24th Jan 2006 07:00
BHP Billiton PLC23 January 2006 24 January 2006Number 01/06 BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORTFOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005 BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 31December 2005. Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, productionvolumes refer to BHP Billiton share. • Record half year production of aluminium, copper, nickel and LNG supported by strong market conditions. • Half year production of copper up 24% and nickel up 137% following the acquisition of WMC in June 2005. • Escondida (Chile) achieved third consecutive quarter of record copper production. • Increased production at Western Australian Iron Ore (Australia) following weather and derailment interruptions last quarter. DEC DEC DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 2005 2005 vs vs vsPETROLEUM HALF QTR DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEPT Q05Crude Oil & Condensate ('000 bbl) 23,434 11,200 -3% -8% -8%Natural Gas (bcf) 184.00 86.35 12% -1% -12%Total Petroleum Products (million boe) 59.31 27.93 3% -5% -11% Total Petroleum Products - Total production for the December 2005 half yearincreased against the half year ended December 2004. This primarily reflectsincreased production from Minerva (Australia), Angostura (Trinidad & Tobago),Mad Dog (USA), all commissioned in January 2005 and ROD (Algeria), commissionedin October 2004. This was offset by natural field decline at Bass Strait(Australia) and Liverpool Bay (UK), the sale of our interests in Laminaria(Australia) in January 2005, and hurricane related disruptions in the Gulf ofMexico. Crude Oil and Condensate - Production for the December 2005 quarter was impactedby the loss of production from the Typhoon/Boris facility (USA) due to hurricanedamage, natural field decline at Bass Strait and Liverpool Bay, the sale of ourinterests in Laminaria in January 2005 and unscheduled well downtime at NorthWest Shelf. Offsetting this was increased production following the commissioningof Angostura and Mad Dog, both in January 2005 and ROD in October 2004. Production was lower than the September 2005 quarter due to the timing ofrecognition of production entitlements and planned maintenance at ROD, loss ofproduction from the Typhoon / Boris facility and a scheduled annual shut-down atNorth West Shelf. Natural Gas - Production for the December 2005 quarter was in line with theDecember 2004 quarter. Production for the December 2005 quarter was lower than the September 2005quarter due to lower seasonal demand for Bass Strait gas, partly offset byhigher seasonal demand for Liverpool Bay gas and North West Shelf LNG. Minervagas production decreased during the quarter primarily as a result of scheduledmaintenance. DEC DEC DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 2005 2005 vs vs vsALUMINIUM HALF QTR DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEPT Q05 Alumina ('000 tonnes) 2,040 1,012 0% -2% -2%Aluminium ('000 tonnes) 678 344 0% 2% 3% Alumina - Production for the half year and quarter ended December 2005 was inline with all comparative periods. Aluminium - Record production was achieved for the half year ended December2005. Mozal (Mozambique) and Hillside (South Africa) continue to deliver strongproduction, both achieving quarterly and half yearly records. Bayside (SouthAfrica) returned to full operating capacity during the quarter following apotline outage in April 2005. DEC DEC DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 2005 2005 vs vs vsBASE METALS HALF QTR DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEPT Q05 Copper ('000 tonnes) 637.3 328.4 24% 24% 6%Silver ('000 ounces) 25,228 13,866 5% 12% 22%Lead (tonnes) 142,060 77,187 4% 8% 19%Uranium Oxide Concentrate (tonnes) 2,158 1,070 n/a n/a -2% Copper - Production for the December 2005 half year was a record 637,300 tonnes,24% higher than the December 2004 half year, reflecting improved performance atEscondida and inclusion of a full six months of production from Olympic Dam(Australia). Escondida achieved its third consecutive quarter of record production due toincreased mill throughput, the commissioning of Norte and higher head grades.Increased