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BHP Olympic Dam

Safer, Smarter Site Infrastructure

BHP Olympic Dam

Strengthening safety, connectivity, and workforce amenity across South Australia’s largest resource site

Client: BHP Olympic Dam
Location: Olympic Dam, SA / Kokatha Country

The challenge

Olympic Dam is one of Australia’s largest and most remote resource operations — a multi-mineral mine with a vast underground network, extensive surface infrastructure, and FIFO accommodation supporting thousands of workers. In recent years, BHP faced a series of challenges tied to infrastructure performance, worker safety, and operational continuity:

  • A major shutdown (SCM21) required rapid development of a new 724-bed temporary accommodation camp.
  • Ageing electrical assets created risk and uncertainty across surface and underground networks.
  • Increasing pressure to improve workforce amenity, connectivity, and on-site safety.
  • All projects needed to be delivered in a live operational environment — with minimal disruption, and under strict heritage, WHS, and regulatory frameworks.

Lucid was engaged across multiple strategic packages — selected for our ability to navigate complexity and deliver safe, scalable outcomes in remote locations.

Our Approach

Lucid delivered four major, interlinked infrastructure projects across the Olympic Dam site:

1. Olympic Dam South Temporary Camp (SCM21)

To support the 2021 Smelter Campaign Maintenance shutdown, BHP needed a fast-tracked, self-contained village — with power, lighting, and fire infrastructure delivered under tight constraints.
Lucid’s role included:

  • HV and LV power distribution (on-plot and off-plot)
  • Design and routing of overhead line infrastructure — adjusted mid-project to respect newly identified heritage areas
  • Fire system design using potable water infrastructure to minimise CAPEX and in-ground services
  • Temporary solar lighting design — reducing energy consumption and enabling reuse across site
  • HV interlocking over long distances, under-road boring, and compliance with stringent airport Obstacle Limitation Surface requirements
  • Electrical infrastructure designed to mitigate Arc Flash risk for operator safety

2. Switchboard Safety Assessment

As part of BHP’s Fatality Elimination Program, Lucid audited 800+ switchboards to identify risks and prioritise remediation.

  • Thermographic scanning and condition audits
  • Digital asset capture and reporting
  • WHS-aligned Safety Plan
  • Prioritised compliance register

3. Village Security and Duress Upgrades

Lucid upgraded security systems across multiple village zones to improve worker safety and site amenity.

  • Gallagher access systems in laundries, comms facilities, admin and rec spaces
  • Duress alarms integrated with existing site monitoring
  • Optical fibre backbone for scalable future upgrades

4. Village Wi-Fi Infrastructure

Improving digital access for FIFO workers was a key wellbeing initiative. Lucid led the network architecture and coordination.

  • In-room wireless coverage across Olympic Dam and Roxby Downs villages
  • Low-level design  documentation and ICT integration
  • Optical Network Terminals  and wireless access points deployment

Solutions delivered

Electrical and Fire Infrastructure (Camp and Shutdown Readiness)

  • HV/LV power distribution and interlocking
  • Bespoke potable-water-based fire solution
  • Temporary solar lighting for reuse and cost savings
  • Arc flash hazard mitigation design
  • Integration with airport and site-wide utilities

Safety and Asset Management

  • 800+ switchboard audits with thermal scanning
  • WHS-led remediation planning
  • Asset capture and risk prioritisation tools

Village Security and Connectivity

  • Access control and duress alert systems
  • Fibre backbone infrastructure
  • Wi-Fi network design and coordination

Outcomes

  • Delivered a 724-bed temporary village on time to support SCM21 shutdown
  • Improved site-wide safety through detailed electrical audits and mitigation strategies
  • Enhanced worker amenity through improved Wi-Fi and recreational infrastructure
  • Strengthened security and emergency response capability across villages
  • Future-ready power infrastructure designed for reuse and expansion
  • Ongoing relationship between BHP and Lucid built on practical outcomes and technical trust

Better World Impact

At Olympic Dam, Lucid helped build more than infrastructure — we contributed to a safer, more connected, and more resilient work environment. From shutdown readiness to digital wellbeing, our work reflects a better world in action — one where operational scale doesn’t come at the expense of worker safety or smart planning.

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