BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS


 

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

July 24, 2007


 

 

 

BHP BILLITON LIMITED

(ABN 49 004 028 077)

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

 

180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

3000 AUSTRALIA

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

 

BHP BILLITON PLC

(REG. NO. 3196209)

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

ENGLAND AND WALES

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

 

NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON,

UNITED KINGDOM

(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 
 

24 July 2007
Number 23/07


BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
 

BHP Billiton today released its production report for the year ended 30 June 2007. Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton share and exclude suspended and sold operations.

  • Annual production records achieved for natural gas, alumina, aluminium, copper, nickel, iron ore, manganese ore, and metallurgical coal; all underpinned by strong demand.
     
  • Increased annual production achieved for energy coal, diamonds and manganese alloy.
     
  • Petroleum production in line with prior year despite no new major project start-ups.
     
  • Record annual production achieved at North West Shelf, Worsley, Western Australia Iron Ore, GEMCO, Queensland Coal, Hunter Valley Coal and Illawarra Coal Bed Methane (all Australia), Mad Dog (USA), Zamzama (Pakistan), Alumar (Brazil), Paranam (Suriname), Hillside, Bayside and Samancor (all South Africa), Mozal (Mozambique), Escondida (Chile) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia)
     
  • Quarterly production records achieved for the Alumar, Yabulu (Australia), Queensland Coal, Cerrejon Coal, New Mexico Coal (USA) and Illawarra Coal Bed Methane operations and for natural gas from Bass Strait (Australia).
     
  • Third party infrastructure constraints on the east coast of Australia will continue to adversely impact our coal operations in the near term.

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

PETROLEUM

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids ('000 bbl) (a)

56,723

14,461

0%

-1%

9%

Natural Gas (bcf) (a)

355.69

95.23

1%

-2%

10%

Total Petroleum Products (million boe) (a)

116.00

30.47

0%

-1%

10%

Total Petroleum Production - Total production was in line with the year ended June 2006 and higher than the March 2007 quarter. Natural field decline has been offset by improved facility performance and successful development drilling. There were no major project start-ups in the period. Higher seasonal gas demand in Australia also supported the improved result.

Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids - Production was higher than the March 2007 quarter due to improved operational uptime and successful development drilling which offset natural field decline. Stronger seasonal gas demand also increased condensate production.

Natural Gas - Record quarterly performance from Bass Strait led to a 10 per cent increase versus the March 2007 quarter production.
 

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

ALUMINIUM

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Alumina ('000 tonnes)

4,460

1,144

7%

7%

5%

Aluminium ('000 tonnes) (b)

1,340

334

2%

0%

1%

Alumina - Production and sales for the year ended June 2007 were all time records. Record annual output was achieved at all operations due to the continuing ramp up of the Worsley expansion and strong performance at Paranam and Alumar. Worsley exceeded its expanded nameplate capacity in the June 2007 quarter.

Aluminium - A sixth consecutive annual production record was achieved. Successful implementation of ongoing efficiency initiatives resulted in record or near record performance at all operations.
 

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

BASE METALS

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Copper ('000 tonnes) (c)

1,250.1

342.1

7%

17%

-4%

Silver ('000 ounces) (c)

36,565

11,625

-20%

23%

5%

Lead (tonnes)

210,814

62,409

-21%

12%

-1%

Zinc (tonnes)

118,695

39,148

9%

42%

9%

Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)

3,486

988

-11%

14%

12%

Copper - An annual production record was set with the continued ramp up of the Escondida Sulphide Leach Project and Spence (both Chile). This was accomplished despite the impact of the industrial action at Escondida in August 2006. In aggregate, these two projects contributed 134,950 tonnes during the year. Partially offsetting this was lower output from Olympic Dam due to maintenance activities and reduced ore hoisting and grades.

June 2007 quarterly production was higher than the June 2006 quarter reflecting the continued ramp up of the recently expanded capacity.

As of 30 June 2006 the company had 274,280 tonnes of copper sales which were subject to a finalisation adjustment. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 30 June 2007 will increase earnings(d) by US$108 million for the financial year. For the year ended 30 June 2007 the Group had 346,610 tonnes of copper sales that were provisionally priced at a weighted average price of US$7,152 per tonne. The final price of these sales will be determined in the 2008 financial year.

Silver - Record silver production at Escondida reduced the effect of the rehabilitation of ground support at Cannington (Australia). Production has recovered following the successful completion of the rehabilitation project in the March 2007 quarter.

