Organisational
 

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

October 27, 2005

BHP Billiton Limited
-----------------------------------
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 
180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
-----------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office)
 
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 
 

27 October 2005
Number 42/05

 BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2005

BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 30 September 2005. Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton share.

  • Record quarterly copper and nickel production reflecting the successful integration of the recently acquired OIympic Dam and Nickel West (both Australia) assets.

  • Petroleum volumes impacted by hurricane related production disruptions in the Gulf of Mexico (USA) and unplanned outages at North West Shelf (Australia).

  • Escondida Norte (Chile) successfully commissioned on schedule.

  • Western Australia Iron Ore production impacted by unseasonably wet weather conditions and a train derailment.

SEPT

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

2005

vs

vs

PETROLEUM

QTR

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

Crude Oil & Condensate ('000 bbl)

12,234

-1%

-12%

Natural Gas (bcf)

97.65

27%

-1%

Total Petroleum Products (million boe)

31.38

12%

-5%

Total Petroleum Products - Total production for the September 2005 quarter of 31.4 million barrels of oil equivalent was higher than the September 2004 quarter. This primarily reflects increased natural gas production. Production was lower than the June 2005 quarter primarily reflecting hurricane related production disruptions in the Gulf of Mexico.

Crude Oil and Condensate - Production for the September 2005 quarter was in line with the September 2004 quarter. Natural field decline at Bass Strait (Australia) and Typhoon (USA), the sale of our interest in Laminaria (Australia) in January 2005, well downtime at North West Shelf and hurricane damage at Typhoon all led to lower volumes during the quarter. Offsetting this was new production following the commissioning of ROD (Algeria) in October 2004 and Angostura (Trinidad & Tobago) and Mad Dog (USA), both in January 2005.

Production was lower than the June 2005 quarter due to natural field decline at Bass Strait, Typhoon and Liverpool Bay (UK), well downtime at North West Shelf and hurricane interrupted production at Typhoon and Mad Dog.

Natural Gas - Production for the September 2005 quarter was significantly higher than the September 2004 quarter. This reflects the commissioning of Minerva (Australia) in January 2005, higher production of North West Shelf LNG following the commissioning of the 4th LNG Train in September 2004 and extended shut-downs at Liverpool Bay and Bruce (UK) in the September 2004 quarter.

Production for the September 2005 quarter was in line with the June 2005 quarter. Higher demand for Bass Strait and Minerva gas was offset by lower seasonal demand for Liverpool Bay gas, higher downtime at Bruce, Liverpool Bay and North West Shelf and hurricane interruptions to production at Typhoon.

SEPT

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

2005

vs

vs

ALUMINIUM

QTR

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

Alumina ('000 tonnes)

1,028

3%

-2%

Aluminium ('000 tonnes)

334

-1%

4%

Alumina - September 2005 quarter production increased over the September 2004 quarter primarily reflecting increased production at Worsley (Australia). Whilst a calciner outage impacted production at Worsley in both quarters, there was a lesser effect in the current quarter.

Production was slightly below the June 2005 quarter reflecting scheduled calciner maintenance at both Worsley and Alumar (Brazil). This was partially offset by recovering production from Suriname following commissioning difficulties with the expansion project in the prior quarter.

Aluminium - September 2005 quarter production increased over the June 2005 quarter reflecting recovering production at Bayside (South Africa) following a potline outage in April 2005.

SEPT

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

2005

vs

vs

BASE METALS

QTR

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

Copper ('000 tonnes)

308.9

24%

14%

Silver ('000 ounces)

11,362

-3%

-4%

Lead (tonnes)

64,873

0%

0%

Uranium Oxide Concentrate (tonnes)

1,088

n/a

n/a

Copper - Record quarterly copper production was achieved in the September 2005 quarter. This primarily reflects the inclusion of a full quarter of production from Olympic Dam and record quarterly production at Escondida (Chile), reflecting higher head grades and increased mill throughput. This was partially offset by lower production from Cerro Colorado following an earthquake in June 2005.

Silver - Decreased production in the September 2005 quarter was driven by lower head grades at Cannington (Australia).

Lead - September quarter production was in line with both the September 2004 and June 2005 quarters.

Uranium Oxide Concentrate - Production of 1,088 tonnes of uranium oxide for the September 2005 quarter reflects the inclusion of a full quarter of production from Olympic Dam.

