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 20, 2010

 

 

 

BHP BILLITON LIMITED (ABN 49 004 028 077) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)		BHP BILLITON PLC (REG. NO. 3196209) (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: October 20, 2010		By:		/S/    JANE MCALOON
		Name:		Jane McAloon
		Title:		Group Company Secretary

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Release Time		IMMEDIATE
Date		20 October 2010
Number		28/10

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2010

 

•

A strong start to the financial year with an increase in production for 11 commodities and most assets operating at capacity.

 

•

Record quarterly Petroleum production despite the suspension of drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico (USA). This was driven by strong crude performance at Pyrenees (Australia) and strong liquefied natural gas production at North West Shelf (Australia).

 

•

Other quarterly production records were achieved at Samarco and the Alumar refinery (both Brazil), and for manganese ore, including records at both GEMCO (Australia) and Hotazel (South Africa).

 

•

Olympic Dam (Australia) achieved record quarterly ore hoisting rates following the successful repair of the Clark Shaft.

Despite ongoing uncertainty in the developed world, BHP Billiton remains positive on the prospects for many of its core commodities and the underlying performance of its business due to strength in the emerging economies and the ongoing delay in the supply side response.

Petroleum

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 Vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 Vs JUNE Q10
Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids (‘000 bbl)			25,450				0	%			-1	%
Natural Gas (bcf)			105.83				8	%			16	%
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)			43.09				3	%			6	%

Total Petroleum Production – Petroleum delivered a quarterly production record driven by strong crude oil production from Pyrenees and strong LNG performance at North West Shelf. Eastern Australia experienced high gas demand due to colder weather. Strong performance from the Australian assets was partially offset by natural field decline and the suspension of drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico.

Crude Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Liquids – Crude oil and condensate production was in line with comparative periods. Natural field decline that followed the suspension of drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico was offset by the successful start-up and continued strong performance at Pyrenees, despite planned maintenance. There was no weather related downtime in the Gulf of Mexico assets during the quarter.

Natural Gas – Record natural gas volumes were achieved due to strong LNG production from North West Shelf and increased seasonal demand in Eastern Australia. This was partially offset by planned maintenance at North West Shelf LNG Train 4 and severe flooding in Pakistan.

The drilling moratorium has impacted our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Our current expectation is that production volumes for the 2011 financial year will be in line with the 2010 financial year.

Aluminium

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE  Q10
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) (a)			1,000				19	%			4	%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes)			314				0	%			2	%

---

 

Alumina – Production was higher than comparative periods due to the ongoing ramp up of the Alumar refinery, which is scheduled to produce at its expanded capacity around mid calendar year 2011. An unplanned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia) impacted production in the September 2009 quarter.

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

Base Metals

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE  Q10
Copper (‘000 tonnes)			291.2				3	%			0	%
Lead (tonnes)			69,141				13	%			10	%
Zinc (tonnes)			40,197				-13	%			-12	%
Silver (‘000 ounces)			12,152				13	%			6	%
Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)			1,010				-11	%			42	%

Copper – Production was in line with the June 2010 quarter with strong operating performance at Olympic Dam following the successful repair of the Clark Shaft. During the September 2010 quarter, Olympic Dam achieved record ore hoisting rates. This was offset by lower ore grades at Antamina (Peru) and Escondida (Chile). Production in the September 2009 quarter was impacted by the repair of the Laguna Seca SAG mill at Escondida and a planned smelter outage at Olympic Dam.

As announced previously, Escondida production is expected to decline by five to 10 per cent in the 2011 financial year, mainly due to lower ore grades.

Lead/Silver – Cannington (Australia) production was higher than comparative periods due to increased grades and plant utilisation.

Zinc – Production during the September 2010 quarter was impacted by lower grades at Antamina.

Uranium – Olympic Dam achieved record ore hoisting rates following the successful repair of the Clark Shaft. Production was lower than the September 2009 quarter mainly due to lower grades.

