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 18, 2012
| BHP BILLITON LIMITED | BHP BILLITON PLC | |
| (ABN 49 004 028 077) | (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 | NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, | |
| 3000 AUSTRALIA | 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
NEWS RELEASE
Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 18 April 2012
Number 10/12
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
• Western Australia Iron Ore achieved record production for the nine months ended March 2012, a 22% increase on the prior corresponding period.
• The Onshore US petroleum business delivered a 35% increase in liquids production compared to the December 2011 quarter.
• Escondida (Chile) production increased by 9% from the December 2011 quarter, benefiting from higher ore grades.
• Production records for the nine months and quarter ended March 2012 were achieved at two of BHP Billiton’s high value, export orientated energy coal operations, New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia).
• Queensland Coal (Australia) production remained constrained as a result of industrial action and heavy rainfall.
Petroleum
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (‘000 boe) 65,799 21,733 -7% 0% -2%
Natural gas (bcf) 600.51 208.67 120% 146% -3%
Total petroleum products (million boe) 165.89 56.51 43% 58% -3%
Total petroleum production – Total production increased for the nine months ended March 2012 as our recently acquired Onshore US business reported strong growth. Guidance for the 2012 financial year of 225 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) remains unchanged.
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Lower production for the nine months ended March 2012 reflected expiration of the Ohanet (Algeria) Risk Sharing Contract, maintenance and drilling delays at non-operated facilities, weather related downtime in Western Australia and natural field decline, especially at Pyrenees (Australia). Mad Dog (USA) was offline for the entire quarter and is forecast by the operator to recommence production during the June 2012 quarter. Atlantis (USA) was shut-in during April 2012 for an extended period of scheduled maintenance and will be offline until the September 2012 quarter.
Notably, the Onshore US business delivered a 35 per cent increase in liquids production compared to the December 2011 quarter. These liquids contributed 3.5 MMboe of Onshore US production in the March 2012 quarter consistent with our shift in focus towards the high return Eagle Ford shale. We continue to adjust our Onshore US development plans in response to lower US gas prices and expect activity in the liquids rich Eagle
Ford shale and Permian Basin to represent the significant majority of Onshore US operating activity by the end of the 2012 calendar year.
Natural gas – Strong performance from the Onshore US and Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) businesses contributed to higher natural gas production for the nine months ended March 2012.
Aluminium
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) 3,113 1,052 4% 10% 5%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes) 905 277 -3% -9% -12%
Alumina – Production in the March 2012 quarter was higher than all comparable periods as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity and output at Worsley (Australia) recovered following a planned calciner outage in the December 2011 quarter.
Aluminium – Production decreased during the March 2012 quarter as a major unplanned outage at Hillside (South Africa) led to the temporary curtailment of potline capacity. Operations are expected to progressively return to full technical capacity over the next year.
Base Metals
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Copper (‘000 tonnes) 782.0 281.4 -10% 3% 0%
Lead (tonnes) 176,211 53,560 -5% 3% -20%
Zinc (tonnes) 81,469 29,727 -31% -26% 5%
Silver (‘000 ounces) 29,769 9,715 -9% 7% -11%
Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) 2,805 896 -7% -16% -1%
Copper – Consistent with the mine plan, Escondida production increased by nine per cent from the December 2011 quarter, benefiting from higher ore grades. This was offset by unfavourable weather conditions and lower recoveries at Pampa Norte (Chile) and planned maintenance at Olympic Dam (Australia). Recent investment in the mining fleets at Antamina (Peru) and Pampa Norte contributed to material mined records for both assets for the nine months ended March 2012. In addition, Antamina achieved a milling record for the same period following successful commissioning of the expansion project.
Escondida production guidance remains unchanged for the 2012 financial year. Production is expected to improve as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit.
Lead/silver – Production at Cannington (Australia) decreased in the March 2012 quarter reflecting lower average ore grades and mill throughput.
Zinc – An improvement in Antamina ore grades and the successful commissioning of the expansion project led to a five per cent increase in total zinc production in the March 2012 quarter.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
Uranium – Production was largely unchanged in the March 2012 quarter.
Diamonds & Specialty Products
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Diamonds (‘000 carats) 1,371 433 -29% -21% -10%
Diamonds – As anticipated, production was lower than all comparable periods. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.
BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business during the December 2011 quarter and this process is ongoing. During the March 2012 quarter, BHP Billiton announced that it had exercised an option to sell its 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto.
Stainless Steel Materials
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) 115.2 41.7 1% 26% 9%
Nickel – Production was higher than all comparable periods reflecting improved smelter and refinery performance at Nickel West (Australia) and strong operating performance at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) following the successful replacement of the Line 1 furnace in September 2011.
During the March 2012 quarter the Nickel West Kwinana hydrogen plant was successfully commissioned and will enable the refinery to operate at full capacity in future periods.
In response to persistent weakness in nickel prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar, BHP Billiton announced a reduction in functional support staff and a temporary reduction in mining activity at Nickel West Mt Keith during the March 2012 quarter. Production of nickel concentrate at Mt Keith will be maintained in the short term as commissioning of the Talc Redesign Project has enabled stockpiled talc-bearing ore to be processed.
Iron Ore
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes) 118,587 37,943 20% 14% -8%
Iron ore – Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) achieved record production for the nine months ended March 2012 despite a decline in volumes in the March 2012 quarter as a result of cyclone activity. Consistently strong operating performance, combined with the continued ramp up of Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company’s rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland, contributed to the record result.
Full year WAIO production guidance remains unchanged as scheduled maintenance and tie-in activities are expected to constrain performance in the June 2012 quarter.
Manganese
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes) 5,865 2,040 11% 51% 13%
Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes) 527 138 -6% -20% -29%
Manganese ore – Production and sales in the March 2012 quarter were higher following the recovery from weather related downtime at GEMCO (Australia) and planned maintenance at Hotazel (South Africa). Record production and sales for the nine months ended March 2012 were achieved at both GEMCO and Hotazel.
Manganese alloy – In response to challenging conditions in the downstream manganese alloy industry, BHP Billiton announced the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO (Australia) and the cessation of production of energy intensive silica manganese at the Metalloys plant (South Africa) during the March 2012 quarter.
Metallurgical Coal
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes) 25,121 7,337 1% 10% -14%
Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal production remained constrained in the March 2012 quarter as a result of industrial action and heavy rainfall. The extent to which industrial action will continue to affect production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict, however with inventories now severely depleted, the impact on future quarters may be significant. Force majeure was declared across all BMA sites in April 2012 and remains in place.
A planned longwall move and plant shutdown at Dendrobium led to lower production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) in the March 2012 quarter. A longwall move at Appin is scheduled for the June 2012 quarter.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
Energy Coal
MAR MAR MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
Energy coal (‘000 tonnes) 52,627 17,248 3% -2% 2%
Energy coal – Production records for the nine months and quarter ended March 2012 were achieved at two of BHP Billiton’s high value, export orientated energy coal operations, New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal. Export volumes for New South Wales Energy Coal were adversely affected by vessel delays at the Port of Newcastle in the March 2012 quarter. Preparation for the resumption of mining activity at San Juan Coal (USA) has commenced, with a full restart expected in the June 2012 quarter.
Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton’s share and exclude suspended and sold operations.
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 31 March 2012.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com
Media Relations Investor Relations
Australia Australia
Antonios Papaspiropoulos James Agar
Tel: +61 3 9609 3830 Mobile: +61 477 325 803 Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 467 807 064
email: Antonios.Papaspiropoulos@bhpbilliton.com email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com
Kelly Quirke Andrew Gunn
Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312 Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454
email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com
Fiona Martin United Kingdom and South Africa
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908
email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com
Brendan Harris
United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726
email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah
Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022 Tara Dines
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com Tel: +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile: +44 7825 342 232
Email: Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com
Americas
Americas
Jaryl Strong
Tel: +1 713 499 5548 Mobile: +1 281 222 6627 Scott Espenshade
email: Jaryl.Strong@bhpbilliton.com Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street Registered Office: Neathouse Place
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111
Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE % CHANGE
MAR YTD12 MAR Q12 MAR Q12
MAR DEC MAR MAR MAR vs vs vs
2011 2011 2012 2012 2011 MAR YTD11 MAR Q11 DEC Q11
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl) 19,200 18,866 18,221 55,569 61,939 -10% -5% -3%
Natural gas (bcf) 84.90 214.49 208.67 600.51 273.27 120% 146% -3%
NGL (‘000 boe) 2,442 3,362 3,512 10,230 8,647 18% 44% 4%
Total petroleum products (million boe) 35.79 57.98 56.51 165.89 116.13 43% 58% -3%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) 959 1,001 1,052 3,113 2,984 4% 10% 5%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes) 305 313 277 905 933 -3% -9% -12%
BASE METALS
Copper (‘000 tonnes) 273.6 280.3 281.4 782.0 867.1 -10% 3% 0%
Lead (tonnes) 51,910 66,992 53,560 176,211 185,976 -5% 3% -20%
Zinc (tonnes) 40,252 28,298 29,727 81,469 117,394 -31% -26% 5%
Gold (ounces) 49,559 44,007 44,684 128,130 150,546 -15% -10% 2%
Silver (‘000 ounces) 9,056 10,903 9,715 29,769 32,779 -9% 7% -11%
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,063 909 896 2,805 3,030 -7% -16% -1%
Molybdenum (tonnes) 334 766 521 1,882 1,027 83% 56% -32%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds (‘000 carats) 551 481 433 1,371 1,930 -29% -21% -10%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) 33.0 38.4 41.7 115.2 114.5 1% 26% 9%
IRON ORE
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes) 33,231 41,072 37,943 118,587 98,880 20% 14% -8%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes) 1,352 1,806 2,040 5,865 5,303 11% 51% 13%
Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes) 172 195 138 527 563 -6% -20% -29%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes) 6,670 8,493 7,337 25,121 24,756 1% 10% -14%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal (‘000 tonnes) 17,543 16,919 17,248 52,627 51,162 3% -2% 2%
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
Interest 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl) 19,200 18,652 18,482 18,866 18,221 55,569 61,939
Natural gas (bcf) 84.90 131.79 177.35 214.49 208.67 600.51 273.27
NGL (‘000 boe) (a) 2,442 2,636 3,356 3,362 3,512 10,230 8,647
Total petroleum products (million boe) 35.79 43.25 51.40 57.98 56.51 165.89 116.13
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley 86% 663 725 752 694 741 2,187 2,177
Alumar 36% 296 301 308 307 311 926 807
Total 959 1,026 1,060 1,001 1,052 3,113 2,984
ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside 100% 173 179 180 180 144 504 532
Bayside 100% 24 24 25 24 26 75 73
Alumar 40% 44 43 44 42 42 128 131
Mozal 47% 64 67 66 67 65 198 197
Total 305 313 315 313 277 905 933
BASE METALS (b)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 87.7 79.4 49.9 80.4 87.7 218.0 311.1
Antamina 33.8% 24.9 22.5 30.3 30.9 30.9 92.1 75.3
Total 112.6 101.9 80.2 111.3 118.6 310.1 386.4
Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 44.4 42.6 32.9 43.0 47.4 123.3 136.5
Pampa Norte (c) 100% 64.1 75.7 65.4 70.0 66.2 201.6 196.5
Pinto Valley 100% 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 4.2 4.3
Olympic Dam 100% 51.1 50.7 40.4 54.6 47.8 142.8 143.4
Total 161.0 170.4 140.1 169.0 162.8 471.9 480.7
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 51,673 58,414 55,557 66,787 53,412 175,756 184,950
Antamina 33.8% 237 164 102 205 148 455 1,026
Total 51,910 58,578 55,659 66,992 53,560 176,211 185,976
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 16,129 14,348 14,488 14,745 12,904 42,137 46,309
Antamina 33.8% 24,123 20,385 8,956 13,553 16,823 39,332 71,085
Total 40,252 34,733 23,444 28,298 29,727 81,469 117,394
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
Interest 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS (continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 19,667 17,116 11,063 14,242 12,732 38,037 67,607
Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100% 29,892 28,429 28,376 29,765 31,952 90,093 82,939
