Production Rpt Ended 31/12/01

BHP Billiton Limited 25 January 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. Date: 25 January 2002 Number: 02/02 BHP Billiton Production Report for the Quarter Ended 31 December 2001 BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 31 December 2001. The results demonstrate a solid operational performance, particularly from the iron ore and petroleum assets, and the contribution from new copper, metallurgical coal, petroleum and alumina operations. The production figures also reflect BHP Billiton's international resource management strategy, including the decision to temporarily reduce copper production by an estimated 170,000 tonnes per annum. • Aluminium production was six per cent lower than the December 2000 quarter and four per cent lower than the September 2001 quarter. Production at Mozal (Mozambique) was significantly higher during the December 2001 quarter, compared to the corresponding period in 2000, reflecting the completion of full commissioning at that project in December 2000. Lower production at Alumar and Valesul over the half year reflects temporary power usage restrictions instigated by the Brazilian government in June 2001. Power rationing in the north of the country was suspended in January 2001 and it is expected that Alumar will return to full production during the March 2002 quarter. • Alumina production was 81 per cent higher than the December 2000 quarter and in line with the September 2001 quarter reflecting BHP Billiton's increased ownership in Worsley (Australia), effective January 2001 and a production capacity expansion at that asset, completed in April 2001. • Oil and Condensate production was in line with both the December 2000 quarter and the September 2001 quarter. Bass Strait (Australia) production remained constant compared to both periods due to successful infill drilling. Liverpool Bay (UK) production was significantly higher than the December 2000 quarter due to increased stabilised production from that asset. Increased production was also recorded at the Bruce and Keith fields (UK) during the December 2001 quarter due to increased customer demand. In addition, Typhoon (USA) reported higher production during the December 2001 quarter following the ramp-up of first production from the deepwater Gulf of Mexico asset (commenced operations in July 2001). Higher production was recorded at the Wanaea/Cossack fields (Australia) during the December 2001 quarter following planned maintenance in the previous quarter. • Natural Gas production was 25 per cent higher than the December 2000 quarter and seven per cent higher than the September 2001 quarter. Higher year on year gas production at Bass Strait (Australia) was due to sales into the Eastern Gas Pipeline. Compared to both periods, natural gas production was also significantly higher at the Liverpool Bay, Bruce and Keith fields (UK) due to increased customer demand. • Copper production was 18 per cent lower than the December 2000 quarter and 10 per cent higher than the September 2001 quarter. Copper production at Escondida (Chile) was lower compared to both periods due to temporary production cuts announced in November 2001 and a natural decline in head grade. BHP Billiton recorded higher copper production in the December 2001 quarter following the successful achievement of commercial production at Antamina (Peru) in October 2001 - more than four months ahead of schedule. Lower year on year copper production was largely due to BHP Billiton no longer reporting production from the Ok Tedi mine (Papua New Guinea). During January 2002, BHP Billiton commenced the temporary curtailment of production at its Tintaya (Peru) operations and closed its remaining in-situ leaching operations at San Manuel (USA) as part of its international copper resource management strategy. At the time of the announcements Tintaya was producing 90,000 tonnes per annum of copper, while San Manuel was producing 9,000 tonnes per annum of copper cathode. • Iron Ore production was six per cent higher than the December 2000 quarter and in line with the September 2001 quarter. Western Australian iron ore set new production records during both the half year and December 2001 quarter (8.2 per cent higher than the previous half year and 14.2 per cent higher than the December 2000 quarter) due to continuing strong demand for product in Japan, China and other Asian markets. Higher production in the December 2001 quarter also allowed for the rebuilding of port stockpiles from previously low levels. During the half year, BHP Billiton sold 37.1 million wet tonnes (100 per cent terms) of WA iron ore, which is an increase of 4.9 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2000. • Metallurgical Coal production was eight per cent lower than the December 2000 quarter and 10 per cent lower than the September 2001 quarter. Shipments from the Queensland (Australia) coal