Prod Rpt Q/E 30 Sept 2003

BHP Billiton Limited 23 October 2003 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 23 October 2003 Number 31/03 BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2003 BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 30 September 2003. • Record quarterly Western Australian Iron Ore production of 22.0 million tonnes and record quarterly despatches of 21.5 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). • Record quarterly Aluminium production resulting from early commissioning of the Mozal 2 expansion in Mozambique. • Copper production lower than June 2003 quarter due to processing of higher grade ore during the June 2003 quarter at Escondida (Chile) and a lower quantity of ore milled at Antamina (Peru). • Escondida to return to its normal mine plan and production profile commencing January 2004. • Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) sales volumes materially lower than the June 2003 quarter due to significantly weaker market conditions. • Total Petroleum Products - Total production for the September 2003 quarter was 32 million barrels of oil equivalent, six per cent higher than the June 2003 quarter and three per cent lower than the September 2002 quarter. • Oil and Condensate - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 15.5 million barrels, 16 per cent lower than the 18.6 million barrels produced in the September 2002 quarter, mainly due to natural field decline in Laminaria (Australia), Bass Strait and Griffin (Australia). This was partly offset by increased production at Liverpool Bay (UK) and the Bruce and Keith fields (UK) due to scheduled maintenance shutdowns in the September 2002 quarter. Production was in line with the 15.6 million barrels produced in the June 2003 quarter, reflecting natural field decline across the portfolio which was largely offset by increased condensate production from Bass Strait (Australia) as a result of increased gas demand. • Natural Gas - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 85.2 billion cubic feet, 19 per cent higher than the 71.9 billion cubic feet produced in the September 2002 quarter due to the commissioning of Zamzama Phase 1, along with increased production at Liverpool Bay and the Bruce and Keith fields due to scheduled maintenance shutdowns in the September 2002 quarter. Production for the quarter was 17 per cent higher than the 72.9 billion cubic feet produced in the June 2003 quarter. This was due to seasonally driven increased demand for Bass Strait natural gas plus increased production from Zamzama (Pakistan) following the successful commissioning of the Phase 1 project. This was partly offset by seasonally lower demand of Liverpool Bay gas. • Alumina - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 1.1 million tonnes, in line with both the September 2002 and June 2003 quarters. Higher production at Alumar (Brazil) following scheduled maintenance during the June 2003 quarter, was offset by lower production at Worsley (Australia), where stockpiled hydrate was processed in the June 2003 quarter. • Aluminium - Production for the September 2003 quarter was a record 282,000 tonnes, compared with 268,000 tonnes in the September 2002 quarter and 273,000 tonnes in the June 2003 quarter. The increase mainly reflects the ramp up of production from the Mozal 2 (Mozambique) expansion, which reached full commissioning in August 2003, seven months ahead of schedule. This was partly offset by lower production at Alumar (Brazil) following an electrical outage in July 2003. • Copper - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 214,500 tonnes, 16 per cent higher than in the September 2002 quarter, reflecting additional production from the Escondida (Chile) Phase IV expansion, which commenced commercial production in October 2002. This was partly offset by processing a lower quantity of material at Antamina (Peru) while access to ore is restricted to the flanks of the deposit. This situation is likely to continue for the next six to nine months. Production was six per cent lower than the June 2003 quarter, mainly a result of higher head grades at Escondida during the June 2003 quarter. • Silver - Silver sales volumes of 6.7 million ounces from Cannington (Australia) during the quarter, was 28 and 20 per cent lower than the September 2002 and June 2003 quarters respectively. This primarily reflects timing of lead concentrate shipments