Alcoa doubles no-mining zone

Alcoa Australia (ASX: AAI) will expand its Mining Avoidance Zone (MAZ) around Dwellingup to 26,000ha, equivalent to the size of about 860 Optus stadiums.

The expanded MAZ is adjacent to several designated conservation areas, including sections of old growth forest which will never be mined.

The expanded area now includes part of Lane Poole Reserve, Recreational tracks and trails including sections of the Munda Biddi Trail, Bibbulmun Track and Nyingarn Bidi Loop and a new zone around the Inglehope community east of Dwellingup.

Alcoa Australia regulatory approvals director Kane Moyle says the move shows Alcoa is listening and responding to community feedback.

“The decision follows environmental studies and extensive community consultation,” he said.

“We are committed to engaging with the community to find ways to minimise impacts and protect the cultural values and sense of place that makes Dwellingup special.

“We know these areas are treasured by the local community and visitors alike. We respect the community’s expectation that these forest areas and trails remain part of our natural heritage for generations to come.

“We are really pleased we can offer increased certainty around their protection as part of our broader commitment to balance critical resources needs with environmental and social values.”

This expansion follows Alcoa’s November withdrawal of around 47,000ha from its proposed exploration footprint in the Perth Hills.

Alcoa says that while the new MAZ includes areas of mineral prospectivity, there is no immediate financial impact from the Dwellingup no mining commitment.