Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders> Employees & Contractors

Who Are They?, 1st paragraph - BHP Billiton has some 36 000 employees and a similar number of contractors in more than 25 countries, with each, in their own way, acting as an ambassador for the Company.

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Employee Profile - During the year, the average number of permanent employees across the Company (including our owned and operated facilities as well as our share of unincorporated joint ventures) was around 36 470 compared to 35 070 reported in the previous period. This does not include approximately 3000 employees who have joined our Company as a result of the WMC acquisition.

3rd paragraph - Approximately two per cent of employees were engaged on a part-time basis. The average turnover rate of employees who were engaged at operated sites and corporate offices was two per cent. A total of around 50,000 contractors were engaged at operated sites.

Figure - Regional Geographic Breakdown of Total Number of Employees 2004/05

Figure - Employment by CSG (Average) 2004/05

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Employee Profile, 1st paragraph - “During the year, the average number of permanent employees across the Company (including our owned and operated facilities as well as our share of unincorporated joint ventures) was around 36 470 compared to 35 070 reported in the previous period. This does not include approximately 3000 employees who have joined our Company as a result of the WMC acquisition.

Employee Profile, 3rd paragraph - The average turnover rate of employees who were engaged at operated sites and corporate offices was two per cent.

Figure - Regional Geographic Breakdown of Total Number of Employees 2004/05

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Building Global Links

UN Global Compact- With regard to the Global Compact's core values in the area of labour standards, while we fully recognise the right of our employees to freely associate and join trade unions, at a number of locations we have a mix of collective and individual arrangements. Prospective employees are made aware of employment arrangements prior to joining the Company. At all times, our businesses comply with local employment law requirements and treat employees in accordance with the values expressed in our Charter. For further details, refer to our section on Freedom of Association.

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Freedom of Association- In line with our commitments to uphold the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights and our support for the UN Global Compact, we fully recognise the right of our employees to freely associate and join trade unions.

Figure - Reported Percentage of Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements by Region 2004/05

Socio Economic > Our Approach

• Our relationships with our employees and contractors: development of our leaders; diversity, including indigenous employment; training; remuneration and other benefits of our employees.
• Our economic contribution to society: the payments we make to governments, including taxes and royalties, and the added value we provide as a result of our operations and their broader contributions through aspects such as payments to suppliers and employees.

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

1st paragraph - Employee relations at BHP Billiton is the responsibility of local and business unit management. Each business is required to:

• implement employment arrangements that deliver outcomes consistent with the BHP Billiton Charter, Sustainable Development Policy and Guide to Business Conduct
• build open and productive relationships with employees and provide processes to address workplace issues in an equitable manner
• ensure that employees have the opportunity to develop skills that allow them to contribute to business success and are recognised and rewarded for those results
• support fundamental human rights and freedom of association and ensure legal requirements governing employment are fully met
• respect local legislative requirements and other local standards and circumstances.

Freedom of Association, 2nd paragraph - The Company's policy is to consult with employees on major organisational changes and ensure processes are in place at all locations to address any issues.

Within 4th paragraph - Despite our efforts, however, three of our colleagues lost their lives at work during this fiscal year.

6th paragraph -In health we have been successful in reducing the number of new cases of occupational illness by 36 per cent when compared to the 2002/03 baseline.

Safety > Our Performance > Fatalities

Safety > Our Performance > Near Miss and Significant Incident Reporting

Governance> Our Approach > Structure and Responsibilities

1st paragraph - Our organisation for sustainable development is characterised by the following key features:

• The Sustainability Committee of the Board provides assurance on HSEC matters across the Group.
• Line management has primary responsibility and accountability for HSEC performance.
• The HSEC function provides advice and guidance directly, and through a series of networks across the business.
• Clear links between remuneration and HSEC performance.
• The HSEC function advocates best practices and commercially effective global solutions.

