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BHP Group Limited Interim / Quarterly Report 2015

Oct 21, 2015

14787_ffr_2015-10-21_5fa7c38c-2fe7-496a-bcc3-e17d89da93aa.zip

Interim / Quarterly Report

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6-K 1 d88574d6k.htm FORM 6-K Form 6-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

October 21, 2015

BHP BILLITON LIMITED BHP BILLITON PLC
(ABN 49 004 028 077) (REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
171 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA NEATHOUSE PLACE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
(Address of principal executive offices) (Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: x Form 20-F ¨ Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: ¨ Yes x No

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a

NEWS RELEASE

Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 21 October 2015
Number 23/15

BHP BILLITON OPERATIONAL REVIEW

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

• Production guidance maintained across all businesses.

• Petroleum capital expenditure of US$2.9 billion now planned for the 2016 financial year, a 6% decline from prior guidance of US$3.1 billion.

• Four major projects under development are tracking to plan.

• The Group continues to pursue high-quality oil plays with additional prospective acreage acquired in the Beagle sub-basin in Western Australia and the Western Gulf of Mexico.

• Approval received for the extension of operational permits for Cerro Colorado until 2023.

• In October, BHP Billiton priced multi-currency hybrid notes in the Euro, Sterling and US Dollar markets.

Production — Petroleum (MMboe) 65 (4 %) Lower gas volumes reflect deferral of development activity in the Onshore US gas-focused fields for longer-term value.
Copper (kt) 377 (3 %) Lower grades at Escondida offset strong operating performance across the business.
Iron ore (Mt) 61 7 % Ramp-up of the Jimblebar mining hub at Western Australia Iron Ore during the 2015 financial year.
Metallurgical coal (Mt) 10 0 % Productivity improvements offset planned longwall moves and wash-plant shutdowns at Queensland Coal.
Energy coal (Mt) 10 0 % Higher production at Cerrejón offset slightly lower volumes at New South Wales Energy Coal.

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mackenzie, said: “BHP Billiton remains on track to meet full-year production and cost guidance after a solid operational performance this quarter. In Petroleum, we continue to reduce costs in both our Onshore US and Conventional businesses, and will meet our production targets with US$200 million less capital investment. We successfully acquired prospective oil acreage in Western Australia and the Western Gulf of Mexico and will continue to invest through the cycle to create value for shareholders.”

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 1

Summary

Operational performance

Production for the September 2015 quarter and 2016 financial year guidance are summarised in the table below.

SEP — 2015 SEP Q15 — vs vs FY16
Production QTR SEP Q14 JUN Q15 guidance
Petroleum (MMboe) 65 (4 %) 2 % 237
Onshore US (MMboe) 30 (2 %) (5 %) 112
Copper (Mt) 0.4 (3 %) (13 %) 1.5
Escondida (kt) 230 (14 %) (31 %) 940
Iron ore (Mt) 61 7 % 2 % 247
WAIO (100% basis) (Mt) 67 8 % 3 % 270
Metallurgical coal (Mt) 10 0 % (8 %) 40
Energy coal (Mt) (1) 10 0 % (7 %) 40

Major development projects

At the end of the September 2015 quarter, BHP Billiton had four major projects under development in Petroleum, Copper and Potash, with a combined budget of US$7.0 billion.

Corporate update

On 14 and 15 October, BHP Billiton priced multi-currency hybrid notes in the Euro, Sterling and US Dollar markets. The Group priced EUR2.0 billion of subordinated fixed rate reset notes in the Euro market across two tranches, GBP600 million of subordinated fixed rate reset notes in the Sterling market and US$3.25 billion of subordinated fixed rate reset notes in the US Dollar market across two tranches. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing existing near-term debt maturities.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 2

Petroleum

Production

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (MMboe) 30.7 (1 %) (1 %)
Natural gas (bcf) 202.8 (7 %) 6 %
Total petroleum production (MMboe) 64.5 (4 %) 2 %

Total petroleum production – Total petroleum production for the September 2015 quarter decreased by four per cent to 64.5 MMboe. Guidance for the 2016 financial year remains unchanged at 237 MMboe, despite lower planned capital investment across our operations.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids production for the September 2015 quarter decreased by one per cent to 30.7 MMboe.

