Uranium

A world-class uranium and copper deposit.

  • About Uranium

    Our Uranium business currently comprises the world-class uranium and copper deposit at Olympic Dam in South Australia. In addition to copper and uranium Olympic Dam also contains significant quantities of gold and silver. Olympic Dam is the world's largest uranium deposit and fourth largest copper deposit. At Olympic Dam we mine, process, smelt and refine the ore to final products. Specifically, we deliver uranium oxide concentrate to utility customers exclusively for the generation of electricity in civil nuclear reactors.

    Olympic Dam’s copper is sold to customers in Europe, Australia and Asia under contracts which are negotiated annually.  The bulk of uranium production is sold under long-term, fixed priced sales contracts with overseas electricity generating facilities.

    Gold and silver produced at Olympic Dam are sold to the Perth Mint, Australia.

  • Leadership

    Dean Dalla Valle, President, Uranium

    Dean's career with BHP Billiton spans 34 years. He has an electrical engineering background and an MBA from the University of Wollongong. Dean started in Illawarra Coal and his roles have included General Manager West Cliff, Appin and Tower Collieries; Iron Ore Vice President Ports and Base Metals Asset Leader Cannington. Following the acquisition of Western Mining Corporation in June 2005, Dean was President and Chief Operating Officer of Olympic Dam until June 2009 when he was appointed President of Uranium.

    Dean is on the Board of the World Nuclear Association and the Australian Uranium Association and sits on the Advisory Board of the University College of London, Australia.

  • Assets

    Olympic Dam, Australia

    Olympic Dam is a multi-mineral ore body containing uranium oxide, copper, gold and silver. Olympic Dam is Australia's largest underground mine. 

    Olympic Dam Project, Australia

    BHP Billiton is undertaking a feasibility study into the expansion of Olympic Dam in South Australia, which includes the examination of a broad range of alternatives. If the expansion proceeds, it is likely to see the advent of open pit operations in addition to the existing underground mine. An Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared for the Australian, South Australian and Northern Territory Governments.