FAQs
Who is BHP Billiton?
BHP Billiton is the world's largest diversified resources company, with over
38,000 employees working in more than 100 operations in approximately 25
countries.
We occupy industry leader or near industry leader positions in major commodity
businesses, including aluminium, energy coal and metallurgical coal, copper,
manganese, iron ore, uranium, nickel, silver and titanium minerals, and have
substantial interests in oil, gas, liquefied natural gas and diamonds.
What is BHP Billiton’s involvement with the Beijing Olympic
Games?
BHP Billiton is proud to be an Official Sponsor of the Beijing Organizing Committee
for the Olympic Games (BOCOG). As well as being the Diversified Minerals
and Medals Sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, BHP Billiton is also
an Official Sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, the Chinese Olympic
Committee and the Chinese Olympic Team. In line with our sponsorship
agreement, BHP Billiton will provide financial support to the Beijing Olympic
and Paralympic Games and supply the raw materials for the Olympic and Paralympic
medals.
What is the benefit of the sponsorship to shareholders?
China is a key global player and represents an important growth market for
BHP Billiton. The 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games will showcase to
the world China’s commitment to excellence and its plan for economic
growth and prosperity. BHP Billiton regards its sponsorship as a key
opportunity to demonstrate its continued support of China, as one of the
world’s fastest emerging markets, and the Olympic movement for the
global unity and ideals it embodies.
Who approved the sponsorship?
Chip Goodyear, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton.
How much metal is required and where is it being sourced?
BHP Billiton is currently working with the Beijing Olympic Committee (BOCOG)
to determine the source of the raw materials and will be able to provide
information about the metal requirements and the source once the medal production
process is finalised.
Has BHP Billiton provided raw materials for the medals of previous
Games?
BHP Billiton provided the silver for the production of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth
Games’ silver medals. Prior to this, BHP (now BHP Billiton), was
the official provider of the raw materials for the production of the Sydney
2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ medals.
More than one tonne of silver, sourced from BHP’s Cannington operation
in Australia, was used to provide the silver for all medals, including the
base for the gold and bronze medals for the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In addition, as the Official Supplier of Steel for the Sydney 2000 Games,
BHP supplied more than 130,000 tonnes of steel products for the Sydney Games
venues and related infrastructure.