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 21, 2009

 

 

 

BHP BILLITON LIMITED (ABN 49 004 028 077)		BHP BILLITON PLC (REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)		(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA		ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)		(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA		NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
(Address of principal executive offices)		(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: 21 October 2009		By:		/S/    JANE MCALOON
		Name:		Jane McAloon Group Company Secretary
		Title:

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Release Time		IMMEDIATE
Date		21 October 2009
Number		19/09

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2009

 

•

Record quarterly iron ore production, despite the impact of tie-in activities associated with Rapid Growth Project (RGP) 4 (Australia).

 

•

Record quarterly petroleum production achieved with the continued ramp up of commissioned projects and strong operating performance. On track to deliver 10 per cent compound annual growth for the 2010 financial year.

 

•

Quarterly production records achieved at North West Shelf, Hunter Valley Energy Coal (both Australia) and Zamzama (Pakistan).

 

•

Shenzi (USA) and Samarco (Brazil) operated above nameplate capacity during the quarter.

 

•

During the quarter repairs to the Laguna Seca mill at Escondida (Chile) were successfully completed, however quarterly production was impacted due to the plant repair downtime.

 

•

On 6 October 2009, one of the two haulage systems at Olympic Dam (Australia) was damaged. We anticipate that ore hoisting will be at approximately 25 per cent of capacity until full production resumes in the third quarter of the 2010 financial year.

Over the last three months there has been increasingly positive economic news across most economies. Chinese economic growth continues to be robust on the back of strong domestic focused consumption and infrastructure-based stimulus spending. China’s re-stock of commodities is essentially complete and there is now evidence of higher than normal stockpiles across the supply chain. We continue to look for Chinese imports to more closely reflect real demand over the remainder of 2009 calendar year.

There are signs of stabilisation in the developed economies, with positive signs of improvement in Industrial Production, the Purchasing Managers Index and a turn in consumer confidence. However, unemployment in key developed economies, such as the US, Japan and Europe, continues to lag and may trend higher in the near term. We are starting to see some positive impact of re-stocking of pipelines, particularly in steel making raw materials, after a period where demand essentially disappeared.

Despite the low metal inventories in developed economies, there is little evidence yet of sustainable demand for metals emerging post the northern summer. We continue to stress that this developed economy improvement is not without volatility and is from a very low base. We maintain our view that real demand follow-through in developed economies may not be transparent until mid-2010 calendar year.

Petroleum

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids (‘000 bbl)		24,670		30	%		15	%
Natural Gas (bcf)		99.24		4	%		2	%
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)		41.21		18	%		10	%

Total Petroleum Production – Production hit an all time high due to the successful delivery of projects in the deepwater of Gulf of Mexico (USA) and Western Australia over the past two years. Operational performance was steady and benefited from the absence of weather related interruptions. This was partly offset by natural field decline.

Crude Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Liquids – Production was significantly higher than the comparative period due to Shenzi operating above designed capacity, increased production from Atlantis (USA) and the absence of weather related interruptions. During the quarter, the operator commenced drilling water injection wells at Atlantis.

Natural Gas – Record production was achieved due to stronger demand for gas in Pakistan and the contribution from Shenzi and Atlantis. Bass Strait (Australia) production was higher than the June 2009 quarter due to expected seasonal demand.

---

Aluminium

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) (a)		841		-2	%		-5	%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes)		313		1	%		1	%

Alumina – Production was lower than the June 2009 quarter due to an unplanned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia). The stockpiled hydrate should be recovered over the remainder of the financial year.

Production at Alumar (Brazil) benefited from the recently expanded refinery, which will continue to ramp up gradually. However this increase was offset by planned and unplanned maintenance.

Aluminium – Production across all operations was in line with comparative periods.

