Date 16 May 2001 Number 45/01 BHP Welcomes Billiton Vote The BHP Board of Directors today welcomed the result of the Billiton shareholders'vote on the proposed DLC merger with BHP. All resolutions were passed by Billiton shareholders. BHP Chairman Don Argus said: "We are pleased with the support shown by Billiton shareholders and look forward to the BHP Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Friday where our shareholders will have the opportunity to play their part in the creation of the world's leading diversified resources group." The implementation of the proposed DLC merger is subject to the outcome of the BHP EGM and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Further information can be found on our Internet site: http://www.bhp.com Contact: MEDIA RELATIONS Mandy Frostick Manager Media Relations Ph: 61 3 9609 4157 Mob: 61 419 546 245 INVESTOR RELATIONS Andrew Nairn Senior Business Analyst Ph: 61 3 9609 3952 Mob 61 408 313 259 Francis McAllister Vice President Investor Relations Houston (North America) Tel: 1 713 961 8625