SA: BHP Billiton must rule out Murray water for mine: Rann

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2006
SA: BHP Billiton must rule out Murray water for mine: Rann

ADELAIDE, Feb 14 AAP - South Australian Premier Mike Rann wants BHP Billiton to rule
out the use of the River Murray to supply water needed for its $5 billion expansion of
the Olympic Dam mine.

The expansion of the uranium and copper operations in South Australia's north will
make it one of the biggest open cut mines in the world.

A $300 million pre-feasibility study already is underway and due for completion by
the end of 2007.

An environmental impact study (EIS) also is being conducted.

BHP Billiton said recently it had not yet made a decision on where to get the extra
water it would need.

But the Australian Conservation Council said the 120 million litres of water a day
would have to come from the Murray or the Great Artesian Basin.

Mr Rann said today he hoped the environmental impact study would quickly rule out the
use of Murray water.

He said he planned to make his views known to BHP Billiton soon.

"While the environmental impact of the mine expansion will be assessed according to
the most stringent environmental principles, I would be most concerned about water from
the River Murray being an option," Mr Rann said.

"Just recently I met with national and state environmental leaders and assured them
that the government would accept nothing less than the strictest possible environmental
standards imposed during the mine's expansion."

Mr Rann said the environmental impact study must also address other issues including
the construction, operation and rehabilitation of the mine site, and the supply of power,
transport needs and the management of waste.

"The EIS must contain the best information on how the development will progress and
the impact it will have on the environment," he said.

"While this project will be incredibly important to the future of this state, the environmental
impact must always be at the forefront when we consider this expansion."

AAP tjd/rj/bwl

KEYWORD: OLYMPIC

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