Number 31/08

BHP Billiton is disappointed by today's High Court decision on the definition of ‘production process’ in relation to third party access to BHP Billiton’s rail lines in the Pilbara, Western Australia. BHP Billiton notes that a separate proceeding is underway in the Australian Competition Tribunal that will determine whether the use of the Mt Newman rail line should be 'declared' open access under Part IIIA of the Trade Practices Act.

BHP Billiton President of Iron Ore, Ian Ashby, commented:

"We believe our West Australian integrated mine, rail and port operations are amongst the most efficient in the world. In the current fiscal year alone, these operations are expected to deliver 137 million tonnes of iron ore* to customers all over the world and are running at full capacity."

"We continue to believe there are better, more efficient solutions available, including rail haulage and other commercial arrangements, such as mine gate sales."

* 100% terms. BHP Billiton's attributable share of iron ore production at WAIO is approximately 85%.

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

Peter Ogden, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2812  Mobile: +61 428 599 190
email: Peter.Ogden@bhpbilliton.com

Leng Lau, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 4202  Mobile: +61 403 533 706
email: Leng.Y.Lau @bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom & South Africa
Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131  Mobile: +44 7920 236 974
email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com

Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4195  Mobile: +44 7920 237 246
email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com

Ruban Yogarajah, Media Relations
Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033
Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com