UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
September 20, 2017
| BHP BILLITON LIMITED | BHP BILLITON PLC | |
| (ABN 49 004 028 077) | (REG. NO. 3196209) | |
| (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) | (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
| VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND AND WALES | |
| (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) | (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) | |
| 171 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA |
NOVA SOUTH, 160 VICTORIA STREET LONDON, SW1E 5LB UNITED KINGDOM | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Address of principal executive offices) | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: ☒ Form 20-F ☐ Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: ☐ Yes ☒ No
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc | ||||||
| Date: September 20, 2017 | By: | /s/ Rachel Agnew | ||||
| Name: | Rachel Agnew | |||||
| Title: | Company Secretary | |||||
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
This
document is important and requires your immediate attention. Please read it straight away. If you are in any doubt as to any aspect of the proposals referred to in this document or as to the action you should take, you should immediately consult
your stockbroker, solicitor, accountant or other professional adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. If you have sold or transferred all your shares in BHP Billiton Plc, please send this document, together with
accompanying documents, at once to the purchaser or transferee, or to the stockbroker, bank or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 1
BHP
Our Charter
We are BHP, a leading global resources company.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to create long-term shareholder value through the
discovery, acquisition, development and marketing of natural resources.
Our Values
Sustainability
Putting health and safety first, being environmentally responsible and supporting our communities.
Our Strategy
Our strategy is to own and operate large, long-life, low-cost, expandable,
upstream assets diversified by commodity, geography and market
Integrity
Doing what is right and doing what we say we will do.
Respect
Embracing openness, trust, teamwork, diversity and relationships that are mutually beneficial.
Performance
Achieving superior business results by stretching our
capabilities. Simplicity
Focusing our efforts on the things that matter most.
Accountability
Defining and accepting responsibility and delivering on our
commitments. We are successful when:
Our people start each day with a sense of purpose and end the day with a sense of accomplishment.
Our teams are inclusive and diverse.
Our communities, customers and suppliers value their
relationships with us. Our asset portfolio is world-class and sustainably developed.
Our operational discipline and financial strength enables our future growth.
Our shareholders receive a superior return on their investment.
Andrew Mackenzie
Chief Executive Officer May 2017
Invitation from the Chairman
7 September 2017
Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to invite you to the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of BHP Billiton Plc. The meeting will be held on Thursday 19 October
2017 at the QEII Centre.
The AGM is an important part of BHP’s overall approach to governance. The AGM gives you the opportunity to talk to your Directors and
senior management team, ask questions, and vote on the items of business which are explained in this Notice of Meeting.
To provide shareholders, particularly
retail shareholders, with an opportunity to hear more about our plans for the future, Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mackenzie, will hold a shareholder information session prior to the AGM. The information session will commence at 10.30am, followed
by the AGM at 12 noon.
Board renewal and succession planning
To ensure
orderly succession and renewal, the Board undertakes careful long-term planning, continually reviewing the appropriate composition of the Board. We look out over a five year period to consider the mix of skills and experience which the Board will
require over time. This mix should include diversity of gender, geographic location, nationality, skills, background, knowledge and experience.
During the year
ended 30 June 2017, John Schubert and Pat Davies retired from the Board. Since year end, Grant King has decided to retire from the Board, effective 31 August 2017. In addition, Malcolm Brinded has decided that he will not stand for re-election at the 2017 Annual General Meetings. I thank all of these retiring Directors for their service to BHP and wish them the very best. I also want to acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor, Jac
Nasser, who has led the Board for the past seven years and who retired from the Board on 31 August 2017. I thank Jac for his outstanding service to the Board and the Group during his tenure.
2 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
As part of the continual Board renewal process, in August 2017 we announced that Terry Bowen and John Mogford will join the Board,
effective 1 October 2017.
Mr Bowen has over 25 years of strategic, operational and financial experience across a range of sectors. He has been the Finance
Director of Wesfarmers Limited for the past eight years, during which time he has been responsible for the disciplined allocation of capital among Wesfarmers’ 38 businesses across different industries.
Mr Mogford has over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including 33 years at BP Plc, in technical, operational and leadership roles. While at BP, he acquired deep
experience across the oil and gas business, working in the areas of exploration, downstream, upstream, safety and technology.
Together, your Directors contribute
international business and senior executive experience; mining and oil and gas operating experience; knowledge of world capital markets; regulatory and government policy experience; an understanding of the health, safety, environmental and community
challenges that we face; experience in successfully managing complex global businesses; and an understanding of the risk environment of the Group, including systemic risks such as financial crises and climate change.
Your Board believes that the overall composition of the Board enables it to effectively govern BHP on behalf of shareholders.
BHP’s policy is to give shareholders the opportunity to formally vote on each Director each year. Terry Bowen and John Mogford will stand for election for the first time. The
performance of each Director standing for re-election has been assessed, and each Director has been unanimously recommended for election or re-election.
The or re-election. Board recommends that you vote in favour of all the Directors standing for election
Board recommendation
The Board considers that all resolutions are in the best interests of
shareholders of BHP as a whole, and recommends that you vote in favour of Items 1 to 21.
Conclusion
Thank you for your continued support of BHP. I encourage you to join us at the AGM and at the shareholder information session prior to the AGM, and I look forward to meeting as
many shareholders as possible on the day.
Yours sincerely,
Ken MacKenzie
Chairman
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 3
Annual General Meeting agenda
Thursday
19 October 2017
9.30am Registration opens Tea and coffee available
10.30am Shareholder information session 11.30am Break 12 noon Annual General Meeting commences Welcome to shareholders – Chairman Review – Chief
Executive Officer
Consideration of items of business and questions
Please
join the Chairman, the Directors and senior management of BHP for refreshments after the Annual General Meeting.
Please of the meeting, refer to pages including 34
to the 35 map, of this and Notice the transport of Meeting network for further options. details on the location
Contents
Annual General Meeting agenda 4 Notice of Annual General Meeting 5 Explanatory Notes 9 Voting and participating 28 Location of the Annual General Meeting 34 Accessing information
on BHP 36 Shareholder information 37
BHP Billiton Plc, registered in England and Wales, Number 3196209. Registered Office: Nova South, 160 Victoria Street, London
SW1E 5LB.
In to this the company Notice, BHP listed Billiton on the Plc Australian refers to the Securities company Exchange. listed on The the two London
entities, Stock together Exchange with and their BHP respective Billiton Limited subsidiaries, refers are its headquarters operated pursuant in Australia. to a Dual Listed Company structure as a combined group known as BHP or the Group, which has
The BHP Boards Billiton of Plc BHP and Billiton the Board Plc and of BHP BHP Billiton Billiton Limited Limited are are referred identical to and as the operate Board. as one. In this Notice, the Board of
4 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is given
that the 2017 Annual General Meeting of shareholders of BHP Billiton Plc will be held at the QEII Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London on Thursday 19 October 2017 at 12 noon (London time) for the purpose of transacting the following
business.
Items of business
Items 1 to 4, 7, and 10 to 21 will be proposed as
ordinary resolutions. Items 5 and 6 will be proposed as special resolutions. Items 8 and 9 will be proposed as non-binding ordinary resolutions.
Item 1
Financial Statements and reports
To receive the Financial Statements for BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited and the reports of the Directors and the Auditor for the year ended 30 June 2017.
Item 2
Reappointment of auditor of BHP Billiton Plc
To reappoint KPMG LLP as the auditor of BHP Billiton Plc to hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc at which the annual accounts and
reports are laid.
Item 3
Remuneration of auditor of BHP Billiton Plc
To authorise the Risk and Audit Committee to agree the remuneration of KPMG LLP as the auditor of BHP Billiton Plc.
Item 4
General authority to issue shares in BHP Billiton Plc
To authorise the Directors, pursuant to section 551 of the UK Companies Act 2006, to allot shares in BHP Billiton Plc or to grant rights to subscribe for shares or to convert any
security into shares in BHP Billiton Plc (rights) for the period ending on the later of the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc and the Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited in 2018 up to an aggregate nominal amount
of US$105,603,590 (provided that this authority will allow BHP Billiton Plc, before the expiry of this authority, to make offers or agreements that would or might require shares to be allotted or rights to be granted after such expiry and,
notwithstanding such expiry, the Directors may allot shares in pursuance of such offers or agreements).
Meeting Annual General agenda Notice
General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of
Meeting 2017 5
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued
Item 5
Issuing shares in BHP Billiton Plc for cash
To authorise the Directors, pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the UK Companies Act 2006, to allot equity securities (as defined in section 560 of the UK Companies Act 2006) for
cash and/or to sell or transfer any equity securities that are held by BHP Billiton Plc as treasury shares pursuant to the authority given by Item 4 as if section 561 of the UK Companies Act 2006 did not apply to any such allotment, provided that
this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities: (a) in connection with a rights issue or other issue the subject of an offer or invitation, open for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors, to (i) holders of
ordinary shares on the register on a record date fixed by the Directors in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings, and (ii) other persons so entitled by virtue of the rights attaching to any other equity
securities held by them, but in both cases subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may consider necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or securities represented by depositary receipts
or having regard to any legal or practical problems under the laws of, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange in, any territory or otherwise howsoever; and (b) otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) above, up to an
aggregate nominal amount of US$52,801,795,
and will expire on the later of the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc and the Annual General
Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited in 2018 (provided that this authority will allow BHP Billiton Plc, before the expiry of this authority, to make offers or agreements that would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and,
notwithstanding such expiry, the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such offers or agreements).