Base Metals

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Copper (‘000 tonnes)		283.9		-8	%		-8	%
Lead (tonnes)		61,370		5	%		5	%
Zinc (tonnes)		46,425		11	%		5	%
Silver (‘000 ounces)		10,769		5	%		0	%
Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)		1,130		2	%		-2	%

Copper – Production during the September 2009 quarter was impacted by maintenance activities at Escondida and Olympic Dam (Australia). This was partially offset by higher production as Spence (Chile) operated at plant capacity during the quarter. The repairs to Escondida’s Laguna Seca SAG mill were successfully completed in August 2009, however the repairs impacted production in the quarter. Escondida’s production in the 2010 financial year is expected to increase by approximately five to 10 per cent due to the successful repairs to Laguna Seca mill and higher average grade.

On 6 October 2009, the haulage system in the Clark Shaft at Olympic Dam was damaged. A full investigation is underway to determine the extent of the damage. Hoisting is continuing at the secondary Whenan Shaft, but at this stage, we expect ore hoisting will be at approximately 25 per cent of capacity until full production resumes in the third quarter of the 2010 financial year.

Lead – Production was higher than both comparative periods as a result of higher grade and improved recoveries at Cannington (Australia).

Zinc – Production was higher than both comparative periods due to better grade and an increased proportion of ore containing zinc at Antamina (Peru).

Silver – Production was higher than the September 2008 quarter due to higher grade at Cannington and Antamina. Production was in line with the June 2009 quarter.

Uranium – Production was in line with all comparative periods. Production will be impacted by the Olympic Dam incident noted above.

Diamonds & Specialty Products

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Diamonds (‘000 carats)		780		1	%		-14	%

Diamonds – Production decreased versus the June 2009 quarter mainly due to lower ore processed. Production continues to be influenced by variability of ore sources due to the mix of open pit and underground mining.

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Stainless Steel Materials

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) (b)		35.4		100	%		-13	%

Nickel – Production for the quarter was impacted by a restriction in hydrogen supply at Kwinana Nickel Refinery (Australia) and planned maintenance at Cerro Matoso (Colombia). The September 2008 quarter included the major furnace rebuild at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter (Australia).

Iron Ore

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Iron Ore (‘000 tonnes)		30,106		1	%		11	%

Iron Ore – Production was higher than the June 2009 quarter reflecting improved performance at Western Australia Iron Ore (Australia) and all three pellet plants at Samarco (Brazil) operating since July 2009.

As RGP 4 is nearing completion, existing operations will continue to be impacted by tie-in activities in the next quarter.

Manganese

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Manganese Ore (‘000 tonnes)		1,156		-37	%		131	%
Manganese Alloy (‘000 tonnes)		63		-69	%		152	%

Manganese Ore – Market conditions progressively recovered during the quarter. However, the September 2009 quarterly production was limited due to larger than optimal stockpiles at the start of the quarter. As a result of improved demand and depletion of stockpiles, we expect to be operating near full capacity towards the end of the December 2009 quarter.

Manganese Alloy – As demand conditions improved, stockpiles were drawn down and furnaces were restarted during the September 2009 quarter. We expect to be operating at about 65 percent of capacity towards the end of the December 2009 quarter.

Metallurgical Coal

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Metallurgical Coal (‘000 tonnes)		9,404		2	%		-1	%

Metallurgical Coal – Production was in line with previous periods. Shipments continued to increase during the quarter in response to stronger demand conditions.

Energy Coal

 

		SEPT 2009 QTR		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
Energy Coal (‘000 tonnes)		18,059		0	%		2	%

Energy Coal – Production was in line with previous periods. Record quarterly production at Hunter Valley Energy Coal due to improved plant utilisation.

(a) Excluding Suriname which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b) Excluding Yabulu which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

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. There have been no significant changes in the financial position of the Group in the quarter ended 30 September 2009.

