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__________________________________________________________________________________ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the Date of
BHP Billiton Limited
ABN 49 004 028 077
Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
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
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the
file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
Date 23 October 2003 Number 31/03
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT
BHP Billiton today released its production report for the quarter ended 30
September 2003. **** Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: http://www.bhpbilliton.com Australia United Kingdom Tania Price, Media Relations
United States Ariane Gentil, Media Relations South Africa BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED % CHANGE SEP Q03 SEP Q03 SEPT JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT vs vs 2002 2003 2003 2003 2002 SEP Q02 JUN Q03 PETROLEUM Crude oil & condensate ('000 bbl) 18,550 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550 -16% -1% Natural gas (bcf) 71.86 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86 19% 17% LPG ('000 tonnes) 208.96 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96 -5% -3% Ethane ('000 tonnes) 27.67 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67 -1% 9% Total Petroleum Products (million boe) 33 30 32 32 33 -3% 6% ALUMINIUM Alumina ('000 tonnes) 1,031 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031 2% -1% Aluminium ('000 tonnes) 268 273 282 282 268 5% 3% BASE METALS Copper ('000 tonnes) 184.5 229.2 214.5 214.5 184.5 16% -6% Lead (tonnes) 63,243 59,389 59,364 59,364 63,243 -6% 0% Zinc (tonnes) 48,542 54,396 49,094 49,094 48,542 1% -10% Gold (ounces) 55,153 25,752 29,170 29,170 55,153 -47% 13% Silver ('000 ounces) 11,260 9,643 10,596 10,596 11,260 -6% 10% Molybdenum (tonnes) 314 301 325 325 314 4% 8% CARBON STEEL MATERIALS Iron ore ('000 tonnes) 18,628 19,420 20,922 20,922 18,628 12% 8% Metallurgical coal ('000 tonnes) 8,650 9,026 9,099 9,099 8,650 5% 1% Manganese ores ('000 tonnes) 1,095 1,058 1,153 1,153 1,095 5% 9% Manganese alloys ('000 tonnes) 175 195 147 147 175 -16% -25% Hot briquetted iron ('000 tonnes) 333 458 496 496 333 49% 8% DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS Diamonds ('000 carats) 954 1,300 1,552 1,552 954 63% 19% ENERGY COAL Energy coal ('000 tonnes) 19,329 21,991 21,156 21,156 19,329 9% -4% STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS Nickel ('000 tonnes) 19.1 21.0 20.6 20.6 19.1 8% -2% Ferrochrome ('000 tonnes) 238 259 227 227 238 -5% -12% Throughout this report fgures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously reported. BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED BHP Billiton SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT Interest 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 PETROLEUM Production Crude oil & condensate (000 bbl) 18,550 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550 Natural gas (bcf) 71.86 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86 LPG ('000 tonnes) 208.96 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96 Ethane ('000 tonnes) 27.67 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67 Total Petroleum Products (million boe) 33 30 28 30 32 32 33 ALUMINIUM ALUMINA Production ('000 tonnes) Worsley 86% 698 662 658 724 699 699 698 Suriname 45% 221 213 222 223 227 227 221 Alumar 36% 112 123 123 113 127 127 112 Total 1,031 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031 ALUMINIUM Production ('000 tonnes) Hillside 100% 135 134 133 132 135 135 135 Bayside 100% 46 45 48 46 47 47 46 Alumar 46.3% 44 44 45 45 31 31 44 Valesul 45.5% 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 Mozal 47% 32 32 31 39 58 58 32 Total 268 266 267 273 282 282 268 BASE METALS (a) COPPER