BHP BILLITON RESULTS FOR THE HALF-YEAR Ended 31 DECEMBER 2011

§ Strong financial results with Underlying EBITDA(1) up 8% to US$18.7 billion and Underlying EBIT(1)(2) up 6% to US$15.7 billion. Attributable profit down 6% and Attributable profit excluding exceptional items(3) down 7% to US$9.9 billion.

§ Underlying EBIT margin(4) remained in excess of 40% despite significant volatility across many of our core markets while Underlying return on capital was 28%.

§ Record production for two commodities and six operations.

§ Robust operating cash flow(5) of US$12.3 billion and a rigorous project approvals process underpin our fundamental commitment to a solid A credit rating.

§ Gearing increased to 25% following the successful acquisition of Petrohawk Energy Corporation. We will continue to focus efforts on the most productive areas of our high quality Onshore US acreage as we strive to maximise economic returns from our investment program.

§ Interim dividend of 55 US cents per share, up 20%.

The financial report on pages 19 to 46 is prepared in accordance with IFRS. This news release including the financial report is unaudited. Refer to page 15 for footnotes, including explanations of the non-IFRS measures used in this announcement. Variance analysis relates to the relative financial and/or production performance of BHP Billiton and/or its operations during the December 2011 half year compared with the December 2010 half year, unless otherwise noted.

RESULTS FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011

Strong financial results

BHP Billiton's diversified portfolio of world class minerals and energy assets delivered another strong set of financial results. Underlying EBITDA for the December 2011 half year increased by eight per cent to US$18.7 billion while the Group's Underlying EBIT margin remained in excess of 40 per cent despite significant volatility across many of BHP Billiton's core markets. Underlying return on capital remained at the robust level of 28 per cent. The substantial rebasing of the company's progressive dividend at the end of the 2011 financial year facilitated a 20 per cent increase in the interim dividend to 55 US cents per share.

Record Western Australia Iron Ore production and stronger bulk commodity and petroleum product prices were the major catalysts for the six per cent increase in Underlying EBIT. A series of operational challenges did, however, constrain margins across the broader portfolio as the temporary reduction in production at leading businesses such as Escondida (Chile) and Queensland Coal (Australia) further exacerbated underlying cost pressure.

Flexibility and focus

Importantly, those same challenges provide us with a significant opportunity as the release of latent capacity across a number of our major businesses is expected to underpin strong, positive momentum in the short to medium term. As an example, Escondida copper production is expected to increase substantially from the annualised rate recorded in the December 2011 half year as mining operations progress towards the remaining higher grade ore in the main pit.

Similarly, we retain significant flexibility within our extensive investment pipeline. In that regard, we will intensify our focus on businesses where a sustainable competitive advantage exists and superior investment returns can be generated. Our growth projects in execution now exceed US$27 billion(6).

Robust operating cash flow of US$12.3 billion in the December 2011 half year and our rigorous project approvals process underpin our fundamental commitment to a solid A credit rating. Portfolio management will also remain an integral component of our overarching strategy, consistent with our commitment to maintain a simple and scalable organisation.

Prioritising development of the liquids rich Eagle Ford shale

BHP Billiton's net gearing ratio increased to 25 per cent in the December 2011 half year following our successful acquisition of Petrohawk Energy Corporation. We are pleased to report that the majority of Petrohawk's highly skilled operating team have been retained with the strong production results for the December 2011 quarter a testament to the smooth nature of the transition process.

Onshore US drilling and development expenditure totalled US$1.3 billion during the December 2011 half year. In the current environment of depressed gas prices, we will continue to focus our efforts on the most productive areas of our high quality acreage as we strive to maximise the economic returns from our investment program. The development of the liquids rich Eagle Ford shale and our exploration activity within the Permian Basin is a priority and is expected to underpin an increase in the valuable liquids contribution to 20 per cent of total Onshore US production by the end of the 2015 financial year.

Outlook

Economic outlook

The first half of the 2012 financial year had its challenges in terms of global economic growth reflecting continued difficulties in Europe and slowing levels of activity in the high growth economies of China and India. Two bright spots were the United States, which saw stronger growth on the back of robust performance in the manufacturing sector, and Japan, which saw a rebound in activity following the impacts of the March 2011 tsunami.

Barring an acceleration of activity in the United States housing market, both of these developed economies are likely to see modest growth in the coming quarters as the challenging global economic environment and generally weak consumer confidence is expected to weigh on underlying activity. Our base case is a protracted recovery for the developed world with the disorderly unwinding of European government debt remaining one of the key downside risks.

In China, after an extended period of policy tightening, the expected slowdown in fixed asset investment and industrial production is now occurring. As a result, growth rates are weaker although there is evidence that monetary policy is becoming more accommodating. Providing there are no large external shocks, it is expected that China will pursue targeted, albeit moderate measures to support balanced growth in its economy. While Indian growth contracted more quickly than anticipated as inflation forced policy makers to tighten aggressively, inflation has started to slow, which in time is expected to increase the scope for the relaxation of monetary policy.

