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BHP Group Limited Interim / Quarterly Report 2012

Jan 17, 2012

14787_rns_2012-01-17_87936cfa-766f-4712-b405-fb98333386a1.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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NEWS RELEASE

Release Time

IMMEDIATE

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

Date

18 January 2012

Number

01/12

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011

  • Western Australia Iron Ore production rose to a record annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis) in the December 2011 quarter, a 25% increase over the previous corresponding period.

  • A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.

  • Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia), two of BHP Billiton’s high value, export oriented energy coal operations.

  • Petroleum production increased 36% from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.

Petroleum

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (‘000 boe) 44,066 22,228 -10% -5% 2%
Natural gas (bcf) 391.84 214.49 108% 160% 21%
Total petroleum products (million boe) 109.38 57.98 36% 56% 13%

Total petroleum production – Petroleum production increased 36 per cent from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Liquids volumes increased marginally from the September 2011 quarter as production from the Onshore US portfolio, development drilling at Shenzi and high uptime at Atlantis (all USA) offset anticipated field decline.

The contribution from the Onshore US portfolio resulted in an eight per cent increase in natural gas liquids production in the December 2011 half year, although anticipated field decline and the temporary shut down of the non-operated Mad Dog facility (USA) resulted in lower overall liquids production relative to the prior corresponding period. Mad Dog is forecast by the operator to remain shut down until the June 2012 quarter.

Natural gas – Natural gas production was higher than all comparable periods reflecting strong performance from the Onshore US and Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) businesses. Gas production in eastern Australia was down against the September 2011 quarter due to lower seasonal demand.

Aluminium

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) 2,061 1,001 2% -2% -6%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes) 628 313 0% 0% -1%

Alumina – Sales volumes increased when compared with all corresponding periods as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity. While a planned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia) constrained production during the December 2011 quarter, volumes are expected to recover as the refinery processes stockpiled hydrate in future periods.

Aluminium – Production was in line with comparable periods with all operations running at, or close to, maximum technical capacity.

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

Base Metals

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Copper (‘000 tonnes) 500.6 280.3 -16% -7% 27%
Lead (tonnes) 122,651 66,992 -9% 3% 20%
Zinc (tonnes) 51,742 28,298 -33% -23% 21%
Silver (‘000 ounces) 20,054 10,903 -15% -6% 19%
Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) 1,909 909 -3% -5% -9%

Copper – A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter. Escondida (Chile) average mill throughput per day steadily increased as operations recovered from the industrial action that affected production in the prior quarter. In addition, Olympic Dam (Australia) benefited from higher grades and improved smelter availability following the planned outage in the September 2011 quarter. The expansion of mining fleets at Antamina (Peru) and Pampa Norte (Chile) contributed to half yearly material mined records for both assets.

Consistent with prior guidance, Escondida production is forecast to be marginally lower in the 2012 financial year, with volumes weighted to the second half. Production is expected to improve beyond the 2012 financial year as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit.

At 31 December 2011, the Group had 219,718 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.45 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2012 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31 December 2011 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$258 million for the period.

Lead/silver – Production at Cannington (Australia) decreased in the December 2011 half year reflecting lower average ore grades.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

2

Zinc – Production at Antamina decreased in the December 2011 half year as mining continued to progress through a copper rich ore zone.

Uranium – Production was broadly in line with all comparable periods.

Diamonds & Specialty Products

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Diamonds (‘000 carats) 938 481 -32% -29% 5%

Diamonds – As anticipated, production in the December 2011 half year was lower than the prior corresponding period. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.

During the quarter, BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business, including the Group’s interests in the EKATI Diamond Mine. The process is ongoing and could continue through the first half of the 2012 calendar year.

Stainless Steel Materials

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) 73.5 38.4 -10% -11% 9%

Nickel – Production increased in the December 2011 quarter with the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) operating at full production rates following its successful replacement in the prior quarter. In addition, higher nickel in matte production at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie smelter (Australia) compensated for a decline in metal production at the Nickel West Kwinana refinery that resulted from a planned outage at a third party hydrogen supplier. Nickel West Kwinana is expected to commission its new hydrogen plant in the March 2012 quarter.