Payable metal in concentrate ('000 tonnes) Escondida (b) 57.5% 68.4 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 115.9 68.4 Tintaya (b) 100% - - - - - - - Antamina 33.8% 25.7 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 16.9 25.7 Alumbrera (c) 25% 11.1 13.4 9.9 - - - 11.1 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 14.9 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.1 14.9 Selbaie 100% 2.8 2.1 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 2.8 Total 122.9 161.8 166.9 163.4 148.5 148.5 122.9 Cathode ('000 tonnes) Escondida 57.5% 17.9 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.4 17.9 Cerro Colorado 100% 32.5 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.1 32.5 Tintaya (b) 100% 8.4 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 8.4 Pinto Valley 100% 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.8 Total 61.6 63.8 64.4 65.8 66.0 66.0 61.6 LEAD Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) Cannington 100% 61,676 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 59,364 61,676 Pering (d) 100% 1,567 694 354 - - - 1,567 Total 63,243 58,345 59,065 59,389 59,364 59,364 63,243 Refer footnotes on page 4. BASE METALS (continued) ZINC Payable metal in concentate (tonnes) Cannington 100% 15,182 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 14,850 15,182 Antamina 33.8% 18,189 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,933 18,189 Selbaie 100% 9,840 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 6,311 9,840 Pering (d) 100% 5,331 7,430 4,335 - - - 5,331 Total 48,542 44,115 46,755 54,396 49,094 49,094 48,542 GOLD Payable metal in concentrate (ounces) Escondida (b) 57.5% 10,074 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 25,016 10,074 Tintaya (b) 100% - - - - - - - Alumbrera (c) 25% 39,279 46,940 35,084 - - - 39,279 Selbaie 100% 4,486 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,129 4,486 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 1,314 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,025 1,314 Total 55,153 69,175 57,802 25,752 29,170 29,170 55,153 SILVER Payable metal in concentrate ('000 ounces) Cannington 100% 9,612 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 9,177 9,612 Escondida 57.5% 304 387 471 538 561 561 304 Antamina 33.8% 536 557 617 517 435 435 536 Alumbrera (c) 25.0% 53 72 75 - - - 53 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 162 159 140 143 160 160 162 Selbaie 100% 593 369 279 284 263 263 593 Total 11,260 9,870 10,355 9,643 10,596 10,596 11,260 MOLYBDENUM Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) Antamina 33.8% 94 115 113 21 25 25 94 Highland Valley Copper 33.6% 220 250 260 280 300 300 220 Total 314 365 373 301 325 325 314 CARBON STEEL MATERIALS IRON ORE Production ('000 tonnes) Mt Newman Joint Venture 85% 5,486 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,639 5,486 Goldsworthy Joint Venture (e) 85% 1,891 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,633 1,891 Area C Joint Venture (f) 85% - - - 19 341 341 - Yandi Joint Venture 85% 7,796 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 8,679 7,796 Jimblebar 100% 1,433 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,622 1,433 Samarco 50% 2,022 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 2,008 2,022 Total 18,628 18,447 17,237 19,420 20,922 20,922 18,628 METALLURGICAL COAL (g) Production ('000 tonnes) BMA 50% 4,652 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,591 4,652 BHP Mitsui Coal (h) 80% 1,863 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,926 1,863 Illawarra 100% 2,135 1,886 1,518 1,224 1,582 1,582 2,135 Total 8,650 8,390 8,556 9,026 9,099 9,099 8,650 Refer footnotes on page 4. CARBON STEEL MATERIALS (cont'd) MANGANESE ORES Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 581 560 534 574 600 600 581 Australia (i) 60% 514 499 356 484 553 553 514 Total 1,095 1,059 