BHP Group Limited — Management Reports 2009

Jun 16, 2009

17 June 2009

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MUMBWA JV PROJECT – Phase 3B PROGRESS REPORT

KEY POINTS:

• Progress of the Phase 3B drilling program is continuing with 11 cored holes for more than 5,500 m of drilling complete. Assay results are pending.

• Currently there are more than of 100 personnel on site involved with the Phase 3B program.

• A recent technical workshop conducted by joint venture (“JV”) partners BHP Billiton reviewed existing technical information and planned future exploration activities.

Key outcomes of the workshop include the following decisions:

• Confirmation of the location of drill holes for the Mushingashi anomaly.

• TITAN IP-MT geophysical orientation survey is planned over central Kitumba anomaly to test indications of deep hypogene sulphide mineralisation.

• 3[rd] drilling rig to be mobilized by August 2009 to supplement drilling progress.

• Additional core samples to be taken from a selection of previously drilled holes for petrographic analysis.

• Detailed logging of previously drilled core is being carried out by BHP Billiton staff with prior experience at the world class Olympic Dam IOCG deposit in South Australia.

• Drilling on the Mushingashi Anomaly is due to commence in early July 2009.

• Exploration work will continue until completion of Phase 3B by 31 December 2009.

Blackthorn Resources Limited ABN 63 009 193 980 Level 2, Suite 201, 80 William Street, Sydney NSW 2011, Australia t +61 2 9357 9000 f +61 2 9332 1336 www.blackthornresources.com.au

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Blackthorn Resources Limited (ASX: BTR) (“the Company” or “Blackthorn Resources”) is pleased to provide an update of operations for the Mumbwa Joint Venture (“JV”) project in Zambia, which is being explored with JV partner BHP Billiton.

Phase 3B Progress

BHP Billiton is currently funding and managing the Phase 3B drilling program. This drilling phase follows on from the previous Phase 3 program which was funded by Blackthorn Resources during calendar 2008. Results for Phase 3 were announced to market on 11 May 2009 reporting mineralisation in 14 of the 18 holes drilled.

The Phase 3B drilling program commenced in late 2008 and has completed drilling 11 cored holes for in excess of 5,500 metres. This drilling phase is targeting a much wider spaced drill pattern, and is exploring for continuation of the mineralised system outside of the initial targeted area, which includes drilling at the intersection of major structural lineaments, along strike and at depth. The average drill depth of planned holes in Phase 3B is approximately 750m.

Samples are now being analysed by SGS South Africa and results from Phase 3B drilling campaign will be announced as they are received and processed.

Detailed logging of previously drilled core is also being carried out by BHP Billiton staff with prior experience at the world class Olympic Dam IOCG deposit in South Australia.

The original exploration work, including the Falcon™ airborne gravity survey, identified 3 anomalies to be targeted for drilling. To date, drilling has been focused on the southern most Kitumba Anomaly, with the northern Mutoya and Mushingashi anomalies yet to be fully tested. Drilling is expected to commence on the Mushingashi anomaly in July 2009.

The Phase 3B program is currently utilising 2 drilling rigs working double shifts. However, BHP Billiton is planning a 3[rd] drill rig for the project to be commissioned by August 2009. The current status of future planned holes is shown in Figure 1. Resources dedicated to this project have been increased with approximately 100 people, including contractors, currently working on site.

Exploration work will continue until completion of Phase 3B on 31 December 2009. Upon completion of Phase 3B, BHP Billiton retains an option to fully fund a subsequent Concept Study phase. If BHP Billiton does not elect to fully fund the Concept Study, then BHP Billiton will assign its interest in the JV to Blackthorn Resources (who will then hold 100% interest) and BHP Billiton will retain a 2% production value royalty on proceeds from future mining operations.

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Technical Workshop

During May 2009, a technical workshop was held onsite at Mumbwa to review the current technical data-set and plan the future exploration strategy for the Mumbwa JV project throughout 2009. A team of technical personnel from BHP Billiton attended the workshop and a number of key decisions were made including:

1. Selecting the location of the initial holes to be drilled on the Mushingashi Anomaly.

2. Geophysical ‘orientation’ survey using TITAN IP-MT system to be completed over mineralised holes at Kitumba to test indications of deep hypogene sulphide mineralisation revealed in previous drilling.

3. A 3[rd] drilling rig to be mobilized by August 2009 to supplement drilling progress.

4. Previously drilled core to be re-logged and infill samples collected for petrographic and geochemical analysis.

The information in this report which relates to Exploration Results at the Mumbwa JV Project has been reviewed and approved for release by Mr Michael J Robertson, MSc, Pr.Sci.Nat., MSAIMM who has 20 years experience in mineral exploration, and who is a full-time employee of the MSA Group, and has sufficient experience in relation to the style ATTRIBUTION of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the “Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” (The JORC Code 2004 Edition) and as a Qualified Person under the AIM Rules. Mr Robertson has consented to inclusion of this information in the form and context in which it appears.

Should you require further information please contact:

Scott Lowe Managing Director Ph: + 61 2 9357 9000

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FIGURE 1 – Mumbwa JV Project area illustrating the Kitumba, Mushingashi and Mutoya anomalies showing the location of Phase 3B drill holes.