Lead - Improved performance following the completion of the Cannington rehabilitation project was offset by declining grade.

Zinc - Production was higher than all comparative periods due to improved grade and increased proportion of zinc contained ore processed at Antamina (Peru).

Uranium - Variability of ore sources, lower grade, and ongoing maintenance activities at Olympic Dam impacted output for the year ended June 2007. Third party products were purchased from the spot market to meet contractual requirements. This will decrease earnings(d) by US$81 million for the financial year.

The higher production in the current period compared to the June 2006 and March 2007 quarters reflects increased grade and recoveries.
 

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Diamonds ('000 carats)

3,224

911

26%

56%

2%

Diamonds - Production increased versus the year and quarter ended June 2006 due to processing of higher grade ore containing lower value diamonds.
 

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Nickel ('000 tonnes)

186.3

47.7

7%

15%

4%

Nickel - Record annual production was driven by strong performances at all operations. All operations achieved near record production and sales.
 

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

IRON ORE

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Iron ore ('000 tonnes) (e)

98,197

25,746

8%

6%

13%

Iron Ore - Records were set for annual production and sales volumes reflecting increased output from the expanded Western Australia Iron Ore operations.

Production was higher than the March 2007 quarter due to resumption of normal production levels following cyclone activities at Western Australia Iron Ore and planned maintenance at Samarco (Brazil) in the previous quarter.
 

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

MANGANESE

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Manganese Ore ('000 tonnes)

6,009

1,519

14%

9%

5%

Manganese Alloy ('000 tonnes)

662

164

17%

7%

-7%

Manganese Ore - Higher production compared to all prior periods was driven by stronger customer demand.

Manganese Alloy - Production was higher than the year and quarter ended June 2006 due to optimisation of the product mix and improved facility availability and utilisation.

The current quarter's output was impacted by planned furnace maintenance at TEMCO (Australia).
 

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

METALLURGICAL COAL

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Metallurgical Coal ('000 tonnes)

38,429

11,132

8%

21%

23%

Metallurgical Coal - Strong annual and quarterly performance across the Queensland Coal portfolio followed a light plant shutdown schedule. Records were achieved at Goonyella and Saraji. The ramp up of Poitrel continued (all Australia).

Our Hay Point Coal terminal (Australia) attained record annual and quarterly throughput, partially mitigating the impact of port constraints at third party facilities. These constraints at third party facilities are expected to continue in the near term.

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

2007

2007

vs

vs

vs

ENERGY COAL

YTD

QTR

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

Energy Coal ('000 tonnes)

87,025

22,283

1%

2%

6%

Energy Coal - Production was in line with the year ended June 2006. Increased output from improvement initiatives was offset by extreme weather conditions at Hunter Valley Coal.

Production for the June 2007 quarter was higher than the March 2007 quarter due to the impact of a planned longwall move at San Juan (USA) in the previous quarter.

Third party infrastructure constraints on the east coast of Australia will continue to impact Hunter Valley Coal's export sales.

Production in South Africa will be lower in 2008 financial year due to the divestment of Koornfontein and potential divestment of Optimum and reduced output from the Douglas underground mine as it approaches shut down in the middle of the 2008 calendar year.

(a) Excluding Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields (sold effective from 16 January 2006), Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (sold September 2006 quarter) and Typhoon / Boris (sold December 2006 quarter).

(b) Excluding Valesul which was sold effective from 1 July 2006.

(c) Excluding Tintaya which was sold effective from 1 June 2006.

(d) Earnings before interest and tax.

(e) Excluding Goldsworthy operations which were suspended mid calendar year 2006.

 

 

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

% CHANGE

JUNE YTD 07

JUN Q07

JUN Q07

JUNE

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

vs

vs

vs

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

JUNE YTD 06

JUN Q06

MAR Q07

PETROLEUM

Crude oil & condensate (a)

('000 bbl)

11,551

10,671

11,443

45,167

45,390

0%

-1%

7%

Natural gas (b)

(bcf)

96.73

86.67

95.23

355.69

352.84

1%

-2%

10%

Natural gas liquid

('000 bbl)

3,063

2,626

3,018

11,556

11,428

1%

-1%

15%

Total Petroleum Products (b)

(million boe)

30.74

27.68

30.47

116.00

115.62

0%

-1%

10%

ALUMINIUM

Alumina

('000 tonnes)

1,072

1,085

1,144

4,460

4,187

7%

7%

5%

Aluminium (c)

('000 tonnes)

