A MAJOR COPPER-TUNITY

WITH THE GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION FUELLING UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND FOR COPPER, SA'S VAST MINERAL WEALTH IS POSITIONING THE STATE AS A CORNERSTONE OF THE DECARBONISED FUTURE.

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If copper is driving an electrified future, South Australia has taken some major steps to fortify its position as the country’s copper powerhouse.

As a case in point, BHP’s recent $840 million investment in Olympic Dam has positioned the state to become a primary provider on the global stage.

Copper and other critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt are becoming more pivotal as the shift to clean energy systems continues to drive demand, ultimately painting a picture in which the sector is emerging as a major force in mineral markets.

Copper plays a critical role in electrification because of its electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility and corrosion resistance. It is often called the “metal of electrification” since almost every technology involved in generating, transmitting, storing, or using electricity relies on it.

Speaking at the recent Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) in Adelaide, BHP group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti said the industry is “part of that copper revolution”.

“If you thought that the electrification revolution was only in the early-1900s, you're mistaken; we are in the midst of the second electrification revolution here and now, and the demand for copper in that electrification revolution is paramount,” he said during his keynote presentation. “We, all of us, find ourselves in a very privileged place to be right in the middle of its heart.”

Driving the next phase of growth

BHP’s Olympic Dam investment is evidence of that revolution.