containing payable silver. • Iron Ore - Record quarterly Western Australian production of 22.0 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) was 14 per cent higher than the September 2002 quarter and eight per cent higher than the June 2003 quarter, a reflection of ongoing strong customer demand in all Asian markets, particularly China. A new quarterly despatch record of 21.5 million tonnes (100% basis) was also set in Western Australia during the September 2003 quarter. Total iron ore production for the September 2003 quarter was 20.9 million tonnes (BHP Billiton share), 12 and eight per cent higher than the September 2002 and June 2003 quarters, respectively. • Metallurgical Coal - Production for the September 2003 quarter of 9.1 million tonnes was five per cent higher than the September 2002 quarter due to increased customer demand from Queensland Coal (Australia), and adverse roof conditions at Crinum mine (Australia) in the September 2002 quarter. This was partly offset by lower production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) following the closure of Tower Colliery in December 2002. Production was in line with the June 2003 quarter. • Manganese alloys - Production for the September 2003 quarter of 147,000 tonnes was 16 per cent lower than the September 2002 quarter and 25 per cent lower than the June 2003 quarter. This was due to an electrical fault at the Metalloys facility in South Africa in August 2003, which resulted in operations being suspended for a period of 48 days. • EkatiTM Diamonds - Production of 1.55 million carats was 63 per cent higher than the September 2002 quarter, which reflects the processing of a pocket of high grade but lower quality material from the Koala pit, along with sustained benefits from the processing plant de-bottlenecking program. Production was also 19 per cent higher than the June 2003 quarter for the same reasons. • Titanium Minerals - Sales volumes at Richards Bay Minerals were materially lower than both the September 2002 and June 2003 quarters due to significantly weaker market conditions. (Note: Due to confidentiality agreements with joint venture partners, production figures for Richards Bay Minerals are not contained in this report.) • Energy Coal - Production for the September 2003 quarter was 21.2 million tonnes, compared with 19.3 million tonnes in the September 2002 quarter. The increase mainly reflects higher production at Mount Arthur North (Australia) where deliveries to both the export and domestic thermal coal markets are in accordance with the ramp up plan, higher production at Cerrejon Coal (Colombia) largely reflecting stronger demand from the European market and maintenance on two draglines at New Mexico Coal in the September 2002 quarter. Export sales from Ingwe decreased by five per cent, to 38 per cent of total sales volumes during the September quarter. This reflects lower export tonnage availability from Koornfontein following a fatal accident at that mine and subsequent safety interventions during the September 2003 quarter, and shipment timing. • Nickel - Production for the quarter of 20,600 tonnes was eight per cent higher than the September 2002 quarter mainly reflecting scheduled maintenance activities in the September 2002 quarter, along with benefits in the current quarter of processing enhancements arising from operating excellence initiatives at both Cerro Matoso (Colombia) and Yabulu (Australia). Production was in line with the June 2003 quarter, although sales were 18 per cent lower as a result of timing of shipments. • Ferrochrome - Production of 227,000 tonnes for the quarter was five per cent lower than the September 2002 quarter and 12 per cent lower than the June 2003 quarter. This reduction is mainly due to scheduled maintenance shut downs in the current quarter, coinciding with the high winter electricity tariff period in South Africa. **** Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: http:// www.bhpbilliton.com Australia United Kingdom Andrew Nairn, Investor Relations Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 408 313 259 Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 email: Andrew.W.Nairn@bhpbilliton.com email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com Tania Price, Media Relations Ariane Gentil, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 3815 Mobile: +61 419 152 780 Tel: +44 20 7802 4177 email: Tania.Price@bhpbilliton.com