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