Figure - Sustainable Development Organisational Structure

Sustainability Committee of the Board (formerly HSE Committee) - The Company's peak HSEC governance body during the reporting period was the HSE Committee, a subcommittee of the Board.

Corporate HSEC- Core HSEC governance functions are provided from the Corporate Centre, with the majority of staff embedded in the Customer Sector Groups. A critical component of the HSEC governance function provided by Corporate is the HSEC audit program, specifically designed to ensure our Charter, Sustainable Development Policy and HSEC Management Standards are effectively implemented across the Group.

1st paragraph –Our organisation for sustainable development is characterised by the following key features:

• The Sustainability Committee of the Board provides assurance on HSEC matters across the Group.
• Line management has primary responsibility and accountability for HSEC performance.
• The HSEC function provides advice and guidance directly, and through a series of networks across the business.
• Clear links between remuneration and HSEC performance.
• The HSEC function advocates best practices and commercially effective global solutions.

Figure – 'Sustainable Development Organisation Structure'

Sustainability Committee of the Board – The Company's peak HSEC governance body during the reporting period was the HSE Committee, a subcommittee of the Board. Membership comprised two executive Directors; a non-executive Director (Committee Chair); the Vice President Health, Safety and Environment (HSE); and recognised international experts in the fields of health, safety and the environment.

Safety > Our Performance > Fatalities

Safety > Our Performance > Classified Injury Frequency Rate

Health > Our Approach > Community Health

Health > Health Case Studies

A long-running health program at Cerrejón is helping to improve the quality of life in host communities

Supporting the development of advancements in HIV/AIDS treatments

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Diversity, 1st paragraph - The Company is committed to developing a diverse workforce and to providing a work environment in which everyone is treated fairly and with respect and has the opportunity to contribute to business success and realise their potential. In real terms, this means harnessing the unique skills, experience and perspectives that each individual brings and recognising that these differences are important to our success.

3rd paragraph - The Company has identified some specific sites and countries where diversity issues are particularly sensitive. Examples of ongoing policies or programs undertaken to address employment diversity issues include Employment Equity in South Africa, which ultimately aims to achieve representation at all levels in our businesses consistent with the demographic profile of South Africa, and targeted indigenous employment programs in the Pilbara region of Australia (Iron Ore), the Northwest Territories in Canada (EKATI), and New Mexico in the United States (New Mexico Coal). Further detail on our indigenous employment strategies is provided in Indigenous Employment and Training.

Governance> Our Approach

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Diversity’, 2nd paragraph - Approximately seven per cent of our Company's management are women. In the year ending 30 June 2005, about 12 per cent of full-time employees at operated sites and offices were women. There were significant regional differences, with women representing about 9 per cent of full-time employees in Africa, 11 per cent in Australia, 18 per cent in North America and 7 per cent in South America. In our Corporate offices, women represented 46 per cent of full-time employees. While there are currently no female members of the Board, the Company Secretary is a woman, as is the President of Gas and Power.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders > Non-government Organisations > Forum on Corporate Responsibility Member Profiles

Governance > Our Approach > Structure and Responsibilities HSE Committee of the Board Membership

Governance> Our Approach > Key Management Processes

Health > Our Approach > Community Health

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Employees have direct access to professional and independent counselling, through a service that is free, voluntary and confidential.

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Health > Our Approach

Safety > Our Approach

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Our Sustainability Challenges > Access to Resources

3rd paragraph - Not only must we be aware of the direct human rights impacts we may have as a result of our operations, we must also recognise our role in promoting human rights within our supply chain, with our business partners and more broadly within the regions where we operate.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Building Global Links

• Australian Minerals Industry Code for Environmental Management (1996), now 'Enduring Value'
• Global Reporting Initiative (2002) and the Minerals Sector Supplement
• International Council on Mining and Metals Sustainable Development Framework (2003)
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (2002)
• Mining Certification Evaluation Project – Australian Regional Initiative (2002)
• UN Global Compact (2002)
• UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (2001)
• US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (2003)
• World Bank Operational Directive on Involuntary Resettlement (2003).

