Public comment opens for Alcoa mine plans

Alcoa Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and the process of stakeholder feedback as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) today opens a 12-week consultation period on the company’s mine plans.

Two proposals are before the EPA for environmental assessment – one regarding parts of Alcoa’s current mining operations and another for plans to transition to new areas in the future.

The latter proposal includes the planned future mining locations within the Huntly mine area, south of Perth, which the company referred for assessment to the EPA in 2020. It also includes a proposed five per cent increase to refining capacity at the Pinjarra Alumina Refinery. The proposal contemplates the next 20 years of operation.

Transitioning to new mine regions is necessary to under-pin sustainable production of aluminium, a critical material for decarbonisation.

President Alcoa Australia, Elsabe Muller reflected on the rigorous work and multi-year process required to reach this stage of the assessment process, and the ongoing consultation with various stakeholders that has informed the plans.

“Since our initial referral in 2020, we have refined our plans based on environmental and social study outcomes, stakeholder feedback and our strong commitment to continuous improvement,” Ms Muller said.

“We’ve made important changes including the creation of a mining avoidance zone of about 2,600ha around Jarrahdale and adjusted our plans to avoid areas of environmental and social value including the Bibbulmun Track. In addition, we will maintain public access to various other tracks and trails that are used by the local community and visitors to the region.

“We’ve also deferred plans to mine in the Reservoir Protection Zones, supporting our track record and commitment to protecting drinking water. These changes reflect what we have heard through our consultations.”

Parts of Alcoa’s past and current mining operations for the 2022-2027 period at Huntly and some areas of the Willowdale mine, located further south near Waroona, are also before the EPA. The assessment will determine the environmental acceptability of these current operations alongside the proposal for new mine regions. In 2023 the State Government granted Alcoa a conditional exemption to continue operations in these current areas of activity, while the EPA progresses with the assessment.

Ms Muller said Alcoa had a long and successful track record of responsible operation in the Northern Jarrah Forest.

“We do not mine in any old growth forest or areas of high conservation value and are proud to have rehabilitated more than 75 per cent of the areas cleared for mining, with these at different stages of growth and forest restoration. Importantly, we are accelerating and effectively doubling our rate of rehabilitation from about 500 hectares per year to 1000 hectares per year by 2027. All of this reflects our commitment to environmental excellence.”

Further information about the assessments is available on the Alcoa website at www.alcoa.com.au and comments can be submitted through the EPA’s Public Consultation Hub at consultation.epa.wa.gov.au.

--ENDS--

Media contact
Jodie Read, 0404 800 335, jodie.read@alcoa.com
Simon Shepherdson, 0413 809 404, simon.shepherdson@alcoa.com

EDITOR’S NOTE:

About the Environmental Assessments
The two proposals available for public comment on the EPA Public Consultation Hub are listed below.

• The first assessment is a proposal to transition Huntly Bauxite Mine to new areas and increase alumina production at Pinjarra Alumina Refinery by five per cent (Pinjarra Alumina Refinery Revised Proposal).
• The second assessment refers to parts of Alcoa’s previous and current mining operations (Bauxite mining on the Darling Range in the southwest of WA for the years 2023 to 2027).

About Alcoa in Australia
Alcoa has a proud history in Australia which it aims to continue by adding value to the communities where it operates, providing jobs for future generations and protecting and preserving the environment via world-leading research and rehabilitation programs.

• Alcoa’s Australian operations have been contributing to the nation’s economy since 1963, investing more than $14.9 billion over 61 years.
• Alcoa employs some 4370 people in Australia. Approximately 3800 live in Western Australia.
• In our 61 years, Alcoa has taken on more than 2685 apprentices, trainees and graduates.
• In 2023, 88 per cent of Alcoa Australia’s revenue stayed in Australia through wages, local spend, taxes, royalties and dividends to Australian shareholders. Our Australian operations:
  • Invested $2.7 billion with 1520 Australian suppliers;
  • Paid $397 million in local, state and federal government taxes and royalties;
  • Paid $831 million in Australian wages, salaries and associated benefits; and
  • Made $5.2 million in community contributions.

Discover more by visiting www.alcoa.com/australia, or follow us on our Australian social media channels: Facebook and Instagram

About Alcoa Corporation
Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminium products with a vision to reinvent the aluminium industry for a sustainable future. With a values-based approach that encompasses integrity, operating excellence, care for people and courageous leadership, our purpose is to Turn Raw Potential into Real Progress. Since developing the process that made aluminium an affordable and vital part of modern life, our talented employees have developed breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to greater efficiency, safety, sustainability, and stronger communities wherever we operate. Discover more by visiting www.alcoa.com, or follow us on our global social media channels: Facebook,  Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn