BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY
 

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 28, 2005

BHP Billiton Plc
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 
Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom

(Address of principal executive office)
 
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 
 

28 July 2005
Number: 30/05

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT
 FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 30 June 2005. BHP Billiton acquired WMC Resources Ltd (WMC), effective 3 June 2005(1). This report therefore, includes production from the recently acquired assets of Olympic Dam, Nickel West and Queensland Fertilizer Operations (all Australia), for the month of June 2005. Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton share.

     

  • Annual production records were achieved in iron ore, metallurgical coal, natural gas, aluminium, nickel, silver, lead, manganese ore and manganese alloy in a strong demand environment.
  • Increased year on year production of energy coal and copper.
  • Continued ramp up of oil and condensate production from the recently commissioned Petroleum projects, ROD (Algeria), Mad Dog (USA), and Angostura (Trinidad & Tobago).
  • First metallurgical coal production from the newly commissioned Dendrobium mine (Australia) and first diamond production from the Panda Underground project (Canada).
  • First reported production from WMC operations.

(1)  BHP Billiton took control of WMC on 3 June 2005 achieving a 76.25 per cent interest in WMC's shares. This was increased to 93.27 per cent on 17 June 2005 and subsequently BHP Billiton moved to compulsorily acquire the remaining WMC shares. This process is continuing. BHP Billiton is reporting 100 per cent production from Olympic Dam, Nickel West and Queensland Fertilizer Operations for the month of June 2005.

     

  • Total Petroleum Products - Total production for the June 2005 financial year was 119.0 million barrels of oil equivalent, three per cent lower than the June 2004 financial year. June 2005 quarter production was 33.1 million barrels of oil equivalent, nine per cent higher than the June 2004 quarter and 16 per cent higher than the March 2005 quarter.

       

    • Oil and Condensate - Production for the June 2005 quarter was 13.9 million barrels, five per cent higher than the 13.3 million barrels produced in the June 2004 quarter. This primarily reflects new production from ROD, Angostura and Mad Dog, and successful infill drilling at North West Shelf (Australia). This was partially offset by natural field decline at Typhoon/Boris (USA), Bass Strait (Australia), Liverpool Bay (UK) and Griffin (Australia), and the divestment of Laminaria (Australia) in January 2005.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 13 per cent higher than the 12.3 million barrels produced in the March 2005 quarter, this is mainly due to the ramp up of production from ROD, Mad Dog and Angostura, and reduced downtime at Liverpool Bay. This was partially offset by natural field decline and scheduled downtime at Typhoon/Boris.

    • Natural Gas - Production for the June 2005 quarter was a record 98.8 billion cubic feet, 16 per cent higher than the 85.1 billion cubic feet produced in the June 2004 quarter. This reflects the commissioning of Minerva (Australia) in January 2005 and higher production from North West Shelf LNG following the commissioning of the 4th LNG Train in September 2004. This was partially offset by lower demand for Bass Strait gas and natural field decline at Bruce (UK) and Typhoon/Boris.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 20 per cent higher than the 82.4 billion cubic feet produced in the March 2005 quarter reflecting seasonal conditions driving higher demand for Bass Strait gas, the ramp up of production from Minerva and lower downtime at Liverpool Bay and North West Shelf LNG. This was partially offset by seasonal conditions driving reduced demand for Zamzama (Pakistan) gas.

     

  • Alumina - Production for the June 2005 financial year of 4.2 million tonnes was in line with the June 2004 financial year.

Production for the June 2005 quarter of 1.1 million tonnes was in line with the June 2004 quarter. Production was three per cent lower than the March 2005 quarter due to processing of stockpiled hydrate at Worsley (Australia) in the prior quarter. Production was also impacted by commissioning difficulties at the Suriname refinery expansion.

  • Aluminium -  Production for the June 2005 financial year was a record 1.33 million tonnes, six per cent higher than the previous year. This primarily reflects the first full year of production from the Mozal 2 (Mozambique) and Hillside 3 (South Africa) expansions, which reached full commissioning in August 2003 and December 2003 respectively.

Production for the June 2005 quarter of 321,000 tonnes was four per cent lower than the June 2004 quarter and three per cent lower than the March 2005 quarter, reflecting lower production at Bayside (South Africa) following a potline outage in April 2005.