Item 6
Repurchase BHP Billiton Plc of shares purchased in BHP by Billiton BHP Billiton Plc (and Limited) cancellation of shares in
To generally and unconditionally authorise BHP Billiton Plc, in accordance with section 701 of the UK Companies Act 2006, to make market purchases (as defined in section 693 of
that Act) of ordinary shares of US$0.50 nominal value each in the capital of BHP Billiton Plc (shares) on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may from time to time determine, provided that: (a) the maximum aggregate number of shares
hereby authorised to be purchased will be 211,207,180, representing 10 per cent of BHP Billiton Plc’s issued share capital; (b) the minimum price that may be paid for each share is US$0.50, being the nominal value of such a share;
(c) the maximum price that may be paid for any share is the higher of (i) five per cent above the average of the middle market quotations for a share taken from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days
immediately preceding the date of purchase of the shares, and (ii) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid for an ordinary share in BHP Billiton Plc on the trading venues where the market
purchases by BHP Billiton Plc pursuant to the authority conferred by this Item 6 will be carried out; and (d) the authority conferred by this resolution will, unless renewed prior to such time, expire on the later of the conclusion of the
Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Plc and the Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited in 2018 (provided that BHP Billiton Plc may enter into a contract or contracts for the purchase of shares before the expiry of this authority that
would or might be completed wholly or partly after such expiry and may make a purchase of shares in pursuance of any such contract or contracts as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired).
6 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Item 7
Approval of the Directors’
remuneration policy
To approve the Directors’ remuneration policy report set out in section 3.2 of the Annual Report.
Item 8
Approval Directors’ of remuneration the Remuneration policy Report other than
the part containing the
To approve the Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 June 2017 (other than the Directors’ remuneration policy report in
section 3.2) as set out in section 3 of the Annual Report.
Item 9
Approval of the Remuneration Report
To approve the Remuneration Report for
the year ended 30 June 2017 as set out in section 3 of the Annual Report.
BHP will disregard any vote cast (in any capacity) on Items 7, 8 and 9 by or on
behalf of a member of BHP’s Key Management Personnel (KMP) or a KMP’s closely related party, unless the vote is cast as proxy for a person entitled to vote in accordance with a direction on the proxy form or by the Chairman of the meeting
pursuant to an express authorisation to exercise the proxy.
Item 10
Approval of leaving entitlements
To approve, for all purposes, including
sections 200B and 200E of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), the giving of benefits to any current or future holder of a managerial or executive office in BHP Billiton Limited or a Group entity to which sections 200B and
200E of the Corporations Act apply, in connection with the person ceasing to hold that office, as set out in the Explanatory Notes to this Notice of Meeting.
If
any shareholder is a current or potential employee or Director of a Group entity and wishes to preserve their ability to receive benefits under this approval, then that shareholder and their associates should not vote on the resolution. Further, BHP
will disregard any vote cast as a proxy on Item 10 by a member of BHP’s KMP or a KMP’s closely related party, unless the vote is cast as proxy for a person entitled to vote in accordance with a direction on the proxy form or by the
Chairman of the meeting pursuant to an express authorisation to exercise the proxy.
Item 11
Approval of grant to Executive Director
To approve the grant of awards to Executive Director,
Andrew Mackenzie, under the Group’s short and long-term incentive plans as set out in the Explanatory Notes to this Notice of Meeting.
BHP will disregard any
vote cast on Item 11 by or on behalf of Andrew Mackenzie or any of his associates, as well as any votes cast as a proxy on Item 11 by a member of BHP’s KMP or a KMP’s closely related party, unless the vote is cast as proxy for a person
entitled to vote in accordance with a direction on the proxy form or by the Chairman of the meeting pursuant to an express authorisation to exercise the proxy.
BHP
Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 7
Annual Meeting General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes participating Voting
and Location General Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued
Items
12 to 21 Election of Directors
With the exception of Terry Bowen and John Mogford, the following Directors retire under the Board’s policy on annual election
and, being eligible, submit themselves for re-election. Terry Bowen and John Mogford are seeking election by shareholders for the first time, having each been appointed a Director since the 2016 Annual
General Meetings.
Item 12
To elect Terry Bowen as a Director of BHP.
Item 13
To elect John Mogford as a Director of BHP.
Item 14
To re-elect Malcolm Broomhead as a
Director of BHP.
Item 15
To
re-elect Anita Frew as a Director of BHP.
Item 16
To re-elect Carolyn Hewson as a Director of BHP.
Item 17
To re-elect Andrew
Mackenzie as a Director of BHP.
Item 18
To re-elect Lindsay Maxsted as a Director of BHP.
Item 19
To re-elect Wayne Murdy as a Director of BHP.
Item 20
To re-elect Shriti
Vadera as a Director of BHP.
Item 21
To
re-elect Ken MacKenzie as a Director of BHP.
8 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Explanatory Notes
The Explanatory Notes that
follow form part of the Notice of Meeting and provide important information regarding the items of business to be considered at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Your vote is important. By voting, you are involved in the future of BHP.
Business
Items 1 to 4, 7, and 10 to 21 will be proposed as ordinary
resolutions. Items 5 and 6 will be proposed as special resolutions. Items 8 and 9 will be proposed as non-binding ordinary resolutions. All items of business at the AGM are joint electorate actions. The voting
procedure explained on pages 28 to 33 ensures that both BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited shareholders can vote on these matters.
Item 1
Financial Statements and reports
The laws in the United Kingdom and Australia require
Directors to lay before the AGM the financial report (or statements) and the reports of the Directors and the Auditor for the year. In accordance with BHP’s approach to corporate governance, shareholders in each of BHP Billiton Plc and BHP
Billiton Limited are being asked to receive the reports and accounts of both companies.
In the interests of simplicity, one resolution is proposed in respect of
the reports and accounts for both BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited, as the accounts for the Group as a whole are presented in the BHP Annual Report 2017.
Item 2
Reappointment of auditor of BHP Billiton Plc
The law in the United Kingdom requires shareholders to approve the appointment of a company’s auditor each year. The appointment runs until the conclusion of the next AGM.
KPMG has acted as the sole auditor of BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited since December 2003. The 2019 financial year will be the last financial year in
respect of which KPMG conducts BHP’s external audit. BHP conducted a tender for the role of external auditor during 2017, and announced on 22 August 2017 that EY will replace KPMG as auditor for the 2020 financial year, subject to
shareholder approval. Shareholder approval will be sought at the 2019 AGMs in respect of the appointment of EY as auditor.
The law in Australia does not require a
similar annual reappointment of an auditor. A resolution to reappoint the auditor of BHP Billiton Limited has, therefore, not been proposed.
BHP Billiton Plc
Notice of Meeting 2017 9
Annual Meeting General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes participating Voting and Location
General Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
Explanatory Notes continued
Item 3
Remuneration of auditor of BHP Billiton Plc
The law in the United Kingdom
requires shareholders to either agree the remuneration of the auditor or authorise the company’s directors to do so. In accordance with these requirements, shareholders are asked to authorise the Risk and Audit Committee to determine the
remuneration of the auditor of BHP Billiton Plc.
The law in Australia does not impose the same requirement. A resolution in respect of the remuneration of the
auditor of BHP Billiton Limited has, therefore, not been proposed.
Item 4
General authority to issue shares in BHP Billiton Plc
The law in the United
Kingdom (section 551 of the UK Companies Act 2006) requires the Directors to be authorised in order to issue shares and other equity securities. Shareholders are asked to renew the general authority of the Directors to issue shares and other equity
securities in BHP Billiton Plc.
The proposed authority would permit the Directors to allot shares with an aggregate nominal value of US$105,603,590.
This • amount: represents approximately 3.97 per cent of the total combined issued ordinary share capital of BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited (or 10 per
cent of the total issued ordinary share capital of BHP Billiton Plc) as at 31 August 2017, being the latest practicable date before publication of • this Notice of Meeting (the Latest Practicable Date); is considerably lower than the
maximum limit specified in the guidelines of major shareholder associations in the United Kingdom – the Investment Association and the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association permit a maximum limit of
one-third of the issued share capital • or two-thirds in the case of a pre-emptive rights issue; is considerably lower than
the authority granted until the 2013 AGMs (a limit representing approximately 25 per cent was sought and granted at our AGMs until 2013, but the limit requested was reduced in 2014 to 10 per cent of the total issued ordinary share capital
of BHP Billiton Plc, and this lower limit has been sought annually since then). The Board considers that the lowered limit strikes the appropriate balance between market practice in South Africa (where investors expect a significantly lower limit on
the general authority to issue shares than is acceptable in the United Kingdom) and ensuring that sufficient capacity is retained • to finance business opportunities that may arise during the year; and is subject to the lower limit specified in
Item 5 where shares are issued for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis.
This authority
will expire at the conclusion of the BHP AGMs in 2018. The Directors have no present intention to issue shares under this authority.
No shares were issued under
the similar authority granted by shareholders at last year’s AGMs. As at the Latest Practicable Date, BHP Billiton Plc had 2,112,071,796 ordinary shares on issue and the total combined ordinary share capital of BHP Billiton Plc and BHP
Billiton Limited was 5,323,762,901 ordinary shares.
The law in Australia does not impose the same requirement. A resolution in respect of the issue of securities
in BHP Billiton Limited has, therefore, not been proposed.
10 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Item 5
Issuing shares in BHP Billiton Plc for
cash
The law in the United Kingdom (section 561 of the UK Companies Act 2006) requires the Directors to be authorised in order to issue ordinary shares and other
equity securities and sell treasury shares in BHP Billiton Plc, for cash, without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to their holdings. Shareholders are asked to renew this authority of the Directors. Paragraph (a) of
Item 5 authorises the Board to issue shares and sell treasury shares for cash in connection with a rights issue or other pre-emptive offer.
Paragraph (b) of Item 5 authorises the Board to make other types of share issues (and sales of treasury shares, if any) for cash – for example, placements to people who
are not currently shareholders. However, this authority in paragraph (b) is limited to shares with an aggregate nominal value of US$52,801,795.
This •
amount: represents approximately two per cent of the total combined issued ordinary share capital of BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited (or five per cent of the total issued ordinary share • capital of BHP Billiton Plc) as at the Latest
Practicable Date; and is lower than the limit set out in the Statement of Principles of the UK Pre-Emption Group, which reflect the views of The Investment Association and the Pensions and Lifetime Savings
Association.
The Directors confirm their intention to follow the UK Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles
regarding usage of the paragraph (b) authority so that cumulative usage in excess of 7.5 per cent of the total issued share capital of BHP Billiton Plc (excluding treasury shares) within a rolling three year period should not take place
without prior consultation with shareholders.
The Directors did not use the equivalent authority granted by shareholders at last year’s AGMs. The law in
Australia does not impose the same requirement. A resolution in respect of the issue of securities in BHP Billiton Limited has, therefore, not been proposed.
Annual Meeting General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the
Annual on Accessing BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 11
Explanatory Notes continued
Item 6
Repurchase in BHP Billiton of Plc shares purchased in BHP Billiton by BHP Plc Billiton (and Limited) cancellation of shares
The to make law in a market the United purchase Kingdom of its (section own shares 701 of only the if UK shareholders Companies have Act) permits passed an a company
authorising resolution. own shares. Shareholders are asked to renew BHP Billiton Plc’s authority to buy back its The Shareholders renewal of are the asked authority to consent being sought to the purchase will expire by
at BHP the Billiton conclusion Plc of of up the to BHP a maximum AGMs in of 2018. as 211,207,180 at the Latest ordinary Practicable shares, Date. which The represents maximum 10 price per cent that of may BHP be Billiton paid
for Plc’s an issued ordinary share share capital the is 105 purchase, per cent and of the the average minimum middle price market that may quotation be paid for for the any five ordinary business share days is its
preceding nominal value of US$0.50.
If the authority is exercised, shares in BHP Billiton Plc could be bought back by BHP Billiton Plc
transferred directly. Alternatively, to BHP Billiton they Plc could for be no purchased consideration, on-market following by which BHP Billiton BHP Billiton Limited Plc and would subsequently cancel those
both alternatives. shares. The impact on the Group’s cash, gearing and interest levels would be the same for by The way aggregate of direct number market of purchases BHP Billiton by BHP Plc ordinary Billiton Plc shares or by that way would of
the be alternative acquired mechanism (whether for described which the above) buy-back would authority not exceed is sought the maximum under Item number 6 and of the BHP same Billiton
maximum Plc ordinary and minimum shares prices are transferred would apply to BHP to any Billiton purchases Plc for cancellation. of BHP Billiton Plc shares by BHP Billiton Limited which plans As at the outstanding Latest
Practicable to subscribe Date, for there 544,522 were shares options in and BHP other Billiton awards Plc. If under exercised employee in full, these share would Practicable represent Date. 0.03 If the per authority cent of to the buy issued back
share shares capital under of Item BHP 6 Billiton was exercised Plc as at in the full Latest (or the maximum number of ordinary shares in respect of which the authority is given is acquired by the alternative mechanism
described above, or by a combination of direct market purchases and the use 0.03 of per such cent mechanism), of the issued these share options capital or of other BHP awards Billiton Plc, would, net on of the exercise, shares represent bought back.
own The UK shares Companies they have Act purchased 2006 enables as treasury companies shares in with the United a view Kingdom to possible to resale hold any at a of future their it date, may rather decide than to hold, cancelling as treasury them.
shares, If BHP Billiton any shares Plc were bought to exercise back by it. its This buy-back would authority, provide either BHP Billiton to sell Plc treasury with additional shares
quickly flexibility and in cost-effectively the management or to of use its the capital treasury base, shares enabling to satisfy it awards alternative under mechanism BHP employee described share above schemes. would Any not
shares be treated acquired as treasury by BHP shares. Billiton BHP Plc under Billiton the Plc currently holds no treasury shares.
The per
share authority and conferred the benefits by this for shareholders item will be exercised in BHP Billiton only after Plc and considering BHP Billiton the Limited effects on generally. earnings The The Directors Board wishes
may to exercise maintain the flexibility authority to to pursue acquire strategies shares in that BHP maximise Billiton Plc the in Group’s the future; value. however, there is currently no intention to do so.
The Directors did not use the equivalent authority granted by shareholders at last year’s AGMs. The of securities law in Australia in BHP does Billiton not Limited impose
has, the therefore, same requirement. not been A proposed. resolution in respect of the buy-back
12 BHP Billiton Plc Notice
of Meeting 2017
Items 7 and 8
Approval (including of the the
Directors’ Remuneration remuneration Report policy)
The UK Companies Act 2006 requires the Remuneration Report to be split into a Directors’ remuneration
policy report and a Directors’ annual report on remuneration, with a separate vote required for each when the policy report is being approved as well as the annual report on remuneration.
Directors’ remuneration policy report
Item 7 is an ordinary resolution seeking approval
for the Directors’ remuneration policy report in section 3.2 of the Annual Report, which sets out BHP’s forward looking policy on Directors’ remuneration (including exit payments). This vote is binding.
BHP is required to submit its Directors’ remuneration policy to a shareholder vote at least every three years. As the Directors’ remuneration policy was last approved at
the 2014 AGM, it is required to be re-submitted for approval this year.
The Remuneration Committee undertook a review of
the policy during the past year and determined that the policy remains appropriate and aligned to the delivery of our strategic priorities. While the updated remuneration policy contains no material changes from the previous policy, the
Directors’ remuneration policy being submitted for approval has been updated since 2014, including to seek to improve the presentation of the policy report. The outcomes of the policy review are discussed in the Annual Statement of the
Remuneration Committee Chairman in section 3.1 of the Annual Report 2017.
If approved, the updated Directors’ remuneration policy will commence from the date
of the 2017 BHP Billiton Limited AGM, and all future payments to Directors and former Directors must be made in accordance with the updated policy (unless the payment is separately approved by shareholders). If not approved, the current
remuneration policy will continue to apply until a new policy is approved.
Directors’ annual report on remuneration
Item 8 is an ordinary resolution required under UK law and is an advisory vote. The resolution is to approve the remainder of the Remuneration Report for the year ended
30 June 2017 (i.e. other than the part containing the Directors’ remuneration policy report in section 3.2 of the Annual Report as separately addressed in Item 7).
Item 9
Approval of the Remuneration Report
Item 9 is an ordinary resolution required under Australian law and is an advisory vote. For Australian law purposes, the Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 June 2017
comprises the whole of section 3 of the Annual Report.
The online Remuneration at bhp.com. Report is set out in section 3 of the Annual Report and is available
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 13
Annual Meeting General
agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
Explanatory Notes continued
Item 10
Approval of leaving entitlements
Reason for seeking shareholder approval
Australian law restricts the benefits that can be given, without shareholder approval, to individuals who hold a managerial or executive office on cessation of
their employment or retirement from office with BHP Billiton Limited or another Group entity to which sections 200B and 200E of the Corporations Act apply. Shareholder approval was last obtained at the 2014 AGMs. The approval sought this year
is to refresh the leaving entitlements that are potentially payable, as described below.
This approval is in relation to BHP’s stated remuneration policy and
existing commitments. It seeks to preserve the discretion of the Board and Remuneration Committee to determine the most appropriate leaving package under the relevant employment agreements, incentive plans and retirement plans. The remuneration
policy for KMP, including an explanation of potential leaving entitlements, has been included in BHP’s Remuneration Report for many years. The Remuneration Report has been voted on by shareholders at previous AGMs and has consistently received
strong support from shareholders and other key stakeholders. BHP’s policy in relation to leaving entitlements is to treat departing employees and KMP appropriately and in accordance with applicable laws, market practice and Company policy. To
assist BHP meet this policy objective, the Board considers it prudent to seek shareholder approval in respect of the potential leaving entitlements or benefits payable to any current or future employees who are members of BHP’s KMP (which
includes Directors of BHP and members of the Operations Management Committee (OMC)) at the time of cessation of their employment or at any time in the three years prior to cessation of their employment, as outlined in these Explanatory Notes.
Approval is also sought in relation to potential leaving entitlements for employees who are not KMP but who are directors of a Group entity to which sections 200B
and 200E of the Corporations Act apply (Subsidiary Directors). As employees who fall within this category are sometimes based in foreign jurisdictions where the local requirements, policies and practices in relation to leaving entitlements are very
different to those of Australia, the Board considers it appropriate and prudent to also seek shareholder approval in respect of the potential leaving entitlements or benefits payable to any current or future employees who are Subsidiary Directors at
the time of cessation of their employment or at any time in the three years prior to cessation of their employment, as outlined in these Explanatory Notes.
Approval is being sought for the following benefits or entitlements
Shareholder approval is being sought for the purposes of sections 200B and 200E of the Corporations Act for any ‘termination benefits’ that may be
provided to KMP or Subsidiary Directors. Shareholders are not being asked to approve any change or increase in the remuneration or benefits or entitlements for KMP or Subsidiary Directors, or any variations to the existing discretions of the Board
and the Remuneration Committee. The potential leaving entitlements that may become payable to KMP and Subsidiary Directors and the discretions that may be exercised in respect of these are summarised in Appendix 1. Generally, these are benefits
• or entitlements arising under: the relevant employment or service agreement; • • BHP’s incentive plans; • the defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and other retirement plans; and local laws, policy and
practice.
14 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
If shareholder approval is obtained, the Board intends that no other leaving entitlements will be provided to KMP or Subsidiary
Directors in connection with their ceasing to hold a managerial or executive office, other than those within the scope of this approval or which are exempt from section 200B of the Corporations Act. However, BHP and an individual may agree not to
rely on this approval and to rely solely on the provisions of the Corporations Act, in which case any benefits provided would be capped at the maximum amount payable under the Corporations Act without shareholder approval.
The value of the benefits or entitlements
The amount and value of the leaving entitlements
being approved is the maximum potential benefit that could be provided for each of the categories described in Appendix 1. Approval of these leaving entitlements does not guarantee that any specific individual will receive them. The amount and value
of the leaving benefits or entitlements that may be provided cannot be ascertained in advance. This is because various matters, events and circumstances (as set out in Appendix 2) will, or are likely to, affect the calculation of the amount and
value.
Approval is sought for a three year period
If shareholder approval is
obtained, it will be effective from the date the resolution is passed • until the conclusion of the 2020 AGMs. That is, shareholder approval will be effective: if the Board or Remuneration Committee exercises certain discretions under
BHP’s incentive • plans (refer to Appendix 1); in relation to any equity awards (including conditional rights, options and shares) granted • under BHP’s incentive plans; and/or if the member of the KMP or a Subsidiary Director
ceases to hold office, during the period beginning at the conclusion of the AGMs in 2017 and expiring at the conclusion of the AGMs in 2020. If considered appropriate, the Board may seek a further shareholder approval at the AGMs in 2020.