333

331

334

1,340

1,319

2%

0%

1%

BASE METALS

Copper (d)

('000 tonnes)

292.6

357.6

342.1

1,250.1

1,168.5

7%

17%

-4%

Lead

(tonnes)

55,507

62,974

62,409

210,814

266,321

-21%

12%

-1%

Zinc

(tonnes)

27,564

35,760

39,148

118,695

109,058

9%

42%

9%

Gold (d)

(ounces)

51,203

43,904

52,443

176,071

187,384

-6%

2%

19%

Silver (d)

('000 ounces)

9,474

11,025

11,625

36,565

45,884

-20%

23%

5%

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

865

883

988

3,486

3,936

-11%

14%

12%

Molybdenum

(tonnes)

538

288

493

2,268

2,515

-10%

-8%

71%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Diamonds

('000 carats)

583

889

911

3,224

2,561

26%

56%

2%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

Nickel

('000 tonnes)

41.6

45.8

47.7

186.3

174.9

7%

15%

4%

IRON ORE

Iron ore (e)

('000 tonnes)

24,307

22,884

25,746

98,197

90,831

8%

6%

13%

MANGANESE

Manganese ore

('000 tonnes)

1,389

1,452

1,519

6,009

5,280

14%

9%

5%

Manganese alloy

('000 tonnes)

153

176

164

662

568

17%

7%

-7%

METALLURGICAL COAL

Metallurgical coal

('000 tonnes)

9,224

9,084

11,132

38,429

35,643

8%

21%

23%

ENERGY COAL

Energy coal

('000 tonnes)

21,787

20,930

22,283

87,025

85,756

1%

2%

6%

(a)

Excluding Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields and Typhoon / Boris. Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields was disposed with effect from 16 January 2006.

The sale of Typhoon / Boris was completed in the December 2006 quarter.

(b)

Excluding Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields, Moranbah Coal Bed Methane and Typhoon/ Boris. The sale of Moranbah Coal Bed Methane was

completed in the September 2006 quarter.

(c)

Excluding Valesul which was disposed with effect from 1 July 2006.

(d)

Excluding Tintaya which was disposed with effect from 1 June 2006.

(e)

Excluding Goldsworthy operations which were suspended mid calendar year 2006.

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

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

BHP Billiton

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

Interest

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

PETROLEUM

Production

Crude oil & condensate

('000 bbl)

11,551

12,091

10,963

10,671

11,443

55,934

54,992

Natural gas

(bcf)

98.59

91.83

83.09

86.67

95.23

462.31

464.60

NGL (a)

('000 bbl)

3,063

3,132

2,746

2,626

3,018

11,522

11,428

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

31.04

30.52

27.52

27.68

30.47

116.19

117.36

ALUMINIUM

ALUMINA

Production ('000 tonnes)

Worsley

86%

694

704

776

708

768

2,956

2,763

Suriname

45%

247

253

241

241

243

978

921

Alumar

36%

131

121

136

136

133

526

503

Total

1,072

1,078

1,153

1,085

1,144

4,460

4,187

ALUMINIUM

Production ('000 tonnes)

Hillside

100%

177

177

176

174

177

704

700

Bayside

100%

46

49

50

48

47

194

179

Alumar

46.3%

44

44

45

44

44

177

178

Valesul (b)

45.5%

11

-

-

-

-

-

43

Mozal

47%

66

67

67

65

66

265

262

Total

344

337

338

331

334

1,340

1,362

BASE METALS (c)

COPPER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

165.2

129.7

160.6

178.1

170.5

638.9

671.0

Antamina

33.8%

29.1

29.0

34.1

24.2

26.4

113.7

124.2

Tintaya (d)

100%

12.9

-

-

-

-

-

64.5

Total

207.2

158.7

194.7

202.3

196.9

752.6

859.7

Cathode ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

11.7

17.5

32.7

38.2

37.7

126.1

66.7

Cerro Colorado

100%

30.0

30.0

27.4

28.1

20.3

105.8

94.1

Spence (e)

100%

-

-

4

33.5

37.7

75.5

-

Tintaya (d)

100%

6.1

-

-

-

-

-

34.8

Pinto Valley

100%

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

7.6

8.2

Olympic Dam

100%

54.6

41.6

39.7

53.6

47.6

182.5

204.3

Total

104.4

91.0

106.0

155.3

145.2

497.5

408.1

LEAD

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

55,507

48,977

36,454

62,974

62,409

210,814

266,321

Total

55,507

48,977

36,454

62,974

62,409

210,814

266,321

ZINC

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

14,926

10,426

8,806

15,095

11,355

45,682

68,779

Antamina

33.8%

12,638

13,585

10,970

20,665

27,793

73,013

40,279

Total

27,564

24,011

19,776

35,760

39,148

118,695

109,058

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BASE METALS (continued)

GOLD

Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

23,567

17,049

22,365

21,243

23,754

84,411

79,838

Tintaya (d)

100%

4,958

-

-

-

-

-

29,238

Olympic Dam (refined gold)

100%

27,636

24,111

16,199

22,661

28,689

91,660

107,546

Total

56,161

41,160

38,564

43,904

52,443

176,071

216,622

SILVER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

925

724

880

920

990

3,514

3,379

Antamina

33.8%

808

713

736

749

934

3,132

3,174

Tintaya (d)

100%

119

-

-

-

-

-

592

Cannington

100%

7,503

5,714

4,805

9,160

9,426

29,105

38,447

Olympic Dam (refined silver)

100%

238

198

145

196

275

814

884

Total

9,593

7,349

6,566

11,025

11,625

36,565

46,476

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Olympic Dam

100%

865

793

822

883

988

3,486

3,936

Total

865

793

822

883

988

3,486

3,936

MOLYBDENUM

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Antamina

33.8%

538

719

768

288

493

2,268

2,515

Total

538

719

768

288

493

2,268

2,515

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

DIAMONDS

Production ('000 carats)

Ekati™

80%

583

487

937

889

911

3,224

2,561

FERTILISER

Production ('000 tonnes)

Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations (f)

100%

141.3

84.3

-

-

-

84.3

861.3

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

NICKEL

Production ('000 tonnes)

CMSA

99.8%

12.8

12.7

12.8

12.8

12.7

51.0

51.5

Yabulu

100%

4.3

7.3

7.5

8.0

9.3

32.1

23.3

Nickel West

100%

24.5

24.5

28.0

25.0

25.7

103.2

100.1

Total

41.6

44.5

48.3

45.8

47.7

186.3

174.9

Refer footnotes on page 4.

IRON ORE

IRON ORE (g)

Production ('000 tonnes)

Mt Newman Joint Venture

85%

6,490

7,394

7,536

6,711

7,665

29,306

24,774

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

85%

1,808

806

84

142

195

1,227

6,241

Area C Joint Venture

85%

5,401

4,821

5,334

4,853

5,078

20,086

17,988

Yandi Joint Venture

85%

8,854

8,504

9,106

8,277

9,661

35,548

34,196

Jimblebar

85%

1,607

1,490

1,449

1,177

1,341

5,457

6,370

Samarco

50%

1,955

1,988

1,945

1,866

2,001

7,800

7,503

Total

26,115

25,003

25,454

23,026

25,941

99,424

97,072

MANGANESE

MANGANESE ORES

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (h)

60%

673

644

663

632

631

2,570

2,300

Australia (h)

60%

716

865

866

820

888

3,439

2,980

Total

1,389

1,509

1,529

1,452

1,519

6,009

5,280

MANGANESE ALLOYS

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (h)

60%

109

91

105

112

115

423

350

Australia (h)

60%

44

60

66

64

49

239

218

Total

153

151

171

176

164

662

568

METALLURGICAL COAL

METALLURGICAL COAL (i)

Production ('000 tonnes)

BMA

50%

6,474

6,657

6,106

6,478

7,442

26,683

25,580

BHP Mitsui Coal (j)

80%

850

873

873

1,067

2,047

4,860

3,049

Illawarra

100%

1,900

1,717

1,987

1,539

1,643

6,886

7,014

Total

9,224

9,247

8,966

9,084

11,132

38,429

35,643

ENERGY COAL

Production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa

100%

12,854

13,151

13,032

12,863

12,596

51,642

51,948

USA

100%

3,891

3,467

3,871

3,106

4,636

15,080

15,346

Australia

100%

2,636

2,766

2,790

2,731

2,610

10,897

9,146

Colombia

33%

2,406

2,398

2,337

2,230

2,441

9,406

9,316

Total

21,787

21,782

22,030

20,930

22,283

87,025

85,756

(a)

LPG and Ethane are now reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL), consistent with petroleum industry practice. Product-specific conversions

will be made and NGL will be reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe).

(b)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Valesul on 1 July 2006.

(c)

Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(d)

BHP Billiton sold Tintaya effective from 1 June 2006.

(e)

Spence operations were commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.