In the longer term, we remain positive on the outlook for the global economy as the drivers of urbanisation and industrialisation in China, India and other emerging economies are expected to underpin global growth and robust commodities demand.

Commodities outlook

Prices for many of BHP Billiton's products declined during the latter part of the 2011 calendar year as concerns surrounding broader European liquidity culminated in a general deterioration in commodities demand. We expect volatility in commodity markets to persist as the European sovereign debt crisis and general weakness in the manufacturing and construction sectors across key markets are expected to weigh on customer behaviour and sentiment.

However, we expect underlying demand growth rates to remain robust, so long as the macroeconomic policy setting of the developing world retains a growth bias. Of the commodities, copper and iron ore are expected to remain supported by their compelling supply-demand fundamentals while the structural shift in Chinese demand for metallurgical coal remains well entrenched. Geopolitical factors are once again likely to influence crude oil pricing. In contrast, the outlook for the aluminium, nickel and manganese alloy industries remains challenging and has led to significant margin compression for most producers, almost irrespective of their position on the various global cost curves.

In the longer term, we expect the rate of growth in steelmaking raw materials demand, particularly in China, to decelerate as underlying economic growth rates revert to a more sustainable level. Slowing activity in the steel intensive construction and infrastructure sectors is, however, expected to be partially offset by robust growth in consumption related sectors such as machinery and transportation, thereby supporting the fundamentals for iron ore and metallurgical coal. More broadly, higher cost sources of new supply will be required in an expanding market which, in turn, are expected to support long run margins for the incumbent low cost producers such as BHP Billiton.

Development projects

BHP Billiton approved five major projects during the December 2011 half year for a total investment commitment of US$4.0 billion (BHP Billiton share). Significant growth projects in the Metallurgical Coal and Energy Coal businesses moved into execution while pre-commitment expenditure of US$1.2 billion for the first phase of the Olympic Dam Project (Australia) was activated following environmental approval by the Government of South Australia and the Commonwealth, and the successful passage of the Indenture agreement through the South Australian Parliament. Subsequent to period end, BHP Billiton also announced the approval of US$779 million (BHP Billiton share) in pre-commitment funding for the first phase of the Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) Outer Harbour Development. Our growth projects in execution now exceed US$27 billion(6), of which US$17 billion was yet to be invested as at 31 December 2011.

Two major projects were completed in the six month period: WAIO Rapid Growth Project 5 (RGP5) and the North West Shelf CWLH Life Extension project (Australia).

Projects completed during the December 2011 half year

(i) All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton's share unless noted otherwise. All references to capacity are 100 per cent unless noted otherwise.

(ii) References are based on calendar years.

(iii) Number subject to finalisation.

(iv) Consistent with the revised scope of the iron ore development sequence.

Projects approved during the December 2011 half year

(i) All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton's share unless noted otherwise. All references to capacity are 100 per cent unless noted otherwise.

(ii) References are based on calendar years.

(iii) Excludes announced pre-commitment funding.

Projects currently under development (approved in prior years)

(i) All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton's share unless noted otherwise. All references to capacity are 100 per cent unless noted otherwise.

(ii) References are based on calendar years.

(iii) As per revised budget and/or schedule.

(iv) Facilities ready for first production pending resolution of mercury content.

(v) Excludes announced pre-commitment funding.

Income statement

To provide clarity into the underlying performance of our operations we present Underlying EBIT, which is a measure used internally and in our Supplementary Information, that excludes any exceptional items. The difference between Underlying EBIT and Profit from operations is set out in the following table:

Underlying EBIT

The following table and commentary describes the approximate impact of the principal factors that affected Underlying EBIT for the December 2011 half year compared with the December 2010 half year:

Volumes

Record production was achieved for iron ore and natural gas in the December 2011 half year.

Western Australia Iron Ore production rose to a record annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) during the December 2011 quarter, reflecting the ramp up of Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company's rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland. The well timed growth in iron ore volumes increased Underlying EBIT by US$1.2 billion in the December 2011 half year. In Energy Coal, stronger volumes and a higher proportion of export sales, largely associated with the accelerated expansion of our New South Wales Energy Coal business (Australia), increased Underlying EBIT by US$65 million in the period.

Notwithstanding the step change in performance achieved within those businesses, broader production challenges across the portfolio resulted in total volume related decline in Underlying EBIT of US$484 million during the December 2011 half year. A temporary reduction in copper production at Escondida, as a result of lower grades and industrial action, was the primary driver of the decline while industrial action and the remnant effects of wet weather continued to constrain the performance of our leading Queensland Coal business.