Onshore US liquids volumes for the September 2015 quarter rose by 17 per cent to 13.5 MMboe, underpinned by continued momentum in the Black Hawk and Permian where liquids production increased by 25 per cent and 103 per cent, respectively. A 17 per cent decline in Black Hawk and Permian liquids production from the June 2015 quarter reflected lower capital spend. However, we continue to expect annual volumes from these liquids-rich fields to be stable year on year.

In our Conventional business, an 11 per cent decrease in liquids production reflects the impact of industrial action at Bass Strait and natural field decline across the portfolio.

Natural gas – Natural gas production for the September 2015 quarter declined by seven per cent to 203 bcf.

The decline primarily reflected lower Onshore US gas volumes as a result of the decision to defer development activity for longer-term value. This was partially offset by higher seasonal demand at Bass Strait.

Projects

Project and ownership — North West Shelf Greater Western Flank-A (Australia) 16.67% (non-operator) 400 CY16 Capacity — To maintain LNG plant throughput from the North West Shelf operations. Progress — On schedule and budget. The overall project is 97% complete.
Bass Strait Longford Gas Conditioning Plant (Australia) 50% (non-operator) 520 CY16 Designed to process approximately 400 MMcf/d of high-CO 2 gas. On schedule and budget. The overall project is 68% complete.

Petroleum capital expenditure of approximately US$2.9 billion is now planned in the 2016 financial year, a six per cent decline from prior guidance of US$3.1 billion, and includes Onshore US capital expenditure of US$1.4 billion. Conventional capital expenditure is expected to account for US$1.5 billion, and remains focused on high-return infill drilling opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico and Australia, as well as life extension projects at Bass Strait and North West Shelf.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 3

Onshore US development activity

Onshore US drilling and development expenditure for the September 2015 quarter was US$463 million. Our operated rig count decreased from 10 to seven during the period as we continued to improve drilling efficiency and defer development activity to preserve value. Completions activity will be tailored to market conditions and we will exercise further flexibility should there be greater value in deferral.

September 2015 quarter — (September 2014 quarter) Eagle Ford Permian Haynesville Fayetteville Total
Capital expenditure (i) US$ billion 0.3 (0.6 ) 0.1 (0.2 ) 0.0 (0.1 ) 0.0 (0.0 ) 0.5 (0.9 )
Rig allocation At period end 5 (17 ) 2 (5 ) 0 (3 ) 0 (0 ) 7 (25 )
Net wells drilled and completed (ii) Period total 44 (29 ) 7 (6 ) 4 (11 ) 6 (13 ) 61 (59 )
Net productive wells (iii) At period end 882 (676 ) 83 (63 ) 411 (910 ) 1,080 (1,034 ) 2,456 (2,683 )

(i) Includes land acquisition, site preparation, drilling, completions, well site facilities, mid-stream infrastructure and pipelines.

(ii) Can vary between periods based on changes in rig activity and the inventory of wells drilled but not yet completed at period end.

(iii) Change includes reduction associated with the divestment of assets in North Louisiana (Haynesville) and Pecos (Permian).

Petroleum exploration

Exploration and appraisal wells drilled during the September 2015 quarter are summarised below.

Well Location Target BHP Billiton equity Spud date Status
Shenzi North-ST1 Gulf of Mexico GC609 Oil 44% (operator) 14 June 2015 1,309 m 8,315 m Plugged and abandoned
Shenzi North-ST2 Gulf of Mexico GC609 Oil 44% (operator) 15 August 2015 1,309 m 9,223 m (2) Hydrocarbons encountered Drilling ahead

Our Petroleum exploration is focused in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Beagle sub-basin in Western Australia. We are pursuing high-quality oil plays in these three key focus areas. In August 2015, BHP Billiton was the apparent highest bidder on 26 blocks in the Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale with a 100 per cent working interest. Of these leases, nine have been awarded and 17 remain subject to regulatory approval. The Group also captured approximately 13,000 square kilometres in the Beagle sub-basin in Western Australia during the period.

Petroleum exploration expenditure for the September 2015 quarter was US$171 million, of which US$78 million was expensed. A US$600 million exploration program is planned for the 2016 financial year, largely focused on acreage access and seismic data acquisition across our three key focus areas that we expect to test over the next three years.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 4

Copper

Production

Copper (kt) 377 (3 %) (13 %)
Zinc (t) 20,597 (1 %) 30 %
Silver (troy koz) 3,193 35 % 29 %
Uranium oxide concentrate (t) 1,161 34 % 95 %

Copper – Total copper production for the September 2015 quarter decreased by three per cent to 377 kt as strong operating performance across the business was offset by grade decline at Escondida, as anticipated. Guidance for the 2016 financial year remains unchanged at 1.5 Mt.

