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
July 18, 2012
| 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
NEWS RELEASE
Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 18 July 2012
Number 15/12
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012
Robust operating performance in a challenging environment with annual production records achieved across ten operations.
Twelfth consecutive annual production record in iron ore as Western Australia Iron Ore shipments rose to an annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June 2012 quarter (100% basis).
Record annual metallurgical coal production achieved at Illawarra Coal. Queensland Coal production remained constrained as a result of industrial action and heavy rainfall.
The successful integration and further development of our Onshore US shale liquids and gas assets contributed to a 40% increase in petroleum production in the 2012 financial year.
An 11% increase in copper production in the June 2012 quarter established strong momentum in our Base Metals business.
Petroleum
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (‘000 boe) 85,286 19,484 -7% -8% -10%
Natural gas (bcf) 822.26 221.25 103% 68% 6%
Total petroleum products (million boe) 222.34 56.36 40% 30% 0%
Total petroleum production – The successful integration and further development of our Onshore US shale liquids and gas assets contributed to a 40 per cent increase in petroleum production in the 2012 financial year. Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Lower liquids production for the 2012 financial year reflected downtime at our non-operated facilities in the Gulf of Mexico (USA) and natural field decline, particularly at Pyrenees (Australia). Mad Dog (USA) was offline for the full financial year while Atlantis (USA) was shut-in for an extended period of scheduled maintenance during the June 2012 quarter. Weather related downtime in the Gulf of Mexico also contributed to lower production in the period.
Onshore US liquids production increased by 10 per cent to 3.8 million barrels in the June 2012 quarter. Over 80 per cent of our Onshore US drilling activity was focused on the liquids rich Eagle Ford shale and Permian Basin at the end of the period.
Our conventional business will benefit from the recommencement of production at Mad Dog and Atlantis in the September 2012 quarter.
Natural gas – Strong performance at Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) and the successful integration of our Onshore US business led to higher natural gas production in the 2012 financial year.
Aluminium
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Alumina (‘000 tonnes) 4,152 1,039 4% 1% -1%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes) 1,153 248 -7% -21% -10%
Alumina – Record annual production at the Alumar refinery (Brazil) contributed to a four per cent increase in total alumina production in the 2012 financial year. Production at Worsley (Australia) is expected to increase during the 2013 financial year as the Efficiency & Growth project ramps up towards full capacity.
Aluminium – Production was lower than all comparable periods as potline capacity at Hillside (South Africa) remained curtailed following a major unplanned outage in the March 2012 quarter. Operations are expected to progressively return to full technical capacity during the 2013 financial year.
Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium business continues to be challenged by weaker prices and underlying cost pressure.
Base Metals
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Copper (‘000 tonnes) 1,094.5 312.5 -4% 15% 11%
Lead (tonnes) 239,878 63,667 -2% 9% 19%
Zinc (tonnes) 112,217 30,748 -26% -11% 3%
Silver (‘000 ounces) 41,308 11,539 -3% 17% 19%
Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) 3,885 1,080 -4% 6% 21%
Copper – An 11 per cent increase in copper production in the June 2012 quarter established strong momentum in our Base Metals business. At Escondida (Chile), production increased by 22 per cent as mining activities progressed towards higher grade ore, consistent with the mine plan. This strong performance was also supported by quarterly and annual material mined, mill throughput and copper production records at Antamina (Peru) following the successful commissioning of the expansion project.
Escondida copper production is forecast to increase by approximately 20 per cent in the 2013 financial year. Successful completion of both the Escondida Ore Access and Laguna Seca debottlenecking projects will facilitate a rise in Escondida copper production to over 1.3 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in the 2015 financial year. At 30 June 2012 the Group had 278,547 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.49 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined in the 2013 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in 2012. This finalisation adjustment and the provisional pricing impact as at 30 June 2012 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$265 million in the 2012 financial year (2011 financial year: US$650 million gain). Lead/silver – Production for the 2012 financial year was in line with the prior period.
Zinc – Production at Antamina declined during the 2012 financial year as mining progressed through a copper-rich ore zone.
Uranium – Production for the 2012 financial year was broadly in line with the prior period.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 2
Diamonds & Specialty Products
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Diamonds (‘000 carats) 1,784 413 -29% -28% -5%
Diamonds – Production was lower than all comparable periods, as expected. EKATI (Canada) production is forecast to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.
BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business during the December 2011 quarter and this process is ongoing. The sale of BHP Billiton’s 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto is progressing and remains subject to final regulatory approvals.
Stainless Steel Materials
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Nickel (‘000 tonnes) 157.9 42.7 3% 12% 2%
Nickel – The successful replacement of the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) in the September 2011 quarter led to a modest increase in annual nickel production.
The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project and Kwinana hydrogen plant (Australia) were both commissioned in the 2012 financial year. However, despite improved refinery performance, a strong Australian dollar and weak nickel price continued to place pressure on Nickel West operating margins.
Iron Ore
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes) 159,478 40,891 19% 15% 8%
Iron ore – BHP Billiton’s commitment to invest throughout the economic cycle delivered a twelfth consecutive annual production record in iron ore. Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) shipments rose to a record annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June 2012 quarter (100 per cent 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 contributed to the record result. WAIO production in the 2013 financial year is forecast to increase by approximately five per cent from the 2012 financial year.
Samarco’s (Brazil) three pellet plants continued to operate at capacity during the period.
Manganese
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes) 7,931 2,066 12% 15% 1%
Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes) 602 75 -20% -61% -46%
Manganese ore – Consistently strong operating performance and improved plant availability at both GEMCO (Australia) and Hotazel (South Africa) underpinned annual production and sales records in the 2012 financial year.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 3
Manganese alloy – The termination of energy intensive silica manganese production at Metalloys (South Africa) and the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO (Australia) resulted in substantially lower alloy production in the 2012 financial year. TEMCO is expected to return to full capacity towards the end of the September 2012 quarter.
Metallurgical Coal
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes) 33,230 8,109 2% 2% 11%
Metallurgical coal – A modest increase in metallurgical coal production was achieved in the 2012 financial year despite numerous operating challenges. Record annual production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) followed successful commissioning of the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant upgrade project. A longwall move at the Appin mine is expected to have a minor impact on production in the September 2012 quarter.
Queensland Coal (Australia) production remained constrained during the June 2012 quarter largely as a result of industrial action. This disruption to production and sales has led to significant margin compression for our leading Queensland Coal business. BHP Billiton also announced the indefinite closure of the Norwich Park mine (Australia) during the June 2012 quarter following a review of the mine’s profitability.
In July 2012, force majeure was lifted across all BMA sites. In addition, BMA and the unions reached a framework agreement that should guide the finalisation of the BMA Enterprise Agreement. Further work is underway to finalise local mine site details.
Energy Coal
JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
2012 2012 vs vs vs
YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
Energy coal (‘000 tonnes) 71,111 18,484 2% 1% 7%
Energy coal – Volumes were higher than all comparable periods with annual and quarterly production records achieved at two of BHP Billiton’s export orientated operations, Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) and New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia). Longwall mining activity resumed at San Juan Coal (USA) during the June 2012 quarter. The RX1 Project at New South Wales Energy Coal delivered first production during the June 2012 quarter, significantly ahead of schedule. This project capitalises on strong demand for high ash coal in our key growth markets.
Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton’s share and exclude suspended and sold operations.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 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
Kelly Quirke Andrew Gunn
Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312 Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454
email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com
Fiona Martin United Kingdom and South Africa
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908
email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com Brendan Harris
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726
United Kingdom email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah Tara Dines
Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022 Tel: +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile: +44 7825 342 232
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com Email: Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com
Deirdra McCracken Americas
Tel: +44 20 7802 7462 Mobile: +44 7827 253 764
Email: Deirdra.S.McCracken@bhpbilliton.com Scott Espenshade
Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
Americas email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
Jaryl Strong
Tel: +1 713 499 5548 Mobile: +1 281 222 6627
email: Jaryl.Strong@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
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 5
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY—CONTINUING OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE% CHANGE
JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12
JUN MAR JUN JUN JUN vs vs vs
2011 2012 2012 2012 2011 JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate(‘000 bbl) 18,652 18,127 15,726 71,201 80,591 -12% -16% -13%
Natural gas(bcf) 131.79 209.17 221.25 822.26 405.06 103% 68% 6%
NGL(‘000 boe) 2,636 3,609 3,758 14,085 11,283 25% 43% 4%
Total petroleum products(million boe) 43.25 56.60 56.36 222.34 159.38 40% 30% 0%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina(‘000 tonnes) 1,026 1,052 1,039 4,152 4,010 4% 1% -1%
Aluminium(‘000 tonnes) 313 277 248 1,153 1,246 -7% -21% -10%
BASE METALS
Copper(‘000 tonnes) 272.3 281.4 312.5 1,094.5 1,139.4 -4% 15% 11%
Lead(tonnes) 58,578 53,560 63,667 239,878 244,554 -2% 9% 19%
Zinc(tonnes) 34,733 29,727 30,748 112,217 152,127 -26% -11% 3%
Gold(ounces) 45,545 44,684 40,569 168,699 196,091 -14% -11% -9%
Silver(‘000 ounces) 9,877 9,715 11,539 41,308 42,656 -3% 17% 19%
Uranium oxide concentrate(tonnes) 1,015 896 1,080 3,885 4,045 -4% 6% 21%
Molybdenum(tonnes) 418 521 464 2,346 1,445 62% 11% -11%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds(‘000 carats) 576 433 413 1,784 2,506 -29% -28% -5%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel(‘000 tonnes) 38.2 41.7 42.7 157.9 152.7 3% 12% 2%
IRON ORE
Iron ore(‘000 tonnes) 35,526 37,943 40,891 159,478 134,406 19% 15% 8%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore(‘000 tonnes) 1,790 2,040 2,066 7,931 7,093 12% 15% 1%
Manganese alloy(‘000 tonnes) 190 138 75 602 753 -20% -61% -46%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal(‘000 tonnes) 7,922 7,337 8,109 33,230 32,678 2% 2% 11%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal(‘000 tonnes) 18,338 17,248 18,484 71,111 69,500 2% 1% 7%
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 1
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
Interest 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl) 18,652 18,482 18,866 18,127 15,726 71,201 80,591
Natural gas (bcf) 131.79 177.35 214.49 209.17 221.25 822.26 405.06
NGL (‘000 boe) (a) 2,636 3,356 3,362 3,609 3,758 14,085 11,283
Total petroleum products (million boe) 43.25 51.40 57.98 56.60 56.36 222.34 159.38
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley 86% 725 752 694 741 730 2,917 2,902
Alumar 36% 301 308 307 311 309 1,235 1,108
Total 1,026 1,060 1,001 1,052 1,039 4,152 4,010
ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside 100% 179 180 180 144 117 621 711
Bayside 100% 24 25 24 26 23 98 97
Alumar 40% 43 44 42 42 42 170 174
Mozal 47% 67 66 67 65 66 264 264
Total 313 315 313 277 248 1,153 1,246
BASE METALS (b)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 79.4 49.9 80.4 87.7 115.8 333.8 390.5
Antamina 33.8% 22.5 30.3 30.9 30.9 34.9 127.0 97.8
