The approval covers a liquefaction processing train with a capacity of 4.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), additional processing facilities and associated infrastructure. Based on the operator's estimate the total investment is approximately A$2 billion (BHP Billiton's share approximately US$250 million).

BHP Billiton's Group President Energy, Philip Aiken, said: "This expansion is integral to BHP Billiton's gas commercialisation strategy and our goal to maximise the value of our interest in the North West Shelf."

"It reflects our interest in extending our long-term relationships with our existing buyers in Japan and Korea together with the increasing global LNG demand in particular from emerging markets such as China and the United States," Mr Aiken said.

"The North West Shelf provides a high-value product based on a proven track record of stable and reliable supply," Mr Aiken said.

Construction on the fifth train, which is similar to the fourth train, will commence later this year and first production is expected in late 2008.

At its completion the expansion will increase the production capacity of the North West Shelf Project to 15.9 million tonnes of LNG per annum.

The six equal participants in the Train 5 expansion project are BHP Billiton Petroleum (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd (16.67%); BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd (16.67%); ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd (16.67%); Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd (16.67%); Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd (16.67%); and Woodside Energy Limited (16.67%) (operator). CNOOC NWS Private Limited is also a member of the North West Shelf Venture but does not have an interest in North West Shelf Venture infrastructure.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: http://www.bhpbilliton.com

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