mill throughput and higher head grades also led to record quarterlyproduction at Antamina (Peru) and higher production at Olympic Dam. Productionfrom Cerro Colorado (Chile) continued to ramp up to near full operationalcapacity following an earthquake in June 2005. Silver - Production was higher in the December 2005 half year primarily due torecord production at Escondida reflecting increased throughput, inclusion of sixmonths of production from Olympic Dam and improved mill throughput at Cannington(Australia). December 2005 quarterly production was higher than the September 2005 quarter asa result of improved mill throughput at Cannington compared to the previousperiod and record quarterly production at Antamina. Lead - December 2005 half year and quarterly production increased as a result ofimproved mill throughput at Cannington. Uranium Oxide Concentrate - Production in the December 2005 quarter was in linewith the September 2005 quarter. DEC DEC DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 2005 2005 vs vs vsCARBON STEEL MATERIALS HALF QTR DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEPT Q05 Iron ore ('000 tonnes) 48,211 24,610 2% -1% 4%Metallurgical Coal ('000 tonnes) 17,959 8,973 -5% -7% 0%Manganese Ores ('000 tonnes) 2,665 1,278 -3% -6% -8%Manganese Alloys ('000 tonnes) 304 165 -24% -20% 19% Iron Ore - December 2005 half year and quarterly production was in line with theDecember 2004 comparative periods. Production was higher in the December 2005 quarter than the September 2005quarter following the impact of heavy rainfall and a derailment in the previousquarter. This was partly offset by the impact of Rapid Growth Project 2 tie-inactivity during the December 2005 quarter. Metallurgical Coal - Production for the half year and quarter ended December2005 was lower than the half year and quarter ended December 2004. Thisprimarily reflects reduced production at Queensland Coal (Australia) due to thedepletion of reserves at Riverside, scheduled dragline outages at South WalkerCreek and Saraji and increased maintenance at Blackwater. This was offset by thecontinued ramp up of Broadmeadow (Australia), commissioned in August 2005.Illawarra Coal (Australia) delivered strong production during the quarter withthe ramp up of Dendrobium, which was commissioned in April 2005. Production for the December 2005 quarter was in line with the September 2005quarter. Manganese ore - Production for the December 2005 half year and quarter was lowerthan all comparative periods as a result of lower market demand. Manganese alloys - December 2005 half year and quarterly production decreasedcompared to the December 2004 comparative periods primarily reflecting lowermarket demand. December 2005 quarterly production was higher than the September 2005 quarterdue to scheduled maintenance at Metalloys (South Africa) in the previous period. DEC DEC DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 2005 2005 vs vs vsDIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS HALF QTR DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEPT Q05 Diamonds ('000 carats) 1,466 614 -21% -30% -28%Fertiliser ('000 tonnes) 497.5 252.6 n/a n/a 3% Diamonds - Carat production decreased in the half year ended December 2005primarily reflecting the processing of lower grade ore at Ekati (Canada). December 2005 quarterly production was lower than the September 2005 quarter asa result of reduced throughput and lower grade following changed ore sourceswithin the mine. Fertiliser - Record half year and quarterly production was achieved at SouthernCross Fertiliser Operations resulting from increased operating efficiency. DEC DEC DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 2005 2005 vs vs vsENERGY COAL HALF QTR DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEPT Q05 Energy Coal ('000 tonnes) 45,297 21,287 1% 0% -11% Energy Coal - Production for the half year ended December 2005 was in line withthe December 2004 half year. Production for the December 2005 quarter was lower than the September 2005quarter, primarily reflecting lower seasonal demand for Ingwe (South Africa)domestic coal, return to normal longwall geological conditions at San Juan Coal(USA) following