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| State: | SA |
| Operation: | Olympic Dam |
| Operator: | BHP Billiton |
| Material Produced: |
Copper, uranium oxide, gold, silver |
The Olympic Dam mine in South Australia is the second largest copper mine in Australia, and the world's largest uranium mine. The Olympic Dam deposit also contains gold and silver, making it an extremely valuable ore body. Of the revenue generated by the mine about 70-75% comes from sale of copper (depending on the metal's price), 20 % comes from sale of uranium and about 5% comes from sale of gold and silver.
Copper is an important metal, mainly used in electrical wiring, but also in coins, piping and plumbing and radiators and in many other applications. What are the properties of copper that make it a great metal for these applications?
Gold and silver are also used in electrical and electronic applications, as well as in jewellery. You can find out more about copper, gold and silver (and other metals produced in Australia) by visiting the Rock Files.
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The pure metals copper metal (left), gold and silver (above-left), and drums of uranium oxide (above-right) are produced at Olympic Dam. |
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Olympic Dam is located in South Australia's arid interior and is fully owned and operated by the company WMC Ltd.
Mining at Olympic Dam contributes to Australia's economic prosperity. However, as with all mines, the company has a responsibility to manage the mining operation in such a way as to minimise its impacts on the environment. Read on to find out more about how this is achieved.
