Edgar Filing: BHP BILLITON LTD

Form 6-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

January 20, 2011


BHP BILLITON LIMITED		BHP BILLITON PLC
(ABN 49 004 028 077)		(REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)		(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA		ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)		(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA		NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

x Form 20-F ¨ Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

¨ Yes x No

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


		BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc

Date: January 20, 2011	By:	/s/ Jane McAloon
	Name:	Jane McAloon
	Title:	Group Company Secretary

NEWS RELEASE


Release Time		IMMEDIATE
Date		20 January 2011
Number		02/11

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

•

BHP Billiton continues to benefit from its consistent deployment of capital towards high quality growth projects, with three commodities and five businesses recording half yearly production records.

•

Record iron ore production and shipments were achieved for both the half year and quarter. Western Australia Iron Ore shipments rose to an annualised rate of 148 million tonnes per annum in the quarter (100% basis).

•

Other quarterly production records were achieved at Hunter Valley Energy Coal (Australia) and the Alumar refinery (Brazil), while both Olympic Dam (Australia) and Antamina (Peru) reported record milling rates. Record exports from Hunter Valley Energy Coal for the quarter and half year reflected first production from the MAC20 project.

•

Queensland Coal (Australia) production was significantly affected by the persistent rain and flooding that impacted the Bowen Basin during the period. In the December 2010 quarter, Queensland Coal production declined by 30% when compared with the September 2010 quarter, while sales declined by 15%. The decision to increase pumping and drainage capacity following severe wet weather in the March 2008 quarter has minimised inpit water accumulation, although heavy rainfall that persisted for much of the December 2010 half year has significantly restricted overburden removal. When combined with disruption to external infrastructure, we expect an ongoing impact on production, sales and unit costs for the remainder of the 2011 financial year.

•

Permitting delays in the Gulf of Mexico (USA) continue to impact our Petroleum operations, causing the deferral of drilling of high volume production wells. Our current expectation is that production volumes for the 2011 financial year will be in line with the 2010 financial year.

Robust growth in developing economies remains the primary driver of commodity demand and further positive signs are emerging in the United States following the Federal Reserve’s ongoing efforts to stimulate the economy. When coupled with supply side constraint, which has been further exacerbated by weather related disruptions in countries such as Australia, Colombia and South Africa, BHP Billiton remains confident in the fundamentals for its core products.

Petroleum


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids (‘000 bbl)		48,944		23,494		0	%		-1	%		-8	%
Natural Gas (bcf)		188.37		82.54		-1	%		-9	%		-22	%

Total Petroleum Products (million boe)		80.34		37.25		0	%		-4	%		-14	%

Total Petroleum Production – Production was in line with the December 2009 half year as the successful ramp up of Pyrenees (Australia) was offset by the deferral of production well drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and severe flooding in Pakistan. Production was lower than the September 2010 quarter following lower than average seasonal demand in Eastern Australia and planned downtime activities at operated and non-operated facilities.

Our current expectation is that production volumes for the 2011 financial year will be in line with the 2010 financial year.

Crude Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Liquids – Production growth at Pyrenees in the December 2010 half year was offset by the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico and associated permitting delays. There were no weather related impacts in the Gulf of Mexico through the hurricane season.

Natural Gas – Strong LNG production from North West Shelf (Australia) in the December 2010 half year was offset by severe flooding in Pakistan. Quarterly production was lower than comparable periods following a steeper than average decline in seasonal demand in Eastern Australia.

Aluminium


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) (a)		2,025		1,025		14	%		9	%		2	%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes)		628		314		0	%		0	%		0	%

Alumina – Production was higher than all comparable periods due to the ongoing ramp up of the Alumar refinery. Production in the December 2009 half year was impacted by an unplanned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia).

Aluminium – Production across all operations was in line with comparable periods.

Base Metals


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Copper (‘000 tonnes)		593.5		302.3		7	%		11	%		4	%
Lead (tonnes)		134,066		64,925		8	%		3	%		-6	%
Zinc (tonnes)		77,142		36,945		-27	%		-38	%		-8	%
Silver (‘000 ounces)		23,723		11,571		6	%		-1	%		-5	%
Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)		1,967		957		33	%		175	%		-5	%

Copper – Production was higher than all comparable periods and reflected solid performance across all operations, including record milling rates for Olympic Dam and Antamina. Additionally, the Pampa Norte Cerro Colorado (Chile) operation reported record milling rates for the December 2010 half year. The December 2009 quarter was impacted by the Clark Shaft outage at Olympic Dam and industrial action at the Pampa Norte Spence (Chile) operation.

Escondida (Chile) continues to expect production for the 2011 financial year to decline by five to 10 per cent when compared with the 2010 financial year, mainly due to lower ore grades.

At 31 December 2010, the Group had 287,276 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$4.30 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2011 financial year. In addition, 236,584 tonnes of copper sales from the 2010 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31 December 2010 will increase earnings(b) by US$667 million for the period.

Lead/Silver – Cannington (Australia) production was higher than the December 2009 half year with stronger grades more than offsetting lower milling rates due to planned maintenance.

Zinc – Production decreased in the December 2010 quarter as the Antamina mine plan progressed through a copper rich ore zone.

Uranium – Olympic Dam achieved record ore hoisting rates for the December 2010 half year following the successful repair of the Clark Shaft. Lower uranium grades and planned maintenance impacted production during the quarter.

Diamonds & Specialty Products


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Diamonds (‘000 carats)		1,379		676		-10	%		-11	%		-4	%

Diamonds – Production for the December 2010 quarter was lower than both comparable periods due to a decrease in ore processed and lower average grade. Production continues to be influenced by the variability of ore sources due to the mix of open pit and underground mining.

Stainless Steel Materials


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) (c)		81.5		43.0		-3	%		-12	%		12	%

Nickel – Contained nickel production was marginally lower than the December 2009 half year, which included the drawdown of accumulated Nickel West (Australia) concentrate stocks. Metal volumes were impacted by the disruption of hydrogen and nitrogen gas supply at the Nickel West Kwinana refinery (Australia), however this was offset by the increased export of nickel in matte production.

As announced previously, Cerro Matoso (Colombia) production will be impacted for nine months due to the planned replacement of one of its two furnaces, commencing in the second half of the 2011 financial year.

Iron Ore


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Iron Ore (‘000 tonnes)		65,649		33,666		5	%		4	%		5	%

Iron Ore – Record production and shipments were achieved for both the half year and quarter ended December 2010 despite the impact of ongoing tie-in activities related to its growth projects. Western Australia Iron Ore shipments rose to an annualised rate of 148 million tonnes per annum in the quarter (100% basis).

Samarco (Brazil) continued to operate above nameplate capacity during the period, recording strong performance across all three pellet plants.

BHP Billiton remains committed to its long term customer relationships and the transition to shorter term market based pricing.

Manganese


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Manganese Ore (‘000 tonnes)		3,951		1,829		47	%		19	%		-14	%
Manganese Alloy (‘000 tonnes)		391		192		102	%		47	%		-4	%

Manganese Ore – Half year production records were achieved for manganese ore and at GEMCO (Australia), facilitated by a significant improvement in market demand when compared with the December 2009 half year. Production was lower than the September 2010 quarter and reflected safety related downtime at Hotazel (South Africa) and wet weather impacts at GEMCO.

Record sales for the December quarter benefited from inventory that was accumulated in the prior quarter when port maintenance was undertaken at GEMCO.

Manganese Alloy – Production in the December 2010 quarter was broadly in line with the September 2010 quarter. Record manganese alloy sales were also achieved during the quarter.

Metallurgical Coal


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Metallurgical Coal (‘000 tonnes)		18,086		7,787		-1	%		-12	%		-24	%

Metallurgical Coal – Queensland Coal production was significantly affected by the persistent rain and flooding that impacted the Bowen Basin in the December 2010 half year. In the December 2010 quarter, Queensland Coal production declined by 30 per cent when compared with the September 2010 quarter. The decline in Queensland Coal sales, however, was limited to 15 per cent and benefited from the relatively healthy level of inventory that was held across our supply chain at the commencement of the quarter.

BHP Billiton continues to assess the impact of the extreme weather events and confirms that force majeure has been declared for the majority of our Bowen Basin products, including Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, Norwich Park, Gregory Crinum, South Walker and Blackwater.

The decision to increase pumping and drainage capacity following severe wet weather in the March 2008 quarter has minimised inpit water accumulation, although heavy rainfall that persisted for much of the December 2010 half year has significantly restricted overburden removal. When combined with disruption to external infrastructure, we expect an ongoing impact on production, sales and unit costs for the remainder of the 2011 financial year.

Illawarra (Australia) recorded another quarter of robust production. Two longwall moves are expected to constrain volumes in the March 2011 quarter.