890 1,058 1,153 1,153 1,095 MANGANESE ALLOYS Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 124 125 117 137 93 93 124 Australia (i) 60% 51 65 60 58 54 54 51 Total 175 190 177 195 147 147 175 HOT BRIQUETTED IRON Production ('000 tonnes) Boodarie™ Iron 100% 333 414 465 458 496 496 333 DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS DIAMONDS Production ('000 carats) Ekati™ 80% 954 1,071 1,015 1,300 1,552 1,552 954 ENERGY COAL Production ('000 tonnes) South Africa 100% 13,838 13,333 13,256 13,812 13,782 13,782 13,838 USA 100% 2,800 4,339 3,147 3,877 3,582 3,582 2,800 Australia 100% 1,244 1,234 1,922 2,041 1,756 1,756 1,244 Indonesia (j) 80% 216 29 28 - - - 216 Colombia 33% 1,231 1,713 1,382 2,261 2,036 2,036 1,231 Total 19,329 20,648 19,735 21,991 21,156 21,156 19,329 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS NICKEL Production ('000 tonnes) CMSA 99.8% 11.7 11.9 11.1 12.2 12.4 12.4 11.7 Yabulu 100% 7.4 7.5 7.5 8.8 8.2 8.2 7.4 Total 19.1 19.4 18.6 21.0 20.6 20.6 19.1 FERROCHROME Saleable production ('000 tonnes) South Africa (i) 60% 238 230 263 259 227 227 238 (a) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal. (b) Sulphide production at Escondida and Tintaya was temporarily reduced in November 2001 and January 2002 respectively due to weak market conditions. Sulphide mining operations recommenced at Tintaya during August 2003. The Escondida Phase IV expansion was commissioned in October 2002. Commercial production of copper cathode commenced at Tintaya in June 2002. (c) BHP Billiton announced the sale of its interest in Alumbrera in March 2003. The sale transaction reached closure in June 2003. (d) Production ceased, ahead of mine closure, in February 2003. (e) Includes bulk sample production from Area C prior to May 2003. (f) Production commenced in May 2003. (g) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (h) Shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest. (i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. (j) Production shown on 86.5% basis after allowing for Indonesian state owned corporation's 13.5% share of production. Mining operations at Petangis ceased in October 2002. PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 PETROLEUM BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated. CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE ('000 barrels) Bass Strait 6,799 5,799 5,391 5,643 5,872 5,872 6,799 North West Shelf - condensate 1,602 1,510 1,566 1,560 1,491 1,491 1,602 North West Shelf - Wanaea/Cossack 1,876 1,655 1,679 1,606 1,604 1,604 1,876 Laminaria 2,914 1,869 1,419 1,161 1,151 1,151 2,914 Griffin 1,281 1,089 831 708 742 742 1,281 Pakistan 18 17 16 14 53 53 18 Typhoon/Boris (a) 1,233 654 852 1,430 1,214 1,214 1,233 Americas 718 652 816 715 608 608 718 Liverpool Bay 1,838 2,463 2,174 2,344 2,324 2,324 1,838 Bruce/Keith 271 690 566 454 453 453 271 Total 18,550 16,398 15,310 15,635 15,512 15,512 18,550 NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) Bass Strait 33.07 21.07 17.51 25.37 33.04 33.04 33.07 North West Shelf - Domestic 3.62 3.82 3.81 4.07 3.99 3.99 3.62 North West Shelf - LNG 16.55 14.93 15.11 15.41 16.74 16.74 16.55 Griffin 0.95 1.03 0.81 0.81 0.96 0.96 0.95 Pakistan 2.83 2.76 2.57 2.33 7.86 7.86 2.83 Typhoon/Boris (a) 1.38 0.71 2.03 2.03 1.58 1.58 1.38 Americas 3.91 3.80 3.34 3.42 3.25 3.25 3.91 Bruce 4.59 10.55 10.04 8.17 8.77 8.77 4.59 Keith 0.07 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.11 0.11 0.07 Liverpool Bay 4.89 10.59 11.62 11.16 8.89 8.89 4.89 Total 71.86 69.41 66.99 72.91 85.19 85.19 71.86 LPG ('000 tonnes) Bass Strait 149.66 115.23 111.74 135.18 150.19 150.19 149.66 North West Shelf 36.32 31.04 32.67 32.39 34.21 34.21 36.32 Bruce 22.45 20.47 15.10 37.24 14.12 14.12 22.45 Keith 0.53 1.23 1.11 0.76 0.81 0.81 0.53 Total 208.96 167.97 160.62 205.57 199.33 199.33 208.96 ETHANE ('000 tonnes) 27.67 19.91 22.35 24.97 27.32 27.32 