mines were 13.4 million tonnes over the half year, or two per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2000. Higher production was recorded at Blackwater (Australia) during the December 2001 quarter following the expansion of production facilities and the successful integration of the South Blackwater operations, acquired as part of QCT Resources in July 2001. Lower production, compared to the December 2000 quarter, follows the equalisation of Queensland (Australia) coal interests with Mitsubishi to form the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance in March 2001. Production at the Gregory Joint Venture (Australia) during the half year was impacted by adverse roof conditions encountered at the Crinum mine between August and December. • Energy Coal production was 20 per cent lower than the December 2000 quarter and eight per cent lower than the September 2001 quarter. The decline in production was largely due to the divestment of BHP Billiton's 80 per cent interest in the PT Arutmin assets (Indonesia) in November 2001 and the sale of the Matla and Glisa mines (South Africa) in the June 2001 quarter. Lower production during the half year also reflects the accelerated closure of the Rietspruit mine (South Africa) in November 2001. • Nickel production during the quarter was 22 per cent higher than the December 2000 quarter and 10 per cent higher than the September 2001 quarter. The year on year increase was largely due to higher production and sales at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) following commencement of production from the Line II expansion in January 2001. Higher production was also recorded at Yabulu (Australia) and Cerro Matoso during the December 2001 quarter following the completion of planned maintenance in the previous period. • Ekati(TM) Diamond production was 192 per cent higher than the December 2000 quarter and 21 per cent higher than the September 2001 quarter following the acquisition of Dia Met Minerals Ltd, effective 1 July 2001. Higher production was also recorded during the December quarter following the commencement of mining at the Misery pipe in December 2001. Production from the Misery pipe will provide a small but consistent proportion of the Ekati(TM) mine's total output with the Panda pipe continuing to be the main source of production. • Raw Steel production was eight per cent lower than the December 2000 quarter and nine per cent lower than the September 2001 quarter. Lower production was largely due to industrial action at the Port Kembla steelworks (Australia) during the December 2001 quarter. Domestic despatches were significantly higher, compared to the December 2000 quarter, due to strong demand for coated, pipe and tube, plate and tinplate products. **** Further news and information can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com Australia Andrew Nairn, Investor Relations Tel:+61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 408 313 259 Email: Andrew.W.Nairn@bhpbilliton.com Mandy Frostick, Media Relations Tel:+61 3 9609 4157 Mobile: +61 419 546 245 Email: Mandy.J.Frostick@bhpbilliton.com United States Francis McAllister, Investor Relations Tel: +1 713 961 8625 Mobile: +1 713 480 3699 Email: Francis.R.McAllister@bhpbilliton.com United Kingdom/ South Africa Ariane Gentil, Manager Communications Tel:+44 20 7747 3977 Mobile: +44 7881 518 715 Email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations Tel:+27 11 376 3360 Mobile: +27 82 458 2587 Email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED % CHANGE DEC Q01 DEC Q01 YTD 01 DEC SEPT DEC DEC DEC vs vs vs 2000 2001 2001 2001 2000 DEC Q00 SEPT Q01 YTD 00 ALUMINIUM Alumina ('000 tonnes) 533 964 965 1,929 1,072 81% 0% 80% Aluminium ('000 tonnes) 251 244 235 479 484 -6% -4% -1% BASE METALS Copper ('000 tonnes) 271.6 202.1 221.6 423.6 483.7 -18% 10% -12% Lead (tonnes) 51,104 54,032 53,212 107,244 104,047 4% -2% 3% Zinc (tonnes) 33,804 29,402 46,719 76,122 63,315 38% 59% 20% Gold (ounces) 186,314 69,682 74,162 143,844 361,353 -60% 6% -60% Silver ('000 ounces) 8,060 8,183 9,281 17,464 16,135 15% 13% 8% Molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.1 12% 1% 123% CARBON STEEL MATERIALS Iron ore ('000 tonnes) 16,230 17,080 17,283 34,363 33,510 6% 1% 3% Metallurgical coal ('000 tonnes) 8,877 9,035 8,149 17,184 16,841 -8% -10% 2% Manganese ores ('000 tonnes) 897 973 888 1,860 1,921 -1% -9% -3% Manganese alloys ('000 tonnes) 173 119 165 284 348 -5% 39% -18% Hot briquetted iron ('000 tonnes) 291 386 384 770 396 32% 0% 95% STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS Nickel ('000 tonnes) 14.4 15.9 17.5 33.4 27.2 22% 10% 23% Chrome ores ('000 tonnes) 898 629 609 1,238 1,819 -32% -3% -32% Ferrochrome ('000 tonnes) 249 207 206 413 522 -17% 0% -21% ENERGY COAL ('000 tonnes) 25,821 22,405 20,623 43,028 46,663 -20% -8% -8% PETROLEUM Crude oil and condensate ('000 bbl) 20,000 19,492 19,747 39,239 