SEPT

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

2005

vs

vs

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

QTR

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

Iron ore ('000 tonnes)

23,601

5%

-7%

Metallurgical Coal ('000 tonnes)

8,986

-3%

-6%

Manganese Ores ('000 tonnes)

1,387

1%

-2%

Manganese Alloys ('000 tonnes)

139

-29%

-11%

Iron Ore - September 2005 quarter production increased over the September 2004 quarter reflecting the ramp up of production at Western Australia Iron Ore following the completion of the Accelerated Expansion Project and Rapid Growth Project 1 in June 2004 and December 2004 respectively.

Production was lower than the June 2005 quarter reflecting unseasonably wet weather conditions and a train derailment at Western Australia Iron Ore.

Metallurgical Coal - September 2005 quarter production was lower than the September 2004 quarter. This primarily reflects lower Queensland Coal (Australia) production due to the depletion of reserves at Riverside, a scheduled dragline outage at Saraji and heavy rainfall at South Walker Creek. This was partially offset by increased production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) following the commissioning of Dendrobium in April 2005.

Production was lower than the June 2005 quarter due to decreased production at Queensland Coal as outlined above, and lower production at Illawarra Coal reflecting longwall changeouts at both West Cliff and Appin.

Manganese ore - Production for the September 2005 quarter was in line with both the September 2004 and June 2005 quarters.

Manganese alloys - Decreased production in the September 2005 quarter reflects scheduled maintenance at Metalloys (South Africa) and changes to product mix at Temco (Australia).

SEPT

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

2005

vs

vs

DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

QTR

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

Diamonds ('000 carats)

852

-14%

-11%

Fertilizer ('000 tonnes)

244.9

n/a

n/a

Diamonds - Carat production decreased in the September 2005 quarter reflecting the processing of lower grade ore at Ekati (Canada). This is expected to continue for the remainder of the 2006 financial year.

Fertilizer - Increased production for the September 2005 quarter reflects the inclusion of a full quarter of production from Southern Cross Fertilizer Operations (Australia) (formerly Queensland Fertilizer Operations).

SEPT

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

2005

vs

vs

ENERGY COAL

QTR

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

Energy Coal ('000 tonnes)

24,010

3%

6%

Energy Coal - Production for the September 2005 quarter was higher than the September 2004 quarter reflecting record quarterly production at New Mexico Coal (USA) due to favourable geological conditions at San Juan Coal and inventory building in preparation for a dragline outage at Navajo Coal. In addition, record production at Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) reflects the ramp up of recently expanded capacity.

Production was higher than the June 2005 quarter and primarily reflects higher production at Ingwe (South Africa) due to ongoing improvement initiatives and response to increased domestic demand, as well as record quarterly production at both New Mexico Coal and Cerrejon Coal.

SEPT

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

2005

vs

vs

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

QTR

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

Nickel ('000 tonnes)

44.1

125%

39%

Nickel - Record production in the September 2005 quarter primarily reflects the inclusion of a full quarter of production from Nickel West. This was partially offset by lower production at Yabulu (Australia) reflecting maintenance and tie-in activities associated with the Yabulu expansion project.

Production at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) in the September 2005 quarter was higher than the September 2004 quarter reflecting improved operating efficiencies, however a major planned maintenance shut down led to lower production compared to the June 2005 quarter.

****

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: http://www.bhpbilliton.com

Australia
 Jane Belcher, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653
email: Jane.H.Belcher@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom
Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44 7769 934 942
email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com

Tania Price, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3815 Mobile: +61 419 152 780
email: Tania.Price@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Tracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031
Mobile: +44 7917 648 093
email: Tracey.Whitehead@bhpbilliton.com

Ariane Gentil, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4177 Mobile: +44 78 81 51 8715
email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com

South Africa
Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +27 11 376 3360 Mobile: +27 82 458 2587
email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

% CHANGE

SEP Q05

SEP Q05

SEPT

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

vs

vs

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

SEP Q04

JUN Q05

PETROLEUM

 

Crude oil & condensate

('000 bbl)

12,366

13,939

12,234

12,234

12,366

-1%

-12%

Natural gas

(bcf)

77.19

98.79

97.65

97.65

77.19

27%

-1%

LPG

('000 tonnes)

231.03

213.71

234.24

234.24

231.03

1%

10%

Ethane

('000 tonnes)