Escondida copper production for the September 2015 quarter decreased by 14 per cent to 230 kt as record material mined, supported by a six per cent improvement in truck utilisation, was more than offset by a 17 per cent decline in grade. Production guidance for Escondida remains unchanged at approximately 940 kt of copper for the 2016 financial year as increased throughput, enabled by the completion of the Escondida Organic Growth Project 1 and operational improvements, will only partly offset an anticipated 27 per cent decline in grade. In the medium term, completion of the Escondida Water Supply project and a potential life extension of Los Colorados may enable utilisation of three concentrators to offset grade decline and support a strong recovery in production.

Pampa Norte copper production for the September 2015 quarter was broadly unchanged at 57 kt as higher grade and recoveries at Spence offset lower grades and recoveries at Cerro Colorado. On 29 September 2015, the Regional Environmental Committee of the Tarapacá Region approved the extension of operational permits for Cerro Colorado until 2023. Production at Pampa Norte for the 2016 financial year is expected to remain broadly unchanged from the prior year.

Olympic Dam copper production increased by 40 per cent from the September 2014 quarter to 55 kt, and reflects completion of planned smelter maintenance in the prior period. An increase in production is anticipated in the 2016 financial year following a mill outage in the prior year.

Antamina copper production for the September 2015 quarter increased by 37 per cent to 35 kt as higher grades and recoveries were further supported by debottlenecking initiatives at the mill. Higher grades at Antamina are expected to contribute to an increase in copper volumes in the 2016 financial year.

Projects

Project and ownership — Escondida Water Supply (Chile) 57.5% 3,430 CY17 Capacity — New desalination facility to ensure continued water supply to Escondida. Progress — On schedule and budget. The overall project is 62% complete.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 5

Iron Ore

Production

Iron ore (kt) 61,315 7 % 2 %

Iron ore – Total iron ore production for the September 2015 quarter increased by seven per cent to a record 61 Mt. Guidance for the 2016 financial year remains unchanged at 247 Mt.

Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) production increased by eight per cent in the September 2015 quarter to a record 67 Mt (100 per cent basis), supported by the ramp-up of the Jimblebar mining hub and improved ore handling plant utilisation at Newman. WAIO also achieved record sales volumes of 67 Mt (100 per cent basis) as a result of an increase in direct to ship ore and continued optimisation of the port facilities.

Production at WAIO is forecast to increase to 270 Mt (100 per cent basis) in the 2016 financial year with better productivity the sole source of volume growth. Work has commenced on the installation of a new primary crusher and additional conveying capacity at Jimblebar, and associated costs are included within WAIO’s average annual sustaining capital expenditure of approximately US$5 per tonne. The ramp-up of additional capacity at the Jimblebar mining hub along with further productivity improvements, will deliver an increase in system capacity to 290 Mtpa over time.

Samarco production for the September 2015 quarter increased by nine per cent to 7.5 Mt (100 per cent basis) underpinned by the ramp-up of the fourth pellet plant to full capacity during the March 2015 quarter.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 6

Coal

Production

Metallurgical coal (kt) 10,449 0 % (8 %)
Energy coal (kt) 9,847 0 % (7 %)

Metallurgical coal – Metallurgical coal production for the September 2015 quarter was in line with the prior period. Guidance for the 2016 financial year remains unchanged at 40 Mt.

At Queensland Coal, record production at the Daunia and South Walker Creek mines was supported by an increase in wash-plant utilisation and yield. This was offset by planned longwall moves at the Broadmeadow and Crinum mines and wash-plant shutdowns at the Goonyella and Peak Downs mines. At current mining rates, operations at Crinum are expected to cease in the first quarter of the 2016 calendar year as the mine approaches the end of its economic reserve life.

First production from the Haju mine in Indonesia was achieved during the quarter.

Energy coal – Energy coal production for the September 2015 quarter was broadly in line with the prior period. Guidance for the 2016 financial year remains unchanged at 40 Mt (1) .

