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

December 22, 2017

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

NEWS RELEASE

SAMARCO UPDATE

BHP has agreed to fund a total of up to US$181 million (BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (BHP Brasil) share) in financial support for the Renova Foundation and Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) until 30 June 2018.

An amount of US$133 million will be used to fund the Renova Foundation to undertake remediation and compensation programs identified under the agreement dated 2 March 2016 between Samarco, Vale S.A., BHP Brasil and the Brazilian Authorities. This amount will be offset against the Group’s provision for the Samarco dam failure.

An amount of US$48 million will be made available to Samarco. This amount includes a short-term facility of up to US$42 million (BHP Brasil’s share) to carry out ongoing repair works, maintain Samarco’s facilities and support restart planning, and an amount of US$6 million to cover fees payable to experts appointed in connection with the remediation and compensation programs. Funds will be released to Samarco only as required, and subject to achievement of key milestones.

Further information on BHP can be found at: bhp.com

Note:

Samarco Mineração S.A. is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda and Vale S.A. Our 50 per cent interest is accounted for as an equity accounted investment.

1

Members of the BHP Group which is

headquartered in Australia

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2

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.