Energy Coal


	DEC 2010 HALF		DEC 2010 QTR		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
Energy Coal (‘000 tonnes)		33,619		16,513		0	%		7	%		-3	%

Energy Coal – Production was higher than the December 2009 quarter having benefited from the start up of the MAC20 project at Hunter Valley Energy Coal and the ongoing ramp up of Klipspruit (South Africa). Record rainfall continued to constrain production at Cerrejon Coal (Colombia). Production was lower than the September 2010 quarter and largely reflected an unplanned outage at New Mexico Coal (USA).

Record exports from Hunter Valley Energy Coal for the quarter and half year, which included a greater proportion of high ash sales, reflected first production from the MAC20 project and the ongoing ramp up of the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) port facilities. The increase in sales is occurring as operations are experiencing adverse movements in currency markets, particularly in South Africa and Australia, and additional operating costs ahead of full production from the delivery of growth projects.

(a)	Excluding Suriname which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	Earnings before interest and tax.

(c)	Excluding Yabulu which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton share and exclude suspended and sold operations.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com.


Australia Brendan Harris, Investor Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 4323 Mobile: +61 437 134 814 email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com Leng Lau, Investor Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 706 email: Leng.Y.Lau@bhpbilliton.com Amanda Buckley, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2209 Mobile: +61 419 801 349 email: Amanda.Buckley@bhpbilliton.com Kelly Quirke, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312 email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com Fiona Martin, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908 email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com		United Kingdom & South Africa Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974 email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com United Kingdom & Americas Ruban Yogarajah, Media Relations Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022 email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com Americas Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565 email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com

BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 Registered in Australia Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015		BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 Registered in England and Wales Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111

Members of the BHP Billiton group which is headquartered in Australia

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS


		QUARTER ENDED						HALF YEAR ENDED				% CHANGE
		DEC 2009		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009		DEC H10 vs DEC H09			DEC Q10 vs DEC Q09			DEC Q10 vs SEPT Q10
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate	(‘000 bbl)		20,506		22,087		20,652		42,739		42,154		1	%		1	%		-6	%
Natural gas	(bcf)		91.15		105.83		82.54		188.37		189.32		-1	%		-9	%		-22	%
Natural gas liquid	(‘000 bbl)		3,113		3,363		2,842		6,205		6,798		-9	%		-9	%		-15	%
Total Petroleum Products	(million boe)		38.81		43.09		37.25		80.34		80.51		0	%		-4	%		-14	%

ALUMINIUM
Alumina (a)	(‘000 tonnes)		939		1,000		1,025		2,025		1,780		14	%		9	%		2	%
Aluminium	(‘000 tonnes)		313		314		314		628		626		0	%		0	%		0	%


BASE METALS
Copper	(‘000 tonnes)	271.1	291.2	302.3	593.5	555.0	7	%	11	%	4	%
Lead	(tonnes)	63,073	69,141	64,925	134,066	124,443	8	%	3	%	-6	%
Zinc	(tonnes)	59,835	40,197	36,945	77,142	106,260	-27	%	-38	%	-8	%
Gold	(ounces)	45,041	49,361	51,626	100,987	84,952	19	%	15	%	5	%
Silver	(‘000 ounces)	11,689	12,152	11,571	23,723	22,458	6	%	-1	%	-5	%
Uranium oxide concentrate	(tonnes)	348	1,010	957	1,967	1,478	33	%	175	%	-5	%
Molybdenum	(tonnes)	113	208	485	693	354	96	%	329	%	133	%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds	(‘000 carats)	760	703	676	1,379	1,540	-10	%	-11	%	-4	%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel (b)	(‘000 tonnes)	49.0	38.5	43.0	81.5	84.4	-3	%	-12	%	12	%

IRON ORE
Iron ore	(‘000 tonnes)	32,449	31,983	33,666	65,649	62,555	5	%	4	%	5	%

MANGANESE
Manganese ore	(‘000 tonnes)	1,537	2,122	1,829	3,951	2,693	47	%	19	%	-14	%
Manganese alloy	(‘000 tonnes)	131	199	192	391	194	102	%	47	%	-4	%

METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal	(‘000 tonnes)	8,893	10,299	7,787	18,086	18,297	-1	%	-12	%	-24	%

ENERGY COAL
Energy coal	(‘000 tonnes)	15,460	17,106	16,513	33,619	33,519	0	%	7	%	-3	%

(a)	Excluding Suriname which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)	Excluding Yabulu which was sold effective 31 July 2009.

Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION


				QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	BHP Billiton Interest			DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl)					20,506		19,736		22,497		22,087		20,652		42,739		42,154
Natural gas (bcf)					91.15		88.27		90.98		105.83		82.54		188.37		189.32
NGL (‘000 bbl) (a)					3,113		2,769		3,182		3,363		2,842		6,205		6,798
Total Petroleum Products (million boe)					38.81		37.21		40.84		43.09		37.25		80.34		80.51

ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley		86	%		755		811		779		756		758		1,514		1,464
Suriname (b)		45	%		—		—		—		—		—		—		78
Alumar		36	%		184		210		183		244		267		511		316

Total					939		1,021		962		1,000		1,025		2,025		1,858

ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside		100	%		180		174		177		180		179		359		359
Bayside		100	%		25		24		24		24		25		49		50
Alumar		40	%		43		44		43		44		43		87		87
Mozal		47	%		65		64		65		66		67		133		130

Total					313		306		309		314		314		628		626


BASE METALS (c)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida	57.5	%	130.6	101.5	113.2	110.7	112.7	223.4	233.4
Antamina	33.8	%	26.6	22.4	25.3	23.2	27.2	50.4	50.9

Total			157.2	123.9	138.5	133.9	139.9	273.8	284.3

Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida	57.5	%	45.9	36.2	44.2	45.0	47.1	92.1	93.8
Pampa Norte (d)	100	%	40.4	65.2	69.6	66.4	66.0	132.4	110.0
Pinto Valley	100	%	1.5	1.6	1.5	1.4	1.5	2.9	3.1
Olympic Dam	100	%	26.1	2.2	37.3	44.5	47.8	92.3	63.8

Total			113.9	105.2	152.6	157.3	162.4	319.7	270.7

LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington	100	%	61,701	60,577	62,288	68,529	64,748	133,277	122,580
Antamina	33.8	%	1,372	550	628	612	177	789	1,863

Total			63,073	61,127	62,916	69,141	64,925	134,066	124,443

ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington	100	%	18,324	15,257	13,935	15,260	14,920	30,180	33,514
Antamina	33.8	%	41,511	31,340	31,487	24,937	22,025	46,962	72,746

Total			59,835	46,597	45,422	40,197	36,945	77,142	106,260

Refer footnotes on page 4.
BASE METALS (continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida	57.5	%	20,924	20,010	21,586	24,807	23,133	47,940	34,829
Olympic Dam (refined gold)	100	%	24,117	1,652	13,719	24,554	28,493	53,047	50,123

Total			45,041	21,662	35,305	49,361	51,626	100,987	84,952

SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida	57.5	%	825	794	743	803	796	1,599	1,337
Antamina	33.8	%	1,360	1,079	1,234	989	1,025	2,014	2,399
Cannington	100	%	9,334	9,605	9,324	10,159	9,509	19,668	18,347
Olympic Dam (refined silver)	100	%	170	13	112	201	241	442	375

Total			11,689	11,491	11,413	12,152	11,571	23,723	22,458

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam	100	%	348	89	712	1,010	957	1,967	1,478

Total			348	89	712	1,010	957	1,967	1,478

MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina	33.8	%	113	190	269	208	485	693	354

Total			113	190	269	208	485	693	354

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
Ekati™	80	%	760	770	740	703	676	1,379	1,540


STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA	99.9	%	13.0	11.6	13.0	12.4	12.4	24.8	25.0
Yabulu (e)	100	%	—	—	—	—	—	—	2.8
Nickel West	100	%	36.0	31.7	32.7	26.1	30.6	56.7	59.4

Total			49.0	43.3	45.7	38.5	43.0	81.5	87.2

Refer footnotes on page 4.
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (f)
Newman (g)	85	%	8,174	7,896	8,478	9,640	11,213	20,853	15,723
Goldsworthy Joint Venture	85	%	417	421	422	384	225	609	845
Area C Joint Venture	85	%	10,207	9,524	9,767	10,086	10,154	20,240	19,396
Yandi Joint Venture	85	%	10,885	10,549	9,768	8,787	9,078	17,865	21,079
Samarco	50	%	2,766	2,774	2,808	3,086	2,996	6,082	5,512

Total			32,449	31,164	31,243	31,983	33,666	65,649	62,555

MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (h)	60	%	664	781	845	938	779	1,717	1,092
Australia (h)	60	%	873	929	876	1,184	1,050	2,234	1,601

Total			1,537	1,710	1,721	2,122	1,829	3,951	2,693

MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (h) (i)	60	%	76	106	152	132	123	255	106
Australia (h)	60	%	55	65	66	67	69	136	88

