The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will assess the proposed expansion of Talison’s Greenbushes lithium operation and has decided to include eight weeks of consultation in its public environmental review.
Last month Talison Lithium Australia Pty Ltd referred a proposal to the EPA to increase the production of spodumene ore and lithium mineral concentrate at its mine 250km south of Perth.
This proposal is for the construction and operation of waste rock landforms, road and corridor realignments, laydown and stockpile development, and the expansion of existing agricultural dams to create the larger Salt Water Gully catchment dam.
EPA Chair Darren Walsh said a detailed assessment was required to determine the extent of the proposal's direct, indirect and cumulative impacts.
“The lithium mine at Greenbushes has been operating for around 30 years, however the latest proposed expansion would increase the development envelope by more than 25 per cent,” Mr Walsh said. “This proposed expansion has the potential to impact flora and vegetation from the clearing of up to 541ha of native vegetation.”
He said other potential significant effects included impacts from dust generation, noise, light, vibration, traffic, and permanent changes to visual amenity, pressures on local services and accommodation.
“The EPA also acknowledges the significant community interest in this project. When we published this referral for a seven-day public comment period nearly 95 per cent of the 364 submissions received were calling for an assessment.”
The EPA’s next steps will include the preparation of an environmental scoping document which defines the form, content, timing and procedure of the environmental review. The EPA expects this public review to occur mid-2026.
Information on the Greenbushes Lithium Mine: Waste Rock Landforms, Salt Water Gully Dam and additional clearing for infrastructure proposal is on the EPA website.
EPA Media Contact: Jenni.Storey@dwer.wa.gov.au; 0434 734 997
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