Total 49,559 45,545 39,439 44,007 44,684 128,130 150,546
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 670 580 403 549 481 1,433 2,269
Antamina 33.8% 813 773 972 1,087 1,170 3,229 2,827
Cannington 100% 7,315 8,242 7,559 9,056 7,836 24,451 26,983
Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100% 258 282 217 211 228 656 700
Total 9,056 9,877 9,151 10,903 9,715 29,769 32,779
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam 100% 1,063 1,015 1,000 909 896 2,805 3,030
Total 1,063 1,015 1,000 909 896 2,805 3,030
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina 33.8% 334 418 595 766 521 1,882 1,027
Total 334 418 595 766 521 1,882 1,027
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
EKATI™ 80% 551 576 457 481 433 1,371 1,930
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA 99.9% 7.8 7.4 10.4 12.3 13.4 36.1 32.6
Nickel West 100% 25.2 30.8 24.7 26.1 28.3 79.1 81.9
Total 33.0 38.2 35.1 38.4 41.7 115.2 114.5
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
Interest 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
Newman (e) 85% 11,912 12,480 13,158 13,247 11,789 38,194 32,765
Goldsworthy Joint Venture 85% 305 284 254 334 37 625 914
Area C Joint Venture 85% 9,510 10,044 10,479 10,437 10,343 31,259 29,750
Yandi Joint Venture 85% 8,799 9,796 12,708 14,170 13,063 39,941 26,664
Samarco 50% 2,705 2,922 2,973 2,884 2,711 8,568 8,787
Total 33,231 35,526 39,572 41,072 37,943 118,587 98,880
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) 60% 514 776 911 808 917 2,636 2,231
Australia (f) 60% 838 1,014 1,108 998 1,123 3,229 3,072
Total 1,352 1,790 2,019 1,806 2,040 5,865 5,303
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) (g) 60% 111 120 124 124 81 329 366
Australia (f) 60% 61 70 70 71 57 198 197
Total 172 190 194 195 138 527 563
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (h)
BMA 50% 3,955 4,874 5,274 5,006 4,226 14,506 15,027
BHP Mitsui Coal (i) 80% 1,133 1,426 1,803 1,580 1,649 5,032 4,467
Illawarra 100% 1,582 1,622 2,214 1,907 1,462 5,583 5,262
Total 6,670 7,922 9,291 8,493 7,337 25,121 24,756
ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa 100% 8,596 8,228 9,095 7,976 7,895 24,966 26,100
USA 100% 2,360 3,779 2,467 2,163 2,109 6,739 7,833
Australia 100% 3,978 3,793 4,046 4,027 4,291 12,364 9,878
Colombia 33% 2,609 2,538 2,852 2,753 2,953 8,558 7,351
Total 17,543 18,338 18,460 16,919 17,248 52,627 51,162
(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) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
(c) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.
(d) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(e) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.
(f) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
(g) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
(h) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.
(i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait 2,465 2,485 2,527 2,190 2,285 7,002 7,729
North West Shelf 1,719 1,442 1,400 1,686 1,671 4,757 6,144
Stybarrow 862 1,037 1,171 836 618 2,625 1,771
Pyrenees 4,326 4,584 3,901 3,207 2,540 9,648 15,204
Other Australia (a) 13 13 13 13 13 39 38
Atlantis (b) 2,694 2,098 2,081 2,390 2,356 6,827 8,613
Mad Dog (b) 952 128 - - - - 2,901
Shenzi (b) (c) 3,378 3,630 3,848 4,119 4,071 12,038 11,153
Onshore US (d) - - 672 1,631 2,202 4,505 -
Trinidad/Tobago 299 687 466 466 453 1,385 584
Other Americas (b) (e) 397 448 373 374 373 1,120 1,186
UK 542 534 447 433 328 1,208 1,632
Algeria (f) 1,474 1,498 1,498 1,437 1,236 4,171 4,747
Pakistan 79 68 85 84 75 244 237
Total 19,200 18,652 18,482 18,866 18,221 55,569 61,939
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait 22.31 29.97 31.88 23.65 19.74 75.27 82.06
North West Shelf 35.11 35.44 32.97 32.56 29.60 95.13 108.07
Other Australia (a) 4.69 4.68 4.45 4.56 4.42 13.43 14.52
Atlantis (b) 0.84 0.67 0.64 0.67 0.68 1.99 3.24
Mad Dog (b) 0.13 0.01 - - - - 0.44
Shenzi (b) (c) 0.64 0.67 0.62 0.57 0.56 1.75 2.16
Onshore US (d) - 36.43 77.59 121.63 124.17 323.39 -
Trinidad/Tobago - 4.69 9.31 9.72 9.50 28.53 -
Other Americas (b) (e) 1.33 1.42 1.19 0.98 1.09 3.26 4.05
UK 6.32 5.69 3.91 5.51 5.03 14.45 18.77
Pakistan 13.53 12.12 14.79 14.64 13.88 43.31 39.96
Total 84.90 131.79 177.35 214.49 208.67 600.51 273.27
NGL (‘000 barrels of oil equivalent)
Bass Strait 1,252 1,554 1,823 1,407 1,355 4,585 4,694
North West Shelf 434 367 423 434 421 1,278 1,347
Atlantis (b) 150 117 120 123 124 367 515
Mad Dog (b) 39 11 - - - - 123
Shenzi (b) (c) 245 252 296 293 291 880 777
Onshore US (d) - - 416 943 1,275 2,634 -
Other Americas (b) (e) 42 47 41 34 34 109 138
UK 79 66 18 45 12 75 213
Algeria (f) 201 222 219 83 - 302 840
Total 2,442 2,636 3,356 3,362 3,512 10,230 8,647
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 35.79 43.25 51.40 57.98 56.51 165.89 116.13
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (g)
(a) Other Australia includes Minerva.