Total			131	171	218	199	192	391	194

METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (j)
BMA	50	%	5,609	5,871	7,101	6,538	4,534	11,072	11,431
BHP Mitsui Coal (k)	80	%	1,829	1,251	1,766	1,913	1,421	3,334	3,426
Illawarra	100	%	1,455	1,035	2,060	1,848	1,832	3,680	3,440

Total			8,893	8,157	10,927	10,299	7,787	18,086	18,297

ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa	100	%	7,382	7,741	7,237	8,997	8,507	17,504	15,481
USA	100	%	2,978	2,925	3,413	3,177	2,296	5,473	7,140
Australia	100	%	2,887	3,177	2,802	2,506	3,394	5,900	6,060
Colombia	33	%	2,213	2,499	2,818	2,426	2,316	4,742	4,838

Total			15,460	16,342	16,270	17,106	16,513	33,619	33,519

(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)

Suriname was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(c)

Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(d)

Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

(e)

Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(f)

Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(g)

Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

(h)

Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.

(i)

Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

(j)

Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

(k)

Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT


	QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		3,031		2,779		2,886		2,711		2,553		5,264		6,532
North West Shelf		2,362		2,328		1,977		2,237		2,188		4,425		4,667
Stybarrow		979		433		784		551		358		909		2,307
Pyrenees (a)		—		1,530		5,071		5,516		5,362		10,878		—
Other Australia (b)		46		15		13		15		10		25		218
Atlantis (c)		4,301		3,792		3,221		3,038		2,881		5,919		8,931
Mad Dog (c)		906		1,219		1,120		1,075		874		1,949		2,174
Shenzi (c) (d)		5,528		4,421		4,416		3,916		3,859		7,775		10,529
Trinidad /Tobago		398		407		349		285		—		285		843
Other Americas (c) (e)		453		403		370		359		430		789		926
UK		677		767		615		611		479		1,090		1,306
Algeria		1,717		1,543		1,587		1,686		1,587		3,273		3,510
Pakistan		108		99		88		87		71		158		211

Total		20,506		19,736		22,497		22,087		20,652		42,739		42,154

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait		24.20		18.81		30.02		38.81		20.94		59.75		55.51
North West Shelf		33.98		35.34		31.24		36.49		36.47		72.96		66.84
Other Australia (b)		5.47		5.60		4.99		6.00		3.83		9.83		11.30
Atlantis (c)		1.55		1.70		0.47		1.33		1.07		2.40		3.84
Mad Dog (c)		0.14		0.29		0.12		0.25		0.06		0.31		0.44
Shenzi (c) (d)		1.21		1.07		1.27		0.75		0.77		1.52		2.63
Other Americas (c) (e)		1.46		1.32		1.45		1.40		1.32		2.72		3.08
UK		5.08		7.36		6.03		6.31		6.14		12.45		10.28
Pakistan		18.06		16.78		15.39		14.49		11.94		26.43		35.40

Total		91.15		88.27		90.98		105.83		82.54		188.37		189.32

NGL (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait		1,572		1,376		1,817		2,030		1,412		3,442		3,652
North West Shelf		464		478		425		471		442		913		902
Atlantis (c)		290		227		212		188		177		365		563
Mad Dog (c)		40		45		47		42		42		84		89
Shenzi (c) (d)		351		275		265		196		336		532		640
Other Americas (c) (e)		45		43		41		42		54		96		99
UK		—		49		90		60		74		134		51
Algeria		351		276		285		334		305		639		802

Total		3,113		2,769		3,182		3,363		2,842		6,205		6,798

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)		38.81		37.21		40.84		43.09		37.25		80.34		80.51

(a)

Pyrenees achieved first production on 1 March 2010.

(b)

Other Australia includes Griffin and Minerva. Griffin ceased production on 23 October 2009.

(c)

Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.

(d)

The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.

(e)

Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Mustang, Genesis and Starlifter.

(f)

Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT


	QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia		755		811		779		756		758		1,514		1,464
Paranam, Suriname (a)		—		—		—		—		—		—		78
Alumar, Brazil		184		210		183		244		267		511		316

Total		939		1,021		962		1,000		1,025		2,025		1,858

Sales
Worsley, Australia		773		735		822		767		735		1,502		1,489
Paranam, Suriname (a)		—		—		—		—		—		—		74
Alumar, Brazil		180		218		175		239		271		510		334

Total (b)		953		953		997		1,006		1,006		2,012		1,897

ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa		180		174		177		180		179		359		359
Bayside, South Africa		25		24		24		24		25		49		50
Alumar, Brazil		43		44		43		44		43		87		87
Mozal, Mozambique		65		64		65		66		67		133		130

Total		313		306		309		314		314		628		626

Sales
Hillside, South Africa		203		172		169		148		160		308		350
Bayside, South Africa		27		25		32		29		31		60		53
Alumar, Brazil		45		43		48		44		43		87		89
Mozal, Mozambique		56		58		78		55		76		131		123

Total		331		298		327		276		310		586		615

Tolling Agreement (b)		—		—		—		—		—		—		15

		331		298		327		276		310		586		630

(a)

Suriname was sold effective 31 July 2009.

