UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

January 18, 2012

 

 

 

BHP BILLITON LIMITED		BHP BILLITON PLC
(ABN 49 004 028 077)		(REG. NO. 3196209)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)		(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA		ENGLAND AND WALES
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)		(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA		NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

x  Form 20-F             ¨  Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:    ¨  Yes    x  No

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a

 

 

 

---

 

Release Time		IMMEDIATE
Date		18 January 2012
Number		01/12

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011

 

•

Western Australia Iron Ore production rose to a record annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis) in the December 2011 quarter, a 25% increase over the previous corresponding period.

 

•

A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.

 

•

Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia), two of BHP Billiton’s high value, export oriented energy coal operations.

 

•

Petroleum production increased 36% from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.

Petroleum

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (‘000 boe)			44,066				22,228				-10	%			-5	%			2	%
Natural gas (bcf)			391.84				214.49				108	%			160	%			21	%
Total petroleum products (million boe)			109.38				57.98				36	%			56	%			13	%

Total petroleum production – Petroleum production increased 36 per cent from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.

Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids – Liquids volumes increased marginally from the September 2011 quarter as production from the Onshore US portfolio, development drilling at Shenzi and high uptime at Atlantis (all USA) offset anticipated field decline.

The contribution from the Onshore US portfolio resulted in an eight per cent increase in natural gas liquids production in the December 2011 half year, although anticipated field decline and the temporary shut down of the non-operated Mad Dog facility (USA) resulted in lower overall liquids production relative to the prior corresponding period. Mad Dog is forecast by the operator to remain shut down until the June 2012 quarter.

Natural gas – Natural gas production was higher than all comparable periods reflecting strong performance from the Onshore US and Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) businesses. Gas production in eastern Australia was down against the September 2011 quarter due to lower seasonal demand.

---

Aluminium

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Alumina (‘000 tonnes)			2,061				1,001				2	%			-2	%			-6	%
Aluminium (‘000 tonnes)			628				313				0	%			0	%			-1	%

Alumina – Sales volumes increased when compared with all corresponding periods as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity. While a planned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia) constrained production during the December 2011 quarter, volumes are expected to recover as the refinery processes stockpiled hydrate in future periods.

Aluminium – Production was in line with comparable periods with all operations running at, or close to, maximum technical capacity.

Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium business continues to be challenged by underlying cost pressure and weaker prices.

Base Metals

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Copper (‘000 tonnes)			500.6				280.3				-16	%			-7	%			27	%
Lead (tonnes)			122,651				66,992				-9	%			3	%			20	%
Zinc (tonnes)			51,742				28,298				-33	%			-23	%			21	%
Silver (‘000 ounces)			20,054				10,903				-15	%			-6	%			19	%
Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)			1,909				909				-3	%			-5	%			-9	%

Copper – A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter. Escondida (Chile) average mill throughput per day steadily increased as operations recovered from the industrial action that affected production in the prior quarter. In addition, Olympic Dam (Australia) benefited from higher grades and improved smelter availability following the planned outage in the September 2011 quarter. The expansion of mining fleets at Antamina (Peru) and Pampa Norte (Chile) contributed to half yearly material mined records for both assets.

Consistent with prior guidance, Escondida production is forecast to be marginally lower in the 2012 financial year, with volumes weighted to the second half. Production is expected to improve beyond the 2012 financial year as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit.

At 31 December 2011, the Group had 219,718 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.45 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2012 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31 December 2011 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$258 million for the period.

Lead/silver – Production at Cannington (Australia) decreased in the December 2011 half year reflecting lower average ore grades.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			2

---

Zinc – Production at Antamina decreased in the December 2011 half year as mining continued to progress through a copper rich ore zone.

Uranium – Production was broadly in line with all comparable periods.

Diamonds & Specialty Products

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Diamonds (‘000 carats)			938				481				-32	%			-29	%			5	%

Diamonds – As anticipated, production in the December 2011 half year was lower than the prior corresponding period. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.

During the quarter, BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business, including the Group’s interests in the EKATI Diamond Mine. The process is ongoing and could continue through the first half of the 2012 calendar year.