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

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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
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						QUARTER ENDED
				SEPT 2008		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008		SEPT Q09 vs SEPT Q08			SEPT Q09 vs JUNE Q09
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate		(‘000 bbl)		16,180		18,523		21,648		21,648		16,180		34	%		17	%
Natural gas		(bcf)		95.27		97.17		99.24		99.24		95.27		4	%		2	%
Natural gas liquid		(‘000 bbl)		2,740		2,840		3,022		3,022		2,740		10	%		6	%
Total Petroleum Products		(million boe)		34.80		37.56		41.21		41.21		34.80		18	%		10	%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		857		882		841		841		857		-2	%		-5	%
Aluminium		(‘000 tonnes)		309		310		313		313		309		1	%		1	%
BASE METALS
Copper		(‘000 tonnes)		308.9		307.2		283.9		283.9		308.9		-8	%		-8	%
Lead		(tonnes)		58,252		58,542		61,370		61,370		58,252		5	%		5	%
Zinc		(tonnes)		41,761		44,187		46,425		46,425		41,761		11	%		5	%
Gold		(ounces)		41,751		46,993		39,911		39,911		41,751		-4	%		-15	%
Silver		(‘000 ounces)		10,300		10,796		10,769		10,769		10,300		5	%		0	%
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		1,110		1,154		1,130		1,130		1,110		2	%		-2	%
Molybdenum		(tonnes)		608		166		241		241		608		-60	%		45	%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds		(‘000 carats)		773		903		780		780		773		1	%		-14	%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel (b)		(‘000 tonnes)		17.7		40.8		35.4		35.4		17.7		100	%		-13	%
IRON ORE
Iron ore		(‘000 tonnes)		29,824		27,048		30,106		30,106		29,824		1	%		11	%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore		(‘000 tonnes)		1,830		500		1,156		1,156		1,830		-37	%		131	%
Manganese alloy		(‘000 tonnes)		203		25		63		63		203		-69	%		152	%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal		(‘000 tonnes)		9,210		9,460		9,404		9,404		9,210		2	%		-1	%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal		(‘000 tonnes)		18,064		17,662		18,059		18,059		18,064		0	%		2	%

 

(a)	Excluding Suriname which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	Excluding Yabulu which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

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

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BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

 

					QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
		BHP Billiton Interest			SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl)					16,180		16,012		15,613		18,523		21,648		21,648		16,180
Natural gas (bcf)					95.27		90.23		82.19		97.17		99.24		99.24		95.27
NGL (‘000 bbl) (a)					2,740		2,107		2,361		2,840		3,022		3,022		2,740
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)					34.80		33.16		31.67		37.56		41.21		41.21		34.80
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley		86	%		733		756		688		747		709		709		733
Suriname (b)		45	%		241		242		226		226		78		78		241
Alumar		36	%		124		141		137		135		132		132		124
Total					1,098		1,139		1,051		1,108		919		919		1,098
ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside		100	%		175		176		174		177		179		179		175
Bayside		100	%		25		25		24		25		25		25		25
Alumar		40	%		45		44		44		44		44		44		45
Mozal		47	%		64		65		62		64		65		65		64
Total					309		310		304		310		313		313		309
BASE METALS (c)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida		57.5	%		116.8		102.7		86.6		111.5		102.8		102.8		116.8
Antamina		33.8	%		28.4		28.6		25.7		26.3		24.3		24.3		28.4
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		14.2		14.7		4.4		—		—		—		14.2
Total					159.4		146.0		116.7		137.8		127.1		127.1		159.4
Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida		57.5	%		35.6		42.1		45.0		49.4		47.9		47.9		35.6
Cerro Colorado		100	%		21.8		26.3		26.5		27.5		18.6		18.6		21.8
Spence		100	%		35.7		44.5		47.7		44.8		51.0		51.0		35.7
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		1.6		1.7		1.5		1.4		1.6		1.6		1.6
Olympic Dam		100	%		54.8		47.6		45.4		46.3		37.7		37.7		54.8
Total					149.5		162.2		166.1		169.4		156.8		156.8		149.5