(b)

Equity Alumina from Suriname was converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages were allocated to equity sales. This Aluminium is now treated as third party product following the sale of Suriname.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT


		QUARTER ENDED															HALF YEAR ENDED
		DEC 2009			MAR 2010			JUNE 2010			SEPT 2010			DEC 2010			DEC 2010			DEC 2009
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)		101,976			103,216			109,098			103,841			98,167			202,008			204,328
Sulphide ore milled (100%)	(‘000 tonnes)		20,246			17,697			17,711			19,697			18,789			38,486			36,470
Average copper grade	(%)		1.38	%		1.29	%		1.40	%		1.24	%		1.26	%		1.25	%		1.39	%
Production ex Mill (100%)	(‘000 tonnes)		233.0			189.6			205.3			197.7			194.6			392.3			421.4
Production
Payable copper	(‘000 tonnes)		130.6			101.5			113.2			110.7			112.7			223.4			233.4


Payable gold concentrate	(fine ounces)	20,924		20,010		21,586		24,807		23,133		47,940		34,829
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	45.9		36.2		44.2		45.0		47.1		92.1		93.8
Payable silver concentrate	(‘000 ounces)	825		794		743		803		796		1,599		1,337
Sales
Payable copper	(‘000 tonnes)	144.3		100.4		106.4		114.8		113.9		228.7		233.2
Payable gold concentrate	(fine ounces)	23,031		20,390		20,604		25,661		23,357		49,018		35,022
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	51.1		40.3		45.0		40.0		46.1		86.1		91.8
Payable silver concentrate	(‘000 ounces)	910		786		714		831		804		1,635		1,351
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined	(‘000 tonnes)	16,586		14,513		15,828		15,644		18,290		33,934		33,605
Ore milled	(‘000 tonnes)	4,314		4,367		4,707		4,584		4,631		9,215		8,072
Average copper grade	(%)	0.77	%	0.72	%	0.67	%	0.73	%	0.76	%	0.75	%	0.78	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	21.6		20.2		24.8		21.7		22.4		44.1		40.2
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	21.2		20.7		22.4		21.4		24.7		46.1		39.5
Spence
Material mined	(‘000 tonnes)	3,800		18,739		19,191		17,148		18,389		35,537		22,911
Ore milled	(‘000 tonnes)	1,190		4,917		4,389		4,427		4,567		8,994		5,860
Average copper grade	(%)	1.22	%	1.34	%	1.29	%	1.22	%	1.22	%	1.22	%	1.48	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	18.8		45.0		44.8		44.7		43.6		88.3		69.8
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	32.7		40.3		49.5		37.0		48.2		85.2		74.9
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%)	(‘000 tonnes)	29,485		26,705		30,014		30,599		32,722		63,321		57,056
Sulphide ore milled (100%)	(‘000 tonnes)	8,962		8,791		9,328		9,041		9,347		18,388		17,283
Average head grades
- Copper	(%)	1.15	%	1.02	%	0.99	%	0.93	%	1.06	%	1.00	%	1.13	%
- Zinc	(%)	2.04	%	1.59	%	1.53	%	1.35	%	1.11	%	1.23	%	1.85	%
Production
Payable copper	(‘000 tonnes)	26.6		22.4		25.3		23.2		27.2		50.4		50.9
Payable zinc	(tonnes)	41,511		31,340		31,487		24,937		22,025		46,962		72,746
Payable silver	(‘000 ounces)	1,360		1,079		1,234		989		1,025		2,014		2,399
Payable lead	(tonnes)	1,372		550		628		612		177		789		1,863
Payable molybdenum	(tonnes)	113		190		269		208		485		693		354
Sales
Payable copper	(‘000 tonnes)	26.6		20.3		24.3		27.7		21.8		49.5		52.2
Payable zinc	(tonnes)	40,280		33,030		34,643		23,937		24,912		48,849		70,913
Payable silver	(‘000 ounces)	1,135		965		893		1,242		882		2,124		2,214
Payable lead	(tonnes)	703		830		431		748		503		1,251		2,410
Payable molybdenum	(tonnes)	107		148		203		438		292		730		371
Cannington, Australia
Material mined	(‘000 tonnes)	839		714		837		742		824		1,566		1,679
Ore milled	(‘000 tonnes)	859		708		776		831		760		1,591		1,657
Average head grades
- Silver	(g/t)	405		494		441		447		459		453		411
- Lead	(%)	8.5	%	10.0	%	9.4	%	9.6	%	9.9	%	9.7	%	8.7	%
- Zinc (%)		3.4	%	3.5	%	3.1	%	3.0	%	3.3	%	3.1	%	3.3	%


