Prod Rpt Qtr Ended 31/3/02
BHP Billiton Limited
26 April 2002
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.
26 April 2002
Number: 22/02
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER Ended 31 MARCH 2002
BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 31
March, 2002. The results demonstrate a solid operational performance in the face
of extremely difficult market conditions.
Production of most major commodities was in line with both the corresponding
period last year and the December 2001 quarter. Energy coal sales volumes were
impacted by the weakening of European markets after an unseasonably warm winter
and an influx of non-traditional European supply sources. Lower US domestic
sales due to reduced customer demand also negatively impacted energy coal
volumes.
• Aluminium production was in line with the March 2001 quarter and six per
cent higher than the December 2001 quarter. Increased production for the
March 2002 quarter was largely due to the lifting of power usage
restrictions in Brazil and higher production at the Hillside aluminium
smelter in South Africa following a power outage in September 2001.
• Alumina production was 15 per cent higher than the March 2001 quarter and
in line with the December 2001 period. The higher year on year production
mainly reflects the increased ownership (30 per cent to 86 per cent) of the
Worsley Alumina refinery (Australia), effective January 2001.
• Copper production was eight per cent lower than the March 2001 quarter and
15 per cent lower than the December 2001 quarter. Decreased production over
both periods reflects the decision to temporarily reduce production at
Escondida (Chile) and Tintaya (Peru), following the deterioration of global
copper markets. This was offset in part by the commencement of commercial
production at Antamina (Peru) in October 2001.
• Iron Ore production was eight per cent higher than the March 2001 quarter
and five per cent lower than the December 2001 period. Lower iron ore
shipments were recorded between the December 2001 and March 2002 periods due
mainly to lower demand from Asian markets as a result of seasonal factors.
West Australian iron ore production was 11 per cent higher than the March
2001 period due to increased tonnages from Mt Newman.
• Metallurgical Coal production was five per cent lower than the
corresponding period last year and 10 per cent higher than the December 2001
quarter. Decreased year on year production reflects the equalisation of
Queensland (Australia) coal interests with Mitsubishi to form the BHP
Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance in June 2001. Excluding this impact, Queensland
coal production and shipments increased during both periods due to the
benefits of the Blackwater integration and the negative impact of industrial
disputes in the March quarter last year.
• Boodarie Iron production was suspended on 12 March, 2002 following a tube
failure in a gas re-heating furnace. All four trains were shut down pending
an investigation into the failure.
As a result of the failure and subsequent suspension of production, BHP
Billiton declared 'force majeure' at Boodarie Iron on 26 March 2002. Safety
of personnel is the paramount consideration at all BHP Billiton operations
and production will not resume until the detailed investigation and
necessary rectification work is completed.
BHP Billiton is working with customers, suppliers and contractors to
minimise disruptions and will provide further information when it becomes
available.
• Nickel production was six per cent higher than the March 2001 quarter and
in line with the December 2001 period. Higher production and sales were
recorded at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) over both periods following the
continued ramp-up of operations. Production and sales at Yabulu were in line
with both the March 2001 quarter and the December 2001 quarter.
• Energy Coal production was 16 per cent lower than the March 2001 quarter
and seven per cent lower than the December 2001 quarter. As advised at the
beginning of this report the lower export production figures reflect reduced
customer demand. In addition, the lower production is due to the divestment
of the Matla and Glisa mines (South Africa) in the June 2001 quarter, the
accelerated closure of operations at Rietspruit (South Africa) in November
2001 and the divestment of BHP Billiton's 80 per cent interest in the PT
Arutmin energy coal assets (Indonesia) to PT Bumi Resources in October 2001.
In response to the recent softening of global energy coal markets, BHP
Billiton's wholly owned subsidiary, Ingwe Coal, will further revise
production plans resulting in a short-term reduction in energy coal
available for the export market. At this stage, Ingwe will not replace the
four million tons per annum of export coal shut-in following the accelerated
closure of the Rietspruit mine (BHP Billiton 50 per cent). In addition,
Ingwe will accelerate closure of the Blinkpan Shaft at the Koornfontein Mine
(South Africa) and will further reduce export production by approximately
800,000 tonnes over the next three months through various adjustments to
operating plans at the Optimum, Middelburg and Douglas mines in South
Africa.
• Oil and Condensate production was in line with both the March 2001 quarter
and the December 2001 quarter. Natural field decline at Griffin (Australia)
was offset by higher production in the March 2002 quarter following the
completion of repairs to the Scindian 3 flowline (full production resumed in
January 2002) and the Griffin-9 infill program.
Natural field decline at Bass Strait (Australia) was offset in part by the
ongoing success of the West Tuna infill program. Lower production was
recorded at Laminaria (Australia) during the March 2002 quarter, while the
start of operations at Typhoon (USA) in July 2001 had a positive impact on
the year on year production figures.
• Natural Gas production was in line with the March 2001 quarter and 13 per
cent lower than the December 2001 quarter. Lower year on year Bass Strait
(Australia) production was mainly due to the cooler south east Australian
summer, resulting in less gas being used to supplement electricity
generation. In addition, lower volumes from the Liverpool Bay, Bruce and
Keith fields (UK) during the March 2002 quarter were largely due to the end
of the northern winter. This was partially offset by the commencement of gas
production at the Zamzama field (Pakistan) in March 2001 and Typhoon (USA)
in July 2001.
