BHP Billiton announced today that it will recognise a provision in the range of US$1.1 billion to US$1.3 billion, which is approximately equivalent to a 50 per cent share of the current estimate of Samarco’s funding obligations under the terms of the Framework Agreement (Agreement) entered into on 2 March 2016. This reflects the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the nature and timing of a potential restart of Samarco’s operations. The associated income statement charge will be recognised as an exceptional item in the June 2016 half-year, together with direct costs of approximately US$100 million (post tax).

Samarco and its shareholders continue to believe that the Agreement provides an effective long-term framework to remediate and compensate for the impacts of the Samarco dam failure. The Foundation provided for under the Agreement has been established to deliver the socioeconomic and environmental programs outlined in the Agreement.

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mackenzie said: “The recognition of the provision demonstrates our support for the long-term recovery of the communities and environment affected by the Samarco tragedy and the belief we have that the Agreement is the most appropriate mechanism to do this.”

The BHP Billiton Board of Directors also approved US$134 million to support the Foundation to allow the continuation of reparatory and compensatory programs. This amount will be offset against the provision recognised today.

A further short-term facility of up to US$116 million is being made available to Samarco to carry out remediation and stabilisation work and to support Samarco’s operations. Funds will be released to Samarco only as required and subject to the achievement of key milestones.

The short-term facility announced today will preserve the value of BHP Billiton’s investment while we continue to monitor developments. The safe restart of the Samarco operations remains an important priority, along with the restructure of Samarco’s debt.

Note:

Samarco Mineração S.A is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil LTDA and Vale S.A. Our 50 per cent interest is accounted for as an equity accounted investment.

On 2 March 2016, Samarco Mineração S.A (Samarco), Vale S.A (Vale) and BHP Billiton Brasil LTDA (BHP Billiton Brasil) entered into an agreement with the Federal Government of Brazil, the States of Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other public authorities (Brazilian Authorities) (Agreement). The Agreement provides for settlement of claims brought by the Brazilian Authorities on 30 November 2015 seeking the establishment of a fund for clean-up costs and impacts relating to the Fundão tailings dam failure on 5 November 2015. The Agreement provides for the restoration of the environment and communities affected by the Samarco dam failure. On 5 May 2016, the Agreement was ratified by the Federal Court of Appeal in Brasilia.

On 3 May 2016, the Federal Prosecution Office commenced proceedings against Samarco, Vale and BHP Billiton Brasil for BRL155 billion for social, environmental and economic compensation relating to the Samarco dam failure. Also, on 9 June 2016 the Federal Prosecution Office appealed the ratification of the Agreement. On 30 June 2016, the Superior Court of Justice in Brazil, in the case initiated by Brazilian Authorities, issued an interim order suspending the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal to ratify the Agreement. On 14 July 2016 BHP Billiton Brasil filed an appeal against the latter decision before the Superior Court of Justice.

This announcement contains inside information.

See our Media Release for more information.