(f)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Southern Cross Fertiliser operations on 1 August 2006.

(g)

Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(h)

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

(i)

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

(j)

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

PETROLEUM

BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.

CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)

Bass Strait

3,964

3,847

3,311

3,144

3,929

14,231

14,682

Minerva

20

23

21

24

19

87

98

North West Shelf - condensate

1,091

1,350

1,410

1,365

1,207

5,332

5,129

North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack

1,111

1,634

1,325

1,167

1,308

5,434

3,990

Griffin

296

323

312

174

221

1,030

1,280

Pakistan

60

61

62

65

60

248

222

Typhoon/Boris (a)

-

-

-

-

-

-

329

Mad Dog

698

528

549

613

925

2,615

2,291

Other Americas (b)

68

78

81

62

59

280

420

Angostura

1,191

1,174

618

899

974

3,665

4,287

Liverpool Bay

1,199

931

1,280

874

847

3,932

4,798

Bruce/Keith

182

178

202

179

165

724

901

Ohanet

426

357

472

425

369

1,623

1,651

ROD

1,245

1,607

1,320

1,680

1,360

5,967

5,795

Total

11,551

12,091

10,963

10,671

11,443

55,934

54,992

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)

Bass Strait

34.43

33.54

20.53

22.73

37.70

114.50

109.74

Minerva

6.36

7.73

6.90

8.06

6.46

29.15

30.58

North West Shelf - Domestic

4.63

3.54

3.89

4.86

4.54

16.83

15.96

North West Shelf - LNG

22.70

21.68

23.59

22.24

21.15

88.66

88.20

Griffin

0.19

0.49

0.45

0.19

0.25

1.38

1.28

Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (c)

1.86

1.12

-

-

-

1.12

6.99

Illawarra Coal Bed Methane

1.35

1.50

0.95

1.58

1.76

5.79

5.57

Pakistan

9.02

9.14

9.34

10.11

8.80

37.39

33.26

Typhoon/Boris (a)

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.47

Mad Dog

0.25

0.17

0.16

0.14

0.22

0.69

0.56

Other Americas (b)

2.34

2.55

2.27

1.58

1.64

8.04

7.01

Bruce/Keith

5.40

4.21

5.42

5.05

3.88

18.56

24.01

Liverpool Bay

10.06

6.16

9.59

10.13

8.83

34.71

36.81

Total

98.59

91.83

83.09

86.67

95.23

462.31

464.60

NGL ('000 barrels) (d)

Bass Strait

2,254

2,224

1,726

1,643

2,163

7,756

7,740

North West Shelf

349

444

441

435

369

1,689

1,684

Bruce/Keith

59

145

143

151

124

563

488

Ohanet

401

319

436

397

362

1,514

1,516

Total

3,063

3,132

2,746

2,626

3,018

11,522

11,428

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

31.04

30.52

27.52

27.68

30.47

116.19

117.36

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (e)

(a)

BHP Billiton sold its interests in Typhoon / Boris, including the Little Burn field with effect from 1 July 2006. The sale was completed

on 6 October 2006.

(b)

BHP Billiton sold its interests in the Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields with effect from 16 January 2006.

(c)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of its interest in Moranbah Coal Bed Methane in September 2006 quarter.

(d)

LPG and Ethane are now reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL), consistent with petroleum industry practice. Product-specific

conversions will be made and NGL will be reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe).

(e)

Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

ALUMINIUM

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

ALUMINA

Production

Worsley, Australia

694

704

776

708

768

2,956

2,763

Paranam, Suriname

247

253

241

241

243

978

921

Alumar, Brazil

131

121

136

136

133

526

503

Total

1,072

1,078

1,153

1,085

1,144

4,460

4,187

Sales

Worsley, Australia

672

666

820

659

794

2,939

2,675

Paranam, Suriname

244

236

243

225

253

957

909

Alumar, Brazil

147

108

137

120

164

529

505

Total (a)

1,063

1,010

1,200

1,004

1,211

4,425

4,089

ALUMINIUM

Production

Hillside, South Africa

177

177

176

174

177

704

700

Bayside, South Africa

46

49

50

48

47

194

179

Alumar, Brazil

44

44

45

44

44

177

178

Valesul, Brazil (b)

11

-

-

-

-

-

43

Mozal, Mozambique

66

67

67

65

66

265

262

Total

344

337

338

331

334

1,340

1,362

Sales

Hillside, South Africa

186

170

173

162

188

693

691

Bayside, South Africa

48

44

47

46

57

194

165

Alumar, Brazil

44

44

42

38

47

171

178

Valesul, Brazil (b)

11

-

-

-

-

-

44

Mozal, Mozambique

68

60

66

64

70

260

259

Total

357

318

328

310

362

1,318

1,337

Tolling Agreement (a)

38

24

20

33

32

109

105

395

342

348

343

394

1,427

1,442

(a)

Equity Alumina is converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages are allocated to equity sales.

