Global miner BHP Billiton Ltd
(ASX:BHP) has reported record iron ore production and shipments in the first half of fiscal 2011, but says coal production has been significantly impacted by Queensland’s severe weather conditions.
In the December quarter BHP produced a record 33.6 million tonnes or iron ore, with an annualised production rate of 148 million tonnes from Western Australia.
In the same quarter coal output fell 30 per cent from the quarter before, BHP attributing the decline to the persistent rain and flooding that impacted the Bowen Basin during the period.
BHP has also warned that it expects an ongoing impact on coal production, sales and unit costs for the remainder of the 2011 financial year.
BHP reported a net profit of $15.3 billion in the year to 30 June 2010.
