Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

Sign up Log in

BHP Group Limited Interim / Quarterly Report 2015

Apr 21, 2015

14787_rns_2015-04-21_ce31a3e6-3c79-4fb1-82d3-bc0d1a897feb.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

NEWS RELEASE

Release Time IMMEDIATE Date 22 April 2015 Number 07/15

==> picture [143 x 118] intentionally omitted <==

BHP BILLITON OPERATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

  • Group production increased by 9% for the nine months ended March 2015 with records achieved for 10 operations and five commodities. We remain on track to deliver Group production growth[(1)] of 16% over the two years to the end of the 2015 financial year.

  • Petroleum production increased by 6% to a record 193 MMboe supported by a 76% increase in Onshore US liquids volumes to 40.2 MMboe. Guidance for the 2015 financial year remains unchanged at 255 MMboe.

  • Copper production[(2)] increased by 2% to 1.3 Mt as strong underlying operating performance at Escondida more than offset the impacts of severe weather in Northern Chile, lower grades at Antamina and a mill outage at Olympic Dam. Production for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be 1.7 Mt.

  • Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) production increased by 16% to a record 188 Mt (100% basis) underpinned by continued improvements in our integrated supply chain. WAIO production for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be 250 Mt (100% basis). The potential of our installed infrastructure continues to exceed expectations and as a result we are deferring the Inner Harbour Debottlenecking project. While this will lead to a slower path to system capacity of 290 Mtpa, it will come at a lower capital cost.

  • Metallurgical coal production increased by 14% to 38 Mt and reflected record volumes at both Queensland Coal and Illawarra Coal. Production for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be 49 Mt.

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mackenzie, said: “Our teams continue to exceed expectations and deliver strong operating performance. Our commitment to sustainably improve productivity and lower costs is helping mitigate the impact of subdued commodity prices and supporting returns for our shareholders.

“In Iron Ore, our focus remains on producing at the lowest possible cost with Western Australia Iron Ore unit costs now below US$20 per tonne[(3)] as we continue to improve productivity. Over the last decade, China’s unprecedented demand growth provided Australia and BHP Billiton with a unique opportunity. We acted swiftly to bring on new iron ore capacity at some of the lowest costs globally, generating long-term value for shareholders, the government and communities which would otherwise have been lost to overseas competitors. Despite the subsequent increase in supply-side competition, these low-cost expansions continue to deliver attractive margins and returns through the cycle.

“In Petroleum, we have responded quickly to current market conditions by reducing the number of rigs operated in our Onshore US business by 35 per cent over the March 2015 quarter. We continue to review our drilling and development program as we seek to maximise the value of our resource base. With higher oil prices expected over the medium term, we believe deferring development will create more value than producing today. Our high-quality acreage and excellent operating performance, with industry-leading drilling costs, gives us a strong platform from which to build.

“The proposed demerger of South32 is also on track, with the BHP Billiton Board unanimously recommending shareholders vote in favour of the demerger. With a more focused portfolio, BHP Billiton will have the potential to unlock further shareholder value, while creating a new global diversified metals and mining company with a significant industry presence in each of its major commodities.”

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

1

Operational performance summary

Production for the nine months and quarter ended March 2015 is summarised in the table below.

MAR MAR MAR YTD15 MAR Q15 MAR Q15
2015 2015 vs vs vs
Production YTD QTR MAR YTD14 MAR Q14 DEC Q14
Total petroleum production (MMboe) 192.5 61.5 6% 1% (3%)
Copper (kt) 1,273.1 460.0 1% 11% 9%
Iron ore (kt) 172,422 58,979 17% 20% 5%
Metallurgical coal (kt) 37,765 11,458 14% 0% (15%)
Energy coal (kt) 56,173 19,714 2% 11% 6%
Alumina (kt) 3,881 1,248 1% 0% (11%)
Aluminium (kt) 762 245 (15%) (14%) (4%)
Manganese ores (kt) 6,604 2,049 9% 14% (11%)
Manganese alloys (kt) 554 182 19% 12% (10%)
Nickel (kt) 102.4 32.5 (9%) (5%) (5%)

Production guidance for the 2015 financial year is summarised in the table below.

FY14 Previous New FY14 vs
Production guidance FY15e FY15e FY15e
Petroleum (MMboe)(4) 243 255 255 5%
Copper (Mt)(2) 1.7 1.8 1.7 -
Iron ore (Mt) 204 225 230 13%
Metallurgical coal (Mt) 45 47 49 9%
Energy coal (Mt) 73 73 73 -

Major development projects

The BMA Hay Point Stage Three Expansion project loaded first coal during the March 2015 quarter, on revised schedule and budget, and will not be reported in future Operational Reviews. At 31 March 2015, BHP Billiton had six major projects under development with a combined budget of US$12.0 billion.

Corporate update

On 17 March 2015, the BHP Billiton Board recommended shareholders approve the proposed demerger of South32 at the shareholder meetings to be held on 6 May 2015. The Board believes that with a more focused portfolio, BHP Billiton will be better placed to achieve further productivity benefits in its core portfolio, while creating a substantial new company, South32. The proposed demerger would be effected via a distribution of South32 shares by way of an in-specie dividend to shareholders in both BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc. Eligible BHP Billiton shareholders will receive one South32 share for every BHP Billiton share held on the applicable record date.

On 19 March 2015, the Group priced a five year A$1.0 billion note issue under its Australian Medium Term Note Program which will pay interest at three per cent and mature in March 2020. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

2

Petroleum and Potash

Production

Production
MAR MAR MAR YTD15 MAR Q15 MAR Q15
2015 2015 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD14 MAR Q14 DEC Q14
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (MMboe) 93.4 31.3 21% 15% 0%
Natural gas (bcf) 594.8 181.5 (5%) (10%) (7%)
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 192.5 61.5 6% 1% (3%)

Total petroleum production – Total petroleum production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by six per cent to a record 192.5 MMboe. Guidance for the 2015 financial year remains unchanged at 255 MMboe.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 21 per cent to 93.4 MMboe.

Onshore US liquids volumes for the nine months ended March 2015 rose by 76 per cent to 40.2 MMboe. This strong performance was underpinned by a doubling of liquids production from both the Black Hawk and Permian as we continue to realise significant improvements in shale drilling and completions efficiency.