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders > Non-Government Organisations

1st paragraph - Non-government organisations (NGOs) with which we typically engage include environmental, social and human rights organisations at both local and international levels.

Governance> Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

15 HSEC Management Standards - Standard 8: Business Conduct, Human Rights and Community Development

Community > Our Approach

5th paragraph - Priority community relations issues are:

• upholding the human rights of our employees and contractors, our suppliers and the people in the communities in which we operate
• conducting all international business ethically, including interactions with governments, communities and business partners, as well as issues of workplace behaviour, equal employment opportunity, conflict of interest, financial inducements and bribery, insider trading and political contributions (see also HSEC governance)
• acknowledging and respecting all communities that are potentially impacted by our operations or live nearby, and ensuring they have access to employment opportunities within the Company
• implementing responsible and sustainable community development, where the challenge is to assist people to achieve an enhanced quality of life without compromising their values, culture or heritage and without creating dependency on our activities
• measuring the effectiveness of our community programs from the perspectives of all key stakeholders.

Community > Our Approach > Human Rights

Entire section

Community > Our Performance > Human Rights

7th paragraph: Importantly, as part of the HSEC Management Standards review, we sought to further clarify the requirements of HSEC Management Standard 8, 'Business Conduct, Human Rights and Community Development'. The revised standard now clearly requires:

• the assessment and prioritisation of human rights issues as they apply to our sphere of influence
• training of employees and contractors with regards to our human rights commitments
• systems to abide by the US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
• resettlement plans, where required, consistent with the World Bank Operational Directive on Involuntary Resettlement.

Governance > Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

Coverage, 6th paragraph - Management Standard 11 requires operations to evaluate the social and environmental performance of our contractors, suppliers and partners, including such issues as human rights records and previous environmental incidents. Further detail on our approach to the supply chain can be read at Our Approach: Suppliers.

Governance> Our Approach > Key Management Processes

Investment Processes - entire section

Governance > Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

Coverage, 6th paragraph - Management Standard 11 requires operations to evaluate the social and environmental performance of our contractors, suppliers and partners, including such issues as human rights records and previous environmental incidents. Further detail on our approach to the supply chain can be read at Our Approach: Suppliers.

Community > Our Performance > Human Rights

Human Rights Self-Assessment - entire section, but notably 3rd paragraph:

A guide to, and supporting presentation on, human rights has also been developed and is available to our sites to assist in educating our people about their roles and responsibilities. During 2004/05, 25 sites reported that they had undertaken some form of human rights training. The training was delivered to 5500 employees and 7179 contractors. Thirty sites currently have cultural awareness programs in place.

Thirty-two of our sites report that they have security forces operating, and 19 of these sites have advised that these forces have undertaken human rights training.

BHP Billiton Comment: While the Human Rights Self Assessment Toolkit has been rolled out to BHP Billiton operations, partial disclosure against this indicator has been determined, as data from these assessments are not currently fully captured.

Performance at a Glance > Targets Scorecard

Zero Harm Target - No transgressions within the Group's activities of the principles embodied within the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Governance > Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

15 HSEC Management Standards - Standard 8: Business Conduct, Human Rights and Community Development

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Our Employment Principles, Equality in Employment - Decisions based on attributes unrelated to job performance (for example, race, colour, sex, national origin, age, disability, personal associations, religion, political beliefs, union involvement, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, family responsibilities) may constitute discrimination and are prohibited. Decisions relating to suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders should also be based on merit.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Building Global Links

UN Global Compact, 3rd paragraph - With regard to the Global Compact's core values in the area of labour standards, while we fully recognise the right of our employees to freely associate and join trade unions, at a number of locations we have a mix of collective and individual arrangements. Prospective employees are made aware of employment arrangements prior to joining the Company. At all times, our businesses comply with local employment law requirements and treat employees in accordance with the values expressed in our Charter. For further details, refer to our section on Freedom of Association.

