BHP posts July-September production results

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.