__________________________________________________________________________________

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Date of 30 September 2003

BHP Billiton Limited

ABN 49 004 028 077

Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street

Melbourne Victoria 3000

Australia

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

  Form 20-F X   Form 40-F  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

  Yes     No X

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):


 

(BHPBILLITON LOGO)

Date         30 September 2003


BHP BILLITON HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY REPORT 2003

Please find attached the 2003 Health, Safety, Environment and Community Report of the BHP Billiton Group. A more expansive, pdf version of that Report will be posted on the Group’s website www.bhpbilliton.com.

Karen Wood — Company Secretary

 

 

(COVER IMAGE)

 

Our New Approach to Reporting

In early 2003, we commissioned an independent survey to find out in which formats our stakeholders would prefer to receive our Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Report.

The object of the exercise was to enable us to report in a way that would allow stakeholders to quickly review our performance, while also having the opportunity to easily access greater amounts of detail as required.

In response to this feedback, we are providing expanded information on our website while reducing our printed report to this smaller summary version. This is the mix preferred by the great majority of our stakeholders. A brief summary of our HSEC performance is also included in the Company’s Annual Report.

This printed Summary Report provides an overview of our HSEC performance. The adjacent diagram shows where you can access all the available information on the website.

Global Reporting Initiative

The full HSEC Report on our website has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2002 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. It should be recognised that, due to the size and complexity of our business, judgements have had to be made regarding the extent of information that can be presented in relation to each GRI indicator. Please contact the Company if you would like further information.

A GRI content index has been independently prepared by URS Corporate Sustainable Solutions, outlining how each specific indicator of Part C of the GRI Guidelines has been addressed.

Both the full HSEC Report and the GRI index are available in PDF format.

About this Report

BHP Billiton is a Dual Listed Company comprising BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc and their subsidiaries. The two entities continue to exist as separate companies but operate as a combined group known as BHP Billiton.

Throughout this Report, the terms BHP Billiton, the Company and the Group refer to the combined group. The statistics in this report cover the facilities owned and operated by BHP Billiton during the 12-month period to 30 June 2003. Joint venture projects where we are not the operator are excluded unless expressly stated. The Report identifies where information has been provided to facilitate year-to-year comparison of our performance without BHP Steel, which commenced trading on the Australian Stock Exchange as a separate listed company in July 2002.

All dollar figures in the Report are US unless otherwise indicated.

For the full version of our Health, Safety,
Environment and Community Report 2003,
log onto www.bhpbilliton.com

(YOU ARE HERE)

 

4 Front cover main photo: Marcelino Melo Jr, Casthouse crew member, Mozal Aluminium Smelter, Mozambique
The supporting images reflect our journey towards sustainable development — our products, our people, our stakeholders, our future

 

Message from the Chief Executive Officer

(CHIP GOODYEAR PHOTO)

4 Chip Goodyear, Chief Executive Officer

At BHP Billiton, we take a long-term view of our business. A key aspect of our strategic framework is our health, safety, environment and community (HSEC) performance — because we value our people, we respect our host communities and we believe that excellence in HSEC is good for our business.

I am very pleased to advise that we have made steady progress against many of the targets in our HSEC scorecard. However, we also recognise that there is much work to be done, and this report outlines a number of our key work programs.

While pleased about our achievements, I am deeply saddened to report that three people lost their lives in our controlled operations during the year. These people lost their lives in the course of earning a living and helping our operations achieve their objectives. But none of our achievements is worth the loss of a life, and we will continue to seek opportunities to improve our safety performance and eliminate fatalities from the workplace.

Environmental performance across the company continued to be sound, reflecting our systematic approach to managing environmental risk. Management plans focusing upon driving eco-efficiency gains have been developed in the areas of energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste.

In line with our HSEC Policy, efforts have continued towards improving our engagement with our host communities. Our community contributions, supporting community programs and capacity building, this year amounted to US$42 million or 1.4 per cent of our pre-tax profit, which once again exceeded the target of 1 per cent. In addition, US$12.5 billion was contributed to regional economies from expenditure associated with sustaining our operations.

During the year, we have been active in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) work program, contributing to the formulation of the Sustainable Development Framework, a guiding set of principles now endorsed by all member companies. We have also committed to implement the World Bank Guidelines on Involuntary Resettlement and the US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

We have been pleased over the past year to receive external recognition of our performance in the areas of community partnerships, sustainable development and public reporting. Internally, our Employee HSEC Awards program has been highly successful in recognising excellence in HSEC performance and transferring those improvement ideas across the organisation.

The full HSEC Report on our website has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative 2002 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, and represents a balanced and reasonable presentation of our organisation’s economic, environmental and social performance.

The leadership team at BHP Billiton is committed to our journey towards sustainable development and Zero Harm. We understand that our leadership efforts are fundamental for success, and we will support and drive this relentlessly. This journey, however, is not ours alone. It is all about partnerships with our stakeholders — our employees, contractors, shareholders, business partners, suppliers, customers, government and non-government organisations and host communities.

Together, we have the will, the resources and the skills to be successful.

(-s- CHIP GOODYEAR)

Chip Goodyear

Chief Executive Officer          

HSEC Targets and Scorecard
    2  
HSEC Governance
    4  
Part of the Global Community
    5  
Performance Summaries
    6  
Auditor’s Verification Statement
    15  
Case Studies
    16  
Our Resources at Work
    23  
BHP Billiton Locations
    24  
BHP Billiton Employee HSEC Awards Program
  IBC
External Recognition (2002/03)
  IBC
BHP Billiton Charter
  BC
BHP Billiton HSEC Policy
  BC
About BHP Billiton
  BC
Contact Us
  BC

We are continuously improving our reporting systems and endeavour to present useful and accurate information. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, including the figures, in this Report, the data are derived from our many operations around the world and, in some cases, grouped data are not strictly comparable.

Anyone seeking to rely on information in this Report or seeking to draw detailed conclusions from the data should contact the Company for verification and assistance.

Your comments on the contents of our HSEC Report would be greatly appreciated. A Feedback Form is available as part of the full HSEC Report on our website at www.bhpbilliton.com

BHP Billiton Limited. ABN 49 004 028 077.
Registered in Australia. Registered Office (from 6 October 2003):
BHP Billiton Centre, 180 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Australia.

BHP Billiton Plc. Registration Number 3196209.
Registered in England and Wales. Registered Office:
Neathouse Place, London SW1V 1LH United Kingdom.

(AWARDS)       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   1

 

HSEC Targets and Scorecard

BHP Billiton HSEC Targets (Baseline 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002)

Legend: = Target exceeded or ahead of schedule = Target achieved (> 95%) or on track = Target behind schedule = Target not achieved

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS           All sites1 to undertake annual self-assessments against the BHP Billiton HSEC Management Standards.   =   Systems in place and audits or self-assessments completed at 99 per cent of required sites in FY03. Audits were also conducted at three non-operated sites (not required by the target).           All sites1 to achieve and maintain ISO 14001 Certification.   =   All sites requiring ISO 14001 are accredited or have been recommended for accreditation by their ISO auditor.           Legal Compliance         Zero fines and prosecutions.   =   Nine fines in FY03 totalling US$166 944.           Risk Management         Risk registers to be in place at all sites and within BHP Billiton businesses and Corporate.   =   Risk registers in place at all required sites, and Customer Sector Group and Corporate levels. HSEC risk incorporated in Enterprise-Wide Risk Management framework.           SAFETY         Zero fatalities   =   Three fatalities in controlled activities.2           50 per cent reduction in Classified Injury Frequency Rate3 (excluding First Aid treatments) at sites by 30 June 2007.   =   20 per cent reduction in Classified Injury Frequency Rate in FY03.           HEALTH         All sites1 to implement a baseline survey on occupational exposure hazards and establish occupational hygiene monitoring and health surveillance programs.   =   97 per cent of required sites implemented baseline surveys. In addition, 91 per cent of employees requiring medical health surveillance completed the medical examination.           Annual reduction in percentage of people potentially exposed above occupational exposure limits.4   =   FY03 was the baseline year in determining exposure data.           20 per cent reduction in incidence of occupational disease by 30 June 2007.   =   FY03 was the baseline year in determining incidence rates.           COMMUNITY         All sites5 to prepare public HSEC reports at a local level (including incidents, community complaints, and relevant site-specific emissions) on an annual basis.   =   HSEC reporting initiatives are in place at 97 per cent of required sites or businesses.           All sites5 to have a community relations plan in place.   =   Community relations plans in place at 95 per cent of required sites and at 21 sites that were not required to meet this target.           No transgressions within the Group’s activities of the principles embodied within the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.   =   None reported.           Aggregate contribution to community programs, including in-kind support, of a target of 1 per cent pre-tax profits, calculated on a three-year rolling average.   =   Expenditure totalled US$42 million, being 1.4 per cent of pre-tax profits on a three-year rolling average.       2   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

BHP Billiton HSEC Targets (Baseline 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002) continued

Legend: = Target exceeded or ahead of schedule = Target achieved (>95%) or on track = Target behind schedule = Target not achieved           ENVIRONMENT         Zero significant incidents (i.e., rated 3 and above on the BHP Billiton Consequence Severity Table).   =   Zero significant environmental incidents.           Energy and Greenhouse         All sites with emissions greater than 100 000 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide equivalent6 are required to have energy conservation plans with specific targets in place.   =   Energy conservation plans in place at 88 per cent of required sites and at nine sites that were below the emissions threshold.           All sites with emissions greater than 100 000 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide equivalent 6 are required to have greenhouse gas management programs.   =   Greenhouse gas management programs in place at 85 per cent of required sites and at eight sites that were below the emissions threshold.           Aggregate Group target for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of production of 5 per cent by 30 June 2007.   =   FY03 intensity reduction achieved was 6 per cent, which exceeded the long-range target (although data can fluctuate on an annual basis).           Water         All sites with fresh water consumption greater than 500 ML per annum7 to have water management plans in place.   =   Water management plans in place at 98 per cent of required sites and at 24 sites that were below the threshold.           Aggregate Group target of 10 per cent reduction in fresh water consumption per unit of production by 30 June 2007.   =   FY03 intensity reduction achieved was 1 per cent.           Waste         All sites1 to have waste minimisation programs in place.   =   Waste minimisation programs in place at 100 per cent of required sites and at 18 sites that were not required to meet this target.           Aggregate Group target of 20 per cent reduction in waste (excluding recycled and mining-related materials, such as waste rock, tailings, coal reject and slag) per unit of production by 30 June 2007.   =   Increases in waste intensity reported in both general waste and hazardous waste categories. The level of new project development impacted the amount of general waste generated.           Land Management         All sites5 to have land management plans in place to protect and enhance agreed beneficial uses.   =   Land management plans in place at 96 per cent of required sites and at 21 sites that were not required to meet this target.           Product Stewardship         Life cycle assessments prepared for all major BHP Billiton minerals products by 30 June 2004 (incorporating participation in industry programs as appropriate).   =   This target is being monitored at the commodity level and is on track.