Prices

Prices for many of BHP Billiton's products declined during the latter part of the 2011 calendar year as concerns surrounding broader European liquidity culminated in a general deterioration in commodities demand. Despite that broad based correction, higher average realised prices increased Underlying EBIT by US$2.8 billion during the December 2011 half year, net of price linked costs.

Our key steelmaking raw materials remained well supported by strong underlying demand from emerging economies such as China and India. In that regard, higher average realised prices for iron ore and metallurgical coal increased Underlying EBIT by US$2.0 billion in the December 2011 half year.

In our Petroleum business, a 38 per cent and 35 per cent increase in average realised oil and liquefied natural gas prices, respectively, contributed to a US$1.3 billion price related increase in Underlying EBIT in the December 2011 half year. In addition, higher average realised energy coal prices increased Underlying EBIT by a further US$436 million in the period.

Prices for our non-ferrous products were most affected by the decline in global economic activity and the associated shift in market sentiment. Lower average realised metals prices reduced Underlying EBIT across our Base Metals and Stainless Steel Materials businesses by a combined US$857 million.

Costs

Industry wide cost pressures remain a feature of the operating environment as consumable, labour and contractor costs continue to reflect an elevated level of mining activity. Excluding the impacts of inflation, exchange rate volatility and non-cash items, costs reduced Underlying EBIT by US$1.6 billion during the December 2011 half year. Broad increases in labour and contractor costs accounted for the majority of the reduction while the temporary decline in production at both Escondida and Queensland Coal represented another notable impact.

Non-cash items reduced Underlying EBIT by a further US$317 million reflecting the ongoing delivery of our organic growth program and exchange rate related adjustments on the carrying value of inventory.

Exchange rates

The cost related impact of the stronger Australian dollar that persisted for much of the December 2011 half year reduced Underlying EBIT by US$632 million. However, the general strengthening of the US dollar against a basket of currencies at the end of the period led to a US$1.0 billion increase in Underlying EBIT related to the positive restatement of monetary items in the balance sheet. In total, exchange rate volatility increased Underlying EBIT by US$543 million in the December 2011 half year.

The following exchange rates against the US dollar have been applied:

(i) Displayed as US$ to A$1 based on common convention.

Inflation on costs

Inflationary pressure had an unfavourable impact on all Customer Sector Groups and reduced Underlying EBIT by US$401 million during the December 2011 half year. The impact was most notable in our Australian and South African businesses, which accounted for 78 per cent of the total impact.

Asset sales

The contribution of asset sales to Underlying EBIT increased by US$43 million from the corresponding period and primarily reflected the receipt of a post closing payment that followed the 2006 divestment of our interests in Cascade and Chinook (USA).

Ceased and sold operations

The favourable currency revaluation of rehabilitation and closure provisions for ceased operations (US$138 million) was the major contributor to the US$145 million increase in Underlying EBIT.

New and acquired operations

Assets are reported as new and acquired operations until there is a full year period for comparison. New and acquired operations increased Underlying EBIT by US$252 million in the December 2011 half year and primarily reflected the contribution from our recently acquired Onshore US business.

Exploration and business development

BHP Billiton's exploration expense increased by US$313 million to US$723 million in December 2011 half year. The company's US$532 million investment in minerals exploration in the period (of which US$451 million was expensed) continued to yield significant results that included a near 700 per cent increase in the Mineral Resource tonnage of the wholly owned Spence mine in northern Chile(7). In addition, potash exploration in Canada and drilling programs in the Pilbara and Bowen Basin (both Australia) have further increased BHP Billiton's level of confidence in the Mineral Resource underpinning its extensive growth pipeline.

Petroleum exploration expenditure for the December 2011 half year was US$565 million, of which US$265 million was expensed. Guidance for petroleum exploration expenditure for the 2012 financial year is US$1.4 billion, including the new Onshore US exploration program.

Business development expenditure reduced Underlying EBIT by US$68 million in the December 2011 half year as our Metallurgical Coal business progressed its suite of growth options.

Other

The absence of specific provisions and non-cash charges that impacted the Aluminium and Base Metals businesses in the prior corresponding period largely accounted for a US$270 million increase in Underlying EBIT in the December 2011 half year.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs increased to US$383 million from US$371 million in the corresponding period. This was primarily driven by increased net interest expense on higher net debt, offset by exchange rate variations on net debt.

Taxation expense

Excluding the impacts of royalty related taxation, exceptional items and exchange rate movements, taxation expense was US$4.7 billion representing an underlying effective tax rate(3) of 30.9 per cent (31 December 2010: 30.3 per cent; 30 June 2011: 32.1 per cent).

Government imposed royalty arrangements calculated by reference to profits after adjustment for temporary differences are reported as royalty related taxation. Royalty related taxation contributed US$462 million to taxation expense representing an effective rate of 3.0 per cent (31 December 2010: US$340 million and 2.4 per cent; 30 June 2011: US$828 million and 2.6 per cent).

Other royalty and excise arrangements which do not have these characteristics are recognised as operating costs within profit before taxation. These amounted to US$1.7 billion during the period (31 December 2010: US$1.3 billion; 30 June 2011: US$2.9 billion).

There were no exceptional items impacting taxation expense (31 December 2010: decrease of US$138 million; 30 June 2011: decrease of US$2.1 billion).

Exchange rate movements increased taxation expense by US$70 million (31 December 2010: decrease of US$1.1 billion; 30 June 2011: decrease of US$1.5 billion). The decrease compared to prior periods is predominately due to eligible Australian entities electing to adopt a US dollar tax functional currency from 1 July 2011.

Total taxation expense including royalty related taxation, exceptional items and exchange rate movements described above, was US$5.3 billion, representing an effective rate of 34.4 per cent (31 December 2010: 24.4 per cent; 30 June 2011: 23.4 per cent).

Exceptional items

There were no exceptional items in the December 2011 half year.

Cash flows

Net operating cash flows after interest and tax increased by one per cent to US$12.3 billion in the December 2011 half year. An increase in cash generated from operations (after changes in working capital balances) of US$2.2 billion was predominantly offset by higher net income tax paid of US$1.5 billion and higher royalty related taxation payments of US$489 million.

Investing cash flows increased by US$15.7 billion primarily driven by investment in subsidiaries and operations of US$12.5 billion in the December 2011 half year. Capital and exploration expenditure totalled US$9.0 billion in the December 2011 half year. Expenditure on major growth projects was US$6.8 billion, including US$1.9 billion on Petroleum projects and US$4.9 billion on Minerals projects. Capital expenditure on sustaining and other items was US$1.1 billion. Exploration expenditure was US$1.1 billion, including US$716 million classified within net operating cash flows.

Net financing cash flows include proceeds from borrowings of US$7.3 billion partially offset by dividend payments of US$2.9 billion and debt repayments of US$1.7 billion. Proceeds from borrowings include the issuance of a three tranche Global Bond of US$3.0 billion and proceeds from Commercial Paper of US$2.8 billion.

Net debt, comprising interest bearing liabilities less cash, was US$21.5 billion which is an increase of US$15.6 billion compared to the net debt position at 30 June 2011.

Dividend

BHP Billiton has a commitment to its progressive dividend policy, irrespective of the economic climate and the Group's growth aspirations. In that context, our Board today declared an interim dividend of 55 US cents per share, which represents a 20 per cent increase on the December 2010 equivalent payout.

The dividend to be paid by BHP Billiton Limited will be fully franked for Australian taxation purposes. Dividends for the BHP Billiton Group are determined and declared in US dollars. However, BHP Billiton Limited dividends are mainly paid in Australian dollars, and BHP Billiton Plc dividends are mainly paid in pounds sterling and South African rand to shareholders on the UK section and the South African section of the register, respectively. Currency conversions will be based on the foreign currency exchange rates on the Record Date, except for the conversion into South African rand, which will take place on the last day to trade on JSE Limited, being 24 February 2012. Please note that all currency conversion elections must be registered by the Record Date, being 2 March 2012. Any currency conversion elections made after this date will not apply to this dividend.

The timetable in respect of this dividend will be:

Last day to trade cum dividend on JSE Limited and currency conversion into rand            24 February 2012

Ex-dividend Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and JSE Limited (JSE)                       27 February 2012

Ex-dividend London Stock Exchange (LSE) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)         29 February 2012

Record Date (including currency conversion and currency election dates, except for rand)      2 March 2012

Payment date                                                                                                                22 March 2012

American Depositary Shares (ADSs) each represent two fully paid ordinary shares and receive dividends accordingly.

BHP Billiton Plc shareholders registered on the South African section of the register will not be able to dematerialise or rematerialise their shareholdings between the dates of 27 February and 2 March 2012 (inclusive), nor will transfers between the UK register and the South African register be permitted between the dates of 24 February and 2 March 2012 (inclusive).

Details of the currency exchange rates applicable for the dividend will be announced to the relevant stock exchanges following conversion and will appear on the Group's website.

Capital management

The strong and predictable nature of BHP Billiton's earnings and cash flow provides the Group with the flexibility required to sustain our progressive dividend policy while planning and executing our world class development program.

In addition, the release of latent capacity at major businesses such as Escondida, Queensland Coal and the Gulf of Mexico (USA) is expected to underpin strong momentum and returns for the company in the short to medium term as it progressively exercises its longer term growth options. In that regard, we will continue to intensify our focus on businesses where a sustainable competitive advantage exists and superior investment returns can be generated. Portfolio management will also remain an integral component of our overarching strategy, consistent with our commitment to maintain a simple and scalable organisation.

That flexibility, when coupled with a disciplined and value focused investment process, underpins our commitment to a solid A credit rating.

