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

July 14, 2015

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

		BHP Billiton Limited		BHP Billiton Plc
		171 Collins Street		Neathouse Place
		Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia		London SW1V 1LH UK
		GPO BOX 86		Tel +44 20 7802 4000
		Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia		Fax + 44 20 7802 4111
		Tel +61 1300 55 47 57 Fax +61 3 9609 3015		bhpbilliton.com
		bhpbilliton.com

14 July 2015

SIR JOHN BUCHANAN

It is with profound sadness that the Board of BHP Billiton advises of the passing of Sir John Buchanan yesterday. Sir John served as a Non-Executive Director of BHP Billiton from 2003 up until the time of his death, and was the Senior Independent Director of BHP Billiton Plc.

BHP Billiton Chairman, Jac Nasser, paid tribute to Sir John.

“Sir John provided wise counsel to his fellow Directors and to management, and made an invaluable contribution to BHP Billiton. We have lost a highly respected and esteemed colleague who was greatly admired by those who worked with him.”

The Directors extend their deepest sympathy to the family of Sir John.

Rachel Agnew

Company Secretary

The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia

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.