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BHP Group Limited — Interim / Quarterly Report 2017
Apr 25, 2017
14787_rns_2017-04-25_ef01d7b3-928b-466c-a498-4c42e4866c75.pdf
Interim / Quarterly Report
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Release Time IMMEDIATE Date 26 April 2017 Release Number 15/17
BHP BILLITON OPERATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2017
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Record production for the nine month period achieved at Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) and five Queensland Coal mines.
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Following 44 days of industrial action at Escondida, copper production guidance reduced to between 1.33 and 1.36 Mt. The commissioning of the Escondida Water Supply project and the planned ramp-up of the Los Colorados Extension project are now expected in the September 2017 quarter.
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As a result of damage to third party rail infrastructure caused by Cyclone Debbie, metallurgical coal production guidance reduced to between 39 and 41 Mt.
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Full year production guidance maintained for petroleum and energy coal. WAIO production guidance narrowed to between 268 and 272 Mt (100% basis).
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At Queensland Coal, the high-return Caval Ridge Southern Circuit latent capacity project was approved and will enable full utilisation of the 10 Mtpa wash-plant with ramp-up early in the 2019 financial year.
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In Onshore US, development activity is increasing with the approval of two additional rigs in the Haynesville, with gas prices hedged to deliver attractive rates of return.
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Divestment of non-core Onshore US acreage is progressing, with the sales process well advanced for up to 50,000 acres of the southern Hawkville. Our Fayetteville field is currently under review and we are considering all options including divestment.
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The Mad Dog Phase 2 Conventional oil development project was approved and a contract was executed with PEMEX Exploration and Production Mexico (Pemex) following the winning bid to acquire a 60% participating interest in, and operatorship of, Trion in Mexico.
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Commercial evaluation of the LeClerc gas discovery in Trinidad and Tobago is ongoing. Drilling of the Wildling appraisal well in the Gulf of Mexico is continuing, which will assist with establishing the scale of the Caicos oil discovery.
| Production | Mar 2017 | vs Mar 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD | YTD | |||
| Petroleum (MMboe) | 157 | (15%) | Deferral of development activity in Onshore US for value and natural | |
| field decline in Conventional assets. | ||||
| Copper (kt) | 939 | (20%) | Reduced volumes at Escondida following 44 days of industrial action. | |
| Iron ore(1)(Mt) | 171 | 3% | Record WAIO volumes benefitted from the additional capacity at | |
| Jimblebar and productivity improvements. | ||||
| Metallurgical coal(1)(Mt) | 31 | 2% | Record production at five Queensland Coal mines partially offset by | |
| the impacts from Cyclone Debbie. | ||||
| Energy coal(1)(Mt) | 21 | 0% | Strong performance at Cerrejón offset by lower NSWEC production. |
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Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mackenzie said: “Everything we do at BHP Billiton is designed to create value for all of our shareholders, today and for the long term.
We have fundamentally restructured BHP Billiton to increase returns. The demerger of South32 and US$7 billion of divestments has reduced the number of assets in the portfolio by over a third and our new organisational structure has removed layers of management. Our more focused portfolio has enabled us to lower unit costs by over 40 per cent. And we have improved our approach to capital management which has strengthened the balance sheet and increased the discipline with which we invest and return cash to our shareholders.
But we have more to do and we are not standing still. A simpler portfolio allows us to improve safety and operational performance more quickly with maintenance, project and geoscience centres of excellence spreading petroleum and minerals expertise across the group. We have significantly reduced the capital intensity of our growth options and changed our approach in shale to improve returns and lower risks on new investments. Our more focused approach in exploration is delivering results with three discoveries over the last 12 months and our new technology function will unlock further value.
This quarter we have added value to the portfolio across each of our six focus areas. We continued our targeted high-return investment in shale with the approval of two more rigs in the Haynesville supported by our hedging strategy. Plans to monetise a portion of our non-core acreage for value, such as parts of the southern Hawkville, are underway. In the Eagle Ford, we are increasing recoveries by testing staggered wells and larger frac jobs. In the Permian, we are exploring opportunities to consolidate and optimise our acreage position so that we can drill longer lateral wells to lower costs. We have approved the Mad Dog Phase 2 project and investment in Caval Ridge to enable full utilisation of its 10 Mtpa wash-plant.”
Summary
Operational performance
Production for the nine months and quarter ended March 2017, and guidance for the 2017 financial year, are summarised in the table below.
| Production | Mar | Mar | Mar YTD17 | Mar Q17 | Mar Q17 | Previous | Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2017 | vs | vs | vs | FY17 | FY17 | |
| YTD | Qtr | Mar YTD16 | Mar Q16 | Dec Q16 | guidance | guidance | |
| Petroleum (MMboe) | 156.5 | 50.6 | (15%) | (15%) | (2%) | 200 - 210 | 200 - 210 |
| Onshore US (MMboe) | 60.5 | 20.5 | (29%) | (25%) | 5% | 77 - 83 | 77 - 83 |
| Conventional (MMboe) | 96.0 | 30.1 | (2%) | (6%) | (6%) | 123 - 127 | 123 - 127 |
| Copper (kt) | 939 | 227 | (20%) | (44%) | (36%) | 1,620 | 1,330 - 1,360 |
| Escondida (kt) | 546 | 95 | (23%) | (63%) | (60%) | 1,070 | 780 - 800 |
| Other copper(i)(kt) | 393 | 132 | (14%) | (9%) | 7% | 550 - 560 | 550 - 560 |
| Iron ore(ii)(Mt) | 171 | 54 | 3% | 1% | (11%) | 228 - 237 | 231 - 234 |
| WAIO (100% basis) (Mt) | 199 | 62 | 3% | 1% | (11%) | 265 - 275 | 268 - 272 |
| Metallurgical coal(ii)(Mt) | 31 | 10 | 2% | 2% | (5%) | 44 | 39 - 41 |
| Energy coal(ii)(Mt) | 21 | 7 | 0% | 9% | 12% | 30 | 30 |
(i) Other copper comprises Pampa Norte, Olympic Dam and Antamina. Olympic Dam guidance for the 2017 financial year expected to be 160 to 170 kt as revised in the December 2016 quarter.
