Number 05/09

BHP Billiton announced today that it has priced a two tranche Global Bond under its debt
shelf registration statement, which has been previously filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission.

The Global Bond comprises US$1,500 million 5.5% Senior Notes due 2014 and US$1,750
million 6.5% Senior Notes due 2019.

The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

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 jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation
or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any
such jurisdiction. Offers and sales will only be made pursuant to a written prospectus and
prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained from the joint book runners,
Barclays Capital, 745 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019; Citigroup Global Markets Inc.,
388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013; and Goldman Sachs & Co., 85 Broad Street,
20thFloor, New York, NY 10004.