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

October 24, 2006


 

 

 

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)

 


 
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 
 

24 October 2006
Number 27/06

 

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2006

 

BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 30 September 2006. Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billiton share.

  • Record quarterly production of aluminium from continuing operations.
  • Iron ore production in line with the record production in the June 2006 quarter (excluding the Goldsworthy (Australia) suspension).
  • Record quarterly production of manganese ore in response to stronger customer demand.
  • Record quarterly production was achieved at Mozal (Mozambique), GEMCO (Australia), Zamzama (Pakistan), Paranam (Suriname) and Bayside (South Africa).
  • Copper production negatively impacted by an industrial stoppage at Escondida (Chile).

SEPT

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

2006

vs

vs

PETROLEUM

QTR

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

Crude Oil & Condensate and Natural Gas Liquid ('000 bbl)

15,216

-2%

4%

Natural Gas (bcf)

91.83

-6%

-7%

Total Petroleum Products (million boe)

30.52

-4%

-2%

Total Petroleum Production - Production was in line with both comparative periods.

Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquid - Production from continuing operations was higher than the previous quarter. Successful infill drilling at North West Shelf (Australia) and Bass Strait (Australia) and reduced downtime at North West Shelf increased production during the quarter. This was partly offset by planned maintenance at Liverpool Bay (UK) and cessation of production from Typhoon / Boris (USA) in September 2005.

Natural Gas - Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance in the UK and lower customer demand in Australia contributed to reduced production for the period. Record quarterly production was achieved at Zamzama in response to strong demand. Typhoon / Boris and the Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (Australia) operations have been sold and consequently production will be impacted in future periods.

 

 

SEPT

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

2006

vs

vs

ALUMINIUM

QTR

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

Alumina ('000 tonnes)

1,078

5%

1%

Aluminium ('000 tonnes)

337

1%

-2%

Alumina - Production for the quarter ended September 2006 was higher than the September 2005 quarter. Ramp up of the Worsley Development Capital Project (Australia) and record production at Paranam contributed to the increased result. Stockpiled hydrate from the calciner outages at Alumar (Brazil) and Worsley decreased the current quarter's production.

Aluminium - Quarterly production from continuing operations (excluding Valesul (Brazil)) was an all time record. Mozal, Bayside and Hillside (South Africa) continued to deliver strong production. Mozal and Bayside achieved quarterly production records and Hillside production equalled the previous record results in the December 2005 and June 2006 quarters.

 

 

SEPT

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

2006

vs

vs

BASE METALS

QTR

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

Copper ('000 tonnes)

249.9

-19%

-20%

Silver ('000 ounces)

7,349

-35%

-23%

Lead (tonnes)

48,977

-25%

-12%

Zinc (tonnes)

24,011

-18%

-13%

Uranium Oxide Concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes)

793

-27%

-8%

Copper - Production during the quarter was positively impacted by the successful commencement of the Sulphide Leach Project at Escondida (Chile) and strong production at Cerro Colorado (Chile). Production for the quarter was impacted by scheduled maintenance at Olympic Dam (Australia), strike action at Escondida and the sale of Tintaya (Peru) in June 2006.

Silver / Lead - Production was in line with expectations, as we continue to progress the rehabilitation of ground support at Cannington (Australia).

Zinc - In addition to the temporary partial closure at Cannington, production for the quarter was impacted by lower head grades at Cannington and Antamina (Peru).

Uranium - Planned maintenance at the Olympic Dam smelter also impacted uranium production for the quarter.

 

SEPT

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

2006

vs

vs

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

QTR

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

Iron ore ('000 tonnes)

25,003

5%

-4%

Metallurgical Coal ('000 tonnes)

9,247

3%

0%

Manganese Ore ('000 tonnes)

1,509

9%

9%

Manganese Alloy ('000 tonnes)

153

10%

-13%

Iron Ore - September 2006 quarterly production was in line with the record June 2006 quarter (excluding Goldsworthy). The ramp up of the Rapid Growth Project 2 (Australia), completed in June 2006, contributed to this strong result. Tie-in activity for Rapid Growth Project 3 (Australia), including the Goldsworthy suspension, contributed to lower overall production. Tie-in activity is expected to continue for the remainder of the year.