Production at Cerrejón continues to be constrained by drought conditions, although volumes were seven per cent higher than the September 2014 quarter which was affected by more severe weather. This offset a slight reduction in volumes at New South Wales Energy Coal during the quarter due to lower yield.

On 2 July 2015, BHP Billiton announced that the sale agreement for the San Juan Mine to Westmoreland Coal Company (WCC) had been executed. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be completed at the end of the 2015 calendar year with WCC assuming full operation of the mine from 1 January 2016.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 7

Potash

Projects

Project and ownership Scope Progress
Jansen Potash (Canada) 100% 2,600 Investment to finish the excavation and lining of the production and service shafts, and to continue the installation of essential surface infrastructure and utilities. The project is 51% complete and within the approved budget. Shaft excavation is progressing following the successful redesign of the temporary liner.

Other

Production

Nickel (kt) 22.1 (12 %) 15 %

Nickel – Nickel West production for the September 2015 quarter decreased by 12 per cent to 22 kt and reflected a reduction in third party ore delivered to the Kambalda concentrator.

Minerals exploration

Minerals exploration expenditure for the September 2015 quarter was US$44 million, of which US$34 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 September 2015 quarter compared with the September 2014 quarter, unless otherwise noted. Production volumes, sales volumes and capital and exploration expenditure from subsidiaries are reported on a 100 per cent basis; production and sales volumes from equity accounted investments and other operations are reported on a proportionate consolidation basis.

The following footnotes apply to this Operational Review:

(1) Guidance assumes a full year of production from the San Juan mine.

(2) Well depth as at 30 September 2015; drilling still in progress.

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 quarter ended 30 September 2015 8

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

| Media 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 and Americas 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] | Investor Relations 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 | 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 |
| Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia | |

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BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 9

PRODUCTION SUMMARY

BHP Billiton interest SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Petroleum (1)
Petroleum
Crude oil, condensate and NGL (Mboe)
Onshore US 11,460 12,905 15,848 15,413 13,453 13,453 11,460
Conventional 19,485 18,258 15,450 15,759 17,259 17,259 19,485
Total 30,945 31,163 31,298 31,172 30,712 30,712 30,945
Natural gas (bcf)
Onshore US 113.6 110.3 99.9 96.4 98.2 98.2 113.6
Conventional 105.3 84.1 81.6 95.4 104.6 104.6 105.3
Total 218.9 194.4 181.5 191.8 202.8 202.8 218.9
Total petroleum production (MMboe) 67.4 63.6 61.5 63.2 64.5 64.5 67.4
Copper (2)
Copper
Payable metal in concentrate (kt)
Escondida (3) 57.5 % 199.4 208.8 260.9 247.0 159.6 159.6 199.4
Antamina 33.8 % 25.7 27.3 26.7 28.0 35.1 35.1 25.7
Total 225.1 236.1 287.6 275.0 194.7 194.7 225.1
Cathode (kt)
Escondida (3) 57.5 % 69.3 75.0 77.3 88.8 70.9 70.9 69.3
Pampa Norte (4) 100 % 55.8 69.6 66.5 57.7 56.8 56.8 55.8
Olympic Dam 100 % 39.2 43.0 28.6 13.7 54.9 54.9 39.2
Total 164.3 187.6 172.4 160.2 182.6 182.6 164.3
Total copper 389.4 423.7 460.0 435.2 377.3 377.3 389.4
Lead
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Antamina 33.8 % 633 486 493 448 857 857 633
Total 633 486 493 448 857 857 633
Zinc
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Antamina 33.8 % 20,736 16,271 13,571 15,857 20,597 20,597 20,736
Total 20,736 16,271 13,571 15,857 20,597 20,597 20,736
Gold
Payable metal in concentrate (troy oz)
Escondida (3) 57.5 % 21,980 12,710 21,265 25,554 23,805 23,805 21,980
Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100 % 30,364 38,537 26,441 9,438 29,349 29,349 30,364
Total 52,344 51,247 47,706 34,992 53,154 53,154 52,344
Silver
Payable metal in concentrate (troy koz)
Escondida (3) 57.5 % 1,159 958 1,355 1,314 1,181 1,181 1,159
Antamina 33.8 % 954 885 872 1,115 1,766 1,766 954
Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100 % 254 243 172 55 246 246 254
Total 2,367 2,086 2,399 2,484 3,193 3,193 2,367
Uranium
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Olympic Dam 100 % 866 1,076 607 595 1,161 1,161 866
Total 866 1,076 607 595 1,161 1,161 866
Molybdenum
Payable metal in concentrate (t)
Antamina 33.8 % 40 75 151 206 92 92 40
Total 40 75 151 206 92 92 40

