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BHP Billiton Quarterly Production Report

18th Jan 2012 07:00

RNS Number : 7344V
BHP Billiton PLC
17 January 2012
 



NEWS RELEASE

Release Time

IMMEDIATE

Date

18 January 2012

Number

01/12

 

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011

 

·; Western Australia Iron Ore production rose to a record annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis) in the December 2011 quarter, a 25% increase over the previous corresponding period.

 

·; A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.

 

·; Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia), two of BHP Billiton's high value, export oriented energy coal operations.

 

·; Petroleum production increased 36% from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.

 

Petroleum

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids ('000 boe)

44,066

22,228

-10%

-5%

2%

Natural gas (bcf)

391.84

214.49

108%

160%

21%

Total petroleum products (million boe)

109.38

57.98

36%

56%

13%

 

Total petroleum production- Petroleum production increased 36 per cent from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.

 

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids- Liquids volumes increased marginally from the September 2011 quarter as production from the Onshore US portfolio, development drilling at Shenzi and high uptime at Atlantis (all USA) offset anticipated field decline.

 

The contribution from the Onshore US portfolio resulted in an eight per cent increase in natural gas liquids production in the December 2011 half year, although anticipated field decline and the temporary shut down of the non-operated Mad Dog facility (USA) resulted in lower overall liquids production relative to the prior corresponding period. Mad Dog is forecast by the operator to remain shut down until the June 2012 quarter.

 

Natural gas - Natural gas production was higher than all comparable periods reflecting strong performance from the Onshore US and Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) businesses. Gas production in eastern Australia was down against the September 2011 quarter due to lower seasonal demand.

 

Aluminium

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Alumina ('000 tonnes)

2,061

1,001

2%

-2%

-6%

Aluminium ('000 tonnes)

628

313

0%

0%

-1%

 

Alumina - Sales volumes increased when compared with all corresponding periods as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity. While a planned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia) constrained production during the December 2011 quarter, volumes are expected to recover as the refinery processes stockpiled hydrate in future periods.

 

Aluminium - Production was in line with comparable periods with all operations running at, or close to, maximum technical capacity.

 

Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium business continues to be challenged by underlying cost pressure and weaker prices.

 

Base Metals

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Copper ('000 tonnes)

500.6

280.3

-16%

-7%

27%

Lead (tonnes)

122,651

66,992

-9%

3%

20%

Zinc (tonnes)

51,742

28,298

-33%

-23%

21%

Silver ('000 ounces)

20,054

10,903

-15%

-6%

19%

Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)

1,909

909

-3%

-5%

-9%

 

Copper - A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter. Escondida (Chile) average mill throughput per day steadily increased as operations recovered from the industrial action that affected production in the prior quarter. In addition, Olympic Dam (Australia) benefited from higher grades and improved smelter availability following the planned outage in the September 2011 quarter. The expansion of mining fleets at Antamina (Peru) and Pampa Norte (Chile) contributed to half yearly material mined records for both assets.

 

Consistent with prior guidance, Escondida production is forecast to be marginally lower in the 2012 financial year, with volumes weighted to the second half. Production is expected to improve beyond the 2012 financial year as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit.

 

At 31 December 2011, the Group had 219,718 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.45 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2012 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31 December 2011 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$258 million for the period.

 

Lead/silver - Production at Cannington (Australia) decreased in the December 2011 half year reflecting lower average ore grades.

 

Zinc - Production at Antamina decreased in the December 2011 half year as mining continued to progress through a copper rich ore zone.

 

Uranium - Production was broadly in line with all comparable periods.

 

Diamonds & Specialty Products

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Diamonds ('000 carats)

938

481

-32%

-29%

5%

 

Diamonds - As anticipated, production in the December 2011 half year was lower than the prior corresponding period. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.

 

During the quarter, BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business, including the Group's interests in the EKATI Diamond Mine. The process is ongoing and could continue through the first half of the 2012 calendar year.