27.75

22.97

28.02

28.02

27.75

1%

22%

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

28.03

33.13

31.38

31.38

28.03

12%

-5%

ALUMINIUM

 

Alumina

('000 tonnes)

1,000

1,054

1,028

1,028

1,000

3%

-2%

Aluminium

('000 tonnes)

339

321

334

334

339

-1%

4%

BASE METALS

 

Copper

('000 tonnes)

248.8

269.8

308.9

308.9

248.8

24%

14%

Lead

(tonnes)

64,910

64,652

64,873

64,873

64,910

0%

0%

Zinc

(tonnes)

23,851

28,204

29,147

29,147

23,851

22%

3%

Gold

(ounces)

30,132

31,882

53,666

53,666

30,132

78%

68%

Silver

('000 ounces)

11,769

11,881

11,362

11,362

11,769

-3%

-4%

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

415

1,088

1,088

-

-

-

Molybdenum

(tonnes)

323

492

573

573

323

77%

16%

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

 

Iron ore

('000 tonnes)

22,545

25,296

23,601

23,601

22,545

5%

-7%

Metallurgical coal

('000 tonnes)

9,241

9,570

8,986

8,986

9,241

-3%

-6%

Manganese ores

('000 tonnes)

1,379

1,418

1,387

1,387

1,379

1%

-2%

Manganese alloys

('000 tonnes)

195

156

139

139

195

-29%

-11%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Diamonds

('000 carats)

986

957

852

852

986

-14%

-11%

Fertilizer

('000 tonnes)

-

73.9

244.9

244.9

-

-

-

ENERGY COAL

 

Energy coal

('000 tonnes)

23,245

22,703

24,010

24,010

23,245

3%

6%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

 

Nickel

('000 tonnes)

19.6

31.8

44.1

44.1

19.6

125%

39%

Ferrochrome

('000 tonnes)

265

178

-

-

265

-100%

-100%

Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

BHP Billiton

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

Interest

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

PETROLEUM

 

Production

Crude oil & condensate

(000 bbl)

12,366

12,190

12,345

13,939

12,234

12,234

12,366

Natural gas

(bcf)

77.19

87.35

82.35

98.79

97.65

97.65

77.19

LPG

('000 tonnes)

231.03

216.07

199.29

213.71

234.24

234.24

231.03

Ethane

('000 tonnes)

27.75

27.20

23.61

22.97

28.02

28.02

27.75

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

28.03

29.38

28.49

33.13

31.38

31.38

28.03

ALUMINIUM

 

ALUMINA

Production ('000 tonnes)

Worsley

86%

663

686

746

718

689

689

663

Suriname

45%

223

222

220

209

227

227

223

Alumar

36%

114

128

126

127

112

112

114

Total

1,000

1,036

1,092

1,054

1,028

1,028

1,000

ALUMINIUM

Production ('000 tonnes)

Hillside

100%

173

171

169

172

172

172

173

Bayside

100%

46

46

45

29

41

41

46

Alumar

46.3%

44

45

43

44

45

45

44

Valesul

45.5%

11

11

10

11

11

11

11

Mozal

47%

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

Total

339

338

332

321

334

334

339

BASE METALS (a)

 

COPPER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

142.5

146.3

135.4

154.0

168.6

168.6

142.5

Antamina

33.8%

29.9

33.4

29.9

29.9

27.9

27.9

29.9

Tintaya (b)

100%

14.6

22.1

20.7

15.3

17.3

17.3

14.6

Total

187.0

201.8

186.0

199.2

213.8

213.8

187.0

Cathode ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

21.9

22.2

21.8

21.4

19.6

19.6

21.9

Cerro Colorado (c)

100%

28.3

30.4

29.8

24.6

14.5

14.5

28.3

Tintaya (b)

100%

9.3

9.1

9.6

6.4

9.7

9.7

9.3

Pinto Valley

100%

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.3

Olympic Dam (d)

100%

-

-

-

16.1

49.1

49.1

-

Total

61.8

64.0

63.6

70.6

95.1

95.1

61.8

LEAD

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

64,910

71,509

80,899

64,652

64,873

64,873

64,910

Total

64,910

71,509

80,899

64,652

64,873

64,873

64,910

ZINC

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

10,968

13,956

15,241

12,676

14,188

14,188

10,968

Antamina

33.8%

12,883

6,962

17,147

15,528

14,959

14,959

12,883

Total

23,851

20,918

32,388

28,204

29,147

29,147

23,851

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BASE METALS (continued)

