BHP Billiton CEO, Marius Kloppers, today announced a donation of $1 million to the Red Cross to assist with disaster relief in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Kloppers said BHP Billiton had a long standing and substantial relationship with Japan.

"Japan is one of BHP Billiton's largest country markets and we also have a range of Japanese joint venture partners across a number of our operations globally.

"Our sympathies go out to those affected by this disaster, including our customers, partners and the communities surrounding their operations. We are working with our Japanese customers directly to determine the specific impact on their business, and appropriate steps we can take to mitigate any impact on their businesses. However, we hope this donation will help in the country's broader recovery program."

In addition to this donation, BHP Billiton will match employees' individual donations through its Matched Giving Program.

BHP Billiton mines a wide variety of minerals in operations all over the world, including base metals and precious metals, as well as diamonds. The company is a partner in the Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada, the most prolific diamond mine in North America, and owns a 51% stake in the Chidliak diamond project.