Stainless Steel Materials

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Nickel (‘000 tonnes)			73.5				38.4				-10	%			-11	%			9	%

Nickel – Production increased in the December 2011 quarter with the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) operating at full production rates following its successful replacement in the prior quarter. In addition, higher nickel in matte production at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie smelter (Australia) compensated for a decline in metal production at the Nickel West Kwinana refinery that resulted from a planned outage at a third party hydrogen supplier. Nickel West Kwinana is expected to commission its new hydrogen plant in the March 2012 quarter.

The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project, which enables the processing of talc bearing ore, was successfully commissioned in December 2011.

Nickel West operating margins remain sensitive to persistent weakness in nickel prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			3

---

Iron Ore

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Iron ore (‘000 tonnes)			80,644				41,072				23	%			22	%			4	%

Iron ore – Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) delivered another quarterly record as production rose to an annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the ramp up of Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company’s rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland all contributed to the record performance. While scheduled maintenance, tie-in activities and the wet season in the Pilbara are expected to affect WAIO production in the second half of the 2012 financial year, full year production is now forecast to marginally exceed prior guidance of 159 million tonnes per annum (100% basis).

Production at Samarco (Brazil) was in line with comparable periods with all three pellet plants continuing to run at full capacity.

Manganese

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Manganese ore (‘000 tonnes)			3,825				1,806				-3	%			-1	%			-11	%
Manganese alloy (‘000 tonnes)			389				195				-1	%			2	%			1	%

Manganese ore – Production was lower than the September 2011 quarter as planned maintenance at Hotazel (South Africa) and a weather related reduction in plant availability at GEMCO (Australia) constrained performance.

Manganese alloy – Alloy production was in line with comparable periods.

Metallurgical Coal

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Metallurgical coal (‘000 tonnes)			17,784				8,493				-2	%			9	%			-9	%

Metallurgical coal – Queensland Coal (Australia) volumes for the December 2011 quarter remained below capacity as a result of stoppages associated with the ongoing labour negotiations and the remnant effects of wet weather. In addition, geotechnical issues at the Gregory Crinum longwall adversely affected production in the period. While system capability is no longer constrained by the 2011 floods, the extent to which industrial action will continue to impact production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict.

Illawarra Coal (Australia) production increased in the December 2011 half year following successful longwall moves at Dendrobium and Appin in the June 2011 quarter. Volumes were lower than the September 2011 quarter as a planned shutdown of the West Cliff Coal Handling Preparation Plant was undertaken in readiness for commissioning of a plant upgrade. A longwall move and plant shutdown at Dendrobium is scheduled for the March 2012 quarter.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			4

---

Energy Coal

 

		DEC 2011 HALF				DEC 2011 QTR				DEC H11 vs DEC H10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
Energy coal (‘000 tonnes)			35,379				16,919				5	%			2	%			-8	%

Energy coal – Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal, two of BHP Billiton’s high value, export oriented energy coal operations. However, unfavourable mining conditions and an industrial dispute at South Africa Coal, together with the suspension of operations at San Juan Coal (USA), resulted in lower production relative to the September 2011 quarter.

Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton’s share and exclude suspended and sold operations.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com

 

Media Relations		Investor Relations
Australia		Australia
Samantha Stevens		James Agar
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915		Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 467 807 064
email: Samantha.Stevens@bhpbilliton.com		email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com
Kelly Quirke		Andrew Gunn
Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312		Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454
email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com		email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com
Fiona Martin		United Kingdom and South Africa
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908 email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com		Brendan Harris
		Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726
United Kingdom and Americas		email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah		Tara Dines
Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033		Tel : +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile : +44 7825 342 232
Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022		Email : Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com
		Americas
		Scott Espenshade
		Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
		email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077		BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in Australia		Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street		Registered Office: Neathouse Place
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia		London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015		Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111

Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			5

---

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

				QUARTER ENDED												YEAR TO DATE								% CHANGE
				DEC 2010				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010				DEC YTD11 vs DEC YTD10				DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10				DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11
PETROLEUM
Crude oil & condensate		(‘000 bbl)			20,652				18,482				18,866				37,348				42,739				-13	%			-9	%			2	%
Natural gas		(bcf)			82.54				177.35				214.49				391.84				188.37				108	%			160	%			21	%
Natural gas liquids		(‘000 boe)			2,842				3,356				3,362				6,718				6,205				8	%			18	%			0	%
Total petroleum products		(million boe)			37.25				51.40				57.98				109.38				80.34				36	%			56	%			13	%
ALUMINIUM
Alumina		(‘000 tonnes)			1,025				1,060				1,001				2,061				2,025				2	%			-2	%			-6	%
Aluminium		(‘000 tonnes)			314				315				313				628				628				0	%			0	%			-1	%
BASE METALS
Copper		(‘000 tonnes)			302.3				220.3				280.3				500.6				593.5				-16	%			-7	%			27	%
Lead		(tonnes)			64,925				55,659				66,992				122,651				134,066				-9	%			3	%			20	%
Zinc		(tonnes)			36,945				23,444				28,298				51,742				77,142				-33	%			-23	%			21	%
Gold		(ounces)			51,626				39,439				44,007				83,446				100,987				-17	%			-15	%			12	%
Silver		(‘000 ounces)			11,571				9,151				10,903				20,054				23,723				-15	%			-6	%			19	%
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)			957				1,000				909				1,909				1,967				-3	%			-5	%			-9	%
Molybdenum		(tonnes)			485				595				766				1,361				693				96	%			58	%			29	%
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Diamonds		(‘000 carats)			676				457				481				938				1,379				-32	%			-29	%			5	%
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
Nickel		(‘000 tonnes)			43.0				35.1				38.4				73.5				81.5				-10	%			-11	%			9	%
IRON ORE
Iron ore		(‘000 tonnes)			33,666				39,572				41,072				80,644				65,649				23	%			22	%			4	%
MANGANESE
Manganese ore		(‘000 tonnes)			1,829				2,019				1,806				3,825				3,951				-3	%			-1	%			-11	%
Manganese alloy		(‘000 tonnes)			192				194				195				389				391				-1	%			2	%			1	%
METALLURGICAL COAL
Metallurgical coal		(‘000 tonnes)			7,787				9,291				8,493				17,784				18,086				-2	%			9	%			-9	%
ENERGY COAL
Energy coal		(‘000 tonnes)			16,513				18,460				16,919				35,379				33,619				5	%			2	%			-8	%

Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 1

---

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

 

						QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		BHP Billiton Interest				DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
PETROLEUM
Production
Crude oil & condensate (‘000 bbl)							20,652				19,200				18,652				18,482				18,866				37,348				42,739
Natural gas (bcf)							82.54				84.90				131.79				177.35				214.49				391.84				188.37
NGL (‘000 boe) (a)							2,842				2,442				2,636				3,356				3,362				6,718				6,205
Total petroleum products (million boe)							37.25				35.79				43.25				51.40				57.98				109.38				80.34
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINA
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Worsley			86	%			758				663				725				752				694				1,446				1,514
Alumar			36	%			267				296				301				308				307				615				511
Total							1,025				959				1,026				1,060				1,001				2,061				2,025
ALUMINIUM
Production (‘000 tonnes)
Hillside			100	%			179				173				179				180				180				360				359
Bayside			100	%			25				24				24				25				24				49				49
Alumar			40	%			43				44				43				44				42				86				87
Mozal			47	%			67				64				67				66				67				133				133
Total							314				305				313				315				313				628				628
BASE METALS (b)
COPPER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida			57.5	%			112.7				87.7				79.4				49.9				80.4				130.3				223.4
Antamina			33.8	%			27.2				24.9				22.5				30.3				30.9				61.2				50.4
Total							139.9				112.6				101.9				80.2				111.3				191.5				273.8
Cathode (‘000 tonnes)
Escondida			57.5	%			47.1				44.4				42.6				32.9				43.0				75.9				92.1
Pampa Norte (c)			100	%			66.0				64.1				75.7				65.4				70.0				135.4				132.4
Pinto Valley			100	%			1.5				1.4				1.4				1.4				1.4				2.8				2.9
Olympic Dam			100	%			47.8				51.1				50.7				40.4				54.6				95.0				92.3
Total							162.4				161.0				170.4				140.1				169.0				309.1				319.7
LEAD
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington			100	%			64,748				51,673				58,414				55,557				66,787				122,344				133,277
Antamina			33.8	%			177				237				164				102				205				307				789
Total							64,925				51,910				58,578				55,659				66,992				122,651				134,066
ZINC
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Cannington			100	%			14,920				16,129				14,348				14,488				14,745				29,233				30,180
Antamina			33.8	%			22,025				24,123				20,385				8,956				13,553				22,509				46,962
Total							36,945				40,252				34,733				23,444				28,298				51,742				77,142

