core sector communique

BHP Billiton : US Shale and Australian Nickel Asset Review

August 03, 2012

BHP Billiton announced today that it has completed its full year assessment of its United States shale and Australian nickel assets. Low US gas prices due to a short term over supply of gas have resulted in an impairment of US$2.84 billion (before tax) against the carrying value of the Fayetteville shale gas assets acquired from Chesapeake Energy in February 2011. The Company will also recognise a US$450 million (before tax) charge against the carrying value of its Nickel West assets as a result of margin deterioration. Both impairments will be recognised as exceptional items. The annual review of the Company’s non-current assets will be finalised in conjunction with the preliminary financial results to be released on 22 August 2012.

BHP Billiton CEO, Marius Kloppers, said “The Fayetteville charge reflects the fall in United States domestic gas prices and the company’s decision to adjust its development plans by shifting drilling from dry gas to the more liquids rich fields. While we have responded appropriately to the changed market conditions today’s impairment is clearly disappointing.”

Following a comprehensive review, BHP Billiton has concluded that the value of the more extensive onshore United States shale liquids and gas assets acquired through the acquisition of Petrohawk Energy Corporation in August 2011 is not affected. The development of these assets is expected to create substantial, long term shareholder value.

Mr Kloppers said: “Our decision to enter the North American shale hydrocarbon business about 18 months ago was taken after extensive deliberation and due diligence. Our work convinced us that this significant, low-carbon fuel source would play a meaningful role as the world makes its future energy choices. We are still of this view, particularly given the ongoing positive technological advancements in the shale industry.

"We believe that our dry gas assets are well positioned for the future given their competitive position on the industry cost curve. In the short term, the accelerated development of our liquids rich shales will continue to complement investment in our traditional project pipeline given the high rates of return on offer and the rapid payback on incremental investment.”

BHP Billiton Chairman, Jac Nasser, said: “The Board remains of the view that the investment in the US shale assets is the right decision for BHP Billiton shareholders. The assets we acquired, in particular the substantial Petrohawk business, are of high quality and will generate good returns for shareholders. The Board supports the actions of Marius and Petroleum CEO, Mike Yeager, to optimise shareholder value by shifting our current drilling plans from the dry gas fields in Fayetteville and Haynesville, to the liquids rich fields in the Permian and Eagle Ford.

“However, it is very disappointing that low US gas prices have impacted the carrying value of the Fayetteville assets. As a result of the write down both Marius Kloppers and Mike Yeager have advised the Remuneration Committee that they do not wish to be considered for a bonus for the 2012 financial year. The Remuneration Committee and the Board respect and agree with that decision.

"As today’s announcement shows, these are difficult times, particularly for those companies and their shareholders who are being affected by global uncertainty. We are fortunate to have Marius’ leadership, together with a strong management team supporting him, in these challenging times. Notwithstanding the prevailing environment we are confident in the outlook for the United States natural gas market and the role our shale assets will play in BHP Billiton’s portfolio in continuing to deliver long term shareholder returns,” Mr Nasser said.