jane McAloon
		Name:		Jane McAloon
		Title:		Group Company Secretary

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Release Time		IMMEDIATE
Date		22 April 2009
Number		07/09

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2009

 

•

Solid operational performance reflecting proactive and prudent management in the face of weak demand.

 

•

Record year to date petroleum production was achieved. This was due to strong volume growth from the successful delivery of world class projects and excellent performance from operated facilities.

 

•

Iron ore achieved record year to date production due to the successful delivery of capacity expansions. Western Australia Iron Ore (Australia) continue to receive requests for deferral of long term contracts; however these deferred tonnes have been sold on the spot market.

 

•

Year to date production records at Western Australia Iron Ore and Saraji (all Australia), Alumar refinery and Samarco (both Brazil), Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) and Zamzama (Pakistan).

 

•

Following assessment by the Samarco management, production from Samarco’s pellet plants I and II restarted during the quarter.

 

•

Weather related interruptions impacted petroleum, iron ore, energy coal, nickel, silver and lead production.

Against a backdrop of weak demand, BHP Billiton achieved sound operational results, albeit with lower production compared to the December 2008 quarter. This quarter’s production reflects management’s proactive and decisive actions in response to the challenging market conditions. These actions include previously announced production curtailments in Samarco, Samancor Manganese and across our metallurgical coal operations.

In the medium term, we expect that market conditions will remain uncertain. Consistent with the way we have managed our business to date, all our operations will remain under review. We will continue to take appropriate actions in any business that is cash negative and set to remain so, or where there is lack of demand.

Our track record in taking difficult but prudent decisions has ensured that we have an exceptional portfolio of low cost and long life assets. This means that our margins are among the best in the sector. With our low financial and operational leverage and a strong balance sheet we are in a unique position to continue to invest in future growth and deliver long term value to our shareholders. We are also well placed to take advantage of opportunities in the market, but with our usual disciplined approach.

 

PETROLEUM		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids (‘000 bbl)		55,013		17,974		15	%		-3	%		-1	%
Natural Gas (bcf)		267.69		82.19		-2	%		-4	%		-9	%
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)		99.63		31.67		7	%		-3	%		-4	%

Total Petroleum Production – Production for the nine months ended March 2009 was an all time record for the second consecutive year. This was due to strong volume growth from the successful delivery of world class projects and excellent performance from operated facilities.

Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids – Production for the nine months ended March 2009 increased by 15 per cent reflecting the contribution from a series of growth projects in the Gulf of Mexico (USA) and Western Australia, and excellent performance from operated facilities. This was partly offset by natural field decline and weather related interruptions in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Australia.

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During the quarter, Shenzi (USA) delivered first production three months ahead of schedule. However, Genghis Khan (USA) continued to be impacted by the third party infrastructure damage related to Hurricane Ike in the September 2008 quarter. In addition, Bass Strait (Australia) was impacted by the ethane export pipeline damaged in late December 2008. The export pipeline repair has been completed during March 2009.

Natural Gas – Production was lower than the December 2008 quarter mainly due to lower seasonal demand in Australia. This was partially offset by the contribution from North West Shelf Train 5 and Angel (Australia).

 

ALUMINIUM		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Alumina (‘000 tonnes)		3,288		1,051		-3	%		-4	%		-8	%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes)		923		304		-7	%		-4	%		-2	%

Alumina – Production declined across all comparative periods mainly due to calciner outages at Worsley (Australia), and scheduled maintenance activities at Paranam (Suriname).

Aluminium – Production for the nine months was only seven per cent lower than the comparative period, despite a 10 per cent mandatory reduction in power consumption across the Southern African operations.

 

BASE METALS		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Copper (‘000 tonnes)		899.9		282.8		-9	%		-14	%		-8	%
Lead (tonnes)		171,509		47,235		-14	%		-30	%		-28	%
Zinc (tonnes)		119,028		39,397		18	%		10	%		4	%
Silver (‘000 ounces)		30,545		8,730		-11	%		-22	%		-24	%
Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)		2,853		883		-8	%		-11	%		3	%

Copper – Production continued to be impacted by lower ore grade and reduced production from milling operations at Escondida. This was partly offset by the continued ramp up of Spence and higher production at Escondida.

A permanent solution to the electrical motor condition of the Laguna Seca SAG mill at Escondida is expected to be implemented during the September 2009 quarter. Total copper production at Escondida in the 2009 financial year is expected to decline by approximately 30 per cent compared to the 2008 financial year due to lower ore grade and operating conditions at the mill.