email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com United States South Africa Francis McAllister, Investor Relations Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations Tel: +1 713 961 8625 Mobile: +1 713 480 3699 Tel: +27 11 376 3360 Mobile: +27 82 458 2587 email: Francis.R.McAllister@bhpbilliton.com email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED % CHANGE SEP Q03 SEP Q03 SEPT JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT vs vs 2002 2003 2003 2003 2002 SEP Q02 JUN Q03 PETROLEUM Crude oil & condensate ('000 bbl) 18,550 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550 -16% -1% Natural gas (bcf) 71.86 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86 19% 17% LPG ('000 tonnes) 208.96 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96 -5% -3% Ethane ('000 tonnes) 27.67 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67 -1% 9% Total Petroleum Products (million boe) 33 30 32 32 33 -3% 6% ALUMINIUM Alumina ('000 tonnes) 1,031 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031 2% -1% Aluminium ('000 tonnes) 268 273 282 282 268 5% 3% BASE METALS Copper ('000 tonnes) 184.5 229.2 214.5 214.5 184.5 16% -6% Lead (tonnes) 63,243 59,389 59,364 59,364 63,243 -6% 0% Zinc (tonnes) 48,542 54,396 49,094 49,094 48,542 1% -10% Gold (ounces) 55,153 25,752 29,170 29,170 55,153 -47% 13% Silver ('000 ounces) 11,260 9,643 10,596 10,596 11,260 -6% 10% Molybdenum (tonnes) 314 301 325 325 314 4% 8% CARBON STEEL MATERIALS Iron ore ('000 tonnes) 18,628 19,420 20,922 20,922 18,628 12% 8% Metallurgical coal ('000 tonnes) 8,650 9,026 9,099 9,099 8,650 5% 1% Manganese ores ('000 tonnes) 1,095 1,058 1,153 1,153 1,095 5% 9% Manganese alloys ('000 tonnes) 175 195 147 147 175 -16% -25% Hot briquetted iron ('000 tonnes) 333 458 496 496 333 49% 8% DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS Diamonds ('000 carats) 954 1,300 1,552 1,552 954 63% 19% ENERGY COAL Energy coal ('000 tonnes) 19,329 21,991 21,156 21,156 19,329 9% -4% STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS Nickel ('000 tonnes) 19.1 21.0 20.6 20.6 19.1 8% -2% Ferrochrome ('000 tonnes) 238 259 227 227 238 -5% -12% Throughout this report fgures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously reported. BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED BHP Billiton SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT Interest 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 PETROLEUM Production Crude oil & condensate (000 bbl) 18,550 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550 Natural gas (bcf) 71.86 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86 LPG ('000 208.96 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96 tonnes) Ethane ('000 27.67 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67 tonnes) Total Petroleum Products (million 33 30 28 30 32 32 33 boe) ALUMINIUM ALUMINA Production ('000 tonnes) Worsley 86% 698 662 658 724 699 699 698 Suriname 45% 221 213 222 223 227 227 221 Alumar 36% 112 123 123 113 127 127 112 Total 1,031 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031 ALUMINIUM Production ('000 tonnes) Hillside 100% 135 134 133 132 135 135 135 Bayside 100% 46 45 48 46 47 47 46 Alumar 46.3% 44 44 45 45 31 31 44 Valesul 45.5% 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 Mozal 47% 32 32 31 39 58 58 32 Total 268 266 267 273 282 282 268 BASE METALS (a) COPPER Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes) Escondida (b) 57.5% 68.4 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 115.9 68.4 Tintaya (b) 100% - - - - - - - Antamina 33.8% 25.7 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 16.9 25.7 Alumbrera (c) 25% 11.1 13.4 9.9 - - - 11.1 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 14.9 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.1 14.9 Selbaie 100% 2.8 2.1 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 2.8 Total 122.9 161.8 166.9 163.4 148.5 148.5 122.9 Cathode ('000 tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 17.9 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.4 17.9 Cerro Colorado 100% 32.5 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.1 32.5 Tintaya (b) 100% 8.4 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 8.4 Pinto Valley 100% 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.8 Total 61.6 63.8 64.4 65.8 66.0 66.0 61.6 LEAD Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) Cannington 100% 61,676 