BHP Billiton production report

BHP Billiton announced its production report for the quarter ended 30 September 2012. The company has highlighted the following:

The release of latent capacity and robust operating performance across our diversified portfolio continues to underpin strong growth in our high margin businesses.

Petroleum production averaged a record 666 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day during the September 2012 quarter as the Atlantis and Mad Dog facilities in the Gulf of Mexico successfully recommenced production.

Queensland Coal volumes rose by 20% during the September 2012 quarter as BMA production increased to over 80% of supply chain capacity

Western Australia Iron Ore achieved another significant milestone with first ore loaded from the two recently installed shiploaders at Nelson Point as part of the Inner Harbour Expansion project.

Escondida copper production remains on track to increase by 20% in the 2013 financial year following the completion of scheduled maintenance and tie-in activities in the September 2012 quarter.