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BHP Billiton Production Report for the Quarter Ended 30 September 2012
BHP BILLITON
NEWS RELEASE
Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 17 October 2012
Number 25/12
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2012
- The release of latent capacity and robust operating performance across our diversified portfolio
continues to underpin strong growth in our high margin businesses.
- Petroleum production averaged a record 666 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day during the
September 2012 quarter as the Atlantis and Mad Dog facilities in the Gulf of Mexico successfully
recommenced production.
- Queensland Coal volumes rose by 20% during the September 2012 quarter as BMA production
increased to over 80% of supply chain capacity.
- Western Australia Iron Ore achieved another significant milestone with first ore loaded from the two
recently installed shiploaders at Nelson Point as part of the Inner Harbour Expansion project.
- Escondida copper production remains on track to increase by 20% in the 2013 financial year following
the completion of scheduled maintenance and tie-in activities in the September 2012 quarter.
Petroleum
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (‘000 boe) 22,765 4% 17%
Natural gas (bcf) 230.89 30% 4%
Total petroleum products (million boe) 61.25 19% 9%
Total petroleum production – Petroleum production averaged a record 666 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per
day during the September 2012 quarter.
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Liquids production increased by 17 per cent from the June 2012
quarter as the Atlantis and Mad Dog facilities in the Gulf of Mexico (US) successfully recommenced production.
Reduced levels of planned maintenance at Bass Strait and the North West Shelf (both Australia) and development
drilling at Shenzi (US) and Pyrenees (Australia) also contributed to the strong result.
Onshore US liquids production increased to a record 3.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) during the
September 2012 quarter. With the drilling program running ahead of infrastructure development, robust growth is
anticipated over the remainder of the 2013 financial year as pipeline capacity is installed and additional wells
are brought online.
Petroleum production guidance for the 2013 financial year remains unchanged at 240 MMboe and includes an
expected 15 per cent increase in valuable liquids production, largely attributable to our Onshore US business and
Gulf of Mexico facilities.
Natural gas – Seasonally high gas demand at Bass Strait and strong operational performance at North West Shelf
underpinned a quarterly production record for natural gas in the September 2012 quarter.
Aluminium
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Alumina ('000 tonnes) 1,170 10% 13%
Aluminium ('000 tonnes) 270 -14% 9%
Alumina – The ramp up of the Worsley Efficiency & Growth project (Australia) and continued strong operating
performance at the Alumar refinery (Brazil) contributed to record alumina production in the September 2012
quarter.
Aluminium – Production was higher than the June 2012 quarter as potline capacity at Hillside (South Africa)
recovered following a major unplanned outage in the March 2012 quarter. Operations are expected to
progressively return to full technical capacity by the end of the 2012 calendar year.
Base Metals
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Copper (‘000 tonnes) 273.9 24% -12%
Lead (tonnes) 52,183 -6% -18%
Zinc (tonnes) 25,922 11% -16%
Silver (‘000 ounces) 9,165 0% -21%
Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) 1,042 4% -4%
Copper – A 24 per cent increase in production from the September 2011 quarter reflected the mining of higher
grade ore at Escondida (Chile) and the impact of industrial action in the corresponding period. Record quarterly
production was achieved at Antamina (Peru) as milling rates continued to exceed recently expanded ore
processing capacity.
A reduction in smelter throughput affected Olympic Dam (Australia) production in the September 2012 quarter. A
27 day smelter outage is scheduled for the December 2012 quarter.
Escondida copper production remains on track to increase by 20 per cent in the 2013 financial year following the
completion of scheduled maintenance and tie-in activities in the September 2012 quarter.
Lead/silver – Lower head grades at Cannington (Australia) contributed to a reduction in lead and silver production
in the September 2012 quarter.
Zinc – Zinc production at Antamina declined during the September 2012 quarter as mining progressed through a
copper-rich ore zone.
Uranium – Production for the September 2012 quarter was broadly in line with all comparable periods.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 2
Diamonds & Specialty Products
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Diamonds (‘000 carats) 313 -32% -24%
Diamonds – Production was lower than all comparable periods and reflected temporarily restricted mining
conditions and unscheduled maintenance at EKATI (Canada). While production is expected to recover in the
December 2012 quarter, it is forecast to remain constrained in the medium term as the operation extracts lower
grade material, consistent with the mine plan.