a record quarter in September 2005 due to unusually favourableconditions, and reduced yields and equipment availability combined withincreased strip ratios at Hunter Valley Coal (Australia). DEC DEC DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 2005 2005 vs vs vsSTAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS HALF QTR DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEPT Q05 Nickel ('000 tonnes) 93.1 49.0 137% 149% 11% Nickel - Record production for the half year ended December 2005 primarilyreflects inclusion of a full six months of production from Nickel West. Production for the December 2005 quarter was higher than the September 2005quarter as a result of higher production at Nickel West due to improvedalignment of concentrate availability with smelter uptime. This was partlyoffset by increased maintenance and the continuing impact of expansion tie-insat Yabulu (Australia). **** Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:www.bhpbilliton.comAustralia United KingdomJane Belcher, Investor Relations Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653 Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44 7769 934 942email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Evans, Media Relations Ariane Gentil, Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 Tel: +44 20 7802 4177 Mobile: +44 78 81 51 8715email: [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: +27 11 376 3360 or UK: +44 20 7802 4183Mobile: +44 7917 648 093 Mobile: +44 7769 936 227email: [email protected] email: [email protected] BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED % CHANGE DEC H05 DEC Q05 DEC Q05 DEC SEPT DEC DEC DEC vs vs vs 2004 2005 2005 2005 2004 DEC H04 DEC Q04 SEP Q05PETROLEUMCrude oil & condensate ('000 bbl) 12,190 12,234 11,200 23,434 24,218 -3% -8% -8%Natural gas (bcf) 87.35 97.65 86.35 184.00 164.54 12% -1% -12%LPG ('000 216.07 234.24 190.59 424.83 447.10 -5% -12% -19% tonnes)Ethane ('000 27.20 28.02 24.72 52.74 54.95 -4% -9% -12% tonnes)Total Petroleum Products(million 29.38 31.38 27.93 59.31 57.41 3% -5% -11% boe)ALUMINIUMAlumina ('000 1,036 1,028 1,012 2,040 2,036 0% -2% -2% tonnes)Aluminium ('000 338 334 344 678 677 0% 2% 3% tonnes) BASE METALSCopper ('000 265.7 308.9 328.4 637.3 514.5 24% 24% 6% tonnes)Lead (tonnes) 71,509 64,873 77,187 142,060 136,419 4% 8% 19%Zinc (tonnes) 20,918 29,147 23,928 53,075 44,769 19% 14% -18%Gold (ounces) 31,247 53,666 54,700 108,366 61,379 77% 75% 2%Silver ('000 12,353 11,362 13,866 25,228 24,121 5% 12% 22% ounces)Uranium oxide (tonnes) - 1,088 1,070 2,158 - - - -2%concentrateMolybdenum (tonnes) 560 573 772 1,345 883 52% 38% 35% CARBON STEEL MATERIALSIron ore ('000 24,916 23,601 24,610 48,211 47,461 2% -1% 4% tonnes)Metallurgical coal ('000 9,609 8,986 8,973 17,959 18,850 -5% -7% 0% tonnes)Manganese ores ('000 1,361 1,387 1,278 2,665 2,740 -3% -6% -8% tonnes)Manganese alloys ('000 207 139 165 304 402 -24% -20% 19% tonnes) DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTSDiamonds ('000 872 852 614 1,466 1,858 -21% -30% -28% carats)Fertiliser ('000 - 244.9 252.6 497.5 - - - 3% tonnes)ENERGY COALEnergy coal ('000 21,389 24,010 21,287 45,297 44,634 1% 0% -11% tonnes) STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALSNickel ('000 19.7 44.1 49.0 93.1 39.3 137% 149% 11% tonnes)Ferrochrome ('000 271 - - - 536 - - - tonnes) Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since itwas previously reported. BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION HALF YEAR ENDED BHP Billiton DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC Interest 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004PETROLEUMProduction Crude oil & condensate (000 bbl) 12,190 12,345 13,939 12,234 11,200 23,434 24,218 Natural gas (bcf) 87.35 82.35 98.79 97.65 86.35 184.00 164.54 LPG ('000 216.07 199.29 213.71 234.24 190.59 424.83 447.10 tonnes) Ethane ('000 27.20 23.61 22.97 28.02 24.72 52.74 54.95 tonnes) Total Petroleum Products (million 29.38 28.49 33.13 31.38 27.93 59.31 57.41 boe)ALUMINIUMALUMINAProduction ('000 tonnes) Worsley 86% 686 746 718 689 663 1,352 1,349 Suriname 45% 222 220 209 227 219 445 445 Alumar 36% 128 126 127 112 130 242 242 Total 1,036 1,092 1,054 