 

GOLD

Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

25,370

24,475

25,987

20,774

19,194

19,194

25,370

Tintaya (b)

100%

4,762

6,772

6,165

4,066

8,048

8,048

4,762

Olympic Dam (d) (refined gold)

100%

-

-

-

7,042

26,424

26,424

-

Total

30,132

31,247

32,152

31,882

53,666

53,666

30,132

SILVER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

604

639

650

658

795

795

604

Antamina

33.8%

692

503

830

749

642

642

692

Tintaya (b)

100%

134

186

181

129

167

167

134

Cannington

100%

10,339

11,025

12,383

10,283

9,579

9,579

10,339

Olympic Dam (d) (refined silver)

100%

-

-

-

62

179

179

-

Total

11,769

12,353

14,044

11,881

11,362

11,362

11,769

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Olympic Dam (d)

100%

-

-

-

415

1,088

1,088

-

Total

-

-

-

415

1,088

1,088

-

MOLYBDENUM

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Antamina

33.8%

323

560

431

492

573

573

323

Total

323

560

431

492

573

573

323

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

 

IRON ORE (e)

Production ('000 tonnes)

Mt Newman Joint Venture

85%

6,157

6,611

6,475

6,493

6,234

6,234

6,157

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

85%

1,038

1,037

1,017

1,593

1,393

1,393

1,038

Area C Joint Venture

85%

2,990

4,358

4,451

4,813

4,286

4,286

2,990

Yandi Joint Venture

85%

8,767

9,238

8,713

8,943

8,409

8,409

8,767

Jimblebar

100%

1,675

1,622

1,509

1,558

1,398

1,398

1,675

Samarco

50%

1,918

2,050

1,823

1,896

1,881

1,881

1,918

Total

22,545

24,916

23,988

25,296

23,601

23,601

22,545

METALLURGICAL COAL (f)

Production ('000 tonnes)

BMA

50%

6,231

6,184

5,959

7,021

6,693

6,693

6,231

BHP Mitsui Coal (g)

80%

1,748

1,822

1,205

882

726

726

1,748

Illawarra

100%

1,262

1,603

1,719

1,667

1,567

1,567

1,262

Total

9,241

9,609

8,883

9,570

8,986

8,986

9,241

MANGANESE ORES

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (h)

60%

632

639

606

631

566

566

632

Australia (h)

60%

747

722

691

787

821

821

747

Total

1,379

1,361

1,297

1,418

1,387

1,387

1,379

Refer footnotes on page 4.

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd)

 

MANGANESE ALLOYS

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (h)

60%

121

136

137

98

79

79

121

Australia (h)

60%

74

71

60

58

60

60

74

Total

195

207

197

156

139

139

195

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

 

DIAMONDS

Production ('000 carats)

Ekati(TM)

80%

986

872

802

957

852

852

986

FERTILIZER

Production ('000 tonnes)

Southern Cross Fertilizer Operations (i)

100%

-

-

-

73.9

244.9

244.9

-

ENERGY COAL

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa

100%

14,588

13,745

12,769

13,548

14,549

14,549

14,588

USA

100%

3,899

3,731

3,169

4,128

4,561

4,561

3,899

Australia

100%

2,595

2,189

2,258

2,823

2,568

2,568

2,595

Colombia

33%

2,163

1,724

1,883

2,204

2,332

2,332

2,163

Total

23,245

21,389

20,079

22,703

24,010

24,010

23,245

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

 

NICKEL

Production ('000 tonnes)

CMSA

99.8%

11.9

12.4

13.3

13.7

12.8

12.8

11.9

Yabulu

100%

7.7

7.3

7.5

8.9

6.1

6.1

7.7

Nickel West (j)

100%

-

-

-

9.2

25.2

25.2

-

Total

19.6

19.7

20.8

31.8

44.1

44.1

19.6

FERROCHROME

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (h) (k)

60%

265

271

240

178

-

-

265

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

(b) Production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended on May 25, 2005 following civil unrest in the Espinar region.

Production recommenced on June 20, 2005.

