Alcoa operations continue as Western Australia updates regulatory arrangements

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The Government of Western Australia is updating the regulatory framework that applies to Alcoa's mining operations in