The sale of BHP Billiton’s 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto
was completed during the September 2012 quarter. The review of BHP Billiton’s diamonds business is continuing.
Nickel
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Nickel ('000 tonnes) 37.0 5% -13%
Nickel – An increase in nickel metal production in the September 2012 quarter reflected strong operating
performance at both Cerro Matoso (Colombia) and the Nickel West Kwinana refinery (Australia). Total saleable
production declined as nickel matte was stockpiled in advance of planned maintenance at the Nickel West
Kalgoorlie smelter in the December 2012 quarter.
Iron Ore
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes) 39,772 1% -3%
Iron ore – Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) sustained strong performance in the September 2012 quarter
despite the impact of a planned shutdown associated with the Inner Harbour Expansion project.
Our Pilbara operations achieved another significant milestone during the quarter with first ore loaded from two recently installed
shiploaders at Nelson Point.
WAIO production guidance remains unchanged with a five per cent increase anticipated in the 2013 financial year.
Samarco’s (Brazil) three pellet plants continued to operate at capacity during the period.
Manganese
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes) 2,146 6% 4%
Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes) 130 -33% 73%
Manganese ore – Consistently strong operating performance and improved plant availability at GEMCO (Australia)
contributed to record ore production in the September 2012 quarter.
Manganese alloy – The resumption of production at TEMCO (Australia) in July 2012 led to a substantial increase
in alloy production from the June 2012 quarter. The decline in alloy production from the September 2011 quarter
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 3
reflected the permanent closure of energy intensive silicomanganese production at Metalloys (South Africa) in
January 2012.
Metallurgical Coal
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes) 8,938 -4% 10%
Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal (Australia) production increased by 20 per cent during the September 2012
quarter as significant latent capacity was released across the supply chain. Production at BMA benefited from a
reduction in industrial activity with no significant work stoppages experienced since July 2012. A ballot on the BMA
Enterprise Agreement will be conducted during October 2012. During the September 2012 quarter,
BMA announced it would cease production at its Gregory open-cut mine following a review of the mine’s
profitability.
A planned longwall move at the Appin mine led to lower production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) during the
September 2012 quarter. A longwall move at the Dendrobium mine is expected to commence at the end of the
December 2012 quarter.
Energy Coal
SEP SEP Q12 SEP Q12
2012 vs vs
QTR SEP Q11 JUN Q12
Energy coal (‘000 tonnes) 19,607 6% 6%
Energy coal – Production was higher than all comparable periods and reflected strong operating performance
across the BHP Billiton Energy Coal portfolio. New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia) achieved record quarterly
production following the completion of the RX1 project in the June 2012 quarter, ahead of schedule. In addition, the
San Juan Coal mine (US) benefited from a full quarter of production following the resumption of longwall mining
activity in the June 2012 quarter.
This report, together with the Exploration and Development Report, represents the Interim Management Statement
for the purposes of the UK Listing Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules. There have been no significant
changes in the financial position of the Group in the quarter ended 30 September 2012.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 4
Media Relations Investor Relations
Australia Australia
Antonios Papaspiropoulos James Agar
Tel: +61 3 9609 3830 Mobile: +61 477 325 803 Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 467 807 064
email: Antonios.Papaspiropoulos@bhpbilliton.com email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com
Fiona Hadley Andrew Gunn
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908 Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454
email: Fiona.Hadley@bhpbilliton.com email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com
Eleanor Nichols United Kingdom and South Africa
Tel: +61 3 9609 2360 Mobile: +61 407 064 748
email: Eleanor.Nichols@bhpbilliton.com Tara Dines
Tel: +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile: +44 7825 342 232