 

Stainless Steel Materials

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Nickel ('000 tonnes)

73.5

38.4

-10%

-11%

9%

 

Nickel - Production increased in the December 2011 quarter with the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) operating at full production rates following its successful replacement in the prior quarter. In addition, higher nickel in matte production at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie smelter (Australia) compensated for a decline in metal production at the Nickel West Kwinana refinery that resulted from a planned outage at a third party hydrogen supplier. Nickel West Kwinana is expected to commission its new hydrogen plant in the March 2012 quarter.

 

The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project, which enables the processing of talc bearing ore, was successfully commissioned in December 2011.

 

Nickel West operating margins remain sensitive to persistent weakness in nickel prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar.

 

Iron Ore

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Iron ore ('000 tonnes)

80,644

41,072

23%

22%

4%

 

Iron ore - Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) delivered another quarterly record as production rose to an annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the 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 all contributed to the record performance. While scheduled maintenance, tie-in activities and the wet season in the Pilbara are expected to affect WAIO production in the second half of the 2012 financial year, full year production is now forecast to marginally exceed prior guidance of 159 million tonnes per annum (100% basis).

 

Production at Samarco (Brazil) was in line with comparable periods with all three pellet plants continuing to run at full capacity.

 

Manganese

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Manganese ore ('000 tonnes)

3,825

1,806

-3%

-1%

-11%

Manganese alloy ('000 tonnes)

389

195

-1%

2%

1%

 

Manganese ore - Production was lower than the September 2011 quarter as planned maintenance at Hotazel (South Africa) and a weather related reduction in plant availability at GEMCO (Australia) constrained performance.

 

Manganese alloy - Alloy production was in line with comparable periods.

 

Metallurgical Coal

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Metallurgical coal ('000 tonnes)

17,784

8,493

-2%

9%

-9%

 

Metallurgical coal- Queensland Coal (Australia) volumes for the December 2011 quarter remained below capacity as a result of stoppages associated with the ongoing labour negotiations and the remnant effects of wet weather. In addition, geotechnical issues at the Gregory Crinum longwall adversely affected production in the period. While system capability is no longer constrained by the 2011 floods, the extent to which industrial action will continue to impact production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict.

 

Illawarra Coal (Australia) production increased in the December 2011 half year following successful longwall moves at Dendrobium and Appin in the June 2011 quarter. Volumes were lower than the September 2011 quarter as a planned shutdown of the West Cliff Coal Handling Preparation Plant was undertaken in readiness for commissioning of a plant upgrade. A longwall move and plant shutdown at Dendrobium is scheduled for the March 2012 quarter.

 

Energy Coal

DEC 2011 HALF

DEC 2011 QTR

DEC H11 vs DEC H10

DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10

DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11

Energy coal ('000 tonnes)

35,379

16,919

5%

2%

-8%

 

Energy coal - Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal, two of BHP Billiton's high value, export oriented energy coal operations. However, unfavourable mining conditions and an industrial dispute at South Africa Coal, together with the suspension of operations at San Juan Coal (USA), resulted in lower production relative to the September 2011 quarter.

 

Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton's share and exclude suspended and sold operations.

 

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

 

Media Relations

 

Australia

Samantha Stevens

Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915

email: [email protected]

 

Kelly Quirke

Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312

email: [email protected]

 

Fiona Martin

Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908

email: [email protected]

 

United Kingdom and Americas

Ruban Yogarajah

Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033

Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022

email: [email protected]

 

Investor Relations

 

Australia

James Agar

Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 467 807 064

email: [email protected]

 

Andrew Gunn

Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454

email: [email protected]

 

United Kingdom and South Africa

Brendan Harris

Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726

email: [email protected]

 

Tara Dines

Tel : +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile : +44 7825 342 232

Email : [email protected]

 

Americas

Scott Espenshade

Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565

email: [email protected]