As announced in January 2009, the sulphide mining operation at Pinto Valley (USA) was placed on care and maintenance during February 2009.

Lead – Production was lower versus all comparative periods mainly due to reduced mill throughput and grade at Cannington (Australia). Cannington was impacted by the wet weather and flooding experienced in the March 2009 quarter and by lower grade.

Zinc – Production was higher than all comparative periods mainly due to a higher proportion of ores containing zinc and increased head grade at Antamina (Peru).

Silver – Production decreased across all comparative periods mainly due to lower silver head grade at Cannington and wet weather experienced in the March 2009 quarter.

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Uranium – Production was lower than the quarter and nine months ended March 2008 due to lower grade at Olympic Dam (Australia). Production increased versus the December 2008 quarter reflecting higher grade and improved recoveries.

 

DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Diamonds (‘000 carats)		2,318		951		-7	%		53	%		60	%

Diamonds – Production for the nine months ended March 2009 decreased due to lower grade. Production was higher than the March 2008 and December 2008 quarters mainly due to an increase in ore processed and higher grades following changed ore sources. As Ekati (Canada) transitions from open pit mining to underground mining the mix of ore processed will change from time to time.

 

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Nickel (‘000 tonnes)		124.5		47.5		-1	%		10	%		-5	%

Nickel – Production for the nine months to March 2009 was in line with the corresponding period. Production in the March 2009 quarter was 10 per cent higher than the March 2008 quarter, which was impacted by an industrial stoppage at Cerro Matoso (Colombia).

Production in the March 2009 quarter was lower than the December 2008 quarter mainly due to heavy rainfall impacting production at Yabulu (Australia), the cessation of processing Mixed Hydroxide Product from Ravensthorpe (Australia) and weather related constraints to the shipping of concentrate by Nickel West (Australia).

 

IRON ORE		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes)		87,367		28,188		6	%		-1	%		-4	%

Iron Ore – Record production and shipments for the nine months ended March 2009 were achieved due to the successful delivery of expansion projects across all of our iron ore operations. However, production at Western Australia Iron Ore was impacted by tie-in activities related to growth projects and the temporary suspension of operations following safety incidents.

An extensive, independent expert investigation of safety systems at all Western Australia Iron Ore’s operations is underway. The review commenced in October 2008 and is due to be completed and presented to the State Mining Engineer by 30 April 2009.

Western Australia Iron Ore has received requests for deferral of long term contracts; however these deferred tonnes have been sold on the spot market. For the nine months ended March 2009, 72 per cent of Western Australia Iron Ore shipments on a wet metric tonne basis were based on annually agreed pricing.

Current quarter production at Western Australia Iron Ore was affected by cyclone interruptions and the temporary suspension of operations following safety incidents.

In response to weak demand, Samarco previously announced that two of its three pellet plants would be suspended from November 2008 to the end of March 2009. Following further assessment by the Samarco management, production from pellet plant I and II was restarted during the quarter. The continued operation of all three plants will be subject to ongoing assessment.

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MANGANESE		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Manganese Ore (‘000 tonnes)		3,975		733		-16	%		-56	%		-48	%
Manganese Alloy (‘000 tonnes)		488		104		-17	%		-46	%		-43	%

Manganese Ore – Production decreased versus all comparative periods, in line with previously announced production cuts. Production continued to be impacted by lower customer demand. In response to weaker market conditions, production in the 2009 financial year is expected to be approximately 30 per cent lower than the 2008 financial year.

Manganese Alloy – Production was lower across all periods as production cuts were implemented in response to weak demand. Expected reduction is 35 per cent when compared to the 2008 financial year.

 

METALLURGICAL COAL		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Metallurgical Coal (‘000 tonnes)		26,956		7,596		3	%		11	%		-25	%

Metallurgical Coal – Production was higher than the nine months and quarter ended March 2008 due to the full recovery from the significant Queensland flood events in early 2008 and ongoing operational improvements. Operations are now well positioned to respond to market conditions.

Production and shipments were lower than the December 2008 quarter in response to weaker market conditions. As announced in the previous report, production in the 2009 financial year is expected to be 10 to 15 per cent below current capacity on an annualised basis. We have been re-building depleted inventories and reducing activities as inventories approach normal levels.

