BHP Billiton Production Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2012

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

July 18, 2012

 

 

 

BHP BILLITON LIMITED    BHP BILLITON PLC
(ABN 49 004 028 077)    (REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)    (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA    ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)    (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE,

VICTORIA

3000 AUSTRALIA

  

NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON,

UNITED KINGDOM

(Address of principal executive offices)    (Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

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x   Form 20-F    ¨  Form 40-F

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NEWS RELEASE

Release Time IMMEDIATE

Date 18 July 2012

Number 15/12

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

Robust operating performance in a challenging environment with annual production records achieved across ten operations.

Twelfth consecutive annual production record in iron ore as Western Australia Iron Ore shipments rose to an annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June 2012 quarter (100% basis).

Record annual metallurgical coal production achieved at Illawarra Coal. Queensland Coal production remained constrained as a result of industrial action and heavy rainfall.

The successful integration and further development of our Onshore US shale liquids and gas assets contributed to a 40% increase in petroleum production in the 2012 financial year.

An 11% increase in copper production in the June 2012 quarter established strong momentum in our Base Metals business.

Petroleum

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (‘000 boe) 85,286 19,484 -7% -8% -10%

Natural gas (bcf) 822.26 221.25 103% 68% 6%

Total petroleum products (million boe) 222.34 56.36 40% 30% 0%

Total petroleum production – The successful integration and further development of our Onshore US shale liquids and gas assets contributed to a 40 per cent increase in petroleum production in the 2012 financial year. Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Lower liquids production for the 2012 financial year reflected downtime at our non-operated facilities in the Gulf of Mexico (USA) and natural field decline, particularly at Pyrenees (Australia). Mad Dog (USA) was offline for the full financial year while Atlantis (USA) was shut-in for an extended period of scheduled maintenance during the June 2012 quarter. Weather related downtime in the Gulf of Mexico also contributed to lower production in the period.

Onshore US liquids production increased by 10 per cent to 3.8 million barrels in the June 2012 quarter. Over 80 per cent of our Onshore US drilling activity was focused on the liquids rich Eagle Ford shale and Permian Basin at the end of the period.

Our conventional business will benefit from the recommencement of production at Mad Dog and Atlantis in the September 2012 quarter.

Natural gas – Strong performance at Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) and the successful integration of our Onshore US business led to higher natural gas production in the 2012 financial year.


 

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Aluminium

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Alumina (‘000 tonnes) 4,152 1,039 4% 1% -1%

Aluminium (‘000 tonnes) 1,153 248 -7% -21% -10%

Alumina – Record annual production at the Alumar refinery (Brazil) contributed to a four per cent increase in total alumina production in the 2012 financial year. Production at Worsley (Australia) is expected to increase during the 2013 financial year as the Efficiency & Growth project ramps up towards full capacity.

Aluminium – Production was lower than all comparable periods as potline capacity at Hillside (South Africa) remained curtailed following a major unplanned outage in the March 2012 quarter. Operations are expected to progressively return to full technical capacity during the 2013 financial year.

Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium business continues to be challenged by weaker prices and underlying cost pressure.

Base Metals

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Copper (‘000 tonnes) 1,094.5 312.5 -4% 15% 11%

Lead (tonnes) 239,878 63,667 -2% 9% 19%

Zinc (tonnes) 112,217 30,748 -26% -11% 3%

Silver (‘000 ounces) 41,308 11,539 -3% 17% 19%

Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) 3,885 1,080 -4% 6% 21%

Copper – An 11 per cent increase in copper production in the June 2012 quarter established strong momentum in our Base Metals business. At Escondida (Chile), production increased by 22 per cent as mining activities progressed towards higher grade ore, consistent with the mine plan. This strong performance was also supported by quarterly and annual material mined, mill throughput and copper production records at Antamina (Peru) following the successful commissioning of the expansion project.

Escondida copper production is forecast to increase by approximately 20 per cent in the 2013 financial year. Successful completion of both the Escondida Ore Access and Laguna Seca debottlenecking projects will facilitate a rise in Escondida copper production to over 1.3 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in the 2015 financial year. At 30 June 2012 the Group had 278,547 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.49 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined in the 2013 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in 2012. This finalisation adjustment and the provisional pricing impact as at 30 June 2012 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$265 million in the 2012 financial year (2011 financial year: US$650 million gain). Lead/silver – Production for the 2012 financial year was in line with the prior period.