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LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington		100	%		57,768		65,622		46,259		57,145		60,879		60,879		57,768
Antamina		33.8	%		484		400		976		1,397		491		491		484
Total					58,252		66,022		47,235		58,542		61,370		61,370		58,252
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington		100	%		14,449		14,199		12,943		13,258		15,190		15,190		14,449
Antamina		33.8	%		27,312		23,671		26,454		30,929		31,235		31,235		27,312
Total					41,761		37,870		39,397		44,187		46,425		46,425		41,761
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida		57.5	%		14,391		17,840		17,496		17,595		13,905		13,905		14,391
Olympic Dam (refined gold)		100	%		27,360		27,950		23,331		29,398		26,006		26,006		27,360
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		—		—		920		—		—		—		—
Total					41,751		45,790		41,747		46,993		39,911		39,911		41,751
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida		57.5	%		668		738		673		686		512		512		668
Antamina		33.8	%		932		915		1,003		1,240		1,039		1,039		932
Cannington		100	%		8,391		9,565		6,802		8,609		9,013		9,013		8,391
Olympic Dam (refined silver)		100	%		244		234		200		259		205		205		244
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		65		63		52		2		—		—		65
Total					10,300		11,515		8,730		10,796		10,769		10,769		10,300
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam		100	%		1,110		860		883		1,154		1,130		1,130		1,110
Total					1,110		860		883		1,154		1,130		1,130		1,110
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina		33.8	%		514		365		318		166		241		241		514
Pinto Valley (d)		100	%		94		46		19		—		—		—		94
Total					608		411		337		166		241		241		608
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
Ekati™		80	%		773		594		951		903		780		780		773
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA		99.9	%		10.7		13.0		13.1		13.7		12.0		12.0		10.7
Yabulu (e)		100	%		9.1		9.5		7.5		7.8		2.8		2.8		9.1
Nickel West		100	%		7.0		27.7		26.9		27.1		23.4		23.4		7.0
Total					26.8		50.2		47.5		48.6		38.2		38.2		26.8
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (f)
Mt Newman Joint Venture		85	%		7,210		7,006		6,440		5,781		6,231		6,231		7,210
Goldsworthy Joint Venture		85	%		232		346		558		280		428		428		232
Area C Joint Venture		85	%		9,209		8,716		9,181		8,407		9,189		9,189		9,209

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Yandi Joint Venture		85	%		8,961		10,026		9,370		9,461		10,194		10,194		8,961
Jimblebar		85	%		1,461		1,040		1,070		1,342		1,318		1,318		1,461
Samarco		50	%		2,751		2,221		1,569		1,777		2,746		2,746		2,751
Total					29,824		29,355		28,188		27,048		30,106		30,106		29,824
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (g)		60	%		929		755		351		156		428		428		929
Australia (g)		60	%		901		657		382		344		728		728		901
Total					1,830		1,412		733		500		1,156		1,156		1,830
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (g) (h)		60	%		133		112		51		5		30		30		133
Australia (g)		60	%		70		69		53		20		33		33		70
Total					203		181		104		25		63		63		203
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (i)
BMA		50	%		6,384		6,781		5,165		6,378		5,822		5,822		6,384
BHP Mitsui Coal (j)		80	%		1,633		1,771		549		1,482		1,597		1,597		1,633
Illawarra		100	%		1,193		1,598		1,882		1,600		1,985		1,985		1,193
Total					9,210		10,150		7,596		9,460		9,404		9,404		9,210
ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa		100	%		8,277		7,484		6,453		7,682		8,099		8,099		8,277
USA		100	%		4,005		3,017		2,907		4,207		4,162		4,162		4,005
Australia		100	%		2,975		2,993		2,768		3,039		3,173		3,173		2,975
Colombia		33	%		2,807		2,435		2,618		2,734		2,625		2,625		2,807
Total					18,064		15,929		14,746		17,662		18,059		18,059		18,064

 

(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)	Suriname was sold effective 31 July 2009.

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

(d)	The Pinto Valley operations were placed on care and maintenance in February 2009.

