UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
|
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) |
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25 February 2008
Number 08/08
HEAVY JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RAINFALL CAUSES PRODUCTION IMPACT AT QUEENSLAND COAL OPERATIONS
BHP Billiton has today provided a preliminary estimate of the production impact of the recent heavy rainfall experienced across Queensland's Bowen Basin (Australia).
While these assessments are continuing, it is currently estimated that the two significant rainfall events, on January 18 - 20 and February 9 - 14, will impact FY08 production from the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) owned mines by between 6.5 and 7.5 million tonnes. In addition, the FY08 production impact from the BHP Billiton Mitsui (BMC) owned mines is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1.0 million tonnes. These assessments include any rollover into FY09.
The BHP Billiton share of this production impact is between 3.7 and 4.6 million tonnes after taking into account relevant ownership. BHP Billiton has insurance cover for property damage and business interruption losses, and potential claims are currently being assessed.
BMA CEO John Smith said: "These are initial assessments of the impacts on production due to the inability to safely operate the mines and to maintain access for our people and supplies following the rains.
"We anticipate we will be better informed on the actual extent of the impact as the recovery process proceeds and mines are brought back to full operational capacity. We will provide an update on the impacts if they are materially different from our preliminary assessments once the situation has been fully assessed.
"Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of all employees and contractors at our operations and on swift recovery of operations, including dewatering of the pits. We are working with the EPA to meet their conditions and minimise downstream impacts.
"We are also continuing to work with our customers to minimise disruption to their businesses," he said.
Background Information
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our
Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com
|
Australia |
United Kingdom Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974 email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com |
| Don Carroll, Investor
Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 2686 Mobile: +61 417 591 938 email: Don.A.Carroll@bhpbilliton.com United States |
Illtud Harri, Media
Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246 email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com South Africa |
| 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
| 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: 25 February 2008 | By: |
Jane McAloon |
| Name: | Jane McAloon | |
| Title: | Group Company Secretary |