Diamonds & Specialty Products

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT  Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE  Q10
Diamonds (‘000 carats)			703				-10	%			-5	%

Diamonds – Production was lower than both comparative periods primarily due to lower ore processed and lower average grade. During the quarter a higher proportion of ore was sourced from the Fox pit at Ekati (Canada) as mining of the higher grade Panda underground ceased in the June 2010 quarter.

Stainless Steel Materials

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE  Q10
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) (b)			38.5				9	%			-16	%

Nickel – Production was higher than the September 2009 quarter which was impacted by a planned outage at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie (Australia) smelter. Production was lower than the June 2010 quarter which benefited from the drawdown of accumulated concentrate stocks.

As announced previously, Cerro Matoso (Colombia) production will be impacted for nine months due to the planned replacement of one of its two furnaces, commencing in the second half of the 2011 financial year.

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Iron Ore

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE Q10
Iron Ore (‘000 tonnes)			31,983				6	%			2	%

Iron Ore – Western Australia Iron Ore production was higher than both comparative periods due to the continued ramp up of Rapid Growth Project (RGP) 4 and improved supply chain performance, partially offset by RGP 5 tie-in activities.

Samarco achieved a production record during the quarter with increased capacity utilisation across all three pellet plants following preventative maintenance in the June 2010 quarter.

Manganese

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE Q10
Manganese Ore (‘000 tonnes)			2,122				84	%			23	%
Manganese Alloy (‘000 tonnes)			199				216	%			-9	%

Manganese Ore – GEMCO and Hotazel achieved production records during the quarter. Production continued to recover strongly following proactive supply chain management in response to weak market demand in the September 2009 quarter, and weather related disruptions in the June 2010 quarter.

Sales were impacted during the September 2010 quarter by port maintenance at GEMCO and rail constraint in South Africa.

Manganese Alloy – Production was lower than the June 2010 quarter, which benefited from the recovery of recycled material.

Sales in the September 2010 quarter reflect the typical inventory cycle.

Metallurgical Coal

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE Q10
Metallurgical Coal (‘000 tonnes)			10,299				10	%			-6	%

Metallurgical Coal – Production was higher than the September 2009 quarter due to improved operational and supply chain performance, supported by strong demand. Production during the September 2010 quarter was impacted by planned maintenance at Queensland Coal and Illawarra (both Australia). Heavy rainfall in Queensland during September 2010 restricted overburden removal, which is expected to adversely impact coal mining activities in the December 2010 quarter.

Energy Coal

 

		SEPT 2010 QTR				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE Q10
Energy Coal (‘000 tonnes)			17,106				-5	%			5	%

Energy Coal – Production during the quarter benefited from the continued ramp up of the Klipspruit (South Africa) expansion and improved operating performance at Khutala (South Africa). This was offset by plant tie-in activities related to the MAC20 project at Hunter Valley Energy Coal (Australia), weather related disruptions at Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) and constrained customer demand at New Mexico Coal (USA).

 

(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.

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This report, together with the Exploration and Development Report, represents 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 2010.

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

 

Australia Brendan Harris, Investor Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 4323 Mobile: +61 437 134 814 email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com		United Kingdom & South Africa Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974 email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com
Leng Lau, Investor Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 706 email: Leng.Y.Lau@bhpbilliton.com		United Kingdom & Americas Ruban Yogarajah, Media Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022 email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com
Amanda Buckley, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2209 Mobile: +61 419 801 349 email: Amanda.Buckley@bhpbilliton.com		Americas Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565 email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
Kelly Quirke, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312 Email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com
Fiona Martin, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908 email: Fiona.Martin2@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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BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