United Kingdom Email: Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah Americas
Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com Brendan Harris
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726
Americas email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com
Jaryl Strong Matt Chism
Tel: +1 713 499 5548 Mobile: +1 281 222 6627 Tel: +1 71 359 96158 Mobile: +1 281 782 2238
email: Jaryl.Strong@bhpbilliton.com email: Matt.E.Chism@bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street Registered Office: Neathouse Place
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111
Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia
Sponsor: Absa Capital (the investment banking division of Absa Bank Limited, affiliated with Barclays)
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 5
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE % CHANGE
SEP Q12 SEP Q12
SEP JUN SEP SEP SEP vs vs
2011 2012 2012 2012 2011 SEP Q11 JUN Q12
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate ('000 bbl) 18,482 15,726 18,413 18,413 18,482 0% 17%
Natural gas (bcf) 177.35 221.25 230.89 230.89 177.35 30% 4%
NGL ('000 boe) 3,356 3,758 4,352 4,352 3,356 30% 16%
Total petroleum products (million boe) 51.40 56.36 61.25 61.25 51.40 19% 9%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina ('000 tonnes) 1,060 1,039 1,170 1,170 1,060 10% 13%
Aluminium ('000 tonnes) 315 248 270 270 315 -14% 9%
BASE METALS
Copper ('000 tonnes) 220.3 312.5 273.9 273.9 220.3 24% -12%
Lead (tonnes) 55,659 63,667 52,183 52,183 55,659 -6% -18%
Zinc (tonnes) 23,444 30,748 25,922 25,922 23,444 11% -16%
Gold (ounces) 39,439 40,569 32,436 32,436 39,439 -18% -20%
Silver ('000 ounces) 9,151 11,539 9,165 9,165 9,151 0% -21%
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,000 1,080 1,042 1,042 1,000 4% -4%
Molybdenum (tonnes) 595 464 454 454 595 -24% -2%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds ('000 carats) 457 413 313 313 457 -32% -24%
NICKEL
Nickel ('000 tonnes) 35.1 42.7 37.0 37.0 35.1 5% -13%
IRON ORE
Iron ore ('000 tonnes) 39,572 40,891 39,772 39,772 39,572 1% -3%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore ('000 tonnes) 2,019 2,066 2,146 2,146 2,019 6% 4%
Manganese alloy ('000 tonnes) 194 75 130 130 194 -33% 73%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal ('000 tonnes) 9,291 8,109 8,938 8,938 9,291 -4% 10%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal ('000 tonnes) 18,460 18,484 19,607 19,607 18,460 6% 6%
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 1
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
Interest 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate ('000 bbl) 18,482 18,866 18,127 15,726 18,413 18,413 18,482
Natural gas (bcf) 177.35 214.49 209.17 221.25 230.89 230.89 177.35
NGL ('000 boe) (a) 3,356 3,362 3,609 3,758 4,352 4,352 3,356
Total petroleum products (million boe) 51.40 57.98 56.60 56.36 61.25 61.25 51.40
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Worsley 86% 752 694 741 730 859 859 752
Alumar 36% 308 307 311 309 311 311 308
Total 1,060 1,001 1,052 1,039 1,170 1,170 1,060
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Hillside 100% 180 180 144 117 139 139 180
Bayside 100% 25 24 26 23 25 25 25
Alumar 40% 44 42 42 42 39 39 44
Mozal 47% 66 67 65 66 67 67 66
Total 315 313 277 248 270 270 315
BASE METALS (b)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 49.9 80.4 87.7 115.8 101.2 101.2 49.9
Antamina 33.8% 30.3 30.9 30.9 34.9 40.2 40.2 30.3
Total 80.2 111.3 118.6 150.7 141.4 141.4 80.2
Cathode ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 32.9 43.0 47.4 48.7 41.6 41.6 32.9
Pampa Norte (c) 100% 65.4 70.0 66.2 62.1 52.7 52.7 65.4
Pinto Valley 100% 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4
Olympic Dam 100% 40.4 54.6 47.8 49.8 37.0 37.0 40.4
Total 140.1 169.0 162.8 161.8 132.5 132.5 140.1
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 55,557 66,787 53,412 63,334 51,923 51,923 55,557
Antamina 33.8% 102 205 148 333 260 260 102
Total 55,659 66,992 53,560 63,667 52,183 52,183 55,659
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 14,488 14,745 12,904 12,540 11,408 11,408 14,488
Antamina 33.8% 8,956 13,553 16,823 18,208 14,514 14,514 8,956
Total 23,444 28,298 29,727 30,748 25,922 25,922 23,444
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 2
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
Interest 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS (continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 11,063 14,242 12,732 12,817 9,419 9,419 11,063
Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100% 28,376 29,765 31,952 27,752 23,017 23,017 28,376
Total 39,439 44,007 44,684 40,569 32,436 32,436 39,439