Refer footnotes on page 4.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 2

---

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

 

						QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		BHP Billiton Interest				DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
BASE METALS (continued)
GOLD
Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)
Escondida			57.5	%			23,133				19,667				17,116				11,063				14,242				25,305				47,940
Olympic Dam (refined gold)			100	%			28,493				29,892				28,429				28,376				29,765				58,141				53,047
Total							51,626				49,559				45,545				39,439				44,007				83,446				100,987
SILVER
Payable metal in concentrate (‘000 ounces)
Escondida			57.5	%			796				670				580				403				549				952				1,599
Antamina			33.8	%			1,025				813				773				972				1,087				2,059				2,014
Cannington			100	%			9,509				7,315				8,242				7,559				9,056				16,615				19,668
Olympic Dam (refined silver)			100	%			241				258				282				217				211				428				442
Total							11,571				9,056				9,877				9,151				10,903				20,054				23,723
URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Olympic Dam			100	%			957				1,063				1,015				1,000				909				1,909				1,967
Total							957				1,063				1,015				1,000				909				1,909				1,967
MOLYBDENUM
Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)
Antamina			33.8	%			485				334				418				595				766				1,361				693
Total							485				334				418				595				766				1,361				693
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
DIAMONDS
Production (‘000 carats)
EKATI™			80	%			676				551				576				457				481				938				1,379
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
NICKEL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
CMSA			99.9	%			12.4				7.8				7.4				10.4				12.3				22.7				24.8
Nickel West			100	%			30.6				25.2				30.8				24.7				26.1				50.8				56.7
Total							43.0				33.0				38.2				35.1				38.4				73.5				81.5

Refer footnotes on page 4.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 3

---

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

 

						QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		BHP Billiton Interest				DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
IRON ORE
Production (‘000 tonnes) (d)
Newman (e)			85	%			11,213				11,912				12,480				13,158				13,247				26,405				20,853
Goldsworthy Joint Venture			85	%			225				305				284				254				334				588				609
Area C Joint Venture			85	%			10,154				9,510				10,044				10,479				10,437				20,916				20,240
Yandi Joint Venture			85	%			9,078				8,799				9,796				12,708				14,170				26,878				17,865
Samarco			50	%			2,996				2,705				2,922				2,973				2,884				5,857				6,082
Total							33,666				33,231				35,526				39,572				41,072				80,644				65,649
MANGANESE
MANGANESE ORES
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (f)			60	%			779				514				776				911				808				1,719				1,717
Australia (f)			60	%			1,050				838				1,014				1,108				998				2,106				2,234
Total							1,829				1,352				1,790				2,019				1,806				3,825				3,951
MANGANESE ALLOYS
Saleable production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa (f) (g)			60	%			123				111				120				124				124				248				255
Australia (f)			60	%			69				61				70				70				71				141				136
Total							192				172				190				194				195				389				391
METALLURGICAL COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes) (h)
BMA			50	%			4,534				3,955				4,874				5,274				5,006				10,280				11,072
BHP Mitsui Coal (i)			80	%			1,421				1,133				1,426				1,803				1,580				3,383				3,334
Illawarra			100	%			1,832				1,582				1,622				2,214				1,907				4,121				3,680
Total							7,787				6,670				7,922				9,291				8,493				17,784				18,086
ENERGY COAL
Production (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa			100	%			8,507				8,596				8,228				9,095				7,976				17,071				17,504
USA			100	%			2,296				2,360				3,779				2,467				2,163				4,630				5,473
Australia			100	%			3,394				3,978				3,793				4,046				4,027				8,073				5,900
Colombia			33	%			2,316				2,609				2,538				2,852				2,753				5,605				4,742
Total							16,513				17,543				18,338				18,460				16,919				35,379				33,619

 

(a)	LPG and ethane are reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL). Product-specific conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe).

(b)	Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(c)	Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.

(d)	Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(e)	Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

(f)	Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.