  • Copper - Production for the June 2005 financial year was 1.03 million tonnes, eight per cent higher than the June 2004 financial year. This mainly reflects record annual production at Escondida (Chile) following the restoration of full capacity and the August 2003 restart of sulphide operations at Tintaya (Peru). The increase also reflects record annual production at Antamina (Peru) following the return to their normal mine plan after the removal of lakebed sediments, and the inclusion of production for June 2005 from Olympic Dam. These increases were partly offset by the sale of the Group's interest in Highland Valley Copper (Canada) in January 2004.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 269,800 tonnes, in line with the June 2004 quarter. Increased production following the acquisition of Olympic Dam was offset by the temporary suspension of production at both Cerro Colorado (Chile) due to an earthquake, and Tintaya following regional unrest. Production was eight per cent higher than the March 2005 quarter reflecting increased production from Escondida as a result of higher head grades and mill throughput, and the inclusion of Olympic Dam production. This was partially offset by the temporarily suspended production at Cerro Colorado and Tintaya.
  • Silver - Production for the June 2005 financial year was a record 50.0 million ounces, 15 per cent higher than the June 2004 financial year. This mainly reflects increased mill throughput at Cannington (Australia) resulting from a debottlenecking program.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 11.9 million ounces, seven per cent higher than the June 2004 quarter reflecting increased mill throughput at Cannington. Production was 15 per cent lower than the March 2005 quarter mainly as a result of lower head grades and reduced mill throughput at Cannington.
  • Lead - Production for the June 2005 financial year was a record 281,970 tonnes, 13 per cent higher than the June 2004 financial year. This mainly reflects increased mill throughput at Cannington resulting from a debottlenecking program.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 64,652 tonnes, in line with the June 2004 quarter. Production was 20 per cent lower than the March 2005 quarter mainly as a result of lower head grades and reduced mill throughput at Cannington.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 25.3 million tonnes, 23 per cent higher than the June 2004 quarter and five per cent higher than the March 2005 quarter. The increase reflects the successful ramp up of production following the completion of the Accelerated Expansion Project and Rapid Growth Project 1 in June 2004 and December 2004 respectively. Western Australia Iron Ore production for the quarter was 27.3 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) which represents an annualised rate of 109.2 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis).
  • Metallurgical Coal - Production for the June 2005 financial year was a record 37.3 million tonnes, five per cent higher than the June 2004 financial year. This is mainly due to increased production at Queensland Coal (Australia) reflecting continuing growth initiatives, and higher production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) resulting from improved operating performance and the commissioning of Dendrobium in April 2005.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 9.6 million tonnes, three per cent higher than the June 2004 quarter. This primarily reflects the commissioning of Dendrobium in April 2005. Production was eight per cent higher than the March 2005 quarter reflecting increased production at Queensland Coal. Higher production at Illawarra Coal following the commissioning of Dendrobium was offset by a longwall changeout at West Cliff and scheduled maintenance at the West Cliff coal preparation plant.
  • Manganese ore - Production for the June 2005 financial year was a record 5.5 million tonnes, 10 per cent higher than the June 2004 financial year. Production from latent capacity was increased to meet strong customer demand in all markets, particularly China, Japan and Europe.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was a record 1.4 million tonnes, six per cent higher than the June 2004 quarter reflecting strong customer demand. Production was nine per cent higher than the March 2005 quarter reflecting scheduled maintenance shutdowns at the South African operations and seasonal conditions impacting production at Gemco (Australia) in the prior quarter.

  • Manganese alloys - Production for the June 2005 financial year was a record 755,000 tonnes, six per cent higher than the June 2004 financial year. This primarily reflects improved operating performance at Metalloys (South Africa) and increased production at Temco (Australia) in response to strong customer demand.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 156,000 tonnes, 23 per cent lower than the June 2004 quarter and 21 per cent lower than the March 2005 quarter. This primarily reflects scheduled maintenance at Metalloys and changes to product mix at Temco.
  • Diamonds - Production of 3.6 million carats at Ekati (Canada) was 34 per cent lower than the June 2004 financial year. This decrease primarily reflects the processing of lower grade ore after mining of a high grade zone in the Koala pipe was completed in the June 2004 quarter.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 957,000 carats, 21 per cent lower than the June 2004 quarter reflecting the processing of lower grade ore. While diamond grades were low in the June quarter, they were higher than in the March 2005 quarter, causing carat production to increase by 19 per cent over the prior quarter.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 22.7 million tonnes, six per cent higher than the June 2004 quarter, primarily reflecting inventory building in preparation for a dragline outage at Navajo Coal, and lower production in the June 2004 quarter at San Juan Coal (USA) following a longwall move. Production was 13 per cent higher than the March 2005 quarter reflecting higher production at Ingwe (South Africa) in response to increased domestic demand, a longwall move at San Juan Coal in the March 2005 quarter and the ramp up of production at Mt Arthur Coal.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was a record 31,800 tonnes, 60 per cent higher than the June 2004 quarter and 53 per cent higher than the March 2005 quarter. This is mainly due to the inclusion of one month of production from Nickel West. Increased production also reflects record quarterly production at both Yabulu (Australia) and Cerro Matoso arising from the conversion of work in process inventories to finished goods at Yabulu following scheduled maintenance in the March 2005 quarter and improved operating efficiencies at Cerro Matoso.

  • Ferrochrome - Production for the June 2005 financial year was 954,000 tonnes, seven per cent lower than the June 2004 financial year. This primarily reflects the sale of Samancor Chrome (South Africa), effective 1 June 2005.

Production for the June 2005 quarter was 178,000 tonnes, 33 per cent lower than the June 2004 quarter and 26 per cent lower than the March 2005 quarter reflecting the sale of Samancor Chrome.

