National Interest

BHP Billiton plans to expand its Olympic Dam operations at Roxby Downs to develop the world's largest open cut mine. The copper, gold and uranium project could be a massive boost to the South Australian economy; but BHP will have to move a million tonnes of earth a day - every day - for four years just to get to the ore. The profits will be large, but so will the environmental footprint. It's a project of such scale that it could shape the economic future of South Australia - with jobs and revenue for the state - but it could also affect the area's ecological future. BHP Billiton says an Environmental Impact Statement for the expansion will be lodged with the government before the end of the year, but the company won't talk about its plans until that statement is released for public comment next year. However, last week the BHP Billiton took a bunch of industry analysts on a tour including Olympic Dam - its copper, gold and uranium mine at Roxby Downs. And in the process, BHP executives revealed a bit more detail about their plans to expand their operation.

Guests

Mark Parnell
South Australian Greens MLC

Jason Kuchel
CEO, South Australia Chamber of Mines and Energy

Further Information

Olympic Dam expansion project website

BHP Billiton release to the ASX Australian Site Tour Olympic Dam

South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy

Mark Parnell website

Presenter

Peter Mares

Producer

James Panichi

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