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 59,364 61,676 Pering (d) 100% 1,567 694 354 - - - 1,567 Total 63,243 58,345 59,065 59,389 59,364 59,364 63,243 Refer footnotes on page 4. BASE METALS (continued) ZINC Payable metal in concentate (tonnes) Cannington 100% 15,182 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 14,850 15,182 Antamina 33.8% 18,189 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,933 18,189 Selbaie 100% 9,840 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 6,311 9,840 Pering (d) 100% 5,331 7,430 4,335 - - - 5,331 Total 48,542 44,115 46,755 54,396 49,094 49,094 48,542 GOLD Payable metal in concentrate (ounces) Escondida (b) 57.5% 10,074 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 25,016 10,074 Tintaya (b) 100% - - - - - - - Alumbrera (c) 25% 39,279 46,940 35,084 - - - 39,279 Selbaie 100% 4,486 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,129 4,486 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 1,314 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,025 1,314 Total 55,153 69,175 57,802 25,752 29,170 29,170 55,153 SILVER Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces) Cannington 100% 9,612 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 9,177 9,612 Escondida 57.5% 304 387 471 538 561 561 304 Antamina 33.8% 536 557 617 517 435 435 536 Alumbrera (c) 25.0% 53 72 75 - - - 53 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 162 159 140 143 160 160 162 Selbaie 100% 593 369 279 284 263 263 593 Total 11,260 9,870 10,355 9,643 10,596 10,596 11,260 MOLYBDENUM Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) Antamina 33.8% 94 115 113 21 25 25 94 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 220 250 260 280 300 300 220 Total 314 365 373 301 325 325 314 CARBON STEEL MATERIALS IRON ORE Production ('000 tonnes) Mt Newman Joint Venture 85% 5,486 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,639 5,486 Goldsworthy Joint Venture (e) 85% 1,891 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,633 1,891 Area C Joint Venture (f) 85% - - - 19 341 341 - Yandi Joint Venture 85% 7,796 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 8,679 7,796 Jimblebar 100% 1,433 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,622 1,433 Samarco 50% 2,022 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 2,008 2,022 Total 18,628 18,447 17,237 19,420 20,922 20,922 18,628 METALLURGICAL COAL (g) Production ('000 tonnes) BMA 50% 4,652 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,591 4,652 BHP Mitsui Coal (h) 80% 1,863 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,926 1,863 Illawarra 100% 2,135 1,886 1,518 1,224 1,582 1,582 2,135 Total 8,650 8,390 8,556 9,026 9,099 9,099 8,650 Refer footnotes on page 4. CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd) MANGANESE ORES Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 581 560 534 574 600 600 581 Australia (i) 60% 514 499 356 484 553 553 514 Total 1,095 1,059 890 1,058 1,153 1,153 1,095 MANGANESE ALLOYS Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 124 125 117 137 93 93 124 Australia (i) 60% 51 65 60 58 54 54 51 Total 175 190 177 195 147 147 175 HOT BRIQUETTED IRON Production ('000 tonnes) BoodarieTM Iron 100% 333 414 465 458 496 496 333 DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS DIAMONDS Production ('000 carats) EkatiTM 80% 954 1,071 1,015 1,300 1,552 1,552 954 ENERGY COAL Production ('000 tonnes) South Africa 100% 13,838 13,333 13,256 13,812 13,782 13,782 13,838 USA 100% 2,800 4,339 3,147 3,877 3,582 3,582 2,800 Australia 100% 1,244 1,234 1,922 2,041 1,756 1,756 1,244 Indonesia (j) 80% 216 29 28 - - - 216 Colombia 33% 1,231 1,713 1,382 2,261 2,036 2,036 1,231 Total 19,329 20,648 19,735 21,991 21,156 21,156 19,329 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS NICKEL Production ('000 tonnes) CMSA 99.8% 11.7 11.9 11.1 12.2 12.4 12.4 11.7 Yabulu 100% 7.4 7.5 7.5 8.8 8.2 8.2 7.4 Total 19.1 19.4 18.6 21.0 20.6 20.6 19.1 FERROCHROME Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 238 230 263 259 227 227 238 (a) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal. (b) Sulphide production at Escondida and Tintaya was temporarily reduced in November 2001 and January 2002 respectively due to weak market conditions. Sulphide mining operations recommenced at Tintaya during August 2003. The Escondida Phase IV expansion was commissioned in October 2002. Commercial production of copper cathode commenced