40,817 -1% 1% -4% Natural gas (bcf) 60.83 71.24 76.23 147.47 122.58 25% 7% 20% LPG ('000 tonnes) 155.04 182.71 173.01 355.72 327.81 12% -5% 9% Ethane ('000 tonnes) 9.98 24.05 18.59 42.64 33.17 86% -23% 29% BHP STEEL Raw steel ('000 tonnes) 1,372 1,382 1,262 2,644 2,827 -8% -9% -6% Marketable steel products ('000 tonnes) 1,268 1,377 1,169 2,546 2,693 -8% -15% -5% EXPLOR'N, TECH & NEW BUS Diamonds ('000 carats) 318 767 928 1,695 627 192% 21% 170% BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED BHP Billiton DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC Interest 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 ALUMINIUM ALUMINA Production ('000 tonnes) Worsley (a) 86% 211 541 674 662 671 1,333 417 Suriname 45% 215 213 211 219 209 428 428 Alumar 36% 107 114 113 83 85 168 227 Total 533 868 998 964 965 1,929 1,072 ALUMINIUM Production ('000 tonnes) Hillside 100% 127 122 123 125 117 242 253 Bayside 100% 45 44 43 44 45 89 91 Alumar 46.3% 44 42 43 35 32 67 87 Valesul 45.5% 12 11 9 8 9 17 23 Mozal (b) 47% 23 31 32 32 32 64 30 Total 251 250 250 244 235 479 484 BASE METALS (c) COPPER Payable metal ('000 tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 105.8 98.3 89.1 89.3 80.1 169.5 215.3 Ok Tedi (d) 52% 54.1 51.7 53.4 - - - 103.9 Tintaya 100% 24.0 18.4 20.1 20.9 22.9 43.8 46.5 Antamina (e) 33.8% - - - - 26.5 26.5 - Alumbrera (e) 25% 9.9 10.8 11.9 11.6 12.0 23.6 9.9 Highland Valley (e) 33.6% 16.1 14.8 14.1 16.1 16.0 32.1 16.1 Selbaie 100% 3.2 3.3 2.9 2.5 2.7 5.1 6.6 Total 213.1 197.2 191.5 140.4 160.2 300.6 398.3 Refined production ('000 tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 20.5 21.0 22.0 21.9 21.9 43.8 40.4 Cerro Colorado (e) 100% 31.0 32.0 33.8 34.0 33.8 67.8 31.0 San Manuel 100% 2.6 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.2 4.5 5.4 Pinto Valley 100% 4.4 3.9 3.8 3.4 3.4 6.8 8.7 Total 58.5 59.4 62.0 61.6 61.4 123.0 85.4 LEAD Payable metal (tonnes) Cannington 100% 49,503 45,228 54,271 52,879 51,914 104,793 100,830 Pering 100% 1,601 1,320 1,486 1,153 1,298 2,451 3,217 Total 51,104 46,548 55,757 54,032 53,212 107,244 104,047 ZINC Payable metal (tonnes) Cannington 100% 17,994 15,877 17,176 14,058 17,285 31,343 31,141 Antamina (e) 33.8% - - - - 16,010 16,010 - Selbaie 100% 10,312 8,868 7,969 9,456 8,106 17,562 21,671 Pering 100% 5,498 5,010 5,397 5,888 5,318 11,206 10,503 Total 33,804 29,755 30,542 29,402 46,719 76,122 63,315 BASE METALS (continued) GOLD Payable concentrate (ounces) Ok Tedi (d) 52% 127,049 115,576 124,729 - - - 267,797 Escondida 57.5% 13,270 10,582 10,302 10,641 12,166 22,807 28,713 Tintaya 100% 4,638 5,146 7,693 10,249 11,500 21,749 11,585 Alumbrera (e) 25% 32,013 31,947 42,205 42,584 45,567 88,151 32,013 Selbaie 100% 9,344 8,472 8,198 6,207 4,929 11,136 21,245 Total 186,314 171,723 193,126 69,682 74,162 143,844 361,353 SILVER Payable metal ('000 ounces) Cannington 100% 7,591 6,462 7,806 7,804 7,915 15,719 15,220 Antamina (e) 33.8% - - - - 690 690 - Selbaie 100% 469 362 259 379 676 1,055 915 Total 8,060 6,824 8,065 8,183 9,281 17,464 16,135 MOLYBDENUM Payable metal ('000 tonnes) Highland Valley (e) 33.6% 0.14 0.12 0.12 0.15 0.15 0.30 0.14 CARBON STEEL MATERIALS IRON ORE Production ('000 tonnes) Mt Newman Joint Venture 85% 5,500 4,591 5,239 5,973 6,423 12,396 11,120 Goldsworthy Joint 85% 1,730 1,453 1,788 1,656 1,667 3,323 3,360 Venture Yandi Joint Venture 85% 5,840 6,354 6,882 7,046 6,933 13,979 12,920 Jimblebar 100% 1,250 991 1,272 1,182 1,332 2,514 2,380 Samarco 50% 1,910 1,885 1,893 1,223 928 2,151 3,730 Total 16,230 15,274 17,074 17,080 17,283 34,363 33,510 METALLURGICAL COAL (f) Production ('000 tonnes) CQCA Joint Venture (g) 50% 3,794 3,519 4,064 4,002 3,908 7,910 7,755 South Blackwater (h) 50% - - - 670 524 1,194 - Gregory Joint Venture 50% 970 845 960 486 408 894 1,821 (g) BHP Mitsui Coal (i) 80% 1,525 1,678 1,802 1,823 1,467 3,290 2,939 QCT Resources (j) 50% 1,260 1,837 2,087 - - - 1,260 Illawarra 100% 1,328 1,619 1,889 2,055 1,841 3,896 3,066 Total 8,877 9,498 10,802 9,035 8,149 17,184 16,841 MANGANESE ORES Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (k) 60% 579 538 490 467 501 968 1,134 Australia (k) 60% 318 379 446 505 387 892 787 Total 897 917 936 973 888 1,860 1,921 CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd) MANGANESE ALLOYS Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (k) 60% 106 96 85 69 101 170 217 Australia (k) 60% 67 64 51 50 63 113 131 Total 173 160 136 119 165 284 348 HOT BRIQUETTED IRON Production ('000 tonnes) BoodarieTM Iron 100% 291 177 276 386 384 770 396 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS NICKEL Production ('000 tonnes) CMSA 99.8% 6.9 9.4 9.1 9.6 10.4 20.0 13.3 Yabulu 100% 7.5 7.4 7.7 6.3 7.1 13.4 13.9 Total 14.4 16.8 16.8 15.9 17.5 33.4 27.2 CHROME ORES Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (k) 60% 898 674 665 629 609 1,238 1,819 FERROCHROME Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (k) 60% 249 