Debt management and liquidity

In August 2011, the Group arranged a new unsecured 364 day multicurrency term and revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Petrohawk Energy Corporation. The US$7.5 billion facility consisted of two tranches: a US$5.0 billion term loan and a US$2.5 billion revolving credit facility. The full amount of the term loan together with US$1.0 billion of the revolving credit facility has been cancelled. The US$1.5 billion of the revolving credit facility that remains will expire in August 2012.

The Group issued a three tranche Global Bond comprising US$1.0 billion 1.125% Senior Notes due 2014, US$750 million 1.875% Senior Notes due 2016 and US$1.25 billion 3.250% Senior Notes due 2021. As at 31 December 2011, the Group had US$2.8 billion outstanding in the US commercial paper market and the Group's cash on hand was US$3.6 billion.

Our commitment to retain a solid A credit rating remains unchanged.

Corporate governance

There were no appointments to, or resignations from, the Board during the period.

CUSTOMER SECTOR GROUP SUMMARY

The following table provides a summary of the performance of the Customer Sector Groups for the December 2011 half year and the corresponding period.

(i) Underlying EBIT includes trading activities comprising the sale of third party product. Underlying EBIT for the Group is reconciled to Profit from operations on page 6.

(ii) Includes consolidation adjustments, unallocated items and external sales from the Group's freight, transport and logistics operations.

Petroleum

Petroleum production increased by 36 per cent in the December 2011 half year to 109 million barrels of oil equivalent following the successful integration of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses, first production from the North West Shelf CWLH Life Extension project and strong underlying performance from our global asset portfolio.

Underlying EBIT for the December 2011 half year increased by US$1.1 billion, or 38 per cent, to US$3.9 billion. Higher prices were the major contributor to the increase in Underlying EBIT (US$1.3 billion, net of price linked costs) and reflected a 38 per cent increase in average realised oil prices to US$110.24 per barrel and a 35 per cent increase in average realised liquefied natural gas prices to US$14.03 per thousand standard cubic feet. The average realised natural gas price remained largely unchanged at US$3.85 per thousand standard cubic feet. Onshore US Underlying EBIT included a US$222 million benefit associated with legacy US gas derivatives that are in the final process of being closed out, while a US$118 million non-cash gain on the revaluation of embedded derivatives was recorded at Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago). A US$100 million post closing payment was received following the 2006 divestment of our interests in Cascade and Chinook.

From a longer term perspective, the growth potential of the Petroleum business has been significantly enhanced by the acquisition of the large, long life Fayetteville shale and Petrohawk resource basins. Onshore US drilling and development expenditure totalled US$1.3 billion during the December 2011 half year as we continued to focus on our high quality acreage. Our commitment to increase the valuable liquids contribution to 20 per cent of total Onshore US production by the end of the 2015 financial year remains unchanged.

Aluminium

Alumina sales volumes increased when compared with the corresponding period as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity. Our smelters in southern Africa and Brazil continue to produce at, or close to, maximum technical capacity.

Underlying EBIT for the December 2011 half year declined by US$84 million to a loss of US$67 million as a modest improvement in realised prices was not sufficient to offset underlying cost pressure in the business. In that regard, higher raw material costs for inputs such as coke and caustic soda contributed to a US$104 million reduction in Underlying EBIT for the period. The average realised aluminium price increased by three per cent to US$2,391 per tonne while the average realised alumina price rose by eight per cent to US$344 per tonne.

In what remains a particularly challenging environment for the broader aluminium industry, BHP Billiton continues to drive productivity and efficiency across its integrated Aluminium business with a strong emphasis on cash flow. Completion of the US$3.0 billion (BHP Billiton share) Worsley Efficiency and Growth project (Australia) remains a priority with initial production anticipated in the first quarter of calendar year 2012. The expansion will raise capacity at the Worsley refinery by 1.1 million tonnes per annum to 4.6 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis).

Base Metals

Despite a strong recovery in copper volumes in the December 2011 quarter, production declined in the December 2011 half year as lower grades and industrial activity heavily constrained Escondida performance. Consistent with prior guidance, Escondida production is expected to improve significantly beyond the 2012 financial year as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit. Record mining rates were achieved at Pampa Norte (Chile) and Antamina (Peru) following the expansion of their mining fleets, while record milling rates were achieved at Cannington (Australia) and Antamina.

Underlying EBIT for the December 2011 half year decreased by US$1.9 billion to US$1.6 billion. Lower production and realised prices were the major contributors to the decline as they reduced Underlying EBIT by a combined US$1.5 billion. The impact on costs of lower ore grades at Escondida and broader cost pressure across the Base Metals portfolio contributed to a further US$487 million reduction in Underlying EBIT.

At 31 December 2011, the Group had 219,718 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.45 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2012 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31 December 2011 decreased Underlying EBIT by US$258 million for the period.

