BHP Billiton has announced the restarting of the company’s Svedala mill, which is part of its Olympic Dam surface mine processing operations in South Australia.

The mill experienced an electrical failure in January and was put under maintenance, when a complete diagnostic review was carried out.

It was revealed that the failure damaged the motor stator coil.

"BHP plans to increase operations, with full production at Olympic Dam expected by the end of July."

Following completion of all commissioning checks and implementation of a repair and remediation plan, the company restarted operations at the mill.

Over the coming weeks, BHP plans to increase operations, with full production at Olympic Dam expected by the end of July.

As estimated by the company, there would be a reduction in copper production of between 60kt and 70kt, with the majority of the impact expected during this financial year.

Olympic Dam asset president Jacqui McGill said: "This week we reached the final milestone in the repair project and it is with sincere gratitude that I offer my thanks to the team and each and every employee at Olympic Dam who continue to contribute to our success."

BHP’s Svedala mill is claimed to be the largest of three mills onsite.