(ii) Excludes production from Samarco, Haju (IndoMet Coal) and New Mexico Coal.
Progress on our roadmap to grow shareholder value and returns
During the March 2017 quarter, we continued to make significant progress across our broad suite of opportunities to grow shareholder value and returns:
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
2
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Productivity has continued to improve across our operations and we see significant potential for further gains. For example in coal, record production was achieved at five Queensland mines supported by increased washplant utilisation, while truck utilisation also improved at New South Wales Energy Coal.
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We approved the high-return Caval Ridge Southern Circuit project in March 2017 and the Los Colorados Extension project is expected to ramp-up in the September 2017 quarter. Spence is now operating at 200 ktpa following the completion of the Spence Recovery Optimisation project in December 2016.
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We are increasing Onshore US development activity with the approval of two additional rigs in the Haynesville. Further monetisation of the portfolio for value is being pursued with the divestment of non-core Onshore US acreage at southern Hawkville advancing. The Fayetteville field is currently under review and we are considering all options including divestment .
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The Board approved the Mad Dog Phase 2 project in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico in February 2017. We also executed the contract with Pemex to acquire a 60 per cent participating interest in, and operatorship of, the Trion discovery in Mexico in March 2017.
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In Petroleum exploration, following positive drilling results at the LeClerc well in Trinidad and Tobago, commercial evaluation of the gas discovery is well advanced. Drilling of the Wildling appraisal well in the Gulf of Mexico is continuing with results now expected in the September 2017 quarter, which will assist with establishing the scale of the Caicos oil discovery.
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In technology, replication of the WAIO Integrated Remote Operations Centre in Brisbane for our Australian coal operations was completed in February 2017 and will support lower operating costs.
Major development projects
On 9 February 2017, the Board of BHP Billiton approved an investment of US$2.2 billion (BHP Billiton share) for the development of the Mad Dog Phase 2 project in the deepwater Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico. The Bass Strait Longford Gas Conditioning Plant was fully commissioned during the March 2017 quarter and is now running at design capacity, enabling full production from the Turrum and Kipper fields. The commissioning of the Escondida Water Supply project is now expected in the September 2017 quarter.
At the end of the March 2017 quarter, BHP Billiton had three major projects under development in Petroleum and Potash, with a combined budget of US$5.1 billion over the life of the projects.
Corporate update
On 23 March 2017, BHP Billiton successfully concluded its US$2.5 billion bond repurchase plan. The repurchase targeted short dated US dollar bonds maturing before 2023 and was funded by BHP Billiton’s strong cash position. The early repayment of the bonds has extended BHP Billiton’s average debt maturity profile and enhanced BHP Billiton’s capital structure.
During the March 2017 quarter, the Risk and Audit Committee commenced a tender process for the appointment of the external auditor. The process is scheduled to be completed in the September 2017 quarter, with the chosen firm to be appointed for the financial year beginning 1 July 2019. The planned commencement date is one year later than previously intended in order to provide adequate time for the chosen firm to manage independence requirements.
On 10 April 2017, BHP Billiton received a letter from Elliott Associates, L.P. and Elliott International, L.P. (Elliott). The letter outlined a proposal for changes to BHP Billiton Group’s Dual Listed Company (DLC) structure, portfolio and capital management. Having reviewed the elements of Elliott’s proposals, the Board has concluded that the costs and associated disadvantages of Elliott’s proposal would significantly outweigh the potential benefits and that Elliott materially overstates the potential value that could be created by its proposals. We have outlined our clear roadmap to maximise the value of our assets. We continue to make strong progress across our six focus areas for value creation, underpinned by our Capital Allocation Framework which balances the need to invest in our business, create the strength and flexibility to take advantage of opportunities as they arise and to efficiently return capital to our shareholders. We are confident that our strategy is in the best long-term interests of all shareholders.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
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Petroleum
Production
| Production | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | Mar | Mar YTD17 | Mar Q17 | Mar Q17 | |
| 2017 | 2017 | vs | vs | vs | |
| YTD | Qtr | Mar YTD16 | Mar Q16 | Dec Q16 | |
| Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (MMboe) | 73.0 | 24.8 | (19%) | (15%) | 4% |
| Natural gas (bcf) | 501 | 155 | (12%) | (15%) | (6%) |
| Total petroleum production (MMboe) | 156.5 | 50.6 | (15%) | (15%) | (2%) |
Total petroleum production – Total petroleum production for the nine months ended March 2017 decreased by 15 per cent to 156.5 MMboe. Guidance for the 2017 financial year remains unchanged at between 200 and 210 MMboe, comprising Conventional volumes between 123 and 127 MMboe and Onshore US volumes between 77 and 83 MMboe.
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Production for the nine months ended March 2017 decreased by 19 per cent to 73.0 MMboe.
Onshore US liquids volumes decreased by 33 per cent to 25.9 MMboe as a result of a reduction in activity in the Black Hawk for value, and natural field decline at Hawkville, which more than offset increased liquids production from the Permian.
Conventional liquids volumes decreased by eight per cent to 47.1 MMboe, as an additional infill well at Mad Dog and higher production at Algeria and North West Shelf partially offset planned maintenance at Atlantis and natural field decline across the portfolio.
Natural gas – Production for the nine months ended March 2017 declined by 12 per cent to 501 bcf.
The decline primarily reflects lower Onshore US gas volumes as a result of the value driven decisions to defer development activity and the divestment of our Pakistan gas business in December 2015. This was partially offset by higher demand at Bass Strait and Macedon, and increased LNG volumes at North West Shelf.
Projects
| Projects | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project and | Capital | Initial | Capacity | Progress |
| ownership | expenditure | production | ||
| **(US$m) ** | target date | |||
| North West Shelf Greater | 314 | CY19 | To maintain LNG plant throughput from | On schedule and budget. The overall |
| Western Flank-B | the North West Shelf operations. | project is 42% complete. | ||
| (Australia) | ||||
| 16.67% (non-operator) | ||||
| Mad Dog Phase 2 | 2,154 | CY22 | New floating production facility with the | Project approved by all joint venture |
| (US Gulf of Mexico) | capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross | partners. | ||
| 23.9% (non-operator) | barrels of crude oil per day. |
The Bass Strait Longford Gas Conditioning Plant was fully commissioned during the March 2017 quarter and is now running at design capacity, enabling full production from the Turrum and Kipper fields.
