BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY
 

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 26, 2006

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 
 

26 April 2006
Number 08/06


 BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 MARCH 2006

 

BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 31 March 2006. Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton share.

     

  • Record year to date production of nickel, copper, natural gas and aluminium was achieved, up 122%, 25%, 6% and 1% respectively.
  • Record year to date production was achieved at Hillside (South Africa), Escondida (Chile) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia).
  • Quarterly production records were achieved at Cerrejon Coal, and for oil at Angostura (Trinidad & Tobago) and gas at Zamzama (Pakistan).
  • Petroleum, iron ore and nickel operations based in Western Australia were disrupted by cyclone activity and continuing wet weather. Ingwe (South Africa) was also impacted by higher than average rainfall.

 

 

MAR

MAR

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

 

2006

2006

vs

vs

vs

PETROLEUM

YTD

QTR

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

Crude Oil & Condensate ('000 bbl)

34,320

10,886

-7%

-12%

-3%

Natural Gas (bcf)

261.85

77.85

6%

-5%

-10%

Total Petroleum Products (million boe)

85.32

26.01

-1%

-9%

-7%

 

Total Petroleum Products - Total production for the year to date March 2006 of 85.3 million barrels of oil equivalent was in line with the nine months to March 2005.

March 2006 quarterly production was lower than the comparative periods primarily as a result of lost production from the Typhoon/Boris facility (USA) due to hurricane damage sustained in the September 2005 quarter, natural field decline and lower gas demand at Bass Strait (Australia), well and weather related downtime in North West Shelf and Griffin (both Australia) and the sale of our interest in Laminaria (Australia) in January 2005. This was partly offset by increased production from Angostura (Trinidad & Tobago) and Mad Dog (USA), all commissioned in January 2005, and ROD (Algeria), commissioned in October 2004.

Crude Oil and Condensate - March 2006 year to date and quarterly production was lower than the March 2005 comparative periods. Lost production from the Typhoon/Boris facility, well and weather related downtime at North West Shelf and Griffin, natural field decline at Bass Strait, and the sale of Laminaria all had a negative impact on production. This was partially offset by ramp up of production at ROD, Mad Dog and Angostura.

Natural Gas - Record production for the nine months to March 2006 was primarily due to the commissioning of Minerva in January 2005.

March 2006 quarterly production was lower than the March 2005 quarter reflecting lower demand for Bass Strait and Minerva gas and lost production from the Typhoon/Boris facility.

Production for the March 2006 quarter was lower than the December 2005 quarter as a result of weather related downtime at North West Shelf and equipment downtime at Liverpool Bay (UK), in addition to lower demand for Bass Strait and Minerva gas.

 

 

MAR

MAR

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

 

2006

2006

vs

vs

vs

ALUMINIUM

YTD

QTR

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

Alumina ('000 tonnes)

3,115

1,075

0%

-2%

6%

Aluminium ('000 tonnes)

1,018

340

1%

2%

-1%

 

Alumina - Production on a year to date basis was in line with the comparative period. March 2006 quarterly production increased compared to the December 2005 quarter primarily as a result of Worsley recovering from gas supply curtailments in the previous quarter.

Aluminium - Production for the nine months and quarter ended March 2006 was in line with all comparative periods.

 

 

MAR

MAR

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

 

2006

2006

vs

vs

vs

BASE METALS

YTD

QTR

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

Copper ('000 tonnes)

956.4

319.1

25%

28%

-3%

Silver ('000 ounces)

36,883

11,655

-3%

-17%

-16%

Lead (tonnes)

210,814

68,754

-3%

-15%

-11%

Zinc (tonnes)

81,494

28,419

6%

-12%

19%

Uranium Oxide Concentrate (tonnes)

3,071

913

n/a

n/a

-15%

 

Copper - Production for the nine months ended March 2006 was a record 956,400 tonnes, 25% higher than the March 2005 comparative period, reflecting year to date record performance at Escondida (Chile) and inclusion of a full nine months of production from Olympic Dam (Australia).

March 2006 quarterly production was marginally lower than the December 2005 quarter as a result of lower head grade and throughput at Olympic Dam and Escondida, partially offset by Cerro Colorado (Chile) operating at full capacity for the quarter having fully recovered from the earthquake in June 2005.

Silver - Production was lower on a year to date basis primarily as a result of lower head grade of ore mined at Cannington (Australia) in the nine months to March 2006. March 2006 quarterly production was lower than the previous period as a result of lower head grade and increased planned maintenance activity at Cannington during the period.

Lead - Year to date production to March 2006 decreased against all comparative periods as a result of lower head grade and increased planned maintenance activity at Cannington during the March 2006 quarter.

Zinc - Production increased against the March 2005 year to date and December 2005 comparative periods due to higher grade at Cannington. This was partially offset by a lower proportion of zinc contained ore processed at Antamina over recent quarters resulting in a decline against the March 2005 quarter.

Uranium Oxide Concentrate - Production in the March 2006 quarter was lower than the December 2005 quarter as a result of lower grade and throughput at Olympic Dam.

 

 

MAR

MAR

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

 

2006

2006

vs

vs

vs

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

YTD

QTR

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

Iron ore ('000 tonnes)

70,500

22,499

0%

-5%

-9%

Metallurgical Coal ('000 tonnes)

26,419

8,460

-5%

-5%

-6%

Manganese Ores ('000 tonnes)

3,891

1,226

-4%

-5%

-4%

Manganese Alloys ('000 tonnes)

477

173

-20%

-12%

5%

 

Iron Ore - March 2006 year to date production was in line with the comparative period.

Production decreased in the March 2006 quarter versus the March 2005 and December 2005 quarters following disruptions at Western Australian Iron Ore operations (Australia) due to cyclone activity, higher than usual rainfall in the Pilbara and maintenance work at Area C.

Metallurgical Coal - March 2006 year to date and quarterly production was lower than the March 2005 comparatives. This primarily reflects reduced production at Queensland Coal (Australia) due to the depletion of reserves at Riverside and longer than scheduled dragline outages at South Walker Creek and Saraji. This was partially offset by increased production at Goonyella and the continued ramp up of Dendrobium and Broadmeadow (all Australia), commissioned in April 2005 and August 2005 respectively.

Production for the March 2006 quarter was lower than the December 2005 quarter as a result of reduced production at Queensland Coal due to unplanned downtime at Broadmeadow, an extended longwall change at the Crinum mine and scheduled downtime at Norwich Park.

Shiploader 1 at Hay Point Coal Terminal became fully operational on 13 April following a fifteen week shutdown for repairs.

Manganese ore - Production for the March 2006 year to date and quarter was lower than all comparative periods as a result of lower market demand.

Manganese alloys - March 2006 year to date and quarterly production decreased compared to the March 2005 comparative periods primarily reflecting lower market demand.

March 2006 quarterly production was higher than the December 2005 quarter as full operational stability was restored following scheduled maintenance at Metalloys (South Africa) in the September 2005 quarter.

 

 

MAR

MAR

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

 

2006

2006

vs

vs

vs

DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

YTD

QTR

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

Diamonds ('000 carats)

1,978

512

-26%

-36%

-17%

Fertiliser ('000 tonnes)

720.0

222.5

n/a

n/a

-12%

 

Diamonds - Carat production decreased in the nine months to March 2006 reflecting the processing of lower grade ore at Ekati (Canada).

March 2006 quarterly production was lower than the December 2005 quarter due to the impact of planned changes to the mix of ore sources being processed.

Fertiliser - March 2006 quarterly production was lower than the December 2005 quarter as a result of unplanned maintenance.

 

 

MAR

MAR

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

 

2006

2006

vs

vs

vs

ENERGY COAL

YTD

QTR

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

Energy Coal ('000 tonnes)

63,969

18,672

-1%

-7%

-12%

 

Energy Coal - Production for the year to date March 2006 was in line with the nine months ended March 2005.

Production for the March 2006 quarter was lower than the comparative periods mainly as a result of significantly higher than average rainfall at Ingwe (South Africa) and a planned outage for a longwall move at San Juan Coal (USA).

 

 

MAR

MAR

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

 

2006

2006

vs

vs

vs

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

YTD

QTR

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

Nickel ('000 tonnes)

133.3

40.2

122%

93%

-18%

 

Nickel - Record production for the year to date March 2006 primarily reflects inclusion of a full nine months of production from Nickel West (Australia).

Production for the March 2006 quarter was lower than the December 2005 quarter due to disruption of the Nickel West operations primarily as a result of cyclone activity and continued wet weather. This was partly offset by increased production at Yabulu (Australia) due to fewer expansion related activities.