Notes 1.   Excludes exploration and development projects, sites being divested, closed sites and offices (numbering 57 sites in total).   2.   Controlled activities are work-related activities where BHP Billiton directly supervises and enforces HSEC standards.   3.   A classified injury is any workplace injury that has resulted in the person not returning to their unrestricted normal duties after the day on which the injury was received.   4.   Target modified to reflect adoption of BHP Billiton exposure standards (see Health Performance Summary in the full HSEC Report).   5.   Excludes petroleum platforms, exploration and development projects, closed sites, and offices with no significant community or land management issues.   6.   Forty sites have emissions greater than 100 000 tpa carbon dioxide equivalent and, combined, account for 98 per cent of the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions.   7.   Forty-one sites have freshwater consumption greater than 500 ML per annum and, combined, account for greater than 91 per cent of the Group’s consumption.       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   3

 

HSEC Governance

Introduction

Clearly, strong governance in both the financial and non-financial arenas is a critical aspect of running a successful corporation. Our approach to corporate governance is outlined in our Annual Report and on our website at www.bhpbilliton.com/bb/investorCentre/annualReports.jsp

This section outlines our approach to HSEC governance.

Structure and responsibilities

At every level of the organisation, our line managers, supported by functional personnel who provide specialist advice, are responsible for HSEC matters. Executive remuneration is directly linked to the financial and non-financial performance of the Company.

As shown in Figure 1, the Company’s peak HSE governance body is the HSE Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Board. Further details on the HSE Committee can be found on our website at www.bhpbilliton.com/bb/aboutUs/governance.jsp

HSEC standards across the Company are coordinated and monitored through the BHP Billiton Executive Committee.

The peak functional group is the HSEC Forum, which is involved in setting direction for the HSEC function, identifying priority issues, monitoring HSEC performance and building consensus for the way forward.

Figure 1. HSEC Organisation Structure

(ORGANISATION STRUCTURE FLOW CHART)

Policy, Standards and Systems

The Company has combined health, safety, environment and community matters in one policy and one set of management standards. The Standards cover the entire life cycle of our assets, from exploration through to construction, commissioning, operation, decommissioning, closure and rehabilitation. Wherever we operate, HSEC aspects are addressed in our decision-making processes, alongside other business considerations. This means that, while we strive to deliver strong financial returns to shareholders, we fully recognise and deliver on our wider responsibilities to our stakeholders.

The BHP Billiton Charter, HSEC Policy and HSEC Management Standards are mandatory at all our sites and operations, under a hierarchical management system where systems and documents must meet and support the requirements of those of higher levels, as shown in Figure 2. Where we have no operational responsibility but have an equity stake or significant BHP Billiton assets involved, the Standards are made available to the operator so that comparable HSEC management standards can be applied. In addition, the Standards require operations to evaluate the social and environmental performance of our contractors and suppliers.

Figure 2. Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

(HIERARCHY CHART)

Our HSEC Management Standards include a requirement for an auditing process to ensure that our Charter, HSEC Policy and Standards are being applied and to verify performance. The audit program is a triennial peer review process, with audit teams drawn from operations personnel, line management and external sources. During any year, those sites not audited complete a self-assessment against the Standards. Both the formal audits and self-assessments result in the development of performance improvement plans that facilitate progress to full compliance with the Standards. Conformance against the HSEC Management Standards is reported in the Audit and Self-Assessment section on page 14.

The full HSEC Management Standards and performance requirements are available on our website at www.bhpbilliton.com/bbContentRepository/Policies/ HSECManagementStandardsIssue2.pdf

The HSEC Management Standards were revised during the year, resulting in a consolidated, yet more comprehensive, set of 15 standards. The following new documents have also been prepared:

  Fatal Risk Control Protocols     Hearing Conservation Guidelines     Health Surveillance Guidelines     Health Exposure Assessment Guidelines     Energy and Greenhouse Guideline     Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Template     Human Rights Self-Assessment Toolkit.       4   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

Business conduct

The BHP Billiton Guide to Business Conduct applies to all our employees and contractors, regardless of their job or location.

The Guide seeks to provide direction and advice on conducting business and interacting with governments, communities and business partners. It also states our position on a wide range of ethical issues, including conflict of interest, financial inducements and bribery, insider trading and political contributions. Managers and supervisors are held accountable not only for their own actions, but also for the actions of their staff.

Resolution of business conduct issues is encouraged at the local level. If this is not possible, the issue can be raised with regional points of contact or helplines based in southern Africa (Johannesburg), Europe (London), Australasia (Melbourne) and South America (Tintaya, Peru). For issues related to fraud or bribery, the Fraud Hotline is contacted. The final level of management review is the Global Ethics Panel.

(GUIDE TO BUSINESS CONDUCT)

4   The Guide to Business Conduct is available on our website at www.bhpbilliton.com/bb/ peopleAndEmployment/globalBusinessConductGuide.jsp

Part of the Global Community

Our stakeholders

We are committed to maintaining and promoting transparent dialogue with stakeholders in the resources industry and remaining responsive to the global community’s concerns. We recognise the importance of accountability to stakeholders and are aiming for a higher level of engagement and interaction, particularly with the communities in which we operate.

Our Charter, HSEC Policy, Management Standards and Guide to Business Conduct all promote a commitment to acting with honesty, integrity and fairness in our interactions with all our stakeholders. Maintaining comprehensive stakeholder relationships is a critical part of our journey towards sustainable development.

Financial community

During the year, we continued to participate in key external benchmarking initiatives that attempt to measure BHP Billiton’s sustainable development performance against others in our sector.

Over the period, we maintained our inclusion in the UK FTSE4Good Index and our position in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. One of the leading proponents of socially responsible investing, Storebrand in Norway, ranked us ‘best in class’ for our environmental and social performance out of 21 companies researched.

Forum on Corporate Responsibility

The BHP Billiton Forum on Corporate Responsibility (FCR) brings together representatives of our senior management team, the leaders of several key non-government organisations and community opinion leaders to discuss and debate social and environmental matters relevant to the Company. Members of the FCR have an opportunity to provide advice and to challenge the views of our senior management on broader sustainable development issues. The Company is not bound by the advice of the FCR, and the FCR does not necessarily endorse the Company’s decisions.

Building global links

We are committed to proactive involvement in a number of initiatives to contribute to improving the sustainability of the industry. Our individual businesses are also actively engaged through their sectoral organisations at national and international levels.

The major externally developed, voluntary initiatives1 that we are involved in or are progressively implementing include:

    Australian Minerals Industry Code for Environmental Management (1996)       Global Reporting Initiative (2002)       International Council on Mining and Metals Sustainable Development Framework (2003)       ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (2002)       Mining Certification Evaluation Project – Australian regional initiative (2002)       United Nations Global Compact (2002) (please refer to our letter to the United Nations, included on our website www.bhpbilliton.com)       United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (2001)       US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (2003)       World Bank Guidelines on Involuntary Resettlement (2003).

For further details, see the full HSEC Report on our website.

1.   The date in brackets indicates the year in which we commenced our involvement or commitment.       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   5

 

Performance Summaries

The Company’s performance in the areas of health, safety, environment and community (HSEC) is driven by our commitment to people, the environment, our host communities, and the pursuit of operational excellence to achieve great business outcomes for our shareholders.

Figure 3 illustrates our ‘Road to Zero Harm’. This shows how the things we do contribute towards creating a workplace where Zero Harm is possible.

This section presents the key aspects of the Company’s HSEC performance in 2002/03, with comments on performance trends and some of our improvement activities. During the period, the organisation was recognised with awards by external groups and organisations for its HSEC performance. These are summarised inside the back cover of this Report.

Figure 3. Road to Zero Harm

(ROAD TO ZERO HARM)       6   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

Health

(PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

    4 Our operations provide personal protective equipment as a measure to reduce potential exposure

Background

People are central to the success of our business. Accordingly, understanding the potential for health risks and establishing suitable mitigation measures are integral to our journey towards Zero Harm.

Some of the potential health risks present in the organisation include:

    inherent occupational health risks associated with the nature of our operations, such as noise, dust, hazardous materials and gases and vibration       communicable diseases present in some of the countries in which we operate, including HIV/AIDS and mosquito-borne diseases       travel-related risks       ergonomic exposures relating to work requirements       general suitability for job criteria and fitness for work.

Performance

Establishing a baseline understanding of potential health exposures and performance across the organisation was a focus of our health programs during the year.

    97 per cent of sites reported undertaking a baseline survey on occupational exposure hazards and establishing associated monitoring programs, 91 per cent of those employees requiring medical health surveillance completed the medical examination.       Personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance in the Company was, on average, 94 per cent. This is an area where we continually seek improvement and are encouraging operations to implement formal audit programs of PPE compliance. Currently, 70 per cent of operations have formal audit programs. We will endeavour to increase this over the coming year.

Key issues

Noise is the most significant occupational exposure in our business, with 51 per cent of our employees potentially exposed above the noise exposure limit (85 dBA 8-hour time-weighted average). Additionally, data indicate that, without the use of PPE, 20 per cent of our site-based employees are potentially exposed to hazardous substances above action levels (50 per cent of the occupational exposure limit) but below the occupational exposure limit and 16 per cent of employees are potentially exposed above the occupational exposure limit. These employees are protected from exposure through our PPE programs at every site. (See Figure 4.) While every effort is made to protect all employees potentially exposed to any adverse health effect through the use of PPE, the drive is to progressively reduce potential exposure over time.

Figure 4.

Percentage of Employees in Potential Exposures*
2002/03

(OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS GRAPH)

* I.e., would be exposed if not wearing PPE.

During 2003, there were 226 new cases of occupational illnesses reported throughout the Company. While half of these were due to noise exposure, there were also a significant number of new cases of respiratory disease and repetitive trauma diagnosed. (See Figure 5.)

Figure 5.

New Illnesses by Type
2002/03

(NEW ILLNESSES CHART)

The full year health reporting has provided comprehensive data that indicate the extent to which we are potentially exposing employees to workplace hazards.

This requires that we continue to be vigilant in protecting employees from these exposures while we seek ways to reduce the exposure from our processes and work environments. The illness data collected provide clear baseline information from which to measure the success of our efforts to reduce exposure to harm and potential development of illness.

Our health targets will ensure that we continue to look for opportunities – through engineering, design and other initiatives – to minimise the potential adverse health effects associated with work in our operations. (See Case Study, page 17.)       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   7

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

Safety

(WORK INJURY FREE PHOTO)

4   We are seeking to create a mindset where people believe it is possible to work injury free

Background

The safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate is an integral part of our business. Our goal is Zero Harm. To this end, we are seeking to create a mindset where people believe it is possible to work injury free – regardless of where they are in the world, what role they undertake or in which business they work. (See Case Studies, page 18.)

Across the organisation, we manage safety risks through our risk-based HSEC Management Standards and other dedicated systems. The key risks include:

  mobile equipment and related interactions, including light vehicles and surface and underground mobile equipment     underground ground control encompassing ground stability and ground support     hazardous materials storage, handling, production, transport, recycling and disposal     handling and processing of molten materials     plant and equipment safeguarding and isolation     working at heights.

Performance

In 2003, we saw a significant improvement in our overall safety performance; however, we must remain vigilant.