Zinc – Production at Antamina declined during the 2012 financial year as mining progressed through a copper-rich ore zone.

Uranium – Production for the 2012 financial year was broadly in line with the prior period.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 2


 

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Diamonds & Specialty Products

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Diamonds (‘000 carats) 1,784 413 -29% -28% -5%

Diamonds – Production was lower than all comparable periods, as expected. EKATI (Canada) production is forecast to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.

BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business during the December 2011 quarter and this process is ongoing. The sale of BHP Billiton’s 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto is progressing and remains subject to final regulatory approvals.

Stainless Steel Materials

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Nickel (‘000 tonnes) 157.9 42.7 3% 12% 2%

Nickel – The successful replacement of the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) in the September 2011 quarter led to a modest increase in annual nickel production.

The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project and Kwinana hydrogen plant (Australia) were both commissioned in the 2012 financial year. However, despite improved refinery performance, a strong Australian dollar and weak nickel price continued to place pressure on Nickel West operating margins.

Iron Ore

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Iron ore (‘000 tonnes) 159,478 40,891 19% 15% 8%

Iron ore – BHP Billiton’s commitment to invest throughout the economic cycle delivered a twelfth consecutive annual production record in iron ore. Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) shipments rose to a record annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June 2012 quarter (100 per cent basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the ramp up of Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company’s rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland contributed to the record result. WAIO production in the 2013 financial year is forecast to increase by approximately five per cent from the 2012 financial year.

Samarco’s (Brazil) three pellet plants continued to operate at capacity during the period.

Manganese

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes) 7,931 2,066 12% 15% 1%

Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes) 602 75 -20% -61% -46%

Manganese ore – Consistently strong operating performance and improved plant availability at both GEMCO (Australia) and Hotazel (South Africa) underpinned annual production and sales records in the 2012 financial year.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 3


 

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Manganese alloy – The termination of energy intensive silica manganese production at Metalloys (South Africa) and the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO (Australia) resulted in substantially lower alloy production in the 2012 financial year. TEMCO is expected to return to full capacity towards the end of the September 2012 quarter.

Metallurgical Coal

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes) 33,230 8,109 2% 2% 11%

Metallurgical coal – A modest increase in metallurgical coal production was achieved in the 2012 financial year despite numerous operating challenges. Record annual production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) followed successful commissioning of the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant upgrade project. A longwall move at the Appin mine is expected to have a minor impact on production in the September 2012 quarter.

Queensland Coal (Australia) production remained constrained during the June 2012 quarter largely as a result of industrial action. This disruption to production and sales has led to significant margin compression for our leading Queensland Coal business. BHP Billiton also announced the indefinite closure of the Norwich Park mine (Australia) during the June 2012 quarter following a review of the mine’s profitability.

In July 2012, force majeure was lifted across all BMA sites. In addition, BMA and the unions reached a framework agreement that should guide the finalisation of the BMA Enterprise Agreement. Further work is underway to finalise local mine site details.

Energy Coal

JUN JUN JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

2012 2012 vs vs vs

YTD QTR JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

Energy coal (‘000 tonnes) 71,111 18,484 2% 1% 7%

Energy coal – Volumes were higher than all comparable periods with annual and quarterly production records achieved at two of BHP Billiton’s export orientated operations, Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) and New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia). Longwall mining activity resumed at San Juan Coal (USA) during the June 2012 quarter. The RX1 Project at New South Wales Energy Coal delivered first production during the June 2012 quarter, significantly ahead of schedule. This project capitalises on strong demand for high ash coal in our key growth markets.

Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton’s share and exclude suspended and sold operations.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 4


 

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BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 5


 

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BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY—CONTINUING OPERATIONS

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE% CHANGE

JUN YTD12 JUN Q12 JUN Q12

JUN MAR JUN JUN JUN vs vs vs

2011 2012 2012 2012 2011 JUN YTD11 JUN Q11 MAR Q12

PETROLEUM

Crude oil & condensate(‘000 bbl) 18,652 18,127 15,726 71,201 80,591 -12% -16% -13%

Natural gas(bcf) 131.79 209.17 221.25 822.26 405.06 103% 68% 6%

NGL(‘000 boe) 2,636 3,609 3,758 14,085 11,283 25% 43% 4%

Total petroleum products(million boe) 43.25 56.60 56.36 222.34 159.38 40% 30% 0%

ALUMINIUM

Alumina(‘000 tonnes) 1,026 1,052 1,039 4,152 4,010 4% 1% -1%

Aluminium(‘000 tonnes) 313 277 248 1,153 1,246 -7% -21% -10%

BASE METALS

Copper(‘000 tonnes) 272.3 281.4 312.5 1,094.5 1,139.4 -4% 15% 11%

Lead(tonnes) 58,578 53,560 63,667 239,878 244,554 -2% 9% 19%

Zinc(tonnes) 34,733 29,727 30,748 112,217 152,127 -26% -11% 3%

Gold(ounces) 45,545 44,684 40,569 168,699 196,091 -14% -11% -9%

Silver(‘000 ounces) 9,877 9,715 11,539 41,308 42,656 -3% 17% 19%

Uranium oxide concentrate(tonnes) 1,015 896 1,080 3,885 4,045 -4% 6% 21%

Molybdenum(tonnes) 418 521 464 2,346 1,445 62% 11% -11%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Diamonds(‘000 carats) 576 433 413 1,784 2,506 -29% -28% -5%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

Nickel(‘000 tonnes) 38.2 41.7 42.7 157.9 152.7 3% 12% 2%

IRON ORE

Iron ore(‘000 tonnes) 35,526 37,943 40,891 159,478 134,406 19% 15% 8%

MANGANESE

Manganese ore(‘000 tonnes) 1,790 2,040 2,066 7,931 7,093 12% 15% 1%

Manganese alloy(‘000 tonnes) 190 138 75 602 753 -20% -61% -46%

METALLURGICAL COAL

Metallurgical coal(‘000 tonnes) 7,922 7,337 8,109 33,230 32,678 2% 2% 11%

ENERGY COAL

Energy coal(‘000 tonnes) 18,338 17,248 18,484 71,111 69,500 2% 1% 7%

Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 1


 

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BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

BHP Billiton JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

Interest 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

PETROLEUM

Production

Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl) 18,652 18,482 18,866 18,127 15,726 71,201 80,591

Natural gas (bcf) 131.79 177.35 214.49 209.17 221.25 822.26 405.06

NGL (‘000 boe) (a) 2,636 3,356 3,362 3,609 3,758 14,085 11,283

Total petroleum products (million boe) 43.25 51.40 57.98 56.60 56.36 222.34 159.38

ALUMINIUM

ALUMINA

Production (‘000 tonnes)

Worsley 86% 725 752 694 741 730 2,917 2,902

Alumar 36% 301 308 307 311 309 1,235 1,108

Total 1,026 1,060 1,001 1,052 1,039 4,152 4,010

ALUMINIUM

Production (‘000 tonnes)

Hillside 100% 179 180 180 144 117 621 711

Bayside 100% 24 25 24 26 23 98 97

Alumar 40% 43 44 42 42 42 170 174

Mozal 47% 67 66 67 65 66 264 264

Total 313 315 313 277 248 1,153 1,246

BASE METALS (b)

COPPER

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)

Escondida 57.5% 79.4 49.9 80.4 87.7 115.8 333.8 390.5

Antamina 33.8% 22.5 30.3 30.9 30.9 34.9 127.0 97.8

Total 101.9 80.2 111.3 118.6 150.7 460.8 488.3

Cathode (‘000 tonnes)

Escondida 57.5% 42.6 32.9 43.0 47.4 48.7 172.0 179.1

Pampa Norte (c) 100% 75.7 65.4 70.0 66.2 62.1 263.7 272.2

Pinto Valley 100% 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 5.4 5.7

Olympic Dam 100% 50.7 40.4 54.6 47.8 49.8 192.6 194.1

Total 170.4 140.1 169.0 162.8 161.8 633.7 651.1

LEAD

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington 100% 58,414 55,557 66,787 53,412 63,334 239,090 243,364

Antamina 33.8% 164 102 205 148 333 788 1,190

Total 58,578 55,659 66,992 53,560 63,667 239,878 244,554

ZINC

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington 100% 14,348 14,488 14,745 12,904 12,540 54,677 60,657