During the March 2017 quarter, the Board of BHP Billiton approved the development of the Mad Dog Phase 2 project in the deepwater Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico. The project includes a new floating production facility with the capacity to produce up to 140,000 gross barrels of crude oil per day at an estimated cost of US$9 billion (US$2.2 billion BHP Billiton share). This project has now been sanctioned by all joint venture partners.
Petroleum capital expenditure guidance of approximately US$1.4 billion (excluding US$0.2 billion from capital creditor movements) for the 2017 financial year remains unchanged. This includes Conventional capital expenditure of US$0.8 billion which is focused on life extension projects at Bass Strait and North West Shelf, along with commitments related to the recently approved Mad Dog Phase 2 project. Onshore US capital expenditure is expected to be US$0.6 billion, with development activity tailored to market conditions.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
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Onshore US development activity
Onshore US drilling and development expenditure for the nine months ended March 2017 was approximately US$440 million. During the March 2017 quarter, our operated rig count remained at three, with the second approved rig in the Haynesville now expected to commence operation early in the June 2017 quarter.
Development activity is increasing with the approval of two further rigs in the Haynesville in this quarter, with gas prices hedged and supply contracts secured to deliver attractive rates of return. Operations are expected to commence in the September 2017 quarter.
Accelerated completion of drilled and uncompleted inventory in the Black Hawk has led to higher oil volumes in the March 2017 quarter. Tests continue on the potential for staggered wells to increase recovery, larger frac jobs to improve productivity and the potential of the Upper Eagle Ford horizon. We expect early results to be known during the September 2017 quarter. Planning for enhanced oil recovery trials is also ongoing to drive the improvement of liquids recovery in the Eagle Ford.
The optimisation of Permian acreage has progressed through trades and swaps in the Delaware Basin. Further potential of our Permian acreage is being evaluated through a series of completions trials.
We are working with joint venture partners in the Fayetteville to assess the potential of the Moorefield horizon.
| March 2017 YTD Liquids focused areas |
Gas focused areas |
|---|---|
| (March 2016 YTD) Eagle Ford Permian Haynesville Fayetteville Total |
|
| Capital expenditure(i) US$ billion 0.2 (0.7) 0.2 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.4 (1.1) |
|
| Rig allocation At period end 1 (3) 1 (2) 1 (0) 0 (0) 3 (5) |
|
| Net wells drilled and completed(ii) Period total 44 (88) 17 (25) 2 (5) 2 (10) 65 (128) |
|
| Net productive wells At period end 963 (926) 124 (100) 392 (411) 1,045 (1,086) 2,524 (2,523) |
(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.
We have initiated the divestment of non-core acreage for value. The sale of up to 50,000 acres in the southern Hawkville is well advanced, with bids received and under evaluation. Our Fayetteville acreage is currently under review and we are considering all options including divestment.
Since our entry into Onshore US, we have made significant advances in our operating capability and capital productivity which underpin the development of these fields at the optimal pace as prices recover. Having initially invested for growth, we have learnt from experience and our value over volume strategy, combined with strict adherence to our capital allocation framework and use of a hedging strategy to mitigate downside risks, ensures that every decision is focused on generating shareholder value.
Petroleum exploration
Exploration and appraisal wells drilled during the March 2017 quarter are summarised below.
| Well | Location | Target | BHP Billiton | Spud date | Water depth | Total well | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| equity | depth | ||||||
| Wildling-1 | Gulf of Mexico | Oil | 100% | 8 January 2017 | 1,230 m | 5,950 m | Plugged and abandoned |
| GC520 | (Operator) |
The Wildling-1 well encountered mechanical difficulty and was plugged and abandoned in April 2017. The Wildling-2 well was spud on 15 April 2017 and drilling is in progress, with results expected in the September 2017 quarter. The Scimitar exploration well is expected to be spud in the September 2017 quarter.
On 3 March 2017, BHP Billiton executed a contract with Pemex to acquire a 60 per cent participating interest in, and operatorship of, blocks AE-0092 and AE-0093, containing the Trion discovered resource, in Mexico. The agreement includes a commitment to deliver a Minimum Work Program consisting of one appraisal well, one exploration well and the acquisition of additional seismic data.
In Trinidad and Tobago, appraisal work continues following Phase 1 of the deepwater drilling campaign to assess the potential commercialisation of the gas discovery at LeClerc and to prepare for deepwater oil exploration in Phase 2, which is expected to commence in the second half of the 2018 financial year.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
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In the US Gulf of Mexico, BHP Billiton was the apparent high bidder on two leases adjacent to the Scimitar prospect (GC260 and GC304) in the Central Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 247. BHP Billiton (28.32 per cent equity interest), with BP (Operator), was the apparent high bidder on two leases adjacent to the Mad Dog field (GC 738 and GC870). The award of the leases remain subject to regulatory approval.
In Australia, seismic work continued in the Exmouth sub-basin following regulatory approval of the Good Standing Agreement in relation to the WA-475-P permit. The seismic survey is expected to be completed during May 2017.
Petroleum exploration expenditure for the nine months ended March 2017 was US$590 million, of which US$263 million was expensed. Guidance of US$820 million remains unchanged for the 2017 financial year.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
Copper
Production
| Production | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | Mar | Mar YTD17 | Mar Q17 | Mar Q17 | |
| 2017 | 2017 | vs | vs | vs | |
| YTD | Qtr | Mar YTD16 | Mar Q16 | Dec Q16 | |
| Copper (kt) | 939 | 227 | (20%) | (44%) | (36%) |
| Zinc (t) | 58,426 | 20,653 | 19% | 73% | (8%) |
| Uranium oxide concentrate (t) | 2,924 | 948 | (16%) | (1%) | (11%) |
Copper – Total copper production for the nine months ended March 2017 decreased by 20 per cent to 939 kt. Guidance for the 2017 financial year has been reduced to between 1,330 and 1,360 kt following 44 days of industrial action at Escondida.