In our Conventional business, strong uptime performance at Atlantis and Pyrenees was offset by natural field decline at North West Shelf and the impact of industrial action at Bass Strait.

Natural gas – Natural gas production for the nine months ended March 2015 declined by five per cent to 595 bcf.

Strong uptime performance at North West Shelf and Macedon partially offset scheduled maintenance at Pakistan, industrial action and weaker seasonal demand at Bass Strait and the divestment of Liverpool Bay in the 2014 financial year.

On 16 February 2015, BHP Billiton signed an agreement with Tri-Resources, a subsidiary of the Hashoo Group, for the sale of our gas business in Pakistan. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Projects

Projects
Capital Initial
Project and expenditure production
ownership (US$m) target date Capacity Progress
North West Shelf 400 CY16 To maintain LNG plant throughput On schedule and budget. The overall
Greater Western from the North West Shelf operations.
project is 89% complete.
Flank-A
(Australia)
16.67%
(non-operator)
Bass Strait Longford 520 CY16 Designed to process approximately On schedule and budget. The overall
Gas Conditioning 400 MMcf/d of high-CO2gas. project is 54% complete.
Plant
(Australia)
50% (non-operator)

Onshore US development activity

Onshore US drilling and development expenditure totalled US$3.0 billion for the nine months ended March 2015 and we expect expenditure of approximately US$3.4 billion in the 2015 financial year.

Our Onshore US operated rig count decreased from 26 to 17 during the March 2015 quarter. The reduction in drilling activity will not impact 2015 financial year production guidance and we are confident that shale liquids volumes will rise by over 50 per cent in the period. We continue to review our drilling and development program and will exercise the flexibility within our shale portfolio to maximise value.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

3

March 2015 YTD Liquids focused areas Gas focused areas Gas focused areas
(March 2014 YTD) Eagle Ford
Permian		 Haynesville
Fayetteville
Total
Capital expenditure US$ billion 1.9 (2.4)
0.6 (0.4)		 0.3 (0.3)
0.2 (0.2)
3.0 (3.2)
Rig allocation At period end 12 (17)
4 (4)		 1 (3)
0 (0)
17 (24)
Net wells drilled and completed Period total 153 (218)
32 (32)		 18 (31)
36 (60)
239 (341)
Net productive wells At period end 796 (606)
63(5)(61)		 388(5)(892)
1,028 (1,012)
2,275 (2,571)

Capital expenditure includes land acquisition, site preparation, drilling, completions, well site facilities, mid-stream infrastructure and pipelines. The number of wells drilled and completed can vary significantly from period to period based on changes in rig activity and the inventory of wells drilled but not yet completed at period end.

Petroleum exploration

There were no exploration or appraisal wells drilled during the March 2015 quarter. Petroleum exploration expenditure for the nine months ended March 2015 was US$393 million, of which US$363 million was expensed. Total petroleum exploration expenditure for the 2015 financial year is expected to be US$600 million and remains focused on the Gulf of Mexico, Western Australia and Trinidad and Tobago.

The seismic acquisition program in Trinidad and Tobago was successfully completed for the nine deep water blocks accessed between 2012 and 2014[(6)] .

Potash

Potash
Project and Investment
ownership (US$m) Scope Progress
Jansen Potash 2,600 Investment to finish the excavation and lining of the The project is 42% complete and
(Canada) production and service shafts, and to continue the within the approved budget. Shaft
100% installation of essential surface infrastructure and excavation is steadily progressing
utilities. following the successful redesign of
the temporary liner.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

4

Copper

Production

Production
MAR MAR MAR YTD15 MAR Q15 MAR Q15
2015 2015 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD14 MAR Q14 DEC Q14
Copper (kt) 1,273.1 460.0 1% 11% 9%
Lead (t) 140,289 40,604 (1%) (15%) (19%)
Zinc (t) 103,933 29,960 29% 54% (10%)
Silver (troy koz) 24,217 7,529 (8%) (14%) (1%)
Uranium oxide concentrate (t) 2,549 607 (13%) (37%) (44%)

Copper – Total copper production[(2)] for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by two per cent to 1.3 Mt. Production for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be 1.7 Mt, six per cent below prior guidance. The revision to guidance reflects the impact of heavy rainfall in Northern Chile in March 2015 and an electrical failure which caused a mill outage at Olympic Dam in January 2015.

Escondida copper production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by seven per cent to 891 kt. Strong operating performance, including a 14 per cent increase in truck utilisation, resulted in record material mined for the period. This was partially offset by the impact of severe wet weather in March 2015, along with water restrictions, two days of industrial action and a power outage throughout Northern Chile in the first half of the 2015 financial year. Escondida copper production of approximately 1.22 Mt is now anticipated for the 2015 financial year.

Pampa Norte copper production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 15 per cent to 192 kt as Spence benefited from higher recoveries. Production at Pampa Norte for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be marginally higher than the prior year, despite the impact of severe wet weather in March 2015, as improved grades and recoveries at Spence continue to offset declining grades and recoveries at Cerro Colorado.

Olympic Dam copper production for the nine months ended March 2015 decreased by 15 per cent to 111 kt following an electrical failure which caused a mill outage in January 2015. The mill is expected to be offline for approximately six months with an associated reduction in copper production of 60 to 70 kt with the majority of the impact anticipated this financial year.

Antamina copper production for the nine months ended March 2015 decreased by 32 per cent to 80 kt as lower grades more than offset record mill throughput. Average copper grades at Antamina are expected to remain broadly unchanged in the June 2015 quarter, consistent with the mine plan.

Lead – Lead production for the nine months ended March 2015 was in line with the prior period.

Silver – Silver production for the nine months ended March 2015 decreased by eight per cent as higher mill throughput at Antamina and Cannington was more than offset by lower ore grades at both operations, consistent with the mine plans.

Zinc – Zinc production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 29 per cent and primarily reflected increased mill throughput and higher grades at Antamina and Cannington.