at Tintaya in June 2002. (c) BHP Billiton announced the sale of its interest in Alumbrera in March 2003. The sale transaction reached closure in June 2003. (d) Production ceased, ahead of mine closure, in February 2003. (e) Includes bulk sample production from Area C prior to May 2003. (f) Production commenced in May 2003. (g) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (h) Shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest. (i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. (j) Production shown on 86.5% basis after allowing for Indonesian state owned corporation's 13.5% share of production. Mining operations at Petangis ceased in October 2002. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 PETROLEUM BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated. CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels) Bass Strait 6,799 5,799 5,391 5,643 5,872 5,872 6,799 North West Shelf - condensate 1,602 1,510 1,566 1,560 1,491 1,491 1,602 North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack 1,876 1,655 1,679 1,606 1,604 1,604 1,876 Laminaria 2,914 1,869 1,419 1,161 1,151 1,151 2,914 Griffin 1,281 1,089 831 708 742 742 1,281 Pakistan 18 17 16 14 53 53 18 Typhoon/Boris (a) 1,233 654 852 1,430 1,214 1,214 1,233 Americas 718 652 816 715 608 608 718 Liverpool Bay 1,838 2,463 2,174 2,344 2,324 2,324 1,838 Bruce/Keith 271 690 566 454 453 453 271 Total 18,550 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550 NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) Bass Strait 33.07 21.07 17.51 25.37 33.04 33.04 33.07 North West Shelf - 3.62 3.82 3.81 4.07 3.99 3.99 3.62 Domestic North West Shelf - LNG 16.55 14.93 15.11 15.41 16.74 16.74 16.55 Griffin 0.95 1.03 0.81 0.81 0.96 0.96 0.95 Pakistan 2.83 2.76 2.57 2.33 7.86 7.86 2.83 Typhoon/Boris (a) 1.38 0.71 2.03 2.03 1.58 1.58 1.38 Americas 3.91 3.80 3.34 3.42 3.25 3.25 3.91 Bruce 4.59 10.55 10.04 8.17 8.77 8.77 4.59 Keith 0.07 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.11 0.11 0.07 Liverpool Bay 4.89 10.59 11.62 11.16 8.89 8.89 4.89 Total 71.86 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86 LPG ('000 tonnes) Bass Strait 149.66 115.23 111.74 135.18 150.19 150.19 149.66 North West Shelf 36.32 31.04 32.67 32.39 34.21 34.21 36.32 Bruce 22.45 20.47 15.10 37.24 14.12 14.12 22.45 Keith 0.53 1.23 1.11 0.76 0.81 0.81 0.53 Total 208.96 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96 ETHANE ('000 tonnes) 27.67 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67 TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 33.1 30.0 28.4 30.3 32.1 32.1 33.1 (million barrels of oil equivalent)(b) (a) Boris commenced production in February 2003. (b) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions based on the following: 6000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe 1 tonne of LPG equals 11.6 boe 1 tonne of ethane equals 4.4667 boe PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 ALUMINIUM BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) ALUMINA Production Worsley, Australia 698 662 658 724 699 699 698 Paranam, Suriname 221 213 222 223 227 227 221 Alumar, Brazil 112 123 123 113 127 127 112 Total 1,031 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031 Sales Worsley, Australia 758 606 751 636 697 697 758 Paranam, Suriname 253 201 243 228 221 221 253 Alumar, Brazil 130 125 124 107 120 120 130 Total 1,141 932 1,118 971 1,038 1,038 1,141 ALUMINIUM Production Hillside, South Africa 135 134 133 132 135 135 135 Bayside, South Africa 46 45 48 46 47 47 46 Alumar, Brazil 44 44 45 45 31 31 44 Valesul, Brazil 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 Mozal, Mozambique 32 32 31 39 58 58 32 Total 268 266 267 273 282 282 268 Sales Hillside, South Africa 124 135 133 143 134 134 124 Bayside, South Africa 47 45 48 48 54 54 47 Alumar, Brazil 38 52 38 51 38 38 38 Valesul, Brazil 9 12 9 10 11 11 9 Mozal, Mozambique 27 35 33 41 61 61 27 Total 245 279 261 293 298 298 245 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 BASE METALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated. Escondida, Chile (a) Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 74,671 74,303 73,466 74,665 69,342 69,342 74,671 Sulphide ore milled ('000 tonnes) 10,142 14,632 16,744 16,416 18,888 18,888 10,142 (100%) Average copper grade (%) 1.45% 1.59% 1.49% 1.62% 1.33% 1.33% 1.45% Production ex Mill ('000 tonnes) 125.6 191.8 210.8 230.9 208.2 208.2 125.6 (100%) Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 68.4 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 115.9 68.4 Payable gold (fine ounces) 10,074 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 25,016 10,074 concentrate Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 17.9 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.4 17.9 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 304 387 471 538 561 561 304 concentrate Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 77.0 104.8 113.5 128.9 116.2 116.2 77.0 Payable gold (fine ounces) 11,689 16,709 17,166 20,138 25,335 25,335 11,689 concentrate Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 18.1 19.5 19.3 20.3 18.1 18.1 18.1 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 269 400 484 584 574 574 269 concentrate (a) Includes production from the Escondida Phase IV expansion which commissioned in October 2002. Tintaya, Peru (a) (b) Material mined ('000 tonnes) - - - - 4,151 4,151 - Ore milled ('000 tonnes) - - - - - - - Average copper grade (%) - - - - - - - Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) - - - - - - - Payable gold (fine ounces) - - - - - - - concentrate Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 8.4 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 8.4 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) - - - - - - - Payable gold (fine ounces) - - - - - - - concentrate Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 8.0 8.7 8.7 9.5 8.9 8.9 8.0 (a) Sulphide production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended in January 2002 due to weak market conditions. Sulphide mining operations recommenced during August 2003. (b) Commercial production of copper cathode commenced in June 2002. Cerro Colorado, Chile Material mined ('000 tonnes) 17,963 15,027 16,564 16,458 20,332 20,332 17,963 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 3,759 3,942 3,916 4,130 4,346 4,346 3,759 Average copper grade (%) 0.97% 1.03% 1.00% 0.96% 0.99% 0.99% 0.97% Production Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 32.5 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.1 32.5 Sales Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 27.2 29.1 39.3 31.5 28.9 28.9 27.2 Antamina, Peru Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 30,235 25,797 25,290 28,353 30,174 30,174 30,235 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 6,794 6,395 6,424 6,697 6,018 6,018 6,794 Average head grades - Copper (%) 1.33% 1.41% 1.32% 1.09% 1.17% 1.17% 1.33% - Zinc (%) 1.28% 1.15% 1.54% 1.97% 2.17% 2.17% 1.28% Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 25.7 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 16.9 25.7 Payable zinc (tonnes) 18,189 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,933 18,189 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 536 557 617 517 435 435 536 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.09 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 30.6 25.8 22.4 21.2 18.6 18.6 30.6 Payable zinc (tonnes) 19,184 14,407 15,400 31,034 26,781 26,781 19,184 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 590 530 575 435 420 420 590 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.02 0.17 0.10 0.10 0.01 0.01 0.02 Alumbrera, Argentina (a) Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 29,356 28,730 26,400 - - - 29,356 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 8,034 8,703 8,376 - - - 8,034 Average head grades - Copper (%) 0.62% 0.69% 0.54% - - - 0.62% - Gold (g/t) 0.8 0.9 0.7 - - - 0.8 Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 11.1 13.4 9.9 - - - 11.1 Payable gold (fine ounces) 35,935 42,594 30,730 - - - 35,935 Payable gold - dore (fine ounces) 3,344 4,346 4,354 - - - 3,344 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 53 72 75 - - - 53 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 10.3 13.3 10.8 - - - 10.3 Payable gold (fine ounces) 33,957 42,381 33,438 - - - 33,957 Payable gold - dore (fine ounces) 3,082 4,409 4,159 - - - 3,082 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 53 72 75 - - - 53 (a) BHP Billiton announced the sale of its interest in Alumbrera in March 2003. Participation in the joint venture ceased on 2nd April 2003. Highland Valley, Canada Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 20,455 18,682 16,642 18,186 16,892 16,892 20,455 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 12,941 12,924 11,602 12,565 