On July 20, Australian miner BHP Billiton announced production results for the financial year 2011 (ending on June 30, 2011). The company achieved a production record in iron ore for the eleventh consecutive year.
In the year through June 30, BHP Billiton produced 134.4 million mt iron ore, up 8 percent compared to the previous year and 35,5 million mt in June quarter, up 14 percent compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Iron ore shipments from Pilbara region increased to 145.5 million mt, up 9 percent year-on-year.
BHP produced 7.9 million mt metallurgical coal in the June 2011 quarter, down 28 percent compared to the same quarter of the previous year. According to the company statement, although the metallurgical coal production increased 19 percent on a quarterly basis, it did not go back to pre-flood levels. On the other hand, total metallurgical coal shipments were 6.5 million mt, well below the record level achieved in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
BHP Billiton also published a reports regarding exploration and development for the year ended June 30, 2011. The company stated that, during the financial year 2011, it approved 11 major projects with a total investment worth US$12.9 billion. The execution of these projects makes up a significant part of the company's growth program.