Uranium – Uranium production for the nine months ended March 2015 decreased by 13 per cent as a result of the mill outage at Olympic Dam.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

5

Projects

Projects
Capital Initial
Project and expenditure production
ownership (US$m) target date Capacity Progress
Escondida Organic 4,199 H1 CY15 New concentrator with 152 ktpd On schedule and revised budget. The
Growth Project 1 capacity. overall project is 98% complete.
(Chile)
57.5%
Escondida Water 3,430 CY17 New desalination facility to ensure On schedule and budget. The overall
Supply continued water supply to Escondida. project is 37% complete.
(Chile)
57.5%

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

6

Iron Ore

Production

Production
MAR MAR MAR YTD15 MAR Q15 MAR Q15
2015 2015 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD14 MAR Q14 DEC Q14
Iron ore (kt) 172,422 58,979 17% 20% 5%

Iron ore – Total iron ore production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 17 per cent to a record 172 Mt. Production for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be 230 Mt, two per cent higher than prior guidance.

Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 16 per cent to a record 188 Mt (100 per cent basis). This result was underpinned by continued improvement in the performance of our integrated supply chain, the successful ramp-up of the Jimblebar mining hub to a rate in excess of 45 Mtpa, and the relatively limited impact of the wet season. WAIO also achieved record sales volumes of 190 Mt (100 per cent basis) as our strategy of increasing the percentage of direct to ship ore unlocked port capacity.

WAIO production for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be 250 Mt (100 per cent basis), two per cent higher than prior guidance. Further growth in supply chain capacity to 270 Mtpa (100 per cent basis) is expected to be achieved without the need for additional fixed plant investment. The potential of our installed infrastructure continues to exceed expectations and as a result we are deferring the Inner Harbour Debottlenecking project. While this will lead to a slower path to system capacity of 290 Mtpa, it will come at a lower capital cost.

Samarco production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 37 per cent to a record 22 Mt (100 per cent basis) as the fourth pellet plant reached full capacity during the period.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

7

Coal

Production

Production
MAR MAR MAR YTD15 MAR Q15 MAR Q15
2015 2015 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD14 MAR Q14 DEC Q14
Metallurgical coal (kt) 37,765 11,458 14% 0% (15%)
Energy coal (kt) 56,173 19,714 2% 11% 6%

Metallurgical coal – Metallurgical coal production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 14 per cent to a record 38 Mt. Production for the 2015 financial year is now expected to be 49 Mt, four per cent higher than prior guidance.

Record production and sales volumes at Queensland Coal for the nine months ended March 2015, reflected the successful ramp-up of the Caval Ridge mine and sustained improvements in truck and wash-plant utilisation across the operations. Production declined by 13 per cent from the December 2014 quarter as a result of a longwall move at Crinum and wet weather.

Illawarra Coal achieved record production for the nine months ended March 2015 of 6.5 Mt as maintenance efficiencies supported higher equipment utilisation rates. Longwall moves at Dendrobium and West Cliff led to a 25 per cent decline in volumes during the March 2015 quarter.

Energy coal – Energy coal production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by two per cent to 56 Mt. Guidance for the 2015 financial year remains unchanged at 73 Mt.

South Africa Energy Coal production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 15 per cent and reflected improved equipment utilisation and optimised mine planning. This was partially offset by lower production at Cerrejón as a result of drought conditions and the need to manage dust emissions, and lower customer demand for our Navajo Coal product.

Projects

Projects
Capital Initial
Project and expenditure production
ownership (US$m) target date Capacity Progress
Hay Point Stage 1,505(7) CY15 Increases port capacity from 44 Mtpa On revised schedule and budget. The
Three Expansion to 55 Mtpa and reduces storm overall project is 96% complete. First
(Australia) vulnerability. coal loaded on 12 January 2015.
50%
Appin Area 9 845 CY16 Maintains Illawarra Coal’s production On schedule and budget. The overall
(Australia) capacity with a replacement mining project is 81% complete.
100% domain and capacity to produce
3.5 Mtpa of metallurgical coal.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

8

Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel

Production

Production
MAR MAR MAR YTD15 MAR Q15 MAR Q15
2015 2015 vs vs vs
YTD QTR MAR YTD14 MAR Q14 DEC Q14
Alumina (kt) 3,881 1,248 1% 0% (11%)
Aluminium (kt) 762 245 (15%) (14%) (4%)
Manganese ores (kt) 6,604 2,049 9% 14% (11%)
Manganese alloys (kt) 554 182 19% 12% (10%)
Nickel (kt) 102.4 32.5 (9%) (5%) (5%)

Alumina – Alumina production was broadly unchanged for the nine months ended March 2015 at 3.9 Mt and included record production at the Alumar refinery. Worsley volumes decreased by 12 per cent from the December 2014 quarter, which benefitted from the processing of stockpiled hydrate.

Aluminium – Aluminium production for the nine months ended March 2015 decreased by 15 per cent to 762 kt despite record production at Mozal. Lower volumes primarily reflected the cessation of smelting activities at Bayside and the temporary suspension of potlines II and III at Alumar in the 2014 financial year, and the planned replacement of transformers at Hillside. Production at Hillside and Mozal remains robust despite the increased frequency of load shedding.

On 30 March 2015, BHP Billiton announced that South32 had agreed with Alcoa, its joint venture partner and operator of the Alumar aluminium smelter, to suspend potline I from 15 April 2015. All three potlines will continue to be subject to ongoing review, having regard to market conditions.

Manganese ores – Manganese ore production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by nine per cent to 6.6 Mt as an increase in plant availability at Wessels and an improvement in ore recovery at Mamatwan underpinned record production at Hotazel. Higher mill throughput and grades at GEMCO partially offset adverse weather conditions in the March 2015 quarter.

Manganese alloys – Manganese alloy production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 19 per cent to 554 kt as Metalloys and TEMCO benefitted from improved smelter stability and availability.

Nickel – Nickel production for the nine months ended March 2015 decreased by nine per cent to 102 kt. Lower Nickel West production reflected the closure of the Perseverance underground mine in November 2013 and an unplanned outage at the Kwinana refinery, while lower grades affected Cerro Matoso production. Production for the 2015 financial year at Nickel West is now expected to be 90 kt, while guidance at Cerro Matoso remains unchanged at 43kt.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

9

Minerals exploration

Minerals exploration expenditure for the nine months ended March 2015 was US$203 million, of which US$148 million was expensed. Greenfield minerals exploration is predominantly focused on advancing copper targets within Chile, Peru and the South-West United States.