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Employee Relations, 4th bullet point - Support fundamental human rights and freedom of association and ensure legal requirements governing employment are fully met.

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Freedom of Association, 1st paragraph - We fully recognise the right of our employees to freely associate and join trade unions. We have a number of locations where we have a mix of collective and individually regulated employment arrangements, but this does not affect the rights of those employees to choose to belong to trade unions.

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Figure - Reported Percentage of Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements by Region - 2004/05

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Building Global Links

UN Global Compact - The UN Global Compact is an international initiative that brings together companies with UN agencies, labour organisations and civil society to support ten principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Governance > Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

Sustainable Development Policy, 3rd paragraph - While our Policy broadly aligns with a number of international conventions such as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it also requires that we meet or, where less stringent than our standards, exceed applicable legal and other requirements. As such, the Policy recognises that where governments implement international conventions, such as those of the International Labour Organisation, we will comply.

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Child and Forced Labour- In line with our Policy commitment to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we exclude the use of child labour and prohibit the use of forced labour at our operations. All sites are required to report the age of their youngest worker and the corresponding minimum working age in their jurisdiction.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Building Global Links

UN Global Compact - The UN Global Compact is an international initiative that brings together companies with UN agencies, labour organisations and civil society to support ten principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Child and Forced Labour- In line with our Policy commitment to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we exclude the use of child labour and prohibit the use of forced labour at our operations. All sites are required to report the age of their youngest worker and the corresponding minimum working age in their jurisdiction.

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Child and Forced Labour - All sites are required to report the age of their youngest worker and the corresponding minimum working age in their jurisdiction. Over the reporting period, the youngest employees were 16.5 years of age working as apprentices and administrative trainees in our Australian operations. In line with our Policy commitment, we do not employ forced labour.

Safety > Safety Case Studies

Pakistan Asset Team develops HSEC starter pack to help contractors meet our Standards

Governance > Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

15 HSEC Management Standards - Standard 8: Business Conduct, Human Rights and Community Development

Community > Our Performance > Human Rights

Human Rights Self Assessment, 3rd paragraph: A guide to, and supporting presentation on, human rights has also been developed and is available to our sites to assist in educating our people about their roles and responsibilities. During 2004/05, 25 sites reported that they had undertaken some form of human rights training. The training was delivered to 5500 employees and 7179 contractors. Thirty sites currently have cultural awareness programs in place.

Thirty-two of our sites report that they have security forces operating, and 19 of these sites have advised that these forces have undertaken human rights training.

Safety > Safety Case Studies

Pakistan Asset Team develops HSEC starter pack to help contractors meet our Standards

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Grievance Mechanisms - Our Guide to Business Conduct provides the overall framework if employees think a decision or action may be inconsistent with our Charter, policies or standards.

Wherever possible we encourage employees to first discuss issues with their immediate manager or supervisor. If an employee feels unable to do this, there are a number of other avenues for raising queries.

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Employee Relations

Grievance Mechanisms - Our Guide to Business Conduct provides the overall framework if employees think a decision or action may be inconsistent with our Charter, policies or standards.

Wherever possible we encourage employees to first discuss issues with their immediate manager or supervisor. If an employee feels unable to do this, there are a number of other avenues for raising queries.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Building Global Links

Bullet point - US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (2003)

Community > Our Performance > Human Rights

Human Rights Self Assessment, 4th paragraph: Thirty-two of our sites report that they have security forces operating, and 19 of these sites have advised that these forces have undertaken human rights training.

Community > Community Case Studies

Cerrejón continues to make good progress with its community relations programs - As reported previously, Cerrejón has committed to implement the US–UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. As part of this commitment, Cerrejón has conducted a series of workshops for military and police units active in the area. To date, more than 500 soldiers, policemen and security guards have received training on humanitarian law and human rights.

