core sector communique

Bowen Basin Metallurgical Coal Expansions

25 March 2011

BHP Billiton today approved three key metallurgical coal projects located in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland, Australia. The projects will add 4.9 million tonnes of annual mine capacity (100% basis) through development of the Daunia operation and a new mining area at Broadmeadow. In addition, 11 million tonnes of annual port capacity (100% basis) will be developed at the Hay Point Coal Terminal. The total investment is US$5 billion, of which BHP Billiton’s share is US$2.5 billion¹

The investment includes:

• US$1.6 billion (BHP Billiton share US$800 million) for development of the new Daunia mine, adjacent to Poitrel. The mine will have the capacity to produce 4.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of export metallurgical coal through a new processing facility. First coal is expected in 2013.

• US$900 million (BHP Billiton share US$450 million) to extend the life of the Broadmeadow mine by a further 21 years. The investment will also increase productive capacity by 0.4 mtpa, to a new total capacity of 4.8 mtpa. The project is due for completion in 2013.

• US$2.5 billion (BHP Billiton share US$1.25 billion) for the Stage Three expansion of the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s wholly owned Hay Point Coal Terminal, which will increase capacity from 44 mtpa to 55 mtpa. This investment also includes the replacement of the existing jetty to increase its ability to withstand high seas and winds. The expansion will include a new third berth, trestle, surge bins and out-loading conveyors. First shipments from the expanded terminal are expected in 2014.

BHP Billiton Metallurgical Coal President, Hubie van Dalsen said, “The company has a deep pipeline of expansion projects to further develop its large reserves of high quality metallurgical coal.

“Our strategy is to rapidly progress development of these projects to capture the increasing demand we see for hard coking coal.

“Subject to further approvals, this initial investment will be followed in the near term by the construction of the Caval Ridge mine, which will utilise expanded Hay Point port capacity created from this investment.”

¹ The Daunia mine project, the Hay Point Coal Terminal and the Broadmeadow mine are operations of the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, a 50:50 joint venture between BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd