23rd Jun 2006 07:00
BHP Billiton PLC23 June 2006 Issued by: BHP Billiton Plc To: TSX / SEDAR Cc:London Stock ExchangeJSE LimitedNew York Stock Exchange Date: 23rd June, 2006 BHP BILLITON PURCHASES 2,000,000 SHARES OF SKYE RESOURCES INC On 22nd June 2006, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Billiton, BillitonDevelopment B.V., purchased 2,000,000 common shares of Skye Resources Inc.("Skye Resources") (TSX:SKR), representing approximately 6.8% of the issued andoutstanding common shares of Skye Resources. Before the acquisition, BHPBilliton held 2,846,400 shares of Skye Resources, representing 9.7% of theissued and outstanding common shares of Skye Resources. This acquisition bringsthe total number of Skye Resources shares owned by BHP Billiton to 4,846,400common shares, representing 16.5% of the issued and outstanding common shares ofSkye Resources. The acquisition is being funded using cash and existingfacilities. BHP Billiton purchased the shares on the TSX for investment purposes and tofurther BHP Billiton's ongoing interest in mining opportunities in Guatemala.BHP Billiton is continuing to review its investment alternatives and may acquireadditional common shares or may sell the shares it now holds in the open marketor in privately negotiated transactions to one or more persons. No other corporation within the BHP Billiton group of companies holds any director indirect interest in any securities in the capital of Skye Resources. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy oraccuracy of the contents of this news release. For further information please contact: Tracey WhiteheadBHP BillitonTel: UK +44 (0)20 7802 4031 or US +1 713 599 6100http://www.bhpbilliton.com 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