(g)	Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

(h)	Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

(i)	Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 4

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		DEC				MAR				JUN				SEP				DEC				DEC				DEC
		2010				2011				2011				2011				2011				2011				2010
PETROLEUM
BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.
CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (‘000 barrels)
Bass Strait			2,553				2,465				2,485				2,527				2,190				4,717				5,264
North West Shelf			2,188				1,719				1,442				1,400				1,686				3,086				4,425
Stybarrow			358				862				1,037				1,171				836				2,007				909
Pyrenees			5,362				4,326				4,584				3,901				3,207				7,108				10,878
Other Australia (a)			10				13				13				13				13				26				25
Atlantis (b)			2,881				2,694				2,098				2,081				2,390				4,471				5,919
Mad Dog (b)			874				952				128				—				—				—				1,949
Shenzi (b) (c)			3,859				3,378				3,630				3,848				4,119				7,967				7,775
Onshore US (d)			—				—				—				672				1,631				2,303				—
Trinidad/Tobago			—				299				687				466				466				932				285
Other Americas (b) (e)			430				397				448				373				374				747				789
UK			479				542				534				447				433				880				1,090
Algeria			1,587				1,474				1,498				1,498				1,437				2,935				3,273
Pakistan			71				79				68				85				84				169				158
Total			20,652				19,200				18,652				18,482				18,866				37,348				42,739
NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)
Bass Strait			20.94				22.31				29.97				31.88				23.65				55.53				59.75
North West Shelf			36.47				35.11				35.44				32.97				32.56				65.53				72.96
Other Australia (a)			3.83				4.69				4.68				4.45				4.56				9.01				9.83
Atlantis (b)			1.07				0.84				0.67				0.64				0.67				1.31				2.40
Mad Dog (b)			0.06				0.13				0.01				—				—				—				0.31
Shenzi (b) (c)			0.77				0.64				0.67				0.62				0.57				1.19				1.52
Onshore US (d)			—				—				36.43				77.59				121.63				199.22				—
Trinidad/Tobago			—				—				4.69				9.31				9.72				19.03				—
Other Americas (b) (e)			1.32				1.33				1.42				1.19				0.98				2.17				2.72
UK			6.14				6.32				5.69				3.91				5.51				9.42				12.45
Pakistan			11.94				13.53				12.12				14.79				14.64				29.43				26.43
Total			82.54				84.90				131.79				177.35				214.49				391.84				188.37
NGL (‘000 barrels of oil equivalent)
Bass Strait			1,412				1,252				1,554				1,823				1,407				3,230				3,442
North West Shelf			442				434				367				423				434				857				913
Atlantis (b)			177				150				117				120				123				243				365
Mad Dog (b)			42				39				11				—				—				—				84
Shenzi (b) (c)			336				245				252				296				293				589				532
Onshore US (d)			—				—				—				416				943				1,359				—
Other Americas (b) (e)			54				42				47				41				34				75				96
UK			74				79				66				18				45				63				134
Algeria			305				201				222				219				83				302				639
Total			2,842				2,442				2,636				3,356				3,362				6,718				6,205
TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS			37.25				35.79				43.25				51.40				57.98				109.38				80.34

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)

 

(a)	Other Australia includes Minerva.

(b)	Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.

(c)	The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.

(d)	Fayetteville shale acquisition completed on 31 March 2011. Petrohawk Energy Corporation acquisition completed on 20 August 2011. Onshore US volumes are net of mineral holder royalties.

(e)	Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Genesis and Starlifter.

(f)	Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 5

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		DEC				MAR				JUN				SEP				DEC				DEC				DEC
		2010				2011				2011				2011				2011				2011				2010
ALUMINIUM
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (‘000 tonnes)
ALUMINA
Production
Worsley, Australia			758				663				725				752				694				1,446				1,514
Alumar, Brazil			267				296				301				308				307				615				511
Total			1,025				959				1,026				1,060				1,001				2,061				2,025
Sales
Worsley, Australia			735				633				727				720				745				1,465				1,502
Alumar, Brazil			271				249				324				280				349				629				510
Total			1,006				882				1,051				1,000				1,093				2,093				2,012
ALUMINIUM
Production
Hillside, South Africa			179				173				179				180				180				360				359
Bayside, South Africa			25				24				24				25				24				49				49
Alumar, Brazil			43				44				43				44				42				86				87
Mozal, Mozambique			67				64				67				66				67				133				133
Total			314				305				313				315				313				628				628
Sales
Hillside, South Africa			160				163				181				163				186				349				308
Bayside, South Africa			31				38				29				24				25				49				60
Alumar, Brazil			43				43				44				44				43				87				87
Mozal, Mozambique			76				66				80				60				85				145				131
Total			310				310				334				291				339				630				586