****

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: 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


Samantha Evans, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915
email: Samantha.Evans@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


Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246
email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com

South Africa
Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations
Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or UK +44 20 7802 4183
email: Alison.Gilbert@bhpbilliton.com

 

 

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

% CHANGE

MAR YTD 06

MAR Q06

MAR Q06

MAR

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

vs

vs

vs

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

MAR YTD 05

MAR Q05

DEC Q05

PETROLEUM

Crude oil & condensate

('000 bbl)

12,345

11,200

10,886

34,320

36,901

-7%

-12%

-3%

Natural gas

(bcf)

82.35

86.35

77.85

261.85

246.89

6%

-5%

-10%

LPG

('000 tonnes)

199.29

190.59

175.26

600.09

646.39

-7%

-12%

-8%

Ethane

('000 tonnes)

23.61

24.72

22.25

74.99

78.56

-5%

-6%

-10%

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

28.49

27.93

26.01

85.32

85.90

-1%

-9%

-7%

ALUMINIUM

Alumina

('000 tonnes)

1,092

1,012

1,075

3,115

3,128

0%

-2%

6%

Aluminium

('000 tonnes)

332

344

340

1,018

1,009

1%

2%

-1%

BASE METALS

Copper

('000 tonnes)

249.6

328.4

319.1

956.4

764.2

25%

28%

-3%

Lead

(tonnes)

80,899

77,187

68,754

210,814

217,318

-3%

-15%

-11%

Zinc

(tonnes)

32,388

23,928

28,419

81,494

77,156

6%

-12%

19%

Gold

(ounces)

32,152

54,700

52,095

160,461

93,531

72%

62%

-5%

Silver

('000 ounces)

14,044

13,866

11,655

36,883

38,166

-3%

-17%

-16%

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

1,070

913

3,071

-

-

-

-15%

Molybdenum

(tonnes)

431

772

632

1,977

1,314

50%

47%

-18%

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

Iron ore

('000 tonnes)

23,762

24,610

22,499

70,500

70,728

0%

-5%

-9%

Metallurgical coal

('000 tonnes)

8,883

8,973

8,460

26,419

27,733

-5%

-5%

-6%

Manganese ores

('000 tonnes)

1,297

1,278

1,226

3,891

4,037

-4%

-5%

-4%

Manganese alloys

('000 tonnes)

197

165

173

477

599

-20%

-12%

5%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Diamonds

('000 carats)

802

614

512

1,978

2,660

-26%

-36%

-17%

Fertiliser

('000 tonnes)

-

252.6

222.5

720.0

-

-

-

-12%

ENERGY COAL

Energy coal

('000 tonnes)

20,079

21,287

18,672

63,969

64,713

-1%

-7%

-12%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

Nickel

('000 tonnes)

20.8

49.0

40.2

133.3

60.1

122%

93%

-18%

Ferrochrome

('000 tonnes)

240

-

-

-

776

-

-

-

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

 

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

YEAR TO DATE

BHP Billiton

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

MAR

MAR

Interest

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

PETROLEUM

Production

Crude oil & condensate

(000 bbl)

12,345

13,939

12,234

11,200

10,886

34,320

36,901

Natural gas

(bcf)

82.35

98.79

97.65

86.35

77.85

261.85

246.89

LPG

('000 tonnes)

199.29

213.71

234.24

190.59

175.26

600.09

646.39

Ethane

('000 tonnes)

23.61

22.97

28.02

24.72

22.25

74.99

78.56

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

28.49

33.13

31.38

27.93

26.01

85.32

85.90

ALUMINIUM

ALUMINA

Production ('000 tonnes)

Worsley

86%

746

718

689

663

717

2,069

2,095

Suriname

45%

220

209

227

219

228

674

665

Alumar

36%

126

127

112

130

130

372

368

Total

1,092

1,054

1,028

1,012

1,075

3,115

3,128

ALUMINIUM

Production ('000 tonnes)

Hillside

100%

169

172

172

177

174

523

513

Bayside

100%

45

29

41

46

46

133

137

Alumar

46.3%

43

44

45

45

44

134

132

Valesul

45.5%

10

11

11

10

11

32

32

Mozal

47%

65

65

65

66

65

196

195

Total

332

321

334

344

340

1,018

1,009

BASE METALS (a)