 

ENERGY COAL		MAR 2009 YTD		MAR 2009 QTR		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08			MAR Q09 vs DEC Q08
Energy Coal (‘000 tonnes) (a)		50,494		15,222		-1	%		-7	%		-8	%

 

(a)	Excluding Optimum operation which was sold effective 1 July 2007.

Energy Coal – Production was in line with the nine months ended March 2008 period. The planned closure of the underground mining operations at Douglas Middelburg (South Africa) was partly offset by strong operational performance at Cerrejon Coal and Hunter Valley (Australia).

The March 2009 quarter was impacted by wet weather at Hunter Valley and Douglas Middelburg, as well as a planned longwall move at San Juan Coal (USA).

During the quarter Cerrejon Coal sales were impacted by planned maintenance at the port.

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 represent the Interim Management Statement for the purposes of the UK Listing Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules. Other than the issue of US$3.25 billion in global bonds, as announced on 19 March 2009, there have been no significant changes in the financial position of the Group in the quarter ended 31 March 2009.

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

 

Australia Samantha Evans, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 email: Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com		United Kingdom Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974 email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com

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Peter Ogden, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2812 Mobile: +61 428 599 190 email: Peter.Ogden@bhpbilliton.com		Illtud Harri, Media Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246 email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com
Kelly Quirke, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312 email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com		United States Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565 email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
Leng Lau, Investor Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 706 email: Leng.Y.Lau@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
South Africa Bronwyn Wilkinson, Investor and Media Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4015 Mobile: +44 7500 785 892 email: Bronwyn.Wilkinson@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 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008		MAR YTD 09 vs MAR YTD 08			MAR Q09 vs MAR Q08
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate		(‘000 bbl)		16,240		16,012		15,613		47,805		39,856		20	%		-4	%
Natural gas		(bcf)		85.76		90.23		82.19		267.69		272.65		-2	%		-4	%
Natural gas liquid		(‘000 bbl)		2,201		2,107		2,361		7,208		7,981		-10	%		7	%
Total Petroleum Products		(million boe)		32.73		33.16		31.67		99.63		93.27		7	%		-3	%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina		(‘000 tonnes)		1,095		1,139		1,051		3,288		3,405		-3	%		-4	%
Aluminium		(‘000 tonnes)		318		310		304		923		993		-7	%		-4	%
BASE METALS
Copper		(‘000 tonnes)		328.9		308.2		282.8		899.9		984.8		-9	%		-14	%
Lead		(tonnes)		67,885		66,022		47,235		171,509		199,950		-14	%		-30	%
Zinc		(tonnes)		35,970		37,870		39,397		119,028		101,036		18	%		10	%
Gold		(ounces)		37,515		45,790		42,327		129,868		123,542		5	%		13	%
Silver		(‘000 ounces)		11,221		11,515		8,730		30,545		34,251		-11	%		-22	%
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		993		860		883		2,853		3,117		-8	%		-11	%
Molybdenum		(tonnes)		580		411		337		1,356		1,952		-31	%		-42	%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds		(‘000 carats)		620		594		951		2,318		2,485		-7	%		53	%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel		(‘000 tonnes)		43.0		50.2		47.5		124.5		125.3		-1	%		10	%
IRON ORE
Iron ore		(‘000 tonnes)		28,419		29,355		28,188		87,367		82,336		6	%		-1	%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore		(‘000 tonnes)		1,666		1,412		733		3,975		4,724		-16	%		-56	%
Manganese alloy		(‘000 tonnes)		192		181		104		488		585		-17	%		-46	%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal		(‘000 tonnes)		6,846		10,150		7,596		26,956		26,061		3	%		11	%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		16,386		16,476		15,222		50,494		50,845		-1	%		-7	%

 

(a)	Excluding Optimum which was disposed effective 1 July 2007.

