SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
October 25, 2010
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Commission File Number
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Translation of registrant's name into English; Address of principal executive offices
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BHP Billiton Limited (ABN 49 004 028 077)
180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA |
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BHP Billiton Plc (REG. NO. 3196209)
NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will
file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-.
NEWS RELEASE BHP BILLITON AND RIO TINTO TERMINATE THE IRON ORE PRODUCTION JOINT VENTURE On 5 June 2009, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto signed core principles to establish a production joint venture covering the entirety of both companies' Western Australian Iron Ore assets. This resulted in the signing of definitive agreements on 5 December 2009. The completion of these agreements was subject to a number of conditions, including regulatory approvals. Since the agreement was signed it has become increasingly apparent that regulatory approvals of the joint venture are unlikely to be achieved. Consequently, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have reluctantly agreed to dissolve the proposed joint venture. BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Marius Kloppers, said, “The large synergies from combining our West Australian iron ore assets with Rio Tinto’s have caused us to persevere in seeking to obtain regulatory approvals. However, it has become clear that this transaction is unlikely to obtain the necessary approvals to allow the deal to close and as a result both parties have reluctantly agreed to terminate the agreement”. Mr Kloppers said he appreciated the high level of cooperation and goodwill displayed by Rio Tinto in pursuing the joint venture. The parties have mutually agreed that no break fee is payable. While BHP Billiton was progressing approvals for the joint venture, it has continued to invest in its Western Australia Iron Ore business. With the termination of the joint venture, this focus on efficiently growing and operating our West Australian Iron Ore business through our existing Perth-based Iron Ore management team will continue. Australia Kelly Quirke, Media Relations Fiona Martin, Media Relations Brendan Harris, Investor Relations Leng Lau, Investor Relations United Kingdom & South Africa United Kingdom & Americas Americas Members of the BHP Billiton group which is headquartered in Australia
Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 18 October 2010
Number 27/10
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com
Amanda Buckley, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2209 Mobile: +61 419 801 349
email: Amanda.Buckley@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312
email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908
email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +61 3 9609 4323 Mobile: +61 437 134 814
email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 796
email: Leng.Y.Lau@bhpbilliton.com
Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974
email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah, Media Relations
Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033
Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com
Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077
Registered in Australia
Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Neathouse Place
London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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BHP Billiton Limited (ABN 49 004 028 077) | ||
| Date : October 25, 2010 | By: | /s/ Jane McAloon | |
| Name: | Jane McAloon | ||
| Title: | Group Company Secretary | ||