Public consultation has started today on two significant mining proposals in the Northern Jarrah Forest.
For the next 12 weeks, the EPA will accept feedback on Alcoa of Australia Limited’s 2023-2027 bauxite mining operations in the Darling Ranges and its Pinjarra Alumina Refinery Revised Proposal.
EPA Chair Darren Walsh said the decision to release the documents for both the near-term mining plan and the Myara North, O’Neil and Holyoake expansion simultaneously would ensure better consideration of the combined and cumulative impacts.
“A combined public review will also be easier and more efficient for the community and stakeholders,” Mr Walsh said. “These are both complex environmental impact assessments with many thousands of pages submitted by the proponent for review.
“The sheer volume, the unique biodiversity of the Northern Jarrah Forest, and the number of environmental factors to consider means a 12-week public consultation period is entirely appropriate.”
The Pinjarra Alumina Refinery Revised Proposal is a significant amendment to the existing operation approved in 2004. It is being considered by the EPA separate to the assessment of Alcoa’s current and proposed mining operations on the Darling Range (documented in annual rolling five-year Mining and Management Programs under the State Agreement framework).
Submissions can be made via the EPA’s Consultation Hub until 21 August 2025.
Alcoa’s response to the submissions received will be published before the EPA completes its assessments and delivers its report to the Minister for the Environment.
Mr Walsh said the EPA intended to produce one report with an anticipated two sets of recommendations.
He said the EPA was working towards completing both assessments in the first quarter of 2026. After a three-week public appeal period the Minister will consider any appeals before making the final decision on the proposal.
EPA Media Contact: jenni,storey@dwer.wa.gov.au; 0434 734 997
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