Metallurgical Coal - Metallurgical coal production was in line with previous periods reflecting increased product differentiation in the market.

Manganese Ore - Record quarterly production was achieved at GEMCO in response to stronger customer demand.

Manganese Alloy - Production for the quarter was impacted by scheduled maintenance.

 

 

SEPT

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

2006

vs

vs

DIAMONDS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

QTR

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

Diamonds ('000 carats)

487

-43%

-16%

Fertiliser ('000 tonnes)

84.3

-66%

-40%

Diamonds - The volume of ore processed at Ekati (Canada) was four percent higher than the September 2005 quarter. As Ekati transitions from open pit mining to predominantly underground mining the mix of ore processed will change from time to time. This has led to a reduced number of higher value carats recovered during the quarter.

Fertiliser - The fertiliser business was sold effective 1 August 2006.

 

 

SEPT

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

2006

vs

vs

ENERGY COAL

QTR

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

Energy Coal ('000 tonnes)

21,782

-9%

0%

Energy Coal - Production for the September 2006 quarter was in line with the June 2006 quarter. Production at Ingwe (South Africa) was two percent higher than the previous quarter despite unfavourable geological conditions and higher strip ratios. The Australian operations had their highest quarterly production since the record quarter in June 2005. Scheduled maintenance and challenging geological conditions at New Mexico Coal (USA) had a negative impact on production.

 

SEPT

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

2006

vs

vs

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

QTR

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

Nickel ('000 tonnes)

44.5

1%

7%

Nickel - Production for the September 2006 quarter was higher than the June 2006 quarter. The previous quarter was impacted by tie-in activity related to the expansion at Yabulu (Australia).


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

Australia
Samantha Evans, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915
email: Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com

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

Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246
email: Illtud.Harri@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

South Africa
Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations
Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or UK +44 20 7802 4183
email: Alison.Gilbert@bhpbilliton.com

 

 

BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY

QUARTER ENDED

QUARTER ENDED

% CHANGE

SEPT Q06

SEPT Q06

SEPT

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

vs

vs

2005

2006

2006

2006

2005

SEPT Q05

JUNE Q06

PETROLEUM

Crude oil & condensate

('000 bbl)

12,234

11,551

12,091

12,091

12,234

-1%

5%

Natural gas

(bcf)

97.65

98.59

91.83

91.83

97.65

-6%

-7%

Natural gas liquid

('000 bbl)

3,245

3,063

3,125

3,125

3,245

-4%

2%

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

31.75

31.04

30.52

30.52

31.75

-4%

-2%

ALUMINIUM

Alumina

('000 tonnes)

1,028

1,072

1,078

1,078

1,028

5%

1%

Aluminium

('000 tonnes)

334

344

337

337

334

1%

-2%

BASE METALS

Copper

('000 tonnes)

308.9

311.7

249.9

249.9

308.9

-19%

-20%

Lead

(tonnes)

64,873

55,507

48,977

48,977

64,873

-25%

-12%

Zinc

(tonnes)

29,147

27,564

24,011

24,011

29,147

-18%

-13%

Gold

(ounces)

53,666

56,161

41,160

41,160

53,666

-23%

-27%

Silver

('000 ounces)

11,362

9,593

7,349

7,349

11,362

-35%

-23%

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

1,088

865

793

793

1,088

-27%

-8%

Molybdenum

(tonnes)

573

538

719

719

573

25%

34%

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

Iron ore

('000 tonnes)

23,848

26,115

25,003

25,003

23,848

5%

-4%

Metallurgical coal

('000 tonnes)

8,986

9,224

9,247

9,247

8,986

3%

0%

Manganese ore

('000 tonnes)

1,387

1,389

1,509

1,509

1,387

9%

9%

Manganese alloy

('000 tonnes)

139

175

153

153

139

10%

-13%

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Diamonds

('000 carats)

852

583

487

487

852

-43%

-16%

Fertiliser

('000 tonnes)

244.9

141.3

84.3

84.3

244.9

-66%

-40%

ENERGY COAL

Energy coal

('000 tonnes)

24,010

21,787

21,782

21,782

24,010

-9%

0%

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

Nickel

('000 tonnes)