(c) Production at Cerro Colorado was temporarily suspended on June 14, 2005 following an earthquake. Production

recommenced on June 30, 2005 and continues at half capacity.

(d) BHP Billiton acquired Olympic Dam with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005.

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

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

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

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

(i) BHP Billiton acquired Southern Cross Fertilizer Operations (formerly Queensland Fertilizer Operations) with the acquisition of WMC.

Production data is shown from June 1, 2005.

(j) BHP Billiton acquired Nickel West with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005.

(k) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Samancor Chrome with effect from June 1, 2005.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

PETROLEUM

 

BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.

CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)

Bass Strait

4,835

4,226

3,754

3,921

3,720

3,720

4,835

Minerva (a)

-

-

21

33

34

34

-

North West Shelf - condensate

1,330

1,274

1,305

1,431

1,370

1,370

1,330

North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack

1,475

1,272

1,535

1,571

1,149

1,149

1,475

Laminaria (b)

597

472

84

-

-

-

597

Griffin

414

473

403

453

436

436

414

Pakistan

50

54

58

49

49

49

50

Typhoon/Boris (c)

1,461

1,290

907

672

306

306

1,461

Mad Dog (a)

-

-

251

562

440

440

-

Other Americas

181

180

160

145

123

123

181

Angostura (a)

-

-

799

997

998

998

-

Liverpool Bay

1,344

1,858

1,289

1,625

1,160

1,160

1,344

Bruce/Keith

121

321

290

279

254

254

121

Ohanet

558

432

589

461

483

483

558

ROD (d)

-

338

900

1,740

1,712

1,712

-

Total

12,366

12,190

12,345

13,939

12,234

12,234

12,366

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)

Bass Strait

35.61

27.44

20.71

31.98

35.93

35.93

35.61

Minerva (a)

-

-

6.63

9.79

10.30

10.30

-

North West Shelf - Domestic

3.50

3.51

3.64

3.98

3.97

3.97

3.50

North West Shelf - LNG

17.78

22.36

20.81

22.14

21.19

21.19

17.78

Griffin

0.68

0.71

0.54

0.70

0.56

0.56

0.68

Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (e)

-

0.53

1.07

1.64

1.65

1.65

-

Illawarra Coal Bed Methane (f)

1.34

1.65

1.39

1.10

1.12

1.12

1.34

Pakistan

7.69

7.87

8.88

7.25

7.32

7.32

7.69

Typhoon/Boris (c)

2.32

2.53

1.32

0.95

0.46

0.46

2.32

Mad Dog (a)

-

-

0.03

0.18

0.08

0.08

-

Other Americas

1.99

2.05

1.76

1.88

1.89

1.89

1.99

Bruce/Keith

2.26

7.39

7.22

6.90

5.81

5.81

2.26

Liverpool Bay

4.02

11.31

8.35

10.30

7.37

7.37

4.02

Total

77.19

87.35

82.35

98.79

97.65

97.65

77.19

LPG ('000 tonnes)

Bass Strait

145.85

127.70

108.56

128.50

143.55

143.55

145.85

North West Shelf

34.66

29.43

32.28

33.15

39.64

39.64

34.66

Bruce/Keith

6.93

18.65

17.85

16.53

13.73

13.73

6.93

Ohanet

43.59

40.29

40.60

35.53

37.32

37.32

43.59

Total

231.03

216.07

199.29

213.71

234.24

234.24

231.03

ETHANE ('000 tonnes)

27.75

27.20

23.61

22.97

28.02

28.02

27.75

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

28.03

29.38

28.49

33.13

31.38

31.38

28.03

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (g)

(a) Minerva, Mad Dog and Angostura commenced production in January 2005.

(b) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Laminaria with effect from January 14, 2005.

(c) Typhoon/Boris production was suspended in September 2005 following severe hurricane damage sustained to the Typhoon

platform.

(d) ROD commenced production in October 2004.

(e) Moranbah Coal Bed Methane commenced production in September 2004 and was first reported in December 2004.

(f) Illawarra Coal Bed Methane production was first reported in December 2004.