 

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

 

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

% CHANGE

DEC YTD11

DEC Q11

DEC Q11

DEC

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

vs

vs

vs

2010

2011

2011

2011

2010

DEC YTD10

DEC Q10

SEP Q11

PETROLEUM

Crude oil & condensate

('000 bbl)

20,652

18,482

18,866

37,348

42,739

-13%

-9%

2%

Natural gas

(bcf)

82.54

177.35

214.49

391.84

188.37

108%

160%

21%

Natural gas liquids

('000 boe)

2,842

3,356

3,362

6,718

6,205

8%

18%

0%

Total petroleum products

(million boe)

37.25

51.40

57.98

109.38

80.34

36%

56%

13%

ALUMINIUM

Alumina

('000 tonnes)

1,025

1,060

1,001

2,061

2,025

2%

-2%

-6%

Aluminium

('000 tonnes)

314

315

313

628

628

0%

0%

-1%

BASE METALS

Copper

('000 tonnes)

302.3

220.3

280.3

500.6

593.5

-16%

-7%

27%

Lead

(tonnes)

64,925

55,659

66,992

122,651

134,066

-9%

3%

20%

Zinc

(tonnes)

36,945

23,444

28,298

51,742

77,142

-33%

-23%

21%

Gold

(ounces)

51,626

39,439

44,007

83,446

100,987

-17%

-15%

12%

Silver

('000 ounces)

11,571

9,151

10,903

20,054

23,723

-15%

-6%

19%

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

957

1,000

909

1,909

1,967

-3%

-5%

-9%

Molybdenum

(tonnes)

485

595

766

1,361

693

96%

58%

29%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Diamonds

('000 carats)

676

457

481

938

1,379

-32%

-29%

5%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

Nickel

('000 tonnes)

43.0

35.1

38.4

73.5

81.5

-10%

-11%

9%

IRON ORE

Iron ore

('000 tonnes)

33,666

39,572

41,072

80,644

65,649

23%

22%

4%

MANGANESE

Manganese ore

('000 tonnes)

1,829

2,019

1,806

3,825

3,951

-3%

-1%

-11%

Manganese alloy

('000 tonnes)

192

194

195

389

391

-1%

2%

1%

METALLURGICAL COAL

Metallurgical coal

('000 tonnes)

7,787

9,291

8,493

17,784

18,086

-2%

9%

-9%

ENERGY COAL

Energy coal

('000 tonnes)

16,513

18,460

16,919

35,379

33,619

5%

2%

-8%

 

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

 

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

BHP Billiton

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

Interest

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

PETROLEUM

Production

Crude oil & condensate ('000 bbl)

20,652

19,200

18,652

18,482

18,866

37,348

42,739

Natural gas (bcf)

82.54

84.90

131.79

177.35

214.49

391.84

188.37

NGL ('000 boe) (a)

2,842

2,442

2,636

3,356

3,362

6,718

6,205

Total petroleum products (million boe)

37.25

35.79

43.25

51.40

57.98

109.38

80.34

ALUMINIUM

ALUMINA

Production ('000 tonnes)

Worsley

86%

758

663

725

752

694

1,446

1,514

Alumar

36%

267

296

301

308

307

615

511

Total

1,025

959

1,026

1,060

1,001

2,061

2,025

ALUMINIUM

Production ('000 tonnes)

Hillside

100%

179

173

179

180

180

360

359

Bayside

100%

25

24

24

25

24

49

49

Alumar

40%

43

44

43

44

42

86

87

Mozal

47%

67

64

67

66

67

133

133

Total

314

305

313

315

313

628

628

BASE METALS (b)

COPPER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

112.7

87.7

79.4

49.9

80.4

130.3

223.4

Antamina

33.8%

27.2

24.9

22.5

30.3

30.9

61.2

50.4

Total

139.9

112.6

101.9

80.2

111.3

191.5

273.8

Cathode ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

47.1

44.4

42.6

32.9

43.0

75.9

92.1

Pampa Norte (c)

