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

November 25, 2016

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:    x  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    x  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 FUNDING

BHP Billiton has approved further financial support for Samarco.

The amount of US$181 million has been approved to fund the remediation and compensation programs identified under the Framework Agreement (Agreement) which the Renova Foundation governs and oversees. This amount of US$181 million will be offset against the Group’s provision of US$1.2 billion, recognised as at 30 June 2016.

In addition, a short-term facility of up to US$115 million will be made available to Samarco to carry out remediation and stabilisation work and to support Samarco’s operations. Funds will be released to Samarco only as required and subject to the achievement of key milestones. The short-term facility allows BHP Billiton Brasil to preserve the value of its investment as options for restart continue to be assessed.

A restart of Samarco operations is important for Samarco, BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale, the local communities and for the Brazilian economy. Restart will occur only if it is safe and economic to do so and the necessary approvals have been obtained from Brazilian authorities. BHP Billiton Brasil continues to work through options for restart with Vale and Samarco.

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.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: bhpbilliton.com

Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is

headquartered in Australia

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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.