25th Jan 2007 07:00
BHP Billiton PLC25 January 2007 25 January 2007Number 01/07 BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 31December 2006. Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, productionvolumes refer to BHP Billiton share. • Record half year and quarterly production of aluminium, alumina, copper cathode, iron ore, and manganese ore from continuing operations in response to strong customer demand. A half year production record was also achieved for molybdenum. • Half year production records at Zamzama (Pakistan), Worsley (Australia), Paranam (Suriname), Hillside and Bayside (both South Africa), Mozal (Mozambique), Western Australia Iron Ore and GEMCO (both Australia), Samancor (South Africa) and Hunter Valley Coal (Australia). • Quarterly production records at Zamzama, Worsley, Alumar (Brazil), Bayside, Mt Newman, Saraji and GEMCO (all Australia). • Record quarterly production of natural gas from North West Shelf (Australia) and copper from Escondida (Chile) in response to strong demand. • First production from the recently commissioned Spence (Chile) and Poitrel (Australia) operations. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs PETROLEUM HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Crude Oil & Condensate and Natural Gas Liquid ('000 bbl) 28,889 13,673 0% -1% -10%(a)Natural Gas (bcf) (a) 173.47 82.93 -4% -2% -8%Total Petroleum Products (million boe) (a) 57.85 27.52 -2% 0% -9% (a) Excluding Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields (sold March 2006 quarter), MoranbahCoal Bed Methane (sold September 2006 quarter) and Typhoon / Boris (soldDecember 2006 quarter). Total Petroleum Production - Total production for the half year ended December2006 was broadly in line with the half year ended 31 December 2005. Improvingbase operational performance had a very positive impact and reduced the effectof natural field decline. Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquid - December 2006 half yearproduction was in line with previous period due to improved operational uptimemitigating natural field decline. Production for the December 2006 quarter was lower than the September 2006quarter primarily due to lower liquids associated with expected lower seasonalgas demand in southeast Australia, unscheduled equipment changes at Angostura(Trinidad), and the timing of recognising entitlement barrels in ProductionSharing Contracts. Natural Gas - Production for the December 2006 half year was lower than theDecember 2005 half year primarily due to the strategy to limit gas sales tomaximise liquids recovery at Liverpool Bay, and lower contractual demand. Production from continuing operations for the December 2006 quarter was lowerthan the September 2006 quarter primarily due to the expected lower seasonaldemand in southeast Australia. Well capacities remain strong and in excess ofthe quarterly gas sales. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs ALUMINIUM HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Alumina ('000 tonnes) 2,231 1,153 9% 14% 7%Aluminium ('000 tonnes) (a) 675 338 3% 1% 0% (a) Excluding Valesul which was sold effective from 1 July 2006. Alumina - Production and sales for the half year and quarter ended 31 December2006 were all time records. Both half year and quarterly production records wereachieved at Worsley due to continued ramp up of the Worsley Development CapitalProject and processing of stockpiled hydrate. Paranam achieved half year recordproduction due to lower downtime and full utilisation of expanded capacity.Record quarterly production from Alumar also contributed to the strong result. Aluminium - Third consecutive record half year production was achieved. Alloperations performed at record or near record levels due to successfulimplementation of a series of business improvement initiatives. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs BASE METALS HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 550.6 300.7 -5% 0% 20%Silver ('000 ounces) (a) 13,915 6,566 -44% -52% -11%Lead (tonnes) 85,431 36,454 -40% -53% -26%Zinc (tonnes) 43,787 19,776 -17% -17% -18%Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) 1,615 822 -25% -23% 4% (a) Excluding Tintaya which was sold effective from 1 June 2006. Copper - Production from continuing operations (excluding Tintaya (Peru)) was inline with the December 2005 half year and quarter. Record half year andquarterly copper cathode production from continuing operations (excludingTintaya) reflecting the continued ramp up of the Sulphide Leach Project and thesuccessful commissioning of Spence. Escondida achieved a quarterly production record due to continued ramp up of theSulphide Leach Project which produced 20,700 tonnes for the half year endedDecember 2006. Increased mill throughput and higher head grades contributed tonear record half year and quarterly production at Antamina (Peru). At the half year ended 31 December 2006 the Group had 205,129 tonnes of coppersales that were provisionally priced at a weighted average price of US$6,325 pertonne. The final price of these sales will be determined in 2007. In addition,274,280 tonnes of copper sales were subject to a finalisation adjustment fromthe prior period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact asat 31 December 2006 will decrease earnings by US$220 million for the period. Silver / Lead - Production was lower as the rehabilitation of ground support atCannington (Australia) progressed. The rehabilitation project is substantiallycomplete. Zinc - In addition to the temporary partial closure at Cannington, productionfor the quarter was impacted by lower head grades at Antamina. Uranium - Production was lower than the half year and quarter ended December2005 due to variability of ore sources, unscheduled maintenance and reduced orehoisting at Olympic Dam (Australia). DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs CARBON STEEL MATERIALS - IRON ORE HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Iron ore ('000 tonnes) (a) 49,567 25,370 9% 11% 5% (a) Excluding Goldsworthy operations which were suspended mid calendar year2006. Iron Ore - Record production and sales were achieved for the half year endedDecember 2006. This reflects the increased production from the recently expandedWestern Australia Iron Ore operations in response to continuing strong customerdemand. Tie-in activity for Rapid Growth Project 3 (Australia), including theGoldsworthy suspension, negatively impacted production and is expected tocontinue for the remainder of the year. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs CARBON STEEL MATERIALS - METALLURGICAL COAL HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Metallurgical Coal ('000 tonnes) 18,213 8,966 1% 0% -3% Metallurgical Coal - Metallurgical coal production was in line with previousperiods. First production was achieved at Poitrel during the quarter. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs CARBON STEEL MATERIALS - MANGANESE HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Manganese Ore ('000 tonnes) 3,038 1,529 14% 20% 1%Manganese Alloy ('000 tonnes) 345 192 13% 16% 25% Manganese Ore - Record production in response to stronger customer demand. Manganese Alloy - Higher production was due to optimisation of the product mix,improved equipment availability, and scheduled maintenance in prior periods. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Diamonds ('000 carats) 1,424 937 -3% 53% 92% Diamonds - As Ekati (Canada) increases the diversity of its ore sources, the mixof ore processed will change from time to time and impact the carats recovered.In the December 2006 quarter, processing of higher grade, with lower diamondsvalues, had a positive impact on production. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs ENERGY COAL HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Energy Coal ('000 tonnes) 43,812 22,030 -3% 3% 1% Energy Coal - Production was in line with all comparative periods. Hunter ValleyCoal achieved a record half year of production due to operational improvementinitiatives. DEC DEC DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 2006 2006 vs vs vs STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS HALF QTR DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06Nickel ('000 tonnes) 92.8 48.3 0% -1% 9% Nickel - Production for the December 2006 half year was in line with the recordproduction in the December 2005 half year. **** Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:www.bhpbilliton.comAustralia United KingdomSamantha Evans, Media Relations Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44 7769 934 942email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Jane Belcher, Investor Relations Illtud Harri, Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653 Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246email: [email protected] email: [email protected] States South AfricaTracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations Ivan Arriagada, 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] BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED % CHANGE DEC H06 DEC Q06 DEC Q06 DEC SEPT DEC DEC DEC vs vs vs 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 DEC H05 DEC Q05 SEPT Q06PETROLEUMCrude oil & ('000 11,104 12,091 10,963 23,054 22,953 0% -1% -9%condensate (a) bbl)Natural gas (b) (bcf) 84.49 90.54 82.93 173.47 179.95 -4% -2% -8%Natural gas liquid ('000 2,672 3,125 2,710 5,835 5,917 -1% 1% -13% bbl)Total Petroleum (million 27.52 30.33 27.52 57.85 59.25 -2% 0% -9%Products (b) boe)ALUMINIUMAlumina ('000 1,012 1,078 1,153 2,231 2,040 9% 14% 7% tonnes)Aluminium (c) ('000 334 337 338 675 657 3% 1% 0% tonnes)BASE METALSCopper (d) ('000 300.4 249.9 300.7 550.6 582.3 -5% 0% 20% tonnes)Lead (tonnes) 77,187 48,977 36,454 85,431 142,060 -40% -53% -26%Zinc (tonnes) 23,928 24,011 19,776 43,787 53,075 -17% -17% -18%Gold (d) (ounces) 46,500 41,160 38,564 79,724 92,118 -13% -17% -6%Silver (d) ('000 13,698 7,349 6,566 13,915 24,893 -44% -52% -11% ounces)Uranium oxide (tonnes) 1,070 793 822 1,615 2,158 -25% -23% 4%concentrateMolybdenum (tonnes) 772 719 768 1,487 1,345 11% -1% 7%CARBON STEELMATERIALSIron ore (e) ('000 22,941 24,197 25,370 49,567 45,396 9% 11% 5% tonnes)Metallurgical coal ('000 8,973 9,247 8,966 18,213 17,959 1% 0% -3% tonnes)Manganese ore ('000 1,278 1,509 1,529 3,038 2,665 14% 20% 1% tonnes)Manganese alloy ('000 165 153 192 345 304 13% 16% 25% tonnes)DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTSDiamonds ('000 614 487 937 1,424 1,466 -3% 53% 92% carats)ENERGY COALEnergy coal ('000 21,287 21,782 22,030 43,812 45,297 -3% 3% 1% tonnes)STAINLESS STEELMATERIALSNickel ('000 49.0 44.5 48.3 92.8 93.1 0% -1% 9% tonnes)(a) Excluding Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields and Typhoon / Boris. Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields was disposed with effect from 16 January 2006. The sale of Typhoon / Boris was completed in the December 2006 quarter.(b) Excluding Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields, Moranbah Coal Bed Methane and Typhoon/ Boris. The sale of Moranbah Coal Bed Methane was completed in the September 2006 quarter.(c) Excluding Valesul which was disposed with effect from 1 July 2006.(d) Excluding Tintaya which was disposed with effect from 1 June 2006.(e) Excluding Goldsworthy operations which were suspended mid calendar year 2006.Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previouslyreported. BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED BHP DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC Billiton Interest 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005PETROLEUMProduction Crude oil & condensate ('000 11,202 10,886 11,551 12,091 10,963 23,054 23,436 bbl) Natural gas (bcf) 86.35 77.85 98.59 91.83 83.09 174.92 184.00 NGL (a) ('000 2,672 2,448 3,063 3,125 2,710 5,835 5,917 bbl) Total Petroleum Products (million 28.26 26.31 31.04 30.52 27.52 58.04 60.01 boe)ALUMINIUMALUMINAProduction ('000 tonnes) Worsley 86% 663 717 694 704 776 1,480 1,352 Suriname 45% 219 228 247 253 241 494 446 Alumar 36% 130 130 131 121 136 257 242 Total 1,012 1,075 1,072 1,078 1,153 