  We deeply regret that three people lost their lives in our controlled operations during the year. While this number of fatalities was significantly lower than last year (13), each death that occurs has a profound impact on our people and their families. Our resolve to attain our goal of zero fatalities is stronger than ever, and we will relentlessly pursue opportunities to achieve this. We are also monitoring, and have established processes to learn from, significant incidents (including fatalities) that result from activities related to our business but not directly within our management control (i.e., not at controlled operations). There were 16 fatalities within this category during the reporting period. (The Company broadly aligns reporting criteria with the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards.) Figure 6 presents fatalities at controlled operations from 2000/01 to 2002/03.     We received five health and safety related fines totalling US$129 372. These are detailed in our full HSEC Report.     A 20 per cent reduction in our Classified Injury Frequency Rate from 6.51 in 2001/02 to 5.18 in 2002/03, was a promising achievement during the period, reflecting efforts dedicated to safety improvement. (See Figure 7.) A classified injury is any workplace injury that has resulted in the person not returning to their unrestricted normal duties after the day on which the injury was received.

Figure 6.

Fatalities (controlled operations)
2000/01 to 2002/03

(FATALITIES GRAPH)

Figure 7.

Classified Injury Frequency Rate*
2001/02 to 2002/03

(INJURY FREQUENCY GRAPH)

  The Classified Injury Frequency Rate was introduced as a measure in the 2001/02 reporting period. The 2001/02 Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate was 2.24.

Key issues

Our strategies for safety improvement focus on people and systems, with emphasis on:

  leadership effectiveness     behaviours and awareness     rigorous standards and procedures for managing key risks.

A significant step we have taken to support our drive to eliminate fatalities from our operations is the development of Fatal Risk Control Protocols in nine key areas. (See Case Study, page 18.) The Protocols were written by experienced teams drawn from across the Company.

This initiative followed a review of our fatal and high potential incidents over the last ten years, from which we identified a number of common risks to our people – risks that require the development of sound practices to eliminate incidents that have the potential to cause fatalities.       8   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

Safety continued

Figure 8 provides an analysis of the fatal and high potential incidents by cause for the 2002/03 period.

Figure 8.

Significant Incidents
by Cause
2002/03

(INCIDENTS BY CAUSE CHART)

The Fatal Risk Control Protocols cover the following nine areas:

    Light Vehicles       Surface Mobile Equipment       Underground Mobile Equipment       Underground Ground Control       Hazardous Materials Management       Molten Materials Management       Equipment Safeguarding       Isolation       Working at Heights.

These Protocols are mandatory at all our controlled sites and operations. They establish minimum performance expectations for managing risk in each of the nine areas.

The safety improvement road map (Figure 9) is our guide to safety excellence. The diagram illustrates how, as the maturity of our organisation increases, our safety improvement initiatives become all encompassing. The most mature organisations understand that the behaviours of their people are the key to their success.

Figure 9.

Safety Improvement Road Map

(SAFTEY IMPROVEMENT ROAD MAP)

Environment

(UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENT)

4   We are focusing on increasing our understanding of environmental issues

Background

BHP Billiton owns and operates a diverse range of businesses in different countries and ecosystems around the world. These businesses, by their nature, have the potential to affect the environment.

Potential significant environmental impacts that we manage through our HSEC Management Standards, HSEC risk assessment and management programs and other dedicated systems include:

  greenhouse gas and other gaseous emissions     reductions in water quality     impacts on land associated with land disturbance     alterations to biodiversity, either directly or indirectly as a result of our operations     indirect impacts encompassing any of the above as a result of the products and services we purchase, lease or provide. (See Case Studies, pages 19 and 20.)       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 20034   9

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

Environment continued

Performance

Our focus for the past year has been on a number of fronts: working to establish environmental management systems and eco-efficiency plans at sites; increasing our understanding and refining our approaches to issues such as climate change, biodiversity and eco-efficiency; and improving our Company-wide environmental information systems to track performance.

A summary of our environmental performance is presented in Figure 10. Performance aspects of note include the following.

  All of the sites requiring ISO 14001 certification of their Environmental Management Systems either received or were notified that they had been recommended for certification.     Environmental management plans (with reduction targets aimed at driving eco-efficiencies) for land management, water use and waste management have been established at over 95 per cent of required sites. Greenhouse gas management programs have been developed at 85 per cent of required sites, and energy conservation programs at 88 per cent of required sites.     No significant environmental incidents (level 3 or above in the BHP Billiton Consequence Severity Table) occurred.     Environmental fines during the reporting period totalled US$37 572, details of which are included in our full HSEC Report.     Environmental spending for the reporting period was US$134 million, which includes costs for rehabilitation, remediation, environmental monitoring, environmental research and development and other environment-related activities. These costs exclude expenditure associated with the operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment and the like.     Financial provisions for site closure, rehabilitation and remediation activities according to United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP) amounted to US$2025 million.

Key issues
Resource use
Land

At 30 June 2003, land newly disturbed was 3540 hectares compared to 4520 hectares for the previous year. The reason there was less newly disturbed land was primarily a result of our open-cut Queensland coal operations not needing to disturb any further land for mining during the year. The area rehabilitated was 1790 hectares, a slight decrease from 2230 hectares last year. (See Figure 11.)

(LAND GRAPH)

Total land requiring rehabilitation reduced from 82 910 hectares to 77 160 hectares, mainly due to a clarification of the estimate of land requiring rehabilitation at our Escondida operations from the previous year.

Accidental discharges of hydrocarbons to land and water totalled 104 600 litres during the reporting period. This total consisted of a number of small-volume spills, including hydrocarbons released from primary containment facilities but captured in secondary containment facilities.

Figure 10. Summary of Environmental Performance 1999/00 to 2002/03 1                                                   Unit   1999/00   2000/01   2001/02   2002/03      


 
 
 
 
Land Use
                                         
Land disturbed
  Hectares     4 170       4 930       4 520       3  540    
Land rehabilitated
  Hectares     2 090       2 120       2 230       1 790    
Land requiring rehabilitation 2
  Hectares     77 770       81 320       82 910       77 160  
Resource Consumption
                                         
Fresh water
  Megalitres     154 000       160 300       147 100       132 630    
Recycled water 3
  Megalitres     64 100       99 700       543 000       175 350    
Energy
  Petajoules     382       390       396       292  
Waste Disposal 4
                                         
Hazardous waste
  Tonnes     103 900       93 800       80 700       79 940    
General waste to landfill
  Tonnes     288 700       213 700       107 400       115 280  
Air Emissions
                                         
Oxides of sulphur (SOx) 5
  Tonnes     78 500       89 900       56 330       50 020    
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) 5
  Tonnes     118 600       112 300       55 750       49 640    
Fluoride
  Tonnes     1 713       1 795       1 680       910    
Greenhouse gases 6
  Tonnes CO2-e     62 600 000       57 100 000       60 020 000       47 070 000  

1.   In the summary text of each performance category, information has been provided to facilitate year-to-year comparison of performance without BHP Steel.   2.   Rehabilitation requirements assuming immediate closure of all operations. Escondida re-estimated its land area requiring rehabilitation in 2002/03.   3.   Recycled water: Not all sites reported recycled water in 1999/00 and 2000/01.   4.   Waste: Excludes recycled materials and mining-related materials such as waste rock, tailings, coal reject and slag.   5.   Transport and logistics operations were divested during 2001/02.   6.   Greenhouse gases (1999/00 and 2000/01): Different methodologies of reporting were used prior to the BHP Billiton merger.       10   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

Environment continued

Energy

Total energy consumption was 292 petajoules, a decrease from 396 petajoules last year. This was primarily due to the demerger of BHP Steel, which contributed 131 petajoules in 2001/02. While energy consumption rose during the year due to production increases at a number of our operations, this was partially offset by improvements at our manganese and chrome operations, and initiatives in improving energy efficiency such as the Energy Smart Program at our EKATI Diamond Mine. (See Case Study, page 19.) The trend for the Company is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12.
Total Energy Use
1999/00 to 2002/03

(TOTAL ENERGY USE GRAPH)

The major sources of energy use are from purchased electricity, natural gas, and coal and coke, as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13.
Energy Use by Type
2002/03

(ENERGY USE BY TYPE GRAPH)

The overall energy intensity index1 for the Company is illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 14.
BHP Billiton
Overall Energy Intensity
2001/02 to 2002/03

(OVERALL ENERGY INTENSITY GRAPH)

Water

Availability of fresh water is an important global environmental issue.

Total fresh water consumption for the reporting period was 132 630 megalitres, a decrease from last year’s total of 147 100 megalitres. Recycled water reduced from 543 000 megalitres in the previous reporting period to 175 350 megalitres. The reduction in the amount of fresh water consumed and water recycled was mainly due to the demerger of BHP Steel, which consumed 26 300 megalitres of fresh water and recycled 415 600 megalitres of water in 2001/02.

Figure 15 presents the water consumption for the Company.

(WATER CONSUMPTION GRAPH)

The overall fresh water intensity index1 is presented in Figure 16.

Figure 16.
BHP Billiton
Overall Fresh Water Intensity
2001/02 to 2002/03

(FRESH WATER GRAPH)

Gaseous emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions

Our greenhouse gas emissions for the year totalled 47.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), a reduction from last year’s 60.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The primary factor in the reduction of emissions was the demerger of BHP Steel, which contributed 13.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2001/02.

Greenhouse gas emissions for the past four years are presented in Figure 17.

Figure 17.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
1999/00 to 2002/03

(GREENHOUSE GAS GRAPH)

1.   The Intensity Index has been developed as a Company-wide performance indicator on environmental aspects such as energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and fresh water consumption. The ‘index’ concept allows performance from different business groups or sites, all of which may have different operating conditions and product mixes, to be added together to form an overall indicator per unit of production. The baseline for the Intensity Indices is 2001/02 and, as such, has a value of 100.       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   11

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

Environment continued

The sources of greenhouse gas emissions are presented in Figure 18.

Figure 18.

Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2002/03

(FIGURE 18)

The overall greenhouse gas intensity index1 for the Company is presented in Figure 19. The intensity reduction achieved for the year was 6 per cent, however it should be noted that data can fluctuate on an annual basis.

Figure 19.

BHP Billiton Overall Greenhouse Gas Intensity 2001/02 to 2002/03

(FIGURE 19)

Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen

Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions for the reporting period were 49 640 tonnes, compared to 55 750 tonnes last year. Oxides of sulphur (SOx) emissions totalled 50 020 tonnes, compared to 56 330 tonnes last year. The Company’s overall performance for NOx and SOx are presented in Figure 20 and Figure 21 respectively.

The reduction in NOx and SOx emissions is mainly due to the demerger of BHP Steel. The purchase of diesel with low sulphur content by our sites also contributed to the reduction of SOx.

Figure 20.

NOx Emissions to Air 1999/00 to 2002/03

(FIGURE 20)

Figure 21.

SOx Emissions to Air 1999/00 to 2002/03
(FIGURE 21)

Fluoride

There was a significant decrease in fluoride emissions, from 1680 tonnes last year to 910 tonnes this year. This was due to substantial improvements in emission control at our aluminium smelters, including the environmental upgrade of potrooms B and C at Bayside, South Africa. The Company’s fluoride emissions are presented in Figure 22.