Antamina 33.8% 20,385 8,956 13,553 16,823 18,208 57,540 91,470

Total 34,733 23,444 28,298 29,727 30,748 112,217 152,127

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 2


 

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BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

BHP Billiton JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

Interest 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

BASE METALS (continued)

GOLD

Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)

Escondida 57.5% 17,116 11,063 14,242 12,732 12,817 50,854 84,723

Olympic Dam (refined gold) 100% 28,429 28,376 29,765 31,952 27,752 117,845 111,368

Total 45,545 39,439 44,007 44,684 40,569 168,699 196,091

SILVER

Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)

Escondida 57.5% 580 403 549 481 488 1,921 2,849

Antamina 33.8% 773 972 1,087 1,170 1,043 4,272 3,600

Cannington 100% 8,242 7,559 9,056 7,836 9,757 34,208 35,225

Olympic Dam (refined silver) 100% 282 217 211 228 251 907 982

Total 9,877 9,151 10,903 9,715 11,539 41,308 42,656

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Olympic Dam 100% 1,015 1,000 909 896 1,080 3,885 4,045

Total 1,015 1,000 909 896 1,080 3,885 4,045

MOLYBDENUM

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Antamina 33.8% 418 595 766 521 464 2,346 1,445

Total 418 595 766 521 464 2,346 1,445

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

DIAMONDS

Production (‘000 carats)

EKATI™ 80% 576 457 481 433 413 1,784 2,506

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

NICKEL

Production (‘000 tonnes)

CMSA 99.9% 7.4 10.4 12.3 13.4 12.8 48.9 40.0

Nickel West 100% 30.8 24.7 26.1 28.3 29.9 109.0 112.7

Total 38.2 35.1 38.4 41.7 42.7 157.9 152.7

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 3


 

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BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

BHP Billiton JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

Interest 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

IRON ORE

Production (‘000 tonnes) (d)

Newman (e) 85% 12,480 13,158 13,247 11,789 13,132 51,326 45,245

Goldsworthy Joint Venture 85% 284 254 334 37 143 768 1,198

Area C Joint Venture 85% 10,044 10,479 10,437 10,343 11,166 42,425 39,794

Yandi Joint Venture 85% 9,796 12,708 14,170 13,063 13,595 53,536 36,460

Samarco 50% 2,922 2,973 2,884 2,711 2,855 11,423 11,709

Total 35,526 39,572 41,072 37,943 40,891 159,478 134,406

MANGANESE

MANGANESE ORES

Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)

South Africa (f) 44.4% 776 911 808 917 989 3,625 3,007

Australia (f) 60% 1,014 1,108 998 1,123 1,077 4,306 4,086

Total 1,790 2,019 1,806 2,040 2,066 7,931 7,093

MANGANESE ALLOYS

Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)

South Africa (f) (g) 60% 120 124 124 81 75 404 486

Australia (f) 60% 70 70 71 57—198 267

Total 190 194 195 138 75 602 753

METALLURGICAL COAL

Production (‘000 tonnes) (h)

BMA 50% 4,874 5,274 5,006 4,226 4,105 18,611 19,901

BHP Mitsui Coal (i) 80% 1,426 1,803 1,580 1,649 1,661 6,693 5,893

Illawarra 100% 1,622 2,214 1,907 1,462 2,343 7,926 6,884

Total 7,922 9,291 8,493 7,337 8,109 33,230 32,678

ENERGY COAL

Production (‘000 tonnes)

South Africa 100% 8,228 9,095 7,976 7,895 8,313 33,279 34,328

USA 100% 3,779 2,467 2,163 2,109 2,673 9,412 11,612

Australia 100% 3,793 4,046 4,027 4,291 4,393 16,757 13,671

Colombia 33% 2,538 2,852 2,753 2,953 3,105 11,663 9,889

Total 18,338 18,460 16,919 17,248 18,484 71,111 69,500

(a) LPG and ethane are reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL). Product-specific conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe).

(b) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal. (c) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

(d) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis. (e) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

(f) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%. (g) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

(h) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 4


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

PETROLEUM

BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.

CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)

Bass Strait 2,485 2,527 2,190 2,285 2,357 9,359 10,214

North West Shelf 1,442 1,400 1,686 1,671 1,587 6,344 7,586

Stybarrow 1,037 1,171 836 618 635 3,260 2,808

Pyrenees 4,584 3,901 3,207 2,540 2,482 12,130 19,788

Other Australia (a) 13 13 13 13 13 52 51

Atlantis (b) 2,098 2,081 2,390 2,262 39 6,772 10,711

Mad Dog (b) 128———- 3,029

Shenzi (b) (c) 3,630 3,848 4,119 4,071 3,607 15,645 14,783

Onshore US (d)—672 1,631 2,202 2,434 6,939 -

Trinidad/Tobago 687 466 466 453 488 1,873 1,271

Other Americas (b) (e) 448 373 374 373 348 1,468 1,634

UK 534 447 433 328 367 1,575 2,166

Algeria (f) 1,498 1,498 1,437 1,236 1,291 5,462 6,245

Pakistan 68 85 84 75 78 322 305

Total 18,652 18,482 18,866 18,127 15,726 71,201 80,591

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)

Bass Strait 29.97 31.88 23.65 19.74 31.47 106.74 112.03

North West Shelf 35.44 32.97 32.56 29.60 29.80 124.93 143.51

Other Australia (a) 4.68 4.45 4.56 4.42 4.87 18.30 19.20

Atlantis (b) 0.67 0.64 0.67 1.18 0.01 2.50 3.91

Mad Dog (b) 0.01———- 0.45

Shenzi (b) (c) 0.67 0.62 0.57 0.56 0.47 2.22 2.83

Onshore US (d) 36.43 77.59 121.63 124.17 124.53 447.92 36.43

Trinidad/Tobago 4.69 9.31 9.72 9.50 9.54 38.07 4.69

Other Americas (b) (e) 1.42 1.19 0.98 1.09 0.79 4.05 5.47

UK 5.69 3.91 5.51 5.03 5.54 19.99 24.46

Pakistan 12.12 14.79 14.64 13.88 14.23 57.54 52.08

Total 131.79 177.35 214.49 209.17 221.25 822.26 405.06

NGL (‘000 barrels of oil equivalent)

Bass Strait 1,554 1,823 1,407 1,355 1,738 6,323 6,248

North West Shelf 367 423 434 421 342 1,620 1,714

Atlantis (b) 117 120 123 221 1 465 632

Mad Dog (b) 11———- 134

Shenzi (b) (c) 252 296 293 291 244 1,124 1,029

Onshore US (d)—416 943 1,275 1,388 4,022 -

Other Americas (b) (e) 47 41 34 34 24 133 185

UK 66 18 45 12 21 96 279

Algeria (f) 222 219 83—- 302 1,062

Total 2,636 3,356 3,362 3,609 3,758 14,085 11,283

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 43.25 51.40 57.98 56.60 56.36 222.34 159.38

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (g)

(a) Other Australia includes Minerva.

(b) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties. (c) The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.

(d) Fayetteville shale acquisition completed on 31 March 2011. Petrohawk Energy Corporation acquisition completed on 20 August 2011. Onshore US volumes are net of mineral holder royalties.

(e) Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Genesis and Starlifter. West Cameron 76 and Starlifter were divested in May 2012. (f) Algeria includes ROD and Ohanet. The Ohanet Risk Sharing Contract expired in October 2011.

(g) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 5


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

ALUMINIUM

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

(‘000 tonnes)

ALUMINA

Production

Worsley, Australia 725 752 694 741 730 2,917 2,902

Alumar, Brazil 301 308 307 311 309 1,235 1,108

Total 1,026 1,060 1,001 1,052 1,039 4,152 4,010

Sales

Worsley, Australia 727 720 745 713 750 2,928 2,862

Alumar, Brazil 324 280 349 216 356 1,201 1,083

Total 1,051 1,000 1,094 929 1,106 4,129 3,945

ALUMINIUM

Production

Hillside, South Africa 179 180 180 144 117 621 711

Bayside, South Africa 24 25 24 26 23 98 97

Alumar, Brazil 43 44 42 42 42 170 174

Mozal, Mozambique 67 66 67 65 66 264 264

Total 313 315 313 277 248 1,153 1,246

Sales

Hillside, South Africa 181 163 186 141 126 616 652

Bayside, South Africa 29 24 25 27 21 97 127

Alumar, Brazil 44 44 43 31 45 163 174

Mozal, Mozambique 80 60 85 66 54 265 277

Total 334 291 339 265 246 1,141 1,230

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 6


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

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) 97,705 69,006 96,152 103,321 109,724 378,203 400,679