44.1

41.6

44.5

44.5

44.1

1%

7%

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

 

BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION

QUARTER ENDED

BHP Billiton

SEPT

DEC

MARCH

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

Interest

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

PETROLEUM

Production

Crude oil & condensate

('000 bbl)

12,234

11,202

10,886

11,551

12,091

12,091

12,234

Natural gas

(bcf)

97.65

86.35

77.85

98.59

91.83

91.83

97.65

NGL (a)

('000 bbl)

3,245

2,672

2,448

3,063

3,125

3,125

3,245

Total Petroleum Products

(million boe)

31.75

28.26

26.31

31.04

30.52

30.52

31.75

ALUMINIUM

ALUMINA

Production ('000 tonnes)

Worsley

86%

689

663

717

694

704

704

689

Suriname

45%

227

219

228

247

253

253

227

Alumar

36%

112

130

130

131

121

121

112

Total

1,028

1,012

1,075

1,072

1,078

1,078

1,028

ALUMINIUM

Production ('000 tonnes)

Hillside

100%

172

177

174

177

177

177

172

Bayside

100%

41

46

46

46

49

49

41

Alumar

46.3%

45

45

44

44

44

44

45

Valesul (b)

45.5%

11

10

11

11

-

-

11

Mozal

47%

65

66

65

66

67

67

65

Total

334

344

340

344

337

337

334

BASE METALS (c)

COPPER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

168.6

169.0

168.2

165.2

129.7

129.7

168.6

Antamina

33.8%

27.9

34.3

32.9

29.1

29.0

29.0

27.9

Tintaya (d)

100%

17.3

18.1

16.2

12.9

-

-

17.3

Total

213.8

221.4

217.3

207.2

158.7

158.7

213.8

Cathode ('000 tonnes)

Escondida

57.5%

19.6

20.0

15.4

11.7

17.5

17.5

19.6

Cerro Colorado

100%

14.5

21.5

28.1

30.0

30.0

30.0

14.5

Tintaya (d)

100%

9.7

9.9

9.1

6.1

-

-

9.7

Pinto Valley

100%

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

Olympic Dam

100%

49.1

53.5

47.1

54.6

41.6

41.6

49.1

Total

95.1

107.0

101.8

104.5

91.2

91.2

95.1

LEAD

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

64,873

77,187

68,754

55,507

48,977

48,977

64,873

Total

64,873

77,187

68,754

55,507

48,977

48,977

64,873

ZINC

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Cannington

100%

14,188

18,780

20,885

14,926

10,426

10,426

14,188

Antamina

33.8%

14,959

5,148

7,534

12,638

13,585

13,585

14,959

Total

29,147

23,928

28,419

27,564

24,011

24,011

29,147

Refer footnotes on page 4.

BASE METALS (continued)

GOLD

Payable metal in concentrate (ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

19,194

19,200

17,877

23,567

17,049

17,049

19,194

Tintaya (d)

100%

8,048

8,200

8,032

4,958

-

-

8,048

Olympic Dam (refined gold)

100%

26,424

27,300

26,186

27,636

24,111

24,111

26,424

Total

53,666

54,700

52,095

56,161

41,160

41,160

53,666

SILVER

Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces)

Escondida

57.5%

795

945

714

925

724

724

795

Antamina

33.8%

642

859

865

808

713

713

642

Tintaya (d)

100%

167

168

138

119

-

-

167

Cannington

100%

9,579

11,672

9,693

7,503

5,714

5,714

9,579

Olympic Dam (refined silver)

100%

179

222

245

238

198

198

179

Total

11,362

13,866

11,655

9,593

7,349

7,349

11,362

URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Olympic Dam

100%

1,088

1,070

913

865

793

793

1,088

Total

1,088

1,070

913

865

793

793

1,088

MOLYBDENUM

Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes)

Antamina

33.8%

573

772

632

538

719

719

573

Total

573

772

632

538

719

719

573

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

IRON ORE (e)

Production ('000 tonnes)

Mt Newman Joint Venture

85%

6,234

6,166

5,884

6,490

7,394

7,394

6,234

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

85%

1,393

1,669

1,371

1,808

806

806

1,393

Area C Joint Venture

85%

4,286

4,969

3,332

5,401

4,821

4,821

4,286

Yandi Joint Venture

85%

8,409

8,372

8,561

8,854

8,504

8,504

8,409

Jimblebar (f)