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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

 

		BHP Billiton Interest			QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
					MAR 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl)					16,240		17,588		16,180		16,012		15,613		47,805		39,856
Natural gas (bcf)					85.76		95.37		95.27		90.23		82.19		267.69		272.65
NGL (‘000 bbl) (a)					2,201		2,743		2,740		2,107		2,361		7,208		7,981
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)					32.73		36.23		34.80		33.16		31.67		99.63		93.27
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley		86	%		712		768		733		756		688		2,177		2,267
Suriname		45	%		247		240		241		242		226		709		743
Alumar		36	%		136		141		124		141		137		402		395
Total					1,095		1,149		1,098		1,139		1,051		3,288		3,405
ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside		100	%		167		170		175		176		174		525		525
Bayside		100	%		44		29		25		25		24		74		139
Alumar		40	%		45		45		45		44		44		133		133
Mozal		47	%		62		61		64		65		62		191		196
Total					318		305		309		310		304		923		993
BASE METALS (b)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida		57.5	%		157.0		178.2		116.8		102.7		86.6		306.1		501.3
Antamina		33.8	%		24.1		30.8		28.4		28.6		25.7		82.7		80.9
Pinto Valley (c)		100	%		9.6		12.0		14.2		14.7		4.4		33.3		14.8
Total					190.7		221.0		159.4		146.0		116.7		422.1		597.0
Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida		57.5	%		30.1		40.3		35.6		42.1		45.0		122.7		91.3
Cerro Colorado		100	%		28.7		27.3		21.8		26.3		26.5		74.6		79.1
Spence		100	%		41.6		43.0		35.7		44.5		47.7		127.9		99.7
Pinto Valley (c)		100	%		1.8		1.6		1.6		1.7		1.5		4.8		5.3
Olympic Dam		100	%		36.0		57.5		54.8		47.6		45.4		147.8		112.4
Total					138.2		169.7		149.5		162.2		166.1		477.8		387.8
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington		100	%		67,505		52,601		57,768		65,622		46,259		169,649		198,947
Antamina		33.8	%		380		575		484		400		976		1,860		1,003
Total					67,885		53,176		58,252		66,022		47,235		171,509		199,950

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ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington		100	%		13,735		17,244		14,449		14,199		12,943		41,591		43,725
Antamina		33.8	%		22,235		26,210		27,312		23,671		26,454		77,437		57,311
Total					35,970		43,454		41,761		37,870		39,397		119,028		101,036
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida		57.5	%		17,660		17,501		14,391		17,840		17,496		49,727		62,230
Olympic Dam (refined gold)		100	%		18,555		20,505		27,360		27,950		23,331		78,641		60,012
Pinto Valley (c)		100	%		1,300		—		—		—		1,500		1,500		1,300
Total					37,515		38,006		41,751		45,790		42,327		129,868		123,542
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida		57.5	%		790		821		668		738		673		2,079		2,783
Antamina		33.8	%		803		994		932		915		1,003		2,850		2,511
Cannington		100	%		9,421		7,181		8,391		9,565		6,802		24,758		28,304
Olympic Dam (refined silver)		100	%		169		179		244		234		200		678		601
Pinto Valley (c)		100	%		38		61		65		63		52		180		52
Total					11,221		9,236		10,300		11,515		8,730		30,545		34,251
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam		100	%		993		1,027		1,110		860		883		2,853		3,117
Total					993		1,027		1,110		860		883		2,853		3,117
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina		33.8	%		580		590		514		365		318		1,197		1,952
Pinto Valley (c)		100	%		—		—		94		46		19		159		—
Total					580		590		608		411		337		1,356		1,952
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
Ekati™		80	%		620		864		773		594		951		2,318		2,485
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA		99.9	%		7.8		10.1		10.7		13.0		13.1		36.8		31.7
Yabulu		100	%		6.2		10.3		9.1		9.5		7.5		26.1		17.7
Nickel West		100	%		29.0		22.2		7.0		27.7		26.9		61.6		75.9
Total					43.0		42.6		26.8		50.2		47.5		124.5		125.3
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
Mt Newman Joint Venture		85	%		7,265		7,013		7,210		7,006		6,440		20,656		23,316
Goldsworthy Joint Venture		85	%		386		251		232		346		558		1,136		690
Area C Joint Venture		85	%		7,114		8,626		9,209		8,716		9,181		27,106		18,504
Yandi Joint Venture		85	%		10,061		10,623		8,961		10,026		9,370		28,357		29,654
Jimblebar		85	%		1,660		1,054		1,461		1,040		1,070		3,571		4,065
Samarco		50	%		1,933		2,357		2,751		2,221		1,569		6,541		6,107
Total					28,419		29,924		29,824		29,355		28,188		87,367		82,336

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MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (e)		60	%		877		882		929		755		351		2,035		2,158
Australia (e)		60	%		789		969		901		657		382		1,940		2,566
Total					1,666		1,851		1,830		1,412		733		3,975		4,724
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (e) (f)		60	%		125		124		133		112		51		296		389
Australia (e)		60	%		67		66		70		69		53		192		196
Total					192		190		203		181		104		488		585
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (g)
BMA		50	%		4,232		6,508		6,384		6,781		5,165		18,330		16,287
BHP Mitsui Coal (h)		80	%		847		1,306		1,633		1,771		549		3,953		3,827
Illawarra		100	%		1,767		1,318		1,193		1,598		1,882		4,673		5,947
Total					6,846		9,132		9,210		10,150		7,596		26,956		26,061
ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa		100	%		11,129		10,960		9,009		8,031		6,929		23,969		34,112
USA		100	%		2,636		4,834		4,005		3,017		2,907		9,929		8,818
Australia		100	%		2,965		2,934		2,975		2,993		2,768		8,736		8,842
Colombia		33	%		2,553		2,625		2,807		2,435		2,618		7,860		7,743
Total					19,283		21,353		18,796		16,476		15,222		50,494		59,515

 

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

(c)	The Pinto Valley operations were restarted during the December 2007 quarter. During February 2009 the operations were placed on care and maintenance.

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

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

(f)	Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

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

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		2,918		3,184		3,412		3,230		3,057		9,699		9,659
North West Shelf (a)		1,912		2,153		2,115		2,434		2,150		6,699		6,937
Stybarrow (b)		2,979		3,527		3,376		2,720		1,843		7,939		3,996
Other Australia (c)		157		263		206		185		158		549		667
Atlantis (d)		3,320		3,471		2,232		2,319		2,449		7,000		3,935
Shenzi (e)		194		322		186		—		49		235		226
Trinidad /Tobago		946		879		705		568		542		1,815		3,056
Other Americas (f)		1,160		1,310		1,561		2,025		2,016		5,602		3,173
UK		935		836		680		777		796		2,253		2,804
Algeria		1,628		1,555		1,624		1,664		2,457		5,745		5,167
Pakistan		91		88		83		90		96		269		236
Total		16,240		17,588		16,180		16,012		15,613		47,805		39,856
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) (d)
Bass Strait		22.44		33.31		37.08		25.12		17.02		79.22		90.62
North West Shelf (a)		26.43		26.76		27.01		31.79		31.63		90.43		81.73
Other Australia (c)		7.45		6.65		7.33		6.35		6.75		20.43		23.62
Atlantis (d)		1.54		2.07		1.25		1.16		1.32		3.73		1.66
Shenzi (e)		0.06		0.07		0.04		—		—		0.04		0.07
Other Americas (f)		1.95		2.05		1.74		1.68		2.09		5.51		6.00
UK		12.32		11.32		7.51		9.70		8.95		26.16		33.89
Pakistan		13.57		13.14		13.31		14.43		14.43		42.17		35.06
Total		85.76		95.37		95.27		90.23		82.19		267.69		272.65

---

NGL (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		1,571		2,056		2,149		1,352		982		4,483		5,699
North West Shelf (a)		300		343		364		402		416		1,182		1,155
UK		109		116		41		89		31		161		310
Algeria		221		228		186		264		932		1,382		817
Total		2,201		2,743		2,740		2,107		2,361		7,208		7,981
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS		32.73		36.23		34.80		33.16		31.67		99.63		93.27
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (g)

 

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

(b)	The Stybarrow operation was commissioned during the December 2007 quarter.

(c)	Other Australia includes Griffin and Minerva.

(d)	The Atlantis operation was commissioned during the December 2007 quarter.

(e)	The Genghis Khan operation was commissioned during the December 2007 quarter and is reported in Shenzi. The Shenzi operation was commissioned during the March 2009 quarter.

(f)	Other Americas includes Neptune, Mad Dog, 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 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia		712		768		733		756		688		2,177		2,267
Paranam, Suriname		247		240		241		242		226		709		743
Alumar, Brazil		136		141		124		141		137		402		395
Total		1,095		1,149		1,098		1,139		1,051		3,288		3,405
Sales
Worsley, Australia		683		703		781		763		683		2,227		2,278
Paranam, Suriname		246		261		216		252		218		686		755
Alumar, Brazil		135		137		128		140		110		378		394
Total (a)		1,064		1,101		1,125		1,155		1,011		3,291		3,427
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa		167		170		175		176		174		525		525
Bayside, South Africa		44		29		25		25		24		74		139
Alumar, Brazil		45		45		45		44		44		133		133
Mozal, Mozambique		62		61		64		65		62		191		196
Total		318		305		309		310		304		923		993
Sales
Hillside, South Africa		159		183		160		185		173		518		504
Bayside, South Africa		48		29		24		24		26		74		148
Alumar, Brazil		43		47		37		50		48		135		134
Mozal, Mozambique		57		73		36		105		41		182		185
Total		307		332		257		364		288		909		971
Tolling Agreement (a)		30		34		31		27		40		98		96
		337		366		288		391		328		1,007		1,067

