BHP Billiton – the third largest iron ore producer reported an increase of 3% Y-o-Y in productions in the quarter ended Dec’17.
The total iron ore production on 100% basis from Pilbara, Australia for Q4 CY’17 witnessed at 71.6 MnT, up 3% Y-o-Y as against Q4 CY’16 at 69.7 MnT. The Q-o-Q change recorded an increase of 11% in Q4 production, as against 64.3 MnT in Q3 CY’17. The total production for the Dec’17 half year(Jul-Dec) was in line with the same period last year at 136 MnT.
Mining and processing operations remain suspended at Samarco, owing to dam failure.
BHP Billiton’s total iron ore sales on 100% basis recorded at 70.7 MnT for Q4 CY’17. The fourth quarter sales recorded an increase of 12% Q-o-Q as against 63.3 MnT in Q3 CY’17. The sales for Q4 CY’17 witnessed a marginal increase of 2% Y-o-Y as against Q4 CY’16 which stood at 69.2 MnT. On a half-yearly basis, the total sales recorded at 134.1 MnT in CY’17 compared to 134.56 MnT in the same time frame last year.
BHP Billiton keeps iron ore production guidance unchanged for FY’18
BHP Billiton’s production guidance has remained unchanged between 239-243 MnT or between275 to 280 MnT on a 100% basis
The higher volumes reflect increased plant availability and improved rail performance. Port debottlenecking activities were completed in the December 2017 quarter and will support higher volumes in the second half of the financial year.
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