UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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BHP Billiton
Limited
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| (Translation of registrant's name into English) | ||||
| 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia | ||||
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19 December 2005
Number 51/05
BHP BILLITON APPROVES ALUMAR REFINERY EXPANSION
BHP Billiton today announced approval of the Alumar Alumina Refinery expansion project in Brazil. The project will increase annual alumina production capacity by 2 million tonnes to 3.5 million tonnes per annum (100% basis), at a cost of US$518 million (BHP Billiton share). Commissioning is expected to be completed in mid calendar year 2008, and ramp up to steady state production will take place in subsequent months.
BHP Billiton's President Aluminium, Alex Vanselow, said: "This expansion is consistent with our strategy of focused investment in high quality and low cost alumina capacity. The expansion enhances BHP Billiton's long alumina position, enabling us to meet increasing market demand for alumina."
The expansion project will include upgrades to the existing production unit and duplication of the upgraded line.
BHP Billiton has a 36% interest in the Alumar Refinery, the remaining interest is held by Alcoa affiliates 54% (operator) and Alcan 10%.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com
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Australia Jane Belcher, Investor Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653 email: Jane.H.Belcher@bhpbilliton.com |
United Kingdom Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44 7769 934 942 email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com |
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Tania Price, Media Relations United States |
Ariane Gentil, Media Relations South Africa Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or UK +44 20 7802 4183 email: Alison.Gilbert@bhpbilliton.com |
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BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Telephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015 |
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111 |
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The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
| 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. |
| BHP Billiton Limited | ||
| Date: 19 December 2005 | By: |
Karen Wood |
| Name: | Karen Wood | |
| Title: | Company Secretary |