						QUARTER ENDED												QUARTER ENDED
						SEPT 2009				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009				SEPT Q10 vs SEPT Q09				SEPT Q10 vs JUNE Q10
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate			(‘000 bbl	)			21,648				22,497				22,087				22,087				21,648				2	%			-2	%
Natural gas			(bcf	)			98.17				90.98				105.83				105.83				98.17				8	%			16	%
Natural gas liquid			(‘000 bbl	)			3,685				3,182				3,363				3,363				3,685				-9	%			6	%
Total Petroleum Products			(million boe	)			41.70				40.84				43.09				43.09				41.70				3	%			6	%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina (a)			(‘000 tonnes	)			841				962				1,000				1,000				841				19	%			4	%
Aluminium			(‘000 tonnes	)			313				309				314				314				313				0	%			2	%
BASE METALS
Copper			(‘000 tonnes	)			283.9				291.1				291.2				291.2				283.9				3	%			0	%
Lead			(tonnes	)			61,370				62,916				69,141				69,141				61,370				13	%			10	%
Zinc			(tonnes	)			46,425				45,422				40,197				40,197				46,425				-13	%			-12	%
Gold			(ounces	)			39,911				35,305				49,361				49,361				39,911				24	%			40	%
Silver			(‘000 ounces	)			10,769				11,413				12,152				12,152				10,769				13	%			6	%
Uranium oxide concentrate			(tonnes	)			1,130				712				1,010				1,010				1,130				-11	%			42	%
Molybdenum			(tonnes	)			241				269				208				208				241				-14	%			-23	%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds			(‘000 carats	)			780				740				703				703				780				-10	%			-5	%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel (b)			(‘000 tonnes	)			35.4				45.7				38.5				38.5				35.4				9	%			-16	%
IRON ORE
Iron ore			(‘000 tonnes	)			30,106				31,243				31,983				31,983				30,106				6	%			2	%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore			(‘000 tonnes	)			1,156				1,721				2,122				2,122				1,156				84	%			23	%
Manganese alloy			(‘000 tonnes	)			63				218				199				199				63				216	%			-9	%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal			(‘000 tonnes	)			9,404				10,927				10,299				10,299				9,404				10	%			-6	%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal			(‘000 tonnes	)			18,059				16,270				17,106				17,106				18,059				-5	%			5	%

 

(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 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl)							21,648				20,506				19,736				22,497				22,087				22,087				21,648
Natural gas (bcf)							98.17				91.15				88.27				90.98				105.83				105.83				98.17
NGL (‘000 bbl) (a)							3,685				3,113				2,769				3,182				3,363				3,363				3,685
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)							41.70				38.81				37.21				40.84				43.09				43.09				41.70
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley			86	%			709				755				811				779				756				756				709
Suriname (b)			45	%			78				—				—				—				—				—				78
Alumar			36	%			132				184				210				183				244				244				132
Total							919				939				1,021				962				1,000				1,000				919
ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside			100	%			179				180				174				177				180				180				179
Bayside			100	%			25				25				24				24				24				24				25
Alumar			40	%			44				43				44				43				44				44				44
Mozal			47	%			65				65				64				65				66				66				65
Total							313				313				306				309				314				314				313
BASE METALS (c)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida			57.5	%			102.8				130.6				101.5				113.2				110.7				110.7				102.8
Antamina			33.8	%			24.3				26.6				22.4				25.3				23.2				23.2				24.3
Total							127.1				157.2				123.9				138.5				133.9				133.9				127.1
Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida			57.5	%			47.9				45.9				36.2				44.2				45.0				45.0				47.9
Pampa Norte (d)			100	%			69.6				40.4				65.2				69.6				66.4				66.4				69.6
Pinto Valley			100	%			1.6				1.5				1.6				1.5				1.4				1.4				1.6
Olympic Dam			100	%			37.7				26.1				2.2				37.3				44.5				44.5				37.7
Total							156.8				113.9				105.2				152.6				157.3				157.3				156.8
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington			100	%			60,879				61,701				60,577				62,288				68,529				68,529				60,879
Antamina			33.8	%			491				1,372				550				628				612				612				491
Total							61,370				63,073				61,127				62,916				69,141				69,141				61,370
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington			100	%			15,190				18,324				15,257				13,935				15,260				15,260				15,190
Antamina			33.8	%			31,235				41,511				31,340				31,487				24,937				24,937				31,235
Total							46,425				59,835				46,597				45,422				40,197				40,197				46,425
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BASE METALS (continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida			57.5	%			13,905				20,924				20,010				21,586				24,807				24,807				13,905
Olympic Dam (refined gold)			100	%			26,006				24,117				1,652				13,719				24,554				24,554				26,006
Total							39,911				45,041				21,662				35,305				49,361				49,361				39,911