27.67 TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 33.1 30.0 28.4 30.3 32.1 32.1 33.1 (million barrels of oil equivalent) (b) (a) Boris commenced production in February 2003. (b) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions 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 QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 ALUMINIUM BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) ALUMINA Production Worsley, Australia 698 662 658 724 699 699 698 Paranam, Suriname 221 213 222 223 227 227 221 Alumar, Brazil 112 123 123 113 127 127 112 Total 1,031 998 1,003 1,060 1,053 1,053 1,031 Sales Worsley, Australia 758 606 751 636 697 697 758 Paranam, Suriname 253 201 243 228 221 221 253 Alumar, Brazil 130 125 124 107 120 120 130 Total 1,141 932 1,118 971 1,038 1,038 1,141 ALUMINIUM Production Hillside, South Africa 135 134 133 132 135 135 135 Bayside, South Africa 46 45 48 46 47 47 46 Alumar, Brazil 44 44 45 45 31 31 44 Valesul, Brazil 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 Mozal, Mozambique 32 32 31 39 58 58 32 Total 268 266 267 273 282 282 268 Sales Hillside, South Africa 124 135 133 143 134 134 124 Bayside, South Africa 47 45 48 48 54 54 47 Alumar, Brazil 38 52 38 51 38 38 38 Valesul, Brazil 9 12 9 10 11 11 9 Mozal, Mozambique 27 35 33 41 61 61 27 Total 245 279 261 293 298 298 245 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 BASE METALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated. Escondida, Chile (a) Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 74,671 74,303 73,466 74,665 69,342 69,342 74,671 Sulphide ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 10,142 14,632 16,744 16,416 18,888 18,888 10,142 Average copper grade (%) 1.45% 1.59% 1.49% 1.62% 1.33% 1.33% 1.45% Production ex Mill (100%) ('000 tonnes) 125.6 191.8 210.8 230.9 208.2 208.2 125.6 Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 68.4 105.6 118.5 126.6 115.9 115.9 68.4 Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 10,074 15,936 17,458 20,664 25,016 25,016 10,074 Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 17.9 19.1 20.4 21.1 21.4 21.4 17.9 Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 304 387 471 538 561 561 304 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 77.0 104.8 113.5 128.9 116.2 116.2 77.0 Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 11,689 16,709 17,166 20,138 25,335 25,335 11,689 Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 18.1 19.5 19.3 20.3 18.1 18.1 18.1 Payable silver concentrate ('000 ounces) 269 400 484 584 574 574 269 (a) Includes production from the Escondida Phase IV expansion which commissioned in October 2002. Tintaya, Peru (a) (b) Material mined ('000 tonnes) - - - - 4,151 4,151 - Ore milled ('000 tonnes) - - - - - - - Average copper grade (%) - - - - - - - Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) - - - - - - - Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) - - - - - - - Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 8.4 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.0 8.4 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) - - - - - - - Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) - - - - - - - Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 8.0 8.7 8.7 9.5 8.9 8.9 8.0 (a) Sulphide production at Tintaya was temporarily suspended in January 2002 due to weak market conditions. Sulphide mining operations recommenced during August 2003. (b) Commercial production of copper cathode commenced in June 2002. Cerro Colorado, Chile Material mined ('000 tonnes) 17,963 15,027 16,564 16,458 20,332 20,332 17,963 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 3,759 3,942 3,916 4,130 4,346 4,346 3,759 Average copper grade (%) 0.97% 1.03% 1.00% 0.96% 0.99% 0.99% 0.97% Production Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 32.5 33.1 32.5 33.0 33.1 33.1 32.5 