100%

66.0

64.1

75.7

65.4

70.0

135.4

132.4

Pinto Valley

100%

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

2.8

2.9

Olympic Dam

100%

47.8

51.1

50.7

40.4

54.6

95.0

92.3

Total

162.4

161.0

170.4

140.1

169.0

309.1

319.7

LEAD

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

64,748

51,673

58,414

55,557

66,787

122,344

133,277

Antamina

33.8%

177

237

164

102

205

307

789

Total

64,925

51,910

58,578

55,659

66,992

122,651

134,066

ZINC

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

14,920

16,129

14,348

14,488

14,745

29,233

30,180

Antamina

33.8%

22,025

24,123

20,385

8,956

13,553

22,509

46,962

Total

36,945

40,252

34,733

23,444

28,298

51,742

77,142

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BASE METALS (continued)

GOLD

Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

23,133

19,667

17,116

11,063

14,242

25,305

47,940

Olympic Dam (refined gold)

100%

28,493

29,892

28,429

28,376

29,765

58,141

53,047

Total

51,626

49,559

45,545

39,439

44,007

83,446

100,987

SILVER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

796

670

580

403

549

952

1,599

Antamina

33.8%

1,025

813

773

972

1,087

2,059

2,014

Cannington

100%

9,509

7,315

8,242

7,559

9,056

16,615

19,668

Olympic Dam (refined silver)

100%

241

258

282

217

211

428

442

Total

11,571

9,056

9,877

9,151

10,903

20,054

23,723

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Olympic Dam

100%

957

1,063

1,015

1,000

909

1,909

1,967

Total

957

1,063

1,015

1,000

909

1,909

1,967

MOLYBDENUM

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Antamina

33.8%

485

334

418

595

766

1,361

693

Total

485

334

418

595

766

1,361

693

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

DIAMONDS

Production ('000 carats)

EKATI (TM)

80%

676

551

576

457

481

938

1,379

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

NICKEL

Production ('000 tonnes)

CMSA

99.9%

12.4

7.8

7.4

10.4

12.3

22.7

24.8

Nickel West

100%

30.6

25.2

30.8

24.7

26.1

50.8

56.7

Total

43.0

33.0

38.2

35.1

38.4

73.5

81.5

Refer footnotes on page 4.

IRON ORE

Production ('000 tonnes) (d)

Newman (e)

85%

11,213

11,912

12,480

13,158

13,247

26,405

20,853

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

85%

225

305

284

254

334

588

609

Area C Joint Venture

85%

10,154

9,510

10,044

10,479

10,437

20,916

20,240

Yandi Joint Venture

85%

9,078

8,799

9,796

12,708

14,170

26,878

17,865

Samarco

50%

2,996

2,705

2,922

2,973

2,884

5,857

6,082

Total

33,666

33,231

35,526

39,572

41,072

80,644

65,649

MANGANESE

MANGANESE ORES

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (f)

60%

779

514

776

911

808

1,719

1,717

Australia (f)

60%

1,050

838

1,014

1,108

998

2,106

2,234

Total

1,829

1,352

1,790

2,019

1,806

3,825

3,951

MANGANESE ALLOYS

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (f) (g)

60%

123

111

120

124

124

248

255

Australia (f)

60%

69

61

70

70

71

141

136

Total

192

172

190

194

195

389

391

METALLURGICAL COAL

Production ('000 tonnes) (h)

BMA

50%

4,534

3,955

4,874

5,274

5,006

10,280

11,072

BHP Mitsui Coal (i)

80%

1,421

1,133

1,426

1,803

1,580

3,383

3,334

Illawarra

100%

1,832

1,582

1,622

2,214

1,907

4,121

3,680

Total

7,787

6,670

7,922

9,291

8,493

17,784

18,086

ENERGY COAL

Production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa

100%

8,507

8,596

8,228

9,095

7,976

17,071

17,504

USA

100%

2,296

2,360

3,779

2,467

2,163

4,630

5,473

Australia

100%

3,394

3,978

3,793

4,046

4,027

8,073

5,900

Colombia

33%

2,316

2,609

2,538

2,852

2,753

5,605

4,742

Total

16,513

17,543

18,338

18,460

16,919

35,379

33,619

 

(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%.