COPPER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

135.4

154.0

168.6

169.0

168.2

505.8

424.2

Antamina

33.8%

29.9

29.9

27.9

34.3

32.9

95.1

93.2

Tintaya (b)

100%

20.7

15.3

17.3

18.1

16.2

51.6

57.4

Total

186.0

199.2

213.8

221.4

217.3

652.5

574.8

Cathode ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

21.8

21.4

19.6

20.0

15.4

55.0

65.9

Cerro Colorado (c)

100%

29.8

24.6

14.5

21.5

28.1

64.1

88.5

Tintaya (b)

100%

9.6

6.4

9.7

9.9

9.1

28.7

28.0

Pinto Valley

100%

2.4

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.1

6.4

7.0

Olympic Dam (d)

100%

-

16.1

49.1

53.5

47.1

149.7

-

Total

63.6

70.6

95.1

107.0

101.8

303.9

189.4

LEAD

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

80,899

64,652

64,873

77,187

68,754

210,814

217,318

Total

80,899

64,652

64,873

77,187

68,754

210,814

217,318

ZINC

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

15,241

12,676

14,188

18,780

20,885

53,853

40,164

Antamina

33.8%

17,147

15,528

14,959

5,148

7,534

27,641

36,992

Total

32,388

28,204

29,147

23,928

28,419

81,494

77,156

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BASE METALS (continued)

GOLD

Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

25,987

20,774

19,194

19,200

17,877

56,271

75,832

Tintaya (b)

100%

6,165

4,066

8,048

8,200

8,032

24,280

17,699

Olympic Dam (d) (refined gold)

100%

-

7,042

26,424

27,300

26,186

79,910

-

Total

32,152

31,882

53,666

54,700

52,095

160,461

93,531

SILVER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

650

658

795

945

714

2,454

1,893

Antamina

33.8%

830

749

642

859

865

2,366

2,025

Tintaya (b)

100%

181

129

167

168

138

473

501

Cannington

100%

12,383

10,283

9,579

11,672

9,693

30,944

33,747

Olympic Dam (d) (refined silver)

100%

-

62

179

222

245

646

-

Total

14,044

11,881

11,362

13,866

11,655

36,883

38,166

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Olympic Dam (d)

100%

-

415

1,088

1,070

913

3,071

-

Total

-

415

1,088

1,070

913

3,071

-

MOLYBDENUM

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Antamina

33.8%

431

492

573

772

632

1,977

1,314

Total

431

492

573

772

632

1,977

1,314

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

IRON ORE (e)

Production ('000 tonnes)

Mt Newman Joint Venture

85%

6,475

6,493

6,234

6,166

5,884

18,284

19,243

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

85%

1,017

1,593

1,393

1,669

1,371

4,433

3,092

Area C Joint Venture

85%

4,451

4,813

4,286

4,969

3,332

12,587

11,799

Yandi Joint Venture

85%

8,713

8,943

8,409

8,372

8,561

25,342

26,718

Jimblebar (f)

85%

1,283

1,324

1,188

1,569

1,549

4,306

4,085

Samarco

50%

1,823

1,896

1,881

1,865

1,802

5,548

5,791

Total

23,762

25,062

23,391

24,610

22,499

70,500

70,728

METALLURGICAL COAL (g)

Production ('000 tonnes)

BMA

50%

5,959

7,021

6,693

6,441

5,972

19,106

18,374

BHP Mitsui Coal (h)

80%

1,205

882

726

710

763

2,199

4,775

Illawarra

100%

1,719

1,667

1,567

1,822

1,725

5,114

4,584

Total

8,883

9,570

8,986

8,973

8,460

26,419

27,733

MANGANESE ORES

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (i)

60%

606

631

566

529

532

1,627

1,877

Australia (i)

60%

691

787

821

749

694

2,264

2,160

Total

1,297

1,418

1,387

1,278

1,226

3,891

4,037

Refer footnotes on page 4.