It can be reasonably anticipated that aspects of the relevant employment agreements, incentive plans and retirement plans will be amended from time to time in line
with market practice and changing governance standards and, where relevant, changes in relation to KMP will be reported in the Remuneration Report. However, it is intended that this approval will remain valid for as long as these agreements,
incentive plans and retirement plans provide for the treatment on cessation of holding office as set out in Appendix 1.
Item 11
Approval of grant to Executive Director
It is proposed that Andrew Mackenzie, an Executive
Director of BHP, be awarded securities under the Group’s incentive plans. If Item 11 is approved by shareholders, the awards will be made under the Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) and Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). Each award under the STIP
and LTIP is a conditional right to one ordinary fully paid share in BHP Billiton Limited, subject to meeting the applicable service and/or performance conditions. Under the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Listing Rules, shareholder approval is
required for an issue of BHP Billiton Limited securities to Directors. Approval is not required where the terms of the scheme under which the grants are made require that the underlying shares are purchased
on-market. The terms applying to Mr Mackenzie’s awards (comprising the terms of grant and the applicable plan rules) require that the underlying shares are purchased
on-market. In addition, there is no requirement under UK law or the UK Listing Authority’s Listing Rules to obtain shareholder approval for the specific issue of BHP Billiton Plc securities to a Director
on the terms proposed.
Annual Meeting General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General
Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 15
Explanatory Notes continued
Item 11 continued
Although it is not required to do so, the Board is seeking shareholder approval for the acquisition of securities under the Group’s STIP and LTIP by Mr
Mackenzie as a matter of good governance. (a) STIP award: The Board, on the advice of the Remuneration Committee, is proposing a grant of STIP awards. If approved by shareholders, the actual number of STIP awards to be granted will be
calculated after the AGMs.
Value of the STIP award: The maximum value of Mr Mackenzie’s STIP award is US$1,169,600. This maximum value has been determined
based on deferral of 50 per cent of Mr Mackenzie’s maximum STI amount of US$2,339,200 for performance during the year ended 30 June 2017.
How the
number of rights will be calculated: The actual number of rights granted to
Mr Mackenzie will be calculated using the following formula: The maximum value of
the STIP award (being US$1,169,600) will be multiplied by the US$/A$ exchange rate, being the average daily exchange rate over the five days immediately prior to the grant date, to convert the award value into Australian dollars. This amount will
then be divided by the volume weighted average price of BHP Billiton Limited shares traded on the ASX over the five trading days immediately prior to the grant date, and rounded down to the nearest whole number of rights.
(b) LTIP award: The Board, on the advice of the Committee, is proposing a grant of 385,075 LTIP awards with a face value equal to 400 per cent of Mr Mackenzie’s annual
base salary (i.e. US$1,700,000 x 400 per cent = US$6,800,000).
How the number of rights was calculated: The actual number of rights proposed to be granted to
Mr Mackenzie was calculated using the following formula: Converting the maximum value of Mr Mackenzie’s LTIP award (being US$6,800,000) into Australian dollars by applying the average US$/A$ exchange rate over the 12 months up to and
including 30 June 2017, and then dividing that Australian dollar amount by the average daily closing price of BHP Billiton Limited shares traded on the ASX over the 12 months up to and including 30 June 2017. The face value of US$6,800,000
was determined with the input of the Remuneration Committee’s independent adviser and through an analysis of Mr Mackenzie’s total target remuneration, as assessed by reference to a number of factors, including the extent to which the total
remuneration is appropriate for Mr Mackenzie’s role and the extent to which it is market competitive.
(c) There is no cost payable by Mr Mackenzie, and no
loan made by BHP to Mr Mackenzie, in relation to the grant of the STIP or LTIP awards or the allocation of shares on vesting of the awards. The awards will not have an exercise price and accordingly do not raise capital. (d) Mr Mackenzie is the
only Director (or associate of a Director) entitled to participate in the STIP and the LTIP in the year ended 30 June 2017.
(e) Mr Mackenzie is the only
Director (or associate of a Director) who has received securities under the STIP and LTIP since shareholder approval was last obtained. Mr Mackenzie was granted 339,753 rights under the LTIP in accordance with shareholder approval at the 2016 AGMs
and was granted 69,566 rights under the STIP in accordance with shareholder approval at the 2015 AGMs. No consideration was payable by Mr Mackenzie in respect of either grant.
Full details of these awards are set out in the 2016 and 2015 Remuneration Reports respectively. (f) The STIP and LTIP awards that are the subject of this approval will be
granted to Mr Mackenzie following the AGMs, and in any event prior to 16 November 2018.
For are available information online on the at bhp. STIP com. and
LTIP, refer to section 3.3 of the Annual Report. The LTIP Rules
16 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Items 12 to 21 Election of Directors
The Boards of
BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited must be identical and operate as one. In the interests of simplicity, one resolution is proposed in respect of the election of each candidate to both the Board of BHP Billiton Plc and to the Board of
BHP Billiton Limited. Accordingly, in each resolution, reference to ‘BHP’ is a reference to both BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited. The resolution to appoint each candidate is proposed as a separate resolution.
Under the Articles of Association of BHP Billiton Plc and the Constitution of BHP Billiton Limited, at least one-third of Directors must
retire (and may seek re-election) at each AGM. However, taking account of the recommendations in the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Board has adopted a policy under which all Directors seek re-election annually. With the exception of Malcolm Brinded, all current Directors are retiring and are offering themselves for re-election. Mr Brinded has decided not to
seek re-election at the AGM and will step down from the Board on
18 October 2017. In addition, Terry Bowen and John
Mogford are seeking election by shareholders for the first time, having each been appointed a Director with effect from 1 October 2017. The Board annually reviews the performance of each Director seeking
re-election at the AGMs, with assistance from the Nomination and Governance Committee. The review is designed to assess the effectiveness of each person. All Directors seeking
re-election at the 2017 AGMs contributed to the review of every other Director during the year. The Nomination and Governance Committee has also reviewed the skills, backgrounds, knowledge, experience and
diversity of geographic location, nationality and gender represented on the Board.
In addition, Jac Nasser, the then Chairman, drawing on guidance from the
Remuneration Committee, led an evaluation of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on behalf of all Non-executive Directors. The criteria used to assess the CEO’s performance are set out in
sections 2.15 and 3 of the Annual Report.
On the basis of these reviews, the Board considers that all Directors seeking
re-election demonstrate commitment to their role, that each Director continues to make a valuable contribution to the Board and that the Board as a whole has an appropriate mix of skills, backgrounds,
knowledge, experience shareholders and the diversity re-election to operate of all retiring effectively. Directors Accordingly, who offer the themselves Board recommends for
re-election. to The Board also recommends to shareholders the election of Terry Bowen and John Mogford.
All Non-executive Directors are considered by the Board to be independent in character and judgement and free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with the exercise of their objective,
unfettered or independent judgement. The Annual Report contains further information on the independence of Directors in section 2.10.
The biographical details,
skills and experience of each of the Directors standing for election or re-election are set out below and, in respect of those Directors seeking re-election, in section
2.2.1 of the Annual Report.
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 17
Annual
Meeting General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
Explanatory Notes continued
Item 12
Terry Bowen BAcct, FCPA, 50
Terry Bowen has significant experience across a
range of diversified industries, with a very strong background in finance leadership roles. Mr Bowen has served as an Executive Director and Finance Director of Wesfarmers Limited since 2009. Prior to his current role, Mr Bowen held various senior
executive roles within Wesfarmers, including as Finance Director of Coles, Managing Director of its Industrial and Safety division and Finance Director of Wesfarmers Landmark. Between 2003 and 2005, Mr Bowen served as the inaugural Chief Financial
Officer of Jetstar Airways Limited, and also held a number of senior finance roles over an 11 year career with Tubemakers of Australia Limited. Mr Bowen will retire from all Wesfarmers Limited roles in late 2017, before commencing in early 2018 as
the Managing Partner and Head of Operations of a new private equity fund based in Australia. Mr Bowen is Chairman of the West Australian Opera Company and is on the Board of the West Coast Eagles Football Club. He is a member of the Curtin
University Business School and Scotch College (WA) Advisory Councils. Mr Bowen is a former Director of Gresham Partners, past President of the National Executive of the Group of 100 Inc. and former Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical
Research Incorporated. His appointment as a Director of BHP will take effect from 1 October 2017.
Mr Bowen says: ‘BHP is a tremendous company with world
class assets, strong leadership and the ability to create significant value for shareholders. I am looking forward to working with the Board to create long term value for BHP’s shareholders. My 25 years of leadership experience in financial,
strategic and operational areas across a broad range of industries and complex operations position me well to contribute to Board decisions to optimise opportunities for BHP.’
The Board recommends the election of Mr Bowen.
Item 13
John Mogford BEng, 64
John Mogford has extensive oil and gas knowledge and transformational
strategy leadership experience, having worked in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years. Mr Mogford spent the majority of his career in various leadership, technical and operational roles at BP Plc where he gained significant knowledge of
upstream oil and gas assets and activities. From 2009 to 2015, Mr Mogford was the Managing Director and an Operating Partner of First Reserve Corporation, a large global energy-focused private equity firm in London. He served on the boards of a
number of First Reserve’s portfolio companies, including as Chairman of Amromco Energy LLC and White Rose Energy Ventures LLP. Mr Mogford was a Senior Adviser to the Head of the Global Oil and Gas Practice at Nomura Investment Bank from 2010
until 2013. Mr Mogford is currently a Non-executive Director of Weir Group Plc, ERM Worldwide Group Limited and one of First Reserve’s portfolio companies, DOF Subsea AS. Mr Mogford is a former Director
of Network Rail Limited, Midstates Petroleum Company Inc., CHC Group Limited and CHC Helicopters SA. His appointment as a Director of BHP will take effect from 1 October 2017.