During the December 2011 half year, pre-commitment expenditure of US$1.2 billion for the first phase of the Olympic Dam Project was activated following environmental approval by the Government of South Australia and the Commonwealth, and the successful passage of the Indenture agreement through the South Australian Parliament. In addition, the longer term development potential of the Base Metals portfolio was further enhanced by a near 700 per cent increase in the Mineral Resources tonnage(7) at Spence.

Diamonds and Specialty Products

As anticipated, diamond production in the December 2011 half year was lower than the prior corresponding period. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.

Underlying EBIT for the December 2011 half year declined by US$135 million to US$86 million despite stronger diamond and titanium prices that increased Underlying EBIT by US$160 million. The decline in production at EKATI, which reduced Underlying EBIT by US$160 million, was the major contributing factor to the compression of operating margins. The acceleration of our potash exploration program in Canada and Africa reduced Underlying EBIT by a further US$81 million.

In potash, significant progress continues to be achieved at Jansen (Canada) following completion of the freeze plant in August 2011. Ground freezing is now well underway and excavation has commenced for both the production and service shafts. The Port of Vancouver has been selected as the preferred port location and the permitting process is underway.

During the December 2011 quarter, BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business, including the Group's interests in the EKATI Diamond Mine. The process is ongoing and could continue through the first half of the 2012 calendar year. Subsequent to period end, BHP Billiton announced that it had exercised an option to sell its 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto. Completion of the sale is conditional upon the fulfilment of customary regulatory approvals with the final consideration to be determined according to an agreed valuation process.

Stainless Steel Materials

Nickel production was lower during the December 2011 half year reflecting restricted hydrogen supply and maintenance at the Nickel West (Australia) smelter and refinery operations. Cerro Matoso (Colombia) returned to full capacity during the December 2011 half year following the successful replacement of the Line 1 furnace.

Underlying EBIT for the December 2011 half year decreased by US$356 million to US$1 million. Lower volumes and weaker prices (net of price linked costs) reduced Underlying EBIT by US$133 million and US$106 million respectively. Higher maintenance charges at Nickel West and an increase to the electricity tariff at Cerro Matoso contributed to broader cost pressure which reduced Underlying EBIT by US$96 million.

The commissioning of the Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project and construction of the new hydrogen plant at Nickel West Kwinana form part of a targeted program of business improvement.

Iron Ore

The consistent deployment of capital across BHP Billiton's world class Iron Ore business underpinned yet another period of record iron ore production. The ramp up of Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company's rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland facilitated an increase in WAIO production to the annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) in the December 2011 quarter.

Underlying EBIT for the December 2011 half year increased by US$2.1 billion to US$7.9 billion. Record production and an 11 per cent and 14 per cent increase in fines and lump iron ore prices, respectively, increased Underlying EBIT by US$2.2 billion, net of price linked costs. While the reduction in contractor margin that followed the acquisition of the HWE Mining subsidiaries will be sustained in future periods, one-off integration costs, an increase in exploration expense and a rise in depreciation more than accounted for the cost savings achieved in the December 2011 half year.

BHP Billiton's commitment to respond to growing customer demand for iron ore was further reinforced by the approval of the US$698 million (BHP Billiton share) WAIO Orebody 24 mine in the December 2011 quarter. Subsequent to period end, BHP Billiton also announced the approval of US$779 million (BHP Billiton share) in pre-commitment funding for the first phase of the WAIO Outer Harbour Development. This investment takes the cumulative commitment to iron ore growth projects in execution to over US$11 billion(8)(9).

Manganese

Record half year sales volumes at Hotazel (South Africa) contributed to an 11 per cent increase in manganese ore sales in the December 2011 half year while alloy production remained unchanged from the prior corresponding period.

Underlying EBIT decreased by US$281 million in the December 2011 half year to US$149 million. A 22 per cent decline in average realised ore prices and a 10 per cent decline in average realised alloy prices represented the major drag on profitability and reduced Underlying EBIT by US$223 million, net of price linked costs. Margin compression was further exacerbated by an increase in raw material costs which reduced Underlying EBIT by US$69 million.

The US$167 million (BHP Billiton share) GEEP2 expansion project will further solidify GEMCO (Australia) as the largest and lowest cost operation in the industry. On completion, the GEEP2 project will increase processing capacity from 4.2 to 4.8 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) with first production scheduled for the second half of the 2013 calendar year.

Metallurgical Coal

Metallurgical Coal production remained constrained in the December 2011 half year as our leading Queensland Coal business was affected by the remnant effects of wet weather, industrial action associated with ongoing labour negotiations and geotechnical issues at the Gregory Crinum longwall. While system capability is no longer constrained by the 2011 floods, the extent to which industrial action will continue to impact production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict.

Underlying EBIT increased by US$85 million to US$1.5 billion in the December 2011 half year. The 31 per cent and 20 per cent increase in hard coking coal and weak coking coal prices, respectively, increased Underlying EBIT by US$927 million (net of price linked costs) and underpinned record profitability at Illawarra Coal (Australia) over the six month period. In contrast, a 15 per cent decline in sales volumes at Queensland Coal reduced Underlying EBIT by US$216 million while higher costs, that partly reflected our flood recovery efforts, reduced Underlying EBIT by a further US$481 million. The rapid progression of our development pipeline also led to an increase in exploration and business development costs in the period.

