Makes its debut on ASX

Document date:  Mon 15 Jul 2002
Published:  Mon 15 Jul 2002 00:00:00
Document No:  192354
Document part:  A
Market Flag:  N
Classification: 

BHP STEEL LIMITED                             2002-07-15  ASX-SIGNAL-G

HOMEX - Melbourne                                                     

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
BHP Steel Limited today marked a new chapter in its 87-year history
when the company's shares commenced trading on Australian Stock
Exchange (ASX) with an opening price of AUD$2.90. The listing was
marked by a bell ringing ceremony at ASX in Melbourne today.

Commenting on today's public listing, BHP Steel Chairman Graham
Kraehe said: "Though we are a newcomer to ASX, BHP Steel has a proud
heritage dating back to 1915. Since then, BHP Steel has built itself
into the largest steel group in Australasia and one of the best
performing companies in the competitive global steel industry.

"We have grown beyond our Australian origins to become a global
steel business, with manufacturing plants in Australia, New Zealand,
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the United States, a network of
roll-forming and service facilities throughout Australia, Asia and
the Pacific, and a worldwide network of sales offices."

Managing Director and CEO Kirby Adams said: "Now that the task of
demerging from BHP Billiton and our listing on ASX have been
successfully completed, we will redouble our focus on growing our
business and delivering value to our shareholders, customers and
employees.

"BHP Steel provides steel solutions - including market-leading steel
products, technical support, transport & logistics services, and
after-sales service - in every region of the world - from Asia, to
the Middle East, Europe, the Pacific and the Americas."

He said, "BHP Steel is an excellent low cost steel producer with an
excellent safety record, strong brands, leading domestic market
positions, ongoing efficiency and cost improvements, and a growing
presence in the markets of Asia - all of which bodes well for our
future."

Television news: Relevant BHP Steel video news footage will be
broadcast today during the satellite news exchange at 3.45pm.

For further Information about BHP Steel Limited: www.bhpsteel.com

Contacts: 

May Goh                            David Goodwin 
MEDIA RELATIONS                    EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
                                   CORPORATE AFFAIRS 
BHP Steel                          BHP Steel
Tel: +61 3 9666 4023               Tel: +61 3 9666 4020 
Mobile: +61 (0)402 016 900         Mobile: +61 (0)419 585 298
E-mail: May.Goh@BHPBilliton.com    E-mail: David.Goodwin@bhpsteel.com