Resources Infrastructure & Investment Task Force
The Resources Infrastructure & Investment Task Force, formerly the Olympic Dam Task Force, was formed by the Government of South Australia to assist with the facilitation of the expansion of BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam copper, gold and uranium mine near Roxby Downs in the state's Far North region. By 2016, its scope had broadened to include facilitating and supporting several other major resources projects in the state.
Paul Heithersay (2015)
The Olympic Dam mine is a large poly-metallic underground mine located in South Australia, 550 km (340 mi) NNW of Adelaide. It is the fourth largest copper deposit and the largest known single deposit of uranium in the world. Copper is the largest contributor to total revenue, accounting for approximately 70% of the mine's revenue, with the remaining 25% from uranium, and around 5% from silver and gold. BHP has owned and operated the mine since 2005. The mine was previously owned by Western Mining Corporation. Since the 1970s environmentalists, traditional owners and others have campaigned against the mine, largely on the basis of its contribution to the nuclear cycle and its use of underground water.
Clarke and Robinson shafts (centre)
The Point Lowly cuttlefish aggregation may be impacted by Olympic Dam desalination plant brine.
Kevin Buzzacott
Monument at the discovery hole of Olympic Dam, RD1