BHP Billiton oil and gas output down

BHP Billiton oil and gas output down

SYDNEY: Anglo-Australian resources giant BHP Billiton posted
mixed second-quarter production results Wednesday, with falls in
oil and gas output offset by strong growth in iron ore
production.

The company said natural decline in two of its Australian
fields and maintenance shutdowns at its British and US fields
contributed to a 16 percent fall in oil and condensate production
in the three months to Dec. 31, 2002, compared to the same period
last year.

Natural gas production fell eight percent over the
corresponding period, mainly due to adverse weather conditions in
Australia and the United States.

However, iron ore production rose seven percent, with the
company's Western Australian iron ore facilities posting record
sales of 18.2 million tons for the quarter due to strong demand
from Asia. -- AFP