22 April
MELBOURNE,
Press Release

- Solid operational performance reflecting proactive and prudent management in the face of weak demand.
- Record year to date petroleum production was achieved. This was due to strong volume growth from the successful delivery of world class projects and excellent performance from operated facilities.
- Iron ore achieved record year to date production due to the successful delivery of capacity expansions. Western Australia Iron Ore (Australia) continue to receive requests for deferral of long term contracts however these deferred tonnes have been sold on the spot market.
- Year to date production records at Western Australia Iron Ore and Saraji (all Australia), Alumar refinery and Samarco (both Brazil), Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) and Zamzama (Pakistan).
- Following assessment by the Samarco management, production from Samarco’s pellet plants I and II restarted during the quarter.
- Weather related interruptions impacted petroleum, iron ore, energy coal, nickel, silver and lead production.

Against a backdrop of weak demand, BHP Billiton achieved sound operational results, albeit with lower production compared to the December 2008 quarter. This quarter’s production reflects management proactive and decisive actions in response to the challenging market conditions. These actions include previously announced production curtailments in Samarco, Samancor Manganese and across our metallurgical coal operations.

In the medium term, we expect that market conditions will remain uncertain. Consistent with the way we have managed our business to date, all our operations will remain under review. We will continue to take appropriate actions in any business that is cash negative and set to remain so, or where there is lack of demand.

Our track record in taking difficult but prudent decisions has ensured that we have an exceptional portfolio of low cost and long life assets. This means that our margins are among the best in the sector. With our low financial and operational leverage and a strong balance sheet we are in a unique position to continue to invest in future growth and deliver long term value to our shareholders. We are also well placed to take advantage of opportunities in the market, but with our usual disciplined approach.

Alumina – Production declined across all comparative periods mainly due to calciner outages at Worsley
(Australia), and scheduled maintenance activities at Paranam (Suriname).

Aluminium – Production for the nine months was only seven per cent lower than the comparative period, despite a 10 per cent mandatory reduction in power consumption across the Southern African operations.

Further details are avaliable at BHP BIlliton’s web page.