BHP Billiton clarifies

BHP Billiton clarifies

This letter is intended to correct a statement made in the
article entitled Are there lessons to learn from Buyat mining
case" published in The Jakarta Post on May 23, page 7.

The article included a discussion on submarine tailings
placement, referring to Newmont at Buyat Bay and went on to say
"Other companies lining up to use the method include Australia's
Asia Pacific/BHP in Papua ..."

BHP Billiton (including the local entity known as PT Gag
Nikel) issued a general policy statement last year which states
as follows: "BHP Billiton has decided not to pursue deep sea
tailings placements (DSTP) option for any of its current
prospects." For the avoidance of doubt, it should now be clear
that BHP Billiton does not intend to use submarine tailings
placement on Gag island and is not even considering the
possibility of using submarine tailings placement on Gag island.

ANDREW WILSON, President Director, PT BHP Billiton Indonesia, Jakarta

Note: Thank you for your correction.

-- Editor