Figure 22.

Fluoride Emissions to Air 1999/00 to 2002/03

(FIGURE 22)

Waste

Total general waste (consisting of domestic and construction wastes) disposed of to landfill during the reporting period was 115 280 tonnes, an increase against the previous year’s total of 107 400 tonnes. The increase was mainly due to construction associated with expansion activities at some of our sites.

Hazardous waste (excluding recycled materials, overburden, tailings and slags) generated in the reporting period was 79 940 tonnes. This consisted primarily of waste oil, chemical wastes, hazardous baghouse dusts and other hydrocarbon wastes.

Indicative trends of waste disposed of by the Company are presented in Figure 23.

Figure 23.

Waste Disposal 1999/00 to 2002/03

(FIGURE 23)

Biodiversity

Biodiversity initiatives were undertaken in a number of areas over the past year. We have assessed each of our sites to determine whether any of our operations are within protective categories I to IV of the World Conservation Union, formerly the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We have several sites adjacent to protected areas; and the Minerva natural gas project, which has been given full authorisation, has horizontally drilled underneath the Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, Australia (Category II National Park Recreation).

Through the ICMM, we also actively participate with other interested organisations in a joint program of work in the area of mining and biodiversity, including development of principles and related reporting criteria. As an ICMM member company, we have undertaken not to explore or develop mines in World Heritage Properties.


1.   The Intensity Index has been developed as a Company-wide performance indicator on environmental aspects such as energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and fresh water consumption. The ‘index’ concept allows performance from different business groups or sites, all of which may have different operating conditions and product mixes, to be added together to form an overall indicator per unit of production. The baseline for the Intensity Indices is 2001/02 and, as such, has a value of 100.       12   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

Environment continued

Climate change

We are working on activities related to climate change in a number of ways.

In addition to our 5 per cent greenhouse gas intensity reduction target, we are committed to working with customers to improve energy efficiency in the downstream consumption of our Energy Coal products. We are assessing opportunities to use the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development. Carbon pricing sensitivity analysis is considered in our decisions for new projects and investments that would emit more than 100 000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. We are also funding research into geological sequestration of CO2 and the development of low-emission coal technologies.

Product stewardship

During the year, we continued our work and participation in product stewardship activities. For example, our Base Metals Customer Sector Group (CSG) is conducting Life Cycle Assessment studies for copper in conjunction with the International Copper Association and for zinc with the International Zinc Association. Additionally, they are taking a primary role in the efforts on lead stewardship through their involvement in the Green Lead™ project.

Our Stainless Steel Materials CSG has completed a Life Cycle Assessment with the Nickel Development Institute. Our manganese business, in association with research institutes and universities, has embarked on an initiative to promote a selenium-free manganese product and our Australian coal businesses have participated in the Australian Coal Association Research Program project, ‘Coal in a Sustainable Society’.

Community

(COMMUNITY GRAPHIC)

4 We recognise the importance of assisting in the development of communities wherever we operate

Background

The Company owns and operates a diverse range of businesses in different countries and cultures around the world. We track a range of social issues relevant to sustainable development, including:

  human rights of our employees, contractors, suppliers, and the communities in which we operate     community development (See Case Study, page 21.)     indigenous communities that own the land impacted by our operations or live nearby     ethics and business conduct     indirect social impacts incorporating issues such as community dependency on our activities.

Performance

During the year, our community performance continued to progress well on a number of fronts:

  Total community contributions of US$42 million equated to 1.4 per cent of pre-tax profit (three-year rolling average), which exceeded our target of 1 per cent. This amount includes our contribution to community programs at joint venture operations. The main areas of focus for community programs were community welfare (31 per cent) and education (29 per cent). (See Figure 24.)

Figure 24.

Contributions to Community Programs by Category 2002/03

(FIGURE 24)

  97 per cent of our sites have produced public HSEC reports, which meets our target. These reports are available on our website at www.bhpbilliton.com/bb/sustainableDevelopment/operationsHSECReports.jsp     95 per cent of our sites have community relations plans in place or were covered by a regional development plan developed by the business group. Complaints were received by 62 per cent of our sites. Of the 361 complaints, 22 per cent were related to dust, 22 per cent to noise and 17 per cent to odour.     There were 55 substantive calls to the Business Conduct Helpline and Fraud Hotline. A breakdown of these calls is included in Figure 25. Several cases required involvement of the Global Ethics Panel.

Figure 25.

Business Conduct Helpline and Fraud Hotline Categories of Calls 2002/03

(FIGURE 25)

Key issues

During the period, we adopted the World Bank Guidelines on Involuntary Resettlement and the US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, so that our policies and systems are in line with the International Council on Mining and Metal’s Sustainable Development Framework and key stakeholder expectations. (See Case Study, page 21.)

        4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003   13

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

Community continued

A new employee Matched Giving Program was piloted in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia. The program aims to strengthen local communities by supporting and encouraging employees who volunteer, fundraise or donate to not-for-profit organisations.

The pilot Matched Giving Program was well received, with over US$300 000 being contributed to 274 not-for-profit organisations. For example, more than 36 000 hours in personal volunteering were matched with cash donations to organisations where the employees offered their time.

In conjunction with Oxfam Community Aid Abroad, we ran the second Corporate Community Leadership Program in Orissa, India. With the aim of increasing understanding of social issues relating to our operations, the program involved 12 employees from across our businesses.

Employee Relations

Employee profile

The average number of permanent employees across the Company (including BHP Billiton’s owned and operated facilities and share of unincorporated joint ventures) was 34 800, compared to 51 000 reported in the previous period. A regional breakdown of employees is presented in Figure 26. The demerger of BHP Steel accounted for a reduction in employees of 12 270, with the sale of transport and logistics businesses accounting for another 1380. About 98 per cent of employees at operated sites or corporate offices work full-time. The average turnover rate of employees at operated sites and corporate offices was 5 per cent. A total of about 32 000 contractors were employed at operated sites.

Figure 26.

Regional Geographic Breakdown of Total Number of Employees 2002/03

(FIGURE 26)

All sites report the age of their youngest worker and the corresponding minimum working age in their jurisdiction. The youngest employees were 17 years of age. All Company employees earned greater than the stipulated minimum wage in the countries in which they worked.

Freedom of association

While fully recognising the right of our employees to freely associate and join trade unions, we have a number of sites where we have a mix of collective and individual arrangements. Prospective employees are made aware of employment arrangements prior to joining the Company. A total of 22 400 employees, or about 60 per cent of the workforce, were covered by collective bargaining agreements at operated sites and offices. The Company has a policy to consult with employees on major organisational changes.

Diversity

The Company is committed to developing a diverse workforce and to providing a work environment in which everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Harassment of any form is unacceptable. An example of the ongoing policies or programs we undertake to address employment diversity issues is our Employment Equity Policy in South Africa, which ultimately aims to achieve representation at all levels in our businesses consistent with the demographic profile of South Africa. (See Case Study, page 22.)

In the year ending June 2003, about 8 per cent of full-time employees at operated sites/offices were women.

Human rights

During the year, a Human Rights Self-Assessment Toolkit was developed and distributed to all Company sites to assist them in appraising their potential exposure to human rights issues. The self-assessment will form part of the HSEC audit process.

Three sites reported human rights issues during the year. At the Tintaya copper mine in Peru, pending issues are being addressed by the ‘Mesa de Dialogo’, a dialogue process established with representation from the five communities in the Espinar region. Two issues in South Africa are currently being resolved. One relates to squatters dwelling on a mine property and the other to the voluntary relocation of a person living in a house on a closed mine site.

Indigenous employment and training

Indigenous employment is an important issue at a number of our sites. Some sites have set specific targets for indigenous employment and are publicly reporting their progress against these targets.

Indigenous employment strategies are in operation at Iron Ore, Western Australia and Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO), Northern Territory in Australia; New Mexico Coal in the US; and EKATI Diamond Mine in Canada. In addition, many sites operate training programs to increase proficiency in general literacy or technical skills. (See our full HSEC Report on the website.)

Audit and Self-Assessment

A total of 34 HSEC audits were conducted during the year to assess the level of implementation of the HSEC Management Standards. The audit program involved 99 personnel from both HSEC functional roles and operational roles (13 of whom participated in audits last year) and eight external auditors (two of whom are members of the HSE Committee of the BHP Billiton Board).

The average overall conformance to the Management Standards based on the sites audited is 3.4 out of 5. Sites not audited during the year were required to undertake self-assessments against the Standards. The results from these 51 self-assessments have been combined with the audit results to give an overall conformance of 3.6 out of 5 for the organisation.       14   HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

Economic

The data in this section deal with the economic affairs of the BHP Billiton Group. The Company has an annual turnover of US$17.5 billion, and an enterprise value of US$35 billion (30 June 2003). The Company’s diversification by operating assets across geographic regions is illustrated in Figure 27.

Figure 27.

Diversification by Geographic Region (Net Operating Assets) At 30 June 2003

(FIGURE 27)

Our shareholder base is widely diversified, with approximately 39 per cent of shares held in Australia, 30 per cent in Europe, 18 per cent in North America, 8 per cent in South Africa and 5 per cent in Asia.

Globally, the Company spent in the order of US$12.5 billion sustaining its businesses. The breakdown of this figure by category is shown in Figure 28.

Figure 28.

Total Allocated Expenditure by Category 2002/03 (US$ million)

(FIGURE 28)

Figure 29 shows these data broken down by region. This section helps to quantify the regional economic contributions of the Group.

We have confirmed our support for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative regarding disclosure of payment of taxes and royalties. We will work with our host governments that participate in this process to ensure public reporting of these payments. In the interim, we have presented these data on a regional basis in Figure 29.

Figure 29.

Expenditure by region (US$ million)1 2002/03
                                              Income Tax   Employee Payments                             Resource Rent Tax   Goods and   Community   Shareholder   Regional     and Royalties   Services 2   Contributions 4   Dividends 3   Totals    


 
 
 
 
Africa
    317       2 036       14       72       2 439  

   
     
     
     
     
 
Australia and Asia
    1 241       5 061       10       396       6  708  

   
     
     
     
     
 
Europe
    89       207       < 1       270       567  

   
     
     
     
     
 
North America
    95       913       5       162       1  175  

   
     
     
     
     
 
South America
    88       1 476       13       <1       1 577  

   
     
     
     
     
 
Global total
    1 830       9  693       42       900       12 466  

   
     
     
     
     
 


1.   The data in this table have been rounded and cover operated assets and the Group’s share of unincorporated joint ventures.   2.   Due to the way that we currently document the sourcing of all imported materials and services, we have not been able to allocate all expenditure on goods and services. (note: these data have not been audited). Additional unallocated expenditure on goods and services totalled US$1302 million globally.   3.   Shareholder dividends are based on a shareholder register analysis dated 30 June 2003 and total dividends payable FY03.   4.   Cover both operated assets and our share of joint ventures.