Governance> Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

15 HSEC Management Standards - Standard 8: Business Conduct, Human Rights and Community Development

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Identifying Our Stakeholders

Identifying our Stakeholders, 3rd paragraph: Consequently we require the identification and consideration of stakeholders, their expectations and their concerns for all operational activities, across the lifecycle of operations. Importantly, we also require sites to specifically consider any minority groups (such as indigenous groups), and any social and cultural differences that may be critical to stakeholder engagement.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders > Local & Indigenous Communities

Entire Section

Environment > Our Approach > Closure Planning

2nd paragraph - The Closure Standard mandates compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements and goes the additional step to tie closure planning to a set of objectives which support our Sustainable Development Policy in aspiring to:

• protect and enhance the reputation of BHP Billiton as a responsible corporate citizen
• ensure that stakeholders' needs, concerns and aspirations are taken into account when considering closure
• limit or mitigate adverse environmental effects, including taking into account biodiversity
• help protect indigenous values
• avoid or minimise costs and long-term liabilities to BHP Billiton and our stakeholders including the government and host communities.

Community > Our Approach > Community Relations

Indigenous Culture and Heritage - Entire Section

Community > Our Approach > Human Rights

Human Rights, 1st paragraph - The BHP Billiton Sustainable Development Policy states that 'Wherever we operate we will …ensure we understand, promote and uphold fundamental human rights within our sphere of influence, respecting the traditional rights of Indigenous peoples and valuing cultural heritage'.

Socio Economic > Our Performance > Employee Relations

Indigenous Employment and Training - Entire Section

Health > Health Case Studies

A long-running health program at Cerrejón is helping to improve the quality of life in host communities

Community > Community Case Studies

Cerro Colorado prioritises aid to neighbouring Communities

Kalahari Diamonds utilises broad media mix to communicate with community and other stakeholders

Cerrejón continues to make good progress with its community relations programs

Socio Economic > Socio Economic Case Studies

Black Economic Empowerment Procurement Policy implemented across our sites in southern Africa

Mozal - a model for integrating sustainability into resource projects

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders> Local & Indigenous Communities

Dialogue, 2nd paragraph: Our HSEC Management Standard 7 requires all operations to have systems in place to identify and work with stakeholders and to develop strategies to address their concerns and expectations. Sites are also required to record, register and address any complaints or concerns lodged by stakeholders.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Approach to Dialogue

6th paragraph - Specifically, HSEC Management Standard 7 requires:

• systems to identify stakeholders
• consideration of local, social and cultural contexts in engagement mechanisms
• regular communication on HSEC matters, risks, plans and performance
• employee and contractor participation in the development, implementation and review of HSEC initiatives and programs
• regular management of the effectiveness of communication, consultation and participation processes.

Community > Community Case Studies

Tintaya resolves to restore community consultative processes following violent protest

Performance at a Glance > Data Table> Key Sustainability Data Summary

Community Contributions data

Community > Our Performance > Community Programs

Community Contributions - The Company supports community initiatives in the locations where it operates. During 2004/05, our voluntary contributions to community programs totalled US$57.4 million, comprising cash, in-kind support and administration costs.

Community > Our Performance > Community Programs

Figure - Community Contributions 2001/02 to 2004/05

Figure - Community Contributions by Program Category 2004/05

Figure - Community Contributions by Geographic Region 2004/05

Figure - Community Contributions by Locality 2004/05

Socio Economic > Our Performance> Economic Contributions

Figure - Total allocated expenditure by category 2004/05 (US$ million) - Community Contributions

Performance at a Glance > Customer Sector Group Reviews > Aluminium

BHP Billiton sustainability dimensions

• aspiring towards Zero Harm to people, host communities and the environment
• ensuring effective governance and risk management processes are in place
• recognising the need to be socially responsible and contribute to sustainable community development
• ensuring the broader economic contributions of our operations are effectively injected into the regions where we operate.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Our Sustainability Challenges > Sustainable Community Development and Closure