Variance analysis relates to the relative performance of BHP Billiton and/or its operations during the nine months ended March 2015 compared with the nine months ended 2014, unless otherwise noted. Production volumes, sales volumes and capital and exploration expenditure from subsidiaries are reported on a 100 per cent basis; production volumes, sales volumes and capital and exploration expenditure from equity accounted investments and other operations are reported on a proportionate consolidation basis. Production and sales volumes for our manganese operations are reported on a 100 per cent basis.

The following footnotes apply to this Operational Review:

  • (1) Copper equivalent production based on FY13 average realised product prices.

  • (2) Excludes Pinto Valley which was sold during the 2014 financial year.

  • (3) Unit cash cost excluding freight and royalties.

  • (4) Excludes Liverpool Bay which was sold during the 2014 financial year.

  • (5) Change in productive well count includes the reduction associated with the divestments of North Louisiana conventional assets (Haynesville) and Pecos unconventional gas assets (Permian).

  • (6) 21,220 square kilometres 3D seismic acquisition completed over Trinidad and Tobago Blocks 3, 5, 6, 7, 14, 23a, 23b, 28 and 29.

  • (7) Excludes announced pre-commitment funding.

The following abbreviations may have been used throughout this report: barrels (bbl); billion cubic feet (bcf); cost and freight (CFR); cost, insurance and freight (CIF); dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); free on board (FOB); grams per tonne (g/t); kilograms per tonne (kg/t); kilometre (km); metre (m); million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe); million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); pounds (lb); thousand barrels of oil equivalent (Mboe); thousand ounces (koz); thousand standard cubic feet (Mscf); thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); thousand tonnes per day (ktpd); tonnes (t); and wet metric tonnes (wmt).

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

10

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

Media Relations

Investor Relations

Australia

Emily Perry Tel: +61 3 9609 2800 Mobile: +61 477 325 803 email: [email protected]

Paul Hitchins Tel: + 61 3 9609 2592 Mobile: + 61 419 315 001 email: [email protected]

Eleanor Nichols Tel: +61 3 9609 2360 Mobile: +61 407 064 748 email: [email protected]

United Kingdom

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

Jennifer White Tel: +44 20 7802 7462 Mobile: +44 7827 253 764 email: [email protected]

Americas

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

Australia

Tara Dines Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 499 249 005 email: [email protected]

Andrew Gunn

Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 402 087 354 email: [email protected]

United Kingdom and South Africa

Jonathan Price

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

Dean Simon Tel: +44 20 7802 7461 Mobile: +44 7717 511 193 email: [email protected]

Americas

James Agar Tel: +1 212 310 1421 Mobile: +1 347 882 3011 email: [email protected]

Joseph Suarez Tel: +1 212 310 1422 Mobile: +1 646 400 3803 email: [email protected]

BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 Registered in Australia Registered Office: Level 16, 171 Collins 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 1LH United Kingdom Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

11

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY

QUARTER ENDED
MAR
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2015		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014		 % CHANGE
MAR YTD15
MAR Q15
MAR Q15
vs
vs
vs
MAR YTD14
MAR Q14
DEC Q14
Petroleum
Crude oil, condensate and NGL
(Mboe)
Natural gas
(bcf)
Total petroleum production
(MMboe)		 27,244
31,163
31,298
202.0
194.4
181.5
60.9
63.6
61.5		 93,406
77,270
594.8
624.3
192.5
181.3		 21%
15%
0%
(5%)
(10%)
(7%)
6%
1%
(3%)
Copper
Copper
(kt)
Lead
(t)
Zinc
(t)
Gold
(troy oz)
Silver
(troy koz)
Uranium
(t)
Molybdenum
(t)		 413.9
423.7
460.0
47,577
50,111
40,604
19,409
33,310
29,960
48,740
51,247
47,706
8,757
7,620
7,529
966
1,076
607
281
75
151		 1,273.1
1,257.1
140,289
141,861
103,933
80,819
151,297
134,583
24,217
26,295
2,549
2,944
266
1,118		 1%
11%
9%
(1%)
(15%)
(19%)
29%
54%
(10%)
12%
(2%)
(7%)
(8%)
(14%)
(1%)
(13%)
(37%)
(44%)
(76%)
(46%)
101%
Iron ore
Iron ore
(kt)		 49,280
56,352
58,979		 172,422
146,921		 17%
20%
5%
Coal
Metallurgical coal
(kt)
Energy coal
(kt)		 11,467
13,538
11,458
17,723
18,622
19,714		 37,765
33,192
56,173
55,129		 14%
(0%)
(15%)
2%
11%
6%
Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel
Alumina
(kt)
Aluminium
(kt)
Manganese ores
(kt)
Manganese alloys
(kt)
Nickel
(kt)		 1,250
1,398
1,248
286
256
245
1,801
2,296
2,049
162
201
182
34.1
34.2
32.5		 3,881
3,853
762
898
6,604
6,047
554
465
102.4
112.3		 1%
(0%)
(11%)
(15%)
(14%)
(4%)
9%
14%
(11%)
19%
12%
(10%)
(9%)
(5%)
(5%)