85%

1,645

1,569

1,549

1,607

1,490

1,490

1,645

Samarco

50%

1,881

1,865

1,802

1,955

1,988

1,988

1,881

Total

23,848

24,610

22,499

26,115

25,003

25,003

23,848

METALLURGICAL COAL (g)

Production ('000 tonnes)

BMA

50%

6,693

6,441

5,972

6,474

6,657

6,657

6,693

BHP Mitsui Coal (h)

80%

726

710

763

850

873

873

726

Illawarra

100%

1,567

1,822

1,725

1,900

1,717

1,717

1,567

Total

8,986

8,973

8,460

9,224

9,247

9,247

8,986

MANGANESE ORES

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (i)

60%

566

529

532

673

644

644

566

Australia (i)

60%

821

749

694

716

865

865

821

Total

1,387

1,278

1,226

1,389

1,509

1,509

1,387

Refer footnotes on page 4.

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd)

MANGANESE ALLOYS

Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa (i)

60%

79

105

119

131

93

93

79

Australia (i)

60%

60

60

54

44

60

60

60

Total

139

165

173

175

153

153

139

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

DIAMONDS

Production ('000 carats)

Ekati™

80%

852

614

512

583

487

487

852

FERTILISER

Production ('000 tonnes)

Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations (j)

100%

244.9

252.6

222.5

141.3

84.3

84.3

244.9

ENERGY COAL

Production ('000 tonnes)

South Africa

100%

14,549

12,940

11,605

12,854

13,151

13,151

14,549

USA

100%

4,561

4,065

2,829

3,891

3,467

3,467

4,561

Australia

100%

2,568

2,045

1,897

2,636

2,766

2,766

2,568

Colombia

33%

2,332

2,237

2,341

2,406

2,398

2,398

2,332

Total

24,010

21,287

18,672

21,787

21,782

21,782

24,010

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

NICKEL

Production ('000 tonnes)

CMSA

99.8%

12.8

13.0

12.9

12.8

12.7

12.7

12.8

Yabulu

100%

6.1

5.9

7.0

4.3

7.3

7.3

6.1

Nickel West

100%

25.2

30.1

20.3

24.5

24.5

24.5

25.2

Total

44.1

49.0

40.2

41.6

44.5

44.5

44.1

(a)   LPG and Ethane are now reported as Natural Gas Liquids (NGL), consistent with petroleum industry practice. Product-specific
        conversions
will be made and NGL will be reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Comparative period information has been
         restated.

(b)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Valesul on 1 July 2006.

(c)

Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.

(d)

BHP Billiton sold Tintaya effective from June 1, 2006.

(e)

Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.

(f)

From October 1, 2005 Jimblebar production is disclosed on an 85% saleable production basis, prior production is disclosed at 100%.

(g)

Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.

(h)

Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.

(i)

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

(j)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Southern Cross Fertiliser operations on 1 August 2006.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

PETROLEUM

BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated.

CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels)

Bass Strait

3,720

3,584

3,414

3,964

3,847

3,847

3,720

Minerva

34

26

18

20

23

23

34

North West Shelf - condensate

1,370

1,405

1,263

1,091

1,350

1,350

1,370

North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack

1,149

979

751

1,111

1,634

1,634

1,149

Griffin

436

344

204

296

323

323

436

Pakistan

49

54

59

60

61

61

49

Typhoon/Boris (a)

306

23

-

-

-

-

306

Mad Dog

440

604

549

698

528

528

440

Other Americas (b)

123

161

68

68

78

78

123

Angostura

998

1,018

1,080

1,191

1,174

1,174

998

Liverpool Bay

1,160

1,161

1,278

1,199

931

931

1,160

Bruce/Keith

254

256

209

182

178

178

254

Ohanet

483

353

389

426

357

357

483

ROD

1,712

1,234

1,604

1,245

1,607

1,607

1,712

Total

12,234

11,202

10,886

11,551

12,091

12,091

12,234

NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet)

