Oak Dam, South Australia

To help us make decisions about future development at Oak Dam, we want to have a closer look at the ore body.

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Exploration undertaken to date has indicated the presence of high-grade copper and associated minerals that may be economically viable to mine. Further exploration is required to better define the resource and enable BHP to make decisions about possible future development activity.

The copper deposit at Oak Dam is deep in the ground  and underground access is required for BHP to  complete advanced exploration activity. BHP has applied to South Australia’s Department for Energy and Mining seeking approval for a Retention Lease (RL) and Miscellaneous Purposes Licences (MPLs) for the Oak Dam Underground Access Project. If granted, the tenements will enable the construction of twin declines and the supporting infrastructure needed to allow underground access to the Oak Dam deposit where controlled, targeted exploration can continue much closer to the ore body.

Conceptual schematic of Oak Dam underground access

Map

BHP Oak Dam BHP Oak Dam

Oak Dam underground access project is the next step in unlocking South Australia's copper resources

Oak Dam

BHP Oak Dam - Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage  

Learn more about the process to identify items of cultural heritage and the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act Section 21 and 23 application.

About Oak Dam
Why BHP is investing in the Oak Dam Underground Access Project
BHP’s purpose is clear, we want to bring people and resources together to build a better world. We’re focused on sustainably supplying the resources the world needs to develop and decarbonise. Our copper operations are crucial to achieving this goal.

BHP is Australia’s largest copper producer through its operations at Olympic Dam. The recent acquisition of OZ Minerals adds the Prominent Hill and Carrapateena assets to its portfolio, providing an opportunity to create an integrated copper province in South Australia - driving further efficiencies in resource exploration and production. BHP’s investment in Oak Dam represents a potential further growth opportunity in this location.
Where is Oak Dam located?

Oak Dam is located in the north of South Australia in a known copper province.

Information sheet

Download the Oak Underground Access information sheet here.

 

Download the Oak Dam Underground Access Cultural Heritage information sheet here.

Do you have questions or feedback about the Oak dam Underground Access Project?

Please email or call us:

  • Email
  • BHP Oak Dam contact number 1800 317 317

Key project elements

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Copper

Thanks to its electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties, copper is found in many common household products.

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