Mining giant BHP Billiton is well aware of the economic forecast in pursuing the multi-billion-dollar Olympic dam project, South Australian Liberals say.
It comes after SA Premier Jay Weatherill admitted the current economic outlook could delay the BHP Billiton board's approval of the proposed expansion of the existing copper, gold and uranium mine.
SA deputy opposition leader Mitch Williams says BHP Billiton would have been aware of the forecast when it signed the Olympic Dam indenture agreement last year.
'The decision that BHP Billiton have already taken over the last 12 months were taken pretty well in knowledge of the world economic climate,' he told AAP on Tuesday.
'Most of what we've seen around the world today has been reasonably evident since the 2008 GFC.'
SA government and opposition leaders met with BHP Billiton chief Marius Kloppers and board members in Adelaide on Monday for dinner at the South Australian Museum.
Mr Weatherill said he was hopeful of receiving BHP Billiton's approval by mid-year, but admitted the slowing global economy would factor in the board's deliberations.
'That's a concern of course, but some of the considerations about a 50-year mine don't really bear on the current ups and downs of the economic cycle,' he said.
'So we're hopeful that short-term economic foundations won't weigh heavily on their minds when they make this decision, but ultimately it will be a decision for the board for a project that has a very long lead time and a very long period of payback.'
Mr Williams said he assured BHP Billiton the opposition was committed to the Olympic dam project.
'There must be no doubt in their mind a change of government will see no political risk.'
He said the company was 'playing it's card close to its chest' and gave no indication of its impending decision.
Legislation to clear the way for the world's largest open-cut mine was passed in state parliament last year.
The expanded mine is expected to generate up to 6000 new jobs during the 11-year construction phase and a further 4000 operational jobs.