(b) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.
(c) The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.
(d) Fayetteville shale acquisition completed on 31 March 2011. Petrohawk Energy Corporation acquisition completed on 20 August 2011. Onshore US volumes are net of mineral holder royalties.
(e) Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Genesis and Starlifter.
(f) Algeria includes ROD and Ohanet. The Ohanet Risk Sharing Contract expired in October 2011.
(g) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia 663 725 752 694 741 2,187 2,177
Alumar, Brazil 296 301 308 307 311 926 807
Total 959 1,026 1,060 1,001 1,052 3,113 2,984
Sales
Worsley, Australia 633 727 720 745 713 2,178 2,135
Alumar, Brazil 249 324 280 349 216 845 759
Total 882 1,051 1,000 1,093 929 3,022 2,894
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa 173 179 180 180 144 504 532
Bayside, South Africa 24 24 25 24 26 75 73
Alumar, Brazil 44 43 44 42 42 128 131
Mozal, Mozambique 64 67 66 67 65 198 197
Total 305 313 315 313 277 905 933
Sales
Hillside, South Africa 163 181 163 186 141 490 471
Bayside, South Africa 38 29 24 25 27 76 98
Alumar, Brazil 43 44 44 43 31 118 130
Mozal, Mozambique 66 80 60 85 66 211 197
Total 310 334 291 339 265 895 896
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
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) 100,966 97,705 69,006 96,152 103,321 268,479 302,974
Sulphide ore milled (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 15,993 16,399 12,029 18,663 16,449 47,141 54,479
Average copper grade (%) 1.15% 1.06% 0.97% 0.97% 1.14% 1.03% 1.22%
Production ex mill (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 153.1 141.2 91.9 144.3 153.1 389.3 545.4
Production
Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 87.7 79.4 49.9 80.4 87.7 218.0 311.1
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 19,667 17,116 11,063 14,242 12,732 38,037 67,607
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 44.4 42.6 32.9 43.0 47.4 123.3 136.5
Payable silver concentrate (‘000 ounces) 670 580 403 549 481 1,433 2,269
Sales
Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 74.3 90.9 49.2 82.1 82.6 213.9 303.0
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 16,754 20,251 10,974 14,435 11,998 37,407 65,772
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 47.7 48.0 25.7 45.3 44.3 115.3 133.8
Payable silver concentrate (‘000 ounces) 569 673 404 558 454 1,416 2,204
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 16,320 17,840 14,736 16,792 16,320 47,848 50,254
Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 4,251 4,771 4,608 4,601 4,300 13,509 13,466
Average copper grade (%) 0.75% 0.74% 0.72% 0.71% 0.72% 0.72% 0.75%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 22.6 25.7 22.5 23.5 18.7 64.7 66.7
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 22.5 25.7 22.4 23.8 20.2 66.4 68.6
Spence
Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 19,046 19,487 19,816 26,511 29,982 76,309 54,583
Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 4,892 4,545 3,862 4,909 4,279 13,050 13,886
Average copper grade (%) 1.23% 1.22% 1.30% 1.46% 1.20% 1.33% 1.25%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 41.5 50.0 42.9 46.5 47.5 136.9 129.8
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 45.7 54.5 43.2 46.6 44.1 133.9 130.9
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 33,154 41,669 44,212 38,759 41,474 124,445 96,475
Sulphide ore milled (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 9,288 9,253 9,396 9,656 10,162 29,214 27,676
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 0.99% 0.90% 1.11% 1.15% 1.10% 1.12% 0.99%
- Zinc (%) 1.15% 1.03% 0.68% 0.72% 0.84% 0.75% 1.20%
Production
Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 24.9 22.5 30.3 30.9 30.9 92.1 75.3