(g) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on the following:

     6000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe; 1 tonne of LPG equals 11.6 boe; 1 tonne of ethane equals 4.4667 boe.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

ALUMINIUM

 

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

ALUMINA

Production

Worsley, Australia

663

686

746

718

689

689

663

Paranam, Suriname

223

222

220

209

227

227

223

Alumar, Brazil

114

128

126

127

112

112

114

Total

1,000

1,036

1,092

1,054

1,028

1,028

1,000

Sales

Worsley, Australia

667

681

734

774

584

584

667

Paranam, Suriname

239

221

210

221

203

203

239

Alumar, Brazil

129

131

118

146

107

107

129

Total

1,035

1,033

1,062

1,141

894

894

1,035

ALUMINIUM

Production

Hillside, South Africa

173

171

169

172

172

172

173

Bayside, South Africa

46

46

45

29

41

41

46

Alumar, Brazil

44

45

43

44

45

45

44

Valesul, Brazil

11

11

10

11

11

11

11

Mozal, Mozambique

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

Total

339

338

332

321

334

334

339

Sales

Hillside, South Africa

155

189

153

185

168

168

155

Bayside, South Africa

45

41

39

45

34

34

45

Alumar, Brazil

43

44

43

46

42

42

43

Valesul, Brazil

12

11

11

10

11

11

12

Mozal, Mozambique

59

69

62

74

54

54

59

Total

314

354

308

360

309

309

314

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

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)

100,466

97,512

90,838

85,592

90,919

90,919

100,466

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

20,637

20,926

19,913

21,725

22,255

22,255

20,637

Average copper grade

(%)

1.47%

1.47%

1.41%

1.51%

1.59%

1.59%

1.47%

Production ex Mill (100%)

('000 tonnes)

256.8

265.1

241.1

277.8

304.4

304.4

256.8

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

142.5

146.3

135.4

154.0

168.6

168.6

142.5

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

25,370

24,475

25,987

20,774

19,194

19,194

25,370

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

21.9

22.2

21.8

21.4

19.6

19.6

21.9

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

604

639

650

658

795

795

604

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

140.0

148.3

137.1

145.9

169.4

169.4

140.0

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

24,732

25,462

27,882

19,816

19,294

19,294

24,732

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

22.7

22.7

18.6

26.8

19.3

19.3

22.7

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

582

690

712

631

803

803

582

Tintaya, Peru (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

18,676

17,486

17,575

12,385

17,228

17,228

18,676

Sulphide Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

1,621

1,564

1,560

1,086

1,546

1,546

1,621

Average copper grade

(%)

1.14%

1.64%

1.56%

1.67%

1.33%

1.33%

1.14%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

14.6

22.1

20.7

15.3

17.3

17.3

14.6

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

4,762

6,772

6,165

4,066

8,048

8,048

4,762

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

9.3

9.1

9.6

6.4

9.7

9.7

9.3

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

134

186

181

129

167

167

134

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

5.7

25.9

23.3

17.2

17.0

17.0

5.7

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

1,219

8,491

7,593

7,073

6,783

6,783

1,219

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

10.4

8.1

9.2

8.2

10.3

10.3

10.4

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

64

234

193

160

161

161

64

(a) Production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended on May 25, 2005 following civil unrest in the Espinar region.

Production recommenced on June 20, 2005.

Cerro Colorado, Chile (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

17,554

16,378

16,856

14,805

16,696

16,696

17,554

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

4,232

4,362

3,865

3,144

3,344

3,344

4,232

Average copper grade

(%)

0.87%

0.91%

1.00%

0.83%

0.79%

0.79%

0.87%

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

28.3

30.4

29.8

24.6

14.5

14.5

28.3

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

28.9

28.2

32.5

24.8

15.0

15.0

28.9

(a) Production at Cerro Colorado was temporarily suspended on June 14, 2005 following an earthquake.

Production recommenced on June 30, 2005 and continues at half capacity.

Antamina, Peru

Material mined (100%)

('000 tonnes)

33,177

33,201

30,808

31,802

32,839

32,839

33,177

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

8,069

8,027

7,072

7,557

7,367

7,367

8,069

Average head grades

- Copper

(%)

1.26%

1.45%

1.41%

1.35%

1.30%

1.30%

1.26%

- Zinc

(%)

1.02%

0.47%

1.16%

1.09%

1.04%

1.04%

1.02%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

29.9

33.4

29.9

29.9

27.9

27.9

29.9

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

12,883

6,962

17,147

15,528

14,959

14,959

12,883

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

692

503

830

749

642

642

692

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

323

560

431

492

573

573

323

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

32.1

32.2

30.0

28.7

30.7

30.7

32.1

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

13,617

4,185

18,293

15,066

13,203

13,203

13,617

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

624

632

718

769

669

669

624

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

160

300

592

587

538

538

160

Cannington, Australia

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

828

844

885

880

910

910

828

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

730

825

788

746

772

772

730

Average head grades

- Silver

(g/t)

