BHP Billiton Ltd. has posted steep
production declines in several metals and minerals during July-September 2006 due to scheduled shutdowns, maintenance and lower grades.
However,
BHP Billiton announced that its first quarter
production of
iron ore;
coking coal and manganese rose amid rising demand from steelmakers in Asia.
Output of
iron ore rose to 25 million tons in the three months ended September 30th 2006 from 23.8 million tons a year earlier.