Total 101.9 80.2 111.3 118.6 150.7 460.8 488.3
Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida 57.5% 42.6 32.9 43.0 47.4 48.7 172.0 179.1
Pampa Norte (c) 100% 75.7 65.4 70.0 66.2 62.1 263.7 272.2
Pinto Valley 100% 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 5.4 5.7
Olympic Dam 100% 50.7 40.4 54.6 47.8 49.8 192.6 194.1
Total 170.4 140.1 169.0 162.8 161.8 633.7 651.1
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 58,414 55,557 66,787 53,412 63,334 239,090 243,364
Antamina 33.8% 164 102 205 148 333 788 1,190
Total 58,578 55,659 66,992 53,560 63,667 239,878 244,554
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 14,348 14,488 14,745 12,904 12,540 54,677 60,657
Antamina 33.8% 20,385 8,956 13,553 16,823 18,208 57,540 91,470
Total 34,733 23,444 28,298 29,727 30,748 112,217 152,127
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 2
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
Interest 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
BASE METALS (continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 17,116 11,063 14,242 12,732 12,817 50,854 84,723
Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100% 28,429 28,376 29,765 31,952 27,752 117,845 111,368
Total 45,545 39,439 44,007 44,684 40,569 168,699 196,091
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida 57.5% 580 403 549 481 488 1,921 2,849
Antamina 33.8% 773 972 1,087 1,170 1,043 4,272 3,600
Cannington 100% 8,242 7,559 9,056 7,836 9,757 34,208 35,225
Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100% 282 217 211 228 251 907 982
Total 9,877 9,151 10,903 9,715 11,539 41,308 42,656
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam 100% 1,015 1,000 909 896 1,080 3,885 4,045
Total 1,015 1,000 909 896 1,080 3,885 4,045
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina 33.8% 418 595 766 521 464 2,346 1,445
Total 418 595 766 521 464 2,346 1,445
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
EKATI™ 80% 576 457 481 433 413 1,784 2,506
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA 99.9% 7.4 10.4 12.3 13.4 12.8 48.9 40.0
Nickel West 100% 30.8 24.7 26.1 28.3 29.9 109.0 112.7
Total 38.2 35.1 38.4 41.7 42.7 157.9 152.7
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 3
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
BHP Billiton JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
Interest 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
Newman (e) 85% 12,480 13,158 13,247 11,789 13,132 51,326 45,245
Goldsworthy Joint Venture 85% 284 254 334 37 143 768 1,198
Area C Joint Venture 85% 10,044 10,479 10,437 10,343 11,166 42,425 39,794
Yandi Joint Venture 85% 9,796 12,708 14,170 13,063 13,595 53,536 36,460
Samarco 50% 2,922 2,973 2,884 2,711 2,855 11,423 11,709
Total 35,526 39,572 41,072 37,943 40,891 159,478 134,406
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) 44.4% 776 911 808 917 989 3,625 3,007
Australia (f) 60% 1,014 1,108 998 1,123 1,077 4,306 4,086
Total 1,790 2,019 1,806 2,040 2,066 7,931 7,093
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) (g) 60% 120 124 124 81 75 404 486
Australia (f) 60% 70 70 71 57—198 267
Total 190 194 195 138 75 602 753
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (h)
BMA 50% 4,874 5,274 5,006 4,226 4,105 18,611 19,901
BHP Mitsui Coal (i) 80% 1,426 1,803 1,580 1,649 1,661 6,693 5,893
Illawarra 100% 1,622 2,214 1,907 1,462 2,343 7,926 6,884
Total 7,922 9,291 8,493 7,337 8,109 33,230 32,678
ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa 100% 8,228 9,095 7,976 7,895 8,313 33,279 34,328
USA 100% 3,779 2,467 2,163 2,109 2,673 9,412 11,612
Australia 100% 3,793 4,046 4,027 4,291 4,393 16,757 13,671
Colombia 33% 2,538 2,852 2,753 2,953 3,105 11,663 9,889
Total 18,338 18,460 16,919 17,248 18,484 71,111 69,500
(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 year ended 30 June 2012 Page 4
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait 2,485 2,527 2,190 2,285 2,357 9,359 10,214
North West Shelf 1,442 1,400 1,686 1,671 1,587 6,344 7,586
Stybarrow 1,037 1,171 836 618 635 3,260 2,808
Pyrenees 4,584 3,901 3,207 2,540 2,482 12,130 19,788
Other Australia (a) 13 13 13 13 13 52 51
Atlantis (b) 2,098 2,081 2,390 2,262 39 6,772 10,711
Mad Dog (b) 128———- 3,029
Shenzi (b) (c) 3,630 3,848 4,119 4,071 3,607 15,645 14,783
Onshore US (d)—672 1,631 2,202 2,434 6,939 -
Trinidad/Tobago 687 466 466 453 488 1,873 1,271