Sulphide ore milled (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 16,399 12,029 18,663 16,449 18,640 65,781 70,878

Average copper grade (%) 1.06% 0.97% 0.97% 1.14% 1.37% 1.13% 1.18%

Production ex mill (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 141.2 91.9 144.3 153.1 211.7 601.0 686.6

Production

Payable copper (’ 000 tonnes) 79.4 49.9 80.4 87.7 115.8 333.8 390.5

Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 17,116 11,063 14,242 12,732 12,817 50,854 84,723

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 42.6 32.9 43.0 47.4 48.7 172.0 179.1

Payable silver concentrate (’ 000 ounces) 580 403 549 481 488 1,921 2,849

Sales

Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 90.9 49.2 82.1 82.6 113.1 327.0 393.9

Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 20,251 10,974 14,435 11,998 12,683 50,090 86,023

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 48.0 25.7 45.3 44.3 53.4 168.7 181.8

Payable silver concentrate (‘000 ounces) 673 404 558 454 483 1,899 2,877

Pampa Norte, Chile

Cerro Colorado

Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 17,840 14,736 16,792 16,320 16,246 64,094 68,094

Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 4,771 4,608 4,601 4,300 4,388 17,897 18,237

Average copper grade (%) 0.74% 0.72% 0.71% 0.72% 0.61% 0.69% 0.74%

Production

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 25.7 22.5 23.5 18.7 18.7 83.4 92.4

Sales

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 25.7 22.4 23.8 20.2 19.1 85.5 94.3

Spence

Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 19,487 19,816 26,511 29,982 28,594 104,903 74,070

Ore milled (‘000 tonnes) 4,545 3,862 4,909 4,279 3,604 16,654 18,431

Average copper grade (%) 1.22% 1.30% 1.46% 1.20% 1.28% 1.32% 1.24%

Production

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 50.0 42.9 46.5 47.5 43.4 180.3 179.8

Sales

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 54.5 43.2 46.6 44.1 51.3 185.2 185.4

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 7


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

BASE METALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.

Antamina, Peru

Material mined (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 41,669 44,212 38,759 41,474 48,256 172,701 138,144

Sulphide ore milled (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 9,253 9,396 9,656 10,162 12,295 41,509 36,929

Average head grades

- Copper (%) 0.90% 1.11% 1.15% 1.10% 1.01% 1.09% 0.97%

- Zinc (%) 1.03% 0.68% 0.72% 0.84% 0.80% 0.76% 1.16%

Production

Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 22.5 30.3 30.9 30.9 34.9 127.0 97.8

Payable zinc (tonnes) 20,385 8,956 13,553 16,823 18,208 57,540 91,470

Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 773 972 1,087 1,170 1,043 4,272 3,600

Payable lead (tonnes) 164 102 205 148 333 788 1,190

Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 418 595 766 521 464 2,346 1,445

Sales

Payable copper (‘000 tonnes) 23.5 28.2 31.7 30.7 32.7 123.3 99.1

Payable zinc (tonnes) 18,479 9,586 12,654 13,464 18,174 53,878 92,899

Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 658 833 940 1,114 896 3,783 3,621

Payable lead (tonnes) 92 91 139 200 48 478 1,523

Payable molybdenum (tonnes) 346 549 591 669 488 2,297 1,470

Cannington, Australia

Material mined (‘000 tonnes) 841 819 778 756 880 3,233 3,110

Ore milled (’ 000 tonnes) 786 826 888 778 845 3,337 3,090

Average head grades

- Silver (g/t) 381 332 370 367 417 372 417

- Lead (%) 8.6% 7.9% 8.8% 8.0% 8.6% 8.3% 9.2%

- Zinc (%) 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 2.7% 2.5% 2.8% 3.2%

Production

Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 8,242 7,559 9,056 7,836 9,757 34,208 35,225

Payable lead (tonnes) 58,414 55,557 66,787 53,412 63,334 239,090 243,364

Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,348 14,488 14,745 12,904 12,540 54,677 60,657

Sales

Payable silver (‘000 ounces) 8,235 6,434 8,960 7,081 10,784 33,259 34,690

Payable lead (tonnes) 58,868 48,258 66,657 49,027 73,400 237,342 241,973

Payable zinc (tonnes) 14,530 15,734 14,078 10,780 14,399 54,991 56,614

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 8


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

BASE METALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.