12,261 12,261 12,941 Average copper grade (%) 0.40% 0.39% 0.40% 0.39% 0.40% 0.40% 0.40% Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 14.9 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.1 14.9 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.22 0.25 0.26 0.28 0.30 0.30 0.22 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 162 159 140 143 160 160 162 Payable gold (fine ounces) 1,314 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,025 1,314 concentrate Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 14.4 17.5 10.0 10.7 16.7 16.7 14.4 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.19 0.22 0.26 0.23 0.28 0.28 0.19 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 153 189 106 116 177 177 153 Payable gold (fine ounces) 1,240 1,644 843 793 1,505 1,505 1,240 concentrate Cannington, Australia Material mined ('000 tonnes) 631 573 601 588 637 637 631 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 599 564 589 560 589 589 599 Average head grades - Silver (g/t) 564 535 550 525 564 564 564 - Lead (%) 11.7% 11.9% 11.8% 12.1% 11.5% 11.5% 11.7% - Zinc (%) 4.3% 4.3% 4.3% 5.3% 4.0% 4.0% 4.3% Production Payable silver ('000 ounces) 9,612 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 9,177 9,612 Payable lead (tonnes) 61,676 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 59,364 61,676 Payable zinc (tonnes) 15,182 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 14,850 15,182 Sales Payable silver ('000 ounces) 9,401 9,081 8,956 8,412 6,765 6,765 9,401 Payable lead (tonnes) 59,856 62,735 57,961 58,742 43,953 43,953 59,856 Payable zinc (tonnes) 12,077 14,849 18,056 13,288 16,223 16,223 12,077 Selbaie, Canada Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 1,049 999 919 982 858 858 1,049 Average head grades - Zinc (%) 1.37% 1.09% 1.11% 1.18% 1.13% 1.13% 1.37% - Copper (%) 0.33% 0.28% 0.25% 0.24% 0.25% 0.25% 0.33% - Gold (g/t) 0.23 0.25 0.23 0.23 0.22 0.22 0.23 - Silver (g/t) 35.10 22.75 22.15 20.62 22.38 22.38 35.10 Production Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,840 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 6,311 9,840 Payable copper (tonnes) 2,789 2,111 1,654 1,768 1,606 1,606 2,789 Payable gold (ounces) 4,486 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,129 4,486 concentrate Payable silver ('000 ounces) 593 369 279 284 263 263 593 Sales Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,861 7,245 6,649 6,812 6,209 6,209 9,861 Payable copper (tonnes) 2,823 2,107 2,751 1,612 1,918 1,918 2,823 Payable gold (ounces) 5,932 3,082 5,508 4,280 4,384 4,384 5,932 concentrate Payable silver ('000 ounces) 527 478 444 355 292 292 527 Pering, South Africa (a) Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 320 288 151 - - - 320 Average head grades - Zinc (%) 2.21% 3.34% 3.47% - - - 2.21% - Lead (%) 0.66% 0.40% 0.33% - - - 0.66% Production Payable zinc (tonnes) 5,331 7,430 4,335 - - - 5,331 Payable lead (tonnes) 1,567 694 354 - - - 1,567 Sales Payable zinc (tonnes) 3,701 6,179 5,343 4,466 - - 3,701 Payable lead (tonnes) 1,367 1,327 995 117 - - 1,367 (a) Production ceased, ahead of mine closure, in February 2003. Pinto Valley, USA Production Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.8 Sales Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.7 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 CARBON STEEL MATERIALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) IRON ORE (a) Pilbara, Australia Production Mt Newman Joint 5,486 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,639 5,486 Venture Goldsworthy Joint Venture (b) 1,891 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,633 1,891 Area C Joint Venture - - - 19 341 341 - (c) Yandi Joint Venture 7,796 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 8,679 7,796 Jimblebar 1,433 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,622 1,433 Total (BHP Billiton 16,606 16,468 15,284 17,518 18,914 18,914 16,606 share) Total production 19,284 19,165 17,739 20,359 21,965 21,965 19,284 (100%) Shipments Lump 4,335 4,290 4,352 4,193 4,898 4,898 4,335 Fines 11,842 13,896 12,144 13,187 13,334 13,334 11,842 Total (BHP Billiton 16,177 18,186 16,496 17,380 18,232 18,232 16,177 share) Total shipments (100%) 19,033 21,396 19,407 20,448 21,450 21,450 19,033 (a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis. (b) Includes bulk sample production from Area C prior to May 2003. (c) Mining commenced in May 2003. Samarco, Brazil