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SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida			57.5	%			512				825				794				743				803				803				512
Antamina			33.8	%			1,039				1,360				1,079				1,234				989				989				1,039
Cannington			100	%			9,013				9,334				9,605				9,324				10,159				10,159				9,013
Olympic Dam (refined silver)			100	%			205				170				13				112				201				201				205
Total							10,769				11,689				11,491				11,413				12,152				12,152				10,769
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam			100	%			1,130				348				89				712				1,010				1,010				1,130
Total							1,130				348				89				712				1,010				1,010				1,130
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina			33.8	%			241				113				190				269				208				208				241
Total							241				113				190				269				208				208				241
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
Ekati™			80	%			780				760				770				740				703				703				780
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA			99.9	%			12.0				13.0				11.6				13.0				12.4				12.4				12.0
Yabulu (e)			100	%			2.8				—				—				—				—				—				2.8
Nickel West			100	%			23.4				36.0				31.7				32.7				26.1				26.1				23.4
Total							38.2				49.0				43.3				45.7				38.5				38.5				38.2
Refer footnotes on page 4.
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (f)
Newman (g)			85	%			7,549				8,174				7,896				8,478				9,640				9,640				7,549
Goldsworthy Joint Venture			85	%			428				417				421				422				384				384				428
Area C Joint Venture			85	%			9,189				10,207				9,524				9,767				10,086				10,086				9,189
Yandi Joint Venture			85	%			10,194				10,885				10,549				9,768				8,787				8,787				10,194
Samarco			50	%			2,746				2,766				2,774				2,808				3,086				3,086				2,746
Total							30,106				32,449				31,164				31,243				31,983				31,983				30,106
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (h)			60	%			428				664				781				845				938				938				428
Australia (h)			60	%			728				873				929				876				1,184				1,184				728
Total							1,156				1,537				1,710				1,721				2,122				2,122				1,156
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (h) (i)			60	%			30				76				106				152				132				132				30
Australia (h)			60	%			33				55				65				66				67				67				33
Total							63				131				171				218				199				199				63
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (j)
BMA			50	%			5,822				5,609				5,871				7,101				6,538				6,538				5,822
BHP Mitsui Coal (k)			80	%			1,597				1,829				1,251				1,766				1,913				1,913				1,597
Illawarra			100	%			1,985				1,455				1,035				2,060				1,848				1,848				1,985
Total							9,404				8,893				8,157				10,927				10,299				10,299				9,404

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ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa			100	%			8,099				7,382				7,741				7,237				8,997				8,997				8,099
USA			100	%			4,162				2,978				2,925				3,413				3,177				3,177				4,162
Australia			100	%			3,173				2,887				3,177				2,802				2,506				2,506				3,173
Colombia			33	%			2,625				2,213				2,499				2,818				2,426				2,426				2,625
Total							18,059				15,460				16,342				16,270				17,106				17,106				18,059

 

(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)	Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

(e)	Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.

