25th Feb 2008 07:00
BHP Billiton PLC25 February 2008 25 February 2008Number 08/08 HEAVY JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RAINFALL CAUSES PRODUCTION IMPACT AT QUEENSLAND COAL OPERATIONS BHP Billiton has today provided a preliminary estimate of the production impactof the recent heavy rainfall experienced across Queensland's Bowen Basin(Australia). While these assessments are continuing, it is currently estimated that the twosignificant rainfall events, on January 18 - 20 and February 9 - 14, will impactFY08 production from the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) owned mines bybetween 6.5 and 7.5 million tonnes. In addition, the FY08 production impact fromthe BHP Billiton Mitsui (BMC) owned mines is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1.0million tonnes. These assessments include any rollover into FY09. The BHP Billiton share of this production impact is between 3.7 and 4.6 milliontonnes after taking into account relevant ownership. BHP Billiton has insurancecover for property damage and business interruption losses, and potential claimsare currently being assessed. BMA CEO John Smith said: "These are initial assessments of the impacts onproduction due to the inability to safely operate the mines and to maintainaccess for our people and supplies following the rains. "We anticipate we will be better informed on the actual extent of the impact asthe recovery process proceeds and mines are brought back to full operationalcapacity. We will provide an update on the impacts if they are materiallydifferent from our preliminary assessments once the situation has been fullyassessed. "Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of all employees and contractors atour operations and on swift recovery of operations, including dewatering of thepits. We are working with the EPA to meet their conditions and minimisedownstream impacts. "We are also continuing to work with our customers to minimise disruption totheir businesses," he said. Background Information • The BMA owned mines are a 50/50 alliance between BHP Billiton Ltd and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. These operations include Peak Downs, Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Saraji, Norwich Park, Blackwater and Gregory Crinum. • The BMC mines of South Walker Creek and Poitrel are owned 80% by BHP Billiton and 20% by Mitsui and Co. BMA is the operator of the BMC mines. • FY08 refers to the Financial Year ending June 30, 2008. 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] 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:
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