Alcoa reaffirms commitment to modernise approvals framework

Aluminium producer Alcoa has reaffirmed its commitment to modernise the approvals framework for its bauxite mining in WA.

The state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has opened a public comment period on whether it should conduct an environmental impact assessment into parts of Alcoa’s current and next rolling five-year plans for its mines in southwest WA.

These plans were referred to the EPA for assessment by a third party in February.

Following public consultation, the EPA will decide whether to conduct an assessment into parts of these mine plans. There is no set timeframe for the EPA’s determination.

Alcoa Australia president Matt Reed said the public comment period is an important step in the EPA process and gaining clarity on the company’s bauxite mining in WA.

“Out utmost focus remains on securing certainty for our current and future bauxite mining operations,” he said.

“We firmly believe we can continue to operate safely and responsibly under both our existing robust statutory approvals framework set under our WA State Agreements and the more contemporary EPA approvals framework we are committed to transitioning to over a reasonable timeframe.

“We are increasing controls to protect drinking water, stepping up mine site rehabilitation and enhancing the management of social impacts including recently announced no mining zones around the towns of Dwellingup and Jarrahdale.”

This annual review process involves expert input by a host of government departments and agencies, and approval by the Minister for State Development in consultation with other ministers.