The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project, which enables the processing of talc bearing ore, was successfully commissioned in December 2011.

Nickel West operating margins remain sensitive to persistent weakness in nickel prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

3

Iron Ore

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes) 80,644 41,072 23% 22% 4%

Iron ore – Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) delivered another quarterly record as production rose to an annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% 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 all contributed to the record performance. While scheduled maintenance, tie-in activities and the wet season in the Pilbara are expected to affect WAIO production in the second half of the 2012 financial year, full year production is now forecast to marginally exceed prior guidance of 159 million tonnes per annum (100% basis).

Production at Samarco (Brazil) was in line with comparable periods with all three pellet plants continuing to run at full capacity.

Manganese

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes) 3,825 1,806 -3% -1% -11%
Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes) 389 195 -1% 2% 1%

Manganese ore – Production was lower than the September 2011 quarter as planned maintenance at Hotazel (South Africa) and a weather related reduction in plant availability at GEMCO (Australia) constrained performance.

Manganese alloy – Alloy production was in line with comparable periods.

Metallurgical Coal

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes) 17,784 8,493 -2% 9% -9%

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal (Australia) volumes for the December 2011 quarter remained below capacity as a result of stoppages associated with the ongoing labour negotiations and the remnant effects of wet weather. In addition, geotechnical issues at the Gregory Crinum longwall adversely affected production in the period. While system capability is no longer constrained by the 2011 floods, the extent to which industrial action will continue to impact production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict.

Illawarra Coal (Australia) production increased in the December 2011 half year following successful longwall moves at Dendrobium and Appin in the June 2011 quarter. Volumes were lower than the September 2011 quarter as a planned shutdown of the West Cliff Coal Handling Preparation Plant was undertaken in readiness for commissioning of a plant upgrade. A longwall move and plant shutdown at Dendrobium is scheduled for the March 2012 quarter.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

4

Energy Coal

DEC DEC DEC H11 DEC Q11 DEC Q11
2011 2011 vs vs vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Energy coal (‘000 tonnes) 35,379 16,919 5% 2% -8%

Energy coal – Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal, two of BHP Billiton’s high value, export oriented energy coal operations. However, unfavourable mining conditions and an industrial dispute at South Africa Coal, together with the suspension of operations at San Juan Coal (USA), resulted in lower production relative to the September 2011 quarter.

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

Media Relations

Investor Relations

Australia

Samantha Stevens Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 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 and Americas

Ruban Yogarajah Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022 email: [email protected]

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]

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

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

Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

5

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

QUARTER ENDED
DEC
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010		 % CHANGE
DEC YTD11
DEC Q11
DEC Q11
vs
vs
vs
DEC YTD10
DEC Q10
SEP Q11
PETROLEUM 20,652
18,482
18,866
82.54
177.35
214.49
2,842
3,356
3,362
37.25
51.40
57.98
1,025
1,060
1,001
314
315
313
302.3
220.3
280.3
64,925
55,659
66,992
36,945
23,444
28,298
51,626
39,439
44,007
11,571
9,151
10,903
957
1,000
909
485
595
766
676
457
481
43.0
35.1
38.4
33,666
39,572
41,072
1,829
2,019
1,806
192
194
195
7,787
9,291
8,493
16,513
18,460
16,919		 37,348
42,739
391.84
188.37
6,718
6,205
109.38
80.34
2,061
2,025
628
628
500.6
593.5
122,651
134,066
51,742
77,142
83,446
100,987
20,054
23,723
1,909
1,967
1,361
693
938
1,379
73.5
81.5
80,644
65,649
3,825
3,951
389
391
17,784
18,086
35,379
33,619		 -13%
-9%
2%
108%
160%
21%
8%
18%
0%
36%
56%
13%
2%
-2%
-6%
0%
0%
-1%
-16%
-7%
27%
-9%
3%
20%
-33%
-23%
21%
-17%
-15%
12%
-15%
-6%
19%
-3%
-5%
-9%
96%
58%
29%
-32%
-29%
5%
-10%
-11%
9%
23%
22%
4%
-3%
-1%
-11%
-1%
2%
1%
-2%
9%
-9%
5%
2%
-8%
Crude oil & condensate
('000 bbl)
Natural gas
(bcf)
Natural gas liquids
('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 half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 1

