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BIL - BHP Billiton Plc - BHP Billiton production report for the quarter ended
31 December 2011
BHP Billiton Plc
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504
NEWS RELEASE
18 January 2012
01/12
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
* Western Australia Iron Ore production rose to a record annualised rate of
178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis) in the December 2011 quarter, a 25%
increase over the previous corresponding period.
* A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a
27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.
* Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal
(Australia) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia), two of BHP Billiton`s high value,
export oriented energy coal operations.
* Petroleum production increased 36% from the December 2010 half year
following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US
businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.
Petroleum
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 vs SEP
Q11
Crude oil, condensate and 44,066 22,228 -10% -5% 2%
natural gas liquids (`000
boe)
Natural gas (bcf) 391.84 214.49 108% 160% 21%
Total petroleum products 109.38 57.98 36% 56% 13%
(million boe)
Total petroleum production - Petroleum production increased 36 per cent from
the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and
Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing,
operated assets.
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids - Liquids volumes increased
marginally from the September 2011 quarter as production from the Onshore US
portfolio, development drilling at Shenzi and high uptime at Atlantis (all
USA) offset anticipated field decline.
The contribution from the Onshore US portfolio resulted in an eight per cent
increase in natural gas liquids production in the December 2011 half year,
although anticipated field decline and the temporary shut down of the non-
operated Mad Dog facility (USA) resulted in lower overall liquids production
relative to the prior corresponding period. Mad Dog is forecast by the
operator to remain shut down until the June 2012 quarter.
Natural gas - Natural gas production was higher than all comparable periods
reflecting strong performance from the Onshore US and Angostura (Trinidad and
Tobago) businesses. Gas production in eastern Australia was down against the
September 2011 quarter due to lower seasonal demand.
Aluminium
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Alumina (`000 2,061 1,001 2% -2% -6%
tonnes)
Aluminium (`000 628 313 0% 0% -1%
tonnes)
Alumina - Sales volumes increased when compared with all corresponding periods
as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity.
While a planned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia) constrained production
during the December 2011 quarter, volumes are expected to recover as the
refinery processes stockpiled hydrate in future periods.
Aluminium - Production was in line with comparable periods with all operations
running at, or close to, maximum technical capacity.
Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium
business continues to be challenged by underlying cost pressure and weaker
prices.
Base Metals
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Copper (`000 tonnes) 500.6 280.3 -16% -7% 27%
Lead (tonnes) 122,651 66,992 -9% 3% 20%
Zinc (tonnes) 51,742 28,298 -33% -23% 21%
Silver (`000 ounces) 20,054 10,903 -15% -6% 19%
Uranium oxide concentrate 1,909 909 -3% -5% -9%
(Uranium) (tonnes)
Copper - A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio
delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.
Escondida (Chile) average mill throughput per day steadily increased as
operations recovered from the industrial action that affected production in
the prior quarter. In addition, Olympic Dam (Australia) benefited from higher
grades and improved smelter availability following the planned outage in the
September 2011 quarter. The expansion of mining fleets at Antamina (Peru) and
Pampa Norte (Chile) contributed to half yearly material mined records for both
assets.
Consistent with prior guidance, Escondida production is forecast to be
marginally lower in the 2012 financial year, with volumes weighted to the
second half. Production is expected to improve beyond the 2012 financial year
as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the
Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit.
At 31 December 2011, the Group had 219,718 tonnes of outstanding copper sales
that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.45 per pound. The final
price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2012
financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011
financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current
period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31
December 2011 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$258 million
for the period.
Lead/silver - Production at Cannington (Australia) decreased in the December
2011 half year reflecting lower average ore grades.
Zinc - Production at Antamina decreased in the December 2011 half year as
mining continued to progress through a copper rich ore zone.
Uranium - Production was broadly in line with all comparable periods.
Diamonds & Specialty Products
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Diamonds (`000 938 481 -32% -29% 5%
carats)
Diamonds - As anticipated, production in the December 2011 half year was lower
than the prior corresponding period. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to
remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade
material, consistent with the mine plan.
