BHP Olympic Dam: Climate-friendly copper
SOUTH Australia has a solid strategy in place for copper growth in the state. Firstly, to accelerate exploration and discovery; secondly to develop innovative infrastructure, services and research; and thirdly, engage to build industry and community capacity. BHP’s Olympic Dam is certainly reaping the benefits of the first step, with South Australia approving its expansion plans in February of this year. The $3b proposal would increase Olympic Dam’s annual copper production from 200,000t to up to 350,000t and increase the level of gold, silver and uranium production. SA Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan declared BHP’s proposed expansion of Olympic Dam a major development as a key milestone in this important project. “Olympic Dam is already the State’s…