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

____________________BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015 12

12

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION
BHP Billiton
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
interest
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Petroleum
Production
Crude oil, condensate and NGL (Mboe) (1)
Onshore US
Coventional
Total
Natural gas (bcf)
Onshore US
Coventional
Total
Total petroleum production (MMboe)		 8,575
10,540
11,460
12,905
15,848
18,669
18,337
19,485
18,258
15,450
27,244
28,877
30,945
31,163
31,298
109.7
118.9
113.6
110.3
99.9
92.3
96.1
105.3
84.1
81.6
202.0
215.0
218.9
194.4
181.5
60.9
64.7
67.4
63.6
61.5		 40,213
22,808
53,193
54,462
93,406
77,270
323.8
329.9
271.0
294.4
594.8
624.3
192.5
181.3
Copper(2)
Copper
Payable metal in concentrate (kt)
Escondida(3)
57.5%
Antamina
33.8%
Pinto Valley
100%
Total
Cathode (kt)
Escondida(3)
57.5%
Pampa Norte(4)
100%
Pinto Valley
100%
Olympic Dam
100%
Total
Total copper		 190.6
241.0
199.4
208.8
260.9
33.0
26.2
25.7
27.3
26.7
-
-
-
-
-
223.6
267.2
225.1
236.1
287.6		 669.1
603.7
79.7
117.3
-
12.5
748.8
733.5
75.8
81.5
69.3
75.0
77.3
63.4
66.8
55.8
69.6
66.5
-
-
-
-
-
51.1
54.5
39.2
43.0
28.6
190.3
202.8
164.3
187.6
172.4
413.9
470.0
389.4
423.7
460.0		 221.6
226.5
191.9
166.3
-
0.9
110.8
129.9
524.3
523.6
1,273.1
1,257.1
Lead
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Cannington
100%
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 47,214
45,768
48,941
49,625
40,111
363
397
633
486
493
47,577
46,165
49,574
50,111
40,604		 138,677
140,760
1,612
1,101
140,289
141,861
Zinc
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Cannington
100%
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 10,074
15,666
19,927
17,039
16,389
9,335
13,450
20,736
16,271
13,571
19,409
29,116
40,663
33,310
29,960		 53,355
42,230
50,578
38,589
103,933
80,819
Gold
Payable metal in concentrate (troy oz)
Escondida(3)
57.5%
Olympic Dam (refined gold)
100%
Pinto Valley
100%
Total		 20,110
20,920
21,980
12,710
21,265
28,630
38,785
30,364
38,537
26,441
-
-
-
-
-
48,740
59,705
52,344
51,247
47,706		 55,955
51,984
95,342
82,550
-
49
151,297
134,583
Silver
Payable metal in concentrate (troy koz)
Escondida(3)
57.5%
Antamina
33.8%
Cannington
100%
Olympic Dam (refined silver)
100%
Pinto Valley
100%
Total		 1,078
1,320
1,159
958
1,355
961
843
954
885
872
6,465
6,029
6,701
5,534
5,130
253
317
254
243
172
-
-
-
-
-
8,757
8,509
9,068
7,620
7,529		 3,472
2,951
2,711
3,516
17,365
19,132
669
655
-
41
24,217
26,295
Uranium
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Olympic Dam
100%
Total		 966
1,044
866
1,076
607
966
1,044
866
1,076
607		 2,549
2,944
2,549
2,944

Refer footnotes on page 15.

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

13

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION
BHP Billiton
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
interest
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Copper(2) (continued)
Molybdenum
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Antamina
33.8%
Total		 281
83
40
75
151
281
83
40
75
151		 266
1,118
266
1,118
Iron Ore
Production (kt)(5)
Newman
85%
Yarrie
85%
Area C Joint Venture
85%
Yandi Joint Venture
85%
Jimblebar(6)
85%
Wheelarra
85%
Samarco
50%
Total		 15,470
16,766
16,707
16,012
14,916
206
-
-
-
-
11,282
12,481
13,265
11,314
13,201
15,622
17,615
16,607
17,694
16,798
2,721
3,740
3,971
2,813
4,513
1,698
2,973
3,115
4,755
5,965
2,281
3,068
3,426
3,764
3,586
49,280
56,643
57,091
56,352
58,979		 47,635
40,149
-
836
37,780
34,479
51,099
50,903
11,297
5,123
13,835
7,580
10,776
7,851
172,422
146,921
Coal
Metallurgical coal
Production (kt)(7)
BMA
50%
BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal(8)
80%
Illawarra
100%
Total		 7,461
7,596
8,228
9,009
7,602
1,995
2,143
2,204
2,128
2,057
2,011
2,147
2,337
2,401
1,799
11,467
11,886
12,769
13,538
11,458		 24,839
21,660
6,389
6,166
6,537
5,366
37,765
33,192
Energy coal
Production (kt)
South Africa(9)
90%
USA
100%
Australia
100%
Colombia
33.3%
Total		 7,398
8,013
8,026
8,499
9,240
2,359
2,412
2,690
2,512
2,247
5,018
5,030
4,752
4,608
5,252
2,948
2,908
2,369
3,003
2,975
17,723
18,363
17,837
18,622
19,714		 25,765
22,371
7,449
8,400
14,612
14,934
8,347
9,424
56,173
55,129
Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel
Alumina
Saleable production (kt)
Worsley
86%
Alumar
36%
Total		 936
1,010
893
1,060
937
314
315
342
338
311
1,250
1,325
1,235
1,398
1,248		 2,890
2,906
991
947
3,881
3,853
Aluminium
Production (kt)
Hillside
100%
Bayside
100%
Alumar
40%
Mozal
47.1%
Total		 172
176
180
176
168
23
18
-
-
-
26
15
13
13
12
65
67
68
67
65
286
276
261
256
245		 524
539
-
71
38
89
200
199
762
898
Manganese ores
Saleable production (kt)
South Africa(10)
44.4%
Australia(10)
60%
Total		 782
936
1,049
1,007
913
1,019
1,319
1,210
1,289
1,136
1,801
2,255
2,259
2,296
2,049		 2,969
2,590
3,635
3,457
6,604
6,047
Manganese alloys
Saleable production (kt)
South Africa(10)(11)
60%
Australia(10)
60%
Total		 91
106
112
121
114
71
75
59
80
68
162
181
171
201
182		 347
271
207
194
554
465

Refer footnotes on page 15.

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

14

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION
BHP Billiton
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
interest
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel (continued)
Nickel
Saleable production (kt)
Cerro Matoso
99.9%
Nickel West
100%
Total		 9.8
10.2
10.7
10.5
10.6
24.3
20.7
25.0
23.7
21.9
34.1
30.9
35.7
34.2
32.5		 31.8
34.1
70.6
78.2
102.4
112.3

(1) LPG and ethane are reported as natural gas liquids (NGL). Product-specific conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Total boe conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

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

(3) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 57.5%.

(4) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

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

(6) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 85%.

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

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

(9) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 90%.

