BHP Welcomes Billiton Vote

BHP Limited
16 May 2001


Date          16 May 2001

Number     45/01

                          BHP Welcomes Billiton Vote

The BHP Board of Directors today welcomed the result of the Billiton
shareholders' vote on the proposed DLC merger with BHP. All resolutions were
passed by Billiton shareholders.

BHP Chairman Don Argus said: 'We are pleased with the support shown by
Billiton shareholders and look forward to the BHP Extraordinary General
Meeting (EGM) on Friday where our shareholders will have the opportunity to
play their part in the creation of the world's leading diversified resources
group.'

The implementation of the proposed DLC merger is subject to the outcome of the
BHP EGM and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.



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



Contact:

MEDIA RELATIONS

Mandy Frostick
Manager Media Relations
Ph: 61 3 9609 4157
Mob: [phone]

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Andrew Nairn
Senior Business Analyst
Ph: 61 3 9609 3952
Mob 61 408 313 259