(e)	Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.

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

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

(h)	Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

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

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		3,412		3,230		3,057		3,744		3,501		3,501		3,412
North West Shelf (a)		2,115		2,434		2,150		2,178		2,305		2,305		2,115
Stybarrow		3,376		2,720		1,843		1,538		1,328		1,328		3,376
Other Australia (b)		206		185		158		150		172		172		206
Atlantis (c)		2,232		2,319		2,449		3,333		4,630		4,630		2,232
Shenzi (d)		186		—		49		2,788		5,001		5,001		186

---

Trinidad /Tobago		705		568		542		354		445		445		705
Other Americas (e)		1,561		2,025		2,016		1,860		1,741		1,741		1,561
UK		680		777		796		869		629		629		680
Algeria		1,624		1,664		2,457		1,611		1,793		1,793		1,624
Pakistan		83		90		96		98		103		103		83
Total		16,180		16,012		15,613		18,523		21,648		21,648		16,180
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) (d)
Bass Strait		37.08		25.12		17.02		28.98		31.31		31.31		37.08
North West Shelf (a)		27.01		31.79		31.63		32.97		32.86		32.86		27.01
Other Australia (b)		7.33		6.35		6.75		6.11		5.83		5.83		7.33
Atlantis (c)		1.25		1.16		1.32		1.95		2.85		2.85		1.25
Shenzi (d)		0.04		—		—		0.73		1.75		1.75		0.04
Other Americas (e)		1.74		1.68		2.09		2.01		2.10		2.10		1.74
UK		7.51		9.70		8.95		8.11		5.20		5.20		7.51
Pakistan		13.31		14.43		14.43		16.31		17.34		17.34		13.31
Total		95.27		90.23		82.19		97.17		99.24		99.24		95.27
NGL (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		2,149		1,352		982		1,875		2,080		2,080		2,149
North West Shelf (a)		364		402		416		437		438		438		364
UK		41		89		31		97		53		53		41
Algeria		186		264		932		431		451		451		186
Total		2,740		2,107		2,361		2,840		3,022		3,022		2,740
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS		34.80		33.16		31.67		37.56		41.21		41.21		34.80
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)

 

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

(b)	Other Australia includes Griffin and Minerva. Griffin will cease production on 22 October 2009.

(c)	Atlantis North achieved first production on 5 June 2009.

(d)	The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi. The Shenzi operation was commissioned during the March 2009 quarter.

(e)	Other Americas includes Neptune, Mad Dog, West Cameron 76, Mustang, Genesis and Starlifter. The Neptune operation was commissioned during the September 2008 quarter.

(f)	Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia		733		756		688		747		709		709		733
Paranam, Suriname (a)		241		242		226		226		78		78		241
Alumar, Brazil		124		141		137		135		132		132		124
Total		1,098		1,139		1,051		1,108		919		919		1,098
Sales
Worsley, Australia		781		763		683		731		716		716		781
Paranam, Suriname (a)		216		252		218		246		74		74		216
Alumar, Brazil		128		140		110		145		154		154		128
Total (b)		1,125		1,155		1,011		1,122		944		944		1,125

---

ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa		175		176		174		177		179		179		175
Bayside, South Africa		25		25		24		25		25		25		25
Alumar, Brazil		45		44		44		44		44		44		45
Mozal, Mozambique		64		65		62		64		65		65		64
Total		309		310		304		310		313		313		309
Sales
Hillside, South Africa		160		185		173		189		147		147		160
Bayside, South Africa		24		24		26		22		26		26		24
Alumar, Brazil		37		50		48		47		44		44		37
Mozal, Mozambique		36		105		41		88		67		67		36
Total		257		364		288		346		284		284		257
Tolling Agreement (b)		31		27		40		31		35		35		31
		288		391		328		377		319		319		288

 