Other Americas (b) (e) 448 373 374 373 348 1,468 1,634
UK 534 447 433 328 367 1,575 2,166
Algeria (f) 1,498 1,498 1,437 1,236 1,291 5,462 6,245
Pakistan 68 85 84 75 78 322 305
Total 18,652 18,482 18,866 18,127 15,726 71,201 80,591
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait 29.97 31.88 23.65 19.74 31.47 106.74 112.03
North West Shelf 35.44 32.97 32.56 29.60 29.80 124.93 143.51
Other Australia (a) 4.68 4.45 4.56 4.42 4.87 18.30 19.20
Atlantis (b) 0.67 0.64 0.67 1.18 0.01 2.50 3.91
Mad Dog (b) 0.01———- 0.45
Shenzi (b) (c) 0.67 0.62 0.57 0.56 0.47 2.22 2.83
Onshore US (d) 36.43 77.59 121.63 124.17 124.53 447.92 36.43
Trinidad/Tobago 4.69 9.31 9.72 9.50 9.54 38.07 4.69
Other Americas (b) (e) 1.42 1.19 0.98 1.09 0.79 4.05 5.47
UK 5.69 3.91 5.51 5.03 5.54 19.99 24.46
Pakistan 12.12 14.79 14.64 13.88 14.23 57.54 52.08
Total 131.79 177.35 214.49 209.17 221.25 822.26 405.06
NGL (‘000 barrels of oil equivalent)
Bass Strait 1,554 1,823 1,407 1,355 1,738 6,323 6,248
North West Shelf 367 423 434 421 342 1,620 1,714
Atlantis (b) 117 120 123 221 1 465 632
Mad Dog (b) 11———- 134
Shenzi (b) (c) 252 296 293 291 244 1,124 1,029
Onshore US (d)—416 943 1,275 1,388 4,022 -
Other Americas (b) (e) 47 41 34 34 24 133 185
UK 66 18 45 12 21 96 279
Algeria (f) 222 219 83—- 302 1,062
Total 2,636 3,356 3,362 3,609 3,758 14,085 11,283
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 43.25 51.40 57.98 56.60 56.36 222.34 159.38
(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 year ended 30 June 2012 Page 5
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia 725 752 694 741 730 2,917 2,902
Alumar, Brazil 301 308 307 311 309 1,235 1,108
Total 1,026 1,060 1,001 1,052 1,039 4,152 4,010
Sales
Worsley, Australia 727 720 745 713 750 2,928 2,862
Alumar, Brazil 324 280 349 216 356 1,201 1,083
Total 1,051 1,000 1,094 929 1,106 4,129 3,945
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa 179 180 180 144 117 621 711
Bayside, South Africa 24 25 24 26 23 98 97
Alumar, Brazil 43 44 42 42 42 170 174
Mozal, Mozambique 67 66 67 65 66 264 264
Total 313 315 313 277 248 1,153 1,246
Sales
Hillside, South Africa 181 163 186 141 126 616 652
Bayside, South Africa 29 24 25 27 21 97 127
Alumar, Brazil 44 44 43 31 45 163 174
Mozal, Mozambique 80 60 85 66 54 265 277
Total 334 291 339 265 246 1,141 1,230
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 6
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 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) 97,705 69,006 96,152 103,321 109,724 378,203 400,679
Sulphide ore milled (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 16,399 12,029 18,663 16,449 18,640 65,781 70,878
Average copper grade (%) 1.06% 0.97% 0.97% 1.14% 1.37% 1.13% 1.18%
Production ex mill (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 141.2 91.9 144.3 153.1 211.7 601.0 686.6
Production
Payable copper (’ 000 tonnes) 79.4 49.9 80.4 87.7 115.8 333.8 390.5
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 17,116 11,063 14,242 12,732 12,817 50,854 84,723
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 42.6 32.9 43.0 47.4 48.7 172.0 179.1
Payable silver concentrate (’ 000 ounces) 580 403 549 481 488 1,921 2,849
Sales
Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 90.9 49.2 82.1 82.6 113.1 327.0 393.9
Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 20,251 10,974 14,435 11,998 12,683 50,090 86,023
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 48.0 25.7 45.3 44.3 53.4 168.7 181.8
Payable silver concentrate (‘000 ounces) 673 404 558 454 483 1,899 2,877
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 17,840 14,736 16,792 16,320 16,246 64,094 68,094
Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 4,771 4,608 4,601 4,300 4,388 17,897 18,237
Average copper grade (%) 0.74% 0.72% 0.71% 0.72% 0.61% 0.69% 0.74%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 25.7 22.5 23.5 18.7 18.7 83.4 92.4
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 25.7 22.4 23.8 20.2 19.1 85.5 94.3
Spence
Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 19,487 19,816 26,511 29,982 28,594 104,903 74,070
Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 4,545 3,862 4,909 4,279 3,604 16,654 18,431
Average copper grade (%) 1.22% 1.30% 1.46% 1.20% 1.28% 1.32% 1.24%
Production
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 50.0 42.9 46.5 47.5 43.4 180.3 179.8