2,231 2,040ALUMINIUMProduction ('000 tonnes) Hillside 100% 177 174 177 177 176 353 349 Bayside 100% 46 46 46 49 50 99 87 Alumar 46.3% 45 44 44 44 45 89 90 Valesul (b) 45.5% 10 11 11 - - - 21 Mozal 47% 66 65 66 67 67 134 131 Total 344 340 344 337 338 675 678BASE METALS (c)COPPERPayable metal in concentrate ('000tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 169.0 168.2 165.2 129.7 160.6 290.3 337.6 Antamina 33.8% 34.3 32.9 29.1 29.0 34.1 63.1 62.2 Tintaya (d) 100% 18.1 16.2 12.9 - - - 35.4 Total 221.4 217.3 207.2 158.7 194.7 353.4 435.2Cathode ('000 tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 20.0 15.4 11.7 17.5 32.7 50.2 39.6 Cerro Colorado 100% 21.5 28.1 30.0 30.0 27.4 57.4 36.0 Spence (e) 100% - - - - 4.3 4.3 - Tintaya (d) 100% 9.9 9.1 6.1 - - - 19.6 Pinto Valley 100% 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.9 4.0 4.3 Olympic Dam 100% 53.5 47.1 54.6 41.6 39.7 81.3 102.6 Total 107.0 101.8 104.5 91.2 106.0 197.2 202.1LEADPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Cannington 100% 77,187 68,754 55,507 48,977 36,454 85,431 142,060 Total 77,187 68,754 55,507 48,977 36,454 85,431 142,060ZINCPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Cannington 100% 18,780 20,885 14,926 10,426 8,806 19,232 32,968 Antamina 33.8% 5,148 7,534 12,638 13,585 10,970 24,555 20,107 Total 23,928 28,419 27,564 24,011 19,776 43,787 53,075 Refer footnotes on page 4.BASE METALS (continued)GOLDPayable metal in concentrate(ounces) Escondida 57.5% 19,200 17,877 23,567 17,049 22,365 39,414 38,394 Tintaya (d) 100% 8,200 8,032 4,958 - - - 16,248 Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100% 27,300 26,186 27,636 24,111 16,199 40,310 53,724 Total 54,700 52,095 56,161 41,160 38,564 79,724 108,366SILVERPayable metal in concentrate ('000ounces) Escondida 57.5% 945 714 925 724 880 1,604 1,740 Antamina 33.8% 859 865 808 713 736 1,449 1,501 Tintaya (d) 100% 168 138 119 - - - 335 Cannington 100% 11,672 9,693 7,503 5,714 4,805 10,519 21,251 Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100% 222 245 238 198 145 343 401 Total 13,866 11,655 9,593 7,349 6,566 13,915 25,228URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATEPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Olympic Dam 100% 1,070 913 865 793 822 1,615 2,158 Total 1,070 913 865 793 822 1,615 2,158MOLYBDENUMPayable metal in concentrate(tonnes) Antamina 33.8% 772 632 538 719 768 1,487 1,345 Total 772 632 538 719 768 1,487 1,345CARBON STEEL MATERIALSIRON ORE (f)Production ('000 tonnes) Mt Newman Joint Venture 85% 6,166 5,884 6,490 7,394 7,536 14,930 12,400 Goldsworthy Joint Venture 85% 1,669 1,371 1,808 806 84 890 3,062 Area C Joint Venture 85% 4,969 3,332 5,401 4,821 5,334 10,155 9,255 Yandi Joint Venture 85% 8,372 8,561 8,854 8,504 9,106 17,610 16,781 Jimblebar 85% 1,569 1,549 1,607 1,490 1,449 2,939 3,214 Samarco 50% 1,865 1,802 1,955 1,988 1,945 3,933 3,746 Total 24,610 22,499 26,115 25,003 25,454 50,457 48,458METALLURGICAL COAL (g)Production ('000 tonnes) BMA 50% 6,441 5,972 6,474 6,657 6,106 12,763 13,134 BHP Mitsui Coal (h) 80% 710 763 850 873 873 1,746 1,436 Illawarra 100% 1,822 1,725 1,900 1,717 1,987 3,704 3,389 Total 8,973 8,460 9,224 9,247 8,966 18,213 17,959MANGANESE ORESSaleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 529 532 673 644 663 1,307 1,095 Australia (i) 60% 749 694 716 865 866 1,731 1,570 Total 1,278 1,226 1,389 1,509 1,529 3,038 2,665 Refer footnotes on page 4.CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd)MANGANESE ALLOYSSaleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 105 119 131 93 126 219 184 Australia (i) 60% 60 54 44 60 66 126 120 Total 165 173 175 153 192 345 304DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTSDIAMONDSProduction ('000 carats) Ekati(TM) 80% 614 512 583 487 937 1,424 1,466FERTILISERProduction ('000 tonnes) Southern Cross Fertiliser 100% 252.6 222.5 141.3 84.3 - 84.3 497.5 Operations (j)ENERGY COALProduction ('000 tonnes) South Africa 100% 12,940 11,605 12,854 13,151 13,032 26,183 27,489 USA 100% 4,065 2,829 3,891 3,467 3,871 7,338 8,626 Australia 