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

(g)	Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

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

(i)	Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

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

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait			3,501				3,031				2,779				2,886				2,711				2,711				3,501
North West Shelf			2,305				2,362				2,328				1,977				2,237				2,237				2,305
Stybarrow			1,328				979				433				784				551				551				1,328
Pyrenees (a)			—				—				1,530				5,071				5,516				5,516				—
Other Australia (b)			172				46				15				13				15				15				172
Atlantis (c)			4,630				4,301				3,792				3,221				3,038				3,038				4,630
Mad Dog (c)			1,268				906				1,219				1,120				1,075				1,075				1,268
Shenzi (c) (d)			5,001				5,528				4,421				4,416				3,916				3,916				5,001
Trinidad /Tobago			445				398				407				349				285				285				445
Other Americas (c) (e)			473				453				403				370				359				359				473
UK			629				677				767				615				611				611				629
Algeria			1,793				1,717				1,543				1,587				1,686				1,686				1,793
Pakistan			103				108				99				88				87				87				103
Total			21,648				20,506				19,736				22,497				22,087				22,087				21,648
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait			31.31				24.20				18.81				30.02				38.81				38.81				31.31
North West Shelf			32.86				33.98				35.34				31.24				36.49				36.49				32.86
Other Australia (b)			5.83				5.47				5.60				4.99				6.00				6.00				5.83
Atlantis (c)			2.29				1.55				1.70				0.47				1.33				1.33				2.29
Mad Dog (c)			0.30				0.14				0.29				0.12				0.25				0.25				0.30
Shenzi (c) (d)			1.42				1.21				1.07				1.27				0.75				0.75				1.42
Other Americas (c) (e)			1.62				1.46				1.32				1.45				1.40				1.40				1.62
UK			5.20				5.08				7.36				6.03				6.31				6.31				5.20
Pakistan			17.34				18.06				16.78				15.39				14.49				14.49				17.34
Total			98.17				91.15				88.27				90.98				105.83				105.83				98.17

---

NGL (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait			2,080				1,572				1,376				1,817				2,030				2,030				2,080
North West Shelf			438				464				478				425				471				471				438
Atlantis (c)			273				290				227				212				188				188				273
Mad Dog (c)			49				40				45				47				42				42				49
Shenzi (c) (d)			289				351				275				265				196				196				289
Other Americas (c) (e)			54				45				43				41				42				42				54
UK			51				—				49				90				60				60				51
Algeria			451				351				276				285				334				334				451
Total			3,685				3,113				2,769				3,182				3,363				3,363				3,685
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS			41.70				38.81				37.21				40.84				43.09				43.09				41.70
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)

 

(a)	Pyrenees achieved first production on 1 March 2010.

(b)	Other Australia includes Griffin and Minerva. Griffin ceased production on 23 October 2009.

(c)	Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.

(d)	The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.

(e)	Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Mustang, Genesis and Starlifter.

(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 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia			709				755				811				779				756				756				709
Paranam, Suriname (a)			78				—				—				—				—				—				78
Alumar, Brazil			132				184				210				183				244				244				132
Total			919				939				1,021				962				1,000				1,000				919
Sales
Worsley, Australia			716				773				735				822				767				767				716
Paranam, Suriname (a)			74				—				—				—				—				—				74
Alumar, Brazil			154				180				218				175				239				239				154
Total (b)			944				953				953				997				1,006				1,006				944
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa			179				180				174				177				180				180				179
Bayside, South Africa			25				25				24				24				24				24				25
Alumar, Brazil			44				43				44				43				44				44				44
Mozal, Mozambique			65				65				64				65				66				66				65
Total			313				313				306				309				314				314				313
Sales
Hillside, South Africa			147				203				172				169				148				148				147
Bayside, South Africa			26				27				25				32				29				29				26
Alumar, Brazil			44				45				43				48				44				44				44
Mozal, Mozambique			67				56				58				78				55				55				67
Total			284				331				298				327				276				276				284
Tolling Agreement (b)			15				—				—				—				—				—				15
			299				331				298				327				276				276				299

---

 

(a)	Suriname was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	Equity Alumina from Suriname was converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages were allocated to equity sales. This Aluminium is now treated as third party product following the sale of Suriname.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

