Prepared By R.R. Donnelley - Form 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549


FORM 6-K


REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

November 29, 2010

 
Commission File Number

Translation of registrant's name into English; Address of principal executive offices

BHP Billiton Limited (ABN 49 004 028 077)
180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
3000 AUSTRALIA


-
BHP Billiton Plc (REG. NO. 3196209)
NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON,
UNITED KINGDOM


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 if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):      

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):      

 

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): 82-.



NEWS RELEASE
Release Time - IMMEDIATE
Date - 17 November 2010
Number - 32/10


BHP BILLITON APPROVES US$570 MILLION TO UNDERPIN RAPID GROWTH AT WESTERN AUSTRALIA IRON ORE

BHP Billiton today announced approval for a further US$635 million (BHP Billiton share US$570 million)(1) of capital expenditure that will underpin continued growth in Western Australia Iron Ore’s production profile. The investment highlights BHP Billiton’s commitment to the Rapid Growth Project sequence of expansion projects and is consistent with the company’s strategy to fully utilise its Port Hedland inner harbour capacity.

The investment expands on BHP Billiton’s earlier pre-commitment of US$1.73 billion announced in January 2010 and will facilitate the ongoing development of important port, rail and Jimblebar mine infrastructure.

BHP Billiton President, Iron Ore, Ian Ashby said “The investment further progresses our conveyor belt of Rapid Growth Projects and ensures the company is well positioned to deliver production growth into a tight and growing market. Our volume maximising strategy remains unchanged as we continue to update our longer term growth plans.”

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com

(1) BHP Billiton’s partners in its Pilbara iron ore operations are: Itochu Minerals & Energy of Australia Pty Ltd, Mitsui-Itochu Iron Pty Ltd and Mitsui Iron Ore Corporation Pty Ltd. BHP Billiton share of investment takes into account the 100% owned BHP Billiton Iron Ore Jimblebar operation.

Australia
Brendan Harris, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 4323 Mobile: +61 437 134 814
email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com

Leng Lau, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 4202 Mobile: +61 403 533 796
email: Leng.Y.Lau@bhpbilliton.com

Amanda Buckley, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2209 Mobile: +61 419 801 349
email: Amanda.Buckley@bhpbilliton.com

Kelly Quirke, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312
email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com

Fiona Martin, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908
email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom & South Africa
Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974
email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom & Americas
Ruban Yogarajah, Media Relations
Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033
Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com

Americas
Scott Espenshade, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 599 6431   Mobile: +1 713 208 8565
email: Scott.Espenshade@bhpbilliton.com


BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077
Registered in Australia
Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015
        
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Neathouse Place
London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111


Members of the BHP Billiton group which is headquartered in Australia


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 (ABN 49 004 028 077)
Date : November 29, 2010 By: /s/ Jane McAloon     
Name: Jane McAloon
                                                                                                                          Title: Group Company Secretary