During the quarter, BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business,
including the Group`s interests in the EKATI Diamond Mine. The process is
ongoing and could continue through the first half of the 2012 calendar year.
Stainless Steel Materials
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Nickel (`000 73.5 38.4 -10% -11% 9%
tonnes)
Nickel - Production increased in the December 2011 quarter with the Line 1
furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) operating at full production rates
following its successful replacement in the prior quarter. In addition, higher
nickel in matte production at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie smelter (Australia)
compensated for a decline in metal production at the Nickel West Kwinana
refinery that resulted from a planned outage at a third party hydrogen
supplier. Nickel West Kwinana is expected to commission its new hydrogen plant
in the March 2012 quarter.
The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project, which enables the processing
of talc bearing ore, was successfully commissioned in December 2011.
Nickel West operating margins remain sensitive to persistent weakness in
nickel prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar.
Iron Ore
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Iron ore (`000 80,644 41,072 23% 22% 4%
tonnes)
Iron ore - Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) delivered another quarterly
record as production rose to an annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per
annum (100% basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the ramp up of
Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company`s rail
infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland all
contributed to the record performance. While scheduled maintenance, tie-in
activities and the wet season in the Pilbara are expected to affect WAIO
production in the second half of the 2012 financial year, full year production
is now forecast to marginally exceed prior guidance of 159 million tonnes per
annum (100% basis).
Production at Samarco (Brazil) was in line with comparable periods with all
three pellet plants continuing to run at full capacity.
Manganese
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Manganese ore (`000 3,825 1,806 -3% -1% -11%
tonnes)
Manganese alloy 389 195 -1% 2% 1%
(`000 tonnes)
Manganese ore - Production was lower than the September 2011 quarter as
planned maintenance at Hotazel (South Africa) and a weather related reduction
in plant availability at GEMCO (Australia) constrained performance.
Manganese alloy - Alloy production was in line with comparable periods.
Metallurgical Coal
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Metallurgical coal 17,784 8,493 -2% 9% -9%
(`000 tonnes)
Metallurgical coal - Queensland Coal (Australia) volumes for the December 2011
quarter remained below capacity as a result of stoppages associated with the
ongoing labour negotiations and the remnant effects of wet weather. In
addition, geotechnical issues at the Gregory Crinum longwall adversely
affected production in the period. While system capability is no longer
constrained by the 2011 floods, the extent to which industrial action will
continue to impact production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict.
Illawarra Coal (Australia) production increased in the December 2011 half year
following successful longwall moves at Dendrobium and Appin in the June 2011
quarter. Volumes were lower than the September 2011 quarter as a planned
shutdown of the West Cliff Coal Handling Preparation Plant was undertaken in
readiness for commissioning of a plant upgrade. A longwall move and plant
shutdown at Dendrobium is scheduled for the March 2012 quarter.
Energy Coal
DEC 2011 DEC 2011 DEC H11 vs DEC Q11 vs DEC Q11 vs
HALF QTR DEC H10 DEC Q10 SEP Q11
Energy coal (`000 35,379 16,919 5% 2% -8%
tonnes)
Energy coal - Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales
Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal, two of BHP Billiton`s high value, export
oriented energy coal operations. However, unfavourable mining conditions and
an industrial dispute at South Africa Coal, together with the suspension of
operations at San Juan Coal (USA), resulted in lower production relative to
the September 2011 quarter.
Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to
BHP Billiton`s share and exclude suspended and sold operations.