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 403 549 481 488 350 350 403
Antamina 33.8% 972 1,087 1,170 1,043 919 919 972
Cannington 100% 7,559 9,056 7,836 9,757 7,689 7,689 7,559
Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100% 217 211 228 251 207 207 217
Total 9,151 10,903 9,715 11,539 9,165 9,165 9,151
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam 100% 1,000 909 896 1,080 1,042 1,042 1,000
Total 1,000 909 896 1,080 1,042 1,042 1,000
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina 33.8% 595 766 521 464 454 454 595
Total 595 766 521 464 454 454 595
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
EKATI™ 80% 457 481 433 413 313 313 457
NICKEL
NICKEL
Production ('000 tonnes)
CMSA 99.9% 10.4 12.3 13.4 12.8 13.3 13.3 10.4
Nickel West 100% 24.7 26.1 28.3 29.9 23.7 23.7 24.7
Total 35.1 38.4 41.7 42.7 37.0 37.0 35.1
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 3
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
Interest 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (d)
Newman (e) 85% 13,158 13,247 11,789 13,132 11,752 11,752 13,158
Goldsworthy Joint Venture 85% 254 334 37 143 432 432 254
Area C Joint Venture 85% 10,479 10,437 10,343 11,166 10,937 10,937 10,479
Yandi Joint Venture 85% 12,708 14,170 13,063 13,595 13,771 13,771 12,708
Samarco 50% 2,973 2,884 2,711 2,855 2,880 2,880 2,973
Total 39,572 41,072 37,943 40,891 39,772 39,772 39,572
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) 44.4% 911 808 917 989 858 858 911
Australia (f) 60% 1,108 998 1,123 1,077 1,288 1,288 1,108
Total 2,019 1,806 2,040 2,066 2,146 2,146 2,019
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) (g) 60% 124 124 81 75 93 93 124
Australia (f) 60% 70 71 57 - 37 37 70
Total 194 195 138 75 130 130 194
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production ('000 tonnes) (h)
BMA 50% 5,274 5,006 4,226 4,105 5,182 5,182 5,274
BHP Mitsui Coal (i) 80% 1,803 1,580 1,649 1,661 1,766 1,766 1,803
Illawarra 100% 2,214 1,907 1,462 2,343 1,990 1,990 2,214
Total 9,291 8,493 7,337 8,109 8,938 8,938 9,291
ENERGY COAL
Production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa 100% 9,095 7,976 7,895 8,313 8,454 8,454 9,095
USA 100% 2,467 2,163 2,109 2,673 3,871 3,871 2,467
Australia 100% 4,046 4,027 4,291 4,393 4,453 4,453 4,046
Colombia 33% 2,852 2,753 2,953 3,105 2,829 2,829 2,852
Total 18,460 16,919 17,248 18,484 19,607 19,607 18,460
(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%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.
(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%.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 4
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)
Bass Strait 2,527 2,190 2,285 2,357 2,659 2,659 2,527
North West Shelf 1,400 1,686 1,671 1,587 1,844 1,844 1,400
Stybarrow 1,171 836 618 635 534 534 1,171
Pyrenees 3,901 3,207 2,540 2,482 2,605 2,605 3,901
Other Australia (a) 13 13 13 13 17 17 13
Atlantis (b) 2,081 2,390 2,262 39 1,586 1,586 2,081
Mad Dog (b) - - - - 377 377 -
Shenzi (b) (c) 3,848 4,119 4,071 3,607 4,035 4,035 3,848
Onshore US (d) 672 1,631 2,202 2,434 2,358 2,358 672
Trinidad/Tobago 466 466 453 488 397 397 466
Other Americas (b) (e) 373 374 373 348 367 367 373
UK 447 433 328 367 252 252 447
Algeria (f) 1,498 1,437 1,236 1,291 1,309 1,309 1,498
Pakistan 85 84 75 78 73 73 85
Total 18,482 18,866 18,127 15,726 18,413 18,413 18,482
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait 31.88 23.65 19.74 31.47 39.39 39.39 31.88
North West Shelf 32.97 32.56 29.60 29.80 35.41 35.41 32.97
Other Australia (a) 4.45 4.56 4.42 4.87 6.20 6.20 4.45
Atlantis (b) 0.64 0.67 1.18 0.01 0.50 0.50 0.64
Mad Dog (b) - - - - 0.06 0.06 -
Shenzi (b) (c) 0.62 0.57 0.56 0.47 0.96 0.96 0.62
Onshore US (d) 77.59 121.63 124.17 124.53 122.59 122.59 77.59
Trinidad/Tobago 9.31 9.72 9.50 9.54 9.08 9.08 9.31
Other Americas (b) (e) 1.19 0.98 1.09 0.79 0.35 0.35 1.19
UK 3.91 5.51 5.03 5.54 3.33 3.33 3.91
Pakistan 14.79 14.64 13.88 14.23 13.02 13.02 14.79
Total 177.35 214.49 209.17 221.25 230.89 230.89 177.35
NGL ('000 barrels of oil equivalent)
Bass Strait 1,823 1,407 1,355 1,738 2,074 2,074 1,823
North West Shelf 423 434 421 342 394 394 423
Atlantis (b) 120 123 221 1 37 37 120
Mad Dog (b) - - - - 9 9 -
Shenzi (b) (c) 296 293 291 244 309 309 296
Onshore US (d) 416 943 1,275 1,388 1,516 1,516 416
Other Americas (b) (e) 41 34 34 24 13 13 41
UK 18 45 12 21 - - 18
Algeria (f) 219 83 - - - - 219
Total 3,356 3,362 3,609 3,758 4,352 4,352 3,356
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 51.40 57.98 56.60 56.36 61.25 61.25 51.40
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (g)
(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. West Cameron 76 and Starlifter were divested in May 2012.