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd)

MANGANESE ALLOYS

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (i)

60%

137

98

79

105

119

303

394

Australia (i)

60%

60

58

60

60

54

174

205

Total

197

156

139

165

173

477

599

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

DIAMONDS

Production ('000 carats)

Ekati™

80%

802

957

852

614

512

1,978

2,660

FERTILISER

Production ('000 tonnes)

Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations (j)

100%

-

73.9

244.9

252.6

222.5

720.0

-

ENERGY COAL

Production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa

100%

12,769

13,548

14,549

12,940

11,605

39,094

41,102

USA

100%

3,169

4,128

4,561

4,065

2,829

11,455

10,799

Australia

100%

2,258

2,823

2,568

2,045

1,897

6,510

7,042

Colombia

33%

1,883

2,204

2,332

2,237

2,341

6,910

5,770

Total

20,079

22,703

24,010

21,287

18,672

63,969

64,713

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

NICKEL

Production ('000 tonnes)

CMSA

99.8%

13.3

13.7

12.8

13.0

12.9

38.7

37.6

Yabulu

100%

7.5

8.9

6.1

5.9

7.0

19.0

22.5

Nickel West (k)

100%

-

9.2

25.2

30.1

20.3

75.6

-

Total

20.8

31.8

44.1

49.0

40.2

133.3

60.1

FERROCHROME

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (i) (l)

60%

240

178

-

-

-

-

776

(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.

(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) Jimblebar production restated on a saleable production basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 85%.

(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%.

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

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

Production data is shown from June 1, 2005.

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

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR TO DATE

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

PETROLEUM

BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.

CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)

Bass Strait

3,754

3,921

3,720

3,584

3,414

10,718

12,815

Minerva (a)

21

33

34

26

18

78

21

North West Shelf - condensate

1,305

1,431

1,370

1,405

1,263

4,038

3,909

North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack

1,535

1,571

1,149

979

751

2,879

4,282

Laminaria (b)

84

-

-

-

-

-

1,153

Griffin

403

453

436

344

204

984

1,290

Pakistan

58

49

49

54

59

162

162

Typhoon/Boris (c)

907

672

306

21

-

327

3,658

Mad Dog (a)

251

562

440

604

549

1,593

251

Other Americas (d)

160

145

123

161

68

352

521

Angostura (a)

799

997

998

1,018

1,080

3,096

799

Liverpool Bay

1,289

1,625

1,160

1,161

1,278

3,599

4,491

Bruce/Keith

290

279

254

256

209

719

732

Ohanet

589

461

483

353

389

1,225

1,579

ROD (e)

900

1,740

1,712

1,234

1,604

4,550

1,238

Total

12,345

13,939

12,234

11,200

10,886

34,320

36,901

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)

Bass Strait

20.71

31.98

35.93

21.12

18.26

75.31

83.76

Minerva (a)

6.63

9.79

10.30

8.14

5.78

24.22

6.63

North West Shelf - Domestic

3.64

3.98

3.97

3.81

3.55

11.33

10.65

North West Shelf - LNG

20.81

22.14

21.19

23.16

21.15

65.50

60.95

Griffin

0.54

0.70

0.56

0.41

0.12

1.09

1.93

Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (f)

1.07

1.64

1.65

1.73

1.75

5.13

1.60

Illawarra Coal Bed Methane (g)

1.39

1.10

1.12

1.60

1.50

4.22

4.38

Pakistan

8.88

7.25

7.32

8.40

8.52

24.24

24.44

Typhoon/Boris (c)

1.32

0.95

0.46

0.01

-

0.47

6.17

Mad Dog (a)

0.03

0.18

0.08

0.12

0.11

0.31

0.03

Other Americas

1.76

1.88

1.89

1.00

1.78

4.67

5.80

Bruce/Keith

7.22

6.90

5.81

6.28

6.52

18.61

16.87

Liverpool Bay

8.35

10.30

7.37

10.57

8.81

26.75

23.68

Total

82.35

98.79

97.65

86.35

77.85

261.85

246.89

LPG ('000 tonnes)

Bass Strait

108.56

128.50

143.55

108.47

99.96

351.98

382.11

North West Shelf

32.28

33.15

39.64

40.05

35.32

115.01

96.37

Bruce/Keith

17.85

16.53

13.73

15.21

8.12

37.06

43.43

Ohanet

40.60

35.53

37.32

26.86

31.86

96.04

124.48

Total

199.29

213.71

234.24

190.59

175.26

600.09

646.39

ETHANE ('000 tonnes)

23.61

22.97

28.02

24.72

22.25

74.99

78.56

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

28.49

33.13

31.38

27.93

26.01

85.32

85.90

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (h)

(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) BHP Billiton sold its interests in the Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields with effect from January 16, 2006.

(e) ROD commenced production in October 2004.