****
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BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING
OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE % CHANGE
DEC DEC DEC
YTD11 Q11 Q11
DEC SEP DEC DEC DEC vs vs vs
2010 2011 2011 2011 2010 DEC DEC SEP
YTD10 Q10 Q11
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & (`000 -13% -9% 2%
condensate bbl) 20,652 18,482 18,866 37,348 42,739
Natural gas (bcf) 108% 160% 21%
82.54 177.35 214.49 391.84 188.37
Natural gas (`000 8% 18% 0%
liquids boe) 2,842 3,356 3,362 6,718 6,205
Total (million 36% 56% 13%
petroleum boe) 37.25 51.40 57.98 109.38 80.34
products
ALUMINIUM
Alumina (`000 2% -2% -6%
tonnes) 1,025 1,060 1,001 2,061 2,025
Aluminium (`000 0% 0% -1%
tonnes) 314 315 313 628 628
BASE METALS
Copper (`000 -16% -7% 27%
tonnes) 302.3 220.3 280.3 500.6 593.5
Lead (tonnes) -9% 3% 20%
64,925 55,659 66,992 122,651 134,066
Zinc (tonnes) -33% -23% 21%
36,945 23,444 28,298 51,742 77,142
Gold (ounces) -17% -15% 12%
51,626 39,439 44,007 83,446 100,987
Silver (`000 -15% -6% 19%
ounces) 11,571 9,151 10,903 20,054 23,723
Uranium oxide (tonnes) -3% -5% -9%
concentrate 957 1,000 909 1,909 1,967
Molybdenum (tonnes) 96% 58% 29%
485 595 766 1,361 693
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
Diamonds (`000 -32% -29% 5%
carats) 676 457 481 938 1,379
STAINLESS
STEEL
MATERIALS
Nickel (`000 -10% -11% 9%
tonnes) 43.0 35.1 38.4 73.5 81.5
IRON ORE
Iron ore (`000 23% 22% 4%
tonnes) 33,666 39,572 41,072 80,644 65,649
MANGANESE
Manganese ore (`000 -3% -1% -
tonnes) 1,829 2,019 1,806 3,825 3,951 11%
Manganese (`000 -1% 2% 1%
alloy tonnes) 192 194 195 389 391
METALLURGICAL
COAL
Metallurgical (`000 -2% 9% -9%
coal tonnes) 7,787 9,291 8,493 17,784 18,086
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal (`000 5% 2% -8%
tonnes) 16,513 18,460 16,919 35,379 33,619
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been
adjusted since it was previously reported.
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE
PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
Billiton
Interest 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil &
condensate 20,652 19,200 18,652 18,482 18,866 37,348 42,739
(`000 bbl)
Natural gas
(bcf) 82.54 84.90 131.79 177.35 214.49 391.84 188.37
NGL (`000
boe) (a) 2,842 2,442 2,636 3,356 3,362 6,718 6,205
Total petroleum
products (million 37.25 35.79 43.25 51.40 57.98 109.38 80.34
boe)
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production
(`000 tonnes)
Worsley 86%
758 663 725 752 694 1,446 1,514
Alumar 36%
267 296 301 308 307 615 511
Total
1,025 959 1,026 1,060 1,001 2,061 2,025
ALUMINIUM
Production
(`000 tonnes)
Hillside 100%
179 173 179 180 180 360 359
Bayside 100%
25 24 24 25 24 49 49
Alumar 40%
43 44 43 44 42 86 87
Mozal 47%
67 64 67 66 67 133 133
Total
314 305 313 315 313 628 628
BASE METALS
(b)
COPPER
Payable metal in
concentrate (`000
tonnes)
Escondida 57.5%
112.7 87.7 79.4 49.9 80.4 130.3 223.4
Antamina 33.8%
27.2 24.9 22.5 30.3 30.9 61.2 50.4
Total
139.9 112.6 101.9 80.2 111.3 191.5 273.8
Cathode (`000
tonnes)
Escondida 57.5%
47.1 44.4 42.6 32.9 43.0 75.9 92.1
Pampa Norte 100%
(c) 66.0 64.1 75.7 65.4 70.0 135.4 132.4
Pinto 100%
Valley 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 2.8 2.9
Olympic Dam 100%
47.8 51.1 50.7 40.4 54.6 95.0 92.3
Total
162.4 161.0 170.4 140.1 169.0 309.1 319.7
LEAD
Payable metal in
concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100%
64,748 51,673 58,414 55,557 66,787 122,344 133,277
Antamina 33.8%
177 237 164 102 205 307 789
Total
64,925 51,910 58,578 55,659 66,992 122,651 134,066
ZINC
Payable metal
in concentrate
(tonnes)
Cannington 100%
14,920 16,129 14,348 14,488 14,745 29,233 30,180
Antamina 33.8%
22,025 24,123 20,385 8,956 13,553 22,509 46,962
Total
36,945 40,252 34,733 23,444 28,298 51,742 77,142
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BASE METALS
(continued)
GOLD
Payable metal
in concentrate
(ounces)
Escondida 57.5%
23,133 19,667 17,116 11,063 14,242 25,305 47,940
Olympic Dam 100%
(refined 28,493 29,892 28,429 28,376 29,765 58,141 53,047
gold)
Total
51,626 49,559 45,545 39,439 44,007 83,446 100,987
SILVER
Payable metal in
concentrate (`000
ounces)
Escondida 57.5%
796 670 580 403 549 952 1,599
Antamina 33.8%
1,025 813 773 972 1,087 2,059 2,014
Cannington 100%
9,509 7,315 8,242 7,559 9,056 16,615 19,668
Olympic Dam 100%
(refined 241 258 282 217 211 428 442
silver)
Total
11,571 9,056 9,877 9,151 10,903 20,054 23,723
URANIUM OXIDE
CONCENTRATE
Payable metal
in concentrate
(tonnes)
Olympic Dam 100%
957 1,063 1,015 1,000 909 1,909 1,967
Total
957 1,063 1,015 1,000 909 1,909 1,967
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal
in concentrate
(tonnes)
Antamina 33.8%
485 334 418 595 766 1,361 693
Total
485 334 418 595 766 1,361 693
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production
(`000 carats)
EKATI (TM) 80%
676 551 576 457 481 938 1,379
STAINLESS
STEEL
MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production
(`000 tonnes)
CMSA 99.9%
12.4 7.8 7.4 10.4 12.3 22.7 24.8
Nickel West 100%
30.6 25.2 30.8 24.7 26.1 50.8 56.7
Total
43.0 33.0 38.2 35.1 38.4 73.5 81.5
Refer footnotes on page 4.
IRON ORE
Production
(`000 tonnes)
(d)
Newman (e) 85%
11,213 11,912 12,480 13,158 13,247 26,405 20,853
Goldsworthy 85%
Joint 225 305 284 254 334 588 609
Venture
Area C 85%
Joint 10,154 9,510 10,044 10,479 10,437 20,916 20,240
Venture
Yandi Joint 85%
Venture 9,078 8,799 9,796 12,708 14,170 26,878 17,865
Samarco 50%
2,996 2,705 2,922 2,973 2,884 5,857 6,082
Total
33,666 33,231 35,526 39,572 41,072 80,644 65,649
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable
production
(`000 tonnes)
South 60%
Africa (f) 779 514 776 911 808 1,719 1,717
Australia 60%
(f) 1,050 838 1,014 1,108 998 2,106 2,234
Total
1,829 1,352 1,790 2,019 1,806 3,825 3,951
MANGANESE
ALLOYS
Saleable
production
(`000 tonnes)
South 60%
Africa (f) 123 111 120 124 124 248 255
(g)
Australia 60%
(f) 69 61 70 70 71 141 136
Total
192 172 190 194 195 389 391
METALLURGICAL
COAL
Production
(`000 tonnes)
(h)
BMA 50%
4,534 3,955 4,874 5,274 5,006 10,280 11,072
BHP Mitsui 80%
Coal (i) 1,421 1,133 1,426 1,803 1,580 3,383 3,334
Illawarra 100%
1,832 1,582 1,622 2,214 1,907 4,121 3,680
Total
7,787 6,670 7,922 9,291 8,493 17,784 18,086
ENERGY COAL
Production
(`000 tonnes)
South 100%
Africa 8,507 8,596 8,228 9,095 7,976 17,071 17,504
USA 100%
2,296 2,360 3,779 2,467 2,163 4,630 5,473
Australia 100%
3,394 3,978 3,793 4,046 4,027 8,073 5,900
Colombia 33%
2,316 2,609 2,538 2,852 2,753 5,605 4,742
Total
16,513 17,543 18,338 18,460 16,919 35,379 33,619
(a) LPG and ethane are reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL). Product-specific
conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe).