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

(11) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

15

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Petroleum
Crude oil, condensate and NGL (Mboe)
Crude oil and condensate
Bass Strait
North West Shelf
Stybarrow
Pyrenees
Other Australia(1)
Atlantis(2)
Mad Dog(2)
Shenzi(2)
Eagle Ford(3)
Permian(3)
Haynesville(3) (4)
Trinidad/Tobago
Other Americas (2) (5)
UK(6)
Algeria
Pakistan
Total
NGL
Bass Strait
North West Shelf
Atlantis(2)
Mad Dog(2)
Shenzi(2)
Eagle Ford(3)
Permian(3)
Haynesville(3) (4)
Other Americas(2) (5)
UK(6)
Total
Total crude oil, condensate and NGL
Natural gas (bcf)
Bass Strait
North West Shelf
Other Australia(1)
Atlantis(2)
Mad Dog(2)
Shenzi(2)
Eagle Ford(3)
Permian(3)
Haynesville(3) (4)
Fayetteville(3)
Trinidad/Tobago
Other Americas(2) (5)
UK(6)
Pakistan
Total
Total petroleum production (MMboe)(7)		 2,095
2,355
2,818
2,284
1,156
1,504
1,408
1,501
1,395
1,355
282
255
225
248
194
2,386
2,075
2,109
1,901
1,709
11
14
17
11
11
3,734
4,114
4,175
3,740
3,645
704
187
390
877
720
3,467
3,530
3,530
3,502
3,283
5,215
6,593
7,060
8,098
10,837
356
463
601
807
856
18
13
16
4
-
279
248
252
227
196
329
371
349
500
348
254
27
34
77
64
1,069
996
1,011
1,050
975
49
37
38
33
27
21,752
22,686
24,126
24,754
25,376
1,621
2,026
2,161
1,512
961
276
288
293
273
268
288
111
248
294
245
36
39
21
42
37
280
252
271
260
235
2,775
3,179
3,421
3,638
3,868
211
292
362
358
287
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
38
25
14
3
4
4
7
7
5,492
6,191
6,819
6,409
5,922
27,244
28,877
30,945
31,163
31,298
21.2
30.5
33.3
18.8
18.3
31.4
31.8
36.9
33.4
32.8
13.2
13.6
16.4
13.0
14.1
1.8
1.9
1.7
2.3
1.7
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.7
23.9
30.8
28.5
26.3
27.7
2.2
2.5
3.0
2.8
2.1
46.3
45.7
45.7
43.6
37.8
37.3
39.9
36.4
37.6
32.3
9.3
9.1
8.8
7.8
7.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
5.4
0.8
0.7
1.4
1.1
8.9
7.3
6.4
6.3
5.4
202.0
215.0
218.9
194.4
181.5
60.9
64.7
67.4
63.6
61.5		 6,258
6,300
4,251
4,866
667
947
5,719
5,388
39
37
11,560
10,675
1,987
1,932
10,315
10,135
25,995
13,869
2,264
958
20
44
675
913
1,197
1,080
175
701
3,036
3,367
98
163
74,256
61,375
4,634
5,225
834
909
787
891
100
98
766
798
10,927
7,299
1,007
636
-
2
77
23
18
14
19,150
15,895
93,406
77,270
70.4
78.1
103.1
95.9
43.5
37.6
5.7
4.9
0.3
0.3
2.3
2.4
82.5
72.1
7.9
6.5
127.1
137.8
106.3
113.5
23.8
28.9
0.6
0.8
3.2
15.1
18.1
30.4
594.8
624.3
192.5
181.3

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

16

Petroleum (continued)

  • (1) Other Australia includes Minerva and Macedon.

  • (2) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.

  • (3) Onshore US volumes are net of mineral holder royalties.

  • (4) Haynesville includes North Louisiana Conventional. BHP Billiton completed the sale of North Louisiana Conventional on 17 November 2014.

  • (5) Other Americas includes Neptune, Genesis and Overriding Royalty Interest.

  • (6) UK includes Bruce/Keith and Liverpool Bay. BHP Billiton completed the sale of its 46.1% operated interest in Liverpool Bay on 31 March 2014.

  • (7) Total boe conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

17

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Copper

Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.

Escondida, Chile (1)
Material mined (kt) 96,420 94,673 101,920 113,522 110,607 326,049 283,978
Sulphide ore milled (kt) 21,051 21,438 20,651 18,354 21,382 60,387 58,911
Average copper grade (%) 1.12% 1.33% 1.20% 1.45% 1.49% 1.38% 1.26%
Production ex mill (kt) 195.5 235.6 205.5 215.5 266.3 687.3 620.5
Production
Payable copper(2) (kt) 190.6 241.0 199.4 208.8 260.9 669.1 603.7
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 20,110 20,920 21,980 12,710 21,265 55,955 51,984
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 75.8 81.5 69.3 75.0 77.3 221.6 226.5
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,078 1,320 1,159 958 1,355 3,472 2,951
Sales
Payable copper (kt) 173.2 239.1 203.3 203.2 269.6 676.1 593.6
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 20,889 20,920 21,980 12,710 21,265 55,955 51,981
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 76.4 83.3 64.1 79.8 64.9 208.8 226.1
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,046 1,320 1,159 958 1,355 3,472 2,958

(1) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 57.5%.

(2) June 2014 quarter includes 4.3 kt of copper contained in ore sold to third parties.

Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined (kt) 15,939 17,087 15,517 16,124 15,030 46,671 49,197
Ore milled (kt) 4,508 4,016 4,189 4,446 4,501 13,136 13,170
Average copper grade (%) 0.75% 0.76% 0.77% 0.70% 0.68% 0.72% 0.76%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 22.0 21.3 15.7 20.6 21.5 57.8 59.0
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 12.4 28.7 20.0 21.0 22.0 63.0 47.3
Spence
Material mined (kt) 25,037 25,962 24,238 23,422 21,429 69,089 77,279
Ore milled (kt) 4,735 3,775 4,409 4,560 3,783 12,752 14,383
Average copper grade (%) 1.23% 1.30% 1.33% 1.20% 1.06% 1.20% 1.20%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 41.4 45.5 40.1 49.0 45.0 134.1 107.3
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 40.0 49.6 36.9 51.8 45.0 133.7 101.8

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

18

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Copper (continued)
Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%)
(kt)
45,837
49,797
54,675
43,793
49,787
Sulphide ore milled (100%)
(kt)
11,729
12,756
12,370
13,594
12,880
Average head grades
- Copper
(%)
1.00%
0.77%
0.81%
0.74%
0.79%
- Zinc
(%)
0.54%
0.58%
0.84%
0.66%
0.69%
Production
Payable copper
(kt)
33.0
26.2
25.7
27.3
26.7
Payable zinc
(t)
9,335
13,450
20,736
16,271
13,571
Payable silver
(troy koz)
961
843
954
885
872
Payable lead
(t)
363
397
633
486
493
Payable molybdenum
(t)
281
83
40
75
151
Sales
Payable copper
(kt)
30.2
26.5
26.3
29.8
26.5
Payable zinc
(t)
10,158
14,527
12,912
21,459
15,545
Payable silver
(troy koz)
910
893
896
1,026
915
Payable lead
(t)
405
521
320
711
461
Payable molybdenum
(t)
347
142
50
90
163		 148,255
153,137
38,844
36,015
0.78%
1.12%
0.73%
0.61%
79.7
117.3
50,578
38,589
2,711
3,516
1,612
1,101
266
1,118
82.6
116.0
49,916
44,678
2,837
3,780
1,492
1,070
303
1,200
Cannington, Australia
Material mined
(kt)
773
806
823
925
813
Ore milled
(kt)
779
821
819
850
791
Average head grades
- Silver
(g/t)
311
286
301
246
247
- Lead
(%)
7.3%
6.9%
7.1%
7.0%
6.3%
- Zinc
(%)
2.4%
3.1%
3.8%
3.2%
3.2%
Production
Payable silver
(troy koz)
6,465
6,029
6,701
5,534
5,130
Payable lead
(t)
47,214
45,768
48,941
49,625
40,111
Payable zinc
(t)
10,074
15,666
19,927
17,039
16,389
Sales
Payable silver
(troy koz)
6,127
5,641
7,084
5,631
4,972
Payable lead
(t)
43,649
41,607
51,197
48,482
40,341
Payable zinc
(t)
11,020
15,708
15,450
18,028
17,057		 2,561
2,640
2,460
2,381
265
299
6.8%
7.1%
3.4%
2.9%
17,365
19,132
138,677
140,760
53,355
42,230
17,687
20,519
140,020
147,334
50,535
46,547

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

19

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Copper (continued)
Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined(1)
(kt)
2,495
2,405
2,692
2,667
2,186
Ore milled
(kt)
2,421
2,654
2,206
2,776
1,477
Average copper grade
(%)
1.90%
1.91%
1.97%
1.70%
1.88%
Average uranium grade
(kg/t)
0.54
0.51
0.61
0.52
0.56
Production
Copper cathode (ER)
(kt)
48.4
51.3
36.9
39.9
26.3
Copper cathode (EW)
(kt)
2.7
3.2
2.3
3.1
2.3
Uranium oxide concentrate
(t)
966
1,044
866
1,076
607
Refined gold
(troy oz)
28,630
38,785
30,364
38,537
26,441
Refined silver
(troy koz)
253
317
254
243
172
Sales
Copper cathode (ER)
(kt)
47.5
54.2
36.6
39.9
28.0
Copper cathode (EW)
(kt)
2.5
3.0
2.5
3.1
2.7
Uranium oxide concentrate
(t)
732
1,426
848
1,125
877
Refined gold
(troy oz)
31,129
38,500
30,707
34,938
31,938
Refined silver
(troy koz)
262
367
227
238
206		 7,545
8,109
6,459
7,466
1.83%
1.87%
0.56
0.53
103.1
121.9
7.7
8.0
2,549
2,944
95,342
82,550
669
655
104.5
117.6
8.3
7.4
2,850
2,699
97,583
85,030
671
615

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

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

20

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Iron Ore
(kt)
Iron ore
Pilbara, Australia
Production (1)
Newman
Yarrie(2)
Area C Joint Venture
Yandi Joint Venture
Jimblebar(3)
Wheelarra(4)
Total
Total production (100%)
Sales
Lump
Fines
Total
Total sales (100%)		 15,470
16,766
16,707
16,012
14,916
206
-
-
-
-
11,282
12,481
13,265
11,314
13,201
15,622
17,615
16,607
17,694
16,798
2,721
3,740
3,971
2,813
4,513
1,698
2,973
3,115
4,755
5,965
46,999
53,575
53,665
52,588
55,393
54,812
62,369
62,436
61,371
64,372
11,230
11,572
12,766
12,661
12,617
35,880
40,834
41,633
41,185
42,635
47,110
52,406
54,399
53,846
55,252
55,018
61,015
63,303
62,848
64,201		 47,635
40,149
-
836
37,780
34,479
51,099
50,903
11,297
5,123
13,835
7,580
161,646
139,070
188,179
162,708
38,044
31,518
125,453
106,919
163,497
138,437
190,352
162,387

(1) Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(2) Yarrie ceased production on 25 February 2014.

(3) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 85%.

(4) Production from Wheelarra is processed via the Jimblebar processing hub.

Samarco, Brazil
Production (1) 2,281 3,068 3,426 3,764 3,586 10,776 7,851
Sales 2,036 3,077 3,303 4,151 2,876 10,330 7,737

(1) Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis.

