RNS Number:2174R
BHP Billiton PLC
23 October 2003
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.
****
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www.bhpbilliton.com
Australia United Kingdom
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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
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