(b) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
(c) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.
(d) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(e) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.
(f) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
(g) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
(h) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable
product. Production figures include some thermal coal.
(i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (`000
barrels)
Bass Strait
2,553 2,465 2,485 2,527 2,190 4,717 5,264
North West Shelf
2,188 1,719 1,442 1,400 1,686 3,086 4,425
Stybarrow
358 862 1,037 1,171 836 2,007 909
Pyrenees
5,362 4,326 4,584 3,901 3,207 7,108 10,878
Other Australia
(a) 10 13 13 13 13 26 25
Atlantis (b)
2,881 2,694 2,098 2,081 2,390 4,471 5,919
Mad Dog (b)
874 952 128 - - - 1,949
Shenzi (b) (c)
3,859 3,378 3,630 3,848 4,119 7,967 7,775
Onshore US (d)
- - - 672 1,631 2,303 -
Trinidad/Tobago
- 299 687 466 466 932 285
Other Americas
(b) (e) 430 397 448 373 374 747 789
UK
479 542 534 447 433 880 1,090
Algeria
1,587 1,474 1,498 1,498 1,437 2,935 3,273
Pakistan
71 79 68 85 84 169 158
Total
20,652 19,200 18,652 18,482 18,866 37,348 42,739
NATURAL GAS (billion
cubic feet)
Bass Strait
20.94 22.31 29.97 31.88 23.65 55.53 59.75
North West Shelf
36.47 35.11 35.44 32.97 32.56 65.53 72.96
Other Australia
(a) 3.83 4.69 4.68 4.45 4.56 9.01 9.83
Atlantis (b)
1.07 0.84 0.67 0.64 0.67 1.31 2.40
Mad Dog (b)
0.06 0.13 0.01 - - - 0.31
Shenzi (b) (c)
0.77 0.64 0.67 0.62 0.57 1.19 1.52
Onshore US (d)
- - 36.43 77.59 121.63 199.22 -
Trinidad/Tobago
- - 4.69 9.31 9.72 19.03 -
Other Americas
(b) (e) 1.32 1.33 1.42 1.19 0.98 2.17 2.72
UK
6.14 6.32 5.69 3.91 5.51 9.42 12.45
Pakistan
11.94 13.53 12.12 14.79 14.64 29.43 26.43
Total
82.54 84.90 131.79 177.35 214.49 391.84 188.37
NGL (`000 barrels of oil
equivalent)
Bass Strait
1,412 1,252 1,554 1,823 1,407 3,230 3,442
North West Shelf
442 434 367 423 434 857 913
Atlantis (b)
177 150 117 120 123 243 365
Mad Dog (b)
42 39 11 - - - 84
Shenzi (b) (c)
336 245 252 296 293 589 532
Onshore US (d)
- - - 416 943 1,359 -
Other Americas
(b) (e) 54 42 47 41 34 75 96
UK
74 79 66 18 45 63 134
Algeria
305 201 222 219 83 302 639
Total
2,842 2,442 2,636 3,356 3,362 6,718 6,205
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
37.25 35.79 43.25 51.40 57.98 109.38 80.34
(million barrels of oil
equivalent) (f)
(a) Other Australia includes Minerva.
(b) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.
(c) The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.
(d) Fayetteville shale acquisition completed on 31 March 2011. Petrohawk
Energy Corporation acquisition completed on 20 August 2011. Onshore US volumes
are net of mineral holder royalties.
(e) Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Genesis and Starlifter.