• Raw Steel production was in line with both the March 2001 quarter and the
December 2001 period. Steel despatches from flat and coated operations were
eight per cent above the March 2001 quarter and Australian domestic
despatches were almost six per cent above the same quarter. In addition,
Australian export despatches were up almost 20 per cent on the March 2001
period. This was in part offset by lower production at New Zealand steel due
to planned maintenance and lower despatches from overseas plants.
• Ekatia Diamond production was 149 per cent higher than the March quarter
last year and in line with the December 2001 quarter following the
acquisition of Dia Met Minerals Ltd, effective 1 July 2001. Slightly higher
production was recorded for the March 2002 quarter following the
commencement of production from the Misery pipe in December 2001. As advised
previously, the Misery pipe will provide a small but consistent proportion
of the Ekatia mine's total output.
• Titanium Minerals Lower sales volumes were recorded at Richards Bay
Minerals due to softer global markets. (Note: Due to confidentiality
agreements with joint venture partners, production figures for Richards Bay
Minerals are not contained in this report.)
Further news and information can be found on our Internet site:
www.bhpbilliton.com
Australia United Kingdom/South Africa
Dr. Robert Porter, Investor Relations Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: + 61 3 9609 3540 Mobile: +61 419 587 456 Tel: +27 11 376 3360 Mobile: +27 82 458 2587
email: Robert.Porter@bhpbilliton.com email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com
Mandy Frostick, Media Relations Ariane Gentil, Manager Communications
Tel: +61 3 9609 4157 Mobile: +61 419 546 245 Tel: +44 20 7747 3977 Mobile: + 44 7881 518 715
email: Mandy.J.Frostick@bhpbilliton.com email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com
United States
Francis McAllister, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 961 8625 Mobile: +1 713 480 3699
email: Francis.R.McAllister@bhpbilliton.com
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED % CHANGE
MAR Q02 MAR Q02 YTD 02
MARCH DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH vs vs vs
2001 2001 2002 2002 2001 MAR Q01 DEC Q01 YTD 01
ALUMINIUM
Alumina ('000 868 965 996 2,925 1,940 15% 3% 51%
tonnes)
Aluminium ('000 250 235 250 729 734 0% 6% -1%
tonnes)
BASE METALS
Copper ('000 204.9 221.3 187.6 611.0 584.8 -8% -15% 4%
tonnes)
Lead (tonnes) 46,548 53,212 64,065 171,309 150,596 38% 20% 14%
Zinc (tonnes) 29,755 46,719 46,493 122,614 90,776 56% 0% 35%
Gold (ounces) 56,147 74,162 67,056 210,900 149,703 19% -10% 41%
Silver ('000 6,824 9,209 11,073 28,464 22,959 62% 20% 24%
ounces)
Molybdenum (tonnes) 123 153 121 426 260 -2% -21% 64%
CARBON STEEL MATERIALS
Iron ore ('000 15,274 17,283 16,464 50,827 48,784 8% -5% 4%
tonnes)
Metallurgical coal ('000 9,498 8,149 8,989 26,173 26,339 -5% 10% -1%
tonnes)
Manganese ores ('000 917 888 891 2,751 2,838 -3% 0% -3%
tonnes)
Manganese alloys ('000 160 165 166 450 508 4% 1% -11%
tonnes)
Hot briquetted iron ('000 177 384 277 1,047 573 57% -28% 83%
tonnes)
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel ('000 16.8 17.5 17.8 51.2 44.0 6% 2% 16%
tonnes)
Chrome ores ('000 674 609 549 1,787 2,493 -18% -10% -28%
tonnes)
Ferrochrome ('000 192 206 201 614 714 5% -2% -14%
tonnes)
ENERGY COAL ('000 23,010 20,623 19,236 62,264 69,673 -16% -7% -11%
tonnes)
PETROLEUM
Crude oil and condensate ('000 bbl) 19,911 19,747 19,644 58,883 60,731 -1% -1% -3%
Natural gas (bcf) 67.61 76.23 66.31 213.77 190.19 -2% -13% 12%
LPG ('000 170.62 173.01 161.20 516.92 498.22 -6% -7% 4%
tonnes)
Ethane ('000 15.69 18.59 18.87 61.51 48.86 20% 2% 26%
tonnes)
BHP STEEL
Raw steel ('000 1,277 1,262 1,251 3,895 4,104 -2% -1% -5%
tonnes)
Marketable steel products ('000 1,345 1,169 1,396 3,942 4,038 4% 19% -2%
tonnes)