Bass Strait

35.93

21.12

18.26

34.43

33.54

33.54

35.93

Minerva

10.30

8.14

5.78

6.36

7.73

7.73

10.30

North West Shelf - Domestic

3.97

3.81

3.55

4.63

3.54

3.54

3.97

North West Shelf - LNG

21.19

23.16

21.15

22.70

21.68

21.68

21.19

Griffin

0.56

0.41

0.12

0.19

0.49

0.49

0.56

Moranbah Coal Bed Methane (c)

1.65

1.73

1.75

1.86

1.12

1.12

1.65

Illawarra Coal Bed Methane

1.12

1.60

1.50

1.35

1.50

1.50

1.12

Pakistan

7.32

8.40

8.52

9.02

9.14

9.14

7.32

Typhoon/Boris (a)

0.46

0.01

-

-

-

-

0.46

Mad Dog

0.08

0.12

0.11

0.25

0.17

0.17

0.08

Other Americas (b)

1.89

1.00

1.78

2.34

2.55

2.55

1.89

Bruce/Keith

5.81

6.28

6.52

5.40

4.21

4.21

5.81

Liverpool Bay

7.37

10.57

8.81

10.06

6.16

6.16

7.37

Total

97.65

86.35

77.85

98.59

91.83

91.83

97.65

NGL ('000 barrels) (d)

Bass Strait

2,193

1,719

1,574

2,254

2,224

2,224

2,193

North West Shelf

460

465

410

349

444

444

460

Bruce/Keith

159

176

94

59

138

138

159

Ohanet

433

312

370

401

319

319

433

Total

3,245

2,672

2,448

3,063

3,125

3,125

3,245

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

31.75

28.26

26.31

31.04

30.52

30.52

31.75

(million barrels of oil equivalent) (e)

(a)  Typhoon/ Boris production was suspended in September 2005 following severe hurricane damage sustained to the Typhoon
        platform.
The sale of Typhoon/ Boris, including the Littleburn field, is pending US Minerals Management Service approval.

(b)

BHP Billiton sold its interests in the Green Canyon 18 and 60 fields with effect from January 16, 2006.

(c)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of its interest in Moranbah Coal Bed Methane in September 2006 quarter.

(d)

LPG and Ethane are now reported as Natural Gas Liquids (NGL), consistent with petroleum industry practice. Product-specific

conversions will be made and NGL will be reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Comparative period information has been

restated.

(e)

Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6000 cf of natural gas equals 1 boe.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

ALUMINIUM

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

ALUMINA

Production

Worsley, Australia

689

663

717

694

704

704

689

Paranam, Suriname

227

219

228

247

253

253

227

Alumar, Brazil

112

130

130

131

121

121

112

Total

1,028

1,012

1,075

1,072

1,078

1,078

1,028

Sales

Worsley, Australia

584

710

709

672

666

666

584

Paranam, Suriname

203

249

213

244

236

236

203

Alumar, Brazil

107

121

130

147

108

108

107

Total (a)

894

1,080

1,052

1,063

1,010

1,010

894

ALUMINIUM

Production

Hillside, South Africa

172

177

174

177

177

177

172

Bayside, South Africa

41

46

46

46

49

49

41

Alumar, Brazil

45

45

44

44

44

44

45

Valesul, Brazil (b)

11

10

11

11

-

-

11

Mozal, Mozambique

65

66

65

66

67

67

65

Total

334

344

340

344

337

337

334

Sales

Hillside, South Africa

168

175

162

186

170

170

168

Bayside, South Africa

34

43

40

48

44

44

34

Alumar, Brazil

42

44

48

44

44

44

42

Valesul, Brazil (b)

11

12

10

11

-

-

11

Mozal, Mozambique

54

79

58

68

60

60

54

Total

309

353

318

357

318

318

309

Tolling Agreement (a)

23

22

22

38

24

24

23

332

375

340

395

342

342

332

(a)

Equity Alumina is converted into Aluminium under a third party tolling agreement. These tonnages are allocated to equity sales.