Sales Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 27.2 29.1 39.3 31.5 28.9 28.9 27.2 Antamina, Peru Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 30,235 25,797 25,290 28,353 30,174 30,174 30,235 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 6,794 6,395 6,424 6,697 6,018 6,018 6,794 Average head grades - Copper (%) 1.33% 1.41% 1.32% 1.09% 1.17% 1.17% 1.33% - Zinc (%) 1.28% 1.15% 1.54% 1.97% 2.17% 2.17% 1.28% Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 25.7 26.4 23.6 21.2 16.9 16.9 25.7 Payable zinc (tonnes) 18,189 15,424 20,519 28,553 27,933 27,933 18,189 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 536 557 617 517 435 435 536 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.09 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 30.6 25.8 22.4 21.2 18.6 18.6 30.6 Payable zinc (tonnes) 19,184 14,407 15,400 31,034 26,781 26,781 19,184 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 590 530 575 435 420 420 590 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.02 0.17 0.10 0.10 0.01 0.01 0.02 Alumbrera, Argentina (a) Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 29,356 28,730 26,400 - - - 29,356 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 8,034 8,703 8,376 - - - 8,034 Average head grades - Copper (%) 0.62% 0.69% 0.54% - - - 0.62% - Gold (g/t) 0.8 0.9 0.7 - - - 0.8 Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 11.1 13.4 9.9 - - - 11.1 Payable gold (fine ounces) 35,935 42,594 30,730 - - - 35,935 Payable gold - dore (fine ounces) 3,344 4,346 4,354 - - - 3,344 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 53 72 75 - - - 53 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 10.3 13.3 10.8 - - - 10.3 Payable gold (fine ounces) 33,957 42,381 33,438 - - - 33,957 Payable gold - dore (fine ounces) 3,082 4,409 4,159 - - - 3,082 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 53 72 75 - - - 53 (a) BHP Billiton announced the sale of its interest in Alumbrera in March 2003. Participation in the joint venture ceased on 2nd April 2003. Highland Valley, Canada Material mined (100%) ('000 tonnes) 20,455 18,682 16,642 18,186 16,892 16,892 20,455 Ore milled (100%) ('000 tonnes) 12,941 12,924 11,602 12,565 12,261 12,261 12,941 Average copper grade (%) 0.40% 0.39% 0.40% 0.39% 0.40% 0.40% 0.40% Production Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 14.9 14.3 13.2 13.8 14.1 14.1 14.9 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.22 0.25 0.26 0.28 0.30 0.30 0.22 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 162 159 140 143 160 160 162 Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 1,314 1,230 1,114 1,007 1,025 1,025 1,314 Sales Payable copper ('000 tonnes) 14.4 17.5 10.0 10.7 16.7 16.7 14.4 Payable molybdenum ('000 tonnes) 0.19 0.22 0.26 0.23 0.28 0.28 0.19 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 153 189 106 116 177 177 153 Payable gold concentrate (fine ounces) 1,240 1,644 843 793 1,505 1,505 1,240 Cannington, Australia Material mined ('000 tonnes) 631 573 601 588 637 637 631 Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 599 564 589 560 589 589 599 Average head grades - Silver (g/t) 564 535 550 525 564 564 564 - Lead (%) 11.7% 11.9% 11.8% 12.1% 11.5% 11.5% 11.7% - Zinc (%) 4.3% 4.3% 4.3% 5.3% 4.0% 4.0% 4.3% Production Payable silver ('000 ounces) 9,612 8,326 8,773 8,161 9,177 9,177 9,612 Payable lead (tonnes) 61,676 57,651 58,711 59,389 59,364 59,364 61,676 Payable zinc (tonnes) 15,182 14,721 15,480 18,479 14,850 14,850 15,182 Sales Payable silver ('000 ounces) 9,401 9,081 8,956 8,412 6,765 6,765 9,401 Payable lead (tonnes) 59,856 62,735 57,961 58,742 43,953 43,953 59,856 Payable zinc (tonnes) 12,077 14,849 18,056 13,288 16,223 16,223 12,077 Selbaie, Canada Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 1,049 999 919 982 858 858 1,049 Average head grades - Zinc (%) 1.37% 1.09% 1.11% 1.18% 1.13% 1.13% 1.37% - Copper (%) 0.33% 0.28% 0.25% 0.24% 