EXPLOR'N, TECH & NEW BUS
Diamonds ('000 375 928 932 2,627 1,002 149% 0% 162%
carats)
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
BHP Billiton MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
Interest 2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Worsley (a) 86% 541 674 662 671 677 2,010 958
Suriname 45% 213 211 219 209 208 636 641
Alumar 36% 114 113 83 85 111 279 341
Total 868 998 964 965 996 2,925 1,940
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Hillside 100% 122 123 125 117 127 369 375
Bayside 100% 44 43 44 45 43 132 135
Alumar 46.3% 42 43 35 32 39 106 129
Valesul 45.5% 11 9 8 9 9 26 34
Mozal (b) 47% 31 32 32 32 31 95 61
Total 250 250 244 235 250 729 734
BASE METALS (c)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate ('000
tonnes)
Escondida (d) 57.5% 98.3 89.1 89.3 80.1 75.3 244.7 313.6
Tintaya (d) 100% 18.4 20.1 20.9 22.9 0.8 44.7 64.9
Antamina (f) 33.8% - - - 26.2 25.1 51.4 -
Alumbrera (e) 25% 10.8 11.9 11.6 12.0 12.3 35.9 20.7
Highland Valley (e) 33.6% 14.8 14.1 16.1 16.0 14.2 46.3 30.9
Selbaie 100% 3.3 2.9 2.5 2.7 2.5 7.6 9.9
Total 145.5 138.1 140.4 159.9 130.3 430.6 439.9
Cathode ('000 tonnes)
Escondida (d) 57.5% 21.0 22.0 21.9 21.9 21.2 65.0 61.4
Cerro Colorado (e) 100% 32.0 33.8 34.0 33.8 31.3 99.2 62.9
San Manuel 100% 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.2 1.8 6.3 7.9
Pinto Valley 100% 3.9 3.8 3.4 3.4 3.1 9.9 12.6
Total 59.4 62.0 61.6 61.4 57.4 180.4 144.9
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 45,228 54,271 52,879 51,914 63,172 167,965 146,059
Pering 100% 1,320 1,486 1,153 1,298 893 3,344 4,537
Total 46,548 55,757 54,032 53,212 64,065 171,309 150,596
ZINC
Payable metal in concentate (tonnes)
Cannington 100% 15,877 17,176 14,058 17,285 15,002 46,346 47,019
Antamina (f) 33.8% - - - 16,010 18,826 34,836 -
Selbaie 100% 8,868 7,969 9,456 8,106 8,495 26,058 28,245
Pering 100% 5,010 5,397 5,888 5,318 4,169 15,375 15,512
Total 29,755 30,542 29,402 46,719 46,493 122,614 90,776
Refer footnotes on
page 5.
BASE METALS (continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida (d) 57.5% 10,582 10,302 10,641 12,166 11,837 34,645 39,295
Tintaya (d) 100% 5,146 7,693 10,249 11,500 503 22,252 16,731
Alumbrera (e) 25% 31,947 42,205 42,584 45,567 49,064 137,215 63,960
Selbaie 100% 8,472 8,198 6,207 4,929 5,651 16,788 29,717
Total 56,147 68,397 69,682 74,162 67,056 210,900 149,703
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate ('000
ounces)
Cannington 100% 6,462 7,806 7,804 7,915 9,980 25,699 21,682
Antamina (f) 33.8% - - - 617 590 1,207 -
Selbaie 100% 362 259 379 676 504 1,558 1,278
Total 6,824 8,065 8,183 9,209 11,073 28,464 22,959
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Highland Valley (e) 33.6% 123 125 152 153 121 426 260
CARBON STEEL MATERIALS
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes)
Mt Newman Joint 85% 4,591 5,239 5,973 6,423 5,565 17,961 15,711
Venture
Goldsworthy Joint 85% 1,453 1,788 1,656 1,667 1,434 4,757 4,813
Venture
Yandi Joint Venture 85% 6,354 6,882 7,046 6,933 6,614 20,593 19,274
Jimblebar 100% 991 1,272 1,182 1,332 1,211 3,725 3,371
Samarco 50% 1,885 1,893 1,223 928 1,640 3,791 5,615
Total 15,274 17,074 17,080 17,283 16,464 50,827 48,784
METALLURGICAL COAL (g)
Production ('000 tonnes)
CQCA Joint Venture (h) 50% 3,519 4,064 4,002 3,908 5,156 13,066 11,274
South Blackwater (i) 50% - - 670 524 - 1,194 -
Gregory Joint Venture (h) 50% 845 960 486 408 861 1,755 2,666
BHP Mitsui Coal (j) 80% 1,678 1,802 1,823 1,467 1,707 4,997 4,617
QCT Resources (k) 50% 1,837 2,087 - - - - 3,097
Illawarra 100% 1,619 1,889 2,055 1,841 1,265 5,161 4,685
Total 9,498 10,802 9,035 8,149 8,989 26,173 26,339
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (l) 60% 538 490 467 501 424 1,392 1,672
Australia (l) 60% 379 446 505 387 467 1,359 1,166
Total 917 936 973 888 891 2,751 2,838
Refer footnotes on
page 5.
CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd)
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (l) 60% 96 85 69 101 115 285 313
Australia (l) 60% 64 51 50 63 51 164 195
Total 160 136 119 165 166 450 508
HOT BRIQUETTED IRON
Production ('000 tonnes)
BoodarieTM Iron 100% 177 276 386 384 277 1,047 573
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production ('000 tonnes)
CMSA 99.8% 9.4 9.1 9.6 10.4 10.5 30.5 22.7
Yabulu 100% 7.4 7.7 6.3 7.1 7.3 20.7 21.3
Total 16.8 16.8 15.9 17.5 17.8 51.2 44.0
CHROME ORES
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (l) 60% 674 665 629 609 549 1,787 2,493
FERROCHROME
Saleable production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa (l) 60% 192 194 207 206 201 614 714
ENERGY COAL
Production ('000 tonnes)
South Africa 100% 14,379 14,571 14,538 13,724 13,633 41,895 46,751
USA 100% 3,993 3,890 3,106 3,170 3,266 9,542 11,035
Australia 100% 1,512 1,329 1,173 863 1,129 3,165 3,974
Indonesia (m) 80% 2,035 2,291 2,450 1,778 186 4,414 6,135
Colombia (n) 33% 1,091 1,053 1,138 1,088 1,022 3,248 1,778
Total 23,010 23,134 22,405 20,623 19,236 62,264 69,673
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (000 bbl) 19,911 18,378 19,492 19,747 19,644 58,883 60,731
Natural gas (bcf) 67.61 71.64 71.24 76.23 66.31 213.77 190.19
LPG ('000 170.62 175.60 182.71 173.01 161.20 516.92 498.22
tonnes)
Ethane ('000 15.69 18.53 24.05 18.59 18.87 61.51 48.86
tonnes)
BHP STEEL
Production ('000 tonnes)
Raw steel 100% 1,277 1,328 1,382 1,262 1,251 3,895 4,104
Marketable steel 100% 1,345 1,469 1,377 1,169 1,396 3,942 4,038
products
Refer footnotes on
page 5.
EXPLORATION, TECH & NEW BUSINESS
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
EkatiTM (o) 80% 375 427 767 928 932 2,627 1,002
(a) Interest in Worsley increased from 30% to 86% effective January 2001.
(b) Mozal produced its first metal in June 2000 and achieved full commissioning of its 253,000 tpa capacity in
December 2000.
(c) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
(d) Production at Escondida and Tintaya was temporarily reduced in November 2001 and January 2002 respectively due to
weak market conditions.
(e) Included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio Algom.
(f) Antamina commenced commercial production in October 2001.
(g) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.
(h) BHP Billiton interest is 50% from 28 June 2001 (previously CQCA joint venture 52.1% and Gregory joint venture
64.14%).
(i) BHP Billiton acquired its share of South Blackwater in July 2001. South Blackwater is equally owned by BHP
Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. Effective January 2002, South Blackwater production is reported in
CQCA Joint Venture.
(j) Shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest.
(k) Production reported represents BHP Billiton's 50% equity interest in MetCoal Holdings. MetCoal Holdings is
equally owned by BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd and acquired QCT Resources Limited (QCT) in
November 2000. In June 2001, Mitsubishi acquired the balance of the shares in QCT from BHP Billiton.
(l) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
(m) Production shown on 86.5% basis after allowing for Indonesian state owned corporation's 13.5% share of
production.
BHP Billiton sold its interest in the Senakin and Satui mines effective 30 November 2001.
(n) Carbonnes del Cerrejon (BHP Billiton 33.3%) and Cerrejon Zona Norte (BHP Billiton 16.7%) were acquired in
September 2000 and November 2000 respectively. BHP Billiton increased its interest in CZN to 33.3% effective
February 2002.
(o) Interest in EkatiTM increased from 51% to 80% effective July 2001.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia (a) 541 674 662 671 677 2,010 958
Paranam, Suriname 213 211 219 209 208 636 641
Alumar, Brazil 114 113 83 85 111 279 341
Total 868 998 964 965 996 2,925 1,940
Sales
Worsley, Australia (a) 388 725 692 638 656 1,987 778
Paranam, Suriname 224 186 224 221 205 650 632
Alumar, Brazil 120 116 79 88 101 268 346
Total 732 1,027 995 947 962 2,904 1,756
(a) Interest in Worsley increased from 30% to 86% effective January 2001.
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa 122 123 125 117 127 369 375
Bayside, South Africa 44 43 44 45 43 132 135
Alumar, Brazil 42 43 35 32 39 106 129
Valesul, Brazil 11 9 8 9 9 26 34
Mozal, Mozambique (b) 31 32 32 32 31 95 61
Total 250 250 244 235 250 729 734
Sales
Hillside, South Africa 121 124 123 117 128 368 374
Bayside, South Africa 42 50 43 43 42 128 129
Alumar, Brazil 41 45 34 33 38 105 126
Valesul, Brazil 7 12 8 8 10 25 29
Mozal, Mozambique (b) 32 33 32 32 31 95 57
Total 243 264 240 233 249 721 715
(b) Mozal produced its first metal in June 2000 and achieved full commissioning of its 253,000 tpa capacity in
December 2000.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
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 74,691 77,115 85,344 84,821 80,401 250,565 227,685
tonnes)
Sulphide ore milled ('000 11,128 10,650 11,205 10,060 10,452 31,717 35,021
(100%) tonnes)
Average copper grade (%) 1.95% 1.82% 1.75% 1.72% 1.53% 1.67% 1.91%
Production ex Mill ('000 176.4 159.5 162.0 144.4 134.9 441.2 566.3
(100%) tonnes)
Production
Payable copper ('000 98.3 89.1 89.3 80.1 75.3 244.7 313.6
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 10,582 10,302 10,641 12,166 11,837 34,645 39,295
concentrate ounces)
Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 21.0 22.0 21.9 21.9 21.2 65.0 61.4
tonnes)
Sales
Payable copper ('000 109.5 88.3 83.8 87.0 77.0 247.7 312.1
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 11,692 9,780 8,729 12,386 10,806 31,921 39,244
concentrate ounces)
Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 21.8 23.1 22.9 18.0 24.6 65.4 63.7
tonnes)
(a) Sulphide production at Escondida was temporarily reduced in November 2001 due to weak market conditions.