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 6

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

				QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
				DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Escondida, Chile
Material mined (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)			98,167				100,966				97,705				69,006				96,152				165,158				202,008
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)			18,789				15,993				16,399				12,029				18,663				30,692				38,486
Average copper grade		(%)			1.26	%			1.15	%			1.06	%			0.97	%			0.97	%			0.97	%			1.25	%
Production ex mill (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)			194.6				153.1				141.2				91.9				144.3				236.2				392.3
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)			112.7				87.7				79.4				49.9				80.4				130.3				223.4
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces)			23,133				19,667				17,116				11,063				14,242				25,305				47,940
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			47.1				44.4				42.6				32.9				43.0				75.9				92.1
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces)			796				670				580				403				549				952				1,599
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)			113.9				74.3				90.9				49.2				82.1				131.3				228.7
Payable gold concentrate		(fine ounces)			23,357				16,754				20,251				10,974				14,435				25,409				49,018
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			46.1				47.7				48.0				25.7				45.3				71.0				86.1
Payable silver concentrate		(‘000 ounces)			804				569				673				404				558				962				1,635
Pampa Norte, Chile
Cerro Colorado
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)			18,290				16,320				17,840				14,736				16,792				31,528				33,934
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)			4,631				4,251				4,771				4,608				4,601				9,209				9,215
Average copper grade		(%)			0.76	%			0.75	%			0.74	%			0.72	%			0.71	%			0.72	%			0.75	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			22.4				22.6				25.7				22.5				23.5				46.0				44.1
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			24.7				22.5				25.7				22.4				23.8				46.2				46.1
Spence
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)			18,389				19,046				19,487				19,816				26,511				46,327				35,537
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)			4,567				4,892				4,545				3,862				4,909				8,771				8,994
Average copper grade		(%)			1.28	%			1.23	%			1.22	%			1.30	%			1.46	%			1.39	%			1.27	%
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			43.6				41.5				50.0				42.9				46.5				89.4				88.3
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			48.2				45.7				54.5				43.2				46.6				89.8				85.2

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 7

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

				QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
				DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Antamina, Peru
Material mined (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)			32,722				33,154				41,669				44,212				38,759				82,971				63,321
Sulphide ore milled (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)			9,347				9,288				9,253				9,396				9,656				19,052				18,388
Average head grades
- Copper		(%)			1.06	%			0.99	%			0.90	%			1.11	%			1.15	%			1.13	%			1.00	%
- Zinc		(%)			1.11	%			1.15	%			1.03	%			0.68	%			0.72	%			0.70	%			1.23	%
Production
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)			27.2				24.9				22.5				30.3				30.9				61.2				50.4
Payable zinc		(tonnes)			22,025				24,123				20,385				8,956				13,553				22,509				46,962
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)			1,025				813				773				972				1,087				2,059				2,014
Payable lead		(tonnes)			177				237				164				102				205				307				789
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)			485				334				418				595				766				1,361				693
Sales
Payable copper		(‘000 tonnes)			21.8				26.1				23.5				28.2				31.7				59.9				49.5
Payable zinc		(tonnes)			24,912				25,571				18,479				9,586				12,654				22,240				48,849
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)			882				839				658				833				940				1,773				2,124
Payable lead		(tonnes)			503				180				92				91				139				230				1,251
Payable molybdenum		(tonnes)			292				394				346				549				591				1,140				730
Cannington, Australia
Material mined		(‘000 tonnes)			824				703				841				819				778				1,597				1,566
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)			760				713				786				826				888				1,714				1,591
Average head grades
- Silver		(g/t)			459				377				381				332				370				352				453
- Lead		(%)			9.9	%			8.6	%			8.6	%			7.9	%			8.8	%			8.4	%			9.7	%
- Zinc		(%)			3.3	%			3.6	%			2.9	%			2.9	%			2.9	%			2.9	%			3.1	%
Production
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)			9,509				7,315				8,242				7,559				9,056				16,615				19,668
Payable lead		(tonnes)			64,748				51,673				58,414				55,557				66,787				122,344				133,277
Payable zinc		(tonnes)			14,920				16,129				14,348				14,488				14,745				29,233				30,180
Sales
Payable silver		(‘000 ounces)			9,973				7,263				8,235				6,434				8,960				15,394				19,192
Payable lead		(tonnes)			67,815				52,199				58,868				48,258				66,657				114,915				130,906
Payable zinc		(tonnes)			16,621				12,986				14,530				15,734				14,078				29,812				29,098