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
BHP Billiton
Interest		 QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
PETROLEUM 20,652
19,200
18,652
18,482
18,866
82.54
84.90
131.79
177.35
214.49
2,842
2,442
2,636
3,356
3,362
37.25
35.79
43.25
51.40
57.98		 37,348
42,739
391.84
188.37
6,718
6,205
Production
Crude oil & condensate ('000 bbl)
Natural gas (bcf)
NGL ('000 boe) (a)
Total petroleum products (million boe)
109.38
80.34
ALUMINIUM 758
663
725
752
694
267
296
301
308
307
1,025
959
1,026
1,060
1,001		 1,446
1,514
615
511
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Worsley
86%
Alumar
36%
Total
2,061
2,025
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Hillside
100%
Bayside
100%
Alumar
40%
Mozal
47%
Total		 179
173
179
180
180
25
24
24
25
24
43
44
43
44
42
67
64
67
66
67
314
305
313
315
313		 360
359
49
49
86
87
133
133
628
628
BASE METALS (b) 112.7
87.7
79.4
49.9
80.4
27.2
24.9
22.5
30.3
30.9
139.9
112.6
101.9
80.2
111.3
47.1
44.4
42.6
32.9
43.0
66.0
64.1
75.7
65.4
70.0
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
47.8
51.1
50.7
40.4
54.6
162.4
161.0
170.4
140.1
169.0		 130.3
223.4
61.2
50.4
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
191.5
273.8
75.9
92.1
135.4
132.4
2.8
2.9
95.0
92.3
309.1
319.7
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington
100%
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 64,748
51,673
58,414
55,557
66,787
177
237
164
102
205
64,925
51,910
58,578
55,659
66,992		 122,344
133,277
307
789
122,651
134,066
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington
100%
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 14,920
16,129
14,348
14,488
14,745
22,025
24,123
20,385
8,956
13,553
36,945
40,252
34,733
23,444
28,298		 29,233
30,180
22,509
46,962
51,742
77,142

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 2

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
BHP Billiton
Interest		 QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
BASE METALS (continued) 23,133
19,667
17,116
11,063
14,242
28,493
29,892
28,429
28,376
29,765
51,626
49,559
45,545
39,439
44,007		 25,305
47,940
58,141
53,047
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida
57.5%
Olympic Dam (refined gold)
100%
Total
83,446
100,987
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)
Escondida
57.5%
Antamina
33.8%
Cannington
100%
Olympic Dam (refined silver)
100%
Total		 796
670
580
403
549
1,025
813
773
972
1,087
9,509
7,315
8,242
7,559
9,056
241
258
282
217
211
11,571
9,056
9,877
9,151
10,903		 952
1,599
2,059
2,014
16,615
19,668
428
442
20,054
23,723
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam
100%
Total		 957
1,063
1,015
1,000
909
957
1,063
1,015
1,000
909		 1,909
1,967
1,909
1,967
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 485
334
418
595
766
485
334
418
595
766		 1,361
693
1,361
693
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 676
551
576
457
481		 938
1,379
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
EKATI™
80%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS 12.4
7.8
7.4
10.4
12.3
30.6
25.2
30.8
24.7
26.1
43.0
33.0
38.2
35.1
38.4		 22.7
24.8
50.8
56.7
NICKEL
Production ('000 tonnes)
CMSA
99.9%
Nickel West
100%
Total
73.5
81.5

