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BHP Group Limited Annual Report 2012

Jul 17, 2012

14787_rns_2012-07-17_44be60e1-8538-4e9d-9d97-3e832d43edf3.pdf

Annual Report

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NEWS RELEASE

Release Time

IMMEDIATE

==> picture [144 x 119] intentionally omitted <==

Date

18 July 2012

Number

15/12

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

  • Robust operating performance in a challenging environment with annual production records achieved across ten operations.

  • Twelfth consecutive annual production record in iron ore as Western Australia Iron Ore shipments rose to an annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June 2012 quarter (100% basis).

  • Record annual metallurgical coal production achieved at Illawarra Coal. Queensland Coal production remained constrained as a result of industrial action and heavy rainfall.

  • The successful integration and further development of our Onshore US shale liquids and gas assets contributed to a 40% increase in petroleum production in the 2012 financial year.

  • An 11% increase in copper production in the June 2012 quarter established strong momentum in our Base Metals business.

Petroleum

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (‘000 boe) 85,286 19,484 -7% -8% -10%
Natural gas (bcf) 822.26 221.25 103% 68% 6%
Total petroleum products (million boe) 222.34 56.36 40% 30% 0%

Total petroleum production – The successful integration and further development of our Onshore US shale liquids and gas assets contributed to a 40 per cent increase in petroleum production in the 2012 financial year.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Lower liquids production for the 2012 financial year reflected downtime at our non-operated facilities in the Gulf of Mexico (USA) and natural field decline, particularly at Pyrenees (Australia). Mad Dog (USA) was offline for the full financial year while Atlantis (USA) was shut-in for an extended period of scheduled maintenance during the June 2012 quarter. Weather related downtime in the Gulf of Mexico also contributed to lower production in the period.

Onshore US liquids production increased by 10 per cent to 3.8 million barrels in the June 2012 quarter. Over 80 per cent of our Onshore US drilling activity was focused on the liquids rich Eagle Ford shale and Permian Basin at the end of the period.

Our conventional business will benefit from the recommencement of production at Mad Dog and Atlantis in the September 2012 quarter.

Natural gas – Strong performance at Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) and the successful integration of our Onshore US business led to higher natural gas production in the 2012 financial year.

Aluminium

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) 4,152 1,039 4% 1% -1%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes) 1,153 248 -7% -21% -10%

Alumina – Record annual production at the Alumar refinery (Brazil) contributed to a four per cent increase in total alumina production in the 2012 financial year. Production at Worsley (Australia) is expected to increase during the 2013 financial year as the Efficiency & Growth project ramps up towards full capacity.

Aluminium – Production was lower than all comparable periods as potline capacity at Hillside (South Africa) remained curtailed following a major unplanned outage in the March 2012 quarter. Operations are expected to progressively return to full technical capacity during the 2013 financial year.

Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium business continues to be challenged by weaker prices and underlying cost pressure.

Base Metals

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Copper (‘000 tonnes) 1,094.5 312.5 -4% 15% 11%
Lead (tonnes) 239,878 63,667 -2% 9% 19%
Zinc (tonnes) 112,217 30,748 -26% -11% 3%
Silver (‘000 ounces) 41,308 11,539 -3% 17% 19%
Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) 3,885 1,080 -4% 6% 21%

Copper – An 11 per cent increase in copper production in the June 2012 quarter established strong momentum in our Base Metals business. At Escondida (Chile), production increased by 22 per cent as mining activities progressed towards higher grade ore, consistent with the mine plan. This strong performance was also supported by quarterly and annual material mined, mill throughput and copper production records at Antamina (Peru) following the successful commissioning of the expansion project.

Escondida copper production is forecast to increase by approximately 20 per cent in the 2013 financial year. Successful completion of both the Escondida Ore Access and Laguna Seca debottlenecking projects will facilitate a rise in Escondida copper production to over 1.3 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in the 2015 financial year.

At 30 June 2012 the Group had 278,547 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.49 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined in the 2013 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in 2012. This finalisation adjustment and the provisional pricing impact as at 30 June 2012 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$265 million in the 2012 financial year (2011 financial year: US$650 million gain).

