UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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BHP Billiton
Limited
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| (Translation of registrant's name into English) | ||||
| 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia | ||||
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20 October 2005
Number 41/05
BHP BILLITON APPROVES SAMARCO EXPANSION
BHP Billiton today announced approval of the Samarco Third Pellet Plant project in Brazil. The project will increase annual iron ore pellet production capacity by 7.6 million tonnes to 21.6 million tonnes per annum (100% basis), at a cost of US$590 million (BHP Billiton share). First pellet production is expected in the first half of calendar year 2008.
BHP Billiton's President Iron Ore, Graeme Hunt, said: "This expansion is consistent with our strategy of maintaining our position in growing iron ore markets. Samarco is a low cost supplier of seaborne pellets with a strong customer base. Investment in a third pellet plant will consolidate its strong market position and will enhance BHP Billiton's exposure to the important iron ore pellet market."
Construction on the Third Pellet Plant project will commence immediately and will include:
BHP Billiton has a 50% interest in Samarco, with the remaining 50% being held by Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD).
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:
http://www.bhpbilliton.com
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Australia 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 |
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Tania Price, Media Relations United States 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 South Africa |
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BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 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 Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111 |
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The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
| 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: 20 October 2005 | By: |
Karen Wood |
| Name: | Karen Wood | |
| Title: | Company Secretary |