Governance> Our Approach > Key Management Processes

Governance> Our Performance > Business Conduct

Community > Our Approach

Socio Economic > Our Approach > Economic Contributions

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders> Governments

Governance> Our Approach > Key Management Processes

Performance at a Glance > Message From the CEO

Performance at a Glance > Customer Sector Group Reviews > Carbon Steel Materials

• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Blackwater Mine (Queensland, Australia) was awarded the Minerals Council of Australia 2004 National Safety and Health Innovation Award for its engineering solution to significantly reduce the risk of 'crushing' incidents to operators of Vehicle Loading Cranes
• WA Iron Ore received the WA Government annual 'Golden Gecko' award for environmental excellence for Dust Research and Measurement work at Port Hedland
• BMA Crinum Mine was awarded both the Queensland Central Region Award and the overall State Chief Inspector's Safety Management Award by the Minister of Mines and Energy and the Chief Inspector of Mines.

Community > Community Case Studies

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders> Governments

Governance > Our Approach > Key Management Processes

Governance > Our Approach > Key Management Processes

BHP Billiton has adopted Anti-trust Protocols that set out and confirm the minimum Anti-trust compliance standards expected of all Company personnel regardless of their specific job or location. The Protocols reflect the Group's ongoing commitment to its Guide to Business Conduct and corporate governance policies.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders> Customers

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders> Customers

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Building Global Links

• Australian Minerals Industry Code for Environmental Management (1996), now 'Enduring Value'
• Global Reporting Initiative (2002) and the Minerals Sector Supplement
• International Council on Mining and Metals Sustainable Development Framework (2003)
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (2002)
• Mining Certification Evaluation Project – Australian Regional Initiative (2002)
• UN Global Compact (2002)
• UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (2001)
• US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (2003)
• World Bank Operational Directive on Involuntary Resettlement (2003).

Governance > Our Performance > Stewardship

Community > Our Performance > Human Rights

• the assessment and prioritisation of human rights issues as they apply to our sphere of influence
• training of employees and contractors with regards to our human rights commitments
• systems to abide by the US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
• resettlement plans, where required, consistent with the World Bank Operational Directive on Involuntary Resettlement.

Community > Our Performance > Human Rights

Community > Community Case Studies

In addition we have made a number of voluntary public commitments to human rights including:

• UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights
• UN Global Compact
• World Bank Operational Directive on Involuntary Resettlement
• US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

Land Compensation - Entire Section

Community > Our Performance > Human Rights

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Our Sustainability Challenges > Sustainable Community Development and Closure

Environment > Our Performance > Rehabilitation, Remediation and Closure

Environment > Our Approach > Closure Planning

1st paragraph - Closing an operation poses risks and opportunities that need to be identified, assessed and managed. To this end we have a Company-wide Closure Standard that applies to all BHP Billiton investment opportunities and controlled operations. The Closure Standard (PDF 598 Kb) seeks to ensure our operations leave a lasting positive legacy that outlives the operation and ensures a positive future for our host communities.

3rd paragraph - Many of our operations have existing closure plans that have been developed to satisfy regulatory or internal needs. Under the Closure Standard, however, each asset will review existing plans and make adjustments as required to meet the new requirements. This review will include a rigorous assessment of site specific closure risks and opportunities, identification of risk management actions and development of reasonable and accurate closure cost estimates.

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Engaging Stakeholders > Our Stakeholders> Local & Indigenous Communities

Each of our operations is required to have a community relations plan, a component of which must be a formal mechanism to engage with people in their local communities.

Governance> Our Approach > Hierarchy of Systems and Documents

Safety > Safety Case Studies

Sustainability at BHP Billiton > Our Sustainability Challenges > Occupational and Community Health

Health > Health Case Studies