(a)	Suriname was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	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															QUARTER ENDED
				SEPT 2008			DEC 2008			MAR 2009			JUNE 2009			SEPT 2009			SEPT 2009			SEPT 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)		99,375			100,544			97,357			102,558			102,352			102,352			99,375
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		20,416			22,516			21,381			19,898			16,224			16,224			20,416
Average copper grade		(%)		1.32	%		1.04	%		0.93	%		1.22	%		1.38	%		1.38	%		1.32	%
Production ex Mill (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		208.6			186.3			156.4			199.6			188.4			188.4			208.6
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		116.8			102.7			86.6			111.5			102.8			102.8			116.8
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces)		14,391			17,840			17,496			17,595			13,905			13,905			14,391
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		35.6			42.1			45.0			49.4			47.9			47.9			35.6
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces)		668			738			673			686			512			512			668
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		118.2			93.8			93.0			114.2			88.9			88.9			118.2
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces)		14,521			16,377			19,050			17,816			11,991			11,991			14,521
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		31.2			41.8			45.6			48.4			40.7			40.7			31.2
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces)		666			678			732			685			441			441			666
Cerro Colorado, Chile
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)		16,526			18,598			17,927			17,289			17,019			17,019			16,526
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		4,594			4,379			4,405			3,598			3,758			3,758			4,594
Average copper grade		(%)		0.86	%		0.86	%		0.86	%		0.89	%		0.79	%		0.79	%		0.86	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		21.8			26.3			26.5			27.5			18.6			18.6			21.8
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		22.9			26.2			26.5			30.5			18.3			18.3			22.9
Spence, Chile
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)		18,738			20,562			19,505			20,049			19,111			19,111			18,738

---

Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		4,490			4,154			4,300			4,921			4,670			4,670			4,490
Average copper grade		(%)		2.18	%		1.66	%		1.51	%		1.36	%		1.55	%		1.55	%		2.18	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		35.7			44.5			47.7			44.8			51.0			51.0			35.7
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		34.6			43.3			45.1			45.2			42.2			42.2			34.6
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		30,026			28,111			27,060			29,381			27,571			27,571			30,026
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		8,133			8,058			7,853			8,437			8,321			8,321			8,133
Average head grades
- Copper		(%)		1.15	%		1.25	%		1.22	%		1.19	%		1.10	%		1.10	%		1.15	%
- Zinc		(%)		1.54	%		1.33	%		1.57	%		1.73	%		1.65	%		1.65	%		1.54	%
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		28.4			28.6			25.7			26.3			24.3			24.3			28.4
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		27,312			23,671			26,454			30,929			31,235			31,235			27,312
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		932			915			1,003			1,240			1,039			1,039			932
Payable lead		(tonnes)		484			400			976			1,397			491			491			484
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		514			365			318			166			241			241			514
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)		26.7			29.4			28.7			24.2			25.6			25.6			26.7
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		26,402			27,024			24,457			29,110			30,633			30,633			26,402
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		719			844			754			987			1,079			1,079			719
Payable lead		(tonnes)		387			518			207			724			1,707			1,707			387
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		482			398			382			171			264			264			482
Cannington, Australia
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)		724			863			824			793			840			840			724
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		824			817			628			746			798			798			824
Average head grades
- Silver		(g/t)		384			438			398			427			418			418			384
- Lead		(%)		8.3	%		9.5	%		8.8	%		9.0	%		9.0	%		9.00	%		8.3	%
- Zinc		(%)		3.0	%		3.1	%		3.3	%		3.0	%		3.1	%		3.10	%		3.0	%
Production
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		8,391			9,565			6,802			8,609			9,013			9,013			8,391
Payable lead		(tonnes)		57,768			65,622			46,259			57,145			60,879			60,879			57,768
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		14,449			14,199			12,943			13,258			15,190			15,190			14,449
Sales
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		9,507			9,958			5,490			9,841			7,978			7,978			9,507
Payable lead		(tonnes)		64,980			67,467			36,945			64,544			53,778			53,778			64,980
Payable zinc		(tonnes)		16,949			10,990			11,195			15,649			10,697			10,697			16,949
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		2,628			2,419			2,415			2,370			2,479			2,479			2,628
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)		2,518			2,456			2,301			2,608			2,453			2,453			2,518
Average copper grade		(%)		2.08	%		1.80	%		1.83	%		1.75	%		1.70	%		1.70	%		2.08	%
Average uranium grade		kg/t		0.56			0.50			0.52			0.57			0.58			0.58			0.56
Production
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)		51.9			44.6			42.7			42.6			34.5			34.5			51.9
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		2.9			3.0			2.7			3.7			3.2			3.2			2.9
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		1,110			860			883			1,154			1,130			1,130			1,110