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 54.5 43.2 46.6 44.1 51.3 185.2 185.4
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 7
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 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) 41,669 44,212 38,759 41,474 48,256 172,701 138,144
Sulphide ore milled (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 9,253 9,396 9,656 10,162 12,295 41,509 36,929
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 0.90% 1.11% 1.15% 1.10% 1.01% 1.09% 0.97%
- Zinc (%) 1.03% 0.68% 0.72% 0.84% 0.80% 0.76% 1.16%
Production
Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 22.5 30.3 30.9 30.9 34.9 127.0 97.8
Payable zinc (tonnes) 20,385 8,956 13,553 16,823 18,208 57,540 91,470
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 773 972 1,087 1,170 1,043 4,272 3,600
Payable lead (tonnes) 164 102 205 148 333 788 1,190
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 418 595 766 521 464 2,346 1,445
Sales
Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 23.5 28.2 31.7 30.7 32.7 123.3 99.1
Payable zinc (tonnes) 18,479 9,586 12,654 13,464 18,174 53,878 92,899
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 658 833 940 1,114 896 3,783 3,621
Payable lead (tonnes) 92 91 139 200 48 478 1,523
Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 346 549 591 669 488 2,297 1,470
Cannington, Australia
Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 841 819 778 756 880 3,233 3,110
Ore milled (’ 000 tonnes) 786 826 888 778 845 3,337 3,090
Average head grades
- Silver (g/t) 381 332 370 367 417 372 417
- Lead (%) 8.6% 7.9% 8.8% 8.0% 8.6% 8.3% 9.2%
- Zinc (%) 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.7% 2.5% 2.8% 3.2%
Production
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 8,242 7,559 9,056 7,836 9,757 34,208 35,225
Payable lead (tonnes) 58,414 55,557 66,787 53,412 63,334 239,090 243,364
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,348 14,488 14,745 12,904 12,540 54,677 60,657
Sales
Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 8,235 6,434 8,960 7,081 10,784 33,259 34,690
Payable lead (tonnes) 58,868 48,258 66,657 49,027 73,400 237,342 241,973
Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,530 15,734 14,078 10,780 14,399 54,991 56,614
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 8
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 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) 2,675 2,543 2,440 2,389 2,629 10,001 10,331
Ore milled (’ 000 tonnes) 2,533 2,471 2,440 2,195 2,475 9,581 10,330
Average copper grade (%) 1.92% 1.98% 2.08% 2.01% 1.86% 1.98% 1.86%
Average uranium grade kg/t 0.54 0.54 0.50 0.57 0.55 0.54 0.53
Production
Copper cathode (ER) (‘000 tonnes) 47.0 37.6 51.5 45.2 46.0 180.3 181.4
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 3.7 2.8 3.1 2.6 3.8 12.3 12.7
Uranium oxide concentrate ( tonnes) 1,015 1,000 909 896 1,080 3,885 4,045
Refined gold (fine ounces) 28,429 28,376 29,765 31,952 27,752 117,845 111,368
Refined silver (‘000 ounces) 282 217 211 228 251 907 982
Sales
Copper cathode (ER) (‘000 tonnes) 46.5 36.4 51.7 44.4 47.8 180.3 182.7
Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 4.1 3.5 2.5 3.0 3.1 12.1 12.5
Uranium oxide concentrate ( tonnes) 1,143 910 1,126 640 1,252 3,928 3,945
Refined gold (fine ounces) 30,323 28,979 24,327 36,832 29,257 119,395 110,736
Refined silver (‘000 ounces) 269 289 155 268 200 912 954
(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 1.4 1.2 5.4 5.7
Sales
Copper cathode (EW) (’ 000 tonnes) 1.2 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.2 5.3 5.9
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 9
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 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) 1,212 1,177 1,090 1,001 1,214 4,482 4,692
Production (‘000 carats) 576 457 481 433 413 1,784 2,506
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 10
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production 7.4 10.4 12.3 13.4 12.8 48.9 40.0
Sales 8.5 7.7 13.1 13.8 12.9 47.5 41.8
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate 3.3 2.6 1.8 2.3 2.3 9.0 7.5
Nickel contained in finished matte 16.1 9.0 15.2 10.5 14.2 48.9 63.9
Nickel metal 11.4 13.1 9.1 15.5 13.4 51.1 41.3
Nickel production 30.8 24.7 26.1 28.3 29.9 109.0 112.7
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate 3.9 1.2 2.6 1.5 3.6 8.9 8.5