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 10

PRODUCTION SUMMARY

BHP Billiton interest SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Iron Ore
Iron Ore
Production (kt) (5)
Newman 85 % 16,707 16,012 14,916 16,062 18,006 18,006 16,707
Area C Joint Venture 85 % 13,265 11,314 13,201 12,214 12,163 12,163 13,265
Yandi Joint Venture 85 % 16,607 17,694 16,798 17,452 16,886 16,886 16,607
Jimblebar (6) 85 % 3,971 2,813 4,513 5,462 3,262 3,262 3,971
Wheelarra 85 % 3,115 4,755 5,965 5,159 7,259 7,259 3,115
Samarco 50 % 3,426 3,764 3,586 3,737 3,739 3,739 3,426
Total 57,091 56,352 58,979 60,086 61,315 61,315 57,091
Coal
Metallurgical coal
Production (kt) (7)
BMA 50 % 8,228 9,009 7,602 9,023 8,087 8,087 8,228
BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (8) 80 % 2,204 2,128 2,057 2,370 2,347 2,347 2,204
Haju (9) 75 % — — — — 15 15 —
Total 10,432 11,137 9,659 11,393 10,449 10,449 10,432
Energy coal
Production (kt)
USA 100 % 2,690 2,512 2,247 2,574 2,676 2,676 2,690
Australia 100 % 4,752 4,608 5,252 5,086 4,644 4,644 4,752
Colombia 33.3 % 2,369 3,003 2,975 2,944 2,527 2,527 2,369
Total 9,811 10,123 10,474 10,604 9,847 9,847 9,811
Other
Nickel
Saleable production (kt)
Nickel West 100 % 25.0 23.7 21.9 19.3 22.1 22.1 25.0
Total 25.0 23.7 21.9 19.3 22.1 22.1 25.0

(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 bcf of natural gas equals 1 MMboe.

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

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

(9) Shown on a 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 75%.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 11

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Petroleum (1)
Bass Strait
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 2,818 2,284 1,156 1,707 1,877 1,877 2,818
NGL (Mboe) 2,161 1,512 961 1,548 2,091 2,091 2,161
Natural gas (bcf) 33.3 18.8 18.3 31.9 38.7 38.7 33.3
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 10.5 6.9 5.2 8.6 10.4 10.4 10.5
North West Shelf
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 1,501 1,395 1,355 1,215 1,362 1,362 1,501
NGL (Mboe) 293 273 268 198 227 227 293
Natural gas (bcf) 36.9 33.4 32.8 29.9 33.9 33.9 36.9
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 7.9 7.2 7.1 6.4 7.2 7.2 7.9
Stybarrow (2)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 225 248 194 93 (8 ) (8 ) 225
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 (0.0 ) (0.0 ) 0.2
Pyrenees
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 2,109 1,901 1,709 1,435 2,096 2,096 2,109
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.4 2.1 2.1 2.1
Other Australia (3)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 17 11 11 13 13 13 17
Natural gas (bcf) 16.4 13.0 14.1 16.0 16.6 16.6 16.4
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 2.8 2.2 2.4 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.8
Atlantis (4)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 4,175 3,740 3,645 3,110 3,637 3,637 4,175
NGL (Mboe) 248 294 245 209 231 231 248
Natural gas (bcf) 1.7 2.3 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.7
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 4.7 4.4 4.2 3.6 4.1 4.1 4.7
Mad Dog (4)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 390 877 720 651 588 588 390
NGL (Mboe) 21 42 37 20 23 23 21
Natural gas (bcf) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 0.4 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.4
Shenzi (4)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 3,530 3,502 3,283 3,369 3,277 3,277 3,530
NGL (Mboe) 271 260 235 174 236 236 271
Natural gas (bcf) 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 3.9 3.9 3.6 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.9
Eagle Ford (5)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 7,060 8,098 10,837 9,363 7,700 7,700 7,060
NGL (Mboe) 3,421 3,638 3,868 4,183 3,799 3,799 3,421
Natural gas (bcf) 28.5 26.3 27.7 26.1 25.8 25.8 28.5
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 15.2 16.1 19.3 17.9 15.8 15.8 15.2
Permian (5)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 601 807 856 1,447 1,481 1,481 601
NGL (Mboe) 362 358 287 420 473 473 362
Natural gas (bcf) 3.0 2.8 2.1 3.0 3.9 3.9 3.0
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 1.5 1.6 1.5 2.4 2.6 2.6 1.5
Haynesville (5) (6)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 16 4 — — — — 16
Natural gas (bcf) 45.7 43.6 37.8 35.4 36.4 36.4 45.7
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 7.6 7.3 6.3 5.9 6.1 6.1 7.6

