As part of BHP Billiton’s proposal to expand its Olympic Dam mining operation in South Australia, the company is seeking approval to export copper concentrate containing uranium, gold and silver (concentrate) via the Port of Darwin.
BHP Billiton is very experienced in shipping concentrates between its mines and other countries and has been shipping uranium oxide from Olympic Dam without incident for more than 20 years.
The Port of Darwin was chosen as the preferred port of export for concentrate and some uranium oxide as it already handles bulk ore shipments, has experience in handling uranium oxide and is capable of handling Panamax-class bulk carriers.
The Northern Territory Transport Option Information Sheet (PDF, 214kb) provides more information about:
- Concentrate transport
- Safe handling
- Radiation
- Port of Darwin
