BHP Billiton has reported to the South Australian police the discovery last night of a box of uranium oxide samples at the Olympic Dam Village, just outside the company’s special mining lease at Olympic Dam in South Australia.

The matter was also reported immediately to South Australian and Commonwealth Government authorities.

Radiation measurements taken on discovery of the samples confirmed levels near natural background and that the samples would not constitute any health risk to members of the public.

Inquiries are underway to identify the person or persons responsible. The samples are being held in a secure location pending forensic investigation by the police.

For further information please contact:

Australia
Samantha Evans, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898  Mobile: +61 400 693 915
email: Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com