(b)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Valesul with effect 1 July 2006.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

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)

94,429

59,601

93,770

85,654

88,409

327,434

368,284

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

21,473

18,257

22,585

23,450

23,064

87,356

87,732

Average copper grade

(%)

1.63%

1.55%

1.55%

1.62%

1.58%

1.58%

1.61%

Production ex Mill (100%)

('000 tonnes)

295.9

234.0

289.4

319.1

306.0

1,148.5

1,207.1

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

165.2

129.7

160.6

178.1

170.5

638.9

671.0

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

23,567

17,049

22,365

21,243

23,754

84,411

79,838

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

11.7

17.5

32.7

38.2

37.7

126.1

66.7

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

925

724

880

920

990

3,514

3,379

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

158.6

133.8

167.9

149.4

199.0

650.1

673.1

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

22,627

17,778

23,089

17,966

27,623

86,456

80,225

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

11.5

14.2

27.3

36.0

43.0

120.5

66.9

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

891

752

909

785

1,153

3,599

3,388

Tintaya, Peru (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

11,539

-

-

-

-

-

61,834

Sulphide Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

1,123

-

-

-

-

-

5,926

Average copper grade

(%)

1.33%

-

-

-

-

-

1.29%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

12.9

-

-

-

-

-

64.5

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

4,958

-

-

-

-

-

29,238

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

6.1

-

-

-

-

-

34.8

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

119

-

-

-

-

-

592

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

12.0

-

-

-

-

-

63.5

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

5,079

-

-

-

-

-

28,254

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

7.1

-

-

-

-

-

35.5

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

109

-

-

-

-

-

604

(a)

BHP Billiton sold Tintaya with effect from 1 June 2006.

Cerro Colorado, Chile

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

18,258

16,334

18,858

15,429

13,984

64,605

69,987

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

4,490

4,508

4,578

4,398

4,365

17,849

16,448

Average copper grade

(%)

0.83%

0.80%

0.81%

0.90%

0.79%

0.82%

0.87%

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

30.0

30.0

27.4

28.1

20.3

105.8

94.1

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

34.5

27.9

28.3

27.9

24.1

108.2

93.6

Spence, Chile (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

-

-

20,329

19,684

20,275

60,288

-

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

-

-

3,510

4,282

3,718

11,510

-

Average copper grade

(%)

-

-

1.76%

2.00%

1.80%

1.86%

-

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

4.3

33.5

37.7

75.5

-

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

1.3

28.0

40.4

69.7

-

(a)

Spence operations were commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.

Antamina, Peru

Material mined (100%)

('000 tonnes)

29,740

29,917

28,317

24,428

29,034

111,696

124,159

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

7,196

7,581

7,930

7,841

8,033

31,385

30,461

Average head grades

- Copper

(%)

1.45%

1.22%

1.41%

1.10%

1.17%

1.24%

1.40%

- Zinc

(%)

0.88%

0.87%

0.65%

1.25%

1.46%

1.07%

0.75%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

29.1

29.0

34.1

24.2

26.4

113.7

124.2

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

12,638

13,585

10,970

20,665

27,793

73,013

40,279

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

808

713

736

749

934

3,132

3,174

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

538

719

768

288

493

2,268

2,515

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

25.6

33.9

35.3

25.0

20.7

114.9

122.3

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

7,638

14,224

13,853

15,479

31,914

75,470

38,369

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

505

713

623

707

645

2,688

2,737

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

627

719

808

591

480

2,598

2,613

Cannington, Australia

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

496

428

506

732

717

2,383

3,092

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

589

478

478

704

688

2,348

3,020

Average head grades

- Silver

(g/t)

462

423

360

477

493

304

345

- Lead

(%)

10.9%

11.6%

8.8%

10.5%

10.3%

10.3%

10.3%

- Zinc

(%)

4.1%

3.6%

3.1%

3.6%

3.0%

3.3%

3.7%

Production

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

7,503

5,714

4,805

9,160

9,426

29,105

38,447

Payable lead

(tonnes)