0.25% 0.25% 0.33% - Gold (g/t) 0.23 0.25 0.23 0.23 0.22 0.22 0.23 - Silver (g/t) 35.10 22.75 22.15 20.62 22.38 22.38 35.10 Production Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,840 6,540 6,421 7,364 6,311 6,311 9,840 Payable copper (tonnes) 2,789 2,111 1,654 1,768 1,606 1,606 2,789 Payable gold concentrate (ounces) 4,486 5,069 4,146 4,081 3,129 3,129 4,486 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 593 369 279 284 263 263 593 Sales Payable zinc (tonnes) 9,861 7,245 6,649 6,812 6,209 6,209 9,861 Payable copper (tonnes) 2,823 2,107 2,751 1,612 1,918 1,918 2,823 Payable gold concentrate (ounces) 5,932 3,082 5,508 4,280 4,384 4,384 5,932 Payable silver ('000 ounces) 527 478 444 355 292 292 527 Pering, South Africa (a) Ore milled ('000 tonnes) 320 288 151 - - - 320 Average head grades - Zinc (%) 2.21% 3.34% 3.47% - - - 2.21% - Lead (%) 0.66% 0.40% 0.33% - - - 0.66% Production Payable zinc (tonnes) 5,331 7,430 4,335 - - - 5,331 Payable lead (tonnes) 1,567 694 354 - - - 1,567 Sales Payable zinc (tonnes) 3,701 6,179 5,343 4,466 - - 3,701 Payable lead (tonnes) 1,367 1,327 995 117 - - 1,367 (a) Production ceased, ahead of mine closure, in February 2003. Pinto Valley, USA Production Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.8 Sales Copper cathode (SXEW) ('000 tonnes) 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.7 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 CARBON STEEL MATERIALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) IRON ORE (a) Pilbara, Australia Production Mt Newman Joint Venture 5,486 5,287 4,964 6,221 6,639 6,639 5,486 Goldsworthy Joint Venture (b) 1,891 1,808 1,497 1,497 1,633 1,633 1,891 Area C Joint Venture (c) - - - 19 341 341 - Yandi Joint Venture 7,796 8,187 7,452 8,353 8,679 8,679 7,796 Jimblebar 1,433 1,186 1,371 1,428 1,622 1,622 1,433 Total (BHP Billiton share) 16,606 16,468 15,284 17,518 18,914 18,914 16,606 Total production (100%) 19,284 19,165 17,739 20,359 21,965 21,965 19,284 Shipments Lump 4,335 4,290 4,352 4,193 4,898 4,898 4,335 Fines 11,842 13,896 12,144 13,187 13,334 13,334 11,842 Total (BHP Billiton share) 16,177 18,186 16,496 17,380 18,232 18,232 16,177 Total shipments (100%) 19,033 21,396 19,407 20,448 21,450 21,450 19,033 (a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis. (b) Includes bulk sample production from Area C prior to May 2003. (c) Mining commenced in May 2003. Samarco, Brazil Production 2,022 1,979 1,953 1,902 2,008 2,008 2,022 Shipments 2,034 2,004 2,049 2,153 2,013 2,013 2,034 METALLURGICAL COAL (a) Queensland, Australia Production BMA Blackwater 1,633 1,603 1,668 1,937 1,578 1,578 1,633 Goonyella 734 812 1,191 1,075 994 994 734 Peak Downs 789 757 1,009 1,076 1,004 1,004 789 Saraji 427 629 599 666 747 747 427 Norwich Park 573 451 610 527 524 524 573 South Blackwater - - - - - - - Gregory Joint Venture 496 780 761 488 744 744 496 BMA total 4,652 5,032 5,838 5,769 5,591 5,591 4,652 BHP Mitsui Coal (b) Riverside 927 400 300 1,014 969 969 927 South Walker Creek 936 1,072 900 1,019 957 957 936 BHP Mitsui Coal total 1,863 1,472 1,200 2,033 1,926 1,926 1,863 Queensland total 6,515 6,504 7,038 7,802 7,517 7,517 6,515 Shipments Coking coal 4,165 4,034 4,707 4,395 4,838 4,838 4,165 Weak coking coal 1,739 1,503 1,569 1,525 1,617 1,617 1,739 Thermal coal 1,022 800 852 943 801 801 1,022 Total 6,926 6,337 7,128 6,863 7,256 7,256 6,926 (a) Coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal. (b) BHP Mitsui Coal production shown on 100% basis before 20% outside equity interest. Illawarra, Australia Production 2,135 1,886 1,518 1,224 1,582 1,582 2,135 Shipments Coking coal 1,515 1,900 1,611 1,571 1,513 1,513 1,515 Thermal coal 134 95 242 179 91 91 134 Total 1,649 1,995 1,853 1,750 1,604 1,604 1,649 MANGANESE ORES South Africa Saleable production (a) 581 560 534 574 600 600 581 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. Australia Saleable