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 8

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

				QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
				DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
BASE METALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated.
Olympic Dam, Australia
Material mined (a)		(‘000 tonnes)			2,513				2,433				2,675				2,543				2,440				4,983				5,223
Ore milled		(‘000 tonnes)			2,622				2,670				2,533				2,471				2,440				4,911				5,127
Average copper grade		(%)			1.78	%			1.84	%			1.92	%			1.98	%			2.08	%			2.03	%			1.84	%
Average uranium grade		kg/t			0.50				0.54				0.54				0.54				0.50				0.52				0.52
Production
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)			45.0				47.8				47.0				37.6				51.5				89.1				86.6
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			2.8				3.3				3.7				2.8				3.1				5.9				5.7
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)			957				1,063				1,015				1,000				909				1,909				1,967
Refined gold		(fine ounces)			28,493				29,892				28,429				28,376				29,765				58,141				53,047
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)			241				258				282				217				211				428				442
Sales
Copper cathode (ER)		(‘000 tonnes)			45.3				48.7				46.5				36.4				51.7				88.1				87.5
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			2.9				2.7				4.1				3.5				2.5				6.0				5.7
Uranium oxide concentrate		(tonnes)			1,121				930				1,143				910				1,126				2,036				1,872
Refined gold		(fine ounces)			29,757				31,742				30,323				28,979				24,327				53,306				48,671
Refined silver		(‘000 ounces)			150				334				269				289				155				444				351
(a)    Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.
Pinto Valley, USA
Production
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			1.5				1.4				1.4				1.4				1.4				2.8				2.9
Sales
Copper cathode (EW)		(‘000 tonnes)			1.0				1.9				1.2				1.7				1.2				2.9				2.8

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 9

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

				QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
				DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.
DIAMONDS
EKATI™, Canada
Ore Processed (100%)		(‘000 tonnes)			1,162				1,122				1,212				1,177				1,090				2,267				2,358
Production		(‘000 carats)			676				551				576				457				481				938				1,379

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 10

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (‘000 tonnes)
NICKEL
CMSA, Colombia
Production			12.4				7.8				7.4				10.4				12.3				22.7				24.8
Sales			12.8				8.5				8.5				7.7				13.1				20.8				24.8
Nickel West, Australia
Production
Nickel contained in concentrate			1.7				1.6				3.3				2.6				1.8				4.4				2.6
Nickel contained in finished matte			21.8				12.4				16.1				9.0				15.2				24.2				35.4
Nickel metal			7.1				11.2				11.4				13.1				9.1				22.2				18.7
Nickel production			30.6				25.2				30.8				24.7				26.1				50.8				56.7
Sales
Nickel contained in concentrate			0.8				2.2				3.9				1.2				2.6				3.8				2.4
Nickel contained in finished matte			19.9				14.7				14.9				10.1				13.9				24.0				34.5
Nickel metal			9.6				9.2				12.4				9.4				10.9				20.3				21.8
Nickel sales			30.3				26.1				31.2				20.7				27.4				48.1				58.7

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 11

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
IRON ORE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (‘000 tonnes)
IRON ORE (a)
Pilbara, Australia
Production
Newman (b)			11,213				11,912				12,480				13,158				13,247				26,405				20,853
Goldsworthy Joint Venture			225				305				284				254				334				588				609
Area C Joint Venture			10,154				9,510				10,044				10,479				10,437				20,916				20,240
Yandi Joint Venture			9,078				8,799				9,796				12,708				14,170				26,878				17,865
Total (BHP Billiton share)			30,670				30,526				32,604				36,599				38,188				74,787				59,567
Total production (100%)			36,082				35,913				38,358				43,058				44,927				87,985				70,078
Shipments
Lump			7,830				7,669				7,463				7,744				8,700				16,444				15,652
Fines			23,870				22,648				25,379				29,311				28,406				57,717				44,919
Total (BHP Billiton share)			31,700				30,317				32,842				37,055				37,106				74,161				60,571
Total sales (100%)			37,294				35,667				38,638				43,594				43,654				87,248				71,260

 

(a)	Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(b)	Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.