Lead/silver – Production for the 2012 financial year was in line with the prior period.

Zinc – Production at Antamina declined during the 2012 financial year as mining progressed through a copper-rich ore zone.

Uranium – Production for the 2012 financial year was broadly in line with the prior period.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

2

Diamonds & Specialty Products

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Diamonds (‘000 carats) 1,784 413 -29% -28% -5%

Diamonds – Production was lower than all comparable periods, as expected. EKATI (Canada) production is forecast to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.

BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business during the December 2011 quarter and this process is ongoing. The sale of BHP Billiton’s 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto is progressing and remains subject to final regulatory approvals.

Stainless Steel Materials

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) 157.9 42.7 3% 12% 2%

Nickel – The successful replacement of the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) in the September 2011 quarter led to a modest increase in annual nickel production.

The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project and Kwinana hydrogen plant (Australia) were both commissioned in the 2012 financial year. However, despite improved refinery performance, a strong Australian dollar and weak nickel price continued to place pressure on Nickel West operating margins.

Iron Ore

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes) 159,478 40,891 19% 15% 8%

Iron ore – BHP Billiton’s commitment to invest throughout the economic cycle delivered a twelfth consecutive annual production record in iron ore. Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) shipments rose to a record annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June 2012 quarter (100 per cent basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the ramp up of Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company’s rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland contributed to the record result. WAIO production in the 2013 financial year is forecast to increase by approximately five per cent from the 2012 financial year.

Samarco’s (Brazil) three pellet plants continued to operate at capacity during the period.

Manganese

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes) 7,931 2,066 12% 15% 1%
Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes) 602 75 -20% -61% -46%

Manganese ore – Consistently strong operating performance and improved plant availability at both GEMCO (Australia) and Hotazel (South Africa) underpinned annual production and sales records in the 2012 financial year.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

3

Manganese alloy – The termination of energy intensive silica manganese production at Metalloys (South Africa) and the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO (Australia) resulted in substantially lower alloy production in the 2012 financial year. TEMCO is expected to return to full capacity towards the end of the September 2012 quarter.

Metallurgical Coal

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes) 33,230 8,109 2% 2% 11%

Metallurgical coal – A modest increase in metallurgical coal production was achieved in the 2012 financial year despite numerous operating challenges. Record annual production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) followed successful commissioning of the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant upgrade project. A longwall move at the Appin mine is expected to have a minor impact on production in the September 2012 quarter.

Queensland Coal (Australia) production remained constrained during the June 2012 quarter largely as a result of industrial action. This disruption to production and sales has led to significant margin compression for our leading Queensland Coal business. BHP Billiton also announced the indefinite closure of the Norwich Park mine (Australia) during the June 2012 quarter following a review of the mine’s profitability.

In July 2012, force majeure was lifted across all BMA sites. In addition, BMA and the unions reached a framework agreement that should guide the finalisation of the BMA Enterprise Agreement. Further work is underway to finalise local mine site details.

Energy Coal

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Energy coal (‘000 tonnes) 71,111 18,484 2% 1% 7%

Energy coal – Volumes were higher than all comparable periods with annual and quarterly production records achieved at two of BHP Billiton’s export orientated operations, Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) and New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia). Longwall mining activity resumed at San Juan Coal (USA) during the June 2012 quarter.

The RX1 Project at New South Wales Energy Coal delivered first production during the June 2012 quarter, significantly ahead of schedule. This project capitalises on strong demand for high ash coal in our key growth markets.

Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton’s share and exclude suspended and sold operations.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

4

Media Relations

Investor Relations

Australia

Antonios Papaspiropoulos Tel: +61 3 9609 3830 Mobile: +61 477 325 803 email: [email protected]

Kelly Quirke Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312 email: [email protected]

Fiona Martin Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908 email: [email protected]

United Kingdom

Ruban Yogarajah Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022 email: [email protected]

Deirdra McCracken Tel: +44 20 7802 7462 Mobile: +44 7827 253 764 Email: [email protected]

Americas

Australia

James Agar Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 467 807 064 email: [email protected]

Andrew Gunn Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454 email: [email protected]

United Kingdom and South Africa

Brendan Harris

Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726 email: [email protected]

Tara Dines Tel: +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile: +44 7825 342 232 Email: [email protected]

Americas

Scott Espenshade Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565 email: [email protected]

Jaryl Strong Tel: +1 713 499 5548 Mobile: +1 281 222 6627 email: [email protected]

BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 Registered in Australia Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia

BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 Registered in England and Wales Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

5

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

QUARTER ENDED
JUN
MAR
JUN
2011
2012
2012		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011		 % CHANGE
JUN YTD12
JUN Q12
JUN Q12
vs
vs
vs
JUN YTD11
JUN Q11
MAR Q12
PETROLEUM 18,652
18,127
15,726
131.79
209.17
221.25
2,636
3,609
3,758
43.25
56.60
56.36
1,026
1,052
1,039
313
277
248
272.3
281.4
312.5
58,578
53,560
63,667
34,733
29,727
30,748
45,545
44,684
40,569
9,877
9,715
11,539
1,015
896
1,080
418
521
464
576
433
413
38.2
41.7
42.7
35,526
37,943
40,891
1,790
2,040
2,066
190
138
75
7,922
7,337
8,109
18,338
17,248
18,484		 71,201
80,591
822.26
405.06
14,085
11,283
222.34
159.38
4,152
4,010
1,153
1,246
1,094.5
1,139.4
239,878
244,554
112,217
152,127
168,699
196,091
41,308
42,656
3,885
4,045
2,346
1,445
1,784
2,506
157.9
152.7
159,478
134,406
7,931
7,093
602
753
33,230
32,678
71,111
69,500		 -12%
-16%
-13%
103%
68%
6%
25%
43%
4%
40%
30%
0%
4%
1%
-1%
-7%
-21%
-10%
-4%
15%
11%
-2%
9%
19%
-26%
-11%
3%
-14%
-11%
-9%
-3%
17%
19%
-4%
6%
21%
62%
11%
-11%
-29%
-28%
-5%
3%
12%
2%
19%
15%
8%
12%
15%
1%
-20%
-61%
-46%
2%
2%
11%
2%
1%
7%
Crude oil & condensate
('000 bbl)
Natural gas
(bcf)
NGL
('000 boe)
Total petroleum products
(million boe)
ALUMINIUM
Alumina
('000 tonnes)
Aluminium
('000 tonnes)
BASE METALS
Copper
('000 tonnes)
Lead
(tonnes)
Zinc
(tonnes)
Gold
(ounces)
Silver
('000 ounces)
Uranium oxide concentrate
(tonnes)
Molybdenum
(tonnes)
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds
('000 carats)
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel
('000 tonnes)
IRON ORE
Iron ore
('000 tonnes)
MANGANESE
Manganese ore
('000 tonnes)
Manganese alloy
('000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal
('000 tonnes)
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal
('000 tonnes)

Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 1

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED
BHP Billiton
Interest
YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
PETROLEUM 18,652
18,482
18,866
18,127
15,726
131.79
177.35
214.49
209.17
221.25
2,636
3,356
3,362
3,609
3,758
43.25
51.40
57.98
56.60
56.36		 71,201
80,591
822.26
405.06
14,085
11,283
Production
Crude oil & condensate ('000 bbl)
Natural gas (bcf)
NGL ('000 boe) (a)
Total petroleum products (million boe)
222.34
159.38
ALUMINIUM 725
752
694
741
730
301
308
307
311
309
1,026
1,060
1,001
1,052
1,039		 2,917
2,902
1,235
1,108
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Worsley
86%
Alumar
36%
Total
4,152
4,010
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Hillside
100%
Bayside
100%
Alumar
40%
Mozal
47%
Total		 179
180
180
144
117
24
25
24
26
23
43
44
42
42
42
67
66
67
65
66
313
315
313
277
248		 621
711
98
97
170
174
264
264
1,153
1,246
BASE METALS (b) 79.4
49.9
80.4
87.7
115.8
22.5
30.3
30.9
30.9
34.9
101.9
80.2
111.3
118.6
150.7
42.6
32.9
43.0
47.4
48.7
75.7
65.4
70.0
66.2
62.1
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.2
50.7
40.4
54.6
47.8
49.8
170.4
140.1
169.0
162.8
161.8		 333.8
390.5
127.0
97.8
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)
Escondida
57.5%
Antamina
33.8%
Total
Cathode ('000 tonnes)
Escondida
57.5%
Pampa Norte (c)
100%
Pinto Valley
100%
Olympic Dam
100%
Total
460.8
488.3
172.0
179.1
263.7
272.2
5.4
5.7
192.6
194.1
633.7
651.1
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington
100%
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 58,414
55,557
66,787
53,412
63,334
164
102
205
148
333
58,578
55,659
66,992
53,560
63,667		 239,090
243,364
788
1,190
239,878
244,554
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington
100%
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 14,348
14,488
14,745
12,904
12,540
20,385
8,956
13,553
16,823
18,208
34,733
23,444
28,298
29,727
30,748		 54,677
60,657
57,540
91,470
112,217
152,127

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 2

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED
BHP Billiton
Interest
YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
BASE METALS (continued) 17,116
11,063
14,242
12,732
12,817
28,429
28,376
29,765
31,952
27,752
45,545
39,439
44,007
44,684
40,569		 50,854
84,723
117,845
111,368
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida
57.5%
Olympic Dam (refined gold)
100%
Total
168,699
196,091
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)
Escondida
57.5%
Antamina
33.8%
Cannington
100%
Olympic Dam (refined silver)
100%
Total		 580
403
549
481
488
773
972
1,087
1,170
1,043
8,242
7,559
9,056
7,836
9,757
282
217
211
228
251
9,877
9,151
10,903
9,715
11,539		 1,921
2,849
4,272
3,600
34,208
35,225
907
982
41,308
42,656
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam
100%
Total		 1,015
1,000
909
896
1,080
1,015
1,000
909
896
1,080		 3,885
4,045
3,885
4,045
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 418
595
766
521
464
418
595
766
521
464		 2,346
1,445
2,346
1,445
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 576
457
481
433
413		 1,784
2,506
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
EKATI™
80%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS 7.4
10.4
12.3
13.4
12.8
30.8
24.7
26.1
28.3
29.9
38.2
35.1
38.4
41.7
42.7		 48.9
40.0
109.0
112.7
NICKEL
Production ('000 tonnes)
CMSA
99.9%
Nickel West
100%
Total
157.9
152.7

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 3

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED
BHP Billiton
Interest
YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
IRON ORE 12,480
13,158
13,247
11,789
13,132
284
254
334
37
143
10,044
10,479
10,437
10,343
11,166
9,796
12,708
14,170
13,063
13,595
2,922
2,973
2,884
2,711
2,855
35,526
39,572
41,072
37,943
40,891		 51,326
45,245
768
1,198
42,425
39,794
53,536
36,460
11,423
11,709
Production ('000 tonnes) (d)
Newman (e)
85%
Goldsworthy Joint Venture
85%
Area C Joint Venture
85%
Yandi Joint Venture
85%
Samarco
50%
Total
159,478
134,406
MANGANESE 776
911
808
917
989
1,014
1,108
998
1,123
1,077
1,790
2,019
1,806
2,040
2,066		 3,625
3,007
4,306
4,086
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (f)
44.4%
Australia (f)
60%
Total
7,931
7,093
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) (g)
60%
Australia (f)
60%
Total		 120
124
124
81
75
70
70
71
57
-
190
194
195
138
75		 404
486
198
267
602
753
METALLURGICAL COAL 4,874
5,274
5,006
4,226
4,105
1,426
1,803
1,580
1,649
1,661
1,622
2,214
1,907
1,462
2,343
7,922
9,291
8,493
7,337
8,109		 18,611
19,901
6,693
5,893
7,926
6,884
Production ('000 tonnes) (h)
BMA
50%
BHP Mitsui Coal (i)
80%
Illawarra
100%
Total
33,230
32,678
ENERGY COAL 8,228
9,095
7,976
7,895
8,313
3,779
2,467
2,163
2,109
2,673
3,793
4,046
4,027
4,291
4,393
2,538
2,852
2,753
2,953
3,105
18,338
18,460
16,919
17,248
18,484		 33,279
34,328
9,412
11,612
16,757
13,671
11,663
9,889
Production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa
100%
USA
100%
Australia
100%
Colombia
33%
Total
71,111
69,500

(a) LPG and ethane are reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL). Product-specific conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe).