 

(a)	Equity Alumina is converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages are allocated to equity sales.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

					QUARTER ENDED															YEAR TO DATE
					MAR 2008			JUNE 2008			SEPT 2008			DEC 2008			MAR 2009			MAR 2009			MAR 2008
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	)		102,566			103,253			99,375			100,544			97,357			297,276			273,880
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes	)		22,029			24,491			20,416			22,516			21,381			64,313			66,212
Average copper grade		(%	)		1.56	%		1.55	%		1.32	%		1.04	%		0.93	%		1.09	%		1.64	%
Production ex Mill (100%)		(‘000 tonnes	)		285.0			312.7			208.6			186.3			156.4			551.3			907.0
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes	)		157.0			178.2			116.8			102.7			86.6			306.1			501.3
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces	)		17,660			17,501			14,391			17,840			17,496			49,727			62,230

---

Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes	)		30.1			40.3			35.6			42.1			45.0			122.7			91.3
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces	)		790			821			668			738			673			2,079			2,783
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes	)		160.6			178.4			118.2			93.8			93.0			305.0			496.5
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces	)		18,190			17,477			14,521			16,377			19,050			49,948			62,305
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes	)		32.3			41.6			31.2			41.8			45.6			118.6			87.8
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces	)		813			820			666			678			732			2,076			2,766
Cerro Colorado, Chile
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes	)		16,769			17,107			16,526			18,598			17,927			53,051			51,662
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes	)		4,437			4,599			4,594			4,379			4,405			13,378			13,125
Average copper grade		(%	)		0.80	%		0.85	%		0.86	%		0.86	%		0.86	%		0.86	%		0.89	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes	)		28.7			27.3			21.8			26.3			26.5			74.6			79.1
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes	)		28.5			29.8			22.9			26.2			26.5			75.6			76.5
Spence, Chile
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes	)		20,335			20,065			18,738			20,562			19,505			58,805			57,076
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes	)		3,918			4,255			4,490			4,154			4,300			12,944			12,383
Average copper grade		(%	)		1.48	%		1.85	%		2.18	%		1.66	%		1.51	%		1.79	%		1.55	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes	)		41.6			43.0			35.7			44.5			47.7			127.9			99.7
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes	)		39.9			51.3			34.6			43.3			45.1			123.0			93.4
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%)		(‘000 tonnes	)		29,095			29,336			30,026			28,111			27,060			85,197			91,529
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes	)		6,518			7,729			8,133			8,058			7,853			24,044			21,817
Average head grades
- Copper		(%	)		1.21	%		1.38	%		1.15	%		1.25	%		1.22	%		1.21	%		1.27	%
- Zinc		(%	)		1.55	%		1.46	%		1.54	%		1.33	%		1.57	%		1.48	%		1.13	%
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes	)		24.1			30.8			28.4			28.6			25.7			82.7			80.9
Payable zinc		(tonnes	)		22,235			26,210			27,312			23,671			26,454			77,437			57,311
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces	)		803			994			932			915			1,003			2,850			2,511
Payable lead		(tonnes	)		380			575			484			400			976			1,860			1,003
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes	)		580			590			514			365			318			1,197			1,952
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes	)		20.4			33.5			26.7			29.4			28.7			84.8			81.5
Payable zinc		(tonnes	)		16,630			29,385			26,402			27,024			24,457			77,883			54,394
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces	)		512			940			719			844			754			2,317			2,148
Payable lead		(tonnes	)		261			461			387			518			207			1,112			735
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes	)		531			837			482			398			382			1,262			1,798
Cannington, Australia
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes	)		698			821			724			863			824			2,411			2,330
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes	)		726			658			824			817			628			2,269			2,142
Average head grades
- Silver		(g/t	)		472			397			384			438			398			407			480
- Lead		(%	)		10.7	%		9.2	%		8.3	%		9.5	%		8.8	%		8.9	%		10.6	%
- Zinc		(%	)		3.2	%		3.8	%		3.0	%		3.1	%		3.3	%		3.1	%		3.3	%
Production
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces	)		9,421			7,181			8,391			9,565			6,802			24,758			28,304