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

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

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

6000 cf 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

YEAR TO DATE

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

ALUMINIUM

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

ALUMINA

Production

Worsley, Australia

746

718

689

663

717

2,069

2,095

Paranam, Suriname

220

209

227

219

228

674

665

Alumar, Brazil

126

127

112

130

130

372

368

Total

1,092

1,054

1,028

1,012

1,075

3,115

3,128

Sales

Worsley, Australia

734

774

584

710

709

2,003

2,082

Paranam, Suriname

210

221

203

249

213

665

670

Alumar, Brazil

118

146

107

121

130

358

378

Total (a)

1,062

1,141

894

1,080

1,052

3,026

3,130

ALUMINIUM

Production

Hillside, South Africa

169

172

172

177

174

523

513

Bayside, South Africa

45

29

41

46

46

133

137

Alumar, Brazil

43

44

45

45

44

134

132

Valesul, Brazil

10

11

11

10

11

32

32

Mozal, Mozambique

65

65

65

66

65

196

195

Total

332

321

334

344

340

1,018

1,009

Sales

Hillside, South Africa

153

185

168

175

162

505

497

Bayside, South Africa

39

45

34

43

40

117

125

Alumar, Brazil

43

46

42

44

48

134

130

Valesul, Brazil

11

10

11

12

10

33

34

Mozal, Mozambique

62

74

54

79

58

191

190

Total

308

360

309

353

318

980

976

Tolling Agreement (a)

24

25

23

22

22

67

69

332

385

332

375

340

1,047

1,045

(a) Equity Alumina is converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages were previously reported under

third party trading and are now allocated to equity sales.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR TO DATE

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

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)

90,838

85,592

90,919

92,155

90,781

273,855

288,816

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

19,913

21,725

22,255

22,161

21,843

66,259

61,476

Average copper grade

(%)

1.41%

1.51%

1.60%

1.58%

1.62%

1.60%

1.45%

Production ex Mill (100%)

('000 tonnes)

241.1

277.8

304.4

304.0

302.8

911.2

763.0

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

135.4

154.0

168.6

169.0

168.2

505.8

424.2

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

25,987

20,774

19,194

19,200

17,877

56,271

75,832

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

21.8

21.4

19.6

20.0

15.4

55.0

65.9

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

650

658

795

945

714

2,454

1,893

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

137.1

146.0

169.4

160.7

184.4

514.5

425.4

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

27,882

19,816

19,294

18,145

20,159

57,598

78,076

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

18.6

26.8

19.3

19.4

16.7

55.4

64.0

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

712

631

803

892

802

2,497

1,984

Tintaya, Peru (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

17,575

12,385

17,228

17,107

15,960

50,295

53,737

Sulphide Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

1,560

1,086

1,546

1,734

1,523

4,803

4,745

Average copper grade

(%)

1.56%

1.67%

1.33%

1.26%

1.26%

1.28%

1.44%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

20.7

15.3

17.3

18.1

16.2

51.6

57.4

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

6,165

4,066

8,048

8,200

8,032

24,280

17,699

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

9.6

6.4

9.7

9.9

9.1

28.7

28.0

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

181

129

167

168

138

473

501

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

23.3

17.2

17.0

19.4

15.1

51.5

54.9

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

7,593

7,073

6,783

8,376

8,016

23,175

17,303

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

9.2

8.2

10.3

9.8

8.3

28.4

27.7

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

193

160

161

207

127

495

491

(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)

16,856

14,805

16,696

17,107

17,926

51,729

50,788

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

3,865

3,144

3,344

4,348

4,266

11,958

12,460

Average copper grade

(%)

1.00%

0.83%

0.79%

0.90%

0.94%

0.88%

0.92%

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

29.8

24.6

14.5

21.5

28.1

64.1

88.5

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

32.5

24.8

15.0

19.7

24.4

59.1

89.6

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

Production recommenced on June 30, 2005.

