Jnt Venture Talks Terminated

THE BROKEN HILL PROPRIETARY COMPANY LIMITED 
30 July 1999
        
        
            BHP AND RIO TINTO IRON ORE TALKS
                            
The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP) said today that
discussions with Rio Tinto over a possible joint venture of iron ore 
interests had been terminated without agreement.

                                                  
For information contact: Michael Spencer
                         Manager Communications and Corporate
                         Marketing - Melbourne
                         Tel: [phone] (bh)
                              [phone] (ah)
                              [phone] (mobile)

                         Rick Thiele
                         Manager Investor Relations - Melbourne
                         Tel: [phone] (bh)