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 12

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Petroleum (continued) (1)
Fayetteville (5)
Natural gas (bcf) 36.4 37.6 32.3 31.9 32.1 32.1 36.4
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 6.1 6.3 5.4 5.3 5.4 5.4 6.1
Trinidad/Tobago
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 252 227 196 562 242 242 252
Natural gas (bcf) 8.8 7.8 7.2 9.1 7.6 7.6 8.8
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 1.7 1.5 1.4 2.1 1.5 1.5 1.7
Other Americas (4) (7)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 349 500 348 348 361 361 349
NGL (Mboe) 38 25 14 11 12 12 38
Natural gas (bcf) 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 0.4 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
UK (8)
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 34 77 64 76 59 59 34
NGL (Mboe) 4 7 7 83 (4 ) (4 ) 4
Natural gas (bcf) 0.7 1.4 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.7
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2
Algeria
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 1,011 1,050 975 912 916 916 1,011
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 1.0 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0
Pakistan
Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) 38 33 27 25 23 23 38
Natural gas (bcf) 6.4 6.3 5.4 4.9 4.2 4.2 6.4
Total petroleum products (MMboe) 1.1 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.7 1.1
Total petroleum products
Crude oil and condensate
Onshore US (Mboe) 7,677 8,909 11,693 10,810 9,181 9,181 7,677
Conventional (Mboe) 16,449 15,845 13,683 13,516 14,443 14,443 16,449
Total (Mboe) 24,126 24,754 25,376 24,326 23,624 23,624 24,126
NGL
Onshore US (Mboe) 3,783 3,996 4,155 4,603 4,272 4,272 3,783
Conventional (Mboe) 3,036 2,413 1,767 2,243 2,816 2,816 3,036
Total (Mboe) 6,819 6,409 5,922 6,846 7,088 7,088 6,819
Natural gas
Onshore US (bcf) 113.6 110.3 99.9 96.4 98.2 98.2 113.6
Conventional (bcf) 105.3 84.1 81.6 95.4 104.6 104.6 105.3
Total (bcf) 218.9 194.4 181.5 191.8 202.8 202.8 218.9

(1) Total boe conversions are based on 6 bcf of natural gas equals 1 MMboe.

(2) Stybarrow ceased production on 26 June 2015. Crude oil and condensate production in the September 2015 quarter was reduced by an 8 Mboe finalisation adjustment with respect to the June 2015 quarter.

(3) Other Australia includes Minerva and Macedon.

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

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

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

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

(8) UK NGL production for the September 2015 quarter was reduced by an 18 Mboe reporting adjustment following a reconciliation between estimated and actual volumes with respect to the June 2015 quarter.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 13

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Copper
Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida, Chile (1)
Material mined (kt) 93,474 103,750 91,139 96,337 110,067 110,067 93,474
Sulphide ore milled (kt) 20,651 18,354 21,382 22,909 22,820 22,820 20,651
Average copper grade (%) 1.20 % 1.45 % 1.49 % 1.32 % 1.00 % 1.00 % 1.20 %
Production ex mill (kt) 205.5 215.5 266.3 249.6 169.7 169.7 205.5
Production
Payable copper (kt) 199.4 208.8 260.9 247.0 159.6 159.6 199.4
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 69.3 75.0 77.3 88.8 70.9 70.9 69.3
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 21,980 12,710 21,265 25,554 23,805 23,805 21,980
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,159 958 1,355 1,314 1,181 1,181 1,159
Sales
Payable copper (kt) 203.3 203.2 269.6 243.0 157.6 157.6 203.3
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 64.1 79.8 64.9 101.4 63.8 63.8 64.1
Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 21,980 12,710 21,265 25,554 23,805 23,805 21,980
Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,159 958 1,355 1,314 1,181 1,181 1,159
(1) Shown on a 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 57.5%.
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined (kt) 15,517 16,124 15,030 14,211 13,870 13,870 15,517
Ore milled (kt) 4,189 4,446 4,501 4,798 4,703 4,703 4,189
Average copper grade (%) 0.77 % 0.70 % 0.68 % 0.70 % 0.64 % 0.64 % 0.77 %
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 15.7 20.6 21.5 20.4 13.7 13.7 15.7
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 20.0 21.0 22.0 20.8 13.0 13.0 20.0
Spence
Material mined (kt) 24,238 23,422 21,429 21,062 22,922 22,922 24,238
Ore milled (kt) 4,409 4,560 3,783 4,082 4,919 4,919 4,409
Average copper grade (%) 1.33 % 1.20 % 1.06 % 1.24 % 1.41 % 1.41 % 1.33 %
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 40.1 49.0 45.0 37.3 43.1 43.1 40.1
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 36.9 51.8 45.0 40.6 38.2 38.2 36.9

