Further Disposal of Interest

Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited
9 December 1999


                         BHP SELLS SHARES IN ORBITAL                          

The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited today sold its remaining
shareholding in Orbital Engine Corporation Limited (Orbital) for proceeds of
approximately $28 million.

BHP held about 31 million shares or 9.5 per cent of Orbital.  The reduction in
holding is part of the Company's divestment of non-core assets as part of its
ongoing portfolio review process.

BHP's shareholding in Orbital was 81 069 200 shares or 25.1 per cent of
Orbital's outstanding share capital at 31 May 1998.  On 22 July 1998 BHP sold
50 260 000 shares, leaving the Company with an interest of approximately 9.5
per cent in Orbital.  As part of the 1998 sale of shares, BHP agreed to retain
its remaining interest in Orbital for a period of at least 12 months.


Media Relations:                  Mandy Frostick, Manager Media Relations
                                  BHP Group - Melbourne
                                  Tel:       [phone]

Investor Relations:               Dr Robert Porter, Vice President Investor
                                  Relations - Melbourne
                                  Tel:       [phone]