(f) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf
of natural gas equals 1 boe.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia
758 663 725 752 694 1,446 1,514
Alumar, Brazil
267 296 301 308 307 615 511
Total
1,025 959 1,026 1,060 1,001 2,061 2,025
Sales
Worsley, Australia
735 633 727 720 745 1,465 1,502
Alumar, Brazil
271 249 324 280 349 629 510
Total
1,006 882 1,051 1,000 1,093 2,093 2,012
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South
Africa 179 173 179 180 180 360 359
Bayside, South
Africa 25 24 24 25 24 49 49
Alumar, Brazil
43 44 43 44 42 86 87
Mozal, Mozambique
67 64 67 66 67 133 133
Total
314 305 313 315 313 628 628
Sales
Hillside, South
Africa 160 163 181 163 186 349 308
Bayside, South
Africa 31 38 29 24 25 49 60
Alumar, Brazil
43 43 44 44 43 87 87
Mozal, Mozambique
76 66 80 60 85 145 131
Total
310 310 334 291 339 630 586
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals
production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida,
Chile
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 98,167 100,966 97,705 69,006 96,152 165,158 202,008
(100%)
Sulphide (`000
ore milled tonnes) 18,789 15,993 16,399 12,029 18,663 30,692 38,486
(100%)
Average (%) 1.26% 1.15% 1.06% 0.97% 0.97% 0.97% 1.25%
copper
grade
Production (`000
ex mill tonnes) 194.6 153.1 141.2 91.9 144.3 236.2 392.3
(100%)
Production
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 112.7 87.7 79.4 49.9 80.4 130.3 223.4
Payable (fine
gold ounces) 23,133 19,667 17,116 11,063 14,242 25,305 47,940
concentrat
e
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 47.1 44.4 42.6 32.9 43.0 75.9 92.1
(EW)
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 796 670 580 403 549 952 1,599
concentrat
e
Sales
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 113.9 74.3 90.9 49.2 82.1 131.3 228.7
Payable (fine
gold ounces) 23,357 16,754 20,251 10,974 14,435 25,409 49,018
concentrat
e
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 46.1 47.7 48.0 25.7 45.3 71.0 86.1
(EW)
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 804 569 673 404 558 962 1,635
concentrat
e
Pampa Norte,
Chile
Cerro
Colorado
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 18,290 16,320 17,840 14,736 16,792 31,528 33,934
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 4,631 4,251 4,771 4,608 4,601 9,209 9,215
Average (%) 0.76% 0.75% 0.74% 0.72% 0.71% 0.72% 0.75%
copper
grade
Production
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 22.4 22.6 25.7 22.5 23.5 46.0 44.1
(EW)
Sales
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 24.7 22.5 25.7 22.4 23.8 46.2 46.1
(EW)
Spence
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 18,389 19,046 19,487 19,816 26,511 46,327 35,537
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 4,567 4,892 4,545 3,862 4,909 8,771 8,994
Average (%) 1.28% 1.23% 1.22% 1.30% 1.46% 1.39% 1.27%
copper
grade
Production
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 43.6 41.5 50.0 42.9 46.5 89.4 88.3
(EW)
Sales
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 48.2 45.7 54.5 43.2 46.6 89.8 85.2
(EW)
Antamina, Peru
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 32,722 33,154 41,669 44,212 38,759 82,971 63,321
(100%)
Sulphide (`000
ore milled tonnes) 9,347 9,288 9,253 9,396 9,656 19,052 18,388
(100%)
Average
head
grades
- Copper (%) 1.06% 0.99% 0.90% 1.11% 1.15% 1.13% 1.00%
- Zinc (%) 1.11% 1.15% 1.03% 0.68% 0.72% 0.70% 1.23%
Production
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 27.2 24.9 22.5 30.3 30.9 61.2 50.4
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 22,025 24,123 20,385 8,956 13,553 22,509 46,962
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 1,025 813 773 972 1,087 2,059 2,014
Payable (tonnes)
lead 177 237 164 102 205 307 789
Payable (tonnes)
molybdenum 485 334 418 595 766 1,361 693
Sales
Payable (`000
copper tonnes) 21.8 26.1 23.5 28.2 31.7 59.9 49.5
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 24,912 25,571 18,479 9,586 12,654 22,240 48,849
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 882 839 658 833 940 1,773 2,124