****

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

Australia
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

Tania Price, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3815 Mobile: +61 419 152 780
email: Tania.Price@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Tracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031
Mobile: +44 7917 648 093
 email: Tracey.Whitehead@bhpbilliton.com

Ariane Gentil, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4177 Mobile: +44 78 81 51 8715
email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com

South Africa
Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +27 11 376 3360 Mobile: +27 82 458 2587
email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com

 

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY

QUARTER ENDED

YEAR ENDED

% CHANGE

JUN Q05

JUN Q05

YTD 05

JUNE

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

vs

vs

vs

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

JUN Q04

MAR Q05

YTD 04

PETROLEUM

Crude oil & condensate

('000 bbl)

13,297

12,345

13,939

50,840

58,027

5%

13%

-12%

Natural gas

(bcf)

85.11

82.35

98.79

345.68

324.34

16%

20%

7%

LPG

('000 tonnes)

235.86

199.29

213.71

860.10

853.53

-9%

7%

1%

Ethane

('000 tonnes)

25.14

23.61

22.97

101.53

94.30

-9%

-3%

8%

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

30.32

28.49

33.13

119.03

122.47

9%

16%

-3%

ALUMINIUM

Alumina

('000 tonnes)

1,059

1,092

1,054

4,182

4,224

0%

-3%

-1%

Aluminium

('000 tonnes)

333

332

321

1,330

1,256

-4%

-3%

6%

BASE METALS

Copper

('000 tonnes)

272.6

249.6

269.8

1,034.0

954.4

-1%

8%

8%

Lead

(tonnes)

64,472

80,899

64,652

281,970

249,885

0%

-20%

13%

Zinc

(tonnes)

29,038

32,388

28,204

105,361

159,238

-3%

-13%

-34%

Gold

(ounces)

31,145

32,152

31,882

125,413

125,764

2%

-1%

0%

Silver

('000 ounces)

11,053

14,044

11,881

50,046

43,692

7%

-15%

15%

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

-

415

415

-

-

-

-

Molybdenum

(tonnes)

240

431

492

1,806

936

105%

14%

93%

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

Iron ore

('000 tonnes)

20,537

23,988

25,296

96,745

84,220

23%

5%

15%

Metallurgical coal

('000 tonnes)

9,284

8,883

9,570

37,303

35,360

3%

8%

5%

Manganese ores

('000 tonnes)

1,337

1,297

1,418

5,455

4,953

6%

9%

10%

Manganese alloys

('000 tonnes)

203

197

156

755

712

-23%

-21%

6%

Hot briquetted iron

('000 tonnes)

294

-

-

-

1,716

-100%

0%

-100%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Diamonds

('000 carats)

1,211

802

957

3,617

5,482

-21%

19%

-34%

Fertilizer

('000 tonnes)

-

-

73.9

73.9

-

-

-

-

ENERGY COAL

Energy coal

('000 tonnes)

21,494

20,079

22,703

87,416

83,885

6%

13%

4%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

Nickel

('000 tonnes)

19.9

20.8

31.8

91.9

81.7

60%

53%

12%

Ferrochrome

('000 tonnes)

264

240

178

954

1,026

-33%

-26%

-7%

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

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

YEAR ENDED

BHP Billiton

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

Interest

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

PETROLEUM

Production

Crude oil & condensate

(000 bbl)

13,297

12,366

12,190

12,345

13,939

50,840

58,027

Natural gas

(bcf)

85.11

77.19

87.35

82.35

98.79

345.68

324.34

LPG

('000 tonnes)

235.86

231.03

216.07

199.29

213.71

860.10

853.53

Ethane

('000 tonnes)

25.14

27.75

27.20

23.61

22.97

101.53

94.30

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

30.32

28.03

29.38

28.49

33.13

119.03

122.47

ALUMINIUM

ALUMINA

Production ('000 tonnes)

Worsley

86%

696

663

686

746

718

2,813

2,799

Suriname

45%

233

223

222

220

209

874

918

Alumar

36%

130

114

128

126

127

495

507

Total

1,059

1,000

1,036

1,092

1,054

4,182

4,224

ALUMINIUM

Production ('000 tonnes)

Hillside

100%

167

173

171

169

172

685

622

Bayside

100%

46

46

46

45

29

166

184

Alumar

46.3%

45

44

45

43

44

176

156

Valesul

45.5%

11

11

11

10

11

43

44

Mozal

47%

64

65

65

65

65

260

250

Total

333

339

338

332

321

1,330

1,256

BASE METALS (a)

COPPER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

159.1

142.5

146.3

135.4

154.0

578.2

514.9

Antamina

33.8%

29.9

29.9

33.4

29.9

29.9

123.1

91.9

Tintaya (b)

100%

19.6

14.6

22.1

20.7

15.3

72.7

57.5

Highland Valley Copper (c)

33.6%

-

-

-

-

-

-

28.3

Selbaie (d)