(b) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(c) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

(d) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(e) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

(f) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.

(g) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

(h) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

(i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 4

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
PETROLEUM 9,359
10,214
6,344
7,586
3,260
2,808
12,130
19,788
52
51
6,772
10,711
-
3,029
15,645
14,783
6,939
-
1,873
1,271
1,468
1,634
1,575
2,166
5,462
6,245
322
305
71,201
80,591
106.74
112.03
124.93
143.51
18.30
19.20
2.50
3.91
-
0.45
2.22
2.83
447.92
36.43
38.07
4.69
4.05
5.47
19.99
24.46
57.54
52.08
822.26
405.06
6,323
6,248
1,620
1,714
465
632
-
134
1,124
1,029
4,022
-
133
185
96
279
302
1,062
14,085
11,283
222.34
159.38

(a) Other Australia includes Minerva.

(b) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.

(c) The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.

(d) Fayetteville shale acquisition completed on 31 March 2011. Petrohawk Energy Corporation acquisition completed on 20 August 2011. Onshore US volumes are net of mineral holder royalties.

(e) Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Genesis and Starlifter. West Cameron 76 and Starlifter were divested in May 2012.

(f) Algeria includes ROD and Ohanet. The Ohanet Risk Sharing Contract expired in October 2011.

(g) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 5

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
ALUMINIUM 2,917
2,902
1,235
1,108
4,152
4,010
2,928
2,862
1,201
1,083
4,129
3,945
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa
Bayside, South Africa
Alumar, Brazil
Mozal, Mozambique
Total
Sales
Hillside, South Africa
Bayside, South Africa
Alumar, Brazil
Mozal, Mozambique
Total		 179
180
180
144
117
24
25
24
26
23
43
44
42
42
42
67
66
67
65
66
313
315
313
277
248
181
163
186
141
126
29
24
25
27
21
44
44
43
31
45
80
60
85
66
54
334
291
339
265
246		 621
711
98
97
170
174
264
264
1,153
1,246
616
652
97
127
163
174
265
277
1,141
1,230

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 6

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011

BASE METALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.

Escondida, Chile
Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 97,705 69,006 96,152 103,321 109,724 378,203 400,679
Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 16,399 12,029 18,663 16,449 18,640 65,781 70,878
Average copper grade (%) 1.06% 0.97% 0.97% 1.14% 1.37% 1.13% 1.18%
Production ex mill (100%) ('000 tonnes) 141.2 91.9 144.3 153.1 211.7 601.0 686.6
Production
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 79.4 49.9 80.4 87.7 115.8 333.8 390.5
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 17,116 11,063 14,242 12,732 12,817 50,854 84,723
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 42.6 32.9 43.0 47.4 48.7 172.0 179.1
Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 580 403 549 481 488 1,921 2,849
Sales
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 90.9 49.2 82.1 82.6 113.1 327.0 393.9
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 20,251 10,974 14,435 11,998 12,683 50,090 86,023
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 48.0 25.7 45.3 44.3 53.4 168.7 181.8
Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 673 404 558 454 483 1,899 2,877
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 17,840 14,736 16,792 16,320 16,246 64,094 68,094
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 4,771 4,608 4,601 4,300 4,388 17,897 18,237
Average copper grade (%) 0.74% 0.72% 0.71% 0.72% 0.61% 0.69% 0.74%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 25.7 22.5 23.5 18.7 18.7 83.4 92.4
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 25.7 22.4 23.8 20.2 19.1 85.5 94.3
Spence
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 19,487 19,816 26,511 29,982 28,594 104,903 74,070
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 4,545 3,862 4,909 4,279 3,604 16,654 18,431
Average copper grade (%) 1.22% 1.30% 1.46% 1.20% 1.28% 1.32% 1.24%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 50.0 42.9 46.5 47.5 43.4 180.3 179.8
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 54.5 43.2 46.6 44.1 51.3 185.2 185.4

