BHP Billiton today announced the terms it has agreed with a range of iron ore customers for the 2009 contract year. These terms vary and reflect the specific needs and requirements of each customer, consistent with our marketing approach.
BHP Billiton has settled 23 per cent of total iron ore volumes at an agreed annual contract price. The price for iron ore fines will be approximately 33 per cent lower than the contract prices agreed in the 2008 contract year. The price for iron ore lump will be approximately 44 per cent lower than the contract prices agreed in the 2008 contract year.
A further 30 per cent of BHP Billiton's total iron ore volumes will be sold on a mix of quarterly negotiated pricing, market clearing price (spot market) and index-based pricing.
Negotiations for the remaining 47 per cent of iron ore volumes are ongoing.
The Company believes that current settlements are indicative of continued progress towards transparent market pricing.