100%

-

-

-

-

-

-

4.1

Total

208.6

187.0

201.8

186.0

199.2

774.0

696.7

Cathode ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

21.8

21.9

22.2

21.8

21.4

87.3

86.7

Cerro Colorado (e)

100%

31.3

28.3

30.4

29.8

24.6

113.1

125.5

Tintaya (b)

100%

8.7

9.3

9.1

9.6

6.4

34.4

36.0

Pinto Valley

100%

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.1

9.1

9.5

Olympic Dam (f)

100%

-

-

-

-

16.1

16.1

-

Total

64.0

61.8

64.0

63.6

70.6

260.0

257.7

LEAD

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

64,472

64,910

71,509

80,899

64,652

281,970

249,885

Total

64,472

64,910

71,509

80,899

64,652

281,970

249,885

ZINC

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

13,493

10,968

13,956

15,241

12,676

52,841

53,624

Antamina

33.8%

15,545

12,883

6,962

17,147

15,528

52,520

89,603

Selbaie (d)

100%

-

-

-

-

-

-

16,011

Total

29,038

23,851

20,918

32,388

28,204

105,361

159,238

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BASE METALS (continued)

GOLD

Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

26,044

25,370

24,475

25,987

20,774

96,606

103,835

Tintaya (b)

100%

5,101

4,762

6,772

6,165

4,066

21,765

11,768

Highland Valley Copper (c)

33.6%

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,191

Selbaie (d)

100%

-

-

-

-

-

-

7,970

Olympic Dam (f)

100%

-

-

-

-

7,042

7,042

-

Total

31,145

30,132

31,247

32,152

31,882

125,413

125,764

SILVER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

720

604

639

650

658

2,551

2,445

Antamina

33.8%

662

692

503

830

749

2,774

2,179

Tintaya (b)

100%

200

134

186

181

129

629

608

Highland Valley Copper (c)

33.6%

-

-

-

-

-

-

323

Selbaie (d)

100%

-

-

-

-

-

-

717

Cannington

100%

9,471

10,339

11,025

12,383

10,283

44,030

37,420

Olympic Dam (f)

100%

-

-

-

-

62

62

-

Total

11,053

11,769

12,353

14,044

11,881

50,046

43,692

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Olympic Dam (f)

100%

-

-

-

-

415

415

-

Total

-

-

-

-

415

415

-

MOLYBDENUM

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Antamina

33.8%

240

323

560

431

492

1,806

366

Highland Valley Copper (c)

33.6%

-

-

-

-

-

-

570

Total

240

323

560

431

492

1,806

936

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

IRON ORE (g)

Production ('000 tonnes)

Mt Newman Joint Venture

85%

5,084

6,157

6,611

6,475

6,493

25,736

24,461

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

85%

1,386

1,038

1,037

1,017

1,593

4,685

5,844

Area C Joint Venture

85%

2,519

2,990

4,358

4,451

4,813

16,612

5,676

Yandi Joint Venture

85%

8,046

8,767

9,238

8,713

8,943

35,661

34,159

Jimblebar

100%

1,566

1,675

1,622

1,509

1,558

6,364

6,355

Samarco

50%

1,936

1,918

2,050

1,823

1,896

7,687

7,725

Total

20,537

22,545

24,916

23,988

25,296

96,745

84,220

METALLURGICAL COAL (h)

Production ('000 tonnes)

BMA

50%

6,285

6,231

6,184

5,959

7,021

25,395

22,534

BHP Mitsui Coal (i)

80%

1,653

1,748

1,822

1,205

882

5,657

6,981

Illawarra

100%

1,346

1,262

1,603

1,719

1,667

6,251

5,845

Total

9,284

9,241

9,609

8,883

9,570

37,303

35,360

MANGANESE ORES

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (j)

60%

647

632

639

606

631

2,508

2,502

Australia (j)

60%

690

747

722

691

787

2,947

2,451

Total

1,337

1,379

1,361

1,297

1,418

5,455

4,953

Refer footnotes on page 4.

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd)

MANGANESE ALLOYS

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (j)

60%

131

121

136

137

98

492

462

Australia (j)

60%

72

74

71

60

58

263

250

Total

203

195

207

197

156

755

712

HOT BRIQUETTED IRON

Production ('000 tonnes)

Boodarie™ Iron (k)

100%

294

-

-

-

-

-

1,716

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

DIAMONDS

Production ('000 carats)

Ekati™

80%

1,211

986

872

802

957

3,617

5,482

FERTILIZER

Production ('000 tonnes)

Queensland Fertilizer Operation (l)

100%

-

-

-

-

73.9

73.9

-

ENERGY COAL

Production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa

100%

13,768

14,588

13,745

12,769

13,548

54,650

54,253

USA

100%

3,154

3,899

3,731

3,169

4,128

14,927

13,230

Australia

100%

2,590

2,595

2,189

2,258

2,823

9,865

8,718

Colombia

33%

1,982

2,163

1,724

1,883

2,204

7,974

7,684

Total

21,494

23,245

21,389

20,079

22,703

87,416

83,885

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

NICKEL

Production ('000 tonnes)

CMSA

99.8%

12.0

11.9

12.4

13.3

13.7

51.3

49.1

Yabulu

100%

7.9

7.7

7.3

7.5

8.9

31.4

32.6

Nickel West (m)

100%

-

-

-

-

9.2

9.2

-

Total

19.9

19.6

19.7

20.8

31.8

91.9

81.7

FERROCHROME

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (j) (n)

60%

264

265

271

240

178

954

1,026

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

(b) Production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended on May 25, 2005 following civil unrest in the Espinar region.