100% 2,045 1,897 2,636 2,766 2,790 5,556 4,613 Colombia 33% 2,237 2,341 2,406 2,398 2,337 4,735 4,569 Total 21,287 18,672 21,787 21,782 22,030 43,812 45,297STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALSNICKELProduction ('000 tonnes) CMSA 99.8% 13.0 12.9 12.8 12.7 12.8 25.5 25.8 Yabulu 100% 5.9 7.0 4.3 7.3 7.5 14.8 12.0 Nickel West 100% 30.1 20.3 24.5 24.5 28.0 52.5 55.3 Total 49.0 40.2 41.6 44.5 48.3 92.8 93.1 (a) LPG and Ethane are now reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL), consistent with petroleum industry practice. Product-specific conversions will be made and NGL will be reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe). (b) BHP Billiton completed the sale of Valesul on 1 July 2006. (c) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal. (d) BHP Billiton sold Tintaya effective from 1 June 2006. (e) Spence operations were commissioned during the December 2006 quarter. (f) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis. (g) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (h) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%. (i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. (j) BHP Billiton completed the sale of Southern Cross Fertiliser operations on 1 August 2006. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005PETROLEUMBHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels) Bass Strait 3,584 3,414 3,964 3,847 3,311 7,158 7,304 Minerva 26 18 20 23 21 44 60 North West Shelf - condensate 1,405 1,263 1,091 1,350 1,410 2,760 2,775 North West Shelf - Wanaea/ 979 751 1,111 1,634 1,325 2,959 2,128 Cossack Griffin 344 204 296 323 312 635 780 Pakistan 54 59 60 61 62 123 103 Typhoon/Boris (a) 23 - - - - - 329 Mad Dog 604 549 698 528 549 1,077 1,044 Other Americas (b) 161 68 68 78 81 159 284 Angostura 1,018 1,080 1,191 1,174 618 1,792 2,016 Liverpool Bay 1,161 1,278 1,199 931 1,280 2,211 2,321 Bruce/Keith 256 209 182 178 202 380 510 Ohanet 353 389 426 357 472 829 836 ROD 1,234 1,604 1,245 1,607 1,320 2,927 2,946 Total 11,202 10,886 11,551 12,091 10,963 23,054 23,436NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) Bass Strait 21.12 18.26 34.43 33.54 20.53 54.07 57.05 Minerva 8.14 5.78 6.36 7.73 6.90 14.63 18.44 North West Shelf - Domestic 3.81 3.55 4.63 3.54 3.89 7.43 7.78 North West Shelf - LNG 23.16 21.15 22.70 21.68 23.59 45.27 44.35 Griffin 0.41 0.12 0.19 0.49 0.45 0.94 0.97 Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (c) 1.73 1.75 1.86 1.12 - 1.12 3.38 Illawarra Coal Bed Methane 1.60 1.50 1.35 1.50 0.95 2.45 2.72 Pakistan 8.40 8.52 9.02 9.14 9.34 18.48 15.72 Typhoon/Boris (a) 0.01 - - - - - 0.47 Mad Dog 0.12 0.11 0.25 0.17 0.16 0.33 0.20 Other Americas (b) 1.00 1.78 2.34 2.55 2.27 4.82 2.89 Bruce/Keith 6.28 6.52 5.40 4.21 5.42 9.63 12.09 Liverpool Bay 10.57 8.81 10.06 6.16 9.59 15.75 17.94 Total 86.35 77.85 98.59 91.83 83.09 174.92 184.00NGL ('000 barrels) (d) Bass Strait 1,719 1,574 2,254 2,224 1,726 3,950 3,912 North West Shelf 465 410 349 444 441 885 924 Bruce/Keith 176 94 59 138 107 245 336 Ohanet 312 370 401 319 436 755 745 Total 2,672 2,448 3,063 3,125 2,710 5,835 5,917TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 28.26 26.31 31.04 30.52 27.52 58.04 60.01(million barrels of oilequivalent) (e) (a) BHP Billiton sold its interests in Typhoon / Boris, including the Little Burn field with effect from 1 July 2006. The sale was completed on 6 October 2006. (b) BHP Billiton sold its interests in the Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields with effect from 16 January 2006. (c) BHP Billiton completed the sale of its interest in Moranbah Coal Bed Methane in September 2006 quarter. (d) LPG and Ethane are now reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL), consistent with petroleum industry practice. Product-specific conversions will be made and NGL will be reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe). (e) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000scf of natural gas equals 1 boe. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005ALUMINIUMBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes)ALUMINA Production Worsley, Australia 663 717 694 704 776 1,480 1,352 Paranam, Suriname 219 228 247 253 241 494 446 Alumar, Brazil 130 130 131 121 136 257 242 Total 1,012 1,075 1,072 1,078 1,153 2,231 2,040 Sales Worsley, Australia 710 709 672 666 820 1,486 1,294 Paranam, Suriname 249 213 244 236 243 479 452 Alumar, Brazil 121 130 147 108 137 245 228 Total (a) 1,080 1,052 1,063 1,010 1,200 2,210 1,974ALUMINIUM Production Hillside, South Africa 177 174 177 177 176 353 349 Bayside, South Africa 46 46 46 49 50 99 87 Alumar, Brazil 45 44 44 44 45 89 90 Valesul, Brazil (b) 10 11 11 - - - 21 Mozal, Mozambique 66 65 66 67 67 134 131 Total 344 340 344 337 338 675 678 Sales Hillside, South Africa 175 162 186 170 173 343 343 Bayside, South Africa 43 40 48 44 47 91 77 Alumar, Brazil 44 48 44 44 42 86 86 Valesul, Brazil (b) 12 10 11 - - - 23 Mozal, Mozambique 79 58 68 60 66 126 133 Total 353 318 357 318 328 646 662 Tolling Agreement (a) 22 22 38 24 20 44 45 375 340 395 342 348 690 707 (a) Equity Alumina is converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages are allocated to equity sales. (b) BHP Billiton completed the sale of Valesul with effect 1 July 2006. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005BASE METALSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unlessotherwise stated.Escondida, Chile Material mined (100%) ('000 92,155 90,781 94,429 59,601 93,770 153,371 183,074 tonnes) Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 22,161 21,843 21,473 18,257 22,585 40,842 44,416 tonnes) Average copper grade (%) 1.58% 1.62% 1.63% 1.55% 1.55% 1.55% 1.59% Production ex Mill (100%) ('000 304.0 302.8 295.9 234.0 289.4 523.4 608.4 tonnes) Production Payable copper ('000 169.0 168.2 165.2 129.7 160.6 290.3 337.6 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 19,200 17,877 23,567 17,049 22,365 39,414 38,394 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 20.0 15.4 11.7 17.5 32.7 50.2 39.6 tonnes) Payable silver concentrate ('000 945 714 925 724 880 1,604 1,740 ounces) Sales Payable copper ('000 160.7 184.4 158.6 133.8 167.9 301.7 330.1 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 18,145 20,159 22,627 17,778 23,089 40,867 37,439 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 19.4 16.7 11.5 14.2 27.3 41.5 38.7 tonnes) Payable silver concentrate ('000 892 802 891 752 909 1,661 1,695 ounces)Tintaya, Peru (a) Material mined ('000 17,107 15,960 11,539 - - - 34,335 tonnes) Sulphide Ore milled ('000 1,734 1,523 1,123 - - - 3,280 tonnes) Average copper grade (%) 1.26% 1.26% 1.33% - - - 1.29% Production Payable copper ('000 18.1 16.2 12.9 - - - 35 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 8,200 8,032 4,958 - - - 16,248 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 9.9 9.1 6.1 - - - 20 tonnes) Payable silver concentrate ('000 168 138 119 - - - 335 ounces) Sales Payable copper ('000 19.4 15.1 12.0 - - - 36 tonnes) Payable gold concentrate (fine 8,376 8,016 5,079 - - - 15,159 ounces) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 9.8 8.3 7.1 - - - 20 tonnes) Payable silver concentrate ('000 207 127 109 - - - 368 ounces) (a) BHP Billiton sold Tintaya with effect from 1 June 2006.Cerro Colorado, Chile Material mined ('000 17,107 17,926 18,258 16,334 18,858 35,192 33,803 tonnes) Ore milled ('000 4,348 4,266 4,490 4,508 4,578 9,086 7,692 tonnes) Average copper grade (%) 0.90% 0.94% 0.83% 0.80% 0.81% 0.81% 0.85% Production Copper cathode (EW) ('000 21.5 28.1 30.0 30.0 27.4 57.4 36.0 tonnes) Sales Copper cathode (EW) ('000 19.7 24.4 34.5 27.9 28.3 56.2 34.7 tonnes)Spence, Chile (a) Material mined ('000 - - - - 20,329 20,329 - tonnes) Ore milled ('000 - - - - 3,510 3,510 - tonnes) Average copper grade (%) - - - - 1.76% 1.76% - Production Copper cathode (EW) ('000 - - - - 4.3 4.3 - tonnes) Sales Copper cathode (EW) ('000 - - - - 1.3 1.3 - tonnes) (a) Spence operations were commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.Antamina, Peru Material mined (100%) ('000 32,598 28,982 29,740 29,917 28,317 58,234 65,437 