Escondida copper production for the nine months ended March 2017 decreased by 23 per cent to 546 kt due to industrial action. The strike ended on 24 March 2017 when Union N°1 informed BHP Billiton that they would exercise their rights under Article 369 of the Labour Code to extend the existing collective agreement for 18 months. Operations are expected to return to full capacity during April 2017, with a focus on safety during the transition period. Escondida copper production of between 780 and 800 kt is now expected for the 2017 financial year. The commissioning of the Escondida Water Supply project and the planned ramp-up of the Los Colorados Extension project are now expected in the September 2017 quarter, as a result of the industrial action and delayed mobilisation.
Pampa Norte copper production for the nine months ended March 2017 decreased by two per cent to 182 kt. Production increased by 23 per cent from the December 2016 quarter with Spence operating at a 200 ktpa rate following the completion of the Spence Recovery Optimisation project and the restart of the Cerro Colorado Ore Handling Plant 2 in November 2016. Pampa Norte copper production guidance for the 2017 financial year remains unchanged and is expected to be higher than the prior year.
Olympic Dam copper production for the nine months ended March 2017 decreased by 29 per cent to 115 kt following the state-wide power outage during September and October 2016 and unplanned maintenance at the refinery during December 2016 and January 2017. Guidance for the 2017 financial year remains unchanged at approximately 160 to 170 kt. A major smelter maintenance campaign is planned for the September 2017 quarter.
Antamina copper production for the nine months ended March 2017 decreased by 12 per cent to 95 kt as record material mined was more than offset by lower copper grades and the shutdown of the concentrate pipeline due to the impact of adverse weather conditions. Guidance for the 2017 financial year remains unchanged at 130 kt. Zinc production for the nine months ended March 2017 increased by 19 per cent to 58 kt, with guidance for the 2017 financial year unchanged at 90 kt.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
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Iron Ore
Production
| Production | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | Mar | Mar YTD17 | Mar Q17 | Mar Q17 | |
| 2017 | 2017 | vs | vs | vs | |
| YTD | Qtr | Mar YTD16 | Mar Q16 | Dec Q16 | |
| Iron ore(i)(kt) | 171,211 | 53,575 | 3% | 1% | (11%) |
(i) Represents Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO). Excludes production from Samarco.
Iron ore – Total iron ore production for the nine months ended March 2017 increased by three per cent to a record 171 Mt, or 199 Mt on a 100 per cent basis. Guidance for the 2017 financial year has been narrowed to between 231 and 234 Mt, or between 268 and 272 Mt on a 100 per cent basis.
WAIO production for the nine months ended March 2017 increased as a result of the successful completion of commissioning of a new primary crusher and additional conveying capacity at Jimblebar, ongoing progress on the rail renewal and maintenance program and productivity improvements. This was partially offset by wet weather impacts in the March 2017 quarter. The rail renewal and maintenance program is expected to be completed in the June 2017 quarter, in line with the earlier completion date highlighted previously.
On 10 March 2017, BHP Billiton lodged a submission with the Department of Environment Regulation to increase its export licence from 270 Mtpa to 275 Mtpa. BHP Billiton will continue to work with the authorities in relation to the necessary permits to enable an increase in system capacity to 290 Mtpa in the 2019 financial year.
Our Yandi mine is currently operating at 80 Mtpa but will be depleted over the next five to 10 years. We are looking at options to replace this production and the low-capital intensive development of South Flank is the preferred longterm solution, subject to Board approval being obtained. The investment case for using this high-grade deposit for replacement tonnes is strong, given our ability to leverage existing infrastructure at the Mining Area C operation.
Mining and processing operations at Samarco remain suspended following the failure of the Fundão tailings dam and Santarém water dam on 5 November 2015. During the March 2017 quarter, 35 kt of pellet feed sales were finalised.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
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Coal
Production
| Production | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | Mar | Mar YTD17 | Mar Q17 | Mar Q17 | |
| 2017 | 2017 | vs | vs | vs | |
| YTD | Qtr | Mar YTD16 | Mar Q16 | Dec Q16 | |
| Metallurgical coal(i)(kt) | 31,276 | 10,134 | 2% | 2% | (5%) |
| Energy coal(ii)(kt) | 20,949 | 7,418 | 0% | 9% | 12% |
(i) Represents Queensland Coal. Excludes production from Haju following the divestment of IndoMet Coal (2017 financial year: 129 kt).
(ii) Excludes production from New Mexico Coal following divestments (2017 financial year: 451 kt).
Metallurgical coal – Metallurgical coal production for the nine months ended March 2017 increased by two per cent to 31 Mt. Guidance for the 2017 financial year has been reduced to between 39 and 41 Mt as a result of damage caused by Cyclone Debbie to the network infrastructure of rail track provider Aurizon.
At Queensland Coal, record production was achieved at five mines, underpinned by improved stripping and mining performance, higher yields at Caval Ridge and Saraji, and increased wash-plant utilisation. This was partially offset by a planned longwall move at Broadmeadow and reduced rail capacity as a result of damage caused by Cyclone Debbie.
BHP Billiton approved the US$204 million (100 per cent basis) Caval Ridge Southern Circuit project in March 2017. The project, which includes an 11 km conveyor belt from Peak Downs to Caval Ridge, will enable full utilisation of the 10 Mtpa Caval Ridge wash-plant. Production is expected to ramp-up early in the 2019 financial year.
Energy coal – Energy coal production for the nine months ended March 2017 remained broadly in line at 21 Mt. Guidance for the 2017 financial year remains unchanged at 30 Mt.