Production recommenced on June 20, 2005.

(c) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Highland Valley Copper with effect from January 3, 2004.

(d) Production at Selbaie ceased in February 2004, in accordance with mine plan. Shipments ceased in May 2004.

(e) Production at Cerro Colorado was temporarily suspended on June 14, 2005 following an earthquake. Production

recommenced at half capacity on June 30, 2005.

(f) BHP Billiton acquired Olympic Dam with the acquisition of WMC.

Production data is shown from June 1, 2005.

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

(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%.

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

(k) Production was suspended at Boodarie Iron following an incident in May 2004 and the plant was placed

on care and maintenance in November 2004.

(l) BHP Billiton acquired Queensland Fertilizer Operation with the acquisition of WMC.

Production data is shown from June 1, 2005.

(m) BHP Billiton acquired Nickel West with the acquisition of WMC.

Production data is shown from June 1, 2005.

(n) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Samancor Chrome with effect from June 1, 2005.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

PETROLEUM

BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.

CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)

Bass Strait

4,641

4,835

4,226

3,754

3,921

16,736

21,020

Minerva (a)

-

-

-

21

33

54

-

North West Shelf - condensate

1,367

1,330

1,274

1,305

1,431

5,340

5,414

North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack

1,357

1,475

1,272

1,535

1,571

5,853

6,155

Laminaria (b)

803

597

472

84

-

1,153

3,848

Griffin

585

414

473

403

453

1,743

2,270

Pakistan

49

50

54

58

49

211

205

Typhoon/Boris

1,462

1,461

1,290

907

672

4,330

5,738

Mad Dog (a)

-

-

-

251

562

813

-

Other Americas

213

181

180

160

145

666

1,739

Angostura (a)

-

-

-

799

997

1,796

-

Liverpool Bay

1,788

1,344

1,858

1,289

1,625

6,116

8,099

Bruce/Keith

388

121

321

290

279

1,011

1,651

Ohanet

644

558

432

589

461

2,040

1,888

ROD (c)

-

-

338

900

1,740

2,978

-

Total

13,297

12,366

12,190

12,345

13,939

50,840

58,027

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)

Bass Strait

34.62

35.61

27.44

20.71

31.98

115.74

116.47

Minerva (a)

-

-

-

6.63

9.79

16.42

-

North West Shelf - Domestic

3.76

3.50

3.51

3.64

3.98

14.63

15.61

North West Shelf - LNG

15.43

17.78

22.36

20.81

22.14

83.09

60.84

Griffin

0.67

0.68

0.71

0.54

0.70

2.63

2.97

Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (d)

-

-

0.53

1.07

1.64

3.24

-

Illawarra Coal Bed Methane (e)

-

1.34

1.65

1.39

1.10

5.48

-

Pakistan

7.10

7.69

7.87

8.88

7.25

31.69

30.30

Typhoon/Boris

2.13

2.32

2.53

1.32

0.95

7.12

8.26

Mad Dog (a)

-

-

-

0.03

0.18

0.21

-

Other Americas

2.75

1.99

2.05

1.76

1.88

7.68

12.33

Bruce/Keith

8.49

2.26

7.39

7.22

6.90

23.77

35.41

Liverpool Bay

10.16

4.02

11.31

8.35

10.30

33.98

42.15

Total

85.11

77.19

87.35

82.35

98.79

345.68

324.34

LPG ('000 tonnes)

Bass Strait

136.52

145.85

127.70

108.56

128.50

510.61

527.99

North West Shelf

32.95

34.66

29.43

32.28

33.15

129.52

124.86

Bruce/Keith

19.27

6.93

18.65

17.85

16.53

59.96

71.44

Ohanet

47.12

43.59

40.29

40.60

35.53

160.01

129.24

Total

235.86

231.03

216.07

199.29

213.71

860.10

853.53

ETHANE ('000 tonnes)

25.14

27.75

27.20

23.61

22.97

101.53

94.30

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

30.32

28.03

29.38

28.49

33.13

119.03

122.47

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)

(a) Minerva, Mad Dog and Angostura commenced production in January 2005.

(b) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Laminaria with effect from January 14, 2005.

(c) ROD commenced production in October 2004.

(d) Moranbah Coal Bed Methane commenced production in September 2004 and was first reported in December 2004.

(e) Illawarra Coal Bed Methane production was first reported in December 2004.

