core sector communique

 BHP Billiton And University College London Launch Natural Resources Initiative

 

10 June 2011

BHP Billiton and University College London today announced an agreement to establish an Institute for Sustainable Resources in London, UK and an International Energy Policy Institute in Adelaide, Australia.

The two new institutes will drive research into the complex economic, legal, environmental, technological and cultural issues faced by the resources sector and provide a framework within which expertise from the northern and southern hemispheres can be shared and innovative responses developed.

Under the terms of the agreement, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities, a charity established by BHP Billiton as part of its community investment program, will provide UCL with US$10 million over a five year period to establish the institutes and fund academic research, fellowships and scholarships, as well as the appointment of a new Chair in Sustainable Global Resources and a Chair in International Energy Policy.

Prof. Malcolm Grant, President and Provost of UCL commented:

"I am delighted by BHP Billiton's generous support for this exciting initiative, and look forward to a highly productive partnership."

BHP Billiton Group Executive and Chief Executive of Non-Ferrous, Dr Andrew Mackenzie, said the funding agreement reflected the Company's commitment to supporting education wherever it operates and added:

"The two new institutes will spur new thinking into the complex issues created by the growing demand for commodities and provide a new forum in which industry and the research community can collaborate. I'm delighted we can work with UCL and some of the brightest talents with a passion for the sector."

UCL Vice-Provosts Prof Michael Worton, Prof. David Price and Prof. Stephen Caddick acknowledged the importance of the initiative:

"Our relationship with BHP Billiton will bring our students and researchers closer to the trends that are transforming energy and global natural resources management. With BHP Billiton's support, the creation of an Institute of Sustainable Resources at UCL will create a focused research and training environment that will enable UCL's experts to deliver the solutions needed to sustain future generations," Prof. Worton said.

Background on BHP Billiton and UCL

1. Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com.
2. UCL is a multi-faculty global university, currently ranked 4th in the world in the annual Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings and top of the most recent ranking of UK Research Council awards.
3. UCL has a widely acknowledged reputation as the UK's most progressive and innovative university and, as such, has many points of possible interaction with BHP Billiton. Founded in 1826, UCL was England's first non-denominational university and currently attracts outstanding students from about 140 countries. It has acknowledged multidisciplinary strengths and research capabilities in engineering and earth sciences, energy, built environment, law, nanotechnology and biomedicine.
4. In 2006, the Government of South Australia invited UCL to establish a campus in Australia. In 2008, UCL signed an agreement, which led to the establishment of the UCL School of Energy and Resources (UCL SERAus) in Adelaide.
5. At UCL, the initiative will be led by Prof. Michael Worton, Vice-Provost (International), Prof. David Price, Vice-Provost (Research) and Prof. Stephen Caddick, Vice-Provost (Enterprise).