Release: Antam and BHP sign JVA to develop nickel deposits in Eastern Indonesia

(Jakarta, June 18, 2008) ? PT.Antam Tbk announced the signing of a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with BHP Billiton (BHPB) to develop nickel laterite resources in Eastern Indonesia.

The joint venture ownership is envisioned as 50:50 between Antam and BHPB.

The JVA was signed in Jakarta by Antam?s President Director, D. Aditya Sumanagara and BHPB Stainless Steel Materials President, Jimmy Wilson.

The agreement is conditional, including approval by the Board of BHPB. The Board of BHPB expects to take a decision on this matter within the next month.

The signing of the JVA follows from the signing of a heads of agreement between the two companies in Perth on February 2007.

This move is in line with Antam?s strategy to move into higher technology and downstream metals processing activities. This strategic alliance with BHPB is also expected to mitigate the cost and risk of developing mineral deposits.

A more detailed press release on the alliance will be made later. (end of release)