192 194 207 206 413 522 ENERGY COAL Production ('000 tonnes) South Africa 100% 17,811 14,379 14,571 14,538 13,724 28,262 32,372 USA 100% 3,962 3,993 3,890 3,106 3,170 6,276 7,042 Australia 100% 1,227 1,512 1,329 1,173 863 2,036 2,462 Indonesia (l) 80% 2,134 2,035 2,291 2,450 1,778 4,228 4,100 Colombia (m) 17%-33% 687 1,091 1,053 1,138 1,088 2,226 687 Total 25,821 23,010 23,134 22,405 20,623 43,028 46,663 PETROLEUM Production Crude oil & condensate (000 bbl) 20,000 19,911 18,378 19,492 19,747 39,239 40,817 Natural gas (bcf) 60.83 67.61 71.64 71.24 76.23 147.47 122.58 LPG ('000 155.04 170.62 175.60 182.71 173.01 355.72 327.81 tonnes) Ethane ('000 9.98 15.69 18.53 24.05 18.59 42.64 33.17 tonnes) BHP STEEL Production ('000 tonnes) Raw steel 100% 1,372 1,277 1,328 1,382 1,262 2,644 2,827 Marketable steel 100% 1,268 1,345 1,469 1,377 1,169 2,546 2,693 products EXPLORATION, TECH & NEW BUSINESS DIAMONDS Production ('000 carats) Ekati(TM)(n) 80% 318 375 427 767 928 1,695 627 (a) Interest in Worsley increased from 30% to 86% effective January 2001. (b) Mozal produced its first metal in June 2000 and achieved full commissioning of its 253,000 tpa capacity in December 2000. (c) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal. (d) Ok Tedi data shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton holds a 52% equity interest in Ok Tedi. BHP Billiton announced in August 2001 that no profit would be recognised for Ok Tedi from 1 July 2001 except to the extent that dividends are received. Accordingly, Ok Tedi September 2001 and December 2001 quarter copper production (100% basis) of 48,200 tonnes and 43,800 tonnes respectively and gold production of 104,855 ounces and 98,210 ounces respectively has not been recognised. (e) Included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio Algom. Antamina commenced commercial production in October 2001. (f) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (g) BHP Billiton interest is 50% from 28 June 2001 (previously CQCA joint venture 52.1% and Gregory joint venture 64.14%). (h) BHP Billiton acquired its share of South Blackwater in July 2001. South Blackwater is equally owned by BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. (i) Shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest. (j) Production reported represents BHP Billiton's 50% equity interest in MetCoal Holdings. MetCoal Holdings is equally owned by BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd and acquired QCT Resources Limited (QCT) in November 2000. In June 2001, Mitsubishi acquired the balance of the shares in QCT from BHP Billiton. (k) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. (l) Production shown on 86.5% basis after allowing for Indonesian state owned corporation's 13.5% share of production. BHP Billiton sold its interest in the Senakin and Satui mines effective 30 November 2001. (m) Carbonnes del Cerrejon (BHP Billiton 33.3%) and Cerrejon Zona Norte (BHP Billiton 16.7%) were acquired in September 2000 and November 2000 respectively. (n) Interest in Ekati(TM) increased from 51% to 80% effective July 2001. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 ALUMINIUM BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) ALUMINA Production Worsley, Australia (a) 211 541 674 662 671 1,333 417 Paranam, Suriname 215 213 211 219 209 428 428 Alumar, Brazil 107 114 113 83 85 168 227 Total 533 868 998 964 965 1,929 1,072 Sales Worsley, Australia (a) 205 388 725 692 638 1,330 390 Paranam, Suriname 194 224 186 224 221 445 408 Alumar, Brazil 116 120 116 79 88 167 226 Total 515 732 1,027 995 947 1,942 1,024 (a) Interest in Worsley increased from 30% to 86% effective January 2001. ALUMINIUM Production Hillside, South Africa 127 122 123 125 117 242 253 Bayside, South Africa 45 44 43 44 45 89 91 Alumar, Brazil 44 42 43 35 32 67 87 Valesul, Brazil 12 11 9 8 9 17 23 Mozal, Mozambique (b) 23 31 32 32 32 64 30 Total 251 250 250 244 235 479 484 Sales Hillside, South Africa 127 121 124 123 117 240 253 Bayside, South Africa 46 42 50 43 43 86 87 Alumar, Brazil 43 41 45 34 33 67 85 Valesul, Brazil 11 7 12 8 8 16 22 Mozal, Mozambique (b) 20 32 33 32 32 64 25 Total 247 243 264 240 233 473 472 (b) Mozal produced its first metal in June 2000 and achieved full commissioning of its 253,000 tpa capacity in December 2000. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 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) 77,436 74,691 77,115 85,344 84,821 170,164 152,994 Sulphide ore milled ('000 tonnes) 11,534 11,128 10,650 11,205 10,060 21,265 23,893 (100%) Average copper grade (%) 1.94% 1.95% 1.82% 1.75% 1.72% 1.74% 1.89% Production ex Mill ('000 tonnes) 190.4 176.4 159.5 162.0 144.4 306.3 389.9 (100%) Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 105.8 98.3 89.1 89.3 80.1 169.5 215.3 Payable gold (fine ounces) 13,270 10,582 10,302 10,641 12,166 22,807 28,713 concentrate Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 20.5 21.0 22.0 21.9 21.9 43.8 40.4 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 118.0 109.5 88.3 83.8 87.0 170.7 202.6 Payable gold (fine ounces) 15,279 11,692 9,780 8,729 12,386 21,115 27,552 concentrate Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 19.8 21.8 23.1 22.9 18.0 40.8 41.9 OK Tedi, Papua New Guinea (a) Material mined ('000 tonnes) 22,673 22,244 22,482 - - - 44,972 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 8,286 8,250 8,116 - - - 15,657 Average head grades - Copper (%) 0.91% 0.85% 0.92% - - - 0.92% - Gold (g/t) 0.77 0.70 0.82 - - - 0.88 Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 54.1 51.7 53.4 - - - 103.9 Payable gold (fine ounces) 127,049 115,576 124,729 - - - 267,797 concentrate Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 53.5 53.4 67.5 - - - 89.6 Payable gold (fine ounces) 135,494 113,760 156,860 - - - 235,975 concentrate (a) Ok Tedi data shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton holds a 52% equity interest in Ok Tedi. BHP Billiton announced in August 2001 that no profit would be recognised for Ok Tedi from 1 July 2001 except to the extent that dividends are received. Accordingly, Ok Tedi September 2001 and December 2001 quarter copper production (100% basis) of 48,200 tonnes and 43,800 tonnes respectively and gold production of 104,855 ounces and 98,210 ounces respectively has not been recognised. Tintaya, Peru Material mined ('000 tonnes) 16,723 14,566 16,447 17,600 14,115 31,715 33,117 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 1,744 1,429 1,508 1,640 1,569 3,209 3,364 Average copper grade (%) 1.56% 1.47% 1.56% 1.58% 1.72% 1.65% 1.56% Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 24.0 18.4 20.1 20.9 22.9 43.8 46.5 Payable gold (fine ounces) 4,638 5,146 7,693 10,249 11,500 21,749 11,585 concentrate Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 24.5 12.1 32.0 19.2 17.8 37.0 42.2 Payable gold (fine ounces) 5,149 3,125 10,350 9,745 9,546 19,291 12,943 concentrate Cerro Colorado, Chile (a) Material mined ('000 tonnes) 14,957 13,342 14,177 13,595 16,677 30,272 14,957 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 3,264 3,479 3,546 3,517 3,894 7,411 3,264 Average copper grade (%) 1.08% 1.09% 1.09% 1.08% 1.13% 1.11% 1.08% Production Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 31.0 32.0 33.8 34.0 33.8 67.8 31.0 Sales Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 30.4 32.8 33.6 34.0 31.7 65.7 30.4 (a) Cerro Colorado (BHP Billiton 100%) included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio Algom. Antamina, Peru (a) Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 22,589 22,589 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 6,318 6,318 Average head grades - Copper (%) 1.32% 1.32% - Zinc (%) 2.03% 2.03% - Silver (g/t) 223 223 Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 26.5 26.5 Payable zinc (tonnes) 16,010 16,010 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 690 690 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 28.7 28.7 Payable zinc (tonnes) 8,983 8,983 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 596 596 (a) BHP Billiton acquired its 33.8% interest in Antamina in October 2000 as part of the acquisition of Rio Algom. Commercial production commenced on 1 October 2001. Alumbrera, Argentina (a) Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 27,823 25,829 27,182 29,545 28,635 58,180 27,823 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 7,097 7,041 7,445 7,516 7,142 14,658 7,097 Average head grades - Copper (%) 0.64% 0.71% 0.74% 0.70% 0.74% 0.72% 0.64% - Gold (g/t) 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.0 0.8 Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 9.9 10.8 11.9 11.6 12.0 23.6 9.9 Payable gold (fine ounces) 30,094 30,579 39,922 40,370 42,978 83,348 30,094 Payable gold - dore (fine ounces) 1,919 1,368 2,283 2,214 2,589 4,803 1,919 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 8.4 9.5 14.2 9.8 13.1 22.9 8.4 Payable gold (fine ounces) 26,819 27,635 45,999 34,461 48,223 82,684 26,819 Payable gold - dore (fine ounces) 1,907 1,934 2,138 2,009 1,829 3,838 1,907 (a) Alumbrera (BHP Billiton 25%) included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio Algom. Highland Valley, Canada (a) Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 21,203 19,104 18,988 19,911 20,883 40,794 21,203 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 13,155 11,784 11,355 12,841 12,912 25,753 13,155 Average copper grade (%) 0.42% 0.43% 0.43% 0.43% 0.42% 0.42% 0.42% Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 16.1 14.8 14.1 16.1 16.0 32.1 16.1 Payable Molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.14 0.12 0.12 0.15 0.15 0.30 0.14 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 10.5 10.7 11.6 23.2 18.8 42.0 10.5 Payable Molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.21 0.18 0.14 0.14 0.10 0.24 0.21 (a) Highland Valley (BHP