1,028 1,012 2,039 2,036ALUMINIUMProduction ('000 tonnes) Hillside 100% 171 169 172 172 177 349 344 Bayside 100% 46 45 29 41 46 88 92 Alumar 46.3% 45 43 44 45 45 90 89 Valesul 45.5% 11 10 11 11 10 21 22 Mozal 47% 65 65 65 65 66 132 130 Total 338 332 321 334 344 679 677 BASE METALS (a)COPPERPayable metal in concentrate ('000tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 146.3 135.4 154.0 168.6 169.0 337.6 288.8 Antamina 33.8% 33.4 29.9 29.9 27.9 34.3 62.1 63.3 Tintaya (b) 100% 22.1 20.7 15.3 17.3 18.1 35.4 36.7 Total 201.8 186.0 199.2 213.8 221.4 435.1 388.8Cathode ('000 tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 22.2 21.8 21.4 19.6 20.0 39.6 44.1 Cerro Colorado (c) 100% 30.4 29.8 24.6 14.5 21.5 36.0 58.7 Tintaya (b) 100% 9.1 9.6 6.4 9.7 9.9 19.5 18.4 Pinto Valley 100% 2.3 2.4 2.1 2.2 2.1 4.3 4.6 Olympic Dam (d) 100% - - 16.1 49.1 53.5 102.6 - Total 64.0 63.6 70.6 95.1 107.0 202.0 125.7 LEADPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Cannington 100% 71,509 80,899 64,652 64,873 77,187 142,061 136,419 Total 71,509 80,899 64,652 64,873 77,187 142,061 136,419 ZINCPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Cannington 100% 13,956 15,241 12,676 14,188 18,780 32,968 24,924 Antamina 33.8% 6,962 17,147 15,528 14,959 5,148 20,107 19,845 Total 20,918 32,388 28,204 29,147 23,928 53,075 44,769 Refer footnotes on page 4. BASE METALS (continued)GOLDPayable metal in concentrate(ounces) Escondida 57.5% 24,475 25,987 20,774 19,194 19,200 38,394 49,845 Tintaya (b) 100% 6,772 6,165 4,066 8,048 8,200 16,248 11,534 Olympic Dam (d) (refined gold) 100% - - 7,042 26,424 27,300 53,724 - Total 31,247 32,152 31,882 53,666 54,700 108,366 61,379 SILVERPayable metal in concentrate ('000ounces) Escondida 57.5% 639 650 658 795 945 1,740 1,243 Antamina 33.8% 503 830 749 642 859 1,501 1,195 Tintaya (b) 100% 186 181 129 167 168 335 320 Cannington 100% 11,025 12,383 10,283 9,579 11,672 21,250 21,364 Olympic Dam (d) (refined 100% - - 62 179 222 401 - silver) Total 12,353 14,044 11,881 11,362 13,866 25,228 24,121 URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATEPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Olympic Dam (d) 100% - - 415 1,088 1,070 2,158 - Total - - 415 1,088 1,070 2,158 - MOLYBDENUMPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Antamina 33.8% 560 431 492 573 772 1,345 883 Total 560 431 492 573 772 1,345 883 CARBON STEEL MATERIALSIRON ORE (e)Production ('000 tonnes) Mt Newman Joint Venture 85% 6,611 6,475 6,493 6,234 6,166 12,400 12,768 Goldsworthy Joint Venture 85% 1,037 1,017 1,593 1,393 1,669 3,062 2,075 Area C Joint Venture 85% 4,358 4,451 4,813 4,286 4,969 9,255 7,348 Yandi Joint Venture 85% 9,238 8,713 8,943 8,409 8,372 16,781 18,005 Jimblebar 100% 1,622 1,509 1,558 1,398 1,569 2,967 3,297 Samarco 50% 2,050 1,823 1,896 1,881 1,865 3,746 3,968 Total 24,916 23,988 25,296 23,601 24,610 48,211 47,461 METALLURGICAL COAL (f)Production ('000 tonnes) BMA 50% 6,184 5,959 7,021 6,693 6,441 13,134 12,415 BHP Mitsui Coal (g) 80% 1,822 1,205 882 726 710 1,436 3,570 Illawarra 100% 1,603 1,719 1,667 1,567 1,822 3,389 2,865 Total 9,609 8,883 9,570 8,986 8,973 17,959 18,850 MANGANESE ORESSaleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (h) 60% 639 606 631 566 529 1,095 1,271 Australia (h) 60% 722 691 787 821 749 1,570 1,469 Total 1,361 1,297 1,418 1,387 1,278 2,665 2,740 Refer footnotes on page 4. CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd)MANGANESE ALLOYSSaleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (h) 60% 136 137 98 79 105 184 257 Australia (h) 60% 71 60 58 60 60 120 145 Total 207 197 156 139 165 304 402 DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTSDIAMONDSProduction ('000 carats) Ekati(TM) 80% 872 802 957 852 614 1,466 1,858 FERTILISERProduction ('000 tonnes) Southern Cross Fertiliser 100% - - 73.9 244.9 252.6 497.5 - Operations (i) ENERGY COALProduction ('000 tonnes) South Africa 100% 13,745 12,769 13,548 14,549 12,940 27,489 28,333 USA 100% 3,731 3,169 4,128 4,561 4,065 8,626 7,630 Australia 100% 2,189 2,258 2,823 2,568 2,045 4,613 4,784 Colombia 33% 1,724 1,883 2,204 2,332 2,237 4,569 3,887 Total 21,389 20,079 22,703 24,010 21,287 45,297 44,634 