BHP IO Workplace Improvement

BHP Limited
16 January 2001


BHP IRON ORE TO PROGRESS WORKPLACE IMPROVEMENTS

BHP Iron Ore will continue seeking business improvements at its Pilbara,
Western Australian, iron ore operations following today's Federal Court ruling
that an injunction preventing the offer of workplace agreements remain in
place.

On 10 January 2001, Justice Kenny found that BHP Iron Ore's offer of workplace
agreements was legal, but today ordered a stay of the injunction pending an
expedited appeal of her original decision by the unions.

Justice Kenny indicated that the unions' appeal would be heard in the week
commencing 19 February 2001.

President Western Australian BHP Iron Ore Graeme Hunt anticipated today's
decision would only add another month or so to the reintroduction of a system
that will deliver long-term benefits to the Company and employees.

'Workplace agreements remain BHP Iron Ore's preferred system of industrial
regulation and we will vigorously defend our right to offer them to
employees,' he said.

'As has been the case over the past twelve months while this matter has been
before the courts, we will continue to focus on workplace improvements,
ensuring our iron ore business is one of the most competitive operations in
the global market.'

Justice Kenny also ruled that an injunction on unions taking industrial action
remain in place pending the appeal.

Further information can be found on our Internet site: http://www.bhp.com 

MEDIA RELATIONS                                        
John Crowley, BHP Iron Ore       
Ph:  61 8 9320 4395        
Mob: [phone]       

Michael Buzzard, Senior Media Relations Advisor
Ph:  61 3 9609 3709        
Mob: [phone]

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Andrew Nairn, Senior Business Analyst
Ph:  61 3 9609 3952
Mob: [phone]