Auditor’s Verification Statement

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) was requested by BHP Billiton Limited to assess and comment upon the accuracy of the data used in the full Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Report for the period 1 July 2002 to 31 June 2003. ERM undertook this assessment by reviewing the on-site data collection process, the data management and collation process, and the synthesis of this data into the tables, graphs and statements that are presented in the full HSEC Report. A number of minor errors were detected in the site data and immediately corrected. ERM believe that the material presented in the full HSEC Report, which is abbreviated in this Summary Report, is a fair and reasonable representation of actual company performance on reported HSEC issues across the operations managed by BHP Billiton.

ERM’s complete verification statement is available in the full HSEC Report on the BHP Billiton website.           (-s- David Snashall)   (-s- Danny Ptak )   (ERM LOGO) David Snashall
Principal
  Danny Ptak
Senior Auditor
        BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   15

 

Case Studies

The full HSEC Report on our website contains the following case studies, which present examples of HSEC issues, initiatives, projects and programs across the Group. In this Summary Report, we present a selection in abbreviated form, as highlighted below.

Health

1.   Developing a ‘hierarchy of control’ approach to managing our occupational health exposures   2.   Health programs in southern Africa help provide care for HIV/AIDS patients   3.   Malaria control programs in Mozambique and Brazil are proving effective   4.   Cardiovascular assessment at Tintaya studies potential high-altitude health risks to employees’ children   5.   Large-scale occupational health study at Cerro Matoso includes a pioneering epidemiological monitoring program

Safety

6.   In our drive to achieve zero fatalities, new Fatal Risk Control Protocols set minimum performance expectations for managing critical safety risks at sites   7.   Taking a safety-conscious approach to tapping the riches of the Sahara   8.   The road to Zero Harm at the Mozal 2 expansion project   9.   Construction of Dendrobium ventilation shaft sets new safety and environment standards   10.   Building safety assurances into the construction and operation of a new drillship underpins an excellent safety performance in the Gulf of Mexico

Environment

11.   Developing new coal technologies to meet the world’s energy needs in a sustainable way   12.   Greenhouse gas intensity reduction strategy is producing results   13.   Consultative process is addressing community concerns about mining beneath Appin township and Marhnyes Waterhole   14.   Rehabilitation program at Beenup is restoring the mine site as a self-sustaining environment of native vegetation, wetlands and pasture   15.   ‘Revive our Wetlands’ program aims to protect and revitalise 100 of Australia’s most important wetlands   16.   Waste management program at Cerro Matoso delivers environmental benefits and more   17.   Yabulu refinery maintains an environmental assessment and management program to preserve local ecosystems   18.   Energy Smart Program exceeds target at EKATI Diamond Mine   19.   Ingwe develops innovative solution to stormwater run-off during mine site rehabilitation

Environment continued

20.   Trials show grazing can be a sustainable use of rehabilitated mine land in Australia’s Bowen Basin   21.   Minerva development project applies an integrated approach to managing environment and community issues

Community

22.   Acquisition of Tabaco village in Colombia provides lessons for future resettlement projects   23.   Pakistan community program focuses on education to improve quality of life   24.   Corporate Community Leadership Program examines impact of community development activities in India   25.   Reversing resettlement in northern Peru benefits local families   26.   PNG Sustainable Development Program Company begins planning community programs   27.   Pering mine – meeting the challenges of closure   28.   Gag Island nickel project remains on care and maintenance   29.   Cerro Matoso’s support for a central educational resource in Montelíbano, Colombia, enhances learning for thousands of students   30.   Mozal program supports small and medium enterprises in Mozambique   31.   The San Isidro Foundation implements a Zonal Planning System to define areas of need for community programs   32.   Planned diamond exploration in the Kalahari Game Reserve is unrelated to relocation of indigenous people   33.   At the Area C project in Australia, an agreement with the traditional owners has enabled unique archaeological sites to be excavated and relocated   34.   Tintaya addresses community concerns through formal consultation processes with stakeholders   35.   BMA Community Partnerships Program is based on extensive research of community needs

General

36.   Escondida: contributing to the progress of Chile   37.   Establishing the foundations for facilitating the black economic empowerment process in South Africa’s resources industry   38.   HSEC considerations are integral to our Enterprise-Wide Risk Management strategy   39.   New study indicates potential for improving the environmental performance of stainless steel made from our nickel and chrome products   40.   Green Lead™ project aims to achieve Zero Harm from lead exposure   41.   Mining industry stakeholders look at developing a system for independent certification of environmental and social performance       16   HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

        Health       Developing a ‘hierarchy of control’ approach to managing our occupational health exposures   (GLOBE PCITURE)

Across our Company there are a variety of site-based exposures that have the potential to cause long-term health effects. The most appropriate approach to these risks is to reduce exposure to the individual. Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been a customary form of protecting employees from adverse exposures. However, in applying a ‘hierarchy of control’, our goal is to reduce the potential exposures in an absolute sense.

(ENGINEERING MANAGER PICTURE)

4 Alan Emery, Engineering Manager, conducting a safety talk 80 metres underground at Khutala Colliery, South Africa

The target for our operations is to reduce exposures over time through a hierarchy of control approach. A long-term aim would be to create a work environment where PPE is not required.

Noise is a significant exposure in our industry. The application of engineering processes may significantly reduce exposure. Our Iron Ore operation at Port Hedland, Australia, has recently installed fibreglass insulation in the crusher plant and fully enclosed the blower units in the beneficiation plant, significantly reducing noise levels.

In underground coal mining, noise and dust are constant sources of adverse exposure. At our Khutala coal mine in South Africa, specific attention has been given to enclosing the cabins of operators, markedly reducing noise and dust exposure. Another exposure is that of diesel particulates. Our Illawarra Coal operation in Australia has been sponsoring a study of this exposure, and a filter mechanism to reduce diesel particulate exposure has now been developed.

A further example of employing the hierarchy of control approach to reduce exposure is at our copper oxide plant in Tintaya, Peru. By applying world’s best practice engineering processes, the emissions of sulphuric acid mist have been significantly reduced.

A preventive approach to managing our health issues will focus on the design phase of new operations, to ensure potential health exposures have been minimised as much as possible.       Health programs in southern Africa help provide care
for HIV/AIDS patients
  (WORLD MAP)

Many of our businesses in South Africa and Mozambique are in areas where the incidence of HIV/AIDS is among the highest in the world. In fulfilling our responsibility to care for our employees, we have developed support programs to help prevent them from acquiring the disease or, in the case of patients, to receive appropriate treatment. In line with our Charter, we are also assisting the broader community to cope with the effects of the epidemic by participating in a range of projects with government, community organisations, NGOs and industry groups.

(Ethembeni Care Centre, Zululand)

4 Ethembeni Care Centre, Zululand

In recognising the severity of this devastating health issue, our sites have put into place various strategies to limit the impact of HIV/AIDS on our employees and our operations. These include supporting educational and awareness programs; promoting healthy lifestyles; and, in collaboration with trade unions, arranging anonymous testing and counselling.

To contain and better manage the problem, operations focus on local recruitment in preference to intakes of migrant workers and encourage private home ownership over high-density accommodation.

In South Africa, the Company contributes to each employee’s remuneration package to enable them to become a member of a medical aid fund. Membership has given all employees and their families access to private health care. The medical aid schemes to which our employees belong now provide anti-retroviral treatment and treatment for HIV/AIDS related illnesses. A similar program is in development in Mozambique.

As examples of our community-based projects, our Hillside and Bayside aluminium operations in Zululand support the Ethembeni Care Centre, which provides infected patients with rehabilitation, respite and palliative care. Our Metalloys operation, located in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, has converted its redundant Kotulong hostel complex into a community support centre to enhance the quality of life of infected people. In Mozambique, the Mozal Community Development Trust is supporting an HIV/AIDS prevention initiative (known as the Total Control of the Epidemic program) and the Government’s voluntary testing centres in Maputo and surrounding areas.       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   17

 

CASE STUDIES

Safety       In our drive to achieve zero fatalities, new Fatal Risk Control Protocols set minimum performance expectations for managing critical safety risks at sites   (GLOBE)

Following the BHP Billiton merger, a review of safety performance over the previous ten years was conducted across the organisation. The study identified that, of the total fatalities that had occurred within this period, 94 per cent were single fatality incidents. This finding has focused our attention on the key risk areas that have historically contributed to fatalities within the Company. Fatal Risk Control Protocols have now been developed as a key component of our Safety Strategy. We are committed to eliminating fatalities from our operations.

(PHOTO OF FIREMAN)

4 Molten materials management

In implementing the Safety Strategy, it is vitally important that our people believe it is possible to work injury free – regardless of their role or location. Our key strategies in working towards this goal have been in three main areas: leadership effectiveness, behaviours and awareness, and rigorous standards and procedures for managing key risks.

All three strategies focus on our people and systems, with two key objectives:

  ensuring that our practices, procedures, conditions, equipment and behaviour all contribute towards creating a workplace where it is possible to work without adverse impact on people, the environment or the community     developing our people to make the right decisions as they go about their work.

Following the review of past fatal incidents, nine key areas were identified that required more stringent controls. These are:

1. Light Vehicles
2. Surface Mobile Equipment
3. Underground Mobile Equipment
4. Underground Ground Control
5. Hazardous Materials Management
6. Molten Materials Management
7. Equipment Safeguarding
8. Isolation
9. Working at Heights.

Protocols have been developed for each of these risk categories. The requirements under each Protocol are classified into three broad focus areas – plant and equipment requirements, procedural requirements and people requirements – in line with our key risks. These Fatal Risk Control Protocols are being implemented throughout the Company, with full implementation planned for completion by June 2005.       Taking a safety-conscious approach to tapping the riches of the Sahara   (WORLD MAP)

In Algeria, we are in the process of completing the Ohanet oil and gas development, together with our joint venture partners and SONATRACH, the state-owned production company. The sheer size and scope of the project poses a wide variety of safety challenges. From the outset, there was senior management commitment from all parties to applying effective safety processes and training, and to involving the whole workforce. As the project moves into the start-up phase, safety remains at the top of the agenda.

(PHOTO OF BARRY SWEETING)

4 Barry Sweeting, BHP Billiton Construction Manager, Zainch Dimeta Field, Ohanet Project, Algeria

The Ohanet subsurface and drilling campaign in the southern Sahara involved two seismic acquisition crews and three rigs operating in the field. Simultaneously, the EPC (Engineer/ Procure/Construct) contractor supervised some 25 subcontractor companies. The safety challenge presented by this complex project was immense.

A safety improvement plan was introduced that focused on:

  raising safety awareness by ensuring safety is at the top of all agendas     improving communication through regular safety meetings and multi-language communications such as posters     planning for risk mitigation by identifying and assessing risks and devising control measures and safe systems     targeting training and refresher training     audit and inspection programs that enable management to ensure that policy is being translated into practice     disciplinary procedures for non-compliance balanced with safety incentives to encourage safer behaviour and improve performance.

At the end of June 2003, with the majority of work completed, an excellent safety record had been achieved. But we are aware that there is no room for complacency – only continuous improvement as the project moves into its critical start-up phase.       18   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

Environment       Developing new coal technologies to meet the world’s energy needs in a sustainable way   (GLOBE)

Meeting the growth needs of developing countries and sustaining living standards in developed countries will continue to drive fossil fuel energy demand, which is forecast to rise by more than two thirds over the next 30 years. Suppliers of fossil fuels, including coal as the largest power generation source, face the challenge of meeting that demand while responding to concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The future path for coal must be to continue the development of low emissions technology.