Truck utilisation at New South Wales Energy Coal improved, however production declined five per cent as higher drawdown of inventories benefitted the March 2016 period. This was offset by a nine per cent increase in volumes at Cerrejón compared to the nine months ended March 2016 which was constrained by drought conditions.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
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Other
Nickel production
| Nickelproduction | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | Mar | Mar YTD17 | Mar Q17 | Mar Q17 | |
| 2017 | 2017 | vs | vs | vs | |
| YTD | Qtr | Mar YTD16 | Mar Q16 | Dec Q16 | |
| Nickel (kt) | 59.9 | 19.0 | 5% | (5%) | (14%) |
Nickel – Nickel West production for the nine months ended March 2017 increased by five per cent to 59.9 kt as a result of ongoing debottlenecking activities. Nickel production guidance for the 2017 financial year remains unchanged and is expected to increase by approximately 10 per cent from the prior year.
Potash project
| Potashproject | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Project and | Investment | Scope | Progress |
| ownership | (US$m) | ||
| Jansen Potash | 2,600 | Investment to finish the excavation and lining of the | The project is 67% complete and within the |
| (Canada) | production and service shafts, and to continue the | approved budget. Shaft excavation is | |
| 100% | installation of essential surface infrastructure and | progressing. | |
| utilities. |
Minerals exploration
Minerals exploration expenditure for the nine months ended March 2017 was US$110 million, of which US$110 million was expensed. Greenfield minerals exploration is predominantly focused on advancing copper targets within Chile, Peru, Canada, South Australia 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 2017 compared with the nine months ended March 2016, 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) Excludes production from Samarco, Haju (IndoMet Coal) and New Mexico Coal.
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 2017
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Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: bhpbilliton.com
On 21 September 2016, BHP Billiton filed its 2016 Form 20-F Annual Report with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Shareholders are advised that the Form 20-F can be accessed from the following web site address: http://www.bhpbilliton.com/media-and-insights/reports-and-presentations/2016/09/2016-annual-reporting-suite.
Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the company’s complete audited financial statements free of charge upon request by telephoning Citibank Shareholder Services (+1 781) 575 4555 (outside US) or +1 877 248 4237 (+1 877 CITIADR) (toll free within US).
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BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
11
Production summary
| BHP Billiton Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar interest 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 ~~Mar-16~~ ~~Jun-16~~ ~~Sep-16~~ ~~Dec-16~~ ~~Mar-17~~ Quarter ended |
BHP Billiton Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar interest 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 ~~Mar-16~~ ~~Jun-16~~ ~~Sep-16~~ ~~Dec-16~~ ~~Mar-17~~ Quarter ended |
Year to date |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Petroleum (1) | ||
| Petroleum Crude oil, condensate and NGL (Mboe) Onshore US Conventional Total Natural gas (bcf) Onshore US Conventional Total Total petroleum production (MMboe) |
12,454 9,469 8,288 8,143 9,439 16,727 16,896 15,959 15,768 15,369 29,181 26,365 24,247 23,911 24,808 89.9 82.0 73.9 67.8 66.1 91.5 95.7 107.8 97.1 88.4 181.4 177.7 181.7 164.9 154.5 59.4 56.0 54.5 51.4 50.6 |
25,870 38,712 47,096 50,962 |
| 72,966 89,674 |
||
| 207.8 282.5 293.3 284.5 |
||
| 501.1 567.0 |
||
| 156.5 184.2 |
||
| Copper (2) | ||
| Copper Payable metal in concentrate (kt) Escondida(3) 57.5% Antamina 33.8% Total Cathode (kt) Escondida(3) 57.5% Pampa Norte(4) 100% Olympic Dam 100% Total Total copper (kt) Lead Payable metal in concentrate (t) Antamina 33.8% Total Zinc Payable metal in concentrate (t) Antamina 33.8% Total Gold Payable metal in concentrate (troy oz) Escondida(3) 57.5% Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100% Total Silver Payable metal in concentrate (troy koz) Escondida(3) 57.5% Antamina 33.8% Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100% Total Uranium Payable metal in concentrate (t) Olympic Dam 100% Total Molybdenum Payable metal in concentrate (t) Antamina 33.8% Total |
174.9 182.7 147.0 162.6 67.6 35.4 38.7 34.1 32.0 29.2 210.3 221.4 181.1 194.6 96.8 84.8 85.3 70.5 71.5 27.2 59.8 65.8 62.1 53.8 66.1 49.8 40.7 40.9 37.2 36.8 194.4 191.8 173.5 162.5 130.1 404.7 413.2 354.6 357.1 226.9 1,193 645 1,146 1,220 1,308 1,193 645 1,146 1,220 1,308 11,913 6,474 15,367 22,406 20,653 11,913 6,474 15,367 22,406 20,653 31,408 35,894 27,561 37,784 11,572 29,028 20,010 24,366 29,651 21,941 60,436 55,904 51,927 67,435 33,513 1,544 1,874 1,229 1,323 540 1,751 1,558 1,345 1,446 1,301 174 232 163 188 174 3,469 3,664 2,737 2,957 2,015 961 876 916 1,060 948 961 876 916 1,060 948 227 562 561 225 30 227 562 561 225 30 |
377.2 466.2 95.3 107.7 |
| 472.5 573.9 |
||
| 169.2 245.0 182.0 185.6 114.9 162.1 |
||
| 466.1 592.7 |
||
| 938.6 1,166.6 |
||
| 3,674 3,074 |
||
| 3,674 3,074 |
||
| 58,426 48,964 |
||
| 58,426 48,964 |
||
| 76,917 73,102 75,958 97,676 |
||
| 152,875 170,778 |
||
| 3,092 3,687 4,092 5,153 525 685 |
||
| 7,709 9,525 |
||
| 2,924 3,487 |
||
| 2,924 3,487 |
||
| 816 551 |
||
| 816 551 |
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
12
Production summary
| Production summary | Production summary | |
|---|---|---|
| BHP Billiton Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar interest 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Iron Ore | ||
| Iron Ore Production (kt)(5) Newman 85% Area C Joint Venture 85% Yandi Joint Venture 85% Jimblebar(6) 85% Wheelarra 85% Samarco 50% Total |
15,817 15,115 18,008 17,751 16,283 11,002 11,911 12,384 12,179 11,165 16,204 18,325 15,729 17,555 14,656 5,472 5,304 6,057 5,178 4,824 4,562 4,971 5,409 7,386 6,647 - - - - - 53,057 55,626 57,587 60,049 53,575 |
52,042 50,826 35,728 34,888 47,940 49,050 16,059 13,586 19,442 17,578 - 5,404 |
| 171,211 171,332 |
||
| Coal | ||
| Metallurgical coal Production (kt) (7) BMA 50% BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal(8) 80% Haju (9) 75% Total Energy coal Production (kt) USA 100% Australia 100% Colombia 33.3% Total |
7,894 9,225 8,384 8,684 7,996 2,015 2,345 2,145 1,929 2,138 167 260 102 27 - 10,076 11,830 10,631 10,640 10,134 1,112 632 451 - - 4,189 3,991 3,952 3,851 4,662 2,610 2,329 2,928 2,800 2,756 7,911 6,952 7,331 6,651 7,418 |
25,064 24,188 6,212 6,553 129 269 |
| 31,405 31,010 |
||
| 451 6,420 12,465 13,110 8,484 7,765 |
||
| 21,400 27,295 |
||
| Other | ||
| Nickel Saleable production (kt) Nickel West 100% Total |
20.0 23.4 18.8 22.1 19.0 20.0 23.4 18.8 22.1 19.0 |
59.9 57.3 |
| 59.9 57.3 |
(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 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%.