Billiton 33.6%) included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio Algom. Cannington, Australia Material mined ('000 tonnes) 460 464 507 543 555 1,098 890 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 461 422 490 496 538 1,034 869 Average head grades - Silver (g/t) 606 539 577 598 567 582 641 - Lead (%) 12.8% 12.7% 13.2% 13.2% 12.1% 12.6% 13.6% - Zinc (%) 5.6% 5.5% 5.5% 4.8% 5.3% 5.0% 5.3% Production Payable silver ('000 ounces) 7,591 6,462 7,806 7,804 7,915 15,719 15,220 Payable lead (tonnes) 49,503 45,228 54,271 52,879 51,914 104,793 100,830 Payable zinc (tonnes) 17,994 15,877 17,176 14,058 17,285 31,343 31,141 Sales Payable silver ('000 ounces) 6,583 8,107 8,681 7,231 8,045 15,276 13,571 Payable lead (tonnes) 43,036 55,949 61,243 49,423 52,577 102,000 89,115 Payable zinc (tonnes) 13,262 20,588 17,496 13,220 17,850 31,070 24,943 Selbaie, Canada Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 933 902 896 1,006 1,029 2,035 2,211 Average head grades - Zinc (%) 1.54% 1.57% 1.42% 1.50% 1.29% 1.39% 1.56% - Copper (%) 0.43% 0.46% 0.42% 0.34% 0.34% 0.34% 0.43% - Gold (g/t) 0.43 0.40 0.42 0.34 0.24 0.29 0.47 - Silver (g/t) 29.05 25.22 18.12 25.02 37.23 31.19 28.09 Production Payable zinc (tonnes) 10,312 8,868 7,969 9,456 8,106 17,562 21,671 Payable copper (tonnes) 3,183 3,279 2,872 2,470 2,668 5,138 6,573 Payable gold (ounces) 9,344 8,472 8,198 6,207 4,929 11,136 21,245 concentrate Payable silver ('000 ounces) 469 362 259 379 676 1,055 915 Sales Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,780 9,110 8,406 9,959 7,932 17,891 19,163 Payable copper (tonnes) 3,390 3,260 3,035 3,196 2,615 5,811 6,373 Payable gold (ounces) 11,777 10,177 8,207 8,112 8,002 16,114 18,059 concentrate Payable silver ('000 ounces) 494 445 405 284 321 605 1,029 Pering, South Africa Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 336 327 345 339 342 681 672 Average head grades - Zinc (%) 2.22% 2.03% 2.09% 2.00% 1.90% 1.96% 2.12% - Lead (%) 0.68% 0.55% 0.60% 0.49% 0.54% 0.52% 0.68% Production Payable zinc (tonnes) 5,498 5,010 5,397 5,888 5,318 11,206 10,503 Payable lead (tonnes) 1,601 1,320 1,486 1,153 1,298 2,451 3,217 Sales Payable zinc (tonnes) 4,990 5,170 5,060 4,900 4,859 9,759 9,917 Payable lead (tonnes) 1,250 1,590 1,490 1,336 1,217 2,553 2,952 San Manuel, USA Production Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 2.6 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.2 4.5 5.4 Pinto Valley, USA Production Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 4.4 3.9 3.8 3.4 3.4 6.8 8.7 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 CARBON STEEL MATERIALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) IRON ORE (a) Pilbara, Australia Production Mt Newman Joint Venture 5,500 4,591 5,239 5,973 6,423 12,396 11,120 Goldsworthy Joint Venture 1,730 1,453 1,788 1,656 1,667 3,323 3,360 Yandi Joint Venture 5,840 6,354 6,882 7,046 6,933 13,979 12,920 Jimblebar 1,250 991 1,272 1,182 1,332 2,514 2,380 Total (BHP Billiton share) 14,320 13,389 15,181 15,858 16,355 32,213 29,780 Total production (100%) 16,626 15,577 17,636 18,448 19,006 37,453 34,615 Shipments Lump 3,730 3,950 3,823 3,729 3,483 7,212 7,670 Fines 11,400 11,171 11,545 12,334 12,025 24,359 22,440 Total (BHP Billiton share) 15,130 15,121 15,368 16,063 15,508 31,571 30,110 Total shipments (100%) 17,798 17,789 18,080 18,897 18,245 37,142 35,420 (a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis. Samarco, Brazil Production 1,910 1,885 1,893 1,223 928 2,151 3,730 Shipments 2,150 1,699 1,460 1,156 1,440 2,596 3,820 METALLURGICAL COAL (a) Queensland, Australia Production CQCA Joint Venture (b) Blackwater 1,076 1,066 1,130 977 1,305 2,282 2,132 Goonyella 965 967 1,122 986 850 1,836 1,889 Peak Downs 886 571 779 885 730 1,615 1,779 Saraji 433 504 530 627 528 1,155 1,041 Norwich Park 434 411 503 527 495 1,022 914 CQCA total 3,794 3,519 4,064 4,002 3,908 7,910 7,755 South Blackwater (c) - - - 670 524 1,194 - Gregory Joint Venture (b) 970 845 960 486 408 894 1,821 BHP Mitsui Coal (d) Riverside 727 834 966 917 649 1,567 1,472 South Walker Creek 798 844 836 906 817 1,723 1,467 BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,525 1,678 1,802 1,823 1,467 3,290 2,939 Queensland total 6,289 6,042 6,826 6,980 6,307 13,288 12,515 Shipments Coking coal 4,669 4,401 4,813 4,804 4,011 8,815 9,223 Weak coking coal 1,466 1,138 1,245 1,592 1,674 3,267 2,531 Thermal coal 657 474 624 631 704 1,335 1,290 Total 6,792 6,013 6,682 7,027 6,390 13,417 13,044 (a) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (b) BHP Billiton interest is 50% from 28 June 2001 (previously CQCA joint venture 52.1% and Gregory joint venture 64.14%). (c) BHP Billiton acquired its share of South Blackwater in July 2001. South Blackwater is equally owned by BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. (d) BHP Mitsui Coal production shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest. QCT Resources, Australia (a) Production CQCA 732 1,093 1,263 - - - 732 Gregory Joint Venture 173 213 242 - - - 173 South Blackwater 355 531 582 - - - 355 Total 1,260 1,837 2,087 - - - 1,260 Shipments Coking coal 876 1,633 1,476 - - - 876 Weak coking coal 146 227 231 - - - 146 Thermal coal 245 209 268 - - - 245 Total 1,267 2,069 1,975 - - - 1,267 (a) Production and shipments reported represents BHP Billiton's 50% equity interest in MetCoal Holdings. MetCoal Holdings is equally owned by BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd and acquired QCT Resources Limited (QCT) in November 2000. In June 2001, Mitsubishi acquired the balance of the shares in QCT from BHP Billiton. Illawarra, Australia Production 1,328 1,619 1,889 2,055 1,841 3,896 3,066 Shipments Coking coal 1,512 1,410 1,686 1,457 1,655 3,112 2,838 Thermal coal 165 67 246 136 94 230 293 Total 1,677 1,477 1,932 1,593 1,749 3,342 3,131 MANGANESE ORES South Africa Saleable production (a) 579 538 490 467 501 968 1,134 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. Australia Saleable production (a) 318 379 446 505 387 892 787 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. MANGANESE ALLOYS South Africa Saleable production (a) 106 96 85 69 101 170 217 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. Australia Saleable production (a) 67 64 51 50 63 113 131 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. HOT BRIQUETTED IRON Boodarie(TM) Iron, Australia Production 291 177 276 386 384 770 396 Shipments 107 238 342 358 302 660 161 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) NICKEL CMSA, Colombia Production 6.9 9.4 9.1 9.6 10.4 20.0 13.3 Sales 5.5 8.8 10.2 9.1 10.4 19.5 11.9 Yabulu, Australia Production Nickel 7.5 7.4 7.7 6.3 7.1 13.4 13.9 Cobalt 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.8 Sales Nickel 6.3 6.5 8.2 7.7 6.9 14.6 12.6 Cobalt 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.8 CHROME ORES South Africa Saleable production (a) 898 674 665 629 609 1,238 1,819 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. FERROCHROME South Africa Saleable production (a) 249 192 194 207 206 413 522 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 ENERGY COAL BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) Ingwe, South Africa Production 17,811 14,379 14,571 14,538 13,724 28,262 32,372 Sales Export 6,489 6,164 6,557 6,289 6,083 12,372 13,058 Local utility 10,273 6,957 6,821 7,477 6,780 14,257 17,371 Inland 1,473 1,207 1,110 1,092 1,111 2,203 2,690 Total 18,235 14,328 14,488 14,858 13,974 28,832 33,119 New Mexico, USA Production Navajo Coal 2,119 1,838 2,170 1,694 1,682 3,376 3,663 San Juan Coal 1,843 2,155 1,720 1,412 1,488 2,900 3,379 Total 3,962 3,993 3,890 3,106 3,170 6,276 7,042 Sales - local utility 3,565 3,566 3,434 3,407 3,489 6,896 7,350 COAL, Australia Production 1,227 1,512 1,329 1,173 863 2,036 2,462 Sales Export 685 1,190 1,201 604 571 1,175 1,634 Inland 235 396 399 398 378 776 627 Total 920 1,586 1,600 1,002 949 1,951 2,261 Kalimantan, Indonesia (a) Production Senakin (b) 1,050 924 1,099 1,161 801 1,962 1,955 Satui (b) 871 926 981 1,068 777 1,845 1,689 Petangis 213 185 211 221 201 422 456 Total 2,134 2,035 2,291 2,450 1,778 4,228 4,100 Sales - export 2,049 1,942 2,308 2,312 1,684 3,996 4,124 (a) Reported on 86.5% basis after allowing for the Indonesian state-owned corporation's 13.5% share of all production. (b) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Senakin and Satui effective 30 November 2001. CDC & CZN, Colombia (a) Production 687 1,091 1,053 1,138 1,088 2,226 687 Sales - export 676 1,102 959 1,098 688 1,786 676 (a) Carbonnes del Cerrejon (BHP Billiton 33.3%) and Cerrejon Zona Norte (BHP Billiton 16.7%) were acquired in September 2000 and November 2000 respectively. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 PETROLEUM BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated. CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels) Bass Strait 7,096 6,990 6,946 7,387 7,197 14,584 14,900 North West Shelf - condensate 1,144 1,240 1,239 1,331 1,310 2,641 2,369 North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack 1,885 1,820 1,757 1,652 1,919 3,571 3,567 Laminaria 3,875 3,533 3,076 3,001 2,569 5,570 8,244 Buffalo (a) 763 - - - - - 1,520 Griffin 1,714 2,241 1,194 1,037 863 1,900 3,705 Pakistan (b) - 3 14 17 19 36 - Typhoon (c) - - - 835 1,443 2,278 - Americas 944 941 958 918 919 1,837 1,770 Liverpool Bay 1,978 2,469 2,516 2,830 2,868 5,698 3,694 Bruce/Keith (d) 601 674 678 483 640 1,123 1,048 Total 20,000 19,911 18,378 19,492 19,747 39,239 40,817 NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) Bass Strait 18.96 22.91 26.75 30.05 23.14 53.19 46.74 North West Shelf - Domestic 3.28 3.29 3.81 3.68 3.73 7.41 6.41 North West Shelf - LNG 13.83 14.24 13.47 15.76 15.56 31.32 29.02 Griffin 0.82 0.73 0.84 1.35 1.25 2.60 1.57 Pakistan (b) - 0.40 2.03 2.66 2.83 5.49 - Typhoon (c) - - - 0.67 1.48 2.15 - Americas 