An eight-fold increase in thermal efficiency over the last century has greatly reduced the amount of coal required per unit of electricity generated. Allied with ultra-low emissions techniques – notably coal gasification and CO2 capture and storage – technology developments currently being researched have the potential to virtually eliminate GHG emissions from coal-based power. Projects are in place, or are proposed, to move the technologies towards commercial viability in the next decade or two.

As the world’s largest coal exporter, we are playing a leading role in realising this potential through a range of activities, such as:

  GHG emissions management, including an emissions inventory system throughout the Company; coal-based emissions reduction projects; and investigating collaborative GHG reduction projects in South Africa     industry leadership, including executive roles in the World Coal Institute (WCI) and our foundation role in the Australian Coal Association (ACA) Sustainable Development Program     direct participation in R&D, including research projects conducted by the ACA and Cooperative Research Centres.

In Australia, the Company contributes around A$3.5 million per annum to coal technology R&D projects.

These activities are contributing to long-term global efforts to ensure environmental sustainability in an energy-hungry world.

(CAPTURE AND STORAGE OF CO2 FROM COAL GASIFICATION)

4 Capture and storage of CO2 from coal gasification
      Greenhouse gas intensity reduction strategy is producing results   (GLOBE)

In 2002, the Company committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity from operations, per unit of production, by not less than 5 per cent between 2002 and 2007. Significant progress has been made. Initiatives by our Aluminium and Diamonds and Specialty Products businesses reflect our commitment.

(PHOTO OF FUEL DIESEL)

4 The Energy Smart Program at EKATI has reduced the requirement for fuel haulage to the mine

At our EKATI Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, an Operating Excellence team developed the Energy Smart Program in April last year to tackle inefficient uses of energy. Aiming at saving the equivalent of half a million litres of fuel per year, they reached their goal by October. They doubled their target, and achieved it. One million litres of fuel equates to about 12 per cent of the mine’s annual power requirement.

To foster an energy saving culture, the team invites fellow employees to contribute ideas, and the response has been overwhelming. Initiatives range from installing motion sensors on lights to recycling waste oil. The Energy Smart Program is being extended so new projects are designed to be energy-efficient from the start.

Greenhouse gases emitted from aluminium smelters derive from various sources, including fuels used in the smelting process and carbon anodes employed in smelting cells. Perfluorocarbons are also emitted from smelting cells during process disturbances called anode effects (AEs), measured in terms of frequency (AE per cell per day), and AE duration measured in minutes.

Our Aluminium operations have focused on the reduction of GHG intensity across all areas and from all sources of evolution. Initiatives have included reduction of process instability through improved control systems. At our Bayside smelter in South Africa, improving potline systems has had a significant effect, with AE frequency reducing from 2.6 to below 1.5 per cell per day and AE duration improving by more than 15 per cent to date. Improvements have also been achieved at our Hillside and Mozal smelters, through new technologies and new capacity being brought online.       BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   19

CASE STUDIES

Environment continued       Consultative process is addressing community concerns about mining beneath Appin township and Marhnyes Waterhole   (APPIN TOWNSHIP ON WORLD MAP)

Our Illawarra Coal operations in Australia undertake underground longwall mining some 500 metres below the surface. The mining can cause cracking in the base of sandstone-bedded rivers and streams, redirecting water flow from the surface to the substrata. Mining beneath Appin and the Georges River has caused concern to some local residents, which is being addressed through a comprehensive consultative process with key stakeholders.       (GEOLOGISTS CAMPING)
4 Geologists at Marhnyes Waterhole, New South Wales
   

A consultation program was initiated in 1998 and expanded in mid 2001. Meetings with more than 100 stakeholders were conducted. Government and environmental groups raised concerns about mining beneath Marhnyes Waterhole on the Georges River, which was scheduled to be commenced by our West Cliff mine in September 2002. The mining was planned several years in advance and the longwall location could not have been modified without significant risk to the viability of West Cliff mine.

A strain-relieving slot was drilled ahead of mining to reduce cracking of the rock bar that creates the waterhole. The slot was successful in limiting fracturing at the waterhole. However, some cracking did occur, with surface water redirected to the shallow substrata. Environmental flows were provided to supplement the river during the period of mining effects and to provide water for aquatic life.

Mining beneath Marhnyes Waterhole is now complete and remediation works are being undertaken. The results to date have been encouraging. Positive feedback has been received from stakeholders, indicating that the community consultation program has helped to build constructive relationships.

However, some concerns remain. Proposed mining areas intersect rivers and creeks across the Illawarra region, and stakeholders have expressed a desire for more input into the mine planning process. Illawarra Coal is reviewing its approach to mine planning and will continue to work closely with stakeholders to address issues relating to mining in the area, within the context of sustainable mining plans.       Rehabilitation program at Beenup is restoring the mine site as a self-sustaining environment of native vegetation, wetlands and pasture   (BEENUP ON WORLD MAP)

Our Beenup titanium minerals mine in south-west Western Australia closed in 1999. A rehabilitation plan was developed in consultation with the government and the local Augusta-Margaret River community. Restoration works under way include retention of the dredge pond as a permanent water body, the creation of seasonal wetlands, recontouring of the site and an extensive revegetation program.       (JOCELYN BIRD CHECKING REVEGETATION)
4 Beenup rehabilitation program manager Jocelyn Bird checks revegetation progress at the site
   

The area to be rehabilitated included 336 hectares of disturbed land, a 50-hectare dredge pond, a large storage area containing material that had been excavated from the pond, and two ponds for storing clay fines.

Several options for rehabilitation were submitted to government and the local community. A key environmental issue was pyrite, a naturally occurring sulphide mineral that, if exposed, can oxidise and form acid.

Following extensive consultation, implementation of the agreed plan commenced in late 1999. The plan allowed the clay fines to be retained in the former dredge pond, which has been established as a permanent water body. Seasonal wetlands have been developed, which encourage the creation of diverse flora and fauna habitat and support functioning ecosystems. The pond and wetlands, together with the extensive use of lime sand, also facilitate long-term management of the pyrite.

A major component of the project has been the reinstatement of surface water drainage across the site. The recontoured pond and the wetlands have been designed to manage drainage and minimise flooding. The revegetation program involves the planting or broadcasting of over 110 million native seeds, representing over 110 plant species, including declared rare flora species.

With rehabilitation nearing completion, the Beenup site has potential for flora and fauna research, environmental education and eco-tourism.       20   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

Community       Acquisition of Tabaco village in Colombia provides lessons for future resettlement projects   (TABACO VILLAGE ON WORLD MAP)

BHP Billiton and its joint venture partners, Anglo American and Glencore, became equal owners of the Cerrejon Zona Norte (CZN) coal mine in Colombia in February 2002, when they acquired International Colombia Resources Corporation (Intercor) from ExxonMobil, which held the mine’s remaining 50 percent ownership and operational interests. A new company, Cerrejon Coal Company, was formed, combining CZN and Carbones del Cerrejon. Situated within the mining lease is the village of Tabaco. In 1997, prior to the involvement of BHP Billiton, acquisition of the village commenced to enable future expansion of the mine’s operations.

In accordance with Colombian law, a survey was conducted to determine whether the people of Tabaco wanted to sell their possession rights or be relocated. The survey established that there were 213 possession rights, of which 8 were municipal public properties, 151 were unoccupied lands or houses and 54 were occupied dwellings.

Of the possessors, 95 per cent said they did not want resettlement and wanted to negotiate directly. Subsequently, 200 out of 213 possession rights were settled and in August 2001 the remaining 13 possession rights were acquired in accordance with the Mining Law.

In May 2002, the Colombian Supreme Court ordered that the municipality of Hatonuevo provide primary education and housing infrastructure support for children of this group. While schooling is provided free to students, there are associated expenses for items such as educational materials.

Some months earlier, Cerrejon had approached the municipality and offered to assist with the education of these children.

An assistance program was implemented, and, during 2002, Cerrejon helped meet the schooling expenses of 21 children of former Tabaco residents.

Following a review at the end of 2002, it was decided the funding should be provided directly to the schools attended by the children. During 2003, this has enabled the schools to construct additional facilities and purchase educational materials.

In May 2003, Cerrejon offered land for community use, and it has been indicated that this may also benefit the affected Tabaco families.

Cerrejon has reviewed the processes that it follows when the relocation of a community becomes necessary, to ensure that they are consistent with best practice and focused on the maintenance of sustainable livelihoods. To this end, Cerrejon will adopt relevant World Bank Guidelines for future resettlements. The US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights have also been adopted to guide interactions with communities.       Pakistan community program focuses on education to improve quality of life   (ZAMZAMA ON WORLD MAP)

Our Zamzama gas project in Pakistan is located in the district of Dadu, approximately 500 kilometres north of the coastal city of Karachi in Sindh Province. The area suffers from very low rainfall, lacks basic infrastructure and has limited educational facilities or opportunities. Our community development program is aiming to facilitate the empowerment process and improve the quality of life for the disadvantaged people living in the areas where we operate. Education is considered to be a vital part of this process.

Initially, a series of consultative workshops were organised to ensure community participation and to assess the critical needs in the area. These revealed that access to quality education, particularly for girls and women, was the primary concern.

Further research in Dadu showed that there were clear opportunities to improve school infrastructure, enhance teaching methodologies and increase the motivation of teachers, children and parents towards education.

As part of its program, the Zamzama community development team has implemented a two-phase project. Two local NGOs were selected to develop an education program, which led to the establishment of five primary schools in the area. With support from the Company, the schools have been provided with infrastructure, furniture and equipment, and trained teachers.

The project has included a number of key components: capacity building (training of local NGOs and school teachers); livelihood opportunities (ensuring that jobs are filled by local people); and participation and partnership (through regular multi-stakeholder consultations).

The benefits are now being realised. The children, especially girls, have been provided with education opportunities. The teachers have benefited from their training, and the parents feel empowered to make an effective contribution to decision-making processes.

The involvement of the community, the government and NGOs is seen as a prerequisite to achieving sustainability of the project, by instilling a sense of ownership and the motivation to take responsibility for maintaining the education program.          

Key achievements
       
Schools operational
    5  
Teachers employed and trained
    13  
Children enrolled
    477  
Villages benefiting from the schools
    60  
Partner NGOs engaged
    2  
Community-based organisations formed
    5  
School management committees formed
    5  
People directly involved in the project
    23         BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   21

 

CASE STUDIES

General       Escondida: contributing to the progress of Chile   (ESCONDIDA ON WORLD MAP)

The Escondida copper mine in northern Chile is the world’s largest source of copper. The mine plays a significant role in the country’s economy, accounting for 20 per cent of the country’s copper production. Since mining began in 1990, the Company has contributed to the economy through employment, the payment of taxes and the purchase of goods and services. In addition, the Company has supported local communities through health and education programs and other initiatives.

(ANTOFAGASTA TOWNSHIP)
4 Township of Antofagasta

BHP Billiton is the major shareholder and operator of Escondida, which is located in the Atacama Desert, 170 kilometres southeast of the coastal city of Antofagasta. Our efforts to become a valued citizen commenced at the pre-operational stages of the mine in 1983. An important decision was taken to structure the Company in a way that favoured payment of taxes in Chile, rather than back to the countries of earnings consolidation. It was also considered essential that the community should benefit immediately.

