Approvals have been granted for the mining town of Roxby Downs in South Australia to almost double in size despite a decision by BHP Billiton to shelve an expansion plan for the nearby Olympic Dam copper, gold and uranium mine.
The ABC reports South Australian Planning Minister John Rau has approved a development plan amendment which makes more land available for housing and industry.
It also allows construction of a village for temporary workers and a new airport, two measures originally proposed for the expansion of the mine.