						QUARTER ENDED																				QUARTER ENDED
						SEPT 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
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	)			102,352				101,976				103,216				109,098				103,841				103,841				102,352
Sulphide ore milled (100%)			(‘000 tonnes	)			16,224				20,246				17,697				17,711				19,697				19,697				16,224
Average copper grade			(%	)			1.40%				1.38%				1.29%				1.40%				1.24%				1.24%				1.40%
Production ex Mill (100%)			(‘000 tonnes	)			188.4				233.0				189.6				205.3				197.7				197.7				188.4
Production
Payable copper			(‘000 tonnes	)			102.8				130.6				101.5				113.2				110.7				110.7				102.8
Payable gold concentrate			(fine ounces	)			13,905				20,924				20,010				21,586				24,807				24,807				13,905
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			47.9				45.9				36.2				44.2				45.0				45.0				47.9
Payable silver concentrate			(‘000 ounces	)			512				825				794				743				803				803				512
Sales
Payable copper			(‘000 tonnes	)			88.9				144.3				100.4				106.4				114.8				114.8				88.9
Payable gold concentrate			(fine ounces	)			11,991				23,031				20,390				20,604				25,661				25,661				11,991
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			40.7				51.1				40.3				45.0				40.0				40.0				40.7
Payable silver concentrate			(‘000 ounces	)			441				910				786				714				831				831				441
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined			(‘000 tonnes	)			17,019				16,586				14,513				15,828				15,644				15,644				17,019
Ore milled			(‘000 tonnes	)			3,758				4,314				4,367				4,707				4,584				4,584				3,758
Average copper grade			(%	)			0.79%				0.77%				0.72%				0.67%				0.73%				0.73%				0.79%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			18.6				21.6				20.2				24.8				21.7				21.7				18.6
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			18.3				21.2				20.7				22.4				21.4				21.4				18.3
Spence
Material mined			(‘000 tonnes	)			19,111				3,800				18,739				19,191				17,148				17,148				19,111
Ore milled			(‘000 tonnes	)			4,670				1,190				4,917				4,389				4,427				4,427				4,670
Average copper grade			(%	)			1.55%				1.22%				1.34%				1.29%				1.22%				1.22%				1.55%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			51.0				18.8				45.0				44.8				44.7				44.7				51.0
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			42.2				32.7				40.3				49.5				37.0				37.0				42.2
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%)			(‘000 tonnes	)			27,571				29,485				26,705				30,014				30,599				30,599				27,571
Sulphide ore milled (100%)			(‘000 tonnes	)			8,321				8,962				8,791				9,328				9,041				9,041				8,321
Average head grades
- Copper			(%	)			1.10%				1.15%				1.02%				0.99%				0.93%				0.93%				1.10%

---

 