Accommodation for employees was built in Antofagasta and there was an emphasis on recruiting local people and purchasing local goods and services.

A community assistance program was developed, which has primarily been implemented by the Escondida Foundation. Areas supported include education, health and indigenous development, with an emphasis on young people. In 2002, the Foundation expanded the program to support employees in their own social responsibility initiatives. Projects have involved over 450 employees and around 3500 beneficiaries. In line with our Group-wide policy of contributing one per cent of pre-tax profit to community development programs, the Foundation has spent US$13 million over the last six years.

After 13 years of operation, the Company has invested a total of US$4 billion in the mine and paid US$1.7 billion in taxes. US$475 million is spent annually on the purchase of goods and services, mostly in Antofagasta and the Second Region. Production of copper at Escondida is expected to continue for another 40 years.       Establishing the foundations for facilitating the black economic empowerment process in South Africa’s resources industry   (SOUTH AFRICA ON WORLD MAP)

South Africa is a changing nation, as historical and social imbalances are redressed in accord with the Government’s Employment Equity Act and, specific to the resources industry, the Minerals Bill and Broad-Based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter for the Mining Industry. Our South African operations have been playing an ongoing role in facilitating the transformation process through a wide range of black economic empowerment (BEE) programs and initiatives.

A significant step occurred in July 1998 when we announced our commitment to establish, with other resources companies, a company known as NewCoal, ownership of which would be transferred to a BEE group. This was realised in November 2000, with the sale of 80 per cent of the company to Eyesizwe Coal. NewCoal is now the country’s fourth-largest coal producer.

In September 2002, we entered into a further empowerment project with the sale of one of our collieries to Kuyasa Mining, providing the junior miner with a solid base for future development. In addition, we have made significant reserves available to another BEE junior miner, Endulweni Resources.

Our operations are also introducing initiatives to help develop smaller companies, such as the Small and Medium Enterprise Empowerment Program in place at our Hillside and Bayside aluminium operations. The program encourages the participation of local enterprises in Company projects, supported by training and mentorship.

In April 2003, we developed a BEE Procurement Policy for implementation throughout our South African operations, in line with our goal of identifying, developing and promoting the sustainability of BEE business through procurement.

Within our businesses, our Employment Equity Policy is in place at all operations. Our goal is to achieve representation at all levels consistent with the demographic profile of South Africa. This is in accord with the Employment Equity Act, which is aimed at assisting people in designated groups – black people (Africans, Coloureds and Indians), women, and people with disabilities.

Our ultimate target is to achieve designated group representation across top, senior and middle management levels of 40 per cent. Since last year, steady increases have been occurring across all levels and at 30 June 2003, total representation had reached 26.45 per cent. Further increases are expected as a result of accelerated development schemes and dedicated training and education programs.       22   4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

Our Resources at Work                               Customer Sector Group   Petroleum   Aluminium   Base Metals


 
 
 
Commodity   Oil and                             Natural Gas   Aluminium   Copper   Gold   Zinc   Silver   Lead
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
(PERSON STUDYING REPORTS)
  Fuel, heating,
electricity
generation
  High-tension power lines, wires and cables   Wire and cables, electrical wiring in buildings, electrical generators and motors       Zinc carbon
batteries
      Lead-acid
storage
batteries
(car batteries),
remote area
power storage
                              Construction
(WOMAN GOING TO MEETING)
  Carpets, paints,
plastics
  Door and window frames, wall cladding, roofing, awnings   Electrical wiring, plumbing pipes and tanks, roofing, light fixtures, treated timbers   Gold leaf for
decoration
  Roofing, fences, doors, handles, paints, plumbing, nuts and bolts   Solder   Roofing,
plumbing,
soundproofing,
stained glass
windows
                              Industry
(SURGICAL NURSE)
  Electricity
generation,
transport,
furnace fuel
  Propellers,
body sheet
(for ships,
aeroplanes,
vehicles),
gearboxes,
motor parts,
wires, cables,
packaging
  Wires and cables, electrical wiring in buildings and vehicles, robotics, airconditioning and refrigeration units, scientific instruments   Electronics for
computers,
industrial
equipment,
aerospace
technology,
tinted-glass
windows
  Galvanising and corrosion protection, car bodies, carburettors, tyres   Photographic paper and film, medicines, super conductors   Lead foil,
radiation
shields, toxic
waste storage
containers,
dyes, solder
                              Household appliances
(MAN PROGRAMMING REMOTE)
  Plastic
components,
packaging
  Components for TV sets, radios, refrigerators and airconditioners   Electrical appliances, telephone cables, microwave equipment, radio and TV sets   Electronic
technology
  Door handles and other household components, brass fittings       Electronic and electrical appliances such as radios and TV sets (soldered connections)                               Personal use
(MAN ON BICYCLE)
  Electricity, fuel for vehicles, fuel for cooking and heating, clothing fabric, plastic toys, pens   Beverage cans, bottle tops, foil wrap, foil semi- rigid containers, kettles and saucepans, cutlery, tennis racquets, softball bats, indoor and outdoor furniture, bicycles   Ornaments,
telephones,
cooking
utensils,
home heating
systems,
decorative
applications,
coins
  Jewellery, watches, currency, dentistry, decoration for dinnerware and ornaments   Medications,
zinc cream,
TV sets,
computer
parts, toys
  Jewellery, watches, dinnerware and ornaments, mirrors, cutlery, currency, medallions (e.g., Sydney Olympics medals)   Computers, leadlight windows, glass in TV and computer screens for radiation protection

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]                                       Customer Sector Group   Carbon Steel Materials   Diamonds and Specialty Products   Energy Coal   Stainless Steel Materials


 
 
 
 
Commodity                                         Manganese   Iron Ore   Coking Coal   Diamonds   Titanium   Thermal Coal   Chrome   Nickel   Cobalt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
(PERSON STUDYING REPORTS)
  Dry cell
batteries
                  Electricity
generation,
heating
      Electricity
generation
turbines,
batteries
  Rechargeable lithium batteries for mobile telephones and laptop computers, jet engine turbines                                       Construction
(WOMAN GOING TO MEETING)
      Steelmaking,
buildings,
bridges, tools,
cranes
      Diamond grit and powder impregnated rock drilling bits, masonry drilling, machine tool tips and cutting discs   Pigment for
paints, fabric,
plastics, paper
      Treated timbers,
street furniture,
building
cladding,
stainless steel
  Street furniture,
building
cladding,
stainless steel
  Tyre adhesives,
magnets,
carbide cutting
tools
                                      Industry
(SURGICAL NURSE)
  Steel alloys   Steelmaking,
transport
equipment,
motor vehicles,
farm machinery
  Steelmaking   Polishing
compounds
in fine optical
surfaces, jewel
bearings, wire
drawing dies
  Titanium metal
for aerospace
equipment,
engines,
abrasives,
ceramics,
robotics
  Electricity
generation,
heating, cement
  Pigments for paints, food and beverage equipment, vehicles   Computer hard disks, surgical implements and implants, jet engines, food and beverage equipment, pharmaceutical equipment, vehicles, metal hardening   Paints, enamels,
glazes
                                      Household appliances
(MAN PROGRAMMING REMOTE)
      Refrigerators,
washing
machines,
ovens
      Knife
‘sharpeners’
  Paper products, computer and TV screens       Electrical
appliances
  Colour TV tubes,
kitchen sinks,
whitegoods
  Videotape
coatings,
heating
elements on
electric stoves
                                      Personal use
(MAN ON BICYCLE)
  Glass,
ceramics,
dry cell
batteries
  Food cans, cars,
tools, cutlery,
jewellery,
watches
      Jewellery   Cosmetics and sunscreens, fabric, clothing, jewellery, heart pacemakers, hip replacements, food colouring       Bathroom and kitchen fittings   Kitchen utensils, coins, mobile telephones, bathroom and kitchen fittings and fixtures           BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003 4   23

 

BHP Billiton Locations

(MAP)

Corporate Centres           Ref   Continent   Location


 
 
1   Africa   Johannesburg 2   Australia   Melbourne (Global Headquarters) 3   Australia   Adelaide 4   Europe   London 5   North America   Houston 6   South America   Santiago

Marketing Offices           Ref   Continent   Location


 
 
7   Asia   Beijing 8   Asia   Jakarta 9   Asia   New Delhi 10   Asia   Seoul 11   Asia   Shanghai 12   Asia   Singapore 13   Asia   Tokyo 14   Europe   Baar 15   Europe   Essen 16   Europe   The Hague 17   Europe   Moscow 18   North America   Pittsburgh 19   South America   Rio de Janeiro

Aluminium                       Ref   Continent   Site/Asset   Description   Ownership


 
 
 
 
20   Africa   Hillside/Bayside,
South Africa
  Two aluminium smelters     100 % 21   Africa   Mozal,
Mozambique
  Aluminium smelter     47 % 22   Australia   Worsley, Australia   Integrated alumina refinery/bauxite mine     86 % 23   South America   Alumar, Brazil   Alumina refinery and aluminium smelter     36–46 % 24   South America   MRN, Brazil   Bauxite mine     14.8 % 25   South America   Paranam, Suriname   Alumina refinery and Lelydorp bauxite mine     45–76 % 26   South America   Valesul Aluminio, Brazil   Aluminium smelter     46 %

Base Metals                       Ref   Continent   Site/Asset   Description   Ownership


 
 
 
 
27   Australia   Cannington,
Australia
  Silver, lead and zinc mine in north-west Queensland     100 % 28   North America   Highland Valley
Copper, Canada
  Highland Valley Copper
mine in British Columbia
    33.6 % 29   North America   Selbaie,
Canada
  Open pit operation producing zinc and copper concentrate and by-products including gold and silver. Due to close in January 2004.     100 % 30   South America   Escondida,
Chile
  One of the largest copper mines in the world     57.5 % 31   South America   Antamina, Peru   Large copper-zinc mine     33.75 % 32   South America   Cerro Colorado,
Chile
  Copper mine in northern Chile, producing
cathode copper through a SXEW
leach operation
    100 % 33   South America   Tintaya,
Peru
  Produces copper concentrate and copper cathode within the ‘Skarn Belt’ of south-eastern Peru     100 %

Carbon Steel Materials                       Ref   Continent   Site/Asset   Description   Ownership


 
 
 
 
34   Africa   Samancor
Manganese,
South Africa
  Integrated producer of manganese alloys and ferroalloys     60 % 35   Australia   Queensland Coal,
Australia
  World’s largest supplier of high-quality metallurgical coal for steel production     50–80 % 36   Australia   Boodarie Iron,
Australia
  Hot briquetted iron plant     100 % 37   Australia   GEMCO
Australia
  Producer of manganese ore (part of Samancor)     60 % 38   Australia   Illawarra Coal,
Australia
  Four underground coal mines     100 % 39   Australia   WA Iron Ore,
Australia
  The Pilbara iron ore mines rank among the world’s best long-life iron ore assets     85–100 % 40   Australia   TEMCO,
Australia
  Producer of manganese alloys (part of Samancor)     60 % 41   South America   Samarco,
Brazil
  An efficient low-cost producer of iron ore pellets     50 %

