Update: Incident at Samarco BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 Registered in England and Wales Share code: BIL ISIN: GB0000566504 NEWS RELEASE Release Time IMMEDIATE Date 13 November 2015 Number 26/15 UPDATE: INCIDENT AT SAMARCO This update provides further information on the incident at the Samarco Mineração S.A (Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil on Thursday, 5 November 2015. Each of BHP Billiton and Vale holds a 50 percent interest in Samarco. Samarco has advised that, at this stage, there are nine fatalities. Samarco has also advised that four people previously unaccounted for have been found and 19 people remain unaccounted for. We offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who have died as a result of this tragic incident. BHP Billiton’s immediate priority is the welfare of the Samarco workforce and the community. The local authorities have advised that through the emergency response, 637 people have been evacuated and temporary accommodation has been provided. Samarco and authorities are providing water and food aid to affected communities. BHP Billiton and Vale have pledged to support Samarco in establishing an emergency fund for community support and rebuilding works. It is our intention to work with the authorities to ensure that this fund is functioning as soon as practicable. Minimising the environmental impact of this incident is also a priority and an Environmental Recovery Plan is to be developed by Samarco with the support of an external expert. At this stage, the tailings extend 440 kilometres downstream and 11 communities have been affected. Samarco has put in place a water monitoring program for the ongoing analysis of the water quality of the Gualaxo do Norte, Carmo and Doce Rivers. Samarco is working with relevant authorities to manage river water quality and ensure availability of potable water. Samarco employees have been put on paid leave and options are being considered by Samarco for managing the workforce longer term. Samarco is continuing to monitor the impacted tailings facilities, including the Germano dam. In conjunction with independent experts, Samarco is developing a plan to reinforce the dam structures and stabilise the area. Samarco operations were immediately stopped following the incident and Samarco’s operating licence has been suspended. The Samarco operations will remain suspended as authorities commence investigations and rectification work plans are developed. Samarco and representatives of BHP Billiton and Vale are meeting with lead insurers in Brazil this week. Further updates will be provided when information becomes available. Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com. Sponsor: Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited Media Relations Investor Relations Australia Australia Emily Perry Tara Dines Tel: +61 3 9609 2800 Mobile: +61 477 325 803 Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 499 249 005 email: Emily.Perry@bhpbilliton.com email: Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com Paul Hitchins Andrew Gunn Tel: + 61 3 9609 2592 Mobile: + 61 419 315 001 Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 402 087 354 email: Paul.Hitchins@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 Jonathan Price Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726 United Kingdom and Americas email: Jonathan.H.Price@bhpbilliton.com Ruban Yogarajah Dean Simon Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022 Tel: +44 20 7802 7461 Mobile: +44 7717 511 193 email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com email: Dean.Simon@bhpbilliton.com Jennifer White Americas Tel: +44 20 7802 7462 Mobile: +44 7827 253 764 email: Jennifer.White@bhpbilliton.com James Agar Tel: +1 212 310 1421 Mobile: +1 347 882 3011 email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com Joseph Suarez Tel: +1 212 310 1422 Mobile: +1 646 400 3803 email: Joseph.Suarez@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: Level 16, 171 Collins Street Registered Office: Neathouse Place Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia London SW1V 1LH 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 Follow us on social media Date: 13/11/2015 07:05:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. 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