Payable zinc (tonnes) 24,123 20,385 8,956 13,553 16,823 39,332 71,085
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 813 773 972 1,087 1,170 3,229 2,827
Payable lead (tonnes) 237 164 102 205 148 455 1,026
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 334 418 595 766 521 1,882 1,027
Sales
Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 26.1 23.5 28.2 31.7 30.7 90.6 75.6
Payable zinc (tonnes) 25,571 18,479 9,586 12,654 13,464 35,704 74,420
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 839 658 833 940 1,114 2,887 2,963
Payable lead (tonnes) 180 92 91 139 200 430 1,431
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 394 346 549 591 669 1,809 1,124
Cannington, Australia
Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 703 841 819 778 756 2,353 2,269
Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 713 786 826 888 778 2,492 2,304
Average head grades
- Silver (g/t) 377 381 332 370 367 356 429
- Lead (%) 8.6% 8.6% 7.9% 8.8% 8.0% 8.3% 9.4%
- Zinc (%) 3.6% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.7% 2.8% 3.3%
Production
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 7,315 8,242 7,559 9,056 7,836 24,451 26,983
Payable lead (tonnes) 51,673 58,414 55,557 66,787 53,412 175,756 184,950
Payable zinc (tonnes) 16,129 14,348 14,488 14,745 12,904 42,137 46,309
Sales
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 7,263 8,235 6,434 8,960 7,081 22,475 26,455
Payable lead (tonnes) 52,199 58,868 48,258 66,657 49,027 163,942 183,105
Payable zinc (tonnes) 12,986 14,530 15,734 14,078 10,780 40,592 42,084
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a) (‘000 tonnes) 2,433 2,675 2,543 2,440 2,389 7,372 7,656
Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 2,670 2,533 2,471 2,440 2,195 7,106 7,797
Average copper grade (%) 1.84% 1.92% 1.98% 2.08% 2.01% 2.02% 1.84%
Average uranium grade kg/t 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.50 0.57 0.54 0.53
Production
Copper cathode (ER) (‘000 tonnes) 47.8 47.0 37.6 51.5 45.2 134.3 134.4
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 3.3 3.7 2.8 3.1 2.6 8.5 9.0
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,063 1,015 1,000 909 896 2,805 3,030
Refined gold (fine ounces) 29,892 28,429 28,376 29,765 31,952 90,093 82,939
Refined silver (‘000 ounces) 258 282 217 211 228 656 700
Sales
Copper cathode (ER) (‘000 tonnes) 48.7 46.5 36.4 51.7 44.4 132.5 136.2
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 2.7 4.1 3.5 2.5 3.0 9.0 8.4
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 930 1,143 910 1,126 640 2,676 2,802
Refined gold (fine ounces) 31,742 30,323 28,979 24,327 36,832 90,138 80,413
Refined silver (‘000 ounces) 334 269 289 155 268 712 685
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 4.2 4.3
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 1.9 1.2 1.7 1.2 1.2 4.1 4.7
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
EKATI™, Canada
Ore Processed (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 1,122 1,212 1,177 1,090 1,001 3,268 3,480
Production (‘000 carats) 551 576 457 481 433 1,371 1,930
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production 7.8 7.4 10.4 12.3 13.4 36.1 32.6
Sales 8.5 8.5 7.7 13.1 13.8 34.6 33.3
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate 1.6 3.3 2.6 1.8 2.3 6.7 4.2
Nickel contained in finished matte 12.4 16.1 9.0 15.2 10.5 34.7 47.8
Nickel metal 11.2 11.4 13.1 9.1 15.5 37.7 29.9
Nickel production 25.2 30.8 24.7 26.1 28.3 79.1 81.9
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate 2.2 3.9 1.2 2.6 1.5 5.3 4.6
Nickel contained in finished matte 14.7 14.9 10.1 13.9 10.2 34.2 49.2
Nickel metal 9.2 12.4 9.4 10.9 14.2 34.5 31.0
Nickel sales 26.1 31.2 20.7 27.4 25.9 74.0 84.8