55,507

48,977

36,454

62,974

62,409

210,814

266,321

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

14,926

10,426

8,806

15,095

11,355

45,682

68,779

Sales

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

8,516

5,010

6,637

8,331

10,352

30,330

38,627

Payable lead

(tonnes)

62,787

39,694

51,521

56,726

66,411

214,352

265,315

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

20,121

6,346

12,315

11,585

14,888

45,134

65,119

Olympic Dam, Australia

Material mined (a)

('000 tonnes)

2,002

2,178

2,030

2,103

2,255

8,566

8,219

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

2,517

2,043

2,182

2,117

2,272

8,614

9,635

Average copper grade

(%)

2.10%

2.10%

2.21%

1.96%

1.93%

2.06%

2.19%

Average uranium grade

kg/t

0.55

0.57

0.58

0.59

0.58

0.58

0.61

Production

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

50.5

38.4

35.4

50.2

44.1

168.1

186.4

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

4.1

3.2

4.3

3.4

3.5

14.4

17.9

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

865

793

822

883

988

3,486

3,936

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

27,636

24,111

16,199

22,661

28,689

91,660

107,546

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

238

198

145

196

275

814

884

Sales

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

49.0

41.6

33.7

51.6

45.2

172.1

185.5

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

4.1

3.5

2.7

4.6

4.4

15.2

19.3

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

1,183

620

1,009

1,043

646

3,318

4,341

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

27,375

23,233

18,404

22,983

27,589

92,209

102,236

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

320

188

157

183

294

822

896

(a)

Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

Pinto Valley, USA

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

7.6

8.2

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.2

1.6

1.6

1.5

2.5

7.2

8.6

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

Ekati™, Canada

Ore Processed (100%)

('000 tonnes)

1,181

1,199

1,100

1,046

1,194

4,539

4,296

Production

('000 carats)

583

487

937

889

911

3,224

2,561

FERTILISER

Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations, Australia (a)

Production (b)

('000 tonnes)

141.3

84.3

-

-

-

84.3

861.3

Sales (b)

('000 tonnes)

304.4

41.6

-

-

-

41.6

901.5

(a)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Southern Cross Fertiliser operations on 1 August 2006.

(b)

Includes diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate.

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

NICKEL

CMSA, Colombia

Production

12.8

12.7

12.8

12.8

12.7

51.0

51.5

Sales

13.6

11.7

14.4

12.4

12.5

51.0

51.3

Yabulu, Australia

Production

Nickel metal

4.3

7.3

7.5

8.0

9.3

32.1

23.3

Cobalt

0.2

0.3

0.5

0.4

0.5

1.7

1.0

Sales

Nickel metal

4.9

6.0

7.2

7.1

9.6

29.9

24.7

Cobalt

0.3

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.5

1.7

1.4

Nickel West, Australia

Production

Nickel contained in finished matte

9.6

11.1

12.4

12.9

13.2

49.6

38.4

Nickel metal

14.9

13.4

15.6

12.1

12.5

53.6

61.7

Nickel production (a)

24.5

24.5

28.0

25.0

25.7

103.2

100.1

Sales

Nickel contained in finished matte

7.9

9.3

13.5

9.9

15.1

47.8

38.6

Nickel metal (b)

15.8

12.9

14.3

14.2

11.5

52.9

62.3

Nickel sales (a)

23.7

22.2

27.8

24.1

26.6

100.7

100.9

(a)

In addition to the production and sales reported above, Nickel West also produced and sold 0.9 kt nickel in concentrate during the

year ended June 2007 (1.2 kt in June 2006).

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

IRON ORE

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

IRON ORE (a)

Pilbara, Australia

Production

Mt Newman Joint Venture

6,490

7,394

7,536

6,711

7,665

29,306

24,774

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

1,808

806

84

142

195

1,227

6,241

Area C Joint Venture

5,401

4,821

5,334

4,853

5,078

20,086

17,988

Yandi Joint Venture

8,854

8,504

9,106

8,277

9,661

35,548

34,196

Jimblebar

1,607

1,490

1,449

1,177

1,341

5,457

6,370

Total (BHP Billiton share)

24,160

23,015

23,509

21,160

23,940

91,624

89,569

Total production (100%)

28,423

27,076

27,658

24,896

28,165

107,795

105,375

Sales

Lump

6,092

6,429

5,856

5,193

5,753

23,231

23,842

Fines

18,481

16,222

18,499

15,454

17,458

67,633

66,222

Total (BHP Billiton share)