tonnes) Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 8,349 7,549 7,196 7,581 7,930 15,511 15,716 tonnes) Average head grades - Copper (%) 1.36% 1.48% 1.45% 1.22% 1.41% 1.32% 1.33% - Zinc (%) 0.51% 0.62% 0.88% 0.87% 0.65% 0.76% 0.76% Production Payable copper ('000 34.3 32.9 29.1 29.0 34.1 63.1 62.2 tonnes) Payable zinc (tonnes) 5,148 7,534 12,638 13,585 10,970 24,555 20,107 Payable silver ('000 859 865 808 713 736 1,449 1,501 ounces) Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 772 632 538 719 768 1,487 1,345 Sales Payable copper ('000 35.5 30.5 25.6 33.9 35.3 69.2 66.2 tonnes) Payable zinc (tonnes) 7,894 9,634 7,638 14,224 13,853 28,077 21,097 Payable silver ('000 813 750 505 713 623 1,336 1,482 ounces) Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 751 697 627 719 808 1,527 1,289Cannington, Australia Material mined ('000 887 799 496 428 506 934 1,797 tonnes) Ore milled ('000 850 809 589 478 478 956 1,622 tonnes) Average head grades - Silver (g/t) 493 431 462 423 360 392 474 - Lead (%) 10.8% 9.8% 10.9% 11.6% 8.8% 10.2% 10.3% - Zinc (%) 3.5% 4.0% 4.1% 3.6% 3.1% 3.4% 3.4% Production Payable silver ('000 11,672 9,693 7,503 5,714 4,805 10,519 21,251 ounces) Payable lead (tonnes) 77,187 68,754 55,507 48,977 36,454 85,431 142,060 Payable zinc (tonnes) 18,780 20,885 14,926 10,426 8,806 19,232 32,968 Sales Payable silver ('000 11,972 9,061 8,516 5,010 6,637 11,647 21,050 ounces) Payable lead (tonnes) 79,474 63,112 62,787 39,694 51,521 91,215 139,416 Payable zinc (tonnes) 16,814 17,508 20,121 6,346 12,315 18,661 27,490Olympic Dam, Australia Material mined (a) ('000 2,145 2,065 2,002 2,178 2,030 4,208 4,152 tonnes) Ore milled ('000 2,430 2,343 2,517 2,043 2,182 4,225 4,775 tonnes) Average copper grade (%) 2.32% 2.10% 2.10% 2.10% 2.21% 2.16% 2.29% Average uranium grade kg/t 0.65 0.59 0.55 0.57 0.58 1.15 1.29 Production Copper cathode (ER) ('000 48.6 43.1 50.5 38.4 35.4 73.8 92.8 tonnes) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 4.9 4.0 4.1 3.2 4.3 7.5 9.8 tonnes) Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,070 913 865 793 822 1,615 2,158 Refined gold (fine 27,300 26,186 27,636 24,111 16,199 40,310 53,724 ounces) Refined silver ('000 222 245 238 198 145 343 401 ounces) Sales Copper cathode (ER) ('000 44.9 44.1 49.0 41.6 33.7 75.3 92.4 tonnes) Copper cathode (EW) ('000 5.8 4.2 4.1 3.5 2.7 6.2 11.0 tonnes) Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,287 992 1,183 620 1,009 1,629 2,166 Refined gold (fine 26,369 27,300 27,375 23,233 18,404 41,637 47,561 ounces) Refined silver ('000 254 178 320 188 157 345 398 ounces) (a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.Pinto Valley, USA Production Copper cathode (EW) ('000 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.9 4.0 4.3 tonnes) Sales Copper cathode (EW) ('000 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 1.6 4.2 4.9 tonnes) PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005CARBON STEEL MATERIALSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes)IRON ORE (a)Pilbara, Australia Production Mt Newman Joint Venture 6,166 5,884 6,490 7,394 7,536 14,930 12,400 Goldsworthy Joint Venture 1,669 1,371 1,808 806 84 890 3,062 Area C Joint Venture 4,969 3,332 5,401 4,821 5,334 10,155 9,255 Yandi Joint Venture 8,372 8,561 8,854 8,504 9,106 17,610 16,781 Jimblebar 1,569 1,549 1,607 1,490 1,449 2,939 3,214 Total (BHP Billiton share) 22,745 20,697 24,160 23,015 23,509 46,524 44,712 Total production (100%) 26,760 24,350 28,423 27,076 27,658 54,734 52,313 Sales Lump 6,483 5,276 6,092 6,429 5,856 12,285 12,474 Fines 16,357 15,547 18,481 16,222 18,499 34,721 32,194 Total (BHP Billiton share) 22,840 20,823 24,573 22,651 24,355 47,006 44,668 Total sales (100%) 26,871 24,498 28,909 26,648 28,653 55,301 52,260 (a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.Samarco, Brazil Production 1,865 1,802 1,955 1,988 1,945 3,933 3,746 Shipments 2,155 1,532 2,022 1,872 2,357 4,229 4,055METALLURGICAL COAL (a)Queensland, Australia Production BMA Blackwater 1,409 1,533 1,449 1,536 1,388 2,924 3,036 Goonyella 1,921 