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 7

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 41,669 44,212 38,759 41,474 48,256 172,701 138,144
Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 9,253 9,396 9,656 10,162 12,295 41,509 36,929
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 0.90% 1.11% 1.15% 1.10% 1.01% 1.09% 0.97%
- Zinc (%) 1.03% 0.68% 0.72% 0.84% 0.80% 0.76% 1.16%
Production
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 22.5 30.3 30.9 30.9 34.9 127.0 97.8
Payable zinc (tonnes) 20,385 8,956 13,553 16,823 18,208 57,540 91,470
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 773 972 1,087 1,170 1,043 4,272 3,600
Payable lead (tonnes) 164 102 205 148 333 788 1,190
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 418 595 766 521 464 2,346 1,445
Sales
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 23.5 28.2 31.7 30.7 32.7 123.3 99.1
Payable zinc (tonnes) 18,479 9,586 12,654 13,464 18,174 53,878 92,899
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 658 833 940 1,114 896 3,783 3,621
Payable lead (tonnes) 92 91 139 200 48 478 1,523
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 346 549 591 669 488 2,297 1,470
Cannington, Australia
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 841 819 778 756 880 3,233 3,110
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 786 826 888 778 845 3,337 3,090
Average head grades
- Silver (g/t) 381 332 370 367 417 372 417
- Lead (%) 8.6% 7.9% 8.8% 8.0% 8.6% 8.3% 9.2%
- Zinc (%) 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.7% 2.5% 2.8% 3.2%
Production
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 8,242 7,559 9,056 7,836 9,757 34,208 35,225
Payable lead (tonnes) 58,414 55,557 66,787 53,412 63,334 239,090 243,364
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,348 14,488 14,745 12,904 12,540 54,677 60,657
Sales
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 8,235 6,434 8,960 7,081 10,784 33,259 34,690
Payable lead (tonnes) 58,868 48,258 66,657 49,027 73,400 237,342 241,973
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,530 15,734 14,078 10,780 14,399 54,991 56,614

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 8

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011

BASE METALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.

Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a) ('000 tonnes) 2,675 2,543 2,440 2,389 2,629 10,001 10,331
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 2,533 2,471 2,440 2,195 2,475 9,581 10,330
Average copper grade (%) 1.92% 1.98% 2.08% 2.01% 1.86% 1.98% 1.86%
Average uranium grade kg/t 0.54 0.54 0.50 0.57 0.55 0.54 0.53
Production
Copper cathode (ER) ('000 tonnes) 47.0 37.6 51.5 45.2 46.0 180.3 181.4
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 3.7 2.8 3.1 2.6 3.8 12.3 12.7
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,015 1,000 909 896 1,080 3,885 4,045
Refined gold (fine ounces) 28,429 28,376 29,765 31,952 27,752 117,845 111,368
Refined silver ('000 ounces) 282 217 211 228 251 907 982
Sales
Copper cathode (ER) ('000 tonnes) 46.5 36.4 51.7 44.4 47.8 180.3 182.7
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 4.1 3.5 2.5 3.0 3.1 12.1 12.5
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,143 910 1,126 640 1,252 3,928 3,945
Refined gold (fine ounces) 30,323 28,979 24,327 36,832 29,257 119,395 110,736
Refined silver ('000 ounces) 269 289 155 268 200 912 954
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 5.4 5.7
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 1.2 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.2 5.3 5.9

