Sale of Vinidex T'maker

Broken Hill Proprietary Co Ld
30 June 2000


BHP ANNOUNCES SALE OF INTEREST IN VINIDEX TUBEMAKERS

The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd (BHP) today announced the sale of its
interest in Vinidex Tubemakers Pty Limited (Vinidex) to Metal Manufacturers
Limited, the ultimate parent company of which is Consolidated Electrical
Distributors Inc. (CED).

The sale will result in a non-material profit for BHP and is subject to
regulatory approvals.

The transaction forms part of BHP's portfolio management activities to
position the Company as a natural resources company with a regional steel
focus.  As such, it is also an integral component of the BHP Steel strategic
review, announced in October 1999.

This review determined that BHP's steel portfolio would be based around its
Australian and Asian flat and coated products business.  To this end, the
Australian long products business is planned to be spun out later this
calendar year. 

Vinidex is one of the largest two PVC and polyethylene pipes and fittings
manufacturers in Australia.  It has manufacturing and warehousing locations
throughout Australia as well as operations in China and Hong Kong.  

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Further Information and other BHP News Releases can be found on our internet
site at: http://www.bhp.com.au/press/news.htm


Contact:
MEDIA RELATIONS                   INVESTOR RELATIONS
Mandy Frostick                    Dr Robert Porter       
Manager Media Relations           Vice President Investor Relations
Ph:  61 3 9609 4157               Ph:  61 3 9609 3540
Mob: [phone]             Mob: [phone]