IRON ORE PRODUCTION – BHP Billiton approves Australian expansion

WESTERN AUSTRALIA - BHP BILLITON of Melbourne has approved expansion of its iron ore production facilities in the Pilbara region to 155 million t/y. The companys share of the costs is US$1.85 billion for development of a new crushing and screening plant, train loading/unloading facilities and infrastructure upgrades, plus rail and port updates.

Over the past four years, the companys iron ore operations in Australia have increased capacity by 60 million t/y. BHP Billiton owns between 80% and 100% of five iron ore producers in Western Australia. Additional information is available at www.ironnore.BHPBilliton.com.