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALSNICKELProduction ('000 tonnes) CMSA 99.8% 12.4 13.3 13.7 12.8 13.0 25.8 24.3 Yabulu 100% 7.3 7.5 8.9 6.1 5.9 12.0 15.0 Nickel West (j) 100% - - 9.2 25.2 30.1 55.3 - Total 19.7 20.8 31.8 44.1 49.0 93.1 39.3 FERROCHROMESaleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (h) (k) 60% 271 240 178 - - - 536 (a) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal. (b) Production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended on May 25, 2005 following civil unrest in the Espinar region. Production recommenced on June 20, 2005. (c) Production at Cerro Colorado was temporarily suspended on June 14, 2005 following an earthquake. Production recommenced on June 30, 2005. (d) BHP Billiton acquired Olympic Dam with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005. (e) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis. (f) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (g) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%. (h) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. (i) BHP Billiton acquired Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations (formerly Queensland Fertilizer Operations) with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005. (j) BHP Billiton acquired Nickel West with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005. (k) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Samancor Chrome with effect from June 1, 2005. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004PETROLEUMBHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated. CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels) Bass Strait 4,226 3,754 3,921 3,720 3,584 7,304 9,061 Minerva (a) - 21 33 34 26 60 - North West Shelf - condensate 1,274 1,305 1,431 1,370 1,405 2,775 2,604 North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack 1,272 1,535 1,571 1,149 979 2,128 2,747 Laminaria (b) 472 84 - - - - 1,069 Griffin 473 403 453 436 344 780 887 Pakistan 54 58 49 49 54 103 104 Typhoon/Boris (c) 1,290 907 672 306 21 327 2,751 Mad Dog (a) - 251 562 440 604 1,044 - Other Americas 180 160 145 123 161 284 361 Angostura (a) - 799 997 998 1,018 2,016 - Liverpool Bay 1,858 1,289 1,625 1,160 1,161 2,321 3,202 Bruce/Keith 321 290 279 254 256 510 442 Ohanet 432 589 461 483 353 836 990 ROD (d) 338 900 1,740 1,712 1,234 2,946 338 Total 12,190 12,345 13,939 12,234 11,200 23,431 24,218 NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) Bass Strait 27.44 20.71 31.98 35.93 21.12 57.05 63.05 Minerva (a) - 6.63 9.79 10.30 8.14 18.44 - North West Shelf - 3.51 3.64 3.98 3.97 3.81 7.78 7.01 Domestic North West Shelf - LNG 22.36 20.81 22.14 21.19 23.16 44.35 40.14 Griffin 0.71 0.54 0.70 0.56 0.41 0.97 1.39 Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (e) 0.53 1.07 1.64 1.65 1.73 3.38 0.53 Illawarra Coal Bed Methane (f) 1.65 1.39 1.10 1.12 1.60 2.72 2.99 Pakistan 7.87 8.88 7.25 7.32 8.40 15.72 15.56 Typhoon/Boris (c) 2.53 1.32 0.95 0.46 0.01 0.47 4.85 Mad Dog (a) - 0.03 0.18 0.08 0.12 0.21 - Other Americas 2.05 1.76 1.88 1.89 1.00 2.89 4.04 Bruce/Keith 7.39 7.22 6.90 5.81 6.28 12.10 9.65 Liverpool Bay 11.31 8.35 10.30 7.37 10.57 17.94 15.33 Total 87.35 82.35 98.79 97.65 86.35 184.00 164.54 LPG ('000 tonnes) Bass Strait 127.70 108.56 128.50 143.55 108.47 252.02 273.55 North West Shelf 29.43 32.28 33.15 39.64 40.05 79.69 64.09 Bruce/Keith 18.65 17.85 16.53 13.73 15.21 28.94 25.58 Ohanet 40.29 40.60 35.53 37.32 26.86 64.18 83.88 Total 216.07 199.29 213.71 234.24 190.59 424.83 447.10 ETHANE ('000 tonnes) 27.20 23.61 22.97 28.02 24.72 52.74 54.95 TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 29.38 28.49 33.13 31.38 27.93 59.31 57.41(million barrels of oil equivalent) (g) (a) Minerva, Mad Dog and Angostura commenced production in January 2005. (b) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Laminaria with effect from January 14, 2005. (c) Typhoon/Boris production was suspended in September 2005 following severe hurricane damage sustained to the Typhoon platform. (d) ROD commenced production in October 2004. (e) Moranbah Coal Bed Methane commenced production in September 2004 and was first reported in December 2004. (f) Illawarra Coal Bed Methane production was first reported in December 2004. (g) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on the following: 6000 cf of natural gas equals 1 boe; 1 tonne of LPG equals 11.6 boe; 1 tonne of ethane equals 4.4667 boe. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004ALUMINIUMBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes) ALUMINA Production Worsley, Australia 686 746 718 689 663 1,352 1,349 Paranam, Suriname 222 220 209 227 219 445 445 Alumar, Brazil 128 126 127 112 130 242 242 Total 1,036 1,092 1,054 1,028 1,012 2,040 2,036 Sales Worsley, Australia 681 734 774 584 710 1,294 1,348 Paranam, Suriname 221 210 221 203 249 452 460 Alumar, Brazil 131 118 146 107 121 228 260 Total (a) 1,033 1,062 1,141 894 1,080 1,974 2,068 ALUMINIUM Production Hillside, South Africa 171 169 172 172 177 349 344 Bayside, South Africa 46 45 29 41 46 87 92 Alumar, Brazil 45 43 44 45 45 90 89 Valesul, Brazil 11 10 11 11 10 21 22 Mozal, Mozambique 65 65 65 65 66 131 130 Total 338 332 321 334 344 678 677 Sales Hillside, South Africa 189 153 185 168 175 343 344 Bayside, South Africa 41 39 45 34 43 77 86 Alumar, Brazil 44 43 46 42 44 86 87 Valesul, Brazil 11 11 10 11 12 23 23 Mozal, Mozambique 69 62 74 54 79 133 128 Total 354 308 360 309 353 662 668 Tolling Agreement (a) 22 24 25 23 22 44 45 376 332 385 332 375 706 713 (a) Equity Alumina is converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages were previously reported under third party trading and are now allocated to equity sales. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004BASE METALSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unlessotherwise stated. Escondida, Chile Material mined (100%) ('000 97,512 90,838 85,592 90,919 92,155 183,074 197,978 tonnes) Sulphide ore milled ('000 20,926 19,913 21,725 22,255 22,161 44,416 41,563 (100%) tonnes) Average copper grade (%) 1.47% 1.41% 1.51% 1.59% 1.59% 1.59% 1.47% Production ex Mill ('000 265.1 241.1 277.8 304.4 304.0 608.4 521.9 (100%) tonnes) Production Payable copper ('000 146.3 135.4 154.0 168.6 169.0 337.6 288.8 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 24,475 25,987 20,774 19,194 19,200 38,393 49,845 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 22.2 21.8 21.4 19.6 20.0 39.6 44.1 tonnes) Payable silver ('000 639 650 658 795 945 1,740 1,243 concentrate ounces) Sales Payable copper ('000 148.3 137.1 145.9 169.4 160.7 330.1 288.3 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 25,462 27,882 19,816 19,294 18,145 37,438 50,194 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 22.7 18.6 26.8 19.3 19.4 38.7 45.4 tonnes) Payable silver ('000 690 712 631 803 892 1,694 1,272 concentrate ounces) Tintaya, Peru (a) Material mined ('000 17,486 17,575 12,385 17,228 17,107 34,335 36,162 tonnes) Sulphide Ore milled ('000 1,564 1,560 1,086 1,546 1,734 3,280 3,185 tonnes) Average copper grade (%) 1.64% 1.56% 1.67% 1.33% 1.26% 1.29% 1.39% Production Payable copper ('000 22.1 20.7 15.3 17.3 18.1 35.4 36.7 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 6,772 6,165 4,066 8,048 8,200 16,248 11,534 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 9.1 9.6 6.4 9.7 9.9 19.6 18.4 tonnes) Payable silver ('000 186 181 129 167 168 335 320 concentrate ounces) Sales Payable copper ('000 25.9 23.3 17.2 17.0 19.4 36.4 31.6 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 8,491 7,593 7,073 6,783 8,376 15,159 9,710 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 8.1 9.2 8.2 10.3 9.8 20.1 18.5 tonnes) Payable silver ('000 234 193 160 161 207 368 298 concentrate ounces) (a) Production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended on May 25, 2005 following civil unrest in the Espinar region. Production recommenced on June 20, 2005. Cerro Colorado, Chile (a) Material mined ('000 16,378 16,856 14,805 16,696 17,107 33,803 33,932 tonnes) Ore milled ('000 4,362 3,865 3,144 3,344 4,348 7,693 8,594 tonnes) Average copper grade (%) 0.91% 1.00% 0.83% 0.79% 0.90% 0.85% 0.89% Production Copper cathode (EW) ('000 30.4 29.8 24.6 14.5 21.5 36.0 58.7 tonnes) Sales Copper cathode (EW) ('000 28.2 32.5 24.8 15.0 19.7 34.7 57.1 tonnes) (a) Production at Cerro Colorado was temporarily suspended on June 14, 2005 following an earthquake. Production recommenced on