BHP Billiton announced approval of the Caval Ridge mine development and associated Peak Downs mine expansion (both Australia) in the December 2011 half year. The US$2.1 billion project (BHP Billiton share) will add eight million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) of high quality coking coal capacity with first production anticipated in the 2014 calendar year. A subsequent, low cost expansion to 10 million tonnes per annum is anticipated. Following this significant investment commitment, metallurgical coal projects in execution total US$4.9 billion(8).

Energy Coal

Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia), two of BHP Billiton's high value, export oriented energy coal operations. A decline in production was reported at the domestically focused San Juan Coal mine (USA) following an underground fire which led to the suspension of operations in the period.

Underlying EBIT increased by US$453 million to US$787 million. A 22 per cent and 11 per cent increase in export and domestic coal prices, respectively, increased Underlying EBIT by US$391 million, net of price linked costs. Stronger volumes and a higher proportion of export sales, largely associated with the accelerated expansion of New South Wales Energy Coal, increased Underlying EBIT by US$65 million.

During the December 2011 half year, BHP Billiton approved a further eight million tonne per annum (100 per cent basis) expansion of the world class Cerrejon coal mine. The US$437 million project (BHP Billiton share) will increase export capacity to approximately 40 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis), with first production anticipated in the 2013 calendar year. In addition, the partners approved the third phase of expansion of the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group's (NCIG) coal handling facility in Newcastle (Australia). BHP Billiton also confirmed that first production from the New South Wales Energy Coal RX1 project is expected in the second half of the 2012 calendar year, one year ahead of schedule. The RX1 project will increase run-of-mine thermal coal production by approximately four million tonnes per annum.

Group and Unallocated items

The Underlying EBIT expense for Group and Unallocated in the December 2011 half year increased by US$55 million to US$283 million. Higher corporate and information technology costs were partly offset by a foreign exchange related restatement of the Newcastle steelworks rehabilitation provision.

The following notes explain the terms used throughout this profit release:

(1) Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs, taxation and any exceptional items. Underlying EBITDA is Underlying EBIT before depreciation, impairments and amortisation of US$3,054 million for the half year ended 31 December 2011 and US$2,475 million for the half year ended 31 December 2010. We believe that Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA provide useful information, but should not be considered as an indication of, or alternative to, Attributable profit as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity.

(2) Underlying EBIT is used to reflect the underlying performance of BHP Billiton's operations. Underlying EBIT is reconciled to Profit from operations on page 6.

(3) Other non-IFRS measures are defined as follows:

• Attributable profit excluding exceptional items - comprises Profit after taxation attributable to members of BHP Billiton Group less exceptional items as described in note 3 to the financial report.

• Underlying EBITDA interest coverage - for the purpose of deriving interest coverage, net interest comprises Interest on bank loans and overdrafts, Interest on all other borrowings, Finance lease and hire purchase interest less Interest income.

• Underlying effective tax rate - comprises Total taxation expense excluding Royalty related taxation, Exceptional items and Exchange rate movements included in taxation expense divided by Profit before taxation and exceptional items.

(4) Underlying EBIT margin comprises Underlying EBIT excluding third party EBIT, divided by revenue net of third party product revenue.

(5) Net operating cash flows are after net interest and taxation.

(6) Includes announced pre-commitment funding for projects in execution, and pre-commitment funding for the Jansen potash project, the Olympic Dam Project and the WAIO Outer Harbour Development. All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton's share.

(7) Competent Person - J. Céspedes (MAusIMM).

The statement of Mineral Resources is presented on a 100 per cent basis and is based on information compiled by the above named Competent Person and relates to Mineral Resources estimates as at 31 December 2011 disclosed in the BHP Billiton Exploration and Development Report for the quarter ended 31 December 2011. The detailed breakdown of Spence Mineral Resources is 241mt @ 0.92% Cu Measured, 1,278mt @ 0.47% Cu Indicated, 1,174mt @ 0.39% Cu Inferred. Mr. Céspedes is a full time employee of BHP Billiton Limited, has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code, and he is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (AusIMM). The Competent Person consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears.

(8) Includes announced pre-commitment funding for projects in execution. All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton's share.

(9) Includes announced pre-commitment funding for the WAIO Outer Harbour Development. All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton's share.