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

PETROLEUM

BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.

CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)

Bass Strait

2,553

2,465

2,485

2,527

2,190

4,717

5,264

North West Shelf

2,188

1,719

1,442

1,400

1,686

3,086

4,425

Stybarrow

358

862

1,037

1,171

836

2,007

909

Pyrenees

5,362

4,326

4,584

3,901

3,207

7,108

10,878

Other Australia (a)

10

13

13

13

13

26

25

Atlantis (b)

2,881

2,694

2,098

2,081

2,390

4,471

5,919

Mad Dog (b)

874

952

128

-

1,949

Shenzi (b) (c)

3,859

3,378

3,630

3,848

4,119

7,967

7,775

Onshore US (d)

-

-

672

1,631

2,303

Trinidad/Tobago

-

299

687

466

466

932

285

Other Americas (b) (e)

430

397

448

373

374

747

789

UK

479

542

534

447

433

880

1,090

Algeria

1,587

1,474

1,498

1,498

1,437

2,935

3,273

Pakistan

71

79

68

85

84

169

158

Total

20,652

19,200

18,652

18,482

18,866

37,348

42,739

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)

Bass Strait

20.94

22.31

29.97

31.88

23.65

55.53

59.75

North West Shelf

36.47

35.11

35.44

32.97

32.56

65.53

72.96

Other Australia (a)

3.83

4.69

4.68

4.45

4.56

9.01

9.83

Atlantis (b)

1.07

0.84

0.67

0.64

0.67

1.31

2.40

Mad Dog (b)

0.06

0.13

0.01

  -

-

-

0.31

Shenzi (b) (c)

0.77

0.64

0.67

0.62

0.57

1.19

1.52

Onshore US (d)

-

-

36.43

77.59

121.63

199.22

-

Trinidad/Tobago

-

-

4.69

9.31

9.72

19.03

-

Other Americas (b) (e)

1.32

1.33

1.42

1.19

0.98

2.17

2.72

UK

6.14

6.32

5.69

3.91

5.51

9.42

12.45

Pakistan

11.94

13.53

12.12

14.79

14.64

29.43

26.43

Total

82.54

84.90

131.79

177.35

214.49

391.84

188.37

NGL ('000 barrels of oil equivalent)

Bass Strait

1,412

1,252

1,554

1,823

1,407

3,230

3,442

North West Shelf

442

434

367

423

434

857

913

Atlantis (b)

177

150

117

120

123

243

365

Mad Dog (b)

42

39

11

-

-

-

84

Shenzi (b) (c)

336

245

252

296

293

589

532

Onshore US (d)

-

-

-

416

943

1,359

-

Other Americas (b) (e)

54

42

47

41

34

75

96

UK

74

79

66

18

45

63

134

Algeria

305

201

222

219

83

302

639

Total

2,842

2,442

2,636

3,356

3,362

6,718

6,205

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

37.25

35.79

43.25

51.40

57.98

109.38

80.34

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)

 

(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) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

