BHP Billiton today advised that the Minister for State Development, the Hon. Clive Brown, has announced the terms of reference for an Inquiry into the health and safety practices at the company’s Pilbara iron ore operations and the Boodarie Iron hot briquetted iron plant.

President BHP Billiton Iron Ore Graeme Hunt said that the company was fully committed to reviewing its health and safety systems and/or compliance to help prevent a repeat of the tragic accidents at its Pilbara operations in May.

“The safety of our employees and contractors is our highest priority and will always take precedence over production,” he said.

“It goes without saying that we will do all that is necessary to cooperate with the Inquiry.”

The Minister has appointed a respected barrister, Mr Mark Ritter, to conduct the Inquiry.  He will invite submissions from a broad range of stakeholders including employees, contractors and unions.  All submissions will be confidential.

The specific accidents which occurred at BHP Billiton iron ore operations and the Boodarie Iron plant in May 2004 will not be considered as part of the Inquiry due to the fact they are the subject of separate, detailed investigations by the Western Australian Department of Industry and Resources under its Mine Safety Inspection Act.

No date has yet been set for the commencement of the Inquiry, which is expected to take up to three months from when the Inquirer is appointed.