BHP Billiton: Olympic Dam Back To Normal Operations By June 30

SYDNEY, May 26, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) said Wednesday that operations at its Olympic Dam uranium and copper mine in South Australia state are expected to return to normal by June 30.

Metal production was cut by 75% in October last year after an accident damaged a major production hoist at the mine.

Following an extensive repair program, hoisting from the shaft recommenced in small amounts earlier this week, BHP said.

During the repair period, BHP also brought forward maintenance works across the mine's process plant, which it said is now fully operational.