Production
Payable silver	(‘000 ounces)	9,334		9,605		9,324		10,159		9,509		19,668		18,347
Payable lead	(tonnes)	61,701		60,577		62,288		68,529		64,748		133,277		122,580
Payable zinc	(tonnes)	18,324		15,257		13,935		15,260		14,920		30,180		33,514
Sales
Payable silver	(‘000 ounces)	9,652		8,268		11,280		9,219		9,973		19,192		17,630
Payable lead	(tonnes)	66,088		51,745		74,341		63,091		67,815		130,906		119,866
Payable zinc	(tonnes)	19,766		18,243		16,029		12,477		16,621		29,098		30,463
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a)	(‘000 tonnes)	734		689		1,363		2,710		2,513		5,223		3,213
Ore milled	(‘000 tonnes)	717		234		1,685		2,505		2,622		5,127		3,170
Average copper grade	(%)	1.99	%	2.33	%	1.94	%	1.91	%	1.78	%	1.84	%	1.77	%
Average uranium grade	kg/t	0.58		0.57		0.58		0.54		0.50		0.52		0.58
Production
Copper cathode (ER)	(‘000 tonnes)	25.0		1.9		34.9		41.6		45.0		86.6		59.5
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	1.1		0.3		2.4		2.9		2.8		5.7		4.3
Uranium oxide concentrate	(tonnes)	348		89		712		1,010		957		1,967		1,478
Refined gold	(fine ounces)	24,117		1,652		13,719		24,554		28,493		53,047		50,123
Refined silver	(‘000 ounces)	170		13		112		201		241		442		375
Sales
Copper cathode (ER)	(‘000 tonnes)	23.7		6.1		29.3		42.2		45.3		87.5		59.8
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	1.5		0.7		1.5		2.8		2.9		5.7		4.7
Uranium oxide concentrate	(tonnes)	1,540		182		122		751		1,121		1,872		2,077
Refined gold	(fine ounces)	22,666		5,980		10,811		18,914		29,757		48,671		47,719
Refined silver	(‘000 ounces)	198		46		49		201		150		351		371
(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	1.5		1.6		1.5		1.4		1.5		2.9		3.1
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)	(‘000 tonnes)	1.6		1.1		1.5		1.8		1.0		2.8		2.9

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

HALF YEAR ENDED

DEC
2009

MAR
2010

JUNE
2010

SEPT
2010

DEC
2010

DEC
2009

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

Ekati™, Canada

Ore Processed (100%)

(‘000 tonnes)

1,216

1,256

1,235

1,196

1,162

2,358

2,439

Production

(‘000 carats)

760

770

740

703

676

1,379

1,540

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT


	QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production		13.0		11.6		13.0		12.4		12.4		24.8		25.0
Sales		11.4		13.4		12.5		12.0		12.8		24.8		22.8
Yabulu, Australia (a)
Production
Nickel metal		—		—		—		—		—		—		2.8
Cobalt		—		—		—		—		—		—		0.1
Sales
Nickel metal		—		—		—		—		—		—		2.2
Cobalt		—		—		—		—		—		—		0.1
(a) Yabulu was sold effective 31 July 2009.
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate		5.3		7.1		6.1		0.9		1.7		2.6		9.4
Nickel contained in finished matte		13.0		10.6		15.7		13.6		21.8		35.4		18.0
Nickel metal		17.7		14.0		10.9		11.6		7.1		18.7		32.0

Nickel production		36.0		31.7		32.7		26.1		30.6		56.7		59.4

Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate		5.2		7.0		6.3		1.6		0.8		2.4		9.1
Nickel contained in finished matte		11.8		10.8		15.2		14.6		19.9		34.5		15.5
Nickel metal		17.5		14.9		9.2		12.2		9.6		21.8		31.6

