Australian miner BHP Billiton has announced its production results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended June 30, 2013.
In the fourth quarter, BHP Billiton produced 47.7 million mt of iron ore, up 17 percent compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The company's iron ore output during the full financial year 2012-13 amounted to a record 170 million mt, increasing by seven percent year on year.
Record annualized shipments of 217 million mt during the June quarter reflected the successful commissioning of all major infrastructure associated with the Inner Harbour Expansion project and the destocking of mine and port inventory built in anticipation of the increase in port capacity.
In the June quarter, BHP's metallurgical coal production increased by 34 percent year on year to 10.85 million mt, while the output amounted to 38 million mt for the full year, up 13 percent compared to the previous year. During the given quarter, Queensland coal production improved by 54 percent to 61 million mt, supported by record annual production at both Peak Downs and South Walker Creek, and was achieved despite the indefinite closure of both Norwich Park and Gregory.
According to BHP Billiton's statement, first production from the Jimblebar mine expansion is now anticipated in the December quarter of the current year, ahead of schedule. Once fully operational, this will bring BHP Billiton's Western Australia Iron Ore's supply chain capacity to 220 million mt per year.