What is an EIS?

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a detailed description and analysis of the potential impacts of a proposed activity on the social, natural, cultural and economic environment. The EIS will establish whether the potential impacts can be managed, and if so, what strategies and safeguards need to be adopted to ensure this management occurs in the short, medium and long term.

Why is it needed?

The Australian and South Australian governments both require that an EIS be developed for the expansion project.

Who decides what will be assessed?

The scope of the Olympic Dam EIS assessment is set by the Australian and South Australian Government Guidelines. This document is available here on this website and also on the Planning SA and EPBC websites.

How long will the EIS take?

There are several stages to the Olympic Dam EIS, as demonstrated in the following flowchart: