It is reported that due to the global commodity market downturn, BHP Billiton will be targeted and concentrated at its Olympic Dam copper mine in South Australia, with a lay-off of 140 people in uranium and gold projects.

In an email statement, BHP said the company's business operations including labor productivity have been reviewed, which made the decision to lay off workers. Previously, BHP has cut 90 employees in January.

BHP said: "we continue to streamline the Olympic Dam project to ensure the project to be one of the most efficient state operations. The work done by the company is in line with the work in other places, and the entire industry. This also reflects the challenges of the external environment."