Mr Mogford says: ‘BHP has a portfolio of world class assets, a strong balance sheet and a clear strategy to grow value for its shareholders. Part of BHP’s strength lies
in its commitment to the health and safety of its people, sustainable development and operational excellence.
My deep technical and operational experience in the
oil and gas industry, including large and complex projects, combined with my strategic expertise and my experience as an investor, will enable me to contribute to effective Board decisions.’
The Board recommends the election of Mr Mogford.
18 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Item 14
Malcolm Broomhead MBA, BE, FAICD, 65
Malcolm Broomhead has extensive experience in running industrial and mining companies with a global footprint, and broad global experience in project development
in many of the countries in which BHP operates. Mr Broomhead was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Orica Limited from 2001 until September 2005. Prior to joining Orica, Mr Broomhead held a number of senior positions at North Limited,
including Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and, prior to that, held senior management positions with Halcrow (UK), MIM Holdings, Peko Wallsend and Industrial Equity. Mr Broomhead is currently Chairman of Orica Limited and is a former
Chairman of Asciano Limited and a former Director of Coates Group Holdings Pty Ltd. He has been a Director of BHP since March 2010, and is a member of the Sustainability Committee and the Risk and Audit Committee.
Mr Broomhead says: ‘BHP is dedicated to the creation of long-term shareholder value through the execution of an effective strategy, and the disciplined allocation of capital.
My experience as a CEO and Board member of global resource and industrial companies enables me to make a significant contribution to the deliberations of the
Sustainability Committee, the Risk and Audit Committee and the Board.’
The Board recommends the re-election of Mr
Broomhead.
Item 15
Anita Frew BA(Hons), MRes, Hon DSc, 60
Anita Frew has extensive board, strategy, marketing, governance and risk management experience in the chemicals, engineering, water and finance industries. She is the Chairman of
Croda International Plc and Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director of Lloyds Banking Group Plc. Ms Frew is a former Chairman of Victrex Plc, a former Senior Independent Director of Aberdeen Asset Management Plc and IMI Plc, and a former Non-executive Director of Northumbrian Water. During her executive career, she was a Director of Abbott Mead Vickers plc, Director of Corporate Development at WPP plc and held various leadership positions with the
Royal Bank of Scotland and Scottish Provident. She has been a Director of BHP since September 2015, and is a member of the Risk and Audit Committee.
Ms Frew says:
‘I believe that BHP’s strategic vision and dedication to high standards in the areas of safety and sustainability set it apart from others. The combination of BHP’s ethical and responsible approach to business and its strong Board and
leadership team who have an enduring commitment to creating shareholder value benefits all stakeholders.
My extensive experience as a Non-executive Director, Senior Independent Director and Chairman of global industrial and financial companies has provided me with the skills and experience to meaningfully contribute to the deliberations of the
Board and the Risk and Audit Committee. I have also built a strong understanding of shareholder expectations, and am committed to progressing BHP’s commitment to governance and its disciplined capital allocation which support the creation
of shareholder value.’
The Board recommends the re-election of Ms Frew.
Annual Meeting General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing
BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 19
Explanatory Notes continued
Item 16
Carolyn Hewson AO, BEc (Hons), MA, FAICD, 62 sector. Carolyn Ms Hewson Hewson is a was former previously investment an Executive banker with Director over of 35
Schroders years’ experience Australia in Limited the finance and has is extensive a Non-executive financial Director markets, of risk Stockland management Group, and a member
investment of the management Federal Government expertise. Growth Ms Hewson Director Centres Advisory of BT Investment Committee Management and a Trustee Limited, of Westpac Westpac Foundation. Banking Corporation, Ms Hewson
AMP is a former Limited, the CSR Economic Limited, AGL Development Energy Limited, Board the of South Australian Australia, Gas Light and a Company, former member South of Australia the Advisory Water Board and of of the
Nanosonics Remuneration Limited. Committee She has been and a a member Director of of BHP the Nomination since March and 2010, Governance and is the Committee. Chairman
Ms important Hewson responsibilities says: ‘At BHP, the that Board accompany and the our management position of significant team are constantly global influence mindful and of
the size. We responsibility carry the clear to always objective have to the create highest long-term regard for value the for safety our shareholders, of our people, along to understand with the the needs governance of the
practices. communities In this and way, the we environments aim to create in long-term which we operate value in and a sustainable to follow exemplary manner. but Appropriately, we are united our in Board our focus members on BHP’s bring
objectives a wide range and of responsibilities. skills, experience My and background backgrounds, in finance and Director, risk management, provide a helpful as well base as from my experience which to complement across a
number the existing of sectors skills as and a Non-executive experience of the Board.’
The Board recommends the re-election of Ms Hewson.
Item 17
Andrew Mackenzie BSc (Geology), PhD (Chemistry), 60 was Andrew appointed Mackenzie to the has Board been on the that Chief date. Executive Mr Mackenzie Officer
joined of BHP BHP since in November 10 May 2013, 2008 and as across Chief Executive four continents. Non-Ferrous During with his responsibility 30 year career for in over oil and
half gas, of BHP’s petrochemicals 100,000 strong and minerals, workforce time Mr Mackenzie with Rio Tinto, has held where a variety he was of Chief senior Executive leadership of roles. Diamonds Mr Mackenzie’s
and Minerals, prior and career with BP, included where he and held Group a number Vice President of senior for roles, Chemicals. including Mr Group Mackenzie Vice President is a Director for of Technology the Grattan and
Institute, Engineering a and member Metals, of Honorary the Business President Council of the of Australia, German-Australian Director of Chamber the International of Industry Council and Commerce on Mining and a former Non-executive Director of Centrica plc.
Mr resources Mackenzie company, says: ‘It and is a to privilege meet with to lead
and one listen of to Australia’s our people, great our companies shareholders and and a leading the many global which other stakeholders we will create vital value to BHP’s for decades success. to come. Over the We
last will five maximise years, we cash have flow, built maintain foundations strict capital from discipline, incorporate and care deliver for the strong environment returns. and I am our proud communities, that, guided compassion by Our Charter, and
trust. our decisions The focus of our diversified strategy by will commodity, remain to geography own, and safely and market. and efficiently ’ operate, large, low-cost, long-life
assets
The Board recommends the re-election of Mr Mackenzie.
20 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Item 18
Lindsay Maxsted DipBus, FCA, FAICD,
63
Lindsay Maxsted is a corporate recovery specialist who has managed a number of Australia’s largest corporate insolvency and restructuring engagements and,
until 2011, continued to undertake consultancy work in the restructuring advisory field. Mr Maxsted was Chief Executive Officer of KPMG Australia between 2001 and 2007. Mr Maxsted is currently the Chairman of Westpac Banking Corporation and of
Transurban Group. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Director and Honorary Treasurer of Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Mr Maxsted was on the Board of the Public Transport Corporation from 1995 to 2001,
and in his capacity as Chairman from 1997 to 2001 had the responsibility of guiding the Public Transport Corporation through the final stages of a significant reform process. He has been a Director of BHP since March 2011, and is the Chairman of the
Risk and Audit Committee. Mr Maxsted says: ‘The Board of BHP has, through focusing on a superior vision and strategy, great values and high-quality people, and the related issues of risk, sustainability and an appropriate governance framework,
created an environment for success. Our risks are managed on an enterprise-wide basis. The natural diversification in our portfolio of commodities, geographies, currencies, assets and liabilities is a key element in our risk management approach.
My professional background as a CEO, as an adviser on large and complex corporate restructurings and, more recently, as a
Non-executive Director in the banking and finance and infrastructure sectors, has provided me with a diverse range of skills and experience, particularly in a financial context, to draw upon and contribute as
a Board member.’
The Board recommends the re-election of Mr Maxsted.
Item 19
Wayne Murdy BSc (Business Administration), CPA, 73
Wayne Murdy has a background in finance and accounting, where he gained comprehensive experience in the financial management of mining, oil and gas companies during his career with
Getty Oil, Apache Corporation and Newmont Mining Corporation. Mr Murdy served as the Chief Executive Officer of Newmont Mining Corporation from 2001 to 2007 and as Chairman from 2002 to 2007, and has been a Director of Extraction Oil and Gas, Inc.
since December 2016. Mr Murdy is also a former Chairman of the International Council on Mining and Metals, a former Director of the US National Mining Association, a former member of the Manufacturing Council of the US Department of Commerce, a
former Director of Weyerhaeuser Company and a former Director of Qwest Communications International Inc. He has been a Director of BHP since June 2009, and is a member of the Risk and Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee.
Mr Murdy says: ‘BHP is one of the most valuable companies in the world due to its unwavering focus on its strategy. Key pillars underpinning its success are financial
discipline, operational excellence and a continued focus on improving safety, environmental protection and community relations. I am proud to be a member of the BHP Board, which has a strong commitment to strategy review and creating shareholder
value, leadership development and governance best practices. My background in the international minerals and petroleum industries, as well as significant financial and capital investment decisions, provides a wide range of experiences from which to
contribute to Board discussions.’
The Board recommends the re-election of Mr Murdy.
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BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 21
Explanatory Notes continued
Item 20
Shriti Vadera MA, 55
Shriti Vadera brings wide-ranging experience in finance,
economics and public policy, as well as extensive experience of emerging markets and international institutions. She is Chairman of Santander UK Group Holdings Plc and Santander UK Plc, and has been a Director of AstraZeneca Plc since 2011. She was
an investment banker with S G Warburg/UBS from 1984 to 1999, on the Council of Economic Advisers, H M Treasury from 1999 to 2007, Minister in the UK Department of International Development in 2007, Minister in the Cabinet Office and Business
Department from 2008 to 2009 with responsibility for dealing with the financial crisis and G20 adviser from 2009 to 2010. She advised governments, banks and investors on the Eurozone crisis, banking sector, debt restructuring and markets from 2010
to 2014. Ms Vadera has been a Director of BHP since January 2011. She is the Senior Independent Director of BHP Billiton Plc, and a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee and the Remuneration Committee.
Ms Vadera says: ‘The Board and management of BHP have a firm commitment to create long-term shareholder value by maintaining the highest corporate governance standards,
focusing on operational excellence and rigorously implementing a stable but flexible strategy. BHP is a global company working in a market and geopolitical and regulatory environment that are complex and changing. My background in finance,
governments, emerging markets and international institutions provides me with useful experience and perspectives that help me contribute to the Board’s deliberations and decisions.’
