BHP Billiton notes the statement by the Ministerio Público Federal of Brazil (Federal Prosecutors Office) that it has filed criminal charges before the Federal Courts of Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais, against BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda. (BHP Billiton Brasil) and certain employees and former employees of BHP Billiton (Affected Individuals).

We are yet to receive formal notification of these proceedings.

BHP Billiton Brasil rejects outright the charges against the company and the Affected Individuals. We will defend the charges against the company, and fully support each of the Affected Individuals in their defence of the charges against them.