(f) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are 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

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

ALUMINIUM

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

ALUMINA

Production

Worsley, Australia

696

663

686

746

718

2,813

2,799

Paranam, Suriname

233

223

222

220

209

874

918

Alumar, Brazil

130

114

128

126

127

495

507

Total

1,059

1,000

1,036

1,092

1,054

4,182

4,224

Sales

Worsley, Australia

732

667

681

734

774

2,856

2,821

Paranam, Suriname

214

239

221

210

221

891

918

Alumar, Brazil

111

129

131

118

146

524

503

Total

1,057

1,035

1,033

1,062

1,141

4,271

4,242

ALUMINIUM

Production

Hillside, South Africa

167

173

171

169

172

685

622

Bayside, South Africa

46

46

46

45

29

166

184

Alumar, Brazil

45

44

45

43

44

176

156

Valesul, Brazil

11

11

11

10

11

43

44

Mozal, Mozambique

64

65

65

65

65

260

250

Total

333

339

338

332

321

1,330

1,256

Sales

Hillside, South Africa

171

155

189

153

185

682

626

Bayside, South Africa

45

45

41

39

45

170

183

Alumar, Brazil

55

43

44

43

46

176

157

Valesul, Brazil

12

12

11

11

10

44

46

Mozal, Mozambique

56

59

69

62

74

264

235

Total

339

314

354

308

360

1,336

1,247

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

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)

95,757

100,466

97,512

90,838

85,592

374,408

331,648

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

21,197

20,637

20,926

19,913

21,725

83,201

78,004

Average copper grade

(%)

1.61%

1.47%

1.47%

1.41%

1.51%

1.47%

1.44%

Production ex Mill (100%)

('000 tonnes)

284.2

256.8

265.1

241.1

277.8

1,040.8

929.1

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

159.1

142.5

146.3

135.4

154.0

578.2

514.9

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

26,044

25,370

24,475

25,987

20,774

96,606

103,835

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

21.8

21.9

22.2

21.8

21.4

87.3

86.7

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

720

604

639

650

658

2,551

2,445

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

150.4

140.0

148.3

137.1

145.9

571.3

508.7

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

24,874

24,732

25,462

27,882

19,816

97,892

105,738

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

21.3

22.7

22.7

18.6

26.8

90.8

89.4

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

683

582

690

712

631

2,615

2,503

Tintaya, Peru (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

17,944

18,676

17,486

17,575

12,385

66,122

56,751

Sulphide Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

1,616

1,621

1,564

1,560

1,086

5,831

4,633

Average copper grade

(%)

1.45%

1.14%

1.64%

1.56%

1.67%

1.49%

1.48%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

19.6

14.6

22.1

20.7

15.3

72.7

57.5

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

5,101

4,762

6,772

6,165

4,066

21,765

11,768

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

8.7

9.3

9.1

9.6

6.4

34.4

36.0

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

200

134

186

181

129

629

608

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

20.6

5.7

25.9

23.3

17.2

72.1

54.3

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

4,100

1,219

8,491

7,593

7,073

24,376

11,558

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

8.4

10.4

8.1

9.2

8.2

35.9

34.2

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

226

64

234

193

160

651

566

(a) Production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended on May 25, 2005 following civil unrest in the Espinar region.

Production recommenced on June 20, 2005.

Cerro Colorado, Chile (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

16,697

17,554

16,378

16,856

14,805

65,593

73,083

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

4,330

4,232

4,362

3,865

3,144

15,603

16,781

Average copper grade

(%)

0.90%

0.87%

0.91%

1.00%

0.83%

0.91%

0.95%

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

31.3

28.3

30.4

29.8

24.6

113.1

125.5

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

35.5

28.9

28.2

32.5

24.8

114.4

127.4

(a) Production at Cerro Colorado was temporarily suspended on June 14, 2005 following an earthquake.

Production recommenced at half capacity on June 30, 2005.

Antamina, Peru

Material mined (100%)

('000 tonnes)

36,035

33,177

33,201

30,808

31,802

128,988

123,271

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

8,205

8,069

8,027

7,072

7,557

30,725

28,450

Average head grades

- Copper

(%)

1.37%

1.26%

1.45%

1.41%

1.35%

1.37%

1.25%

- Zinc

(%)

0.97%

1.02%

0.47%

1.16%

1.09%

0.93%

1.55%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

29.9

29.9

33.4

29.9

29.9

123.1

91.9

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

15,545

12,883

6,962

17,147

15,528

52,520

89,603

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

662

692

503

830

749

2,774

2,179

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

240

323

560

431

492

1,806

366

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

26.4

32.1

32.2

30.0

28.7

123.0

87.8

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

19,931

13,617

4,185

18,293

15,066

51,161

87,859

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

655

624

632

718

769

2,743

1,989

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

110

160

300

592

587

1,639

197

Cannington, Australia

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

681

828

844

885

880

3,437

2,746

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

724

730

825

788

746

3,089

2,609

Average head grades

- Silver

(g/t)

486

504

500

571

482

515

520

- Lead

(%)