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 3

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011
BHP Billiton
Interest
YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
IRON ORE 11,213
11,912
12,480
13,158
13,247
225
305
284
254
334
10,154
9,510
10,044
10,479
10,437
9,078
8,799
9,796
12,708
14,170
2,996
2,705
2,922
2,973
2,884
33,666
33,231
35,526
39,572
41,072		 26,405
20,853
588
609
20,916
20,240
26,878
17,865
5,857
6,082
Production ('000 tonnes) (d)
Newman (e)
85%
Goldsworthy Joint Venture
85%
Area C Joint Venture
85%
Yandi Joint Venture
85%
Samarco
50%
Total
80,644
65,649
MANGANESE 779
514
776
911
808
1,050
838
1,014
1,108
998
1,829
1,352
1,790
2,019
1,806		 1,719
1,717
2,106
2,234
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (f)
60%
Australia (f)
60%
Total
3,825
3,951
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) (g)
60%
Australia (f)
60%
Total		 123
111
120
124
124
69
61
70
70
71
192
172
190
194
195		 248
255
141
136
389
391
METALLURGICAL COAL 4,534
3,955
4,874
5,274
5,006
1,421
1,133
1,426
1,803
1,580
1,832
1,582
1,622
2,214
1,907
7,787
6,670
7,922
9,291
8,493		 10,280
11,072
3,383
3,334
4,121
3,680
Production ('000 tonnes) (h)
BMA
50%
BHP Mitsui Coal (i)
80%
Illawarra
100%
Total
17,784
18,086
ENERGY COAL 8,507
8,596
8,228
9,095
7,976
2,296
2,360
3,779
2,467
2,163
3,394
3,978
3,793
4,046
4,027
2,316
2,609
2,538
2,852
2,753
16,513
17,543
18,338
18,460
16,919		 17,071
17,504
4,630
5,473
8,073
5,900
5,605
4,742
Production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa
100%
USA
100%
Australia
100%
Colombia
33%
Total
35,379
33,619

(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%.

(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 half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 4

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
PETROLEUM 4,717
5,264
3,086
4,425
2,007
909
7,108
10,878
26
25
4,471
5,919
-
1,949
7,967
7,775
2,303
-
932
285
747
789
880
1,090
2,935
3,273
169
158
37,348
42,739
55.53
59.75
65.53
72.96
9.01
9.83
1.31
2.40
-
0.31
1.19
1.52
199.22
-
19.03
-
2.17
2.72
9.42
12.45
29.43
26.43
391.84
188.37
3,230
3,442
857
913
243
365
-
84
589
532
1,359
-
75
96
63
134
302
639
6,718
6,205
109.38
80.34

(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.

(f) 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 half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 5

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011
YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
ALUMINIUM 1,446
1,514
615
511
2,061
2,025
1,465
1,502
629
510
2,093
2,012
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
173
179
180
180
25
24
24
25
24
43
44
43
44
42
67
64
67
66
67
314
305
313
315
313
160
163
181
163
186
31
38
29
24
25
43
43
44
44
43
76
66
80
60
85
310
310
334
291
339		 360
359
49
49
86
87
133
133
628
628
349
308
49
60
87
87
145
131
630
586

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 6

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
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) 98,167 100,966 97,705 69,006 96,152 165,158 202,008
Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 18,789 15,993 16,399 12,029 18,663 30,692 38,486
Average copper grade (%) 1.26% 1.15% 1.06% 0.97% 0.97% 0.97% 1.25%
Production ex mill (100%) ('000 tonnes) 194.6 153.1 141.2 91.9 144.3 236.2 392.3
Production
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 112.7 87.7 79.4 49.9 80.4 130.3 223.4
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 23,133 19,667 17,116 11,063 14,242 25,305 47,940
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 47.1 44.4 42.6 32.9 43.0 75.9 92.1
Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 796 670 580 403 549 952 1,599
Sales
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 113.9 74.3 90.9 49.2 82.1 131.3 228.7
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 23,357 16,754 20,251 10,974 14,435 25,409 49,018
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 46.1 47.7 48.0 25.7 45.3 71.0 86.1
Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 804 569 673 404 558 962 1,635
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 18,290 16,320 17,840 14,736 16,792 31,528 33,934
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 4,631 4,251 4,771 4,608 4,601 9,209 9,215
Average copper grade (%) 0.76% 0.75% 0.74% 0.72% 0.71% 0.72% 0.75%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 22.4 22.6 25.7 22.5 23.5 46.0 44.1
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 24.7 22.5 25.7 22.4 23.8 46.2 46.1
Spence
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 18,389 19,046 19,487 19,816 26,511 46,327 35,537
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 4,567 4,892 4,545 3,862 4,909 8,771 8,994
Average copper grade (%) 1.28% 1.23% 1.22% 1.30% 1.46% 1.39% 1.27%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 43.6 41.5 50.0 42.9 46.5 89.4 88.3
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 48.2 45.7 54.5 43.2 46.6 89.8 85.2

