Resource giant BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP) approved on Thursday its Escondida Ore Access project (EOA), the first of a number of development options that will underline Escondida’s status as the world’s premier copper operation.

The EOA project will relocate the crushing and conveying facilities currently located inside Escondida’s main pit to improve access to higher grade ore and thereby support higher production from 2013. The project is expected to cost US$554 million (US$319 million BHP Billiton share) and will be completed by mid calendar year 2012.

BHP Billiton Base Metals President, Peter Beaven, said: “Escondida has been one of the world’s premier copper mines for over two decades and our ongoing exploration program suggests the basin retains a number of options for further development. In addition to the project announced today, we are studying a number of additional opportunities to improve access to higher grade ore and increase processing capacity over the years to come.”

Escondida is an operation located 170 km southeast of the city of Antofagasta, at 3,100 meters above sea level. Its owners are BHP with 57.5 per cent, Rio Tinto with 30 per cent, JECO Corporation with 10 per cent and JECO 2 with 2.5 per cent.