10.8%

10.3%

10.0%

11.9%

9.8%

10.5%

11.1%

- Zinc

(%)

3.4%

3.1%

3.0%

3.5%

3.0%

3.2%

3.6%

Production

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

9,471

10,339

11,025

12,383

10,283

44,030

37,420

Payable lead

(tonnes)

64,472

64,910

71,509

80,899

64,652

281,970

249,885

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

13,493

10,968

13,956

15,241

12,676

52,841

53,624

Sales

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

12,583

9,266

9,006

13,514

12,265

44,051

38,633

Payable lead

(tonnes)

84,315

62,774

57,286

88,237

76,680

284,977

253,974

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

13,410

12,170

9,146

18,628

13,415

53,359

57,866

Olympic Dam, Australia (a)

Material mined (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

855

855

-

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

933

933

-

Average copper grade

(%)

-

-

-

-

2.15%

2.15%

-

Average uranium grade

(%)

-

-

-

-

0.60%

0.60%

-

Production

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

14.5

14.5

-

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

1.6

1.6

-

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

-

-

-

415

415

-

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

-

-

-

-

7,042

7,042

-

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

-

-

-

-

62

62

-

Sales

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

16.2

16.2

-

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

1.1

1.1

-

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

-

-

-

-

391

391

-

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

-

-

-

-

10,555

10,555

-

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

-

-

-

-

68

68

-

(a) BHP Billiton acquired Olympic Dam with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005. For reference, June 2005 quarter copper cathode production decreased by four per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter and by eight per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, reflecting lower head grades. Uranium oxide concentrate production for the June 2005 quarter increased by 10 per cent compared with June 2004 quarter, reflecting higher recoveries and throughput, partially offset by lower grades. Uranium oxide concentrate production for the June 2005 quarter increased by four per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter reflecting higher recoveries.

June 2005 quarter copper cathode sales increased by ten per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter and by one per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, reflecting timing of shipments. Uranium oxide concentrate sales for the June 2005 quarter decreased by 25 per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter and by 37 per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, reflecting timing of customer deliveries.

(b) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted.

Pinto Valley, USA

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.1

9.1

9.5

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.3

1.5

1.8

2.8

2.3

8.4

9.5

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

IRON ORE (a)

Pilbara, Australia

Production

Mt Newman Joint Venture

5,084

6,157

6,611

6,475

6,493

25,736

24,461

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

1,386

1,038

1,037

1,017

1,593

4,685

5,844

Area C Joint Venture

2,519

2,990

4,358

4,451

4,813

16,612

5,676

Yandi Joint Venture

8,046

8,767

9,238

8,713

8,943

35,661

34,159

Jimblebar

1,566

1,675

1,622

1,509

1,558

6,364

6,355

Total (BHP Billiton share)

18,601

20,627

22,866

22,165

23,400

89,058

76,495

Total production (100%)

21,608

23,971

26,615

25,810

27,254

103,651

88,874

Shipments

Lump

5,064

5,530

6,084

5,784

6,849

24,247

20,533

Fines

14,067

14,544

16,052

16,086

17,052

63,734

54,550

Total (BHP Billiton share)

19,131

20,074

22,136

21,870

23,901

87,981

75,083

Total shipments (100%)

22,507

23,617

26,042

25,729

28,119

103,508

88,334

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

Samarco, Brazil

Production

1,936

1,918

2,050

1,823

1,896

7,687

7,725

Shipments

1,823

1,976

2,142

1,768

1,728

7,614

7,640

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production

BMA

Blackwater

1,864

1,638

1,709

1,615

1,603

6,565

6,531

Goonyella

935

1,112

1,254

1,355

1,740

5,461

3,777

Peak Downs

1,223

1,198

1,164

842

1,322

4,526

4,112

Saraji

806

809

812

752

878

3,251

2,911

Norwich Park

682

700

680

664

836

2,880

2,344

Gregory Joint Venture

775

774

565

731

642

2,712

2,859

BMA total

6,285

6,231

6,184

5,959

7,021

25,395

22,534

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)

Riverside

575

910

951

480

43

2,384

3,323

South Walker Creek

1,078

838

871

725

839

3,273

3,658

BHP Mitsui Coal total

1,653

1,748

1,822

1,205

882

5,657

6,981

Queensland total

7,938

7,979

8,006

7,164

7,903

31,052

29,515

Shipments

Coking coal

4,777

5,188

5,801

5,440

5,705

22,134

19,989

Weak coking coal

1,569

1,665

1,722

1,609

1,619

6,615

6,420

Thermal coal

756

743

527

632

815

2,717

3,347

Total

7,102

7,596

8,050

7,681

8,139

31,466

29,756

(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

1,346

1,262

1,603

1,719

1,667

6,251

5,845

Shipments

Coking coal

1,215

1,097

1,610

1,447

1,500

5,654

5,380

Thermal coal

114

82

144

93

27

346

386

Total

1,329

1,179

1,754

1,540

1,527

6,000

5,766

MANGANESE ORES

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

647

632

639

606

631

2,508

2,502

Australia

Saleable production (a)