Antamina, Peru

Material mined (100%)

('000 tonnes)

30,808

31,802

32,839

32,598

28,982

94,419

97,186

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

7,072

7,557

7,367

8,349

7,549

23,265

23,168

Average head grades

- Copper

(%)

1.41%

1.35%

1.30%

1.36%

1.48%

1.38%

1.37%

- Zinc

(%)

1.16%

1.09%

1.04%

0.51%

0.62%

0.71%

0.87%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

29.9

29.9

27.9

34.3

32.9

95.1

93.2

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

17,147

15,528

14,959

5,148

7,534

27,641

36,992

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

830

749

642

859

865

2,366

2,025

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

431

492

573

772

632

1,977

1,314

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

30.0

28.7

30.7

35.5

30.5

96.7

94.3

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

18,293

15,066

13,203

7,894

9,634

30,731

36,095

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

718

769

669

813

750

2,232

1,974

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

592

587

538

751

697

1,986

1,052

Cannington, Australia

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

885

880

910

887

799

2,596

2,556

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

788

746

772

850

809

2,431

2,343

Average head grades

- Silver

(g/t)

571

482

453

493

431

460

525

- Lead

(%)

11.9%

9.8%

9.9%

10.8%

9.8%

10.2%

10.8%

- Zinc

(%)

3.5%

3.0%

3.3%

3.5%

4.0%

3.6%

3.2%

Production

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

12,383

10,283

9,579

11,672

9,693

30,944

33,747

Payable lead

(tonnes)

80,899

64,652

64,873

77,187

68,754

210,814

217,318

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

15,241

12,676

14,188

18,780

20,885

53,853

40,164

Sales

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

13,514

12,265

9,078

11,972

9,061

30,111

31,786

Payable lead

(tonnes)

88,237

76,680

59,942

79,474

63,112

202,528

208,296

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

18,628

13,415

10,676

16,814

17,508

44,998

39,944

Olympic Dam, Australia (a)

Material mined (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

855

2,007

2,145

2,065

6,217

-

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

-

933

2,345

2,430

2,343

7,118

-

Average copper grade

(%)

-

2.15%

2.26%

2.32%

2.10%

2.23%

-

Average uranium grade

kg/t

-

0.60

0.64

0.65

0.60

0.63

-

Production

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

-

14.5

44.2

48.6

43.1

135.9

-

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

1.6

4.9

4.9

4.0

13.8

-

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

415

1,088

1,070

913

3,071

-

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

-

7,042

26,424

27,300

26,186

79,910

-

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

-

62

179

222

245

646

-

Sales

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

-

16.2

47.5

44.9

44.1

136.5

-

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

1.1

5.2

5.8

4.2

15.2

-

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

391

879

1,287

992

3,158

-

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

-

10,555

21,192

26,369

27,300

74,861

-

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

-

68

144

254

178

576

-

(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)

2.4

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.1

6.4

7.0

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.8

2.3

2.3

2.6

2.6

7.5

6.1

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR TO DATE

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

IRON ORE (a)

Pilbara, Australia

Production

Mt Newman Joint Venture

6,475

6,493

6,234

6,166

5,884

18,284

19,243

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

1,017

1,593

1,393

1,669

1,371

4,433

3,092

Area C Joint Venture

4,451

4,813

4,286

4,969

3,332

12,587

11,799

Yandi Joint Venture

8,713

8,943

8,409

8,372

8,561

25,342

26,718

Jimblebar (b)

1,283

1,324

1,188

1,569

1,549

4,306

4,085

Total (BHP Billiton share)

21,939

23,166

21,510

22,745

20,697

64,952

64,937

Total production (100%)

25,810

27,254

25,306

26,760

24,350

76,416

76,397

Sales

Lump

5,757

6,849

5,879

6,483

5,276

17,638

17,234

Fines

15,909

17,052

15,702

16,357

15,547

47,606

46,529

Total (BHP Billiton share)

21,666

23,901

21,581

22,840

20,823

65,244

63,763

Total shipments (100%)

25,489

28,119

25,389

26,871

24,498

76,758

75,015

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

(b) Jimblebar production restated on a saleable production basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 85%.

Samarco, Brazil

Production

1,823

1,896

1,881

1,865

1,802

5,548

5,791

Shipments

1,768

1,728

1,900

2,155

1,532

5,587

5,886

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production

BMA

Blackwater

1,615

1,603

1,627

1,409

1,533

4,569

4,962

Goonyella

1,355

1,740

1,609

1,921

1,751

5,281

3,721

Peak Downs

842

1,322

1,250

1,186

1,095

3,531

3,204

Saraji

752

878

675

602

563

1,840

2,373

Norwich Park

664

836

759

678

550

1,987

2,044

Gregory Joint Venture

731

642

773

645

480

1,898

2,070

BMA total

5,959

7,021

6,693

6,441

5,972

19,106

18,374

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)