1,751 1,986 1,892 1,296 3,188 3,530 Peak Downs 1,186 1,095 858 1,202 1,161 2,363 2,436 Saraji 602 563 794 682 893 1,575 1,277 Norwich Park 678 550 675 631 677 1,308 1,437 Gregory Joint Venture 645 480 712 714 691 1,405 1,418 BMA total 6,441 5,972 6,474 6,657 6,106 12,763 13,134 BHP Mitsui Coal (b) South Walker Creek 710 763 850 873 782 1,655 1,436 Poitrel (c) - - - - 91 91 - BHP Mitsui Coal total 710 763 850 873 873 1,746 1,436 Queensland total 7,151 6,735 7,324 7,530 6,979 14,509 14,570 Shipments Coking coal 4,987 5,032 5,798 5,190 5,040 10,230 9,856 Weak coking coal 1,366 1,342 1,444 1,600 1,749 3,349 2,573 Thermal coal 403 482 581 344 502 846 982 Total 6,756 6,856 7,823 7,134 7,291 14,425 13,411 (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%. (c) Poitrel was commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.Illawarra, Australia Production 1,822 1,725 1,900 1,717 1,987 3,704 3,389 Shipments Coking coal 1,457 1,508 1,292 1,366 1,583 2,949 2,647 Thermal coal 103 313 136 188 280 468 486 Total 1,560 1,821 1,428 1,554 1,863 3,417 3,133MANGANESE ORESouth Africa Saleable production (a) 529 532 673 644 663 1,307 1,095Australia Saleable production (a) 749 694 716 865 866 1,731 1,570MANGANESE ALLOYSouth Africa Saleable production (a) 105 119 131 93 126 219 184Australia Saleable production (a) 60 54 44 60 66 126 120 (a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.DIAMONDSEkati(TM), Canada Ore Processed (100%) ('000 962 995 1,181 1,199 1,100 2,299 2,120 tonnes) Production ('000 614 512 583 487 937 1,424 1,466 carats)FERTILISERSouthern Cross Fertiliser Operations,Australia (a) Production (b) ('000 252.6 222.5 141.3 84.3 - 84.3 497.5 tonnes) Sales (b) ('000 221.2 200.4 304.4 41.6 - 41.6 396.7 tonnes) (a) BHP Billiton completed the sale of Southern Cross Fertiliser operations on 1 August 2006. (b) Includes diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005ENERGY COALBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes)Ingwe, South Africa Production 12,940 11,605 12,854 13,151 13,032 26,183 27,489 Sales Export 6,273 5,658 4,271 5,168 5,211 10,379 11,709 Local utility 7,250 7,328 7,365 7,552 7,413 14,965 15,263 Inland 268 203 253 255 227 482 577 Total 13,791 13,189 11,889 12,975 12,851 25,826 27,549New Mexico, USA Production Navajo Coal 2,252 2,305 1,471 1,778 2,104 3,882 4,490 San Juan Coal 1,813 524 2,420 1,689 1,767 3,456 4,136 Total 4,065 2,829 3,891 3,467 3,871 7,338 8,626 Sales - local utility 3,628 3,553 3,556 3,822 3,616 7,438 7,397Hunter Valley, Australia Production 2,045 1,897 2,636 2,766 2,790 5,556 4,613 Sales Export 1,312 1,267 1,048 1,245 1,858 3,103 2,882 Inland 793 643 1,475 1,031 1,005 2,036 1,776 Total 2,105 1,910 2,523 2,276 2,863 5,139 4,658Cerrejon Coal, Colombia Production 2,237 2,341 2,406 2,398 2,337 4,735 4,569 Sales - export 2,087 2,116 2,387 2,336 2,323 4,659 4,257 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MAR JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALSBHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.('000 tonnes)NICKELCMSA, Colombia Production 13.0 12.9 12.8 12.7 12.8 25.5 25.8 Sales 14.2 12.4 13.6 11.7 14.4 26.1 25.3Yabulu, Australia Production Nickel metal 5.9 7.0 4.3 7.3 7.5 14.8 12.0 Cobalt 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.8 0.5 Sales Nickel metal 6.6 6.9 4.9 6.0 7.2 13.2 12.9 Cobalt 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.7Nickel West, Australia Production Nickel contained in finished 13.9 5.2 9.6 11.1 12.4 23.5 23.6 matte Nickel metal 16.2 15.1 14.9 13.4 15.6 29.0 31.7 Nickel production (a) 30.1 20.3 24.5 24.5 28.0 52.5 55.3 Sales Nickel contained in finished 14.3 8.8 7.9 9.3 13.5 22.8 21.9 matte Nickel metal (b) 14.9 15.7 15.8 12.9 14.3 27.2 30.8 Nickel sales (a) 29.2 24.5 23.7 22.2 27.8 50.0 52.7 (a) In addition to the production and sales reported above, Nickel West also produced and sold 1.2 kt nickel in concentrate during the quarter ended 30 June 2006. There has been no sales of nickel in concentrate in the December 2006 half year. 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