690

747

722

691

787

2,947

2,451

MANGANESE ALLOYS

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

131

121

136

137

98

492

462

Australia

Saleable production (a)

72

74

71

60

58

263

250

HOT BRIQUETTED IRON

Boodarie™ Iron, Australia

Production (b)

294

-

-

-

-

-

1,716

Shipments

318

-

-

-

-

-

1,759

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

(b) Production was suspended at Boodarie Iron following an incident in May 2004 and the plant was

placed on care and maintenance in November 2004.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

Ekati™, Canada

Ore Processed (100%)

('000 tonnes)

1,207

1,184

1,094

1,101

1,216

4,595

4,446

Production

('000 carats)

1,211

986

872

802

957

3,617

5,482

FERTILIZER

Queensland Fertilizer Operation, Australia (a)

Production (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

73.9

73.9

-

Sales (b)

('000 tonnes)

-

-

-

-

105.9

105.9

-

(a) BHP Billiton acquired Queensland Fertilizer Operation with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005. For reference, total June 2005 quarter fertilizer production increased by seven per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter, reflecting higher plant availability. Total fertilizer production decreased by 19 per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, reflecting the impact of the reactor failure in the Phosphoric Acid Plant.

June 2005 quarter total fertilizer sales increased 175 per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter and 15 per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, reflecting more favourable weather conditions.

(b) Includes diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

ENERGY COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

Ingwe, South Africa

Production

13,768

14,588

13,745

12,769

13,548

54,650

54,253

Sales

Export

4,830

5,551

4,750

5,082

5,094

20,477

20,958

Local utility

8,426

8,546

8,106

7,069

7,560

31,281

31,921

Inland

361

383

308

353

186

1,230

1,355

Total

13,617

14,480

13,164

12,504

12,840

52,988

54,234

New Mexico, USA

Production

Navajo Coal

1,714

2,083

1,765

2,008

2,389

8,245

7,216

San Juan Coal

1,440

1,816

1,966

1,161

1,739

6,682

6,014

Total

3,154

3,899

3,731

3,169

4,128

14,927

13,230

Sales - local utility

3,353

3,897

3,739

3,447

3,319

14,402

13,606

Hunter Valley, Australia

Production

2,590

2,595

2,189

2,258

2,823

9,865

8,718

Sales

Export

1,734

1,440

1,201

1,866

1,746

6,253

5,276

Inland

958

1,220

595

872

1,186

3,873

3,508

Total

2,692

2,660

1,796

2,738

2,932

10,126

8,784

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia

Production

1,982

2,163

1,724

1,883

2,204

7,974

7,684

Sales - export

2,283

2,166

1,954

1,927

2,338

8,385

8,076

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

YEAR ENDED

JUNE

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

2004

2004

2004

2005

2005

2005

2004

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

NICKEL

CMSA, Colombia

Production

12.0

11.9

12.4

13.3

13.7

51.3

49.1

Sales

12.8

10.6

13.3

13.4

12.8

50.1

48.2

Yabulu, Australia

Production

Nickel metal

7.9

7.7

7.3

7.5

8.9

31.4

32.6

Cobalt

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.5

0.4

1.8

1.9

Sales

Nickel metal

7.9

7.7

7.8

7.7

8.3

31.5

32.1

Cobalt

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.3

0.4

1.6

1.8

Nickel West, Australia (a)

Nickel contained in finished matte

-

-

-

-

3.3

3.3

-

Nickel metal

-

-

-

-

5.9

5.9

-

Nickel production

-

-

-

-

9.2

9.2

-

Nickel contained in finished matte

-

-

-

-

3.5

3.5

-

Nickel metal

-

-

-

-

4.7

4.7

-

Nickel sales

-

-

-

-

8.2

8.2

-

(a) BHP Billiton acquired Nickel West with the acquisition of WMC. Production data is shown from June 1, 2005. For reference, June 2005 quarter nickel production (nickel contained in finished matte and nickel metal) increased by nine per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter, mainly reflecting a planned shutdown at the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter during the comparative period. Nickel production (nickel contained in finished matte and nickel metal) decreased by four per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, mainly due to variations in the overall mix of matte products produced.

June 2005 quarter nickel metal sales from the Kwinana nickel refinery decreased by four per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter and 10 per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, mainly reflecting timing of shipments. Finished nickel matte sales from the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter for the June 2005 quarter decreased by two per cent compared with the June 2004 quarter and 12 per cent compared with the March 2005 quarter, mainly due to timing of shipments.

FERROCHROME

South Africa (a)

Saleable production (b)

264

265

271

240

178

954

1,026

(a) BHP Billiton sold its interest in Samancor Chrome with effect from June 1, 2005.

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

 

BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077
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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 Plc
     
Date: 28 July 2005 By:

Karen Wood
  Name:  Karen Wood
  Title: Company Secretary