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (b) 11,912 12,480 13,158 13,247 11,789 38,194 32,765
Goldsworthy Joint Venture 305 284 254 334 37 625 914
Area C Joint Venture 9,510 10,044 10,479 10,437 10,343 31,259 29,750
Yandi Joint Venture 8,799 9,796 12,708 14,170 13,063 39,941 26,664
Total (BHP Billiton share) 30,526 32,604 36,599 38,188 35,232 110,019 90,093
Total production (100%) 35,913 38,358 43,058 44,927 41,449 129,434 105,991
Shipments
Lump 7,669 7,463 7,744 8,700 8,235 24,679 23,321
Fines 22,648 25,379 29,311 28,406 26,523 84,240 67,567
Total (BHP Billiton share) 30,317 32,842 37,055 37,106 34,758 108,919 90,888
Total sales (100%) 35,667 38,638 43,594 43,654 40,892 128,140 106,927
(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 2,705 2,922 2,973 2,884 2,711 8,568 8,787
Shipments 2,598 2,736 2,926 2,961 2,453 8,340 8,692
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production 514 776 911 808 917 2,636 2,231
Sales 701 746 861 853 871 2,585 2,305
Australia (a)
Saleable production 838 1,014 1,108 998 1,123 3,229 3,072
Sales 1,127 1,108 1,094 876 1,115 3,085 2,852
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production 111 120 124 124 81 329 366
Sales 145 123 95 138 122 355 393
Australia (a)
Saleable production 61 70 70 71 57 198 197
Sales 62 75 91 58 57 206 183
(a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.
(b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater 870 1,127 1,367 1,122 955 3,444 3,462
Goonyella 993 1,417 1,463 1,375 1,153 3,991 3,942
Peak Downs 758 543 971 992 788 2,751 2,859
Saraji 532 556 802 900 627 2,329 2,223
Norwich Park 128 386 365 369 248 982 669
Gregory Joint Venture 674 845 306 248 455 1,009 1,872
BMA total 3,955 4,874 5,274 5,006 4,226 14,506 15,027
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek 623 690 1,106 901 1,040 3,047 2,444
Poitrel 510 736 697 679 609 1,985 2,023
BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,133 1,426 1,803 1,580 1,649 5,032 4,467
Queensland total 5,088 6,300 7,077 6,586 5,875 19,538 19,494
Shipments
Coking coal 3,475 4,865 5,066 4,845 4,522 14,433 15,359
Weak coking coal 970 1,411 1,691 1,747 1,595 5,033 4,509
Thermal coal 125 285 176 20 111 307 699
Total 4,570 6,561 6,933 6,612 6,228 19,773 20,567
(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 1,582 1,622 2,214 1,907 1,462 5,583 5,262
Shipments
Coking coal 1,374 1,407 1,673 1,255 1,460 4,388 4,257
Thermal coal 211 216 159 441 219 819 1,109
Total 1,585 1,623 1,832 1,696 1,679 5,207 5,366
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
MAR JUN SEP DEC MAR MAR MAR
2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2011
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production 8,596 8,228 9,095 7,976 7,895 24,966 26,100
Sales
Export 2,887 3,082 3,439 3,546 3,807 10,792 9,299
Local utility 5,254 5,363 5,622 4,582 4,397 14,601 15,945
Inland 78 37 85 165 124 374 284
Total 8,219 8,482 9,146 8,293 8,328 25,767 25,528
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal 1,629 2,271 1,178 2,060 1,913 5,151 5,201
San Juan Coal 731 1,508 1,289 103 196 1,588 2,632
Total 2,360 3,779 2,467 2,163 2,109 6,739 7,833
Sales - local utility 3,385 3,106 3,630 3,108 3,057 9,795 10,085
NSW Energy Coal, Australia
Production 3,978 3,793 4,046 4,027 4,291 12,364 9,878
Sales
Export 3,824 3,522 3,523 3,566 3,160 10,249 9,703
Inland 339 364 625 333 297 1,255 923
Total 4,163 3,886 4,148 3,899 3,457 11,504 10,626
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production 2,609 2,538 2,852 2,753 2,953 8,558 7,351
Sales - export 2,149 2,853 2,901 2,784 2,652 8,337 7,597
BHP Billiton Production Report for the nine months ended 31 March 2012
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: April 18, 2012 | By: | /s/ Jane McAloon | ||
| Name: | Jane McAloon | |||
| Title: | Group Company Secretary | |||