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 14

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Copper (continued)
Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%) (kt) 54,675 43,793 49,787 56,944 56,793 56,793 54,675
Sulphide ore milled (100%) (kt) 12,370 13,594 12,880 14,831 14,300 14,300 12,370
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 0.81 % 0.74 % 0.79 % 0.74 % 0.88 % 0.88 % 0.81 %
- Zinc (%) 0.84 % 0.66 % 0.69 % 0.56 % 0.79 % 0.79 % 0.84 %
Production
Payable copper (kt) 25.7 27.3 26.7 28.0 35.1 35.1 25.7
Payable zinc (t) 20,736 16,271 13,571 15,857 20,597 20,597 20,736
Payable silver (troy koz) 954 885 872 1,115 1,766 1,766 954
Payable lead (t) 633 486 493 448 857 857 633
Payable molybdenum (t) 40 75 151 206 92 92 40
Sales
Payable copper (kt) 26.3 29.8 26.5 26.3 30.8 30.8 26.3
Payable zinc (t) 12,912 21,459 15,545 13,645 18,747 18,747 12,912
Payable silver (troy koz) 896 1,026 915 911 1,522 1,522 896
Payable lead (t) 320 711 461 624 266 266 320
Payable molybdenum (t) 50 90 163 157 156 156 50
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (1) (kt) 2,692 2,667 2,186 1,773 2,357 2,357 2,692
Ore milled (kt) 2,206 2,776 1,477 1,469 2,727 2,727 2,206
Average copper grade (%) 1.97 % 1.70 % 1.88 % 1.97 % 1.64 % 1.64 % 1.97 %
Average uranium grade (kg/t) 0.61 0.52 0.56 0.62 0.60 0.60 0.61
Production
Copper cathode (ER and EW) (kt) 39.2 43.0 28.6 13.7 54.9 54.9 39.2
Uranium oxide concentrate (t) 866 1,076 607 595 1,161 1,161 866
Refined gold (troy oz) 30,364 38,537 26,441 9,438 29,349 29,349 30,364
Refined silver (troy koz) 254 243 172 55 246 246 254
Sales
Copper cathode (ER and EW) (kt) 39.1 43.0 30.7 14.5 52.5 52.5 39.1
Uranium oxide concentrate (t) 848 1,125 877 818 677 677 848
Refined gold (troy oz) 30,707 34,938 31,938 9,064 25,598 25,598 30,707
Refined silver (troy koz) 227 238 206 61 213 213 227
(1) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 15

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Iron Ore
Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (kt) 16,707 16,012 14,916 16,062 18,006 18,006 16,707
Area C Joint Venture (kt) 13,265 11,314 13,201 12,214 12,163 12,163 13,265
Yandi Joint Venture (kt) 16,607 17,694 16,798 17,452 16,886 16,886 16,607
Jimblebar (1) (kt) 3,971 2,813 4,513 5,462 3,262 3,262 3,971
Wheelarra (2) (kt) 3,115 4,755 5,965 5,159 7,259 7,259 3,115
Total production (kt) 53,665 52,588 55,393 56,349 57,576 57,576 53,665
Total production (100%) (kt) 62,436 61,371 64,372 65,330 67,161 67,161 62,436
Sales
Lump (kt) 12,766 12,661 12,617 13,234 14,003 14,003 12,766
Fines (kt) 41,633 41,185 42,635 43,430 43,587 43,587 41,633
Total (kt) 54,399 53,846 55,252 56,664 57,590 57,590 54,399
Total sales (100%) (kt) 63,303 62,848 64,201 65,703 67,177 67,177 63,303
(1) Shown on a 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable
production is 85%. (2) Production from Wheelarra is processed via the Jimblebar processing
hub.
Samarco, Brazil
Production (kt) 3,426 3,764 3,586 3,737 3,739 3,739 3,426
Sales (kt) 3,303 4,151 2,876 3,627 3,531 3,531 3,303

