(19)

(11)

EP 0 769 074 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.04.1997 Bulletin 1997/17 (21) Application number: 95924108.0 (22) Date of filing: 06.07.1995

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C22B 1/ 16( . ) C22B 1/ 244( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/AU1995/000408 (87) International publication number: WO 1996/001333 (18.01.1996 Gazette 1996/04)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE ES FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 06.07.1994 AU 1994PM06654 (71) Applicant: bhp iron ore pty. LTD. Perth, W.A. 6000 (AU)	(72) Inventor: CHIN, Eng Loo Shortland, NSW 2307 (AU) (74) Representative: Jenkins, Peter David, et al  PAGE WHITE & FARRER 54 Doughty Street London WC1N 2LS London WC1N 2LS (GB)