June 30, 2005. Antamina, Peru Material mined (100%) ('000 33,201 30,808 31,802 32,839 32,598 65,437 66,378 tonnes) Sulphide ore milled ('000 8,027 7,072 7,557 7,367 8,349 15,716 16,096 (100%) tonnes) Average head grades - Copper (%) 1.45% 1.41% 1.35% 1.30% 1.36% 1.33% 1.36% - Zinc (%) 0.47% 1.16% 1.09% 1.04% 0.51% 0.76% 0.75% Production Payable copper ('000 33.4 29.9 29.9 27.9 34.3 62.1 63.3 tonnes) Payable zinc (tonnes) 6,962 17,147 15,528 14,959 5,148 20,107 19,845 Payable silver ('000 503 830 749 642 859 1,501 1,195 ounces) Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 560 431 492 573 772 1,345 883 Sales Payable copper ('000 32.2 30.0 28.7 30.7 35.5 66.2 64.3 tonnes) Payable zinc (tonnes) 4,185 18,293 15,066 13,203 7,894 21,097 17,802 Payable silver ('000 632 718 769 669 813 1,482 1,256 ounces) Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 300 592 587 538 751 1,289 460 Cannington, Australia Material mined ('000 844 885 880 910 887 1,797 1,672 tonnes) Ore milled ('000 825 788 746 772 850 1,622 1,555 tonnes) Average head grades - Silver (g/t) 500 571 482 453 493 474 502 - Lead (%) 10.0% 11.9% 9.8% 9.9% 9.7% 9.8% 10.1% - Zinc (%) 3.1% 3.5% 3.0% 3.3% 3.5% 3.4% 3.1% Production Payable silver ('000 11,025 12,383 10,283 9,579 11,672 21,251 21,364 ounces) Payable lead (tonnes) 71,509 80,899 64,652 64,873 77,187 142,060 136,419 Payable zinc (tonnes) 13,956 15,241 12,676 14,188 18,780 32,968 24,924 Sales Payable silver ('000 9,006 13,514 12,265 9,078 11,972 21,050 18,272 ounces) Payable lead (tonnes) 57,286 88,237 76,680 59,942 79,474 139,416 120,060 Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,146 18,628 13,415 10,676 16,814 27,490 21,316 Olympic Dam, Australia (a) Material mined (b) ('000 - - 855 2,007 2,145 4,152 - tonnes) Ore milled ('000 - - 933 2,345 2,430 4,775 - tonnes) Average copper grade (%) - - 2.15% 2.26% 2.32% 2.29% - Average uranium grade kg/t - - 0.60 0.64 0.65 0.65 - Production Copper cathode (ER) ('000 - - 14.5 44.2 48.6 92.8 - tonnes) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 - - 1.6 4.9 4.9 9.8 - tonnes) Uranium oxide (tonnes) - - 415 1,088 1,070 2,158 - concentrate Refined gold (fine - - 7,042 26,424 27,300 53,724 - ounces) Refined silver ('000 - - 62 179 222 401 - ounces) Sales Copper cathode (ER) ('000 - - 16.2 47.5 44.9 92.4 - tonnes) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 - - 1.1 5.2 5.8 11.0 - tonnes) Uranium oxide (tonnes) - - 391 879 1,287 2,165 - concentrate Refined gold (fine - - 10,555 21,192 26,369 47,562 - ounces) Refined silver ('000 - - 68 144 254 398 - ounces) (a) BHP Billiton acquired Olympic Dam with the acquisition of WMC. Production data was first reported from June 1, 2005. (b) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted. Pinto Valley, USA Production Copper cathode (EW) ('000 2.3 2.4 2.1 2.2 2.1 4.3 4.6 tonnes) Sales Copper cathode (EW) ('000 1.8 2.8 2.3 2.3 2.6 4.9 3.3 tonnes) PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004CARBON STEEL MATERIALSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes) IRON ORE (a)Pilbara, Australia Production Mt Newman Joint 6,611 6,475 6,493 6,234 6,166 12,400 12,768 Venture Goldsworthy Joint 1,037 1,017 1,593 1,393 1,669 3,062 2,075 Venture Area C Joint Venture 4,358 4,451 4,813 4,286 4,969 9,255 7,348 Yandi Joint Venture 9,238 8,713 8,943 8,409 8,372 16,781 18,005 Jimblebar 1,622 1,509 1,558 1,398 1,569 2,967 3,297 Total (BHP Billiton 22,866 22,165 23,400 21,720 22,745 44,465 43,493 share) Total production 26,615 25,810 27,254 25,306 26,760 52,066 50,586 (100%) Sales Lump 5,944 5,757 6,849 5,879 6,483 12,362 11,477 Fines 16,096 15,909 17,052 15,702 16,357 32,059 30,620 Total (BHP Billiton 22,040 21,666 23,901 21,581 22,840 44,421 42,097 share) Total shipments (100%) 25,929 25,489 28,119 25,389 26,871 52,260 49,526 (a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis. Samarco, Brazil Production 2,050 1,823 1,896 1,881 1,865 3,746 3,968 Shipments 2,142 1,768 1,728 1,900 2,155 4,055 4,118 METALLURGICAL COAL (a)Queensland, Australia Production BMA Blackwater 1,709 1,615 1,603 1,627 1,409 3,036 3,347 Goonyella 1,254 1,355 1,740 1,609 1,921 3,530 2,366 Peak Downs 1,164 842 1,322 1,250 1,186 2,436 2,362 Saraji 812 752 