24,573

22,651

24,355

20,647

23,211

90,864

90,064

Total sales (100%)

28,909

26,648

28,653

24,290

27,307

106,898

105,667

(a)

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

Samarco, Brazil

Production

1,955

1,988

1,945

1,866

2,001

7,800

7,503

Shipments

2,022

1,872

2,357

1,684

2,159

8,072

7,609

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

MANGANESE

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

MANGANESE ORE

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

673

644

663

632

631

2,570

2,300

Australia

Saleable production (a)

716

865

866

820

888

3,439

2,980

MANGANESE ALLOY

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

109

91

105

112

115

423

350

Australia

Saleable production (a)

44

60

66

64

49

239

218

(a)

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

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

METALLURGICAL COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production

BMA

Blackwater

1,449

1,536

1,388

1,484

1,730

6,138

6,018

Goonyella

1,986

1,892

1,296

1,896

2,268

7,352

7,267

Peak Downs

858

1,202

1,161

1,076

1,045

4,484

4,389

Saraji

794

682

893

883

939

3,397

2,634

Norwich Park

675

631

677

745

797

2,850

2,662

Gregory Joint Venture

712

714

691

394

663

2,462

2,610

BMA total

6,474

6,657

6,106

6,478

7,442

26,683

25,580

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)

South Walker Creek

850

873

782

785

982

3,422

3,049

Poitrel (c)

-

-

91

282

1,065

1,438

-

BHP Mitsui Coal total

850

873

873

1,067

2,047

4,860

3,049

Queensland total

7,324

7,530

6,979

7,545

9,489

31,543

28,629

Shipments

Coking coal

5,798

5,190

5,040

5,368

5,684

21,282

20,686

Weak coking coal

1,444

1,600

1,749

1,710

1,804

6,863

5,359

Thermal coal

581

344

502

419

854

2,119

2,045

Total

7,823

7,134

7,291

7,497

8,343

30,265

28,090

(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%.

(c)

Poitrel was commissioned during the December 2006 quarter.

Illawarra, Australia

Production

1,900

1,717

1,987

1,539

1,643

6,886

7,014

Shipments

Coking coal

1,292

1,366

1,583

1,624

1,724

6,297

5,447

Thermal coal

136

188

280

175

288

931

935

Total

1,428

1,554

1,863

1,799

2,012

7,228

6,382

 

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2006

ENERGY COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

South Africa

Production

12,854

13,151

13,032

12,863

12,596

51,642

51,948

Sales

Export

4,271

5,168

5,211

5,068

5,218

20,665

21,638

Local utility

7,365

7,552

7,413

7,874

7,416

30,255

29,956

Inland

253

255

227

259

310

1,051

1,033

Total

11,889

12,975

12,851

13,201

12,944

51,971

52,627

New Mexico, USA

Production

Navajo Coal

1,471

1,778

2,104

1,971

2,321

8,174

8,266

San Juan Coal

2,420

1,689

1,767

1,135

2,315

6,906

7,080

Total

3,891

3,467

3,871

3,106

4,636

15,080

15,346

Sales - local utility

3,556

3,822

3,616

3,400

3,185

14,023

14,506

Hunter Valley, Australia

Production

2,636

2,766

2,790

2,731

2,610

10,897

9,146

Sales

Export

1,048

1,245

1,858

1,479

1,934

6,516

5,197

Inland

1,475

1,031

1,005

1,168

909

4,113

3,894

Total

2,523

2,276

2,863

2,647

2,843

10,629

9,091

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia

Production

2,406

2,398

2,337

2,230

2,441

9,406

9,316

Sales - export

2,387

2,336

2,323

2,446

2,401

9,506

8,760

 

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com
 

Australia
Samantha Evans, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898  Mobile: +61 400 693 915
email
: Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com

Jane Belcher, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653
email: Jane.H.Belcher@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom
Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44 7769 934 942
email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com

Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246
email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Tracey Whitehead, Investor Relations
Tel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031
Mobile: +44 7917 648 093
email: Tracey.Whitehead@bhpbilliton.com
South Africa
Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations
Tel SA: +27 11 376 2121 or UK: +44 20 7802 4183
Mobile: +44 7769 936 227
email:
Alison.Gilbert@bhpbilliton.com

 

BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077
Registered in Australia
Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111

                                                                  The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia

                                                                          


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: 24 July 2007 By:

Jane McAloon
 


  Name:  Jane McAloon
  Title: Group Company Secretary