(b)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Valesul on 1 July 2006.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

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)

90,919

92,155

90,781

94,429

59,601

59,601

90,919

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

22,255

22,161

21,843

21,473

18,257

18,257

22,255

Average copper grade

(%)

1.60%

1.58%

1.62%

1.63%

1.55%

1.55%

1.60%

Production ex Mill (100%)

('000 tonnes)

304.4

304.0

302.8

295.9

234.0

234.0

304.4

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

168.6

169.0

168.2

165.2

129.7

129.7

168.6

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

19,194

19,200

17,877

23,567

17,049

17,049

19,194

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

19.6

20.0

15.4

11.7

17.5

17.5

19.6

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

795

945

714

925

724

724

795

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

169.4

160.7

184.4

158.6

133.8

133.8

169.4

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

19,294

18,145

20,159

22,627

17,778

17,778

19,294

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

19.3

19.4

16.7

11.5

14.2

14.2

19.3

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

803

892

802

891

752

752

803

Tintaya, Peru (a)

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

17,228

17,107

15,960

11,539

-

-

17,228

Sulphide Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

1,546

1,734

1,523

1,123

-

-

1,546

Average copper grade

(%)

1.33%

1.26%

1.26%

1.33%

-

-

1.33%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

17.3

18.1

16.2

12.9

-

-

17.3

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

8,048

8,200

8,032

4,958

-

-

8,048

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

9.7

9.9

9.1

6.1

-

-

9.7

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

167

168

138

119

-

-

167

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

17.0

19.4

15.1

12.0

-

-

17.0

Payable gold concentrate

(fine ounces)

6,783

8,376

8,016

5,079

-

-

6,783

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

10.3

9.8

8.3

7.1

-

-

10.3

Payable silver concentrate

('000 ounces)

161

207

127

109

-

-

161

(a) BHP Billiton sold Tintaya effective from June 1, 2006.

Cerro Colorado, Chile

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

16,696

17,107

17,926

18,258

16,334

16,334

16,696

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

3,344

4,348

4,266

4,490

4,508

4,508

3,344

Average copper grade

(%)

0.79%

0.90%

0.94%

0.83%

0.80%

0.80%

0.79%

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

14.5

21.5

28.1

30.0

30.0

30.0

14.5

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

15.0

19.7

24.4

34.5

27.9

27.9

15.0

Antamina, Peru

Material mined (100%)

('000 tonnes)

32,839

32,598

28,982

29,740

29,917

29,917

32,839

Sulphide ore milled (100%)

('000 tonnes)

7,367

8,349

7,549

7,196

7,581

7,581

7,367

Average head grades

- Copper

(%)

1.30%

1.36%

1.48%

1.45%

1.22%

1.22%

1.30%

- Zinc

(%)

1.04%

0.51%

0.62%

0.88%

0.87%

0.87%

1.04%

Production

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

27.9

34.3

32.9

29.1

29.0

29.0

27.9

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

14,959

5,148

7,534

12,638

13,585

13,585

14,959

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

642

859

865

808

713

713

642

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

573

772

632

538

719

719

573

Sales

Payable copper

('000 tonnes)

30.7

35.5

30.5

25.6

33.9

33.9

30.7

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

13,203

7,894

9,634

7,638

14,224

14,224

13,203

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

669

813

750

505

713

713

669

Payable molybdenum

(tonnes)

538

751

697

627

719

719

538

Cannington, Australia

Material mined

('000 tonnes)

910

887

799

496

428

428

910

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

772

850

809

589

478

478

772

Average head grades

- Silver

(g/t)

453

493

431

469

385

385

453

- Lead

(%)

9.9%

10.8%

9.8%

10.9%

10.7%

10.7%

9.9%

- Zinc

(%)

3.3%

3.5%

4.0%

4.1%

3.5%

3.5%

3.3%

Production

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

9,579

11,672

9,693

7,503

5,714

5,714

9,579

Payable lead

(tonnes)

64,873

77,187

68,754

55,507

48,977

48,977

64,873

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

14,188

18,780

20,885

14,926

10,426

10,426

14,188

Sales

Payable silver

('000 ounces)

9,078

11,972

9,061

8,516

5,010

5,010

9,078

Payable lead

(tonnes)

59,942

79,474

63,112

62,787

39,694

39,694

59,942

Payable zinc

(tonnes)

10,676

16,814

17,508

20,121

6,346

6,346

10,676

Olympic Dam, Australia

Material mined (a)

