EKATI (Canada) diamond production for the 2011 financial year was 2.5 million carats, an 18 per cent decrease from the prior period. BHP Billiton expects lower average ore grades to impact EKATI production in the medium term, consistent with the mine plan.

Underlying EBIT for the Diamonds and Specialty Products business increased by 21 per cent to US$587 million. Stron g demand and a shortage of rough diamonds resulted in higher prices, which increased Underlying EBIT by US$254 million. A 28 per cent increase in titanium prices added a further US$112 million to Underlying EBIT. Gross exploration expenditure was US$81 million, a decrease of US$14 million from the prior period. BHP Billiton continues to accelerate its potash exploration program in Saskatchewan, with a significant increase in activity planned at the Melville prospect in the 2012 financial year.

BHP Billiton’s goal of becoming a significant producer in the potash market t ook another important step forward in the 2011 financial year. The ap proval of a further US$488 million of pre-commitment funding during the Jansen Potash Project feasibility study phase will fund site preparation, the procurement of long lead time items and the sinking of the first 350 metres of the production and service shafts.