(10) Unless otherwise stated, production volumes exclude suspended and sold operations.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding future events, conditions, circumstances and the future financial performance of BHP Billiton, including for capital expenditures, production volumes, project capacity, and schedules for expected production. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words such as "plans", "expects", "expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events, conditions, circumstances or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees or predictions of future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this release. For more detail on those risks, you should refer to the sections of our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2011 entitled "Risk factors", "Forward looking statements" and "Operating and financial review and prospects" filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All estimates and projections in this release are illustrative only. Our actual results may be materially affected by changes in economic or other circumstances which cannot be foreseen. Nothing in this release is, or should be relied on as, a promise or representation either as to future results or events or as to the reasonableness of any assumption or view expressly or impliedly contained herein.

Non-IFRS Financial Information

BHP Billiton results are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA which are used to measure segment performance. This presentation also includes certain non-IFRS measures including Attributable profit excluding exceptional items, Underlying EBIT margin, Underlying EBITDA interest coverage and Underlying effective tax rate. These measures are used internally by management to assess the performance of our business, make decisions on the allocation of our resources and assess operational management. Non-IFRS measures have not been subject to audit or review.

No Offer of Securities

Nothing in this release should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell BHP Billiton securities in any jurisdiction.

Reliance on Third Party Information

The views expressed in this release contain information that has been derived from publicly available sources that have not been independently verified. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information. This release should not be relied upon as a recommendation or forecast by BHP Billiton.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our website: www.bhpbilliton.com

BHP Billiton Group

Financial Report

For the half year ended 31 December 2011

Contents

Half Year Financial Statements                                                                                                      Page

Consolidated Income Statement                                                                                                             21

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income                                                                                  22

Consolidated Balance Sheet                                                                                                                  23

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement                                                                                                        24

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity                                                                                         25

Notes to the Half Year Financial Statements                                                                                           28

1. Accounting policies                                                                                                                           28

2. Segment reporting                                                                                                                             29

3. Exceptional items                                                                                                                             33

4. Interests in jointly controlled entities                                                                                                   34

5. Net finance costs                                                                                                                              35

6. Taxation                                                                                                                                           35

7. Earnings per share                                                                                                                            36

8. Dividends                                                                                                                                          36

9. Share capital                                                                                                                                     37

10. Subsequent events                                                                                                                          37

11. Business combinations                                                                                                                    38

Directors' Report                                                                                                                                   41

Directors' Declaration of Responsibility                                                                                                   43

Lead Auditor's Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001                        44

Independent Review Report                                                                                                                    45

Consolidated Income Statement

for the half year ended 31 December 2011

The accompanying notes form part of these half year financial statements.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the half year ended 31 December 2011

The accompanying notes form part of these half year financial statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 31 December 2011

The accompanying notes form part of these half year financial statements.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the half year ended 31 December 2011

The accompanying notes form part of these half year financial statements.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the half year ended 31 December 2011

The accompanying notes form part of these half year financial statements.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the half year ended 31 December 2011 (continued)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the half year ended 31 December 2011 (continued)

Notes to the Half Year Financial Statements

1. Accounting policies

This general purpose financial report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 is unaudited and has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU, AASB 134 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board ("AASB") and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom and the Australian Corporations Act 2001 as applicable to interim financial reporting.

The half year financial statements represent a 'condensed set of financial statements' as referred to in the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules issued by the Financial Services Authority.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information required for a full annual report and are to be read in conjunction with the most recent annual financial report. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 30 June 2011 are not the statutory accounts of BHP Billiton for that financial year. Those accounts, which were prepared under IFRS, have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the registrar of companies. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain statements under Section 498(2) or (3) of the UK Companies Act 2006.

The half year financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies and methods of computation consistent with those applied in the 30 June 2011 annual financial statements contained within the Annual Report of the BHP Billiton Group, except for a change to the basis on which borrowings are classified as current or non-current. Borrowings otherwise due for repayment within 12 months of balance date are now classified as non-current only if the committed refinancing facility is with the same lender and on the same or similar terms. Under the previous policy, it was not necessary for such facilities to be with the same party for the borrowings to be classified as non-current. This change in policy was adopted in light of amendments to IAS1 'Presentation of Financial Statements' recommended by the IASB, modifying criteria for the classification of such borrowings as current. Borrowings of US$2.8 billion drawn under the Group's commercial paper program have therefore been classified as current with no impact on comparative amounts as the program was undrawn in all prior periods presented in the financial statements.

Rounding of amounts

Amounts in this financial report have, unless otherwise indicated, been rounded to the nearest million dollars.

Comparatives

Where applicable, comparatives have been adjusted to disclose them on the same basis as current period figures.

Exchange rates

The following exchange rates relative to the US dollar have been applied in the financial statements:

(a) Displayed as US$ to A$1 based on common convention.

2. Segment reporting

The Group operates nine Customer Sector Groups aligned with the commodities which we extract and market, reflecting the structure used by the Group's management to assess the performance of the Group:

Group and unallocated items represent Group centre functions. Exploration and technology activities are recognised within relevant segments.

It is the Group's policy that inter-segment sales are made on a commercial basis.

2. Segment reporting (continued)