South Australia laws clear path for BHP’s $5.6b Olympic Dam copper expansion despite Indigenous objections

South Australia has passed new legislation affirming BHP’s mining rights at the Olympic Dam site, clearing the way for an expansion of its copper smelter. The project carries a total investment of $5.6 billion and is aimed at increasing copper output. The Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation has opposed the move, saying a compensation agreement has not been reached, but the laws have taken effect. The development is directly tied to the pace of copper resource development and strengthens near- to mid-term expectations for an increase in copper supply.