Diamonds and Specialty Products                       Ref   Continent   Site/Asset   Description   Ownership


 
 
 
 
42   Africa   Johannesburg,
South Africa
  Technology Centre     100 % 43   Africa   Richards Bay
Minerals,
South Africa
  World’s largest producer of titanium slag     50 % 44   Australia   Brisbane,
Australia
  Mineral Exploration Office       45   Australia   Melbourne,
Australia
  Mineral Exploration Office       46   Australia   Newcastle,
Australia
  Technology Centre     100 % 47   Europe   Antwerp, Belgium   Diamonds marketing     100 % 48   North America   EKATI,
Canada
  Diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada     80 % 49   North America   Integris Metals,
US
  Metals distribution     50 % 50   North America   Vancouver,
Canada
  Mineral Exploration Office      

Energy Coal                   Ref   Continent   Site/Asset   Description   Ownership


 
 
 
 
35   Australia   Queensland Coal,
Australia
  Marketing agent for energy coal
output
  38   Australia   Illawarra Coal,
Australia
  Marketing agent for energy coal
output
  51   Africa   Ingwe,
South Africa
  Largest coal producer in
South Africa
  100% 52   Australia   Hunter Valley
Energy Coal,
Australia
  New 12-Mt/a mine (Mount
Arthur North) being developed
  100% 53   Asia   PT Arutmin,
Indonesia
  Marketing agent for 75% of coal output   54   Asia   PT Kendilo,
Indonesia
  Infrastructure for third party trading   100% 55   North America   New Mexico Coal,
US
  Mine-mouth operations including
new underground mine
  100% 56   South America   Cerrejon Coal,
Colombia
  Largest coal producer in Colombia   33%

Petroleum                   Ref   Continent   Site/Asset   Description   Ownership


 
 
 
 
57   Africa   Algeria   ROD and Ohanet developments   36.04–45% 58   Asia   Zamzama,   Operator of gas development   38.5%         Pakistan         59   Australia   North West Shelf   One of Australia’s largest resource projects, producing liquids, LNG and domestic gas   8.33–16.67% 60   Australia   Bass Strait   The Bass Strait operations produce oil, condensate, LPG, natural gas and ethane   50% 61   Australia   Griffin   Operator of oil and gas project offshore WA   45% 62   Australia   Minerva   Gas field under development
in the Otway Basin
  90% 63   Australia   Laminaria/
Corallina
  Oil production in the Timor Sea   25–32.6% 64   Europe   Liverpool Bay   Operator of oil and gas development in the Irish Sea   46.1% 65   Europe   Bruce/Keith   Oil and gas production in the UK North Sea   16–31.83% 66   North America   Gulf of Mexico   Interests in five producing assets in the Gulf of Mexico; development activities and exploration interests   4.95–50% 67   South America   Bolivia   Oil and gas production   50% 68   South America   Trinidad   Operator of the Angostura oil field development   45%   Various   Exploration   Exploration interests in South Africa, Brunei, Brazil, Australia, US, Trinidad and the UK  

Stainless Steel Materials                       Ref   Continent   Site/Asset   Description   Ownership


 
 
 
 
69   Africa   Samancor
Chrome,
South Africa
  Integrated producer of chrome ores and ferrochrome comprising mines and chrome alloy plants at three major sites in South Africa     60 % 70   Australia   QNI Yabulu
Refinery,
Australia
  The Yabulu refinery is one of the world’s major laterite nickel-cobalt processing plants     100 % 71   South America   Cerro Matoso,
Colombia
  Integrated ferronickel mining and smelting complex in north Colombia     99.8 %

4 BHP BILLITON HSEC SUMMARY REPORT 2003

 

BHP Billiton Employee HSEC Awards Program

The BHP Billiton HSEC Awards recognise those employees who openly embody the values expressed in our Charter and go beyond what is required in their day-to-day jobs to care for their fellow employees, the community and the environment. For details of all recipients, see our full HSEC Report on the website.

Individual

Excellence – Personally selected by the Chairman of the Judging Panel, the Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen

Boet du Plessis, Middelburg Mine, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Boet is involved in helping disadvantaged people in the local communities. He presently runs 15 projects that support physically and mentally disabled people and destitute groups.

Health

Excellence

Penelope Taylor (team representative), Boodarie Iron, Port Hedland, Western Australia

Penelope and an Operating Excellence team developed a solution to a significant dust problem in the briquetting press area of the Boodarie Iron plant.

Highly Commended

  Anselmo Gregorio (team representative), Mozal Aluminium smelter, Maputo Province, Mozambique     Manuel Muro (team representative), Tintaya Copper Mine, Espinar, Peru     Avril Robson (team representative), Samancor Manganese, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Environment

Excellence

James Keenan (team representative), EKATI Diamond Mine, Northwest Territories, Canada

James is sponsor of an Operating Excellence team that developed the Energy Smart Program, which helped save a million litres of diesel fuel per year.

Highly Commended

  Márcia Sanna Moreira Neves (team representative), Mineração Rio do Norte SA (MRN), Pará, Brazil     Maurício Macedo Santos (team representative), Alumar Smelter and Refinery, Maranhão, Brazil     Albert van der Westhuizen (team representative), Bayside Aluminium Smelter, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Safety

Excellence

Scott Lowe, BHP Billiton Energy Coal, Melbourne, Australia

Scott developed and implemented a Fatal Risk Peer Review Program for the Energy Coal Customer Sector Group, which is to be implemented on an annual basis.

Highly Commended

  Chris Faure (team representative), Samancor Manganese, Gauteng, South Africa     Philip Forster (team representative), BMA Blackwater Mine, New South Wales, Australia     Ian Long (team representative), Mozal Aluminium Smelter, Maputo Province, Mozambique

Community

Excellence

Bongani Mqaise (team representative), Bayside and Hillside Aluminium Smelters, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Bongani and his colleagues were instrumental in developing Ethembeni Care Centre to provide care to people with HIV/AIDS in Zululand.

Highly Commended

  Humera Malik (team representative), Zamzama Gas Field, Islamabad, Pakistan     Rick Peters (team representative), GEMCO, Groote Eylandt, Australia     Norah Segoati (team representative), Johannesburg Head Office, Gauteng, South Africa

External Recognition (2002/03)

  Banksia Environmental Foundation Award for Leadership in Sustainability in the Australian Minerals Industry     Australian Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Community and Business Partnerships     The Australian Financial Review Magazine Award for Corporate Partnership of the Year     Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (Australasia) Award (joint) for Best Environment Reporting     Australasian Reporting Awards Award for Best Environmental Report     Australasian Reporting Awards Commendation Award in OHS Reporting     KPMG South African Reporting Award for Best Sustainability Report

 

    BHP BILLITON CHARTER       WE ARE BHP BILLITON, A LEADING GLOBAL RESOURCES COMPANY.       Our purpose is to create value through the discovery, development and conversion of natural resources, and the provision of innovative customer and market-focused solutions.       To prosper and achieve real growth, we must:     actively manage and build our portfolio of high-quality assets and services,     continue the drive towards a high-performance organisation in which every individual accepts responsibility and is rewarded for results,     earn the trust of employees, customers, suppliers, communities and shareholders by being forthright in our communications and consistently delivering on commitments.       We value:     Safety and the Environment – An overriding commitment to health, safety, environmental responsibility and sustainable development.     Integrity – Doing what we say we will do.     High Performance – The excitement and fulfilment of achieving superior business results and stretching our capabilities.     Win-Win Relationships – Having relationships which focus on the creation of value for all parties.     The Courage to Lead Change – Accepting the responsibility to inspire and deliver positive change in the face of adversity.     Respect for Each Other – The embracing of diversity, enriched by openness, sharing, trust, teamwork and involvement.       We are successful in creating value when:     our shareholders are realising a superior return on their investment     our customers and suppliers are benefiting from our business relationships     the communities in which we operate value our citizenship     every employee starts each day with a sense of purpose and ends each day with a sense of accomplishment.

-s- Chip Goodyear
Chip Goodyear
Chief Executive Officer

January 2003

    WORKING RESPONSIBLY AT BHP BILLITON:

    OUR HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY POLICY       At BHP Billiton, we are committed to sustainable development. Health, safety, environment and community responsibilities are integral to the way we do business.       We commit to continual improvement in our performance, efficient use of natural resources and aspire to zero harm to people and the environment.       Wherever we operate we will:       Develop, implement and maintain management systems for health, safety, environment and the community that are consistent with internationally recognised standards and enable us to:     identify, assess and manage risks to employees, contractors, the environment and communities     strive to achieve leading industry practice     meet and, where appropriate, exceed applicable legal and other requirements     set and achieve targets that include reducing and preventing pollution     develop our people and provide resources to meet our targets     support the fundamental human rights of employees, contractors and the communities in which we operate     respect the traditional rights of indigenous peoples     care for the environment and value cultural heritage     advise on the responsible use of our products.       Seek opportunities to share our success by:     working with communities to contribute to social infrastructure needs through the development and use of appropriate skills and technologies     developing partnerships that focus on creating sustainable value for everyone.       Communicate with, and engage, employees, contractors, business partners, suppliers, customers, visitors and communities to:     build relationships based on honesty, openness, mutual trust and involvement     share responsibility for meeting the requirements of this Policy.       We will review regularly and report publicly our progress and ensure this Policy remains relevant to the needs of our stakeholders. We will be successful when we achieve our targets towards our goal of zero harm and we are valued by the communities in which we work.

-s- Chip Goodyear
Chip Goodyear
Chief Executive Officer

January 2003

About BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton is the world’s largest diversified resources company, with a portfolio of high-quality, long-life assets and a significant pipeline of growth projects. The Company has some 34 800 employees, working in more than 100 operations and offices in 26 countries.

Headquartered in Melbourne Australia, the Group has primary listings on the Australian and London Stock Exchanges, and has a business model created around seven Customer Sector Groups (CSGs). These are based on customer-oriented groupings of commodities.

Each of the CSGs is a substantial business in its own right, and several are leaders in their respective fields. The CSGs are Aluminium, Base Metals, Carbon Steel Materials, Diamonds and Specialty Products, Energy Coal, Petroleum, and Stainless Steel Materials.

Our key markets include downstream refiners and processors of raw materials, such as steelworks, smelters, petroleum refiners, thermal power stations and diamond cutters.

A key aspect of the Company’s strategic framework is our health, safety, environment and community (HSEC) performance – we are committed to the journey towards sustainable development and Zero Harm.

Contact Us
Ian Wood
Vice President Sustainable Development
BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton Centre
180 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia

Phone: +61 1300 554 757
Fax: +61 3 9609 3015
Email: hsec@bhpbilliton.com

Website: www.bhpbilliton.com

This Report was printed with soy-based inks on paper that is elemental chlorine free, acid free, recyclable and biodegradable, and made at a mill that has ISO 14001 environmental management system certification.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURES

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
/s/ KAREN WOOD
_____________________

Karen Wood
Title: Company Secretary
Date:
30 September 2003