Australian miner BHP Billiton has announced its production results for the nine months ended March 31, 2012.
In the given period, BHP Billiton produced 118.5 million mt of iron ore, up 20 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, despite a decline in volumes in the March quarter as a result of cyclones. BHP Billiton's iron ore output in the March quarter decreased by eight percent quarter on quarter to 37.9 million mt.
In the nine months, BHP produced 25.12 million mt of metallurgical coal, up one percent year on year. According to the company statement, in the March quarter Queensland coal volumes remained constrained in as a result of industrial action and heavy rainfall. BHP stated that, although it is hard to predict how the industrial action will continue to affect production, sales and unit costs, with inventories now severely depleted, the impact on future quarters may be significant.
The company also noted that the force majeure declared at its coal mines in Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia in early April this year still remains in place.