Confirms China Gas Deal

BHP Billiton Limited
09 August 2002

     BHP Billiton Limited is issuing this announcement to fulfil disclosure
  obligations arising from its secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange.

    The text of this release is identical to that issued by BHP Billiton Plc
                                    earlier.



9 August 2002
Number: 50/02

             BHP BILLITON CONFIRMS CHINA LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS DEAL

BHP Billiton advises that it has received official confirmation of the selection
of the North West Shelf Venture (NWS) as the preferred gas supplier to the first
phase of the Guangdong LNG Terminal in China.

The notification was received from the Guangdong LNG Terminal and Trunkline
Project Joint Executive Office by means of a facsimile dated 8th August. The
communication to Arthur Dixon, President of ALNG (Australia LNG) was signed by
Zhao Xiuguang, Director, Joint Executive Office, Guangdong LNG Terminal and
Trunkline Project

BHP Billiton has a 16.67% equity interest in the NWS



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