Alcoa of Australia Limited is proposing to increase production at the Pinjarra Alumina Refinery (the refinery) and increase the rate of bauxite mining at the existing Huntly Mine within Mineral Lease 1SA (ML1SA) to supply 2.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) bauxite, for export to third party customers.
The Proposal comprises the following components:
- an increase in alumina production at the refinery by 5 percent, from 5.0 Mtpa to 5.25 Mtpa;
- A transition of the Huntly mine into the Myara North and Holyoake regions; and
- an increase in the rate of mining within ML1SA to supply up to 2.5 Mtpa of bauxite for export.
The proposal will require clearing of no more than 6,700 hectares (ha) of native vegetation within a 42,415 ha development envelope associated with mining, and an additional 10 ha of native vegetation associated with the refinery.
Note: The proposal under assessment has since been amended under section 43A of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as documented under “3. Assessment”. The EPA has also revisited the environmental scoping document and published an addendum detailing additional work required. As part of this process the EPA decided the public review period for the environmental review document should increase from 8 to 10 weeks. Further information can be found in the addendum under “Request for further information”.
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