Number 11/03

BHP Billiton today announced its intention to issue an inaugural global bond. The Company is looking to raise US$750 million with a maturity of 10 years, the proceeds of which will be used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes. The bonds, to be raised in US$, have been registered with the SEC and application will be made for the listing of the bonds on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The issuer of the notes will be BHP Billiton Finance (USA) Ltd and the notes will be guaranteed by BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited. BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited are both rated by Standard & Poor's as A (positive outlook) and by Moody's as A2 (stable outlook).

The joint book runners for the issue are Citigroup and J.P. Morgan.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

Australia
Andrew Nairn, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3952  Mobile: +61 408 313 259
email: Andrew.W.Nairn@bhpbilliton.com

Tracey Whitehead, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 4202  Mobile: +61 419 404 978
email: Tracey.Whitehead@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom
Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4156  Mobile: +44 7769 934 942
email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com

South Africa
Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +27 11 376 3360  Mobile: +27 82 458 2587
email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Francis McAllister, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 961 8625  Mobile: +1 713 480 3699
email: Francis.R.McAllister@bhpbilliton.com