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