---

Payable lead		(tonnes)		67,505			52,601			57,768			65,622			46,259			169,649			198,947
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		13,735			17,244			14,449			14,199			12,943			41,591			43,725
Sales
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		7,727			8,918			9,507			9,958			5,490			24,955			25,718
Payable lead		(tonnes)		53,167			62,997			64,980			67,467			36,945			169,392			177,640
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		9,629			17,710			16,949			10,990			11,195			39,134			38,463
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		2,333			2,397			2,628			2,419			2,415			7,462			7,277
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		2,225			2,570			2,518			2,456			2,301			7,275			7,016
Average copper grade		(%)		1.86	%		2.06	%		2.08	%		1.80	%		1.83	%		1.91	%		1.85	%
Average uranium grade		kg/t		0.59			0.58			0.56			0.50			0.52			0.53			0.60
Production
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)		32.9			53.1			51.9			44.6			42.7			139.2			103.7
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		3.1			4.4			2.9			3.0			2.7			8.6			8.7
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		993			1,027			1,110			860			883			2,853			3,117
Refined gold		(fine ounces)		18,555			20,505			27,360			27,950			23,331			78,641			60,012
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)		169			179			244			234			200			678			601
Sales
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)		31.9			52.0			49.5			48.3			42.7			140.5			103.6
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		2.3			4.3			3.3			2.8			2.7			8.8			7.9
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		1,182			1,610			868			1,262			829			2,959			2,090
Refined gold		(fine ounces)		19,767			19,556			26,121			26,383			24,298			76,802			61,645
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)		173			185			232			250			79			561			602

(a)

Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper concentrate (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		9.6		12.0		14.2		14.7		4.4		33.3		14.8
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		1.8		1.6		1.6		1.7		1.5		4.8		5.3
Payable silver (a)		(‘000 ounces)		38		61		65		63		52		180		52
Payable gold (a)		(ounces)		1,300		—		—		—		1,500		1,500		1,300
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)						94		46		19		159		—
Sales
Copper concentrate		(‘000 tonnes)		7.9		12.4		14.0		13.0		10.5		37.5		10.5
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		4.0		1.4		1.6		1.4		1.5		4.5		5.8
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		38		61		65		63		52		180		52
Payable gold		(ounces)		1,300		—		—		—		1,500		1,500		1,300
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)						15		44		100		159		—

(a)

Production restarted during the December 2007 quarter. During February 2009 the operations were placed on care and maintenance.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

					QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
					MAR 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
EkatiTM Canada
Ore Processed (100%)		(‘000 tonnes	)		967		1,356		1,192		910		1,250		3,352		3,056
Production		(‘000 carats	)		620		864		773		594		951		2,318		2,485

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production		7.8		10.1		10.7		13.0		13.1		36.8		31.7
Sales		13.6		8.2		10.7		11.0		11.6		33.3		33.7
Yabulu, Australia (a)
Production
Nickel metal		6.2		10.3		9.1		9.5		7.5		26.1		17.7
Cobalt		0.3		0.5		0.4		0.4		0.2		1.0		1.2
Sales
Nickel metal		6.5		9.7		7.2		9.4		9.1		25.7		18.1
Cobalt		0.4		0.5		0.4		0.3		0.3		1.0		1.3
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate		1.3		2.8		6.4		5.4		4.5		16.3		2.5
Nickel contained in finished matte		10.3		4.9		0.6		10.8		6.1		17.5		22.7
Nickel metal		17.4		14.5		—		11.5		16.3		27.8		50.7
Nickel production		29.0		22.2		7.0		27.7		26.9		61.6		75.9
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate		0.6		3.8		6.1		5.6		4.3		16.0		1.5
Nickel contained in finished matte		9.4		7.2		—		10.2		5.9		16.1		25.1
Nickel metal		15.7		20.7		4.7		6.6		15.1		26.4		44.8
Nickel sales		25.7		31.7		10.8		22.4		25.3		58.5		71.4