(f) Algeria includes ROD and Ohanet. The Ohanet Risk Sharing Contract expired in October 2011.
(g) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 5
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Saleable production
Worsley, Australia 752 694 741 730 859 859 752
Alumar, Brazil 308 307 311 309 311 311 308
Total 1,060 1,001 1,052 1,039 1,170 1,170 1,060
Sales
Worsley, Australia 720 745 713 750 820 820 720
Alumar, Brazil 280 349 216 356 352 352 280
Total 1,000 1,094 929 1,106 1,172 1,172 1,000
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa 180 180 144 117 139 139 180
Bayside, South Africa 25 24 26 23 25 25 25
Alumar, Brazil 44 42 42 42 39 39 44
Mozal, Mozambique 66 67 65 66 67 67 66
Total 315 313 277 248 270 270 315
Sales
Hillside, South Africa 163 186 141 126 139 139 163
Bayside, South Africa 24 25 27 21 26 26 24
Alumar, Brazil 44 43 31 45 46 46 44
Mozal, Mozambique 60 85 66 54 58 58 60
Total 291 339 265 246 269 269 291
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 6
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida, Chile
Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 69,006 96,152 103,321 109,724 102,499 102,499 69,006
Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 12,029 18,663 16,449 18,640 16,850 16,850 12,029
Average copper grade (%) 0.97% 0.97% 1.14% 1.37% 1.35% 1.35% 0.97%
Production ex mill (100%) ('000 tonnes) 91.9 144.3 153.1 211.7 185.2 185.2 91.9
Production
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 49.9 80.4 87.7 115.8 101.2 101.2 49.9
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 11,063 14,242 12,732 12,817 9,419 9,419 11,063
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 32.9 43.0 47.4 48.7 41.6 41.6 32.9
Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 403 549 481 488 350 350 403
Sales
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 49.2 82.1 82.6 113.1 95.7 95.7 49.2
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 10,974 14,435 11,998 12,683 8,999 8,999 10,974
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 25.7 45.3 44.3 53.4 38.8 38.8 25.7
Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 404 558 454 483 324 324 404
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 14,736 16,792 16,320 16,246 16,067 16,067 14,736
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 4,608 4,601 4,300 4,388 4,505 4,505 4,608
Average copper grade (%) 0.72% 0.71% 0.72% 0.61% 0.55% 0.55% 0.72%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 22.5 23.5 18.7 18.7 17.8 17.8 22.5
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 22.4 23.8 20.2 19.1 16.1 16.1 22.4
Spence
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 19,816 26,511 29,982 28,594 27,541 27,541 19,816
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 3,862 4,909 4,279 3,604 3,752 3,752 3,862
Average copper grade (%) 1.30% 1.46% 1.20% 1.28% 1.17% 1.17% 1.30%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 42.9 46.5 47.5 43.4 34.9 34.9 42.9
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 43.2 46.6 44.1 51.3 31.1 31.1 43.2
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 7
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 44,212 38,759 41,474 48,256 54,482 54,482 44,212
Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 9,396 9,656 10,162 12,295 12,274 12,274 9,396
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 1.11% 1.15% 1.10% 1.01% 1.15% 1.15% 1.11%
- Zinc (%) 0.68% 0.72% 0.84% 0.80% 0.66% 0.66% 0.68%
Production
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 30.3 30.9 30.9 34.9 40.2 40.2 30.3
Payable zinc (tonnes) 8,956 13,553 16,823 18,208 14,514 14,514 8,956
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 972 1,087 1,170 1,043 919 919 972
Payable lead (tonnes) 102 205 148 333 260 260 102
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 595 766 521 464 454 454 595
Sales
Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 28.2 31.7 30.7 32.7 39.7 39.7 28.2
Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,586 12,654 13,464 18,174 15,519 15,519 9,586
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 833 940 1,114 896 849 849 833
Payable lead (tonnes) 91 139 200 48 330 330 91