('000 tonnes)

2,007

2,145

2,065

2,002

2,178

2,178

2,007

Ore milled

('000 tonnes)

2,345

2,430

2,343

2,517

2,043

2,043

2,345

Average copper grade

(%)

2.26%

2.32%

2.10%

2.10%

2.10%

2.10%

2.26%

Average uranium grade

kg/t

0.64

0.65

0.59

0.55

0.57

0.57

0.64

Production

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

44.2

48.6

43.1

50.5

38.4

38.4

44.2

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

4.9

4.9

4.0

4.1

3.2

3.2

4.9

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

1,088

1,070

913

865

793

793

1,088

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

26,424

27,300

26,186

27,636

24,111

24,111

26,424

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

179

222

245

238

198

198

179

Sales

Copper cathode (ER)

('000 tonnes)

47.5

44.9

44.1

49.0

41.6

41.6

47.5

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

5.2

5.8

4.2

4.1

3.5

3.5

5.2

Uranium oxide concentrate

(tonnes)

879

1,287

992

1,183

620

620

879

Refined gold

(fine ounces)

21,192

26,369

27,300

27,375

23,233

23,233

21,192

Refined silver

('000 ounces)

144

254

178

320

188

188

144

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

Pinto Valley, USA

Production

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

Sales

Copper cathode (EW)

('000 tonnes)

2.3

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.3

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

CARBON STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

IRON ORE (a)

Pilbara, Australia

Production

Mt Newman Joint Venture

6,234

6,166

5,884

6,490

7,394

7,394

6,234

Goldsworthy Joint Venture

1,393

1,669

1,371

1,808

806

806

1,393

Area C Joint Venture

4,286

4,969

3,332

5,401

4,821

4,821

4,286

Yandi Joint Venture

8,409

8,372

8,561

8,854

8,504

8,504

8,409

Jimblebar (b)

1,645

1,569

1,549

1,607

1,490

1,490

1,645

Total (BHP Billiton share)

21,967

22,745

20,697

24,160

23,015

23,015

21,967

Total production (100%)

25,553

26,760

24,350

28,423

27,076

27,076

25,553

Sales

Lump

5,991

6,483

5,276

6,092

6,429

6,429

5,991

Fines

15,837

16,357

15,547

18,481

16,337

16,337

15,837

Total (BHP Billiton share)

21,828

22,840

20,823

24,573

22,766

22,766

21,828

Total sales (100%)

25,389

26,871

24,498

28,909

26,784

26,784

25,389

(a)

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

(b)

From October 1, 2005 Jimblebar production is disclosed on an 85% saleable production basis, prior production is disclosed at 100%.

Samarco, Brazil

Production

1,881

1,865

1,802

1,955

1,988

1,988

1,881

Shipments

1,900

2,155

1,532

2,022

1,872

1,872

1,900

METALLURGICAL COAL (a)

Queensland, Australia

Production

BMA

Blackwater

1,627

1,409

1,533

1,449

1,536

1,536

1,627

Goonyella

1,609

1,921

1,751

1,986

1,892

1,892

1,609

Peak Downs

1,250

1,186

1,095

858

1,202

1,202

1,250

Saraji

675

602

563

794

682

682

675

Norwich Park

759

678

550

675

631

631

759

Gregory Joint Venture

773

645

480

712

714

714

773

BMA total

6,693

6,441

5,972

6,474

6,657

6,657

6,693

BHP Mitsui Coal (b)

South Walker Creek

726

710

763

850

873

873

726

BHP Mitsui Coal total

726

710

763

850

873

873

726

Queensland total

7,419

7,151

6,735

7,324

7,530

7,530

7,419

Shipments

Coking coal

4,869

4,987

5,032

5,798

5,190

5,190

4,869

Weak coking coal

1,207

1,366

1,342

1,444

1,600

1,600

1,207

Thermal coal

579

403

482

581

344

344

579

Total

6,655

6,756

6,856

7,823

7,134

7,134

6,655

(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

1,567

1,822

1,725

1,900

1,717

1,717

1,567

Shipments

Coking coal

1,190

1,457

1,508

1,292

1,366

1,366

1,190

Thermal coal

383

103

313

136

188

188

383

Total

1,573

1,560

1,821

1,428

1,554

1,554

1,573

MANGANESE ORE

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

566

529

532

673

644

644

566

Australia

Saleable production (a)