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 7

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
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) 32,722 33,154 41,669 44,212 38,759 82,971 63,321
Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 9,347 9,288 9,253 9,396 9,656 19,052 18,388
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 1.06% 0.99% 0.90% 1.11% 1.15% 1.13% 1.00%
- Zinc (%) 1.11% 1.15% 1.03% 0.68% 0.72% 0.70% 1.23%
Production
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 27.2 24.9 22.5 30.3 30.9 61.2 50.4
Payable zinc (tonnes) 22,025 24,123 20,385 8,956 13,553 22,509 46,962
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 1,025 813 773 972 1,087 2,059 2,014
Payable lead (tonnes) 177 237 164 102 205 307 789
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 485 334 418 595 766 1,361 693
Sales
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 21.8 26.1 23.5 28.2 31.7 59.9 49.5
Payable zinc (tonnes) 24,912 25,571 18,479 9,586 12,654 22,240 48,849
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 882 839 658 833 940 1,773 2,124
Payable lead (tonnes) 503 180 92 91 139 230 1,251
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 292 394 346 549 591 1,140 730
Cannington, Australia
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 824 703 841 819 778 1,597 1,566
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 760 713 786 826 888 1,714 1,591
Average head grades
- Silver (g/t) 459 377 381 332 370 352 453
- Lead (%) 9.9% 8.6% 8.6% 7.9% 8.8% 8.4% 9.7%
- Zinc (%) 3.3% 3.6% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 3.1%
Production
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 9,509 7,315 8,242 7,559 9,056 16,615 19,668
Payable lead (tonnes) 64,748 51,673 58,414 55,557 66,787 122,344 133,277
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,920 16,129 14,348 14,488 14,745 29,233 30,180
Sales
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 9,973 7,263 8,235 6,434 8,960 15,394 19,192
Payable lead (tonnes) 67,815 52,199 58,868 48,258 66,657 114,915 130,906
Payable zinc (tonnes) 16,621 12,986 14,530 15,734 14,078 29,812 29,098

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 8

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
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) 2,513 2,433 2,675 2,543 2,440 4,983 5,223
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 2,622 2,670 2,533 2,471 2,440 4,911 5,127
Average copper grade (%) 1.78% 1.84% 1.92% 1.98% 2.08% 2.03% 1.84%
Average uranium grade kg/t 0.50 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.50 0.52 0.52
Production
Copper cathode (ER) ('000 tonnes) 45.0 47.8 47.0 37.6 51.5 89.1 86.6
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 2.8 3.3 3.7 2.8 3.1 5.9 5.7
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 957 1,063 1,015 1,000 909 1,909 1,967
Refined gold (fine ounces) 28,493 29,892 28,429 28,376 29,765 58,141 53,047
Refined silver ('000 ounces) 241 258 282 217 211 428 442
Sales
Copper cathode (ER) ('000 tonnes) 45.3 48.7 46.5 36.4 51.7 88.1 87.5
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 2.9 2.7 4.1 3.5 2.5 6.0 5.7
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,121 930 1,143 910 1,126 2,036 1,872
Refined gold (fine ounces) 29,757 31,742 30,323 28,979 24,327 53,306 48,671
Refined silver ('000 ounces) 150 334 269 289 155 444 351