ALUMINIUM

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

ALUMINA

Production

Worsley, Australia

758

663

725

752

694

1,446

1,514

Alumar, Brazil

267

296

301

308

307

615

511

Total

1,025

959

1,026

1,060

1,001

2,061

2,025

Sales

Worsley, Australia

735

633

727

720

745

1,465

1,502

Alumar, Brazil

271

249

324

280

349

629

510

Total

1,006

882

1,051

1,000

1,093

2,093

2,012

ALUMINIUM

Production

Hillside, South Africa

179

173

179

180

180

360

359

Bayside, South Africa

25

24

24

25

24

49

49

Alumar, Brazil

43

44

43

44

42

86

87

Mozal, Mozambique

67

64

67

66

67

133

133

Total

314

305

313

315

313

628

628

Sales

Hillside, South Africa

160

163

181

163

186

349

308

Bayside, South Africa

31

38

29

24

25

49

60

Alumar, Brazil

43

43

44

44

43

87

87

Mozal, Mozambique

76

66

80

60

85

145

131

Total

310

310

334

291

339

630

586

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

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)

98,167

100,966

97,705

69,006

96,152

165,158

202,008

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

18,789

15,993

16,399

12,029

18,663

30,692

38,486

Average copper grade

(%)

1.26%

1.15%

1.06%

0.97%

0.97%

0.97%

1.25%

Production ex mill (100%)

('000 tonnes)

194.6

153.1

141.2

91.9

144.3

236.2

392.3

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

112.7

87.7

79.4

49.9

80.4

130.3

223.4

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

23,133

19,667

17,116

11,063

14,242

25,305

47,940

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

47.1

44.4

42.6

32.9

43.0

75.9

92.1

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

796

670

580

403

549

952

1,599

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

113.9

74.3

90.9

49.2

82.1

131.3

228.7

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

23,357

16,754

20,251

10,974

14,435

25,409

49,018

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

46.1

47.7

48.0

25.7

45.3

71.0

86.1

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

804

569

673

404

558

962

1,635

Pampa Norte, Chile

Cerro Colorado

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

18,290

16,320

17,840

14,736

16,792

31,528

33,934

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

4,631

4,251

4,771

4,608

4,601

9,209

9,215

Average copper grade

(%)

0.76%

0.75%

0.74%

0.72%

0.71%

0.72%

0.75%

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

22.4

22.6

25.7

22.5

23.5

46.0

44.1

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

24.7

22.5

25.7

22.4

23.8

46.2

46.1

Spence

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

18,389

19,046

19,487

19,816

26,511

46,327

35,537

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

4,567

4,892

4,545

3,862

4,909

8,771

8,994

Average copper grade

(%)

1.28%

1.23%

1.22%

1.30%

1.46%

1.39%

1.27%

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

43.6

41.5

50.0

42.9

46.5

89.4

88.3

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

48.2

45.7

54.5

43.2

46.6

89.8

85.2

Antamina, Peru

Material mined (100%)

('000 tonnes)

32,722

33,154

41,669

44,212

38,759

82,971

63,321

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

9,347

9,288

9,253

9,396

9,656

19,052

18,388

Average head grades

 - Copper

(%)

1.06%

0.99%

0.90%

1.11%

1.15%

1.13%

1.00%

 - Zinc

(%)

1.11%

1.15%

1.03%

0.68%

0.72%

0.70%

1.23%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

27.2

24.9

22.5

30.3

30.9

61.2

50.4

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

22,025

24,123

20,385

8,956

13,553

22,509

46,962

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

1,025

813

773

972

1,087

2,059

2,014

Payable lead

(tonnes)

177

237

164

102

205

307

789

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

485

334

418

595

766

1,361

693

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

21.8

26.1

23.5

28.2

31.7

59.9

49.5

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

24,912

25,571

18,479

9,586

12,654

22,240

48,849

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

882

839

658

833

940

1,773

2,124

Payable lead

(tonnes)

503

180

92

91

139

230

1,251

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

292

394

346

549

591

1,140

730

Cannington, Australia

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

824

703

841

819

778

1,597

1,566

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

760

713

786

826

888

1,714

1,591

Average head grades

 - Silver

(g/t)

459

377

381

332

370

352

453

 - Lead

(%)

9.9%

8.6%

8.6%

7.9%

8.8%

8.4%

9.7%

 - Zinc

(%)

