BHP Billiton reports record-breaking production

LONDON: BHP Billiton, the world's biggest miner, said on Wednesday its production of seven raw materials, including copper and iron ore, hit record levels in 2007-2008.

"Annual production records (were) achieved in petroleum, copper, iron ore, manganese ore and alloy, alumina and molybdenum," BHP said in an output statement on its performance in 12 months to the end of June.

"Annual production also increased in crude oil and condensate, uranium, lead, zinc, silver and diamonds."

Iron ore output jumped 13 percent to 111.3 million tonnes in 2007-2008, and copper surged 10 percent to 1.37 million tonnes, BHP Billiton said.

Overall, production was significantly higher across 13 commodities, with records achieved in seven commodities.

"This was achieved in an environment in which supply disruptions and input cost pressures are placing challenges on the industry response to continued strong global demand for commodities," the group said.

Iron ore output for the year rose 13 percent to 111.3 million tonnes, copper output rose 10 percent to 1.37 million tonnes and petroleum output was up 13 percent at 129.5 million barrels of oil equivalent.

BHP has launched a hostile takeover move against rival Rio Tinto, currently under scrutiny by the European Union's executive commission.

Europe's top antitrust watchdog has said it will rule by November on whether to block the 147-billion-dollar (93.4-billion-euro) takeover or allow BHP Billiton to go ahead with plans to forge an unrivalled global resources giant.