The transaction creates a diversified, Americas-based mid-tier gold producer that would generate the equivalent of 250,000 to 270,000 ounces of gold next year.
South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill, has reproached the federal government for saying BHP could resume its Olympic Dam expansion within months, calling it a "cruel hoax."
The spot market for copper is extremely tight with premiums over 3-month contracts touching 18-month highs and Indonesia's export ban adding uncertainty.