504

500

571

482

453

453

504

- Lead

(%)

10.3%

10.0%

11.9%

9.8%

9.9%

9.9%

10.3%

- Zinc

(%)

3.1%

3.0%

3.5%

3.0%

3.3%

3.3%

3.1%

Production

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

10,339

11,025

12,383

10,283

9,579

9,579

10,339

Payable lead

(tonnes)

64,910

71,509

80,899

64,652

64,873

64,873

64,910

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

10,968

13,956

15,241

12,676

14,188

14,188

10,968

Sales

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

9,266

9,006

13,514

12,265

9,078

9,078

9,266

Payable lead

(tonnes)

62,774

57,286

88,237

76,680

59,942

59,942

62,774

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

12,170

9,146

18,628

13,415

10,676

10,676

12,170

Olympic Dam, Australia (a)

Material mined (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

855

2,007

2,007

-

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

933

2,345

2,345

-

Average copper grade

(%)

-

-

-

2.15%

2.26%

2.26%

-

Average uranium grade

kg/t

-

-

-

0.60

0.64

0.64

-

Production

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

14.5

44.2

44.2

-

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

1.6

4.9

4.9

-

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

-

-

415

1,088

1,088

-

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

-

-

-

7,042

26,424

26,424

-

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

-

-

-

62

179

179

-

Sales

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

16.2

47.2

47.2

-

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

1.1

5.5

5.5

-

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

-

-

391

879

879

-

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

-

-

-

10,555

21,192

21,192

-

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

-

-

-

68

144

144

-

(a) BHP Billiton acquired Olympic Dam with the acquisition of WMC. Production data was first reported from June 1, 2005.

(b) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

Pinto Valley, USA

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.3

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

1.5

1.8

2.8

2.3

2.3

2.3

1.5

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

 

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

IRON ORE (a)

Pilbara, Australia

Production

Mt Newman Joint Venture

6,157

6,611

6,475

6,493

6,234

6,234

6,157

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

1,038

1,037

1,017

1,593

1,393

1,393

1,038

Area C Joint Venture

2,990

4,358

4,451

4,813

4,286

4,286

2,990

Yandi Joint Venture

8,767

9,238

8,713

8,943

8,409

8,409

8,767

Jimblebar

1,675

1,622

1,509

1,558

1,398

1,398

1,675

Total (BHP Billiton share)

20,627

22,866

22,165

23,400

21,720

21,720

20,627

Total production (100%)

23,971

26,615

25,810

27,254

25,306

25,306

23,971

Sales (b)

Lump

5,533

5,944

5,757

6,849

5,879

5,879

5,533

Fines

14,524

16,096

15,909

17,052

15,702

15,702

14,524

Total (BHP Billiton share)

20,057

22,040

21,666

23,901

21,581

21,581

20,057

Total shipments (100%)

23,596

25,929

25,489

28,119

25,389

25,389

23,596

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

(b) Previously shipments, now disclosed as sales to reflect revenue recognition.

Samarco, Brazil

Production

1,918

2,050

1,823

1,896

1,881

1,881

1,918

Shipments

1,976

2,142

1,768

1,728

1,900

1,900

1,976

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production

BMA

Blackwater

1,638

1,709

1,615

1,603

1,627

1,627

1,638

Goonyella

1,112

1,254

1,355

1,740

1,609

1,609

1,112

Peak Downs

1,198

1,164

842

1,322

1,250

1,250

1,198

Saraji

809

812

752

878

675

675

809

Norwich Park

700

680

664

836

759

759

700

Gregory Joint Venture

774

565

731

642

773

773

774

BMA total

6,231

6,184

5,959

7,021

6,693

6,693

6,231

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)

