Number 07/04

BHP Billiton today announced the approval of a significant brownfields expansion project in its Western Australian iron ore business.

Capacity at the Pilbara iron ore operations will be increased from 100 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 110Mtpa by the end of CY2004. The capital cost for the project is expected to be US$111 million (BHPB share US$94.5 million).

President Carbon Steel Materials Bob Kirkby said: “BHP Billiton is currently completing studies for further long term expansions of its Western Australian iron ore business.

“In the interim, this project will ensure that BHP Billiton continues to meet the unprecedented rate of growth in demand for iron ore through a timely and capital efficient expansion,” he said.

The BHP Billiton Iron Ore Rapid Growth Project will be completed on the back of infrastructure and equipment installed as part of the Area C and PACE projects and includes increased Area C plant capacity to 23Mtpa plus additional rail and port capacity.

Further information please contact:

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

Tania Price, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3815  Mobile: +61 419 152 780
email: Tania.Price@bhpbilliton.com

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

Ariane Gentil, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4177  Mobile: +44 78 81 51 8715
email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com

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