The Board recommends the re-election of Ms Vadera.
Item 21
Ken MacKenzie BEng, FIEA, FAICD, 53
Ken MacKenzie has extensive global and executive experience, and a deeply strategic approach. From 2005 until 2015, Mr MacKenzie served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Amcor Limited, a global packaging company with operations in over 40 countries. During his 23 year career with Amcor, Mr MacKenzie gained extensive experience across all of Amcor’s major business segments in developed and emerging
markets in the Americas, Australia, Asia and Europe. Mr MacKenzie was a Senior Adviser with McKinsey & Company from January 2016 until June 2017, and serves on the Advisory Boards of American Securities Capital Partners LLC and Adamantem
Capital. He has been a Director of BHP since September 2016, and became Chairman on 1 September 2017. Mr MacKenzie is Chairman of the Nomination and Governance Committee and a member of the Sustainability Committee.
Mr MacKenzie says: ‘It is an honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Board of this great company. I have visited many of BHP’s operations during my first year as a
Director, and met with the talented and enthusiastic workforce. My commitment is to represent the interests of all shareholders, and to continue to create shareholder value by working with management on strengthening the application of the Capital
Allocation Framework and reviewing the portfolio. I will also have an ongoing focus on Board renewal.’
The Board recommends the
re-election of Mr MacKenzie. By order of the Board
Margaret Taylor
Group Company Secretary
22 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Appendix 1 – Potential leaving entitlements being approved
The potential leaving entitlements for which approval is sought (including the various discretions which may be exercised by the Board or the Remuneration Committee) are summarised
below. Capitalised terms are defined in the applicable incentive plan rules.
Further details regarding the relevant agreements and plans are set out in the
Remuneration Report, which is available online at bhp.com.
Agreement/plan Potential entitlements/treatments
Employment All OMC members are employed under agreements capable of termination by BHP agreements on up to 12 months’ notice (depending on the individual employment
agreement), or six months’ notice by the OMC member.
Subsidiary Directors are employed under agreements capable of termination by BHP or the Subsidiary
Director on providing certain periods of notice (depending on the individual employment agreement).
BHP may make a payment in lieu of some or all of the notice
period (calculated by reference to base pay plus superannuation or pension contributions payable plus any other benefits under the employment agreement).
Statutory
payments and accrued contractual entitlements are also paid on cessation (such as days of leave accrued but not taken).
BHP may agree to continue to provide
certain other benefits for a period following cessation where the arrangements are provided for under the employment agreement, which could include, but are not limited to, relocation or expatriation benefits.
Incentive plans
Resignation or Death, serious injury, Other termination for cause disability,
illness or total and permanent disablement
Short Term Unvested awards Unvested awards Unvested awards will Incentive Plan will lapse. will vest in full and,
continue to be held (STIP) where applicable, subject to the STIP
Vested but unexercised become exercisable. rules and terms of grant, awards will remain unless the
Committee exercisable for the Vested but unexercised determines they will lapse. remaining exercise period awards will remain unless the Committee exercisable for Vested but unexercised determines a reduced the remaining awards will remain period or
that they exercise period. exercisable for the will lapse. remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines a reduced period or that they will lapse. Where employment ceases for any reason before an award of cash or equity is granted in
respect of a performance year, there is no entitlement to those awards for that year. However, except in the case of resignation or termination for cause, the Committee can determine to pay the participant an amount in cash, equity or both, having
regard to performance and the portion of the performance year served.
All unvested and vested awards remain subject to malus and clawback.
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BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 23
Explanatory Notes continued
Agreement/plan
Potential entitlements/treatments Incentive plans
Resignation or Death, serious injury, Other termination for cause disability, illness or total and permanent
disablement Group Short Term All unvested awards All unvested awards ‘Good leaver’
Incentive Plan will lapse. will vest. (as determined by the
(GSTIP) OMC): All unvested awards will vest.
Other leavers: Unvested awards
will lapse, unless the OMC determines otherwise.
It is the intention of BHP that GSTIP awards not be granted to OMC members. However, some OMC members hold awards
that were allocated to them prior to their appointment to the OMC. In these circumstances the Committee will make the relevant determination in place of the OMC.
Long Term Unvested awards Unvested awards A pro rata portion of Incentive Plan will lapse. will vest in full and, unvested awards (based (LTIP) where applicable,
on the proportion of the Vested but unexercised become exercisable. performance period served) awards will remain will continue to be held exercisable for the Vested but unexercised subject to the LTIP rules remaining exercise period awards will
remain and terms of grant, unless unless the Committee exercisable for the Committee determines determines a reduced the remaining to reduce the pro rata period or that they exercise period. portion or that they will will lapse. lapse. The balance
of the pro rata portion will lapse.
Vested but unexercised awards will remain exercisable for the remaining exercise period unless the Committee determines a
reduced period or that they will lapse.
All unvested and vested awards remain subject to malus and clawback.
Transitional Unvested awards Unvested awards will Retirement, redundancy
OMC awards will
lapse. vest in full. or termination by agreement: A pro rata portion of the award will continue to be held subject to the terms of grant. The remaining awards will lapse.
Any other reason: The
Committee in its absolute discretion will determine the number of awards
that vest (or lapse).
24 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Agreement/plan Potential entitlements/treatments Incentive plans
Resignation or Death, serious injury, Other termination for cause disability, illness or total and permanent disablement Management Unvested awards Unvested awards will ‘Good
leaver’
Award Plan will lapse. vest on a pro rata basis (as determined by the (MAP) on the date of cessation OMC): Unvested awards Vested but unexercised and
the balance will lapse. will lapse, unless the OMC awards will lapse, unless determines otherwise. the OMC determines Vested but unexercised Vested but unexercised otherwise. awards will be exercisable awards will be exercisable for six months
following for six months following cessation. cessation.
Other leavers: Unvested awards and vested but unexercised awards will lapse, unless the OMC determines
otherwise.
It is the intention of BHP that MAP awards not be granted to OMC members. However, some OMC members hold awards that were allocated to them prior to
their appointment to the OMC. In these circumstances the Committee will make the relevant determination in place of the OMC.
Shareplus On cessation of employment,
any shares acquired through contributions from post-tax base pay will be released.
If the participant is a ‘good
leaver’ (defined as a person who ceases employment with the Group in circumstances approved by the Board, including, but not limited to, death, total and permanent disability or bona fide redundancy as determined by the Board in its
discretion), they may also be entitled to some or all of the Matched Shares. If a participant is not a ‘good leaver’, they will not receive any Matched Shares.
Other entitlements
Retirement plans The annual retirement contributions payable to each OMC
member are calculated by reference to base pay and are 25 per cent of base pay. Participation is provided through a defined contribution plan, an unfunded Retirement Savings Plan, an International Retirement Plan, a self-managed superannuation
fund and/or a cash payment in lieu.
Other KMP or Subsidiary Directors may also be entitled to retirement benefits. Some employees, including those who may become
members of the OMC in the future, are members of legacy defined benefit plans, and will continue to accrue benefits in those plans for past and future service unless they elect to transfer to a defined contribution plan.
In all circumstances, any benefit that may be provided under the terms of the plan represents a benefit arising in connection with the person’s retirement from office, being
payment for past services rendered to BHP. No pension augmentation is provided by virtue of cessation, and the benefits provided represent accrued benefits.
Amounts In addition to the contractual entitlements of KMP and Subsidiary Directors on payable at law cessation, there may be additional benefits payable at law
depending on the jurisdiction in which the member of the KMP or Subsidiary Director is based at the time they cease employment or to hold office, and any changes in law that occur between the time the employment or service contract is entered into
and the cessation date. This approval is intended to cover any such payments.
Annual Meeting General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual
Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 25
Explanatory Notes continued
Agreement/plan
Potential entitlements/treatments
Other payments Circumstances may arise from time to time where it will be appropriate for BHP to make small incidental payments
to a departing KMP or Subsidiary Director, including allowing them to retain certain property following cessation (such as phones or other electronic devices), or making reasonable retirement gifts to recognise the contribution they made to the
Group. Approval is sought to grant such incidental benefits provided they are reasonable and have an aggregate value that is less than five per cent of the outgoing person’s fees or base salary (as applicable) at the cessation date.
Similarly, there may be instances where BHP considers it appropriate to enter into arrangements with a departing KMP or Subsidiary Director in connection with their cessation that
include payment in settlement of liabilities and the reimbursement of legal fees subject to appropriate conditions.
Additional Other benefits may be payable where
a Subsidiary Director ceases to hold office or payments which ceases employment and either the payment is in accordance with the local regulations, may apply for policy or market practice in the relevant jurisdiction, or is made pursuant to
BHP’s Subsidiary practices or policies (for example in relation to payments on redundancy or other Directors lump sum payments) in the relevant jurisdiction. As BHP operates a global diversified business with hundreds of subsidiaries in
different locations, it is not possible to ascertain the amount or value of these benefits in advance. However, this approval is intended to cover payments or benefits to Subsidiary Directors where the payments or benefits are provided in accordance
with the regulations, policies and practices outlined above.
On cessation, other than for cause, BHP may make a payment to a Subsidiary Director in consideration
of the departing individual confirming, extending or entering into appropriate restrictive covenants to protect BHP and its shareholders. The amount of such payment is governed by the individual’s employment agreement and local regulations,
policy or market practice, as well as BHP’s policies and practices in the relevant jurisdiction.