Tintaya, Peru (a)
Material mined ('000 14,566 16,447 17,600 14,115 396 32,111 47,683
tonnes)
Ore milled ('000 1,429 1,508 1,640 1,569 71 3,280 4,793
tonnes)
Average copper grade (%) 1.47% 1.56% 1.58% 1.72% 1.64% 1.65% 1.53%
Production
Payable copper ('000 18.4 20.1 20.9 22.9 0.8 44.7 64.9
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 5,146 7,693 10,249 11,500 503 22,252 16,731
concentrate ounces)
Sales
Payable copper ('000 12.1 32.0 19.2 17.8 8.8 45.8 54.3
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 3,125 10,350 9,745 9,546 5,452 24,743 16,068
concentrate ounces)
(a) Production at Tintaya was temporarily reduced in January 2002 due to weak market conditions.
Cerro Colorado, Chile (a)
Material mined ('000 13,342 14,177 13,595 16,677 15,348 45,620 28,299
tonnes)
Ore milled ('000 3,479 3,546 3,517 3,894 3,698 11,109 6,743
tonnes)
Average copper grade (%) 1.09% 1.09% 1.08% 1.13% 1.03% 1.08% 1.09%
Production
Copper cathode ('000 32.0 33.8 34.0 33.8 31.3 99.2 62.9
tonnes)
Sales
Copper cathode ('000 32.8 33.6 34.0 31.7 33.2 98.9 63.1
tonnes)
(a) Cerro Colorado (BHP Billiton 100%) included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio
Algom.
Antamina, Peru (a)
Material mined (100%) ('000 19,970 20,548 40,518
tonnes)
Ore milled (100%) ('000 6,318 6,309 12,627
tonnes)
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 1.41% 1.30% 1.36%
- Zinc (%) 1.34% 1.44% 1.39%
Production
Payable copper ('000 26.2 25.1 51.4
tonnes)
Payable zinc (tonnes) 16,010 18,826 34,836
Payable silver ('000 617 590 1,207
ounces)
Sales
Payable copper ('000 28.7 28.8 57.5
tonnes)
Payable zinc (tonnes) 8,983 23,031 32,014
Payable silver ('000 596 602 1,198
ounces)
(a) BHP Billiton acquired its 33.8% interest in Antamina in October 2000 as part of the acquisition of Rio Algom.
Commercial production commenced on 1 October 2001.
Alumbrera, Argentina (a)
Material mined (100%) ('000 25,829 27,182 29,545 28,635 25,430 83,610 53,652
tonnes)
Ore milled (100%) ('000 7,041 7,445 7,516 7,142 7,146 21,804 14,138
tonnes)
Average head grades
- Copper (%) 0.71% 0.74% 0.70% 0.74% 0.76% 0.73% 0.67%
- Gold (g/t) 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8
Production
Payable copper ('000 10.8 11.9 11.6 12.0 12.3 35.9 20.7
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 30,579 39,922 40,370 42,978 45,421 128,768 60,673
ounces)
Payable gold - dore (fine 1,368 2,283 2,214 2,589 3,644 8,447 3,287
ounces)
Sales
Payable copper ('000 9.5 14.2 9.8 13.1 12.7 35.6 17.8
tonnes)
Payable gold (fine 27,635 45,999 34,461 48,223 47,261 129,946 54,455
ounces)
Payable gold - dore (fine 1,934 2,138 2,009 1,829 3,709 7,547 3,840
ounces)
(a) Alumbrera (BHP Billiton 25%) included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio Algom.
Highland Valley, Canada (a)
Material mined (100%) ('000 19,104 18,988 19,911 20,883 18,322 59,116 40,307
tonnes)
Ore milled (100%) ('000 11,784 11,355 12,841 12,912 11,778 37,531 24,939
tonnes)
Average copper grade (%) 0.43% 0.43% 0.43% 0.42% 0.42% 0.42% 0.42%
Production
Payable copper ('000 14.8 14.1 16.1 16.0 14.2 46.3 30.9
tonnes)
Payable Molybdenum ('000 0.12 0.12 0.15 0.15 0.12 0.43 0.26
tonnes)
Sales
Payable copper ('000 10.7 11.6 23.2 18.8 11.6 53.5 21.2
tonnes)
Payable Molybdenum ('000 0.18 0.14 0.14 0.10 0.17 0.41 0.38
tonnes)
(a) Highland Valley (BHP Billiton 33.6%) included from 1 October 2000, the effective date of the acquisition of Rio
Algom.