Riverside

480

43

-

-

-

-

2,341

South Walker Creek

725

839

726

710

763

2,199

2,434

BHP Mitsui Coal total

1,205

882

726

710

763

2,199

4,775

Queensland total

7,164

7,903

7,419

7,151

6,735

21,305

23,149

Shipments

Coking coal

5,440

5,705

4,869

4,987

5,032

14,888

16,429

Weak coking coal

1,609

1,619

1,207

1,366

1,342

3,915

4,996

Thermal coal

632

815

579

403

482

1,464

1,902

Total

7,681

8,139

6,655

6,756

6,856

20,267

23,327

(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

1,719

1,667

1,567

1,822

1,725

5,114

4,584

Shipments

Coking coal

1,447

1,500

1,190

1,457

1,508

4,155

4,154

Thermal coal

93

27

383

103

313

799

319

Total

1,540

1,527

1,573

1,560

1,821

4,954

4,473

MANGANESE ORES

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

606

631

566

529

532

1,627

1,877

Australia

Saleable production (a)

691

787

821

749

694

2,264

2,160

MANGANESE ALLOYS

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

137

98

79

105

119

303

394

Australia

Saleable production (a)

60

58

60

60

54

174

205

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR TO DATE

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

Ekati™, Canada

Ore Processed (100%)

('000 tonnes)

1,101

1,216

1,158

962

995

3,115

3,379

Production

('000 carats)

802

957

852

614

512

1,978

2,660

FERTILISER

Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations, Australia (a)

Production (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

73.9

244.9

252.6

222.5

720.0

-

Sales (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

105.9

175.5

221.2

200.4

597.1

-

(a) BHP Billiton acquired Southern Cross Fertiliser 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

YEAR TO DATE

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

ENERGY COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

Ingwe, South Africa

Production

12,769

13,548

14,549

12,940

11,605

39,094

41,102

Sales

Export

5,082

5,094

5,436

6,273

5,658

17,367

15,383

Local utility

7,069

7,560

8,013

7,250

7,328

22,591

23,721

Inland

353

186

309

268

203

780

1,044

Total

12,504

12,840

13,758

13,791

13,189

40,738

40,148

New Mexico, USA

Production

Navajo Coal

2,008

2,389

2,238

2,252

2,305

6,795

5,856

San Juan Coal

1,161

1,739

2,323

1,813

524

4,660

4,943

Total

3,169

4,128

4,561

4,065

2,829

11,455

10,799

Sales - local utility

3,447

3,319

3,769

3,628

3,553

10,950

11,083

Hunter Valley, Australia

Production

2,258

2,823

2,568

2,045

1,897

6,510

7,042

Sales

Export

1,866

1,746

1,570

1,312

1,267

4,149

4,507

Inland

872

1,186

983

793

643

2,419

2,687

Total

2,738

2,932

2,553

2,105

1,910

6,568

7,194

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia

Production

1,883

2,204

2,332

2,237

2,341

6,910

5,770

Sales - export

1,927

2,338

2,170

2,087

2,116

6,373

6,047

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR TO DATE

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

MAR

MAR

2005

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2005

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

NICKEL

CMSA, Colombia

Production

13.3

13.7

12.8

13.0

12.9

38.7

37.6

Sales

13.4

12.8

11.1

14.2

12.4

37.7

37.3

Yabulu, Australia

Production

Nickel metal

7.5

8.9

6.1

5.9

7.0

19.0

22.5

Cobalt

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.8

1.4

Sales

Nickel metal

7.7

8.3

6.3

6.6

6.9

19.8

23.2

Cobalt

0.3

0.4

0.4

0.3

0.4

1.1

1.2

Nickel West, Australia (a)

Production

Nickel contained in finished matte

-

3.3

9.7

13.9

5.2

28.8

-

Nickel metal

-

5.9

15.5

16.2

15.1

46.8

-

Nickel production

-

9.2

25.2

30.1

20.3

75.6

-

Sales

Nickel contained in finished matte

-

3.5

7.6

14.3

8.8

30.7

-

Nickel metal

-

4.7

15.9

15.5

16.6

48.0

-

Nickel sales

-

8.2

23.5

29.8

25.4

78.7

-

(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)

240

178

-

-

-

-

776

(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: 26 April 2006 By:

Karen Wood
  Name:  Karen Wood
  Title: Company Secretary