UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
| BHP
Billiton Limited ----------------------------------- |
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| (Translation of registrant's name into English) | ||||
| 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia | ||||
| ----------------------------------- (Address of principal executive office) |
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| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: [x] Form 20-F [ ] Form 40-F | ||||
| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [ ] | ||||
| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [ ] | ||||
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: [ ] Yes [x] No | ||||
| If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a |
7 June 2006
Number 20/06
The Shenzi field is located in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico approximately 120 miles from the coast of Louisiana. The field comprises Green Canyon Blocks 609, 610, 653, and 654, and water depths are approximately 4,300 feet. The initial field development will consist of seven producing wells, and the full field development is expected to have up to 15 producing wells and possible water injection. Gross costs for the full field development through 2015 are estimated at approximately US$4.4 billion (BHP Billiton share is US$1.94 billion). Recoverable reserves in the portion of the field covered by this approved expenditure will be assessed further during development drilling, but are currently estimated to be 350 - 400 million boe. Additional potential reserves will be targeted for follow-up development.
"Shenzi will be BHP Billiton's second operated, deepwater standalone facility in the Gulf of Mexico," explained J. Michael Yeager, Group President Energy for BHP Billiton. "This project further demonstrates our transition to becoming a significant operator and producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Shenzi joins the development of the Neptune field as a BHP Billiton operated project, and together with our interests in Atlantis and Mad Dog, significantly expands our production base in the region."
A standalone, tension leg platform (TLP) has been selected for the production facility. The proposed facilities, wells, and completions are proven designs that have been successfully implemented in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. All major contracts are in place to commence project execution.
First oil is expected by mid-year 2009 with seven initial pre-drilled subsea production wells being tied back to the TLP. Shenzi oil will be exported via a new-build pipeline to Ship Shoal 332, with the gas going via a new-build lateral into a connection in the Cleopatra trunk lines, then on to Ship Shoal 332.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com
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Australia |
United Kingdom |
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Jane Belcher, Investor Relations United States |
Illtud Harri, Media Relations South Africa |
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BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 |
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 |
The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
| Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. |
| BHP Billiton Limited | ||
| Date: 7 June 2006 | By: |
Karen Wood |
| Name: | Karen Wood | |
| Title: | Company Secretary |