29 March 2023

The South Australian Government has given environmental approval for BHP’s Oak Dam next phase exploration program, unlocking further investment and jobs in South Australia.

BHP has received approval for the ongoing exploration program for environment protection and rehabilitation (EPEPR) for its Oak Dam project, set to be one of the largest mineral exploration programs ever undertaken in South Australia.

This approval will allow for up to 14 drill rigs – more than double the current number – as well as associated core processing facilities and an accommodation camp housing up to 150 people. 

BHP has already drilled more than 90 kilometres through exploration at the Oak Dam copper project, which is located on the Stuart Shelf in the Gawler Craton, around 65 km southeast of Olympic Dam.

The Oak Dam prospect was discovered in 2018 and early sampling of the resource recorded intercepts of copper of up to 6 per cent. Located deep under surface cover, the top of the ore body ranges from 700 metres to 900 metres below the ground surface.

In order to decarbonise, the world requires more future facing commodities. BHP is on a global hunt to find the copper the world needs for the energy transition, and that includes the Oak Dam project here in South Australia.

Approval of the EPEPR brings BHP a step closer to defining the extent of the Oak Dam prospect with an eye to developing another copper deposit in the highly prospective Gawler Craton. 

BHP will invest millions over the next few years as it continues resource definition drilling of the Oak Dam resource and establishes the accommodation village, and has signalled its commitment to minimise environmental impacts.

BHP specifically highlighted the growth potential of Oak Dam in its recent half-yearly report, outlining plans to continue drilling and engage with key stakeholders including Traditional Owners, landholders, government and the local community, with a view to converting the exploration licence to a retention lease, allowing the company to carry out further exploration activities in the area.

Quote attributed to BHP Chief Operating Officer Edgar Basto

Oak Dam is an exciting prospect and growth option for our copper business in South Australia, and we look forward to undertaking further exploration to better define the resource and inform our future planning.