BHP’s proposal for expansion of copper production at the Olympic Dam Mine moves a step closer to realization as The South Australian Government has advanced BHP’s expansion proposal.
BHP will be required to submit an environmental impact statement (EIS) in accordance to assessment guidelines released by the authorities.
“BHP’s proposal is complex and will require a comprehensive investigation by the Department for Energy and Mining, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to ensure all environmental impacts and issues are adequately assessed,” South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said.
Major Development Status has been given to BHP’s Olympic Dam expansion proposal as it is expected to create 1800 job opportunities during construction and 600 more operational jobs thereafter.
However, BHP will need to assure that the project can be delivered to the highest environmental safety standards in order to get approval.
BHP’s EIS is awaited and will be released to the public at completion. It will be open to feedback from the public and local government.
The effect of the proposal on impacted communities, including Aboriginal people and the Roxby Downs community, will be a key consideration of the Government’s assessment of BHP’s Olympic Dam Resource Development Strategy.
With its expertise in Copper Cathode testing, MSK looks forward this expansion, in order to cater to the increased demand for inspection and testing.