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 549 591 669 488 536 536 549
Cannington, Australia
Material mined ('000 tonnes) 819 778 756 880 717 717 819
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 826 888 778 845 773 773 826
Average head grades
- Silver (g/t) 332 370 367 417 355 355 332
- Lead (%) 7.9% 8.8% 8.0% 8.6% 7.6% 7.6% 7.9%
- Zinc (%) 2.9% 2.9% 2.7% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.9%
Production
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 7,559 9,056 7,836 9,757 7,689 7,689 7,559
Payable lead (tonnes) 55,557 66,787 53,412 63,334 51,923 51,923 55,557
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,488 14,745 12,904 12,540 11,408 11,408 14,488
Sales
Payable silver ('000 ounces) 6,434 8,960 7,081 10,784 8,506 8,506 6,434
Payable lead (tonnes) 48,258 66,657 49,027 73,400 59,042 59,042 48,258
Payable zinc (tonnes) 15,734 14,078 10,780 14,399 10,379 10,379 15,734
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 8
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a) ('000 tonnes) 2,543 2,440 2,389 2,629 2,226 2,226 2,543
Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 2,471 2,440 2,195 2,475 2,471 2,471 2,471
Average copper grade (%) 1.98% 2.08% 2.01% 1.86% 1.90% 1.90% 1.98%
Average uranium grade (kg/t) 0.54 0.50 0.57 0.55 0.54 0.54 0.54
Production
Copper cathode (ER) ('000 tonnes) 37.6 51.5 45.2 46.0 34.0 34.0 37.6
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 2.8 3.1 2.6 3.8 3.0 3.0 2.8
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 1,000 909 896 1,080 1,042 1,042 1,000
Refined gold (fine ounces) 28,376 29,765 31,952 27,752 23,017 23,017 28,376
Refined silver ('000 ounces) 217 211 228 251 207 207 217
Sales
Copper cathode (ER) ('000 tonnes) 36.4 51.7 44.4 47.8 35.1 35.1 36.4
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 3.5 2.5 3.0 3.1 3.4 3.4 3.5
Uranium oxide concentrate (tonnes) 910 1,126 640 1,252 615 615 910
Refined gold (fine ounces) 28,979 24,327 36,832 29,257 20,949 20,949 28,979
Refined silver ('000 ounces) 289 155 268 200 265 265 289
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) ('000 tonnes) 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.7
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 9
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
EKATI™, Canada
Ore Processed (100%) ('000 tonnes) 1,177 1,090 1,001 1,214 1,042 1,042 1,177
Production ('000 carats) 457 481 433 413 313 313 457
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 10
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
NICKEL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
NICKEL
Cerro Matoso, Colombia
Production 10.4 12.3 13.4 12.8 13.3 13.3 10.4
Sales 7.7 13.1 13.8 12.9 12.3 12.3 7.7
Nickel West, Australia
Saleable production
Nickel contained in concentrate 2.6 1.8 2.3 2.3 1.3 1.3 2.6
Nickel contained in finished matte 9.0 15.2 10.5 14.2 5.8 5.8 9.0
Nickel metal 13.1 9.1 15.5 13.4 16.6 16.6 13.1
Nickel production 24.7 26.1 28.3 29.9 23.7 23.7 24.7
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate 1.2 2.6 1.5 3.6 1.6 1.6 1.2
Nickel contained in finished matte 10.1 13.9 10.2 16.7 6.7 6.7 10.1
Nickel metal 9.4 10.9 14.2 15.7 14.2 14.2 9.4
Nickel sales 20.7 27.4 25.9 36.0 22.5 22.5 20.7
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 11
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (b) 13,158 13,247 11,789 13,132 11,752 11,752 13,158
Goldsworthy Joint Venture 254 334 37 143 432 432 254
Area C Joint Venture 10,479 10,437 10,343 11,166 10,937 10,937 10,479
Yandi Joint Venture 12,708 14,170 13,063 13,595 13,771 13,771 12,708
Total (BHP Billiton share) 36,599 38,188 35,232 38,036 36,892 36,892 36,599
Total production (100%) 43,058 44,927 41,449 44,748 43,403 43,403 43,058
Sales
Lump 7,744 8,700 8,235 9,100 8,338 8,338 7,744
Fines 29,311 28,406 26,523 28,870 28,718 28,718 29,311
Total (BHP Billiton share) 37,055 37,106 34,758 37,970 37,056 37,056 37,055
Total sales (100%) 43,594 43,654 40,892 44,670 43,595 43,595 43,594
(a) Iron ore production and sales are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(b) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.