Nickel sales		34.5		32.7		30.7		28.4		30.3		58.7		56.2


PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

	QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (b)		8,174		7,896		8,478		9,640		11,213		20,853		15,723
Goldsworthy Joint Venture		417		421		422		384		225		609		845
Area C Joint Venture		10,207		9,524		9,767		10,086		10,154		20,240		19,396
Yandi Joint Venture		10,885		10,549		9,768		8,787		9,078		17,865		21,079

Total (BHP Billiton share)		29,683		28,390		28,435		28,897		30,670		59,567		57,043

Total production (100%)		34,921		33,400		33,452		33,996		36,082		70,078		67,109
Shipments
Lump		8,141		8,071		7,135		7,822		7,830		15,652		15,980
Fines		20,787		19,974		21,512		21,049		23,870		44,919		40,719

Total (BHP Billiton share)		28,928		28,045		28,647		28,871		31,700		60,571		56,699
Total sales (100%)		34,033		32,994		33,703		33,966		37,294		71,260		66,705
(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		2,766		2,774		2,808		3,086		2,996		6,082		5,512
Shipments		2,933		2,594		2,591		2,634		3,460		6,094		6,009

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT


	QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production		664		781		845		938		779		1,717		1,092
Sales		751		741		929		657		947		1,604		1,463
Australia (a)
Saleable production		873		929		876		1,184		1,050		2,234		1,601
Sales		985		835		974		552		1,173		1,725		1,823
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production		76		106		152		132		123		255		106
Sales		66		77		101		95		153		248		167
Australia (a)
Saleable production		55		65		66		67		69		136		88
Sales		68		54		75		53		68		121		128

(a)

Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.

(b)

Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.


PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

	QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater		1,500		1,254		1,627		1,458		1,134		2,592		2,852
Goonyella		1,548		1,667		1,946		1,863		1,086		2,949		3,055
Peak Downs		817		1,030		1,298		1,117		984		2,101		2,004
Saraji		726		965		932		872		819		1,691		1,505
Norwich Park		575		375		528		468		73		541		967
Gregory Joint Venture		443		580		770		760		438		1,198		1,048

BMA total		5,609		5,871		7,101		6,538		4,534		11,072		11,431

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek		1,063		697		1,028		1,056		765		1,821		1,884
Poitrel		766		554		738		857		656		1,513		1,542

BHP Mitsui Coal total		1,829		1,251		1,766		1,913		1,421		3,334		3,426

Queensland total		7,438		7,122		8,867		8,451		5,955		14,406		14,857

Shipments
Coking coal		5,935		4,836		7,268		6,641		5,243		11,884		11,660
Weak coking coal		1,778		1,356		2,109		1,653		1,886		3,539		3,391
Thermal coal		204		385		339		368		206		574		657
Total		7,917		6,577		9,716		8,662		7,335		15,997		15,708

(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		1,455		1,035		2,060		1,848		1,832		3,680		3,440
Shipments
Coking coal		1,408		980		1,652		1,388		1,495		2,883		3,505
Thermal coal		250		109		213		362		536		898		409

Total		1,658		1,089		1,865		1,750		2,031		3,781		3,914


PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
	QUARTER ENDED										HALF YEAR ENDED
	DEC 2009		MAR 2010		JUNE 2010		SEPT 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2010		DEC 2009
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production		7,382		7,741		7,237		8,997		8,507		17,504		15,481
Sales
Export		2,849		2,856		2,449		3,047		3,365		6,412		5,226
Local utility		4,687		4,263		4,351		5,667		5,024		10,691		10,065
Inland		49		56		47		110		96		206		95

Total		7,585		7,175		6,847		8,824		8,485		17,309		15,386

New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal		1,785		1,873		1,640		1,754		1,818		3,572		3,952
San Juan Coal		1,193		1,052		1,773		1,423		478		1,901		3,188

Total		2,978		2,925		3,413		3,177		2,296		5,473		7,140

Sales - local utility		3,660		2,555		3,005		3,361		3,339		6,700		7,264

Hunter Valley, Australia
Production		2,887		3,177		2,802		2,506		3,394		5,900		6,060
Sales
Export		2,959		2,263		2,524		2,626		3,253		5,879		4,725
Inland		382		601		474		404		180		584		1,001

Total		3,341		2,864		2,998		3,030		3,433		6,463		5,726

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production		2,213		2,499		2,818		2,426		2,316		4,742		4,838
Sales - export		2,745		2,419		2,601		2,776		2,672		5,448		5,080