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 2017
13
Production and sales report
| Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Petroleum (1) | ||
| Bass Strait Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) North West Shelf Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Pyrenees Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Other Australia(2) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Atlantis(3) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Mad Dog (3) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Shenzi (3) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Eagle Ford (4) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Permian (4) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Haynesville(4) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Fayetteville (4) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) |
1,813 1,745 1,922 1,770 1,355 1,455 1,831 2,102 1,460 1,236 30.3 38.1 41.9 31.3 28.7 8.3 9.9 11.0 8.4 7.4 1,124 925 1,486 1,468 1,239 259 241 292 263 200 33.8 27.6 38.7 36.9 32.2 7.0 5.8 8.2 7.9 6.8 2,093 2,097 1,676 1,726 1,509 2.1 2.1 1.7 1.7 1.5 8 9 10 8 8 16.2 17.2 17.5 17.1 15.2 2.7 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.5 4,056 4,058 3,054 3,263 3,881 270 269 208 207 295 1.9 1.9 1.5 1.6 2.1 4.6 4.6 3.5 3.7 4.5 880 1,134 950 1,170 1,185 41 52 36 52 59 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.9 1.2 1.0 1.3 1.3 3,094 2,813 2,632 2,692 2,675 206 192 94 131 161 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.9 2.9 7,018 4,949 3,871 4,008 5,451 3,649 2,717 2,268 2,159 2,354 25.1 19.5 16.5 15.2 17.0 14.9 10.9 8.9 8.7 10.6 1,499 1,410 1,415 1,378 1,202 288 393 734 580 428 2.4 4.9 4.4 4.4 4.0 2.2 2.6 2.9 2.7 2.3 - - - 3 1 - - - 15 3 34.4 31.1 28.2 24.0 22.0 5.7 5.2 4.7 4.0 3.7 28.0 26.5 24.8 24.2 23.1 4.7 4.4 4.1 4.0 3.9 |
5,047 5,080 4,798 4,853 101.9 92.9 |
| 26.8 25.4 |
||
| 4,193 3,909 755 721 107.8 102.6 |
||
| 22.9 21.7 |
||
| 4,911 6,520 |
||
| 4.9 6.5 |
||
| 26 30 49.8 47.2 |
||
| 8.3 7.9 |
||
| 10,198 11,950 710 779 5.2 5.5 |
||
| 11.8 13.6 |
||
| 3,305 2,116 147 105 0.5 0.3 |
||
| 3.5 2.3 |
||
| 7,999 9,556 386 711 1.5 2.1 |
||
| 8.6 10.6 |
||
| 13,330 21,874 6,781 11,254 48.7 76.3 |
||
| 28.2 45.8 |
||
| 3,995 4,334 1,742 1,249 12.8 9.7 |
||
| 7.9 7.2 |
||
| 4 1 18 - 74.2 105.5 |
||
| 12.4 17.6 |
||
| 72.1 91.0 |
||
| 12.0 15.2 |
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
14
Production and sales report
| Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Petroleum (1)(continued) | ||
| Trinidad/Tobago Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Other Americas (3) (5) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) UK Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) NGL (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Algeria Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) Total petroleum products (MMboe) Pakistan(6) Crude oil and condensate (Mboe) Natural gas (bcf) Total petroleum products (MMboe) |
120 162 140 156 127 7.4 8.6 6.4 8.4 8.4 1.4 1.6 1.2 1.6 1.5 334 308 275 269 257 12 10 1 5 6 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 65 76 69 63 72 10 10 22 49 32 1.0 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.0 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 887 964 990 1,016 1,072 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
423 547 23.2 22.4 |
| 4.3 4.3 |
||
| 801 1,055 12 40 0.3 0.6 |
||
| 0.9 1.2 |
||
| 204 198 103 33 3.1 3.0 |
||
| 0.8 0.7 |
||
| 3,078 2,725 |
||
| 3.1 2.7 |
||
| - 42 - 7.9 |
||
| - 1.4 |
||
| BHP Billiton Petroleum Crude oil and condensate Onshore US (Mboe) Conventional(7) (Mboe) Total (Mboe) NGL Onshore US (Mboe) Conventional (Mboe) Total (Mboe) Natural gas Onshore US (bcf) Conventional (bcf) Total (bcf) Total petroleum products Onshore US (Mboe) Conventional(7) (Mboe) Total (Mboe) |
8,517 6,359 5,286 5,389 6,654 14,474 14,291 13,204 13,601 13,380 22,991 20,650 18,490 18,990 20,034 3,937 3,110 3,002 2,754 2,785 2,253 2,605 2,755 2,167 1,989 6,190 5,715 5,757 4,921 4,774 89.9 82.0 73.9 67.8 66.1 91.5 95.7 107.8 97.1 88.4 181.4 177.7 181.7 164.9 154.5 27,437 23,136 20,605 19,443 20,456 31,977 32,846 33,926 31,951 30,102 |
17,329 26,209 40,185 43,720 |
| 57,514 69,929 |
||
| 8,541 12,503 6,911 7,242 |
||
| 15,452 19,745 |
||
| 207.8 282.5 293.3 284.5 |
||
| 501.1 567.0 |
||
| 60,503 85,795 95,979 98,379 |
||
| 59,414 55,982 54,530 51,394 50,558 |
156,483 184,174 |
(1) Total boe conversions are based on 6 bcf of natural gas equals 1 MMboe. Negative production figures represent finalisation adjustments.
