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Australia

BHP Billiton Approves Worsley Expansion Project

On May 1, 2008 BHP Billiton announced approval for the Efficiency and Growth expansion project at Worsley Alumina in Western Australia for an estimated capital investment of USD 1.9 billion (approx. EUR 1.22 billion). This includes approximately USD 70 million (approx. EUR 45 million) of sustaining capital.

The expansion project will lift capacity of the Worsley refinery from 3.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of alumina to 4.6 Mtpa (100 % capacity) through expanded mining operations, additional refinery capacity and upgraded port facilities. The construction phase will start immediately and first production is expected in the first half of 2011.

BHP Billiton Aluminium President Jon Dudas said, “Worsley is one of the largest, lowest cost and most efficient alumina refineries in the world. This decision to invest in further production capacity underlines our confidence in the future of the alumina market. It also reflects our confidence in Worsley Alumina’s ability to continue its excellent track record of production growth”.

Worsley Alumina is a Joint Venture partnership between BHP Billiton (86%), Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) (10%) and Sojitz Alumina (4%).