BHP Billiton today released its 2006 Sustainability Report. This year’s Report focuses on the company’s key sustainability challenges; issues that have the potential to have a material impact on business success and that are critical to employees, their families, host communities, the natural environment and the broader global community. The Sustainability Report explores BHP Billiton’s current performance in addressing these issues and its outlook for the future.

The scope of the Sustainability Report evolved since BHP Billiton introduced non-financial performance reporting in 1997. Themes such as socio-economic and ethical issues, technology, business continuity and working in emerging markets closely aligns the Sustainability Report with the Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines for Sustainability Reporting.

The Sustainability Report demonstrates strong outcomes against many aspects of BHP Billiton’s health, safety, environment, community and socio-economic performance.

BHP Billiton’s stewardship approach to all commodities is described in detail, recognizing the complexity of supply chain interactions and the importance of collaboration in achieving key sustainability outcomes.

Following encouraging stakeholder feedback, the Sustainability Report is again available in two formats: a printed Summary Report for general readership and a detailed web-based Full Report that can be viewed at: www.sustainability.bhpbilliton.com/2006 .

The Sustainability Report reflects BHP Billiton’s commitment to responding to issues raised in stakeholder dialogue forums.

The web-based full version of the Report includes 72 case studies and commentary from a broad representation of senior management to demonstrate BHP Billiton’s current sustainability achievements, future challenges and commitment to implementing their Sustainable Development Policy.