(2) Other Australia includes Minerva and Macedon.
(3) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.
(4) Onshore US volumes are net of mineral holder royalties.
(5) Other Americas includes Neptune, Genesis and Overriding Royalty Interest.
(6) BHP Billiton completed the sale of the Pakistan gas business on 31 December 2015.
(7) September 2015 includes (8) Mboe for the finalisation adjustment following the cessation of production at Stybarrow on 26 June 2015.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
15
Production and sales report
| Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Copper | ||
| Escondida, Chile (1) Material mined (kt) 105,970 108,037 106,504 90,863 26,045 Sulphide ore milled (kt) 21,188 22,905 20,787 19,866 8,054 Average copper grade (%) 0.99% 0.94% 0.87% 1.02% 1.01% Production ex mill (kt) 175.8 181.7 153.2 168.6 55.1 Production Payable copper (kt) 174.9 182.7 147.0 162.6 67.6 Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 84.8 85.3 70.5 71.5 27.2 - Oxide leach (kt) 31.0 31.3 26.8 24.4 8.9 - Sulphide leach (kt) 53.8 54.0 43.7 47.1 18.3 Total copper (kt) 259.7 268.0 217.5 234.1 94.8 Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 31,408 35,894 27,561 37,784 11,572 Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,544 1,874 1,229 1,323 540 Sales Payable copper (kt) 181.7 186.6 134.9 172.7 63.7 Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 80.3 83.8 65.6 71.8 39.4 Payable gold concentrate (troy oz) 31,408 35,894 27,561 37,784 11,572 Payable silver concentrate (troy koz) 1,544 1,874 1,229 1,323 540 (1) Shown on a 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 57.5%. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated. |
223,412 325,237 48,707 62,084 0.95% 0.99% 376.9 488.3 377.2 466.2 169.2 245.0 60.1 86.5 109.1 158.5 |
|
| 546.4 711.2 |
||
| 76,917 73,102 3,092 3,687 371.3 463.1 176.8 245.2 76,917 73,102 3,092 3,687 |
||
| Pampa Norte, Chile Cerro Colorado Material mined (kt) 12,415 12,453 13,011 14,286 15,178 Ore milled (kt) 4,012 4,375 3,241 3,342 4,179 Average copper grade (%) 0.84% 0.80% 0.68% 0.65% 0.57% Production Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 20.0 24.8 17.1 12.1 16.7 Sales Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 18.6 25.2 16.4 13.7 15.6 Spence Material mined (kt) 22,549 21,124 23,638 22,635 22,939 Ore milled (kt) 4,355 4,836 4,713 5,187 5,225 Average copper grade (%) 1.39% 1.22% 1.17% 1.19% 1.09% Production Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 39.8 41.0 45.0 41.7 49.4 Sales Copper cathode (EW) (kt) 38.4 40.9 41.2 41.5 49.0 |
42,475 41,215 10,762 13,571 0.63% 0.76% 45.9 52.5 45.7 51.3 69,212 67,064 15,125 14,420 1.15% 1.36% 136.1 133.1 131.7 132.7 |
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
16
Production and sales report
| Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Copper (continued) | ||
| Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated. Antamina, Peru Material mined (100%) (kt) 55,183 62,793 65,111 61,355 55,771 Sulphide ore milled (100%) (kt) 12,414 14,711 13,522 13,399 11,955 Average head grades - Copper (%) 1.02% 0.90% 0.84% 0.84% 0.88% - Zinc (%) 0.54% 0.33% 0.60% 0.83% 0.84% Production Payable copper (kt) 35.4 38.7 34.1 32.0 29.2 Payable zinc (t) 11,913 6,474 15,367 22,406 20,653 Payable silver (troy koz) 1,751 1,558 1,345 1,446 1,301 Payable lead (t) 1,193 645 1,146 1,220 1,308 Payable molybdenum (t) 227 562 561 225 30 Sales Payable copper (kt) 29.3 42.4 32.8 33.0 30.2 Payable zinc (t) 12,097 3,035 16,043 22,334 23,669 Payable silver (troy koz) 1,331 2,055 1,277 1,388 1,304 Payable lead (t) 1,073 1,108 767 1,100 1,475 Payable molybdenum (t) 178 331 648 476 - |
182,237 164,106 38,876 40,898 0.85% 0.94% 0.75% 0.63% 95.3 107.7 58,426 48,964 4,092 5,153 3,674 3,074 816 551 96.0 103.0 62,046 51,267 3,969 4,901 3,342 2,395 1,124 472 |
|
| Olympic Dam, Australia Material mined(1) (kt) 2,210 1,993 2,204 1,887 1,943 Ore milled (kt) 2,174 2,031 2,279 2,116 2,112 Average copper grade (%) 2.01% 2.20% 1.97% 2.00% 2.07% Average uranium grade (kg/t) 0.61 0.59 0.60 0.68 0.61 Production Copper cathode (ER and EW) (kt) 49.8 40.7 40.9 37.2 36.8 Uranium oxide concentrate (t) 961 876 916 1,060 948 Refined gold (troy oz) 29,028 20,010 24,366 29,651 21,941 Refined silver (troy koz) 174 232 163 188 174 Sales Copper cathode (ER and EW) (kt) 49.4 43.9 37.5 41.2 33.5 Uranium oxide concentrate (t) 1,261 778 1,085 883 839 Refined gold (troy oz) 32,052 22,134 21,901 28,234 22,333 Refined silver (troy koz) 198 201 184 203 108 |
6,034 6,939 6,507 7,668 2.01% 1.95% 0.63 0.61 114.9 162.1 2,924 3,487 75,958 97,676 525 685 112.2 159.2 2,807 2,951 72,468 96,818 495 676 |
(1) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
17
Production and sales report
| Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Iron Ore | ||
| Pilbara, Australia Production Newman (kt) 15,817 15,115 18,008 17,751 16,283 Area C Joint Venture (kt) 11,002 11,911 12,384 12,179 11,165 Yandi Joint Venture (kt) 16,204 18,325 15,729 17,555 14,656 Jimblebar(1) (kt) 5,472 5,304 6,057 5,178 4,824 Wheelarra (kt) 4,562 4,971 5,409 7,386 6,647 Total production (kt) 53,057 55,626 57,587 60,049 53,575 Total production (100%) (kt) 61,454 64,508 66,681 69,730 62,177 Sales Lump (kt) 13,380 13,054 14,156 14,127 12,804 Fines (kt) 40,078 42,673 42,278 45,447 41,043 Total (kt) 53,458 55,727 56,434 59,574 53,847 Total sales (100%) (kt) 61,927 64,617 65,368 69,196 62,513 Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis. |
52,042 50,826 35,728 34,888 47,940 49,050 16,059 13,586 19,442 17,578 |
|
| 171,211 165,928 |
||
| 198,588 192,812 |
||
| 41,087 41,269 128,768 124,582 |
||
| 169,855 165,851 |
||
| 197,077 192,729 |
(1) Shown on a 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 85%.