- Zinc			(%	)			1.65%				2.04%				1.59%				1.53%				1.35%				1.35%				1.65%
Production
Payable copper			(‘000 tonnes	)			24.3				26.6				22.4				25.3				23.2				23.2				24.3
Payable zinc			(tonnes	)			31,235				41,511				31,340				31,487				24,937				24,937				31,235
Payable silver			(‘000 ounces	)			1,039				1,360				1,079				1,234				989				989				1,039
Payable lead			(tonnes	)			491				1,372				550				628				612				612				491
Payable molybdenum			(tonnes	)			241				113				190				269				208				208				241
Sales
Payable copper			(‘000 tonnes	)			25.6				26.6				20.3				24.3				27.7				27.7				25.6
Payable zinc			(tonnes	)			30,633				40,280				33,030				34,643				23,937				23,937				30,633
Payable silver			(‘000 ounces	)			1,079				1,135				965				893				1,242				1,242				1,079
Payable lead			(tonnes	)			1,707				703				830				431				748				748				1,707
Payable molybdenum			(tonnes	)			264				107				148				203				438				438				264
Cannington, Australia
Material mined			(‘000 tonnes	)			840				839				714				837				742				742				840
Ore milled			(‘000 tonnes	)			798				859				708				776				831				831				798
Average head grades
- Silver			(g/t	)			418				405				494				441				447				447				418
- Lead			(%	)			9.0%				8.5%				10.0%				9.4%				9.6%				9.6%				9.0%
- Zinc			(%	)			3.1%				3.4%				3.5%				3.1%				3.0%				3.0%				3.1%
Production
Payable silver			(‘000 ounces	)			9,013				9,334				9,605				9,324				10,159				10,159				9,013
Payable lead			(tonnes	)			60,879				61,701				60,577				62,288				68,529				68,529				60,879
Payable zinc			(tonnes	)			15,190				18,324				15,257				13,935				15,260				15,260				15,190
Sales
Payable silver			(‘000 ounces	)			7,978				9,652				8,268				11,280				9,219				9,219				7,978
Payable lead			(tonnes	)			53,778				66,088				51,745				74,341				63,091				63,091				53,778
Payable zinc			(tonnes	)			10,697				19,766				18,243				16,029				12,477				12,477				10,697
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a)			(‘000 tonnes	)			2,479				734				689				1,363				2,710				2,710				2,479
Ore milled			(‘000 tonnes	)			2,453				717				234				1,685				2,505				2,505				2,453
Average copper grade			(%	)			1.70%				1.99%				2.33%				1.94%				1.91%				1.91%				1.70%
Average uranium grade			kg/t				0.58				0.58				0.57				0.58				0.54				0.54				0.58
Production
Copper cathode (ER)			(‘000 tonnes	)			34.5				25.0				1.9				34.9				41.6				41.6				34.5
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			3.2				1.1				0.3				2.4				2.9				2.9				3.2
Uranium oxide concentrate			(tonnes	)			1,130				348				89				712				1,010				1,010				1,130
Refined gold			(fine ounces	)			26,006				24,117				1,652				13,719				24,554				24,554				26,006
Refined silver			(‘000 ounces	)			205				170				13				112				201				201				205
Sales
Copper cathode (ER)			(‘000 tonnes	)			36.1				23.7				6.1				29.3				42.2				42.2				36.1
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			3.2				1.5				0.7				1.5				2.8				2.8				3.2
Uranium oxide concentrate			(tonnes	)			537				1,540				182				122				751				751				537
Refined gold			(fine ounces	)			25,053				22,666				5,980				10,811				18,914				18,914				25,053
Refined silver			(‘000 ounces	)			173				198				46				49				201				201				173
(a)    Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			1.6				1.5				1.6				1.5				1.4				1.4				1.6
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)			(‘000 tonnes	)			1.3				1.6				1.1				1.5				1.8				1.8				1.3

---

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

				QUARTER ENDED																				QUARTER ENDED
				SEPT 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
Ekati™, Canada
Ore Processed (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)			1,223				1,216				1,256				1,235				1,196				1,196				1,223
Production		(‘000 carats)			780				760				770				740				703				703				780

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production			12.0				13.0				11.6				13.0				12.4				12.4				12.0
Sales			11.4				11.4				13.4				12.5				12.0				12.0				11.4
Yabulu, Australia (a)
Production
Nickel metal			2.8				—				—				—				—				—				2.8
Cobalt			0.1				—				—				—				—				—				0.1
Sales
Nickel metal			2.2				—				—				—				—				—				2.2
Cobalt			0.1				—				—				—				—				—				0.1
(a)    Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate
Nickel contained in concentrate			4.1				5.3				7.1				6.1				0.9				0.9				4.1
Nickel contained in finished matte			5.0				13.0				10.6				15.7				13.6				13.6				5.0
Nickel metal			14.3				17.7				14.0				10.9				11.6				11.6				14.3
Nickel production			23.4				36.0				31.7				32.7				26.1				26.1				23.4
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate			3.9				5.2				7.0				6.3				1.6				1.6				3.9
Nickel contained in finished matte			3.7				11.8				10.8				15.2				14.6				14.6				3.7
Nickel metal			14.1				17.5				14.9				9.2				12.2				12.2				14.1
Nickel sales			21.7				34.5				32.7				30.7				28.4				28.4				21.7