---

Refined gold		(fine ounces)		27,360		27,950		23,331		29,398		26,006		26,006		27,360
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)		244		234		200		259		205		205		244
Sales
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)		49.5		48.3		42.7		40.5		36.1		36.1		49.5
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		3.3		2.8		2.7		3.8		3.2		3.2		3.3
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)		868		1,262		829		1,261		537		537		868
Refined gold		(fine ounces)		26,121		26,383		24,298		35,876		25,053		25,053		26,121
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)		232		250		79		400		173		173		232
(a)    Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper concentrate (a)		(‘000 tonnes)		14.2		14.7		4.4		—		—		—		14.2
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		1.6		1.7		1.5		1.4		1.6		1.6		1.6
Payable silver (a)		(‘000 ounces)		65		63		52		2		—		—		65
Payable gold (a)		(ounces)		—		—		920		—		—		—		—
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		94		46		19		—		—		—		94
Sales
Copper concentrate		(‘000 tonnes)		14.0		13.0		10.5		—		—		—		14.0
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)		1.6		1.4		1.5		1.6		1.3		1.3		1.6
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)		65		63		52		2		—		—		65
Payable gold		(ounces)		—		—		920		—		—		—		—
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)		15		44		100		—		—		—		15
(a)    During February 2009 the operations were placed on care and maintenance.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
				QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
				SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
Ekati™, Canada
Ore Processed (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)		1,192		910		1,250		1,410		1,223		1,223		1,192
Production		(‘000 carats)		773		594		951		903		780		780		773
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
				QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
				SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production				10.7		13.0		13.1		13.7		12.0		12.0		10.7
Sales				10.7		11.0		11.6		18.1		11.4		11.4		10.7
Yabulu, Australia (a)
Production
Nickel metal				9.1		9.5		7.5		7.8		2.8		2.8		9.1
Cobalt				0.4		0.4		0.2		0.4		0.1		0.1		0.4
Sales
Nickel metal				7.2		9.4		9.1		7.9		2.2		2.2		7.2
Cobalt				0.4		0.3		0.3		0.3		0.1		0.1		0.4
(a)    Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.

---

Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate		6.4		5.4		4.5		5.0		4.1		4.1		6.4
Nickel contained in finished matte		0.6		10.8		6.1		4.1		5.0		5.0		0.6
Nickel metal		—		11.5		16.3		18.0		14.3		14.3		—
Nickel production		7.0		27.7		26.9		27.1		23.4		23.4		7.0
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate		6.1		5.6		4.3		5.2		3.9		3.9		6.1
Nickel contained in finished matte		—		10.2		5.9		5.5		3.7		3.7		—
Nickel metal		4.7		6.6		15.1		19.0		14.1		14.1		4.7
Nickel sales		10.8		22.4		25.3		29.7		21.7		21.7		10.8
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
		QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Mt Newman Joint Venture		7,210		7,006		6,440		5,781		6,231		6,231		7,210
Goldsworthy Joint Venture		232		346		558		280		428		428		232
Area C Joint Venture		9,209		8,716		9,181		8,407		9,189		9,189		9,209
Yandi Joint Venture		8,961		10,026		9,370		9,461		10,194		10,194		8,961
Jimblebar		1,461		1,040		1,070		1,342		1,318		1,318		1,461
Total (BHP Billiton share)		27,073		27,134		26,619		25,271		27,360		27,360		27,073
Total production (100%)		31,851		31,922		31,316		29,731		32,188		32,188		31,851
Shipments
Lump		9,172		7,598		8,163		7,989		7,839		7,839		9,172
Fines		19,013		18,917		19,486		17,035		19,932		19,932		19,013
Total (BHP Billiton share)		28,185		26,515		27,649		25,024		27,771		27,771		28,185
Total sales (100%)		33,159		31,194		32,528		29,441		32,672		32,672		33,159
(a)    Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
Samarco, Brazil
Production		2,751		2,221		1,569		1,777		2,746		2,746		2,751
Shipments		2,836		1,808		1,428		1,788		3,076		3,076		2,836
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
		QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production		929		755		351		156		428		428		929
Sales		917		490		221		367		712		712		917
Australia (a)
Saleable production		901		657		382		344		728		728		901