821

749

694

716

865

865

821

MANGANESE ALLOY

South Africa

Saleable production (a)

79

105

119

131

93

93

79

Australia

Saleable production (a)

60

60

54

44

60

60

60

(a)

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

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

DIAMONDS

Ekati™, Canada

Ore Processed (100%)

('000 tonnes)

1,158

962

995

1,181

1,199

1,199

1,158

Production

('000 carats)

852

614

512

583

487

487

852

FERTILISER

Southern Cross Fertiliser Operations, Australia (a)

Production (b)

('000 tonnes)

244.9

252.6

222.5

141.3

84.3

84.3

244.9

Sales (b)

('000 tonnes)

175.5

221.2

200.4

304.4

41.6

41.6

175.5

(a)

BHP Billiton completed the sale of Southern Cross Fertiliser operations on 1 August 2006.

(b)

Includes diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

ENERGY COAL

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

Ingwe, South Africa

Production

14,549

12,940

11,605

12,854

13,151

13,151

14,549

Sales

Export

5,436

6,273

5,658

4,271

5,168

5,168

5,436

Local utility

8,013

7,250

7,328

7,365

7,552

7,552

8,013

Inland

309

268

203

253

255

255

309

Total

13,758

13,791

13,189

11,889

12,975

12,975

13,758

New Mexico, USA

Production

Navajo Coal

2,238

2,252

2,305

1,471

1,778

1,778

2,238

San Juan Coal

2,323

1,813

524

2,420

1,689

1,689

2,323

Total

4,561

4,065

2,829

3,891

3,467

3,467

4,561

Sales - local utility

3,769

3,628

3,553

3,556

3,822

3,822

3,769

Hunter Valley, Australia

Production

2,568

2,045

1,897

2,636

2,766

2,766

2,568

Sales

Export

1,570

1,312

1,267

1,048

1,245

1,245

1,570

Inland

983

793

643

1,475

1,031

1,031

983

Total

2,553

2,105

1,910

2,523

2,276

2,276

2,553

Cerrejon Coal, Colombia

Production

2,332

2,237

2,341

2,406

2,398

2,398

2,332

Sales - export

2,170

2,087

2,116

2,387

2,336

2,336

2,170

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT

QUARTER ENDED

SEPT

DEC

MAR

JUNE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2006

2005

STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS

BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated.

('000 tonnes)

NICKEL

CMSA, Colombia

Production

12.8

13.0

12.9

12.8

12.7

12.7

12.8

Sales

11.1

14.2

12.4

13.6

11.7

11.7

11.1

Yabulu, Australia

Production

Nickel metal

6.1

5.9

7.0

4.3

7.3

7.3

6.1

Cobalt

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.3

Sales

Nickel metal

6.3

6.6

6.9

4.9

6.0

6.0

6.3

Cobalt

0.4

0.3

0.4

0.3

0.4

0.4

0.4

Nickel West, Australia

Production

Nickel contained in finished matte

9.7

13.9

5.2

9.6

11.1

11.1

9.7

Nickel metal

15.5

16.2

15.1

14.9

13.4

13.4

15.5

Nickel production (a)

25.2

30.1

20.3

24.5

24.5

24.5

25.2

Sales

Nickel contained in finished matte

7.6

14.3

8.8

7.9

9.3

9.3

7.6

Nickel metal (b)

15.9

14.9

15.7

15.8

12.9

12.9

15.9

Nickel sales (a) (b)

23.5

29.2

24.5

23.7

22.2

22.2

23.5

(a)

In addition to the production and sales reported above, Nickel West also produced and sold 1.2 kt nickel in concentrate during the

quarter ended 30 June 2006. There has been no production or sales of nickel in concentrate in the September 2006 quarter.

(b)

Comparative has been restated to exclude third party trading sales

 

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

                                                                          


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 Limited and BHP Billiton Plc
     
Date: 24 October 2006 By:

Karen Wood


  Name:  Karen Wood
  Title: Group Company Secretary