Production 2,022 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 2,008 2,022 Shipments 2,034 2,004 2,049 2,153 2,013 2,013 2,034 METALLURGICAL COAL (a) Queensland, Australia Production BMA Blackwater 1,633 1,603 1,668 1,937 1,578 1,578 1,633 Goonyella 734 812 1,191 1,075 994 994 734 Peak Downs 789 757 1,009 1,076 1,004 1,004 789 Saraji 427 629 599 666 747 747 427 Norwich Park 573 451 610 527 524 524 573 South Blackwater - - - - - - - Gregory Joint Venture 496 780 761 488 744 744 496 BMA total 4,652 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,591 4,652 BHP Mitsui Coal (b) Riverside 927 400 300 1,014 969 969 927 South Walker Creek 936 1,072 900 1,019 957 957 936 BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,863 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,926 1,863 Queensland total 6,515 6,504 7,038 7,802 7,517 7,517 6,515 Shipments Coking coal 4,165 4,034 4,707 4,395 4,838 4,838 4,165 Weak coking coal 1,739 1,503 1,569 1,525 1,617 1,617 1,739 Thermal coal 1,022 800 852 943 801 801 1,022 Total 6,926 6,337 7,128 6,863 7,256 7,256 6,926 (a) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (b) BHP Mitsui Coal production shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest. Illawarra, Australia Production 2,135 1,886 1,518 1,224 1,582 1,582 2,135 Shipments Coking coal 1,515 1,900 1,611 1,571 1,513 1,513 1,515 Thermal coal 134 95 242 179 91 91 134 Total 1,649 1,995 1,853 1,750 1,604 1,604 1,649 MANGANESE ORES South Africa Saleable production(a) 581 560 534 574 600 600 581 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. Australia Saleable production(a) 514 499 356 484 553 553 514 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. MANGANESE ALLOYS South Africa Saleable production(a) 124 125 117 137 93 93 124 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. Australia Saleable production(a) 51 65 60 58 54 54 51 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. HOT BRIQUETTED IRON BoodarieTM Iron, Australia Production 333 414 465 458 496 496 333 Shipments 202 464 416 487 435 435 202 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. DIAMONDS EkatiTM, Canada Ore Processed (100%) ('000 tonnes) 996 1,045 1,087 1,182 1,064 1,064 996 Production ('000 carats) 954 1,071 1,015 1,300 1,552 1,552 954 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 ENERGY COAL BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) Ingwe, South Africa Production 13,838 13,333 13,256 13,812 13,782 13,782 13,838 Sales Export 5,648 6,609 5,696 6,339 5,274 5,274 5,648 Local utility 7,836 7,263 7,160 7,926 8,215 8,215 7,836 Inland 471 412 340 337 338 338 471 Total 13,955 14,284 13,196 14,602 13,827 13,827 13,955 New Mexico, USA Production Navajo Coal 1,602 2,154 1,797 2,497 2,262 2,262 1,602 San Juan Coal (a) 1,198 2,185 1,350 1,380 1,320 1,320 1,198 Total 2,800 4,339 3,147 3,877 3,582 3,582 2,800 Sales - local utility 3,546 3,348 3,316 3,643 3,713 3,713 3,546 (a) Includes production from longwall operations which commenced at San Juan in October 2002. Hunter Valley, Australia Production 1,244 1,234 1,922 2,041 1,756 1,756 1,244 Sales Export 783 881 1,036 1,301 952 952 783 Inland 366 276 704 1,285 873 873 366 Total 1,149 1,157 1,740 2,586 1,825 1,825 1,149 Kalimantan, Indonesia Production (a) Petangis (b) 216 29 28 - - - 216 Total 216 29 28 - - - 216 Sales - export 189 49 56 - - - 189 (a) Reported on 86.5% basis after allowing for the Indonesian state-owned corporation's 13.5% share of all production. (b) Mining operations at Petangis ceased in October 2002. Cerrejon Coal, Colombia Production 1,231 1,713 1,382 2,261 2,036 2,036 1,231 Sales - export 1,246 1,851 1,971 2,247 1,966 1,966 1,246 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) NICKEL CMSA, Colombia Production 11.7 11.9 11.1 12.2 12.4 12.4 11.7 Sales 10.5 12.8 10.3 13.5 11.1 11.1 10.5 Yabulu, Australia Production Nickel 7.4 7.5 7.5 8.8 8.2 8.2 7.4 Cobalt 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 Sales Nickel 7.1 8.3 8.1 9.5 7.8 7.8 7.1 Cobalt 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 FERROCHROME South Africa Saleable production(a) 238 230 263 259 227 227 238 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Victoria 3000 Kingdom Telephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015 Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111 The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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