Location and Overview of Olympic Dam
Olympic Dam is a copper, gold, silver and uranium mine located 550km North of Adelaide in South Australia, roughly a 6 hour drive or 90 minute flight from Adelaide. Olympic Dam is the largest single deposit of uranium in the world and Australia’s biggest underground mine, with more than 450 km of underground roads and tunnels.
Operational since 1988 and owned by BHP since 2005, the mine employs around 4,500 people, including employees and contractors. It is expected to continue operating for many more years to come.
Roxby Downs: The Support Township
The township of Roxby Downs is a 15 minute drive from Olympic Dam. The town was purpose-built in 1988 to support BHP’s Olympic Dam mine site operations. With an estimated population of 4,500, over 50% are employed at the mine.
Accommodation Options: Roxby Village and Olympic Village
There are two camps, Roxby Village is more of a permanent housing and located 10km from the mine site, whilst Olympic Village is closer to the site. The village has recently been upgraded with 2 x dining halls with self-serve stations, Side cafe, Espresso bar with terrace, Crib / grab’n’go space, 2 x outdoor dining areas and Tavern & beer garden (wet-mess) with a seating capacity of 540.
Room Quality and Facilities
The rooms range from brand new to older for the permanents. Most rooms have been upgraded with better sound proof/light proof doors, so sleeping during the day is easier. The gym is rather small and needs an upgrade, however there is an outdoor gym, large basketball court and pool. A large dining area and a wet mess with pool table and table tennis facilities.
Food and Dining
Many employees found food quality to be average, saying it is “hit and miss” whilst there is always something you can eat, just don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed. Employees often choose to eat at the local footy club or nearby Lavericks road house. Alternatively Woolworths, subway and other food options are located nearby at Roxby Downs. A limit of four mid strength beers applies at the wet mess. Phone service is rated good with both Telstra and Optus. A word of warning “don’t drink the water in the rooms.”
Daily Routine and Commute
Employees say ”it’s a long day getting on the bus at 5.30am and getting back to camp at 7.15pm.” Although the drive from camp to site is 10km, employees noted it can take an hour to and from work- as you catch a bus in, then get changed, catch another bus to your crib room, and then start work, adding two hours to your working day. One employee said ’Workers get paid on the 15th of each month at Olympic Dam. You get paid on the 15th of the month, 15 days in arrears and 15/16 in advance, so if you start before the 15th you will get paid whatever days you’ve worked up till the 15th and then the rest of the month. Be warned the flies are terrible!
Click here for current vacancies at Olympic Dam.
Click here for food in Roxby Downs South Australia.
Olympic Dam Village Map
Olympic Dam Village Photos
