BHP Billiton confirms that Petrohawk Energy Corporation (Petrohawk) has filed its September 2011 Form-10Q with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as required to comply with its obligations under certain of its Financial Agreements (as defined in its filing) which remain outstanding following the acquisition by BHP Billiton Limited.

Petrohawk’s financial statements are prepared utilising US accounting standards whereas BHP Billiton financial statements are prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards and will include the impact of the purchase price paid for Petrohawk.

BHP Billiton purchased Petrohawk on August 20th 2011 and therefore will only include activity from that date in its consolidated financial statements.