BHP Billiton: strong growth in the first three quarters of fiscal year 2021 WAIO, Escondida copper production sets a new record

The production of (WAIO) at the Western Australian Iron Mine and the production of the (Escondida) copper concentrator in Escondida are both record.

In fiscal year 2021, the oil and iron ore production guidance remained unchanged, the copper production guidance range benefited from the higher-than-expected strong production of (Escondida) at Escondida Copper Mine to between 153.5 and 1.66 million tons, and the coking coal production guidance was lowered to between 3900 and 41 million tons due to severe wet weather in the December and March quarters of 2020 and March 2021. The thermal coal production guidance target fell to between 1800 and 20 million tons due to the significant weather impact of the New South Wales power coal mine (NSWEC) and lower-than-expected Cerrej ó n production.

In fiscal year 2021, the full-year unit cost target for Oil and Western Australian Iron Mine (WAIO) remained unchanged (benchmark exchange rates A $1 = US $0.70 and US $1 = 769 Chilean pesos). The unit cost target range of the Eskondida copper mine (Escondida) was reduced to $0.95-$1.10 / lb due to strong production and reduced deferred stripping costs. The Queensland mine's unit cost target range rose to between $74 and $78 a tonne due to lower-than-expected full-year production.

The West Barracouta gas field project in the Strait of Bath was successfully put into production in April 2021 as planned. The group's major construction projects are progressing steadily as planned. The Ruby project in Trinidad and Tobago is ahead of schedule and is scheduled to start production in May 2021. The construction of the Nanpo Iron Mine (South Flank) project is progressing smoothly, and the preparations for commissioning in the June quarter of 2021 are progressing steadily according to the original plan, and the project as a whole is expected to be put into operation in the calendar year 2021 as scheduled. The work related to the first phase of the Jansen potash project is progressing steadily and continues to prepare for the final investment decision of the board of directors in 2021.

Group production in terms of copper production declined slightly in the nine months to March 31, 2021. The strong operating performance during the period was offset by unfavorable factors such as planned maintenance, natural decline in oil field production, decline in copper grade and bad weather.

Han Murui (Mike Henry), chief executive of BHP Billiton, said: "during the quarter, the group continued to maintain strong momentum in terms of production safety and operating results, with production at the Western Australian Iron Mine, the Goonyella Riverside coking coal mine in Queensland and Escondida Copper Mine in Chile all reaching new annual highs."

"We are steadily moving forward with major construction projects to increase the supply of copper, oil and iron ore products. The Spencer copper expansion projects (Spence Growth Option) and Samako (Samarco) in Brazil are continuing to increase production; in terms of oil and gas, the, West Barracouta gas field began production this month, and the Ruby oil project is expected to start production in the next few weeks; and the construction of the (South Flank) project at the Nanpo mine is progressing smoothly, with an increase in iron ore grade and lump ore ratio, and the mine is expected to start production smoothly in the middle of the year. "

BHP Billiton is making steady progress towards a low-carbon future around the goal of the Paris Agreement. The group has reached a partnership with two large Chinese and Japanese steelmakers to promote low-carbon emissions reduction in the steel industry, which accounts for about 10 per cent of global steel production. In the shipping sector, the Group announced last year the first iron ore carrier leasing project fueled by liquefied natural gas, and not long ago, we successfully completed the first marine biofuel filling trial operation of the ship. In terms of reducing emissions from our own operations, we have signed a number of major agreements for renewable energy power supply for the Quinana Nickel smelter, Queensland Coal Mine, Escondida Copper Mine and Spencer Copper Mine. "

"We are unswervingly focused on ensuring employee safety, reducing costs and improving productivity. BHP Billiton maintains good momentum, has the ability to achieve strong full-year results, and continues to provide indispensable resource security for the world."