Fluor Corporation has announced a new partnership with Hatch for its mining and metals business. Together, they have secured an engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contract. This contract is for the expansion of BHP’s proposed Olympic Dam smelter and refinery in South Australia.
The project remains subject to BHP’s Final Investment Decision (FID).
Supporting BHP’s Growth Plans
Fluor will recognize its share of the contract value in the fourth quarter of 2024, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Harish Jammula, President, Fluor’s mining and metals business stated, “We are excited to support BHP’s plans to increase refined copper cathode production in South Australia. Expanding the downstream processing sector is crucial for securing local supply, reducing reliance on overseas sources, and driving sustainable production technologies”.
Phased Execution Strategy
The contract will proceed in stages as BHP moves toward a final investment decision, expected in the first half of 2027.
Following approval, the project will advance into construction.
Boosting Copper Production in Australia
BHP plans to increase copper production in South Australia. The goal is to reach over 500,000 tonnes of refined copper cathode. They have set this target for the early 2030s.
Additionally, the company plans to scale production to 6,50,000 tons by the mid-2030s.
The expansion is in line with BHP’s strategy. It aims to enhance local refining capacity. This will help meet the growing global demand for copper.
