As the world races towards a clean-energy future, copper has become one of its most critical resources – and BHP is betting big on South Australia’s Olympic Dam to meet demand.
The mine, one of the largest in the world, is set for a major upgrade, with BHP injecting $840 million for projects that will unlock new underground reserves, streamline operations and boost smelting capacity.
The investment will fund a new underground access decline to reach fresh ore bodies, a paste-fill backfill system to stabilise mined zones, expanded ore-pass capacity supported by six new locomotives, and an extended underground electric rail network.
A new oxygen plant will also enhance smelting efficiency, raising copper-concentrate processing rates from 80 to 85 tonnes per hour.
“We are standing at the edge of a generational opportunity to unlock transformational copper growth in South Australia,” BHP’s Copper SA president Anna Wiley said.
“Copper SA is already on the global map, and as the race intensifies to secure copper for the energy transition and growth in data centres, we are well positioned to supply more of what the world needs.”
Wood Mackenzie said global copper demand could surge by up to 24 per cent by 2035, driven by expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy deployment, grid upgrades, and massive growth in data centres.
In this context, BHP’s investment at Olympic Dam may do more than secure a mine; it could help stabilise supply for the world’s clean-energy ambitions. According to the company, it is the largest producer of copper in the world, and it expects to grow our copper base from 1.7 million tonnes to around 2.5 million tonnes per annum.
“Achieving that scale requires significant copper growth, and we are fortunate to have a world-class copper province right here in South Australia to do just that,” BHP chief operational officer Edgar Basto said.
“We are progressing a series of strategic projects that will strengthen our base business and help lay the foundations for future growth.”
For South Australia, the upgrades mean nearly 200 construction jobs, stronger infrastructure and a reinforced position as a key global supplier.
Globally, the project represents a strategic bet: ensuring the copper needed to power the energy transition is available, and that the next generation of clean energy depends less on shortages and more on mining projects like Olympic Dam.
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