7th Dec 2007 13:34
BHP Billiton PLC07 December 2007 NEWS RELEASERelease Time IMMEDIATEDate 7 December 2007Number 36/07 BHP BILLITON APPROVES KLIPSPRUIT PROJECT BHP Billiton announced today the approval of the Klipspruit Project, part of itsEnergy Coal operations in South Africa. The Klipspruit opencast mine (100% BHP Billiton owned) with a current run ofmine (ROM) capacity of 4.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) will be expanded to 8Mtpa. The Klipspruit Project, which involves an investment of approximately US$450million, will include the development of a 16 Mtpa coal processing plant calledthe Phola Coal Processing Plant in a 50:50 joint venture with Anglo Coal. Theplant, processing 8Mtpa of coal from each of the joint venture partners, will belocated on the Klipspruit surface area and constructed by Anglo Coal. The existing Rietspruit coal washing plant, located 32 kilometres fromKlipspruit will be replaced by the new Phola Coal Processing Plant. President BHP Billiton Coal, Dave Murray said: "The approval to expand ourKlipspruit mine, which is a world class ore body, demonstrates our commitment toSouth Africa and the energy coal market. The new joint venture processingfacility with Anglo Coal will be a value adding investment for both parties andwill reduce the need to transport coal on public roads, thereby supporting ourgoal of Zero Harm". Increased production is due to commence in the second half of calendar year2009. Utilising current reserves, the mine is expected to have a 20 year life,although this has the potential to be extended through the development offurther resources. Approximately 4 Mtpa of coal will be exported through theRichards Bay Coal Terminal, using BHP Billiton's existing allocation. In the year ended 30 June 2007, Klipspruit produced a total of 3.4 milliontonnes of energy coal which was sold through both the export market and toEskom, the South African power utility. Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:www.bhpbilliton.com Australia United KingdomSamantha Evans, Media Relations Andre Liebenberg, Investor RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Don Carroll, Investor Relations Illtud Harri, Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 2686 Mobile: +61 417 591 938 Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] United States South AfricaTracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations Alison GIlbert, Investor RelationsTel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031 Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or UK +44 20 7802 4183Mobile: +44 7917 648 093 Mobile: +44 7769 936 227Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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