 

Samarco, Brazil
Production			2,996				2,705				2,922				2,973				2,884				5,857				6,082
Shipments			3,460				2,598				2,736				2,926				2,961				5,887				6,094

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 12

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		DEC 2010				MAR 2011				JUN 2011				SEP 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2011				DEC 2010
MANGANESE
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (‘000 tonnes)
MANGANESE ORE
South Africa (a)
Saleable production			779				514				776				911				808				1,719				1,717
Sales			947				701				746				861				853				1,714				1,604
Australia (a)
Saleable production			1,050				838				1,014				1,108				998				2,106				2,234
Sales			1,173				1,127				1,108				1,094				876				1,970				1,725
MANGANESE ALLOY
South Africa (a) (b)
Saleable production			123				111				120				124				124				248				255
Sales			153				145				123				95				138				233				248
Australia (a)
Saleable production			69				61				70				70				71				141				136
Sales			68				62				75				91				58				149				121

 

(a)	Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.

(b)	Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 13

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		DEC				MAR				JUN				SEP				DEC				DEC				DEC
		2010				2011				2011				2011				2011				2011				2010
METALLURGICAL COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (‘000 tonnes)
METALLURGICAL COAL (a)
Queensland, Australia
Production
BMA
Blackwater			1,134				870				1,127				1,367				1,122				2,489				2,592
Goonyella			1,086				993				1,417				1,463				1,375				2,838				2,949
Peak Downs			984				758				543				971				992				1,963				2,101
Saraji			819				532				556				802				900				1,702				1,691
Norwich Park			73				128				386				365				369				734				541
Gregory Joint Venture			438				674				845				306				248				554				1,198
BMA total			4,534				3,955				4,874				5,274				5,006				10,280				11,072
BHP Mitsui Coal (b)
South Walker Creek			765				623				690				1,106				901				2,007				1,821
Poitrel			656				510				736				697				679				1,376				1,513
BHP Mitsui Coal total			1,421				1,133				1,426				1,803				1,580				3,383				3,334
Queensland total			5,955				5,088				6,300				7,077				6,586				13,663				14,406
Shipments
Coking coal			5,243				3,475				4,865				5,066				4,845				9,911				11,884
Weak coking coal			1,886				970				1,411				1,691				1,747				3,438				3,539
Thermal coal			206				125				285				176				20				196				574
Total			7,335				4,570				6,561				6,933				6,612				13,545				15,997

 

(a)	Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

(b)	Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

 

Illawarra, Australia
Production			1,832				1,582				1,622				2,214				1,907				4,121				3,680
Shipments
Coking coal			1,495				1,374				1,407				1,673				1,255				2,928				2,883
Thermal coal			536				211				216				159				441				600				898
Total			2,031				1,585				1,623				1,832				1,696				3,528				3,781

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 14

---

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

 

		QUARTER ENDED																				YEAR TO DATE
		DEC				MAR				JUN				SEP				DEC				DEC				DEC
		2010				2011				2011				2011				2011				2011				2010
ENERGY COAL
BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (‘000 tonnes)
South Africa
Production			8,507				8,596				8,228				9,095				7,976				17,071				17,504
Sales
Export			3,365				2,887				3,082				3,439				3,546				6,985				6,412
Local utility			5,024				5,254				5,363				5,622				4,582				10,204				10,691
Inland			96				78				37				85				165				250				206
Total			8,485				8,219				8,482				9,146				8,293				17,439				17,309
New Mexico, USA
Production
Navajo Coal			1,818				1,629				2,271				1,178				2,060				3,238				3,572
San Juan Coal			478				731				1,508				1,289				103				1,392				1,901
Total			2,296				2,360				3,779				2,467				2,163				4,630				5,473
Sales - local utility			3,339				3,385				3,106				3,630				3,108				6,738				6,700
NSW Energy Coal, Australia
Production			3,394				3,978				3,793				4,046				4,027				8,073				5,900
Sales
Export			3,253				3,824				3,522				3,523				3,566				7,089				5,879
Inland			180				339				364				625				333				958				584
Total			3,433				4,163				3,886				4,148				3,899				8,047				6,463
Cerrejon Coal, Colombia
Production			2,316				2,609				2,538				2,852				2,753				5,605				4,742
Sales - export			2,672				2,149				2,853				2,901				2,784				5,685				5,448

 

BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011			Page 15

---

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

						BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc
Date: January 18, 2012				By:		/s/ Jane McAloon
				Name:		Jane McAloon
				Title:		Group Company Secretary