---

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (b)			7,549				8,174				7,896				8,478				9,640				9,640				7,549
Goldsworthy Joint Venture			428				417				421				422				384				384				428
Area C Joint Venture			9,189				10,207				9,524				9,767				10,086				10,086				9,189
Yandi Joint Venture			10,194				10,885				10,549				9,768				8,787				8,787				10,194
Total (BHP Billiton share)			27,360				29,683				28,390				28,435				28,897				28,897				27,360
Total production (100%)			32,188				34,921				33,400				33,452				33,996				33,996				32,188
Shipments
Lump			7,839				8,141				8,071				7,135				7,822				7,822				7,839
Fines			19,932				20,787				19,974				21,512				21,049				21,049				19,932
Total (BHP Billiton share)			27,771				28,928				28,045				28,647				28,871				28,871				27,771
Total sales (100%)			32,672				34,033				32,994				33,703				33,966				33,966				32,672
(a)    Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(b)    Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.
Samarco, Brazil
Production			2,746				2,766				2,774				2,808				3,086				3,086				2,746
Shipments			3,076				2,933				2,594				2,591				2,634				2,634				3,076

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production			428				664				781				845				938				938				428
Sales			712				751				741				929				657				657				712
Australia (a)
Saleable production			728				873				929				876				1,184				1,184				728
Sales			838				985				835				974				552				552				838
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production			30				76				106				152				132				132				30
Sales			101				66				77				101				95				95				101
Australia (a)
Saleable production			33				55				65				66				67				67				33
Sales			60				68				54				75				53				53				60

 

(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 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater			1,352				1,500				1,254				1,627				1,458				1,458				1,352
Goonyella			1,507				1,548				1,667				1,946				1,863				1,863				1,507
Peak Downs			1,187				817				1,030				1,298				1,117				1,117				1,187
Saraji			779				726				965				932				872				872				779
Norwich Park			392				575				375				528				468				468				392
Gregory Joint Venture			605				443				580				770				760				760				605
BMA total			5,822				5,609				5,871				7,101				6,538				6,538				5,822
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek			821				1,063				697				1,028				1,056				1,056				821
Poitrel			776				766				554				738				857				857				776
BHP Mitsui Coal total			1,597				1,829				1,251				1,766				1,913				1,913				1,597
Queensland total			7,419				7,438				7,122				8,867				8,451				8,451				7,419
Shipments
Coking coal			5,725				5,935				4,836				7,268				6,641				6,641				5,725
Weak coking coal			1,613				1,778				1,356				2,109				1,653				1,653				1,613
Thermal coal			453				204				385				339				368				368				453
Total			7,791				7,917				6,577				9,716				8,662				8,662				7,791
(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			1,985				1,455				1,035				2,060				1,848				1,848				1,985
Shipments
Coking coal			2,097				1,408				980				1,652				1,388				1,388				2,097
Thermal coal			159				250				109				213				362				362				159
Total			2,256				1,658				1,089				1,865				1,750				1,750				2,256

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				QUARTER ENDED
		SEPT 2009				DEC 2009				MAR 2010				JUNE 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2010				SEPT 2009
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production			8,099				7,382				7,741				7,237				8,997				8,997				8,099
Sales
Export			2,377				2,849				2,856				2,449				3,047				3,047				2,377
Local utility			5,378				4,687				4,263				4,351				5,667				5,667				5,378
Inland			46				49				56				47				110				110				46
Total			7,801				7,585				7,175				6,847				8,824				8,824				7,801
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal			2,167				1,785				1,873				1,640				1,754				1,754				2,167
San Juan Coal			1,995				1,193				1,052				1,773				1,423				1,423				1,995
Total			4,162				2,978				2,925				3,413				3,177				3,177				4,162
Sales - local utility			3,604				3,660				2,555				3,005				3,361				3,361				3,604
Hunter Valley, Australia
Production			3,173				2,887				3,177				2,802				2,506				2,506				3,173
Sales
Export			1,766				2,959				2,263				2,524				2,626				2,626				1,766
Inland			619				382				601				474				404				404				619
Total			2,385				3,341				2,864				2,998				3,030				3,030				2,385
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production			2,625				2,213				2,499				2,818				2,426				2,426				2,625
Sales - export			2,335				2,745				2,419				2,601				2,776				2,776				2,335