Payable (tonnes)
lead 503 180 92 91 139 230 1,251
Payable (tonnes)
molybdenum 292 394 346 549 591 1,140 730
Cannington,
Australia
Material (`000
mined tonnes) 824 703 841 819 778 1,597 1,566
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 760 713 786 826 888 1,714 1,591
Average
head
grades
- Silver (g/t)
459 377 381 332 370 352 453
- Lead (%) 9.9% 8.6% 8.6% 7.9% 8.8% 8.4% 9.7%
- Zinc (%) 3.3% 3.6% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 3.1%
Production
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 9,509 7,315 8,242 7,559 9,056 16,615 19,668
Payable (tonnes)
lead 64,748 51,673 58,414 55,557 66,787 122,344 133,277
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 14,920 16,129 14,348 14,488 14,745 29,233 30,180
Sales
Payable (`000
silver ounces) 9,973 7,263 8,235 6,434 8,960 15,394 19,192
Payable (tonnes)
lead 67,815 52,199 58,868 48,258 66,657 114,915 130,906
Payable (tonnes)
zinc 16,621 12,986 14,530 15,734 14,078 29,812 29,098
Olympic Dam,
Australia
Material (`000
mined (a) tonnes) 2,513 2,433 2,675 2,543 2,440 4,983 5,223
Ore milled (`000
tonnes) 2,622 2,670 2,533 2,471 2,440 4,911 5,127
Average (%) 1.78% 1.84% 1.92% 1.98% 2.08% 2.03% 1.84%
copper
grade
Average kg/t
uranium 0.50 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.50 0.52 0.52
grade
Production
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 45.0 47.8 47.0 37.6 51.5 89.1 86.6
(ER)
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 2.8 3.3 3.7 2.8 3.1 5.9 5.7
(EW)
Uranium (tonnes)
oxide 957 1,063 1,015 1,000 909 1,909 1,967
concentrat
e
Refined (fine
gold ounces) 28,493 29,892 28,429 28,376 29,765 58,141 53,047
Refined (`000
silver ounces) 241 258 282 217 211 428 442
Sales
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 45.3 48.7 46.5 36.4 51.7 88.1 87.5
(ER)
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 2.9 2.7 4.1 3.5 2.5 6.0 5.7
(EW)
Uranium (tonnes)
oxide 1,121 930 1,143 910 1,126 2,036 1,872
concentrat
e
Refined (fine
gold ounces) 29,757 31,742 30,323 28,979 24,327 53,306 48,671
Refined (`000
silver ounces) 150 334 269 289 155 444 351
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley,
USA
Production
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 2.8 2.9
(EW)
Sales
Copper (`000
cathode tonnes) 1.0 1.9 1.2 1.7 1.2 2.9 2.8
(EW)
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
EKATI (TM), Canada
Ore Processed (`000
(100%) tonnes) 1,162 1,122 1,212 1,177 1,090 2,267 2,358
Production (`000
carats) 676 551 576 457 481 938 1,379
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production
12.4 7.8 7.4 10.4 12.3 22.7 24.8
Sales
12.8 8.5 8.5 7.7 13.1 20.8 24.8
Nickel West,
Australia
Production
Nickel contained in
concentrate 1.7 1.6 3.3 2.6 1.8 4.4 2.6
Nickel contained in
finished matte 21.8 12.4 16.1 9.0 15.2 24.2 35.4
Nickel metal
7.1 11.2 11.4 13.1 9.1 22.2 18.7
Nickel production
30.6 25.2 30.8 24.7 26.1 50.8 56.7
Sales
Nickel contained in
concentrate 0.8 2.2 3.9 1.2 2.6 3.8 2.4
Nickel contained in
finished matte 19.9 14.7 14.9 10.1 13.9 24.0 34.5
Nickel metal
9.6 9.2 12.4 9.4 10.9 20.3 21.8
Nickel sales
30.3 26.1 31.2 20.7 27.4 48.1 58.7
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT
REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (b)
11,213 11,912 12,480 13,158 13,247 26,405 20,853
Goldsworthy Joint
Venture 225 305 284 254 334 588 609
Area C Joint
Venture 10,154 9,510 10,044 10,479 10,437 20,916 20,240
Yandi Joint
Venture 9,078 8,799 9,796 12,708 14,170 26,878 17,865
Total (BHP
Billiton share) 30,670 30,526 32,604 36,599 38,188 74,787 59,567
Total production
(100%) 36,082 35,913 38,358 43,058 44,927 87,985 70,078
Shipments
Lump
7,830 7,669 7,463 7,744 8,700 16,444 15,652
Fines
23,870 22,648 25,379 29,311 28,406 57,717 44,919
Total (BHP
Billiton share) 31,700 30,317 32,842 37,055 37,106 74,161 60,571
Total sales
(100%) 37,294 35,667 38,638 43,594 43,654 87,248 71,260
(a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(b) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.
