Australian miner BHP Billiton has announced its production results for the third quarter ended September 30. The company achieved an iron ore output of 61 million mt in the given period, decreasing by one percent year on year due to lower volumes at Western Australia mines driven by the planned maintenance at Port Hedland.
BHP Billiton did not change its iron ore production guidance for the 2020 financial year, which stands at between 242 and 253 million mt.
In the third quarter, BHP Billiton's metallurgical coal production declined by 10 percent to 9.4 million mt year on year due to planned wash plant maintenance works. The miner’s metallurgical coal production guidance for the financial year 2019-2020 remained stable at between 41 million mt and 45 million mt.
Meanwhile, the company said that the South Flank iron ore project is 50 percent complete and is proceeding on schedule and budget.