Cannington, Australia
Material mined ('000 464 507 543 555 569 1,667 1,354
tonnes)
Ore milled ('000 422 490 496 538 567 1,601 1,290
tonnes)
Average head grades
- Silver (g/t) 539 577 598 567 619 595 607
- Lead (%) 12.7% 13.2% 13.2% 12.1% 12.7% 12.7% 13.3%
- Zinc (%) 5.5% 5.5% 4.8% 5.3% 4.6% 4.9% 5.3%
Production
Payable silver ('000 6,462 7,806 7,804 7,915 9,980 25,699 21,682
ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 45,228 54,271 52,879 51,914 63,172 167,965 146,059
Payable zinc (tonnes) 15,877 17,176 14,058 17,285 15,002 46,346 47,019
Sales
Payable silver ('000 8,107 8,681 7,231 8,045 9,383 24,659 21,678
ounces)
Payable lead (tonnes) 55,949 61,243 49,423 52,577 59,712 161,712 145,064
Payable zinc (tonnes) 20,588 17,496 13,220 17,850 19,105 50,175 45,531
Selbaie, Canada
Ore milled ('000 902 896 1,006 1,029 1,012 3,047 2,162
tonnes)
Average head grades
- Zinc (%) 1.57% 1.42% 1.50% 1.29% 1.32% 1.37% 1.56%
- Copper (%) 0.46% 0.42% 0.34% 0.34% 0.33% 0.34% 0.45%
- Gold (g/t) 0.40 0.42 0.34 0.24 0.26 0.28 0.43
- Silver (g/t) 25.22 18.12 25.02 37.23 29.10 30.50 26.49
Production
Payable zinc (tonnes) 8,868 7,969 9,456 8,106 8,495 26,058 28,245
Payable copper (tonnes) 3,279 2,872 2,470 2,668 2,452 7,590 9,851
Payable gold (ounces) 8,472 8,198 6,207 4,929 5,651 16,788 29,717
concentrate
Payable silver ('000 362 259 379 676 504 1,558 1,278
ounces)
Sales
Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,110 8,406 9,959 7,932 8,697 26,588 28,273
Payable copper (tonnes) 3,260 3,035 3,196 2,615 2,605 8,416 9,633
Payable gold (ounces) 10,177 8,207 8,112 8,002 7,976 24,090 28,237
concentrate
Payable silver ('000 445 405 284 321 303 908 1,474
ounces)
Pering, South Africa
Ore milled ('000 327 345 339 342 330 1,011 999
tonnes)
Average head grades
- Zinc (%) 2.03% 2.09% 2.00% 1.90% 1.73% 1.88% 2.09%
- Lead (%) 0.55% 0.60% 0.49% 0.54% 0.42% 0.48% 0.64%
Production
Payable zinc (tonnes) 5,010 5,397 5,888 5,318 4,169 15,375 15,512
Payable lead (tonnes) 1,320 1,486 1,153 1,298 893 3,344 4,537
Sales
Payable zinc (tonnes) 5,170 5,060 4,900 4,859 4,745 14,504 15,086
Payable lead (tonnes) 1,590 1,490 1,336 1,217 1,298 3,851 4,541
San Manuel, USA
Production
Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.2 1.8 6.3 7.9
tonnes)
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 3.9 3.8 3.4 3.4 3.1 9.9 12.6
tonnes)
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
CARBON STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Mt Newman Joint 4,591 5,239 5,973 6,423 5,565 17,961 15,711
Venture
Goldsworthy Joint 1,453 1,788 1,656 1,667 1,434 4,757 4,813
Venture
Yandi Joint Venture 6,354 6,882 7,046 6,933 6,614 20,593 19,274
Jimblebar 991 1,272 1,182 1,332 1,211 3,725 3,371
Total (BHP Billiton 13,389 15,181 15,858 16,355 14,824 47,037 43,169
share)
Total production 15,577 17,636 18,448 19,006 17,226 54,679 50,192
(100%)
Shipments
Lump 3,950 3,823 3,729 3,483 3,316 10,528 11,620
Fines 11,171 11,545 12,334 12,025 11,083 35,442 33,611
Total (BHP Billiton 15,121 15,368 16,063 15,508 14,399 45,970 45,231
share)
Total shipments (100%) 17,789 18,080 18,897 18,245 16,940 54,082 53,210
(a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
Samarco, Brazil
Production 1,885 1,893 1,223 928 1,640 3,791 5,615
Shipments 1,699 1,460 1,156 1,440 1,705 4,301 5,519
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
CQCA Joint Venture (b)
Blackwater 1,066 1,130 977 1,305 1,892 4,174 3,198
Goonyella 967 1,122 986 850 1,036 2,872 2,856
Peak Downs 571 779 885 730 1,028 2,643 2,350
Saraji 504 530 627 528 676 1,831 1,545
Norwich Park 411 503 527 495 524 1,546 1,325
CQCA total 3,519 4,064 4,002 3,908 5,156 13,066 11,274
South Blackwater (c) - - 670 524 - 1,194 -
Gregory Joint Venture (b) 845 960 486 408 861 1,755 2,666
BHP Mitsui Coal (d)
Riverside 834 966 917 649 907 2,474 2,306
South Walker Creek 844 836 906 817 800 2,523 2,311
BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,678 1,802 1,823 1,467 1,707 4,997 4,617
Queensland total 6,042 6,826 6,980 6,307 7,724 21,012 18,557
Shipments
Coking coal 4,401 4,813 4,804 4,011 4,799 13,614 13,624
Weak coking coal 1,138 1,245 1,592 1,674 1,604 4,871 3,669
Thermal coal 474 624 631 704 764 2,099 1,764
Total 6,013 6,682 7,027 6,390 7,167 20,584 19,057
(a) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.