Samarco, Brazil
Production
2,996 2,705 2,922 2,973 2,884 5,857 6,082
Shipments
3,460 2,598 2,736 2,926 2,961 5,887 6,094
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production
779 514 776 911 808 1,719 1,717
Sales
947 701 746 861 853 1,714 1,604
Australia (a)
Saleable production
1,050 838 1,014 1,108 998 2,106 2,234
Sales
1,173 1,127 1,108 1,094 876 1,970 1,725
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production
123 111 120 124 124 248 255
Sales
153 145 123 95 138 233 248
Australia (a)
Saleable production
69 61 70 70 71 141 136
Sales
68 62 75 91 58 149 121
(a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%,
except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.
(b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater
1,134 870 1,127 1,367 1,122 2,489 2,592
Goonyella
1,086 993 1,417 1,463 1,375 2,838 2,949
Peak Downs
984 758 543 971 992 1,963 2,101
Saraji
819 532 556 802 900 1,702 1,691
Norwich Park
73 128 386 365 369 734 541
Gregory Joint
Venture 438 674 845 306 248 554 1,198
BMA total
4,534 3,955 4,874 5,274 5,006 10,280 11,072
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek
765 623 690 1,106 901 2,007 1,821
Poitrel
656 510 736 697 679 1,376 1,513
BHP Mitsui Coal
total 1,421 1,133 1,426 1,803 1,580 3,383 3,334
Queensland total
5,955 5,088 6,300 7,077 6,586 13,663 14,406
Shipments
Coking coal
5,243 3,475 4,865 5,066 4,845 9,911 11,884
Weak coking coal
1,886 970 1,411 1,691 1,747 3,438 3,539
Thermal coal
206 125 285 176 20 196 574
Total
7,335 4,570 6,561 6,933 6,612 13,545 15,997
(a) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable
product. Production figures include some thermal coal.
(b) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is
80%.
Illawarra, Australia
Production
1,832 1,582 1,622 2,214 1,907 4,121 3,680
Shipments
Coking coal
1,495 1,374 1,407 1,673 1,255 2,928 2,883
Thermal coal
536 211 216 159 441 600 898
Total
2,031 1,585 1,623 1,832 1,696 3,528 3,781
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
DEC MAR JUN SEP DEC DEC DEC
2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2010
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(`000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production
8,507 8,596 8,228 9,095 7,976 17,071 17,504
Sales
Export
3,365 2,887 3,082 3,439 3,546 6,985 6,412
Local utility
5,024 5,254 5,363 5,622 4,582 10,204 10,691
Inland
96 78 37 85 165 250 206
Total
8,485 8,219 8,482 9,146 8,293 17,439 17,309
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal
1,818 1,629 2,271 1,178 2,060 3,238 3,572
San Juan Coal
478 731 1,508 1,289 103 1,392 1,901
Total
2,296 2,360 3,779 2,467 2,163 4,630 5,473
Sales - local
utility 3,339 3,385 3,106 3,630 3,108 6,738 6,700
NSW Energy Coal,
Australia
Production
3,394 3,978 3,793 4,046 4,027 8,073 5,900
Sales
Export
3,253 3,824 3,522 3,523 3,566 7,089 5,879
Inland
180 339 364 625 333 958 584
Total
3,433 4,163 3,886 4,148 3,899 8,047 6,463
Cerrejon Coal,
Colombia
Production
2,316 2,609 2,538 2,852 2,753 5,605 4,742
Sales - export
2,672 2,149 2,853 2,901 2,784 5,685 5,448
Date: 18/01/2012 07:05:56 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za
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