| Samarco, Brazil (1) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production | (kt) | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5,404 |
| Sales | (kt) | 224 | 94 | 12 | - | 35 | 47 | 6,180 |
(1) Mining and processing operations remain suspended following the failure of the Fundão tailings dam and Santarém water dam on 5 November 2015.
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
18
Production and sales report
| Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Coal | ||
| Queensland Coal Production (1) BMA Blackwater (kt) 1,756 2,206 1,981 1,855 1,694 Goonyella (kt) 2,478 2,709 2,123 2,204 1,871 Peak Downs (kt) 1,159 1,385 1,520 1,715 1,582 Saraji (kt) 1,046 1,123 1,238 1,307 1,276 Gregory Joint Venture (2) (kt) 13 - - - - Daunia (kt) 626 684 646 680 674 Caval Ridge (kt) 816 1,118 876 923 899 Total BMA (kt) 7,894 9,225 8,384 8,684 7,996 BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (3) South Walker Creek (kt) 1,268 1,382 1,341 1,080 1,354 Poitrel (kt) 747 963 804 849 784 Total BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (kt) 2,015 2,345 2,145 1,929 2,138 Total Queensland Coal (kt) 9,909 11,570 10,529 10,613 10,134 Sales Coking coal (kt) 7,348 8,059 7,240 7,658 7,133 Weak coking coal (kt) 2,681 3,196 2,799 2,659 2,761 Thermal coal (kt) 241 310 206 154 96 Total (kt) 10,270 11,565 10,245 10,471 9,990 Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. |
5,530 5,420 6,198 6,287 4,817 3,646 3,821 3,083 - 1,329 2,000 1,940 2,698 2,483 |
|
| 25,064 24,188 |
||
| 3,775 4,054 2,437 2,499 |
||
| 6,212 6,553 |
||
| 31,276 30,741 |
||
| 22,031 22,005 8,219 8,622 456 617 |
||
| 30,706 31,244 |
(1) Production figures include some thermal coal.
(2) Longwall mining at Crinum completed during the December 2015 quarter.
(3) Shown on a 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.
| Haju, Indonesia (1) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production | (kt) | 167 | 260 | 102 | 27 | - | 129 | 269 |
| Sales - export | (kt) | 148 | 239 | 117 | - | - | 117 | 148 |
(1) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 75%. BHP Billiton completed the sale of IndoMet Coal on 14 October 2016.
| New Mexico, USA Production Navajo Coal(1) (kt) San Juan Coal (2) (kt) Total (kt) Sales thermal coal - local utility |
694 632 451 - - 418 - - - - 1,112 632 451 - - 1,106 613 105 - - |
451 3,367 - 3,053 |
|---|---|---|
| 451 6,420 |
||
| 105 6,438 |
(1) The divestment of Navajo Coal was completed on 29 July 2016, with no further production reported by BHP Billiton. Management of Navajo Coal was transferred to Navajo Transitional Energy Company on 31 December 2016.
(2) BHP Billiton completed the sale of San Juan Mine on 31 January 2016.
| NSW Energy Coal, Australia Production (kt) Sales Export thermal coal (kt) Inland thermal coal (kt) Total (kt) |
4,189 3,991 3,952 3,851 4,662 3,410 3,993 3,640 3,539 4,407 234 440 331 311 431 3,644 4,433 3,971 3,850 4,838 |
12,465 13,110 11,586 12,621 1,073 716 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,659 13,337 |
||
| Cerrejón, Colombia Production (kt) Sales thermal coal - export (kt) |
2,610 2,329 2,928 2,800 2,756 2,339 2,844 2,905 2,722 2,613 |
8,484 7,765 8,240 7,757 |
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
19
Production and sales report
| Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 Quarter ended |
Year to date | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Mar 2017 2016 |
||
| Other | ||
| Nickel West, Australia Production Nickel contained in concentrate (kt) 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 Nickel contained in finished matte (kt) 2.8 5.8 1.8 4.1 2.3 Nickel metal (kt) 16.9 17.3 16.7 17.8 16.5 Total nickel production (kt) 20.0 23.4 18.8 22.1 19.0 Sales Nickel contained in concentrate (kt) 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 Nickel contained in finished matte (kt) 2.7 5.9 1.8 4.1 2.2 Nickel metal (kt) 17.8 17.4 16.5 17.6 17.1 Total nickel sales (kt) 20.8 23.6 18.6 21.9 19.5 Nickel production is reported on the basis of saleable product |
0.7 1.2 8.2 10.4 51.0 45.7 |
|
| 59.9 57.3 |
||
| 0.7 1.2 8.1 10.6 51.2 45.5 |
||
| 60.0 57.3 |
BHP Billiton Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2017
20