Samarco, Brazil
Production 2,973 2,884 2,711 2,855 2,880 2,880 2,973
Sales 2,926 2,961 2,453 2,778 2,622 2,622 2,926
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 12
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production 911 808 917 989 858 858 911
Sales 861 853 871 866 702 702 861
Australia (a)
Saleable production 1,108 998 1,123 1,077 1,288 1,288 1,108
Sales 1,094 876 1,115 1,343 1,054 1,054 1,094
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production 124 124 81 75 93 93 124
Sales 95 138 122 104 74 74 95
Australia (a)
Saleable production 70 71 57 - 37 37 70
Sales 91 58 57 23 46 46 91
(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.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 13
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater 1,367 1,122 955 991 1,148 1,148 1,367
Goonyella 1,463 1,375 1,153 1,012 1,535 1,535 1,463
Peak Downs 971 992 788 783 1,029 1,029 971
Saraji 802 900 627 724 773 773 802
Norwich Park 365 369 248 193 - - 365
Gregory Joint Venture 306 248 455 402 697 697 306
BMA total 5,274 5,006 4,226 4,105 5,182 5,182 5,274
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek 1,106 901 1,040 1,034 1,084 1,084 1,106
Poitrel 697 679 609 627 682 682 697
BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,803 1,580 1,649 1,661 1,766 1,766 1,803
Queensland total 7,077 6,586 5,875 5,766 6,948 6,948 7,077
Sales
Coking coal 5,066 4,845 4,522 4,007 4,058 4,058 5,066
Weak coking coal 1,691 1,747 1,595 1,512 1,545 1,545 1,691
Thermal coal 176 20 111 90 239 239 176
Total 6,933 6,612 6,228 5,609 5,842 5,842 6,933
(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 2,214 1,907 1,462 2,343 1,990 1,990 2,214
Sales
Coking coal 1,673 1,255 1,460 1,845 1,775 1,775 1,673
Thermal coal 159 441 219 279 502 502 159
Total 1,832 1,696 1,679 2,124 2,277 2,277 1,832
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 14
PRODUCTION AND SALES REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
SEP DEC MAR JUN SEP SEP SEP
2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production 9,095 7,976 7,895 8,313 8,454 8,454 9,095
Sales
Export 3,439 3,546 3,807 3,314 3,385 3,385 3,439
Local utility 5,622 4,582 4,397 4,571 4,869 4,869 5,622
Inland 85 165 124 74 38 38 85
Total 9,146 8,293 8,328 7,959 8,292 8,292 9,146
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal 1,178 2,060 1,913 1,853 1,804 1,804 1,178
San Juan Coal 1,289 103 196 820 2,067 2,067 1,289
Total 2,467 2,163 2,109 2,673 3,871 3,871 2,467
Sales - local utility 3,630 3,108 3,057 2,773 3,420 3,420 3,630
NSW Energy Coal, Australia
Production 4,046 4,027 4,291 4,393 4,453 4,453 4,046
Sales
Export 3,523 3,566 3,160 4,388 4,488 4,488 3,523
Inland 625 333 297 404 250 250 625
Total 4,148 3,899 3,457 4,792 4,738 4,738 4,148
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production 2,852 2,753 2,953 3,105 2,829 2,829 2,852
Sales - export 2,901 2,784 2,652 2,942 2,630 2,630 2,901
BHP Billiton Production Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012 Page 15
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