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 9

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 4,482
4,692
1,784
2,506

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 10

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED
YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS 48.9
40.0
47.5
41.8
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate
Nickel contained in finished matte
Nickel metal
Nickel production
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate
Nickel contained in finished matte
Nickel metal
Nickel sales		 3.3
2.6
1.8
2.3
2.3
16.1
9.0
15.2
10.5
14.2
11.4
13.1
9.1
15.5
13.4
30.8
24.7
26.1
28.3
29.9
3.9
1.2
2.6
1.5
3.6
14.9
10.1
13.9
10.2
16.7
12.4
9.4
10.9
14.2
15.7
31.2
20.7
27.4
25.9
36.0		 9.0
7.5
48.9
63.9
51.1
41.3
109.0
112.7
8.9
8.5
50.9
64.1
50.2
43.4
110.0
116.0

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 11

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
IRON ORE 51,326
45,245
768
1,198
42,425
39,794
53,536
36,460
148,055
122,697
174,182
144,349
33,779
30,784
113,110
92,946
146,889
123,730
172,810
145,565
Samarco, Brazil
Production 2,922 2,973 2,884 2,711 2,855 11,423 11,709
Shipments 2,736 2,926 2,961 2,453 2,778 11,118 11,428

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 12

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED
YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
MANGANESE 3,625
3,007
3,451
3,051
Australia (a)
Saleable production
1,014
1,108
998
1,123
1,077
Sales
1,108
1,094
876
1,115
1,343		 4,306
4,086
4,428
3,960
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production
120
124
124
81
75
Sales
123
95
138
122
104		 404
486
459
516
Australia (a)
Saleable production
70
70
71
57
-
Sales
75
91
58
57
23		 198
267
229
258

(a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.

(b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 13

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011

METALLURGICAL COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes)

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production
BMA
Blackwater
Goonyella
Peak Downs
Saraji
Norwich Park
Gregory Joint Venture
BMA total
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek
Poitrel
BHP Mitsui Coal total
Queensland total
Shipments
Coking coal
Weak coking coal
Thermal coal
Total		 1,127
1,367
1,122
955
991
1,417
1,463
1,375
1,153
1,012
543
971
992
788
783
556
802
900
627
724
386
365
369
248
193
845
306
248
455
402
4,874
5,274
5,006
4,226
4,105
690
1,106
901
1,040
1,034
736
697
679
609
627
1,426
1,803
1,580
1,649
1,661
6,300
7,077
6,586
5,875
5,766
4,865
5,066
4,845
4,522
4,007
1,411
1,691
1,747
1,595
1,512
285
176
20
111
90
6,561
6,933
6,612
6,228
5,609		 4,435
4,589
5,003
5,359
3,534
3,402
3,053
2,779
1,175
1,055
1,411
2,717
18,611
19,901
4,081
3,134
2,612
2,759
6,693
5,893
25,304
25,794
18,440
20,224
6,545
5,920
397
984
25,382
27,128

(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
Shipments
Coking coal
Thermal coal
Total		 1,622
2,214
1,907
1,462
2,343
1,407
1,673
1,255
1,460
1,845
216
159
441
219
279
1,623
1,832
1,696
1,679
2,124		 7,926
6,884
6,233
5,664
1,098
1,325
7,331
6,989

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 14

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
JUN
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
JUN
JUN
2012
2011
ENERGY COAL 33,279
34,328
14,106
12,381
19,172
21,308
448
321
33,726
34,010
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal
San Juan Coal
Total
Sales - local utility		 2,271
1,178
2,060
1,913
1,853
1,508
1,289
103
196
820
3,779
2,467
2,163
2,109
2,673
3,106
3,630
3,108
3,057
2,773		 7,004
7,472
2,408
4,140
9,412
11,612
12,568
13,191
NSW Energy Coal, Australia
Production
Sales
Export
Inland
Total		 3,793
4,046
4,027
4,291
4,393
3,522
3,523
3,566
3,160
4,388
364
625
333
297
404
3,886
4,148
3,899
3,457
4,792		 16,757
13,671
14,637
13,225
1,659
1,287
16,296
14,512
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production
Sales - export		 2,538
2,852
2,753
2,953
3,105
2,853
2,901
2,784
2,652
2,942		 11,663
9,889
11,279
10,450

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012

Page 15

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