production (a) 514 499 356 484 553 553 514 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. MANGANESE ALLOYS South Africa Saleable production (a) 124 125 117 137 93 93 124 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. Australia Saleable production (a) 51 65 60 58 54 54 51 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. HOT BRIQUETTED IRON Boodarie™ Iron, Australia Production 333 414 465 458 496 496 333 Shipments 202 464 416 487 435 435 202 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. DIAMONDS Ekati™, Canada Ore Processed (100%) ('000 tonnes) 996 1,045 1,087 1,182 1,064 1,064 996 Production ('000 carats) 954 1,071 1,015 1,300 1,552 1,552 954 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 ENERGY COAL BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) Ingwe, South Africa Production 13,838 13,333 13,256 13,812 13,782 13,782 13,838 Sales Export 5,648 6,609 5,696 6,339 5,274 5,274 5,648 Local utility 7,836 7,263 7,160 7,926 8,215 8,215 7,836 Inland 471 412 340 337 338 338 471 Total 13,955 14,284 13,196 14,602 13,827 13,827 13,955 New Mexico, USA Production Navajo Coal 1,602 2,154 1,797 2,497 2,262 2,262 1,602 San Juan Coal (a) 1,198 2,185 1,350 1,380 1,320 1,320 1,198 Total 2,800 4,339 3,147 3,877 3,582 3,582 2,800 Sales - local utility 3,546 3,348 3,316 3,643 3,713 3,713 3,546 (a) Includes production from longwall operations which commenced at San Juan in October 2002. Hunter Valley, Australia Production 1,244 1,234 1,922 2,041 1,756 1,756 1,244 Sales Export 783 881 1,036 1,301 952 952 783 Inland 366 276 704 1,285 873 873 366 Total 1,149 1,157 1,740 2,586 1,825 1,825 1,149 Kalimantan, Indonesia Production (a) Petangis (b) 216 29 28 - - - 216 Total 216 29 28 - - - 216 Sales - export 189 49 56 - - - 189 (a) Reported on 86.5% basis after allowing for the Indonesian state-owned corporation's 13.5% share of all production. (b) Mining operations at Petangis ceased in October 2002. Cerrejon Coal, Colombia Production 1,231 1,713 1,382 2,261 2,036 2,036 1,231 Sales - export 1,246 1,851 1,971 2,247 1,966 1,966 1,246 PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT QUARTER ENDED QUARTER ENDED SEPT DEC MARCH JUNE SEPT SEPT SEPT 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. ('000 tonnes) NICKEL CMSA, Colombia Production 11.7 11.9 11.1 12.2 12.4 12.4 11.7 Sales 10.5 12.8 10.3 13.5 11.1 11.1 10.5 Yabulu, Australia Production Nickel 7.4 7.5 7.5 8.8 8.2 8.2 7.4 Cobalt 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 Sales Nickel 7.1 8.3 8.1 9.5 7.8 7.8 7.1 Cobalt 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 FERROCHROME South Africa Saleable production (a) 238 230 263 259 227 227 238 (a) Shown on 100% basis, BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%. BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
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 Karen Wood
Form 20-F
X
Form 40-F
Yes
No
X
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER
2003
Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 408 313 259
email: Andrew.W.Nairn@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +44 20 7802 4156
email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +61 3 9609 3815 Mobile: +61 419 152 780
email: Tania.Price@bhpbilliton.com
Francis McAllister, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 961 8625 Mobile: +1 713 480 3699
email: Francis.R.McAllister@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +44 20 7802 4177
email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com
Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +27 11 376 3360 Mobile: +27 82 458 2587
email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com
Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015
Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111
/s/ KAREN WOOD
_____________________
Title: Company Secretary
Date:
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