1st May 2008 07:00
BHP Billiton PLC01 May 2008 1 May 2008Number 16/08 BHP BILLITON APPROVES WORSLEY ALUMINA EFFICIENCY & GROWTH PROJECT BHP Billiton today announced approval for the Efficiency & Growth expansionproject at Worsley Alumina in Western Australia for an estimated capitalinvestment of US$1.9 billion (BHP Billiton's 86 per cent share). This includesapproximately US$70 million of sustaining capital. The expansion project will lift capacity of the Worsley refinery from 3.5million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of alumina to 4.6 Mtpa (100 per cent capacity)through expanded mining operations, additional refinery capacity and upgradedport facilities. The construction phase will start immediately and first production is expectedin the first half of calendar year 2011. BHP Billiton Aluminium President Jon Dudas said, "Worsley is one of the largest,lowest costand most efficient alumina refineries in the world. This decision to invest infurther production capacity underlines our confidence in the future of thealumina market. It also reflects our confidence in Worsley Alumina's ability tocontinue its excellent track record of production growth". Worsley Alumina is a Joint Venture partnership between BHP Billiton (86 percent), Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) (10 per cent) and Sojitz Alumina (4per cent). Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:www.bhpbilliton.com Australia United Kingdom & South AfricaSamantha 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] Leng Lau, Investor Relations Illtud Harri, Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 706 Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] United StatesTracey Whitehead, Investor & Media RelationsTel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031Mobile: +44 7917 648 093Email: [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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