Name of the Project
Olympic Dam growth projects.

Location
In the far north of South Australia.

Project Owner/s
Multinational mining company BHP.

Project Description
BHP is investing in a series of growth-enabling projects at its Olympic Dam copper mine to strengthen the foundations of underground mining productivity and continue building its world-class copper province.

The growth projects include:

• an underground access tunnel into the Southern Mine Area. The decline will improve access to the underground mine and streamline the transportation of materials and equipment.
• a new backfill system to deliver paste fill through underground pipes to new areas of the mine. The system will allow for access to previously inaccessible ore sections.
• expanding ore pass capacity, streamlining ore handling and reducing haulage distances, supported by six new locomotives and an extension of the underground electric rail network from 4.85 km to more than 6 km.
• the installation of a new oxygen plant to improve smelter performance and support increasing copper concentrate smelting rates from 80 t/h to 85 t/h.

The projects form part of BHP's broader Copper South Australia growth plans, which target the production of 500 000 t/y during the 2030s and, potentially, 650 000 t/y by the end of the decade.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create almost 200 construction jobs throughout the project development.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not disclosed.

Capital Expenditure
More than A$840-million.

Planned Start/End Date
A potential final investment decision on the proposed smelter and refinery expansion is targeted for 2027. The related facilities are expected to be completed and commissioned in early 2032, subject to approval.

Latest Developments
BHP has awarded a design and supply contract valued at more than A$200-million to China Nerin Engineering for key processing facilities as part of the proposed smelter and refinery expansion in South Australia. The Shanghai Stock Exchange report cites the contract value as A$240-million.

China Nerin Engineering will execute the contract in stages as BHP advances through study phases towards a potential final investment decision in 2027.

The contract covers full-process design and equipment supply services.

The supply portion of the agreement is contingent upon BHP's approving the final investment decision, and equipment production may start only after

Nerin receives written notice from BHP.

China Nerin Engineering has said the facilities are expected to be completed and commissioned in early 2032.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
China Nerin Engineering (design and supply of key processing facilities for the proposed smelter and refinery expansion).

Contact Details for Project Information
BHP, email online@bhp.com.