Mr Don Argus chairman of BHP Billiton announced the appointment of two new non executive directors, Mr Alan Boeckmann and Mr Keith Rumble, to the BHP Billiton board, effective September 1st 2008.

Mr Boeckmann is currently the chairman & CEO of Fluor Corporation USA. He also holds non executive directorships with Archer Daniels Midland, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp and the National Petroleum Council.

Mr Rumble was until recently the CEO of SUN Mining and has more than 30 years experience in the resources industry, specifically in titanium and platinum mining and processing. Prior to joining SUN Mining, he was the CEO of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited in South Africa.

Mr Argus said that both appointments would be invaluable additions to the BHP Billiton Board, bringing with them a wealth of experience in the international mining, industrial and oil and gas industries.

He said "Alan brings with him extensive experience in running large scale international industrial companies and his experience in the oil and gas industry will make a very attractive addition to our Board. He has deep global experience in engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance and project management across a range of industries including resources and petroleum.”

He said "Keith has more than 30 years experience in the mining industry and is highly regarded in the international mining community. His depth of senior management experience and knowledge of the industry will be an asset to the company.”

He said "Both Alan and Keith will be excellent additions to our Board and we are very pleased that they have agreed to join us."

Mr Argus said that the appointment of Mr Boeckmann and Mr Rumble would bring the number of BHP Billiton directors to 13. The Group’s established process of continually reviewing the mix of skills and competencies of directors will continue to ensure that the Board is made up of members best able to promote shareholder interests and effectively govern the Group.