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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

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FORM 6-K

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REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

November 10, 2011

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will

file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F   X            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            No   X  

 

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the

registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-.

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NEWS RELEASE

Release Time:
IMMEDIATE

Date:
10 November 2011

Number:
32/11

AMENDMENT TO WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ROYALTIES AND STATE AGREEMENTS

BHP Billiton has finalised an agreement with the Western Australian Government to increase the royalty rate payable to the State for its iron ore Fines product.

Based on this agreement, the Western Australian Government will proceed with amendments to the State Agreement Acts covering operations managed by BHP Billiton Iron Ore. These amendments will include an increase in the royalty rate applicable to iron ore Fines from 5.625 per cent of sales revenue to 6.5 per cent from 1 July 2012, and then to 7.5 per cent from 1 July 2013. This will align the royalty rate for Fines with the existing rate paid on Lump ore.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore President, Ian Ashby, said: "The changes to the State Agreements will give the Company greater certainty in planning and executing our growth projects, particularly the proposed Outer Harbour Development.”

The State Agreement amendments are subject to the approval of the Parliament of Western Australia.

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

Media Relations        

Australia        

Samantha Stevens
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915
email: Samantha.Stevens@bhpbilliton.com   

Kelly Quirke
Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312
email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com

Fiona Martin
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908
email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com
United Kingdom and Americas

Ruban Yogarajah
Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033
Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com        

Investor Relations

Australia        

James Agar
Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 467 807 064
email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com

Andrew Gunn
Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454
email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom and South Africa

Brendan Harris
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726
email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com

Americas

Scott Espenshade
Tel: +1 713 599 6431   Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
email: Scott.Espenshade@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

Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia

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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 (ABN 49 004 028 077) BHP Billiton Plc (REG. NO. 3196209)
Date : November 10, 2011	By:		/s/ Jane McAloon
	Name:		Jane McAloon
	Title:		Group Company Secretary