The Western Australian government has released stricter regulatory arrangements governing Alcoa of Australia’s bauxite mining operations in the Northern Jarrah Forest as part of its ongoing Transitional Approvals Framework.
Under the updated framework, the government has issued a new exemption order and will imminently approve Alcoa’s 2025–2029 mining and management program (MMP) subject to stringent new environmental conditions.
The temporary arrangements allow the company to continue operations while the independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) completes a formal assessment of its bauxite mining proposals.
Developed by the government’s Bauxite Strategic Executive Committee, the new MMP conditions impose expanded environmental protections across environmentally sensitive areas. Key requirements include:
- Prohibiting mining within two kilometres of public water reservoirs.
- Expanding protection buffers for black cockatoo nesting trees and significant trees in the Huntly mining area from 10 metres to 50 metres.
- Establishing mandatory pre-mining fauna surveys, GPS recording, tree tagging, and site fencing.
- Requiring independent fauna specialist qualifications and six-monthly compliance reviews.
- Reducing Alcoa’s overall exploration drilling footprint.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the measures strike a balance between environmental management and economic activity.
“The new conditions will deliver enhanced protections for public drinking water sources, black cockatoo habitat and other environmentally significant values,” Swinbourn said.
“Our government is committed to delivering strong environmental protection and management, while also recognising the economic contribution of mining and safeguarding local employment.”
State Development Minister David Michael noted that the framework offers stability for local communities and workers while transitioning Alcoa to contemporary standards.
“With Alcoa’s operations continuing while the Environmental Protection Authority finalises its assessment, these arrangements provide certainty for workers, local communities and regional economies,” Michael said.
The 2025–2029 MMP approval applies strictly to areas previously referred to or under current assessment by the EPA.