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Mt Newman Joint Venture		7,265		7,013		7,210		7,006		6,440		20,656		23,316
Goldsworthy Joint Venture		386		251		232		346		558		1,136		690
Area C Joint Venture		7,114		8,626		9,209		8,716		9,181		27,106		18,504
Yandi Joint Venture		10,061		10,623		8,961		10,026		9,370		28,357		29,654
Jimblebar		1,660		1,054		1,461		1,040		1,070		3,571		4,065
Total (BHP Billiton share)		26,486		27,567		27,073		27,134		26,619		80,826		76,229
Total production (100%)		31,160		32,432		31,851		31,922		31,316		95,089		89,682
Shipments
Lump		7,603		8,282		9,172		7,598		8,163		24,933		20,858
Fines		19,714		19,882		19,013		18,917		19,486		57,416		56,540
Total (BHP Billiton share)		27,317		28,164		28,185		26,515		27,649		82,349		77,398
Total sales (100%)		32,138		33,134		33,159		31,194		32,528		96,881		91,057

(a)

Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.

Samarco, Brazil
Production		1,933		2,357		2,751		2,221		1,569		6,541		6,107
Shipments		1,589		2,234		2,836		1,808		1,428		6,072		5,755

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production		877		882		929		755		351		2,035		2,158
Sales		676		933		917		490		221		1,628		2,043
Australia (a)
Saleable production		789		969		901		657		382		1,940		2,566
Sales		850		1,021		872		323		442		1,637		2,705
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production		125		124		133		112		51		296		389
Sales		122		136		106		56		54		216		369
Australia (a)
Saleable production		67		66		70		69		53		192		196
Sales		57		61		56		57		36		149		176

 

(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 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater		1,345		1,510		1,457		1,239		1,165		3,861		4,122
Goonyella		1,117		1,738		1,699		1,915		1,346		4,960		4,299
Peak Downs		849		1,121		914		1,103		1,105		3,122		2,973
Saraji		376		853		1,104		1,027		651		2,782		2,043
Norwich Park		306		642		439		605		427		1,471		1,384
Gregory Joint Venture		239		644		771		892		471		2,134		1,466
BMA total		4,232		6,508		6,384		6,781		5,165		18,330		16,287
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek		438		617		1,049		943		386		2,378		2,245
Poitrel		409		689		584		828		163		1,575		1,582
BHP Mitsui Coal total		847		1,306		1,633		1,771		549		3,953		3,827
Queensland total		5,079		7,814		8,017		8,552		5,714		22,283		20,114
Shipments
Coking coal		3,790		5,274		5,923		5,590		4,703		16,216		15,144
Weak coking coal		1,726		1,442		1,961		1,547		1,041		4,549		5,360
Thermal coal		497		491		462		297		253		1,012		1,341
Total		6,013		7,207		8,346		7,434		5,997		21,777		21,845

(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		1,767		1,318		1,193		1,598		1,882		4,673		5,947
Shipments
Coking coal		1,549		1,097		895		1,195		1,637		3,727		5,306
Thermal coal		194		157		160		166		346		672		683
Total		1,743		1,254		1,055		1,361		1,983		4,399		5,989

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										YEAR TO DATE
		MAR 2008		JUNE 2008		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		MAR 2009		MAR 2008
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (a)
Production		11,129		10,960		9,009		8,031		6,929		23,969		34,112
Sales
Export		3,119		3,989		2,329		2,945		1,672		6,946		11,595
Local utility		7,430		7,381		7,066		6,212		5,529		18,807		21,844
Inland		190		487		376		123		97		596		787
Total		10,739		11,857		9,771		9,280		7,298		26,349		34,226

(a)

Comparative periods include production from the South African Optimum operations, which was sold effective from 1 July 2007.

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New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal		1,800		2,286		2,064		1,923		1,950		5,937		5,247
San Juan Coal		836		2,548		1,941		1,094		957		3,992		3,571
Total		2,636		4,834		4,005		3,017		2,907		9,929		8,818
Sales - local utility		2,573		3,207		3,660		3,605		3,172		10,437		9,520
Hunter Valley, Australia
Production		2,965		2,934		2,975		2,993		2,768		8,736		8,842
Sales
Export		1,842		2,549		1,849		2,242		2,360		6,451		5,157
Inland		791		512		946		650		764		2,360		2,955
Total		2,633		3,061		2,795		2,892		3,124		8,811		8,112
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production		2,553		2,625		2,807		2,435		2,618		7,860		7,743
Sales - export		2,534		2,547		2,593		2,829		2,409		7,831		7,629