(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 2.8 2.9
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 1.0 1.9 1.2 1.7 1.2 2.9 2.8

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 9

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 2,267
2,358
938
1,379

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 10

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS 22.7
24.8
20.8
24.8
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		 1.7
1.6
3.3
2.6
1.8
21.8
12.4
16.1
9.0
15.2
7.1
11.2
11.4
13.1
9.1
30.6
25.2
30.8
24.7
26.1
0.8
2.2
3.9
1.2
2.6
19.9
14.7
14.9
10.1
13.9
9.6
9.2
12.4
9.4
10.9
30.3
26.1
31.2
20.7
27.4		 4.4
2.6
24.2
35.4
22.2
18.7
50.8
56.7
3.8
2.4
24.0
34.5
20.3
21.8
48.1
58.7

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 11

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
IRON ORE 26,405
20,853
588
609
20,916
20,240
26,878
17,865
74,787
59,567
87,985
70,078
16,444
15,652
57,717
44,919
74,161
60,571
87,248
71,260
Samarco, Brazil
Production
2,996
2,705
2,922
2,973
2,884
Shipments
3,460
2,598
2,736
2,926
2,961		 5,857
6,082
5,887
6,094

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 12

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011
YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
MANGANESE 1,719
1,717
1,714
1,604
Australia (a)
Saleable production
1,050
838
1,014
1,108
998
Sales
1,173
1,127
1,108
1,094
876		 2,106
2,234
1,970
1,725
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production
123
111
120
124
124
Sales
153
145
123
95
138		 248
255
233
248
Australia (a)
Saleable production
69
61
70
70
71
Sales
68
62
75
91
58		 141
136
149
121

(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 half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 13

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010

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		 1,134
870
1,127
1,367
1,122
1,086
993
1,417
1,463
1,375
984
758
543
971
992
819
532
556
802
900
73
128
386
365
369
438
674
845
306
248
4,534
3,955
4,874
5,274
5,006
765
623
690
1,106
901
656
510
736
697
679
1,421
1,133
1,426
1,803
1,580
5,955
5,088
6,300
7,077
6,586
5,243
3,475
4,865
5,066
4,845
1,886
970
1,411
1,691
1,747
206
125
285
176
20
7,335
4,570
6,561
6,933
6,612		 2,489
2,592
2,838
2,949
1,963
2,101
1,702
1,691
734
541
554
1,198
10,280
11,072
2,007
1,821
1,376
1,513
3,383
3,334
13,663
14,406
9,911
11,884
3,438
3,539
196
574
13,545
15,997

(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		 1,832
1,582
1,622
2,214
1,907
1,495
1,374
1,407
1,673
1,255
536
211
216
159
441
2,031
1,585
1,623
1,832
1,696		 4,121
3,680
2,928
2,883
600
898
3,528
3,781

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 14

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED
DEC
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011		 YEAR TO DATE
DEC
DEC
2011
2010
ENERGY COAL 17,071
17,504
6,985
6,412
10,204
10,691
250
206
17,439
17,309
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal
San Juan Coal
Total
Sales - local utility		 1,818
1,629
2,271
1,178
2,060
478
731
1,508
1,289
103
2,296
2,360
3,779
2,467
2,163
3,339
3,385
3,106
3,630
3,108		 3,238
3,572
1,392
1,901
4,630
5,473
6,738
6,700
NSW Energy Coal, Australia
Production
Sales
Export
Inland
Total		 3,394
3,978
3,793
4,046
4,027
3,253
3,824
3,522
3,523
3,566
180
339
364
625
333
3,433
4,163
3,886
4,148
3,899		 8,073
5,900
7,089
5,879
958
584
8,047
6,463
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production
Sales - export		 2,316
2,609
2,538
2,852
2,753
2,672
2,149
2,853
2,901
2,784		 5,605
4,742
5,685
5,448

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011

Page 15

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