---

Sales		872		323		442		530		838		838		872
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production		133		112		51		5		30		30		133
Sales		106		56		54		70		101		101		106
Australia (a)
Saleable production		70		69		53		20		33		33		70
Sales		56		57		36		32		60		60		56

 

(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										QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater		1,457		1,239		1,165		1,521		1,352		1,352		1,457
Goonyella		1,699		1,915		1,346		1,725		1,507		1,507		1,699
Peak Downs		914		1,103		1,105		1,268		1,187		1,187		914
Saraji		1,104		1,027		651		723		779		779		1,104
Norwich Park		439		605		427		513		392		392		439
Gregory Joint Venture		771		892		471		628		605		605		771
BMA total		6,384		6,781		5,165		6,378		5,822		5,822		6,384
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek		1,049		943		386		600		821		821		1,049
Poitrel		584		828		163		882		776		776		584
BHP Mitsui Coal total		1,633		1,771		549		1,482		1,597		1,597		1,633
Queensland total		8,017		8,552		5,714		7,860		7,419		7,419		8,017
Shipments
Coking coal		5,923		5,590		4,703		5,087		5,725		5,725		5,923
Weak coking coal		1,961		1,547		1,041		1,796		1,613		1,613		1,961
Thermal coal		462		297		253		461		453		453		462
Total		8,346		7,434		5,997		7,344		7,791		7,791		8,346

 

(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 Shipments		1,193		1,598		1,882		1,600		1,985		1,985		1,193
Coking coal		895		1,195		1,637		1,696		2,097		2,097		895
Thermal coal		160		166		346		46		159		159		160
Total		1,055		1,361		1,983		1,742		2,256		2,256		1,055

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED										QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2008		DEC 2008		MAR 2009		JUNE 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2009		SEPT 2008
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production Sales		8,277		7,484		6,453		7,682		8,099		8,099		8,277
Export		2,329		2,945		1,672		1,700		2,377		2,377		2,329
Local utility		6,334		5,665		5,053		5,858		5,884		5,884		6,334
Inland		376		123		97		70		46		46		376
Total		9,039		8,733		6,822		7,628		8,307		8,307		9,039
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal		2,064		1,923		1,950		2,426		2,167		2,167		2,064
San Juan Coal		1,941		1,094		957		1,781		1,995		1,995		1,941
Total		4,005		3,017		2,907		4,207		4,162		4,162		4,005
Sales - local utility		3,660		3,605		3,172		3,453		3,604		3,604		3,660
Hunter Valley, Australia
Production Sales		2,975		2,993		2,768		3,039		3,173		3,173		2,975
Export		1,849		2,242		2,360		1,958		1,766		1,766		1,849
Inland		946		650		764		573		619		619		946
Total		2,795		2,892		3,124		2,531		2,385		2,385		2,795
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production		2,807		2,435		2,618		2,734		2,625		2,625		2,807
Sales - export		2,593		2,829		2,409		2,623		2,355		2,355		2,593