Nickel contained in finished matte 14.9 10.1 13.9 10.2 16.7 50.9 64.1
Nickel metal 12.4 9.4 10.9 14.2 15.7 50.2 43.4
Nickel sales 31.2 20.7 27.4 25.9 36.0 110.0 116.0
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 11
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 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) 12,480 13,158 13,247 11,789 13,132 51,326 45,245
Goldsworthy Joint Venture 284 254 334 37 143 768 1,198
Area C Joint Venture 10,044 10,479 10,437 10,343 11,166 42,425 39,794
Yandi Joint Venture 9,796 12,708 14,170 13,063 13,595 53,536 36,460
Total (BHP Billiton share) 32,604 36,599 38,188 35,232 38,036 148,055 122,697
Total production (100%) 38,358 43,058 44,927 41,449 44,748 174,182 144,349
Shipments
Lump 7,463 7,744 8,700 8,235 9,100 33,779 30,784
Fines 25,379 29,311 28,406 26,523 28,870 113,110 92,946
Total (BHP Billiton share) 32,842 37,055 37,106 34,758 37,970 146,889 123,730
Total sales (100%) 38,638 43,594 43,654 40,892 44,670 172,810 145,565
(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 2,922 2,973 2,884 2,711 2,855 11,423 11,709
Shipments 2,736 2,926 2,961 2,453 2,778 11,118 11,428
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 12
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production 776 911 808 917 989 3,625 3,007
Sales 746 861 853 871 866 3,451 3,051
Australia (a)
Saleable production 1,014 1,108 998 1,123 1,077 4,306 4,086
Sales 1,108 1,094 876 1,115 1,343 4,428 3,960
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production 120 124 124 81 75 404 486
Sales 123 95 138 122 104 459 516
Australia (a)
Saleable production 70 70 71 57—198 267
Sales 75 91 58 57 23 229 258
(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 year ended 30 June 2012 Page 13
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 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 1,127 1,367 1,122 955 991 4,435 4,589
Goonyella 1,417 1,463 1,375 1,153 1,012 5,003 5,359
Peak Downs 543 971 992 788 783 3,534 3,402
Saraji 556 802 900 627 724 3,053 2,779
Norwich Park 386 365 369 248 193 1,175 1,055
Gregory Joint Venture 845 306 248 455 402 1,411 2,717
BMA total 4,874 5,274 5,006 4,226 4,105 18,611 19,901
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek 690 1,106 901 1,040 1,034 4,081 3,134
Poitrel 736 697 679 609 627 2,612 2,759
BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,426 1,803 1,580 1,649 1,661 6,693 5,893
Queensland total 6,300 7,077 6,586 5,875 5,766 25,304 25,794
Shipments
Coking coal 4,865 5,066 4,845 4,522 4,007 18,440 20,224
Weak coking coal 1,411 1,691 1,747 1,595 1,512 6,545 5,920
Thermal coal 285 176 20 111 90 397 984
Total 6,561 6,933 6,612 6,228 5,609 25,382 27,128
(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 1,622 2,214 1,907 1,462 2,343 7,926 6,884
Shipments
Coking coal 1,407 1,673 1,255 1,460 1,845 6,233 5,664
Thermal coal 216 159 441 219 279 1,098 1,325
Total 1,623 1,832 1,696 1,679 2,124 7,331 6,989
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 14
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE
JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN
2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
(‘000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production 8,228 9,095 7,976 7,895 8,313 33,279 34,328
Sales
Export 3,082 3,439 3,546 3,807 3,314 14,106 12,381
Local utility 5,363 5,622 4,582 4,397 4,571 19,172 21,308
Inland 37 85 165 124 74 448 321
Total 8,482 9,146 8,293 8,328 7,959 33,726 34,010
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal 2,271 1,178 2,060 1,913 1,853 7,004 7,472
San Juan Coal 1,508 1,289 103 196 820 2,408 4,140
Total 3,779 2,467 2,163 2,109 2,673 9,412 11,612
Sales—local utility 3,106 3,630 3,108 3,057 2,773 12,568 13,191
NSW Energy Coal, Australia
Production 3,793 4,046 4,027 4,291 4,393 16,757 13,671
Sales
Export 3,522 3,523 3,566 3,160 4,388 14,637 13,225
Inland 364 625 333 297 404 1,659 1,287
Total 3,886 4,148 3,899 3,457 4,792 16,296 14,512
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production 2,538 2,852 2,753 2,953 3,105 11,663 9,889
Sales—export 2,853 2,901 2,784 2,652 2,942 11,279 10,450
BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 15
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: July 18, 2012 | By: | /s/ Jane McAloon | ||||
| Name: | Jane McAloon | |||||
| Title: | Group Company Secretary | |||||