3.3%

3.6%

2.9%

2.9%

2.9%

2.9%

3.1%

Production

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

9,509

7,315

8,242

7,559

9,056

16,615

19,668

Payable lead

(tonnes)

64,748

51,673

58,414

55,557

66,787

122,344

133,277

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

14,920

16,129

14,348

14,488

14,745

29,233

30,180

Sales

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

9,973

7,263

8,235

6,434

8,960

15,394

19,192

Payable lead

(tonnes)

67,815

52,199

58,868

48,258

66,657

114,915

130,906

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

16,621

12,986

14,530

15,734

14,078

29,812

29,098

Olympic Dam, Australia

Material mined (a)

('000 tonnes)

2,513

2,433

2,675

2,543

2,440

4,983

5,223

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

2,622

2,670

2,533

2,471

2,440

4,911

5,127

Average copper grade

(%)

1.78%

1.84%

1.92%

1.98%

2.08%

2.03%

1.84%

Average uranium grade

kg/t

0.50

0.54

0.54

0.54

0.50

0.52

0.52

Production

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

45.0

47.8

47.0

37.6

51.5

89.1

86.6

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.8

3.3

3.7

2.8

3.1

5.9

5.7

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

957

1,063

1,015

1,000

909

1,909

1,967

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

28,493

29,892

28,429

28,376

29,765

58,141

53,047

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

241

258

282

217

211

428

442

Sales

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

45.3

48.7

46.5

36.4

51.7

88.1

87.5

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.9

2.7

4.1

3.5

2.5

6.0

5.7

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

1,121

930

1,143

910

1,126

2,036

1,872

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

29,757

31,742

30,323

28,979

24,327

53,306

48,671

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

150

334

269

289

155

444

351

(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

Pinto Valley, USA

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

2.8

2.9

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

1.0

1.9

1.2

1.7

1.2

2.9

2.8

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

EKATI (TM), Canada

Ore Processed (100%)

('000 tonnes)

1,162

1,122

1,212

1,177

1,090

2,267

2,358

Production

('000 carats)

676

551

576

457

481

938

1,379

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

NICKEL

CMSA, Colombia

Production

12.4

7.8

7.4

10.4

12.3

22.7

24.8

Sales

12.8

8.5

8.5

7.7

13.1

20.8

24.8

Nickel West, Australia

Production

Nickel contained in concentrate

1.7

1.6

3.3

2.6

1.8

4.4

2.6

Nickel contained in finished matte

21.8

12.4

16.1

9.0

15.2

24.2

35.4

Nickel metal

7.1

11.2

11.4

13.1

9.1

22.2

18.7

Nickel production

30.6

25.2

30.8

24.7

26.1

50.8

56.7

Sales

Nickel contained in concentrate

0.8

2.2

3.9

1.2

2.6

3.8

2.4

Nickel contained in finished matte

19.9

14.7

14.9

10.1

13.9

24.0

34.5

Nickel metal

9.6

9.2

12.4

9.4

10.9

20.3

21.8

Nickel sales

30.3

26.1

31.2

20.7

27.4

48.1

58.7

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

IRON ORE

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

IRON ORE (a)

Pilbara, Australia

Production

Newman (b)

11,213

11,912

12,480

13,158

13,247

26,405

20,853

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

225

305

284

254

334

588

609

Area C Joint Venture

10,154

9,510

10,044

10,479

10,437

20,916

20,240

Yandi Joint Venture

9,078

8,799

9,796

12,708

14,170

26,878

17,865

Total (BHP Billiton share)

30,670

30,526

32,604

36,599

38,188

74,787

59,567

Total production (100%)

36,082

35,913

38,358

43,058

44,927

87,985

70,078

Shipments

Lump

7,830

7,669

7,463

7,744

8,700

16,444

15,652

Fines

23,870

22,648

25,379

29,311

28,406

57,717

44,919

Total (BHP Billiton share)