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 16

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Coal
Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product.
Queensland Coal
Production (1)
BMA
Blackwater (kt) 1,777 1,775 1,569 1,873 1,803 1,803 1,777
Goonyella (kt) 2,144 2,350 1,951 2,065 1,868 1,868 2,144
Peak Downs (kt) 1,144 1,235 1,263 1,469 1,164 1,164 1,144
Saraji (kt) 1,022 1,257 1,033 1,194 1,037 1,037 1,022
Gregory Joint Venture (kt) 808 994 607 885 707 707 808
Daunia (kt) 628 617 489 649 698 698 628
Caval Ridge (kt) 705 781 690 888 810 810 705
Total BMA (kt) 8,228 9,009 7,602 9,023 8,087 8,087 8,228
BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (2)
South Walker Creek (kt) 1,391 1,236 1,282 1,384 1,511 1,511 1,391
Poitrel (kt) 813 892 775 986 836 836 813
Total BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (kt) 2,204 2,128 2,057 2,370 2,347 2,347 2,204
Total Queensland Coal (kt) 10,432 11,137 9,659 11,393 10,434 10,434 10,432
Sales
Coking coal (kt) 7,306 8,379 7,118 7,616 7,015 7,015 7,306
Weak coking coal (kt) 2,859 2,670 2,720 2,850 3,246 3,246 2,859
Thermal coal (kt) 43 171 182 375 86 86 43
Total (kt) 10,208 11,220 10,020 10,841 10,347 10,347 10,208
(1) Production figures include some thermal coal. (2) Shown on a 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.
Haju, Indonesia (1)
Production (kt) — — — — 15 15 —
(1) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 75%.
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal (1) (kt) 1,243 1,064 1,156 1,395 1,270 1,270 1,243
San Juan Coal (kt) 1,447 1,448 1,091 1,179 1,406 1,406 1,447
Total (kt) 2,690 2,512 2,247 2,574 2,676 2,676 2,690
Sales thermal coal - local utility 2,723 2,592 2,177 2,539 2,671 2,671 2,723
(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 (kt) 4,752 4,608 5,252 5,086 4,644 4,644 4,752
Sales
Export thermal coal (kt) 4,787 4,625 4,897 4,550 4,130 4,130 4,787
Inland thermal coal (kt) 371 228 337 286 253 253 371
Total (kt) 5,158 4,853 5,234 4,836 4,383 4,383 5,158
Cerrejón, Colombia
Production (kt) 2,369 3,003 2,975 2,944 2,527 2,527 2,369
Sales thermal coal - export (kt) 3,077 2,732 3,005 2,766 2,853 2,853 3,077

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 17

PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT

SEP 2014 DEC 2014 MAR 2015 JUN 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2015 SEP 2014
Other
Nickel production is reported on the basis of saleable product
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate (kt) 2.2 1.7 1.9 1.5 0.7 0.7 2.2
Nickel contained in finished matte (kt) 9.1 5.5 6.1 3.9 5.0 5.0 9.1
Nickel metal (kt) 13.7 16.5 13.9 13.9 16.4 16.4 13.7
Total nickel production (kt) 25.0 23.7 21.9 19.3 22.1 22.1 25.0
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate (kt) 2.1 1.6 2.0 1.6 0.7 0.7 2.1
Nickel contained in finished matte (kt) 6.6 7.4 6.4 4.4 4.2 4.2 6.6
Nickel metal (kt) 11.9 17.5 13.5 15.7 15.6 15.6 11.9
Total nickel sales (kt) 20.6 26.5 21.9 21.7 20.5 20.5 20.6

BHP Billiton Operational Review for the quarter ended 30 September 2015 18

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

By: BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc — /s/ Rachel Agnew
Name: Rachel Agnew
Title: Company Secretary