WA Government Grants Alcoa 'Free Pass' on Forest Mining

The WA Greens have fiercely criticized the Western Australian government for granting new exemptions to bauxite miner Alcoa, describing them as a "free pass" to exploit the state's forests. This criticism follows the government's announcement of an updated exemption order for Alcoa and its imminent approval of the company's 2025-2029 Mining and Management Program.

While the new regulations include increased protection buffers for water reservoirs and black cockatoo nesting trees, and mandatory pre-mining surveys, WA Greens spokesperson Jess Beckerling asserts these measures are a "smokescreen." She announced plans to introduce legislation to Parliament in November to ban forest mining, arguing that Alcoa receives preferential treatment compared to other mining companies.

An Alcoa spokesperson stated the company welcomes the government's decisions and is committed to stringent operational requirements that protect the environment. They highlighted Alcoa's significant employment of approximately 4000 people in WA and its substantial investments in local suppliers and community organizations.

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn acknowledged the community's concerns regarding bauxite mining in the Northern Jarrah Forest. He emphasized that the new conditions aim to strengthen protections for drinking water, biodiversity, and local employment, balancing environmental management with economic contributions.