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Market:	LSE ASX JSE NYSE
Sector:	General Mining
EPIC:	BLT
Latest Price:	2,139.50 (-1.86% )
52-week High:	2,631.50
52-week Low:	1,667.00
Market Cap:	45,187.80M

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BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP) is a global leader in the resources industry, with a diversified portfolio of natural resources. The company's operations include: iron ore, coking and thermal coal, copper, zinc, oil & gas and diamonds.

BHP Billiton expects uncertain market conditions to continue

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

BHP Billiton PLC (LSE: BLT) said it expects market conditions to remain uncertain in the medium term and warned that output from its Escondida copper mine in the current year is expected to drop 30 percent from last year due to operational issues.

In a production report covering the nine months to March 31 2009, the company said oparations at Escondida, the world’s largest copper mine in which it holds a majority interest, continued to be impacted by lower ore grade and reduced production from milling operations.

It expects the issues affecting the Laguna Seca SAG mill at Escondida to be resolved during the September 2009 quarter.

“Consistent with the way we have managed our business to date, all our operations will remain under review. We will continue to take appropriate actions in any business that is cash negative and set to remain so, or where there is lack of demand,” BHP Billiton said.

Against a backdrop of weak demand, the company achieved sound operational results, it said, albeit with lower production compared to the December 2008 quarter. This quarter's production reflects actions in response to the challenging market conditions. These actions include previously announced production curtailments in Samarco, Samancor Manganese and across BHP Billiton’s metallurgical coal operations.

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