Olympic Dam, Australia

Material mined (a) (’ 000 tonnes) 2,675 2,543 2,440 2,389 2,629 10,001 10,331

Ore milled (’ 000 tonnes) 2,533 2,471 2,440 2,195 2,475 9,581 10,330

Average copper grade (%) 1.92% 1.98% 2.08% 2.01% 1.86% 1.98% 1.86%

Average uranium grade kg/t 0.54 0.54 0.50 0.57 0.55 0.54 0.53

Production

Copper cathode (ER) (‘000 tonnes) 47.0 37.6 51.5 45.2 46.0 180.3 181.4

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 3.7 2.8 3.1 2.6 3.8 12.3 12.7

Uranium oxide concentrate ( tonnes) 1,015 1,000 909 896 1,080 3,885 4,045

Refined gold (fine ounces) 28,429 28,376 29,765 31,952 27,752 117,845 111,368

Refined silver (‘000 ounces) 282 217 211 228 251 907 982

Sales

Copper cathode (ER) (‘000 tonnes) 46.5 36.4 51.7 44.4 47.8 180.3 182.7

Copper cathode (EW) (‘000 tonnes) 4.1 3.5 2.5 3.0 3.1 12.1 12.5

Uranium oxide concentrate ( tonnes) 1,143 910 1,126 640 1,252 3,928 3,945

Refined gold (fine ounces) 30,323 28,979 24,327 36,832 29,257 119,395 110,736

Refined silver (‘000 ounces) 269 289 155 268 200 912 954

(a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

Pinto Valley, USA

Production

Copper cathode (EW) (’ 000 tonnes) 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 5.4 5.7

Sales

Copper cathode (EW) (’ 000 tonnes) 1.2 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.2 5.3 5.9

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 9


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

EKATI™, Canada

Ore Processed (100%) (‘000 tonnes) 1,212 1,177 1,090 1,001 1,214 4,482 4,692

Production (‘000 carats) 576 457 481 433 413 1,784 2,506

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 10


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

(‘000 tonnes)

NICKEL

CMSA, Colombia

Production 7.4 10.4 12.3 13.4 12.8 48.9 40.0

Sales 8.5 7.7 13.1 13.8 12.9 47.5 41.8

Nickel West, Australia

Production

Nickel contained in concentrate 3.3 2.6 1.8 2.3 2.3 9.0 7.5

Nickel contained in finished matte 16.1 9.0 15.2 10.5 14.2 48.9 63.9

Nickel metal 11.4 13.1 9.1 15.5 13.4 51.1 41.3

Nickel production 30.8 24.7 26.1 28.3 29.9 109.0 112.7

Sales

Nickel contained in concentrate 3.9 1.2 2.6 1.5 3.6 8.9 8.5

Nickel contained in finished matte 14.9 10.1 13.9 10.2 16.7 50.9 64.1

Nickel metal 12.4 9.4 10.9 14.2 15.7 50.2 43.4

Nickel sales 31.2 20.7 27.4 25.9 36.0 110.0 116.0

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 11


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

IRON ORE

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

(‘000 tonnes)

IRON ORE (a)

Pilbara, Australia

Production

Newman (b) 12,480 13,158 13,247 11,789 13,132 51,326 45,245

Goldsworthy Joint Venture 284 254 334 37 143 768 1,198

Area C Joint Venture 10,044 10,479 10,437 10,343 11,166 42,425 39,794

Yandi Joint Venture 9,796 12,708 14,170 13,063 13,595 53,536 36,460

Total (BHP Billiton share) 32,604 36,599 38,188 35,232 38,036 148,055 122,697

Total production (100%) 38,358 43,058 44,927 41,449 44,748 174,182 144,349

Shipments

Lump 7,463 7,744 8,700 8,235 9,100 33,779 30,784

Fines 25,379 29,311 28,406 26,523 28,870 113,110 92,946

Total (BHP Billiton share) 32,842 37,055 37,106 34,758 37,970 146,889 123,730

Total sales (100%) 38,638 43,594 43,654 40,892 44,670 172,810 145,565

(a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(b) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

Samarco, Brazil

Production 2,922 2,973 2,884 2,711 2,855 11,423 11,709

Shipments 2,736 2,926 2,961 2,453 2,778 11,118 11,428

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 12


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

MANGANESE

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

(‘000 tonnes)

MANGANESE ORE

South Africa (a)

Saleable production 776 911 808 917 989 3,625 3,007

Sales 746 861 853 871 866 3,451 3,051

Australia (a)

Saleable production 1,014 1,108 998 1,123 1,077 4,306 4,086

Sales 1,108 1,094 876 1,115 1,343 4,428 3,960

MANGANESE ALLOY

South Africa (a) (b)

Saleable production 120 124 124 81 75 404 486

Sales 123 95 138 122 104 459 516

Australia (a)

Saleable production 70 70 71 57—198 267

Sales 75 91 58 57 23 229 258

(a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%. (b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 13


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN JUN JUN

2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

METALLURGICAL COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

(‘000 tonnes)

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production

BMA

Blackwater 1,127 1,367 1,122 955 991 4,435 4,589

Goonyella 1,417 1,463 1,375 1,153 1,012 5,003 5,359

Peak Downs 543 971 992 788 783 3,534 3,402

Saraji 556 802 900 627 724 3,053 2,779

Norwich Park 386 365 369 248 193 1,175 1,055

Gregory Joint Venture 845 306 248 455 402 1,411 2,717

BMA total 4,874 5,274 5,006 4,226 4,105 18,611 19,901

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)

South Walker Creek 690 1,106 901 1,040 1,034 4,081 3,134

Poitrel 736 697 679 609 627 2,612 2,759

BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,426 1,803 1,580 1,649 1,661 6,693 5,893

Queensland total 6,300 7,077 6,586 5,875 5,766 25,304 25,794

Shipments

Coking coal 4,865 5,066 4,845 4,522 4,007 18,440 20,224

Weak coking coal 1,411 1,691 1,747 1,595 1,512 6,545 5,920

Thermal coal 285 176 20 111 90 397 984

Total 6,561 6,933 6,612 6,228 5,609 25,382 27,128

(a) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (b) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

Illawarra, Australia

Production 1,622 2,214 1,907 1,462 2,343 7,926 6,884

Shipments

Coking coal 1,407 1,673 1,255 1,460 1,845 6,233 5,664

Thermal coal 216 159 441 219 279 1,098 1,325

Total 1,623 1,832 1,696 1,679 2,124 7,331 6,989

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 14


 

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PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED YEAR TO DATE

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2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2011

ENERGY COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

(‘000 tonnes)

South Africa

Production 8,228 9,095 7,976 7,895 8,313 33,279 34,328

Sales

Export 3,082 3,439 3,546 3,807 3,314 14,106 12,381

Local utility 5,363 5,622 4,582 4,397 4,571 19,172 21,308

Inland 37 85 165 124 74 448 321

Total 8,482 9,146 8,293 8,328 7,959 33,726 34,010

New Mexico, USA

Production

Navajo Coal 2,271 1,178 2,060 1,913 1,853 7,004 7,472

San Juan Coal 1,508 1,289 103 196 820 2,408 4,140

Total 3,779 2,467 2,163 2,109 2,673 9,412 11,612

Sales—local utility 3,106 3,630 3,108 3,057 2,773 12,568 13,191

NSW Energy Coal, Australia

Production 3,793 4,046 4,027 4,291 4,393 16,757 13,671

Sales

Export 3,522 3,523 3,566 3,160 4,388 14,637 13,225

Inland 364 625 333 297 404 1,659 1,287

Total 3,886 4,148 3,899 3,457 4,792 16,296 14,512

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia

Production 2,538 2,852 2,753 2,953 3,105 11,663 9,889

Sales—export 2,853 2,901 2,784 2,652 2,942 11,279 10,450

BHP Billiton Production Report for the year ended 30 June 2012 Page 15


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

      BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc
Date: July 18, 2012     By:  

/s/ Jane McAloon

    Name:   Jane McAloon
    Title:   Group Company Secretary