Riverside

910

951

480

43

-

-

910

South Walker Creek

838

871

725

839

726

726

838

BHP Mitsui Coal total

1,748

1,822

1,205

882

726

726

1,748

Queensland total

7,979

8,006

7,164

7,903

7,419

7,419

7,979

Shipments

Coking coal

5,188

5,801

5,440

5,705

4,869

4,869

5,188

Weak coking coal

1,665

1,722

1,609

1,619

1,207

1,207

1,665

Thermal coal

743

527

632

815

579

579

743

Total

7,596

8,050

7,681

8,139

6,655

6,655

7,596

(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

1,262

1,603

1,719

1,667

1,567

1,567

1,262

Shipments

Coking coal

1,097

1,610

1,447

1,500

1,190

1,190

1,097

Thermal coal

82

144

93

27

383

383

82

Total

1,179

1,754

1,540

1,527

1,573

1,573

1,179

MANGANESE ORES

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

632

639

606

631

566

566

632

Australia

Saleable production (a)

747

722

691

787

821

821

747

MANGANESE ALLOYS

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

121

136

137

98

79

79

121

Australia

Saleable production (a)

74

71

60

58

60

60

74

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

 

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

Ekati(TM), Canada

Ore Processed (100%)

('000 tonnes)

1,184

1,094

1,101

1,216

1,158

1,158

1,184

Production

('000 carats)

986

872

802

957

852

852

986

FERTILIZER

Southern Cross Fertilizer Operations, Australia (a)

Production (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

73.9

244.9

244.9

-

Sales (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

105.9

175.5

175.5

-

(a) BHP Billiton acquired Southern Cross Fertilizer Operations (formerly Queensland Fertilizer Operations) with the acquisition of WMC. Production data was first reported from June 1, 2005.

(b) Includes diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

ENERGY COAL

 

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

Ingwe, South Africa

Production

14,588

13,745

12,769

13,548

14,549

14,549

14,588

Sales

Export

5,551

4,750

5,082

5,094

5,436

5,436

5,551

Local utility

8,546

8,106

7,069

7,560

8,013

8,013

8,546

Inland

383

308

353

186

309

309

383

Total

14,480

13,164

12,504

12,840

13,758

13,758

14,480

New Mexico, USA

Production

Navajo Coal

2,083

1,765

2,008

2,389

2,238

2,238

2,083

San Juan Coal

1,816

1,966

1,161

1,739

2,323

2,323

1,816

Total

3,899

3,731

3,169

4,128

4,561

4,561

3,899

Sales - local utility

3,897

3,739

3,447

3,319

3,769

3,769

3,897

Hunter Valley, Australia

Production

2,595

2,189

2,258

2,823

2,568

2,568

2,595

Sales

Export

1,440

1,201

1,866

1,746

1,570

1,570

1,440

Inland

1,220

595

872

1,186

983

983

1,220

Total

2,660

1,796

2,738

2,932

2,553

2,553

2,660

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia

Production

2,163

1,724

1,883

2,204

2,332

2,332

2,163

Sales - export

2,166

1,954

1,927

2,338

2,170

2,170

2,166

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

 

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

NICKEL

CMSA, Colombia

Production

11.9

12.4

13.3

13.7

12.8

12.8

11.9

Sales

10.6

13.3

13.4

12.8

11.1

11.1

10.6

Yabulu, Australia

Production

Nickel metal

7.7

7.3

7.5

8.9

6.1

6.1

7.7

Cobalt

0.5

0.4

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.3

0.5

Sales

Nickel metal

7.7

7.8

7.7

8.3

6.3

6.3

7.7

Cobalt

0.4

0.5

0.3

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

Nickel West, Australia (a)

Production

Nickel contained in finished matte

-

-

-

3.3

9.7

9.7

-

Nickel metal

-

-

-

5.9

15.5

15.5

-

Nickel production

-

-

-

9.2

25.2

25.2

-

Sales

Nickel contained in finished matte

-

-

-

3.5

7.6

7.6

-

Nickel metal

-

-

-

4.7

15.9

15.9

-

Nickel sales

-

-

-

8.2

23.5

23.5

-

(a) BHP Billiton acquired Nickel West with the acquisition of WMC. Production data was first reported from June 1, 2005.

FERROCHROME

South Africa (a)

Saleable production (b)

265

271

240

178

-

-

265

(a) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Samancor Chrome with effect from June 1, 2005.

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

 

BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077
Registered in Australia
Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015

BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111

                                                                    The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia

 

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
     
Date: 27 October 2005 By:

Karen Wood
  Name:  Karen Wood
  Title: Company Secretary