(b) BHP Billiton interest is 50% from 28 June 2001 (previously CQCA joint venture 52.1% and Gregory joint venture
64.14%).
(c) BHP Billiton acquired its share of South Blackwater in July 2001. South Blackwater is equally owned by BHP
Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. Effective Jauary 2002, South Blackwater production is included in
Blackwater.
(d) BHP Mitsui Coal production shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest.
QCT Resources, Australia (a)
Production
CQCA 1,093 1,263 - - - - 1,825
Gregory Joint Venture 213 242 - - - - 386
South Blackwater 531 582 - - - - 886
Total 1,837 2,087 - - - - 3,097
Shipments
Coking coal 1,633 1,476 - - - - 2,509
Weak coking coal 227 231 - - - - 373
Thermal coal 209 268 - - - - 454
Total 2,069 1,975 - - - - 3,336
(a) Production and shipments reported represents BHP Billiton's 50% equity interest in MetCoal Holdings. MetCoal
Holdings is equally owned by BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd and acquired QCT Resources Limited
(QCT) in November 2000. In June 2001, Mitsubishi acquired the balance of the shares in QCT from BHP Billiton.
Illawarra, Australia
Production 1,619 1,889 2,055 1,841 1,265 5,161 4,685
Shipments
Coking coal 1,410 1,686 1,457 1,655 1,555 4,667 4,248
Thermal coal 67 246 136 94 49 279 360
Total 1,477 1,932 1,593 1,749 1,604 4,946 4,608
MANGANESE ORES
South Africa
Saleable production (a) 538 490 467 501 424 1,392 1,672
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
Australia
Saleable production (a) 379 446 505 387 467 1,359 1,166
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
MANGANESE ALLOYS
South Africa
Saleable production (a) 96 85 69 101 115 285 313
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
Australia
Saleable production (a) 64 51 50 63 51 164 195
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
HOT BRIQUETTED IRON
BoodarieTM Iron,
Australia
Production 177 276 386 384 277 1,047 573
Shipments 238 342 358 302 391 1,051 399
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production 9.4 9.1 9.6 10.4 10.5 30.5 22.7
Sales 8.8 10.2 9.1 10.4 10.5 30.0 20.7
Yabulu, Australia
Production
Nickel 7.4 7.7 6.3 7.1 7.3 20.7 21.3
Cobalt 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.3 1.3
Sales
Nickel 6.5 8.2 7.7 6.9 7.3 21.9 19.1
Cobalt 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 1.4 1.2
CHROME ORES
South Africa
Saleable production (a) 674 665 629 609 549 1,787 2,493
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
FERROCHROME
South Africa
Saleable production (a) 192 194 207 206 201 614 714
(a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
Ingwe, South Africa
Production 14,379 14,571 14,538 13,724 13,633 41,895 46,751
Sales
Export 6,164 6,557 6,289 6,083 5,605 17,977 19,222
Local utility 6,957 6,821 7,477 6,780 6,979 21,236 24,328
Inland 1,207 1,110 1,092 1,111 835 3,038 3,897
Total 14,328 14,488 14,858 13,974 13,418 42,250 47,447
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal 1,838 2,170 1,694 1,682 1,801 5,177 5,501
San Juan Coal 2,155 1,720 1,412 1,488 1,465 4,365 5,534
Total 3,993 3,890 3,106 3,170 3,266 9,542 11,035
Sales - local utility 3,566 3,434 3,407 3,489 2,882 9,778 10,916
Hunter Valley, Australia
Production 1,512 1,329 1,173 863 1,129 3,165 3,974
Sales
Export 1,190 1,201 604 571 904 2,079 2,824
Inland 396 399 398 378 342 1,118 1,023
Total 1,586 1,600 1,002 949 1,246 3,197 3,847
Kalimantan, Indonesia
Production (a)
Senakin (b) 924 1,099 1,161 801 - 1,962 2,879
Satui (b) 926 981 1,068 777 - 1,845 2,615
Petangis 185 211 221 201 186 608 641
Total 2,035 2,291 2,450 1,778 186 4,414 6,135
Sales - export 1,942 2,308 2,312 1,684 242 4,238 6,066
(a) Reported on 86.5% basis after allowing for the Indonesian state-owned corporation's 13.5% share of all
production.
(b) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Senakin and Satui effective 30 November 2001.