26 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Appendix to, affect the 2 – calculation Matters, events of the and amount circumstances or value of which the leaving will, or
entitlements are likely
The amount or value of the leaving entitlements that may be given to KMP or Subsidiary Directors cannot be ascertained in advance. This is
because various matters, events and circumstances • will, or are likely to, affect the calculation of that amount or value, including: the circumstances in which the individual ceases to hold office or ceases employment, • and whether they
serve all or part of any applicable notice period; • their base pay at the time of cessation of employment; the length of their service with BHP and the portion of any relevant performance • or qualification periods that have expired at
the time of cessation; the number of unvested equity entitlements held by the individual at the time of cessation and the number that the Board or Remuneration Committee determines to vest, lapse • or leave on foot in accordance with the
relevant plans; the market price of BHP Billiton Plc shares on the London Stock Exchange or BHP Billiton Limited shares on the ASX when the value of any equity-based leaving entitlement or benefit • is determined; • the individual’s
particular entitlement to retirement benefits; the value of any accrued pension entitlement arising over the period of service until the date • of cessation; the value of any contribution that may arise, and be paid, in respect of the notice
period • provided under the employment or service agreement; any other factors that the Board or the Remuneration Committee determines to be relevant when exercising its discretions (such as the assessment of the performance of the individual
• up to the cessation date); the jurisdiction and location in which the individual is based at the time they cease to hold • office or cease employment, and the applicable laws in that jurisdiction; and any changes in law between the
date BHP enters into an employment or service agreement with the individual and the date the individual ceases to hold office or employment.
Annual Meeting General
agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 27
Voting and participating
Your vote is important.
By voting, you are involved in the future of BHP.
Shareholders can vote by:
attending the meeting and voting in person; or > appointing an attorney or, in the case of corporate shareholders, a corporate representative to attend and
vote; or > appointing a proxy to attend and vote on their behalf. There are also a number of ways you can participate in the AGM.
How are votes calculated under
the Dual Listed Company structure?
In accordance with our Dual Listed Company structure, all items of business at the 2017 AGMs are considered significant matters
and are therefore joint electorate actions. Voting on joint electorate actions works as follows: • if a BHP Billiton Plc shareholder votes at the BHP Billiton Plc AGM (to be held in London on 19 October 2017), an equivalent vote will be
cast on the corresponding resolution at the meeting of BHP Billiton Limited; • if a BHP Billiton Limited shareholder votes at the BHP Billiton Limited AGM (to be held in Melbourne on 16 November 2017), that vote will be treated as though
it was also cast on the corresponding • resolution at the meeting of BHP Billiton Plc; a resolution will be passed only if the votes cast in favour (after the votes of shareholders of both companies are added together) represent a majority of
the votes cast (in the case of an ordinary resolution), or represent at least 75 per cent of the votes cast (in the case of a special resolution). All items of business will be decided by way of a poll.
Am I entitled to vote at the meeting?
In accordance with Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated
Securities Regulations 2001 and for the purposes of section 360B of the UK Companies Act 2006, only those shareholders entered on the register of shareholders of BHP Billiton Plc at 6.00pm (London time) on Tuesday 17 October 2017, or in the
event that the meeting is adjourned, on the register of shareholders of BHP Billiton Plc at 6.00pm (London time) on the day two days before the date of any adjourned meeting, shall be entitled to vote at the meeting, in respect of the number of
shares registered in their name at that time. Changes after that time, or in the event that the meeting is adjourned, after 6.00pm (London time) on the day two days before the date of the adjourned meeting, shall be disregarded in determining the
rights of any person to attend and vote at the meeting or any adjourned meeting.
In addition, Australian legal requirements limit the eligibility of certain people
to vote on some of the items of business to be considered at the AGMs. The applicable voting exclusion (if any) for each item of business is set out immediately after the proposed resolution in this Notice of Meeting.
28 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
When should I arrive at the meeting venue?
You
must register to attend the shareholder information session and to vote at the AGM. The registration desks will be open from 9.30am (London time) and we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes before proceedings commence to allow sufficient time to
complete registration.
I have a power of attorney from a shareholder – how can I attend and vote?
Attorneys should bring with them an original or certified copy of the power of attorney under which they have been authorised to attend and vote at the meeting, unless previously
given to the Share Registrar.
I am a representative of a corporate shareholder – how can I attend and vote?
A shareholder that is a corporation may appoint one or more individuals to act as its representative(s) and to vote in person at the meeting (provided that if two or more
representatives are appointed they do not do so in relation to the same shares). The representative should bring to the meeting evidence of his or her appointment, including any authority under which it is signed, even if previously given to the
Share Registrar.
I hold American Depositary Shares – can I attend and vote?
The main contact for holders of American Depositary Shares (ADS) who do not hold their investment directly is the registered shareholder, custodian or broker, or whoever
administers the investment on their behalf. ADS holders should deal with them in relation to any rights under the agreement with them to be appointed as proxy and to attend, participate in and vote at the meeting.
I want to vote but I can’t attend the meeting – what should I do?
If you cannot
attend, you can appoint the Chairman of the meeting, or any other person as your proxy, to attend and vote on your behalf.
A proxy form accompanies this Notice of
Meeting.
A shareholder entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint one or more proxies. A proxy need not be a shareholder and can be an individual or a body
corporate. Each proxy will have the right to vote on a poll and to speak at the meeting. If a shareholder appoints more than one proxy to attend the meeting, each proxy must be appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares
held by a shareholder. Further proxy forms are available by • contacting the Share Registrar.
The appointment of a proxy may specify the proportion or number
of votes that the proxy • may exercise.
If a proxy is not directed how to vote on an item of business, the proxy may vote or withhold their vote on that
resolution as they think fit. Should any resolution other than those specified in this Notice of Meeting be proposed at the meeting, a proxy may vote on that resolution • as they think fit (unless otherwise directed by the shareholder).
If a proxy is instructed to withhold their vote on an item of business, they are directed not to vote on the shareholder’s behalf on the poll and the shares
that are the subject of the proxy • appointment will not be counted in calculating the required majority.
Shareholders who return their proxy forms with a
direction on how to vote but do not nominate the identity of their proxy will be taken to have appointed the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy to vote on their behalf. If a proxy form is returned with a direction on how to vote but the
nominated proxy does not attend the meeting, or does not vote on the resolution, the Chairman of the meeting will act in place of the nominated proxy and vote in accordance with any instructions. It is intended that proxy appointments in favour of
the Chairman of the meeting, the secretary or any Director that do not contain a direction on how to vote will be used where possible to support each of the resolutions proposed at Items 1 to 21 in this Notice of Meeting.
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 29
Meeting Annual General
agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual Accessing on BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 29
Voting and participating continued
• The
their KMP closely of BHP related (which parties includes (such each as close of the family Directors members and members and any controlled of the OMC) companies) and will them not how be to able vote. to vote your proxy on
any of Items 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, unless you direct
If you intend to appoint a member of the KMP as your proxy, please ensure that you direct them how to vote on
Items 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, by marking the voting boxes on the proxy form for those items. If you appoint the Chairman of the meeting as your proxy, or the Chairman of the meeting is appointed as your proxy by default, but you do not mark the voting
boxes on the proxy form for any of Items 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, by completing and returning the proxy form you will be expressly authorising the Chairman of the meeting to exercise your proxy on the resolutions for which voting boxes have not been
marked even though they are • connected with remuneration of the KMP.
• The proxy form must be signed by the shareholder or the shareholder’s
attorney.
Proxies appointed by corporations must be executed in accordance with BHP Billiton Plc’s Articles of Association.
I am a ‘nominated person’ – what can I do?
The right to appoint a proxy does
not apply to persons whose shares are held on their behalf by another person and who have been nominated to receive communications from BHP Billiton Plc in accordance with section 146 of the UK Companies Act 2006 (nominated persons). Nominated
persons may have a right under an agreement with the registered shareholder who holds the shares on their behalf to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy.
Alternatively, if nominated persons do not have such a right, or do not wish to exercise it, they may have a right under such an agreement to give instructions to the person
holding the shares as to the exercise of the voting rights.
Nominated persons’ main point of contact in terms of their investment in BHP Billiton Plc remains
the shareholder who nominated them to enjoy the information rights (or perhaps the custodian or broker who administers the investment on their behalf). Nominated persons should continue to contact that shareholder, custodian or broker (and not BHP
Billiton Plc) regarding any changes or queries relating to their personal details and interest in BHP Billiton Plc (including any administrative matter). The only exception to this is where BHP Billiton Plc expressly requests a response from the
nominated person.
By when do I have to submit my proxy appointment?
• If
you are a shareholder registered on the principal register in the United Kingdom, you must lodge your proxy by 12 noon London time on Tuesday 17 October 2017, or 1.00pm South Africa time on Tuesday 17 October 2017 for shareholders
registered on the South African branch • register. Proxies lodged after this time will be invalid.
Where the appointment of a proxy is signed by the
appointor’s attorney, a certified copy of the power of attorney, or the power itself, must be received by BHP Billiton Plc or its Share Registrar at either of the addresses specified on the following page by 12 noon London time/1.00 pm
• South Africa time on Tuesday 17 October 2017.
Amended
instructions must also be received by BHP Billiton Plc or its Share Registrar by the deadline for receipt of proxies.
30 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
How do I submit my proxy appointment?
• You
can lodge your proxy using any of the following methods:
Electronically by recording the proxy appointment and voting instructions via bhp.com or at
eproxyappointment.com. You can log in on a computer or by using the BHP Billiton Plc mobile voting service for smartphones. Only registered BHP shareholders may access this facility and will need the Control Number, their Shareholder Reference
Number (SRN) and Personal
Identification voting instructions Number electronically, (PIN) (each as you shown will be on asked the proxy to confirm form). Once your
voting you have selections. entered At your this be point, taken you to can a screen request that an confirms email confirmation your details of have your been vote. received Once you and press processed. ‘submit’,
If you you will do • not see this confirmation screen, you should contact the Share Registrar.
By hand delivery or post using one of the following addresses:
BHP Billiton Plc Registrar Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions Bridgwater Road Bristol BS13 8AE
Postal address (for proxy forms) – The Pavilions Bridgwater Road Bristol BS99 6ZY
United
Kingdom or
BHP Billiton Plc Register and Transfer Secretary Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited Rosebank Towers
15 Biermann Avenue Rosebank, 2196 South Africa Postal address – PO Box 61051 Marshalltown 2107 South Africa.
Holders of shares dematerialised into Strate should return their proxy forms directly to their Central Securities Depository Participant or stockbroker. can I have I still already
attend submitted the meeting? my proxy appointment –
Yes, completion and return of a proxy form will not prevent you from attending the meeting and voting in
person should you wish to do so.
Meeting Annual General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and
General Location Meeting of the Annual Accessing on BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 31
Voting and participating continued
I electronic am
a CREST proxy member appointment – can I use service the CREST to vote?
Yes, CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic
proxy appointment service may do so by following the procedures described in the CREST manual. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their
CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.
In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made
using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (CREST Proxy Instruction) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s specifications and must contain the information required
for such instruction as described in the CREST manual. The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted
so as to be received by Computershare Investor Services PLC (CREST participant 3RA50) by 12 noon (London time) on Tuesday 17 October 2017. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the time stamp
applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time, any change of instruction to proxies appointed through
CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special
procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member
is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his or her CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted
by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST manual concerning practical
limitations of the CREST system and timings.
BHP Billiton Plc may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of
the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.
Can I ask questions at the meeting?
Discussion at the meeting will take place on all the items of business set out in this Notice of Meeting. Shareholders will have the opportunity to ask questions at the meeting
(including an opportunity to ask questions of the auditor) in accordance with section 319A of the UK Companies Act 2006.
To ensure that as many shareholders as
possible have the opportunity to speak, we ask you • to observe the following courtesies:
• It would be appreciated if questions could be kept as short
as possible.
Speakers are requested to restrict themselves to two questions or comments initially. Others may have waited some time to speak. If time permits,
anyone wishing to speak more than once will be given a subsequent opportunity.
Shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting or who prefer to register
questions in advance are invited to use the question form included with their proxy form (which is also available online at bhp.com). The Chairman will endeavour to address as many of the more frequently raised relevant questions as possible during
the course of the meeting. However, there may not be sufficient time available at the meeting to address all of the questions raised. Please note that individual responses will not be sent to shareholders.
32 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Will the meeting be webcast?
A live webcast of the
AGM will be able to be viewed online at bhp.com.
When can I find out the results of the meeting?
Due to our Dual Listed Company structure, the results of each resolution cannot be finalised until after both the AGM of BHP Billiton Plc and the AGM of BHP Billiton Limited have
concluded. Voting results will be announced to the stock exchanges and made available online at bhp.com as soon as the poll is finalised after the BHP Billiton Limited meeting.
Additional information
It is possible that, pursuant to requests made by shareholders of BHP
Billiton Plc under section 527 of the UK Companies Act 2006, BHP may be required to publish on a website a statement setting out any matter relating to: (i) the audit of BHP Billiton Plc’s accounts (including the auditor’s report and
the conduct of the audit) that are to be laid before the meeting; or (ii) any circumstance connected with an auditor of BHP Billiton Plc ceasing to hold office since the previous meeting at which annual accounts and reports were laid in
accordance with section 437 of the UK Companies Act 2006. BHP Billiton Plc may not require the shareholders requesting any such website publication to pay its expenses in complying with sections 527 or 528 of the UK Companies Act 2006. Where BHP
Billiton Plc is required to place a statement on a website under section 527 of the UK Companies Act 2006, it must forward the statement to its auditor not later than the time when it makes the statement available on the website. The business that
may be dealt with at the meeting includes any statement that BHP Billiton Plc has been required under section 527 of the UK Companies Act 2006 to publish on a website.
This Notice of Meeting, together with information about the total number of shares in BHP Billiton Plc in respect of which shareholders are entitled to exercise voting rights at
the meeting as at the date of this Notice of Meeting, can be found on our website at bhp.com.
As at the date of this Notice of Meeting, BHP Billiton Plc’s
issued capital with voting rights consists of 2,112,071,796 ordinary shares of US$0.50 each. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in BHP Billiton Plc is 2,112,071,796. BHP Billiton Plc also has one Special Voting Share on issue to facilitate
joint voting by shareholders of BHP Billiton Plc and BHP Billiton Limited on joint electorate actions.
Documents available for inspection
Copies of the terms and conditions of appointment of BHP Billiton Plc’s Non-executive Directors may be inspected at the registered
office of BHP Billiton Plc during normal business hours on any weekday (public holidays excepted) from the date of this Notice of Meeting until the date of the AGM, and at the QEII Centre for at least 15 minutes prior to and during the meeting.
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 33
Meeting Annual General
agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual Accessing on BHP information
Location of the Annual General Meeting
Thursday
19 October
2017 – 12 noon Mayfair Soho Whitechapel
(London time)
Hyde Park The QEII Centre
Broad Sanctuary Southwark
Belgravia
Westminster Kensington
Westminster
London SW1P 3EE Lambeth
Pimlico Chelsea
Horse
Guards W h i t
Rd Charing Cross Waterloo
l l e
M a h 0.7 miles 1 mile
e a l l T h
St. James’s Park
Charles King St
The QEII
Centre Westminster
Parliament Westminster Bridg k S t e e Wal Square Big Ben cag Go Bird ar te ey
´
St James’s Park s y P
a r a t u l r
S a n c Westminster a i
d A m
a Abbey b
B r o i e n n g d t o n River
G r e S a t Thames d tR c e reet S l a oria St m i a Vict t P t h h t e r S t t P e S e G r ea t b a m
St John’s
Victoria L
0.7 miles Smith Square
Horseferry Rd
M i l l
Vincent b a A Square n k
20 2
34 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Transport options
Trains
Square; Charing left Cross down (0.7 Whitehall mile) – Turn then left into towards Parliament Trafalgar Square, is on your turn right. right onto Broad
Sanctuary. The Centre Victoria onto Victoria (0.7 mile) Street. – Walk Continue to bus until stand, you turn reach right Westminster Abbey. The Centre is on your left. Cross Waterloo York (1 Road mile) and – Turn
take left, Westminster walk to roundabout. Bridge Road. Broad Cross Sanctuary. to Parliament The Centre Square is on right your onto right.
Bus Services
Parliament Several bus Square routes and serve Victoria Westminster Street.
Station, To plan your website route, tfl.gov. please uk. visit the Transport for London
Tube and Westminster District Lines. Station Via
(0.1 exit mile) 6 to – Whitehall, Jubilee, Circle left into Parliament Broad Sanctuary. Square, The cross Centre road, is turn on your right right. onto District St James’s Lines. Park Broadway Station (0.1 exit,
mile) walk – down Circle Tothill and Street. see the At Centre end of directly street, in turn front left of and you. you will Victoria and District Tube Lines. Station Turn (0.7 right mile) and – Victoria, walk down
Circle Victoria the Centre Street. is on At the the left-hand end is Broad side. Sanctuary,
Car
There but space are several is limited. car To parks find close available to the parking, Centre, please enter QEII visit Centre Park Jockey into the
parkjockey. search field. com and For website more qeiicentre. information, london/getting-here. please visit the Centre’s Disabled with participants a disabled arriving badge at displayed the Centre may in a park
vehicle on the forecourt of the building.
Annual Meeting General agenda General Notice of Meeting Annual Explanatory
Notes Voting participating and General Location Meeting of the Annual on Accessing BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 35
Accessing information on BHP
All up-to-date shareholder information is available online at bhp.com
Online shareholder
services
• check your holding
• register to receive electronic
shareholder communications • update your records (including address and direct credit details)
• access all your securities in one portfolio by setting
up a personal account • vote online
Latest Reports news and presentations
Company overview (including Our Charter, structure and governance) sent Subscribe directly to to receive your email news address alerts youtube.
linkedin.com/company/bhp com/bhp twitter.com/bhp
at BHP bhp. produces com. You a range can also of publications elect to receive that a can paper be copy viewed of
or the downloaded Annual Report through the Share Registrar.
Annual 2017 Report Report Sustainability 2017 Contribution
Economic Report 2017
in If you relation would to like electronic further or information hard copy or communications, would like to change
please your contact: previous election
Share Registrar
+44 (0) 344 472 7001
(United Kingdom) +27 11 373 0033 (South Africa)
36 BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017
Shareholder information
Share Registrars and
Transfer Offices
Australia
BHP Billiton Limited Registrar
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street Abbotsford VIC 3067 Postal address – GPO Box 2975 Melbourne VIC 3001 Telephone 1300 656 780
(within Australia) +61 3 9415 4020 (outside Australia) Facsimile +61 3 9473 2460 Email enquiries: investorcentre.com/bhp
United Kingdom
BHP Billiton Plc Registrar
Computershare Investor Services PLC The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS13 8AE
Postal address (for general enquiries) – The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road Bristol BS99 6ZZ
Telephone +44 (0) 344 472 7001 Facsimile +44 (0) 370 703 6101 Email enquiries: investorcentre.co.uk/contactus
South Africa
BHP Billiton Plc Branch Register and Transfer Secretary
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited Rosebank Towers
15 Biermann Avenue Rosebank,
2196 South Africa Postal address – PO Box 61051 Marshalltown 2107 Telephone +27 11 373 0033 Facsimile +27 11 688 5217 Email enquiries: web.queries@computershare.co.za
Holders of shares dematerialised into Strate should contact their CSDP or stockbroker.
New
Zealand
Computershare Investor Services Limited Level 2/159 Hurstmere Road Takapuna Auckland 0622 Postal address – Private Bag 92119 Auckland 1142
Telephone +64 9 488 8777 Facsimile +64 9 488 8787
United States
Computershare
Trust Company N.A. 250 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021 Postal address – PO Box 43078 Providence, RI 02940-3078 Telephone +1 888 404 6340 (toll-free within US) Facsimile +1 312 601 4331
ADR Depositary, Transfer Agent and Registrar Citibank Shareholder Services PO Box 43077 Providence, RI 02940-3077 Telephone +1 781 575 4555 (outside of US)
+1 877 248 4237 (+1-877-CITIADR) (toll-free within US) Facsimile +1 201 324 3284 Email enquiries:
citibank@shareholders-online.com Website: citi.com/dr
Meeting Annual General agenda Notice General of Meeting Annual Explanatory Notes
Voting participating and Location General Meeting of the Annual Accessing on BHP information
BHP Billiton Plc Notice of Meeting 2017 37
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