5.38 5.19 5.52 5.41 5.45 10.86 10.59 Bruce 9.38 10.43 7.59 3.28 10.65 13.93 14.39 Keith (d) 0.11 0.24 0.25 0.19 0.27 0.46 0.11 Liverpool Bay 9.07 10.18 11.38 8.19 11.87 20.06 13.75 Total 60.83 67.61 71.64 71.24 76.23 147.47 122.58 LPG ('000 tonnes) Bass Strait 95.70 113.21 117.66 128.52 107.80 236.32 223.85 North West Shelf 30.69 30.44 31.65 36.32 35.53 71.85 62.17 Griffin 1.50 0.51 - - - - 3.07 Bruce 26.72 23.01 24.85 16.51 28.50 45.01 38.29 Keith (d) 0.43 3.45 1.44 1.36 1.18 2.54 0.43 Total 155.04 170.62 175.60 182.71 173.01 355.72 327.81 ETHANE ('000 tonnes) 9.98 15.69 18.53 24.05 18.59 42.64 33.17 (a) Buffalo sold effective September 2000. (b) Zamzama extended well test commenced in March 2001. (c) Typhoon commenced production in July 2001. (d) Keith commenced production in November 2000. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 BHP STEEL BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) PRODUCTION Iron Sands NZS, New Zealand 712 274 478 397 464 861 1,435 Coke Port Kembla, Australia 599 578 643 661 620 1,281 1,215 Iron Port Kembla, Australia 1,231 1,177 1,269 1,262 1,191 2,453 2,529 Raw Steel Port Kembla, Australia 1,226 1,120 1,176 1,238 1,109 2,347 2,534 NZS, New Zealand 146 157 152 144 153 297 293 Total 1,372 1,277 1,328 1,382 1,262 2,644 2,827 Delta, Ohio (a) 186 190 197 196 196 392 379 Marketable Steel Products Flat Products Flat and Tinplate 1,152 1,094 1,183 1,183 1,054 2,237 2,394 products Coated Products Rolled and coated 464 462 474 533 400 933 995 products Flat and coated products (NZS) 125 139 135 137 117 254 262 Rolled and coated products (offshore) 98 81 89 69 70 139 168 Building products (includes offshore) 34 42 42 40 36 76 74 Total (b) 1,268 1,345 1,469 1,377 1,169 2,546 2,693 Delta, Ohio (a) 182 186 193 192 192 384 371 DESPATCHES (c) Business unit despatches Flat Products 1,069 1,098 1,294 1,128 996 2,124 2,312 Coated Products 691 666 813 746 657 1,403 1,423 Total (d) 1,237 1,282 1,587 1,296 1,153 2,449 2,473 External despatches Australia Domestic 503 515 585 691 569 1,260 988 (e) Export 515 546 757 387 391 778 1,056 New Zealand Domestic 62 56 55 61 56 117 129 (e) Export 55 77 97 83 67 150 123 Other offshore 102 88 93 74 70 144 177 Total 1,237 1,282 1,587 1,296 1,153 2,449 2,473 Delta, Ohio (a) 177 190 191 191 189 380 367 (a) Production and despatches reported is that proportion determined by BHP Steel's equity interest in North Star BHP LLC (50%). (b) Total excludes production for intra-business sales. Therefore, the total figure is less than the sum of the individual businesses. (c) Steel products only. Excludes pig iron and by-products. (d) Total excludes intra-business sales. Therefore, the total figure is less than the sum of the individual businesses. (e) Includes despatches to OneSteel Limited from 1 November 2000. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 EXPLORATION, TECHNOLOGY & NEW BUSINESS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. DIAMONDS Ekati(TM), Canada Production (a) ('000 carats) 318 375 427 767 928 1,695 627 (a) Interest in Ekati(TM) increased from 51% to 80% effective July 2001. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED HALF YEAR ENDED DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC DEC DEC 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 STEEL - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (a) BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) PRODUCTION Iron Ore Whyalla, Australia 254 - - - - - 910 Coke Whyalla, Australia 49 - - - - - 198 Iron Whyalla, Australia 102 - - - - - 372 Raw Steel Whyalla, Australia 99 - - - - - 344 Newcastle, Australia - - - - - - - Sydney, Australia 36 - - - - - 164 Total 135 - - - - - 508 Marketable Steel Products Long products 171 - - - - - 722 Other offshore (USA) (b) - - - - - - - Total (b) 171 - - - - - 711 DESPATCHES (c) Business unit despatches Long Products 166 - - - - - 693 Other offshore (USA) (b) - - - - - - - Total (d) 166 - - - - - 693 External despatches Australia Domestic 150 - - - - - 632 Export 16 - - - - - 61 Other offshore (USA) (b) - - - - - - - Total 166 - - - - - 693 (a) Data tables reflect the spin-out of OneSteel Limited from BHP Billiton effective 31 October 2000. (b) US steel businesses were sold in June 2000. (c) Steel products only. Excludes pig iron and by-products. (d) Total excludes intra-business sales. Therefore, the total figure is less than the sum of the individual businesses. BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales Registered Office: 600 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Registered Office: 1-3 Strand London WC2N 5HA United Telephone +61 3 9609 3333 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015 Kingdom Telephone +44 20 7747 3800 Facsimile +44 20 7747 3900 The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia END This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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