878 675 602 1,277 1,621 Norwich Park 680 664 836 759 678 1,437 1,380 Gregory Joint Venture 565 731 642 773 645 1,418 1,339 BMA total 6,184 5,959 7,021 6,693 6,441 13,134 12,415 BHP Mitsui Coal (b) Riverside 951 480 43 - - - 1,861 South Walker Creek 871 725 839 726 710 1,436 1,709 BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,822 1,205 882 726 710 1,436 3,570 Queensland total 8,006 7,164 7,903 7,419 7,151 14,570 15,985 Shipments Coking coal 5,801 5,440 5,705 4,869 4,987 9,856 10,989 Weak coking coal 1,722 1,609 1,619 1,207 1,366 2,573 3,387 Thermal coal 527 632 815 579 403 982 1,270 Total 8,050 7,681 8,139 6,655 6,756 13,411 15,646 (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 1,603 1,719 1,667 1,567 1,822 3,389 2,865 Shipments Coking coal 1,610 1,447 1,500 1,190 1,457 2,647 2,707 Thermal coal 144 93 27 383 103 486 226 Total 1,754 1,540 1,527 1,573 1,560 3,133 2,933 MANGANESE ORESSouth Africa Saleable production 639 606 631 566 529 1,095 1,271 (a) Australia Saleable production 722 691 787 821 749 1,570 1,469 (a) MANGANESE ALLOYSSouth Africa Saleable production 136 137 98 79 105 184 257 (a)Australia Saleable production 71 60 58 60 60 120 145 (a) (a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. DIAMONDSEkati(TM), Canada Ore Processed (100%) ('000 1,094 1,101 1,216 1,158 962 2,120 2,278 tonnes) Production ('000 872 802 957 852 614 1,466 1,858 carats) FERTILISERSouthern Cross Fertiliser Operations, Australia (a) Production (b) ('000 - - 73.9 244.9 252.6 497.5 - tonnes) Sales (b) ('000 - - 105.9 175.5 221.2 396.7 - tonnes) (a) BHP Billiton acquired Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations (formerly Queensland Fertilizer Operations) with the acquisition of WMC. Production data was first reported from June 1, 2005. (b) Includes diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004ENERGY COALBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes) Ingwe, South Africa Production 13,745 12,769 13,548 14,549 12,940 27,489 28,333 Sales Export 4,750 5,082 5,094 5,436 6,273 11,709 10,301 Local utility 8,106 7,069 7,560 8,013 7,250 15,263 16,652 Inland 308 353 186 309 268 577 691 Total 13,164 12,504 12,840 13,758 13,791 27,549 27,644 New Mexico, USA Production Navajo Coal 1,765 2,008 2,389 2,238 2,252 4,490 3,848 San Juan Coal 1,966 1,161 1,739 2,323 1,813 4,136 3,782 Total 3,731 3,169 4,128 4,561 4,065 8,626 7,630 Sales - local utility 3,739 3,447 3,319 3,769 3,628 7,397 7,636 Hunter Valley, Australia Production 2,189 2,258 2,823 2,568 2,045 4,613 4,784 Sales Export 1,201 1,866 1,746 1,570 1,312 2,882 2,641 Inland 595 872 1,186 983 793 1,776 1,815 Total 1,796 2,738 2,932 2,553 2,105 4,658 4,456 Cerrejon Coal, Colombia Production 1,724 1,883 2,204 2,332 2,237 4,569 3,887 Sales - export 1,954 1,927 2,338 2,170 2,087 4,257 4,120 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes) NICKELCMSA, Colombia Production 12.4 13.3 13.7 12.8 13.0 25.8 24.3 Sales 13.3 13.4 12.8 11.1 14.2 25.3 23.9 Yabulu, Australia Production Nickel metal 7.3 7.5 8.9 6.1 5.9 12.0 15.0 Cobalt 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.9 Sales Nickel metal 7.8 7.7 8.3 6.3 6.6 12.9 15.5 Cobalt 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.9 Nickel West, Australia (a) Production Nickel contained in - - 3.3 9.7 13.9 23.6 - finished matte Nickel metal - - 5.9 15.5 16.2 31.7 - Nickel production - - 9.2 25.2 30.1 55.3 - Sales Nickel contained in - - 3.5 7.6 14.3 21.9 - finished matte Nickel metal - - 4.7 15.9 15.5 31.4 - Nickel sales - - 8.2 23.5 29.8 53.3 - (a) BHP Billiton acquired Nickel West with the acquisition of WMC. Production data was first reported from June 1, 2005. FERROCHROMESouth Africa (a) Saleable production (b) 271 240 178 - - - 536 (a) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Samancor Chrome with effect from June 1, 2005. (b) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209Registered in Australia Registered in England and WalesRegistered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH UnitedVictoria 3000 KingdomTelephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015 Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111 The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
BHP Group