CDC & CZN, Colombia (a)
Production 1,091 1,053 1,138 1,088 1,022 3,248 1,778
Sales - export 1,102 959 1,098 688 971 2,757 1,778
(a) Carbonnes del Cerrejon (BHP Billiton 33.3%) and Cerrejon Zona Norte (BHP Billiton 16.7%) were acquired in
September 2000 and November 2000 respectively. BHP Billiton increased its interest in CZN to 33.3% effective
February 2002.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)
Bass Strait 6,990 6,946 7,387 7,197 6,593 21,177 21,893
North West Shelf - condensate 1,240 1,239 1,331 1,310 1,525 4,166 3,609
North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack 1,820 1,757 1,652 1,919 1,851 5,422 5,387
Laminaria 3,533 3,076 3,001 2,569 1,958 7,528 11,777
Buffalo (a) - - - - - - 1,520
Griffin 2,241 1,194 1,037 863 1,971 3,871 5,946
Pakistan (b) 3 14 17 19 20 56 3
Typhoon (c) - - 835 1,443 1,507 3,785 -
Americas 941 958 918 919 917 2,754 2,711
Liverpool Bay 2,469 2,516 2,830 2,868 2,770 8,468 6,163
Bruce/Keith (d) 674 678 483 640 532 1,655 1,722
Total 19,911 18,378 19,492 19,747 19,644 58,883 60,731
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait 22.91 26.75 30.05 23.14 17.18 70.37 69.65
North West Shelf - 3.29 3.81 3.68 3.73 3.45 10.86 9.70
Domestic
North West Shelf - LNG 14.24 13.47 15.76 15.56 15.22 46.54 43.26
Griffin 0.73 0.84 1.35 1.25 0.93 3.53 2.30
Pakistan (b) 0.40 2.03 2.66 2.83 2.94 8.43 0.40
Typhoon (c) - - 0.67 1.48 2.01 4.16 -
Americas 5.19 5.52 5.41 5.45 4.40 15.26 15.78
Bruce 10.43 7.59 3.28 10.65 8.44 22.36 24.82
Keith (d) 0.24 0.25 0.19 0.27 0.11 0.57 0.35
Liverpool Bay 10.18 11.38 8.19 11.87 11.63 31.69 23.93
Total 67.61 71.64 71.24 76.23 66.31 213.77 190.19
LPG ('000 tonnes)
Bass Strait 113.21 117.66 128.52 107.80 108.47 344.79 336.85
North West Shelf 30.44 31.65 36.32 35.53 33.33 105.18 92.61
Griffin 0.51 - - - - - 3.58
Bruce 23.01 24.85 16.51 28.50 18.73 63.74 61.30
Keith (d) 3.45 1.44 1.36 1.18 0.67 3.21 3.88
Total 170.62 175.60 182.71 173.01 161.20 516.92 498.22
ETHANE ('000 tonnes) 15.69 18.53 24.05 18.59 18.87 61.51 48.86
(a) Buffalo sold effective September 2000.
(b) Zamzama extended well test commenced in March 2001.
(c) Typhoon commenced production in July 2001.
(d) Keith commenced production in November 2000.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
BHP STEEL
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
('000 tonnes)
PRODUCTION
Iron Sands
NZS, New Zealand 274 478 397 464 395 1,256 1,709
Coke
Port Kembla, Australia 578 643 661 620 626 1,907 1,793
Iron
Port Kembla, Australia 1,177 1,269 1,262 1,191 1,144 3,597 3,706
Raw Steel
Port Kembla, Australia 1,120 1,176 1,238 1,109 1,126 3,473 3,654
NZS, New Zealand 157 152 144 153 125 422 450
Total 1,277 1,328 1,382 1,262 1,251 3,895 4,104
Delta, Ohio (a) 190 197 196 196 202 594 569
Marketable Steel Products
Flat Products
Flat and Tinplate 1,094 1,183 1,183 1,054 1,103 3,340 3,488
products
Coated Products
Rolled and coated 462 474 533 400 489 1,422 1,457
products
Flat and coated products (NZS) 139 135 137 117 128 382 401
Rolled and coated products 81 89 69 70 70 209 249
(offshore)
Building products (includes 42 42 40 36 32 108 116
offshore)
Total (b) 1,345 1,469 1,377 1,169 1,396 3,942 4,038
Delta, Ohio (a) 186 193 192 192 198 582 557
DESPATCHES (c)
Business unit despatches
Flat Products 1,098 1,294 1,128 996 1,164 3,288 3,410
Coated Products 666 813 746 657 648 2,051 2,089
Total (d) 1,282 1,587 1,296 1,153 1,386 3,835 3,755
External despatches
Australia Domestic (e) 515 585 691 569 545 1,805 1,503
Export 546 757 387 391 653 1,431 1,602
New Zealand Domestic (e) 56 55 61 56 60 177 185
Export 77 97 83 67 58 208 200
Other offshore 88 93 74 70 70 214 265
Total 1,282 1,587 1,296 1,153 1,386 3,835 3,755
Delta, Ohio (a) 190 191 191 189 208 588 557
(a) Production and despatches reported is that proportion determined by BHP Steel's equity interest in North Star
BHP LLC (50%).
(b) Total excludes production for intra-business sales. Therefore, the total figure is less than the sum of the
individual businesses.
(c) Steel products only. Excludes pig iron and by-products.
(d) Total excludes intra-business sales. Therefore, the total figure is less than the sum of the individual
businesses.
(e) Includes despatches to OneSteel Limited from 1 November 2000.
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
QUARTER ENDED 9 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH JUNE SEPT DEC MARCH MARCH MARCH
2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001
EXPLORATION, TECHNOLOGY & NEW BUSINESS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
EkatiTM, Canada
Production (a) ('000 375 427 767 928 932 2,627 1,002
carats)
(a) Interest in EkatiTM increased from 51% to 80% effective July 2001.
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 600 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria Registered Office: 1-3 Strand London WC2N 5HA United Kingdom
3000 Telephone +44 20 7747 3800 Facsimile +44 20 7747 3900
Telephone +61 3 9609 3333 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015
The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
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