31,700

30,317

32,842

37,055

37,106

74,161

60,571

Total sales (100%)

37,294

35,667

38,638

43,594

43,654

87,248

71,260

(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

2,996

2,705

2,922

2,973

2,884

5,857

6,082

Shipments

3,460

2,598

2,736

2,926

2,961

5,887

6,094

 

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

MANGANESE

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

MANGANESE ORE

South Africa (a)

Saleable production

779

514

776

911

808

1,719

1,717

Sales

947

701

746

861

853

1,714

1,604

Australia (a)

Saleable production

1,050

838

1,014

1,108

998

2,106

2,234

Sales

1,173

1,127

1,108

1,094

876

1,970

1,725

MANGANESE ALLOY

South Africa (a) (b)

Saleable production

123

111

120

124

124

248

255

Sales

153

145

123

95

138

233

248

Australia (a)

Saleable production

69

61

70

70

71

141

136

Sales

68

62

75

91

58

149

121

 

(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.

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

METALLURGICAL COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production

BMA

Blackwater

1,134

870

1,127

1,367

1,122

2,489

2,592

Goonyella

1,086

993

1,417

1,463

1,375

2,838

2,949

Peak Downs

984

758

543

971

992

1,963

2,101

Saraji

819

532

556

802

900

1,702

1,691

Norwich Park

73

128

386

365

369

734

541

Gregory Joint Venture

438

674

845

306

248

554

1,198

BMA total

4,534

3,955

4,874

5,274

5,006

10,280

11,072

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)

South Walker Creek

765

623

690

1,106

901

2,007

1,821

Poitrel

656

510

736

697

679

1,376

1,513

BHP Mitsui Coal total

1,421

1,133

1,426

1,803

1,580

3,383

3,334

Queensland total

5,955

5,088

6,300

7,077

6,586

13,663

14,406

Shipments

Coking coal

5,243

3,475

4,865

5,066

4,845

9,911

11,884

Weak coking coal

1,886

970

1,411

1,691

1,747

3,438

3,539

Thermal coal

206

125

285

176

20

196

574

Total

7,335

4,570

6,561

6,933

6,612

13,545

15,997

(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

1,832

1,582

1,622

2,214

1,907

4,121

3,680

Shipments

Coking coal

1,495

1,374

1,407

1,673

1,255

2,928

2,883

Thermal coal

536

211

216

159

441

600

898

Total

2,031

1,585

1,623

1,832

1,696

3,528

3,781

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR TO DATE

DEC

MAR

JUN

SEP

DEC

DEC

DEC

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

ENERGY COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

South Africa

Production

8,507

8,596

8,228

9,095

7,976

17,071

17,504

Sales

Export

3,365

2,887

3,082

3,439

3,546

6,985

6,412

Local utility

5,024

5,254

5,363

5,622

4,582

10,204

10,691

Inland

96

78

37

85

165

250

206

Total

8,485

8,219

8,482

9,146

8,293

17,439

17,309

New Mexico, USA

Production

Navajo Coal

1,818

1,629

2,271

1,178

2,060

3,238

3,572

San Juan Coal

478

731

1,508

1,289

103

1,392

1,901

Total

2,296

2,360

3,779

2,467

2,163

4,630

5,473

Sales - local utility

3,339

3,385

3,106

3,630

3,108

6,738

6,700

NSW Energy Coal, Australia

Production

3,394

3,978

3,793

4,046

4,027

8,073

5,900

Sales

Export

3,253

3,824

3,522

3,523

3,566

7,089

5,879

Inland

180

339

364

625

333

958

584

Total

3,433

4,163

3,886

4,148

3,899

8,047

6,463

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia

Production

2,316

2,609

2,538

2,852

2,753

5,605

4,742

Sales - export

2,672

2,149

2,853

2,901

2,784

5,685

5,448

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
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