BHP Billiton has today commenced the environmental assessment of its proposed A$5 billion expansion at its Olympic Dam operation in South Australia with the lodgement of the project proposal to the Federal and State Governments.

While this does not signal BHP Billiton’s formal commitment to undertake further expansion at Olympic Dam it does mark the beginning of a two-year process of scientific analysis and extensive public consultation.  

The study will allow the company to address issues identified by the Environmental Impact Statement and incorporate them into the final design of the proposed expansion plans.

Ongoing studies of the expansion proposal will take into account a range of issues including environmental effects, the sustainability of operations and economic viability.

The Environmental Impact Statement will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of both the Federal and State Governments.