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

21

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Coal
(kt)
Metallurgical coal
Queensland Coal
Production (1)
BMA
Blackwater
Goonyella
Peak Downs
Saraji
Gregory Joint Venture
Daunia
Caval Ridge
Total BMA
BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal
(2)
South Walker Creek
Poitrel
Total BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal
Total Queensland Coal
Sales
Coking coal
Weak coking coal
Thermal coal
Total		 1,759
1,625
1,777
1,775
1,569
2,041
1,553
2,144
2,350
1,951
1,314
1,282
1,144
1,235
1,263
1,108
1,058
1,022
1,257
1,033
654
997
808
994
607
585
518
628
617
489
-
563
705
781
690
7,461
7,596
8,228
9,009
7,602
1,312
1,323
1,391
1,236
1,282
683
820
813
892
775
1,995
2,143
2,204
2,128
2,057
9,456
9,739
10,432
11,137
9,659
7,030
7,250
7,306
8,379
7,118
2,594
2,358
2,859
2,670
2,720
122
134
43
171
182
9,746
9,742
10,208
11,220
10,020		 5,121
5,105
6,445
5,777
3,642
3,627
3,312
3,500
2,409
1,968
1,734
1,683
2,176
-
24,839
21,660
3,909
3,923
2,480
2,243
6,389
6,166
31,228
27,826
22,803
19,670
8,249
7,496
396
553
31,448
27,719

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

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

Illawarra, Australia
Production (1)
Sales
Coking coal
Thermal coal
Total		 2,011
2,147
2,337
2,401
1,799
1,581
1,761
1,617
1,830
1,810
460
486
373
426
272
2,041
2,247
1,990
2,256
2,082		 6,537
5,366
5,257
4,160
1,071
1,137
6,328
5,297

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

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

22

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Coal (continued)
(kt)
Energy coal
South Africa (1)
Production
Sales
Export
Local utility
Inland
Total		 7,398
8,013
8,026
8,499
9,240
3,179
3,528
3,739
4,174
4,354
3,478
4,498
4,367
4,650
4,753
-
-
36
84
168
6,657
8,026
8,142
8,908
9,275		 25,765
22,371
12,267
9,770
13,770
11,832
288
-
26,325
21,602

(1) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 90%.

New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal(1)
San Juan Coal
Total
Sales - local utility		 975
1,082
1,243
1,064
1,156
1,384
1,330
1,447
1,448
1,091
2,359
2,412
2,690
2,512
2,247
2,360
2,382
2,723
2,592
2,177		 3,463
4,045
3,986
4,355
7,449
8,400
7,492
8,439

(1) BHP Billiton completed the sale of Navajo Mine on 30 December 2013. As BHP Billiton will retain control of the mine until full consideration is received, production will continue to be reported by the Group.

NSW Energy Coal, Australia
Production
Sales
Export
Inland
Total		 5,018
5,030
4,752
4,608
5,252
4,346
4,548
4,787
4,625
4,897
270
333
371
228
337
4,616
4,881
5,158
4,853
5,234		 14,612
14,934
14,309
13,270
936
1,048
15,245
14,318
Cerrejón, Colombia
Production
Sales - export		 2,948
2,908
2,369
3,003
2,975
2,647
2,858
3,077
2,732
3,005		 8,347
9,424
8,814
8,869

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

23

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel
(kt)
Alumina
Saleable production
Worsley, Australia
Alumar, Brazil
Total
Sales
Worsley, Australia
Alumar, Brazil
Total		 936
1,010
893
1,060
937
314
315
342
338
311
1,250
1,325
1,235
1,398
1,248
986
1,020
875
1,068
866
262
388
323
371
285
1,248
1,408
1,198
1,439
1,151		 2,890
2,906
991
947
3,881
3,853
2,809
2,844
979
860
3,788
3,704
Aluminium
Production
Hillside, South Africa
Bayside, South Africa(1)
Alumar, Brazil
Mozal, Mozambique
Total
Sales
Hillside, South Africa
Bayside, South Africa(1)
Alumar, Brazil
Mozal, Mozambique
Total		 172
176
180
176
168
23
18
-
-
-
26
15
13
13
12
65
67
68
67
65
286
276
261
256
245
187
168
174
178
166
24
24
-
-
-
25
17
12
13
13
72
62
64
73
66
308
271
250
264
245		 524
539
-
71
38
89
200
199
762
898
518
540
-
72
38
87
203
214
759
913

(1) Aluminium smelting at Bayside ceased with the closure of the final potline in June 2014.

Manganese ores
Saleable production
South Africa(1)
Australia(1)
Total
Sales
South Africa (1)
Australia (1)
Total		 782
936
1,049
1,007
913
1,019
1,319
1,210
1,289
1,136
1,801
2,255
2,259
2,296
2,049
915
931
999
983
1,024
1,252
1,288
1,224
1,208
1,143
2,167
2,219
2,223
2,191
2,167		 2,969
2,590
3,635
3,457
6,604
6,047
3,006
2,549
3,575
3,775
6,581
6,324
Manganese alloys
Saleable production
South Africa(1) (2)
Australia(1)
Total
Sales
South Africa(1) (2)
Australia(1)
Total		 91
106
112
121
114
71
75
59
80
68
162
181
171
201
182
113
112
115
109
116
85
74
56
73
43
198
186
171
182
159		 347
271
207
194
554
465
340
288
172
202
512
490

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

(2) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

24

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
MAR
JUN
SEP
DEC
MAR
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
QUARTER ENDED		 YEAR TO DATE
MAR
MAR
2015
2014
Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel (continued)
(kt)
Nickel
Cerro Matoso, Colombia
Production
Sales		 9.8
10.2
10.7
10.5
10.6
10.0
10.2
10.5
10.1
11.0		 31.8
34.1
31.6
34.9
Nickel West, Australia
Saleable 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		 2.5
1.6
2.2
1.7
1.9
6.1
4.4
9.1
5.5
6.1
15.7
14.7
13.7
16.5
13.9
24.3
20.7
25.0
23.7
21.9
2.3
1.6
2.1
1.6
2.0
5.3
6.2
6.6
7.4
6.4
16.7
14.4
11.9
17.5
13.5
24.3
22.2
20.6
26.5
21.9		 5.8
8.3
20.7
21.0
44.1
48.9
70.6
78.2
5.7
7.8
20.4
20.5
42.9
49.2
69.0
77.5

__________________ BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2015

25

More from BHP Group Limited

Director's Dealing 2026
Jun 2
Director's Dealing 2026
Jun 1
Board/Management Information 2026
May 13
Investor Presentation 2026
May 13
Board/Management Information 2026
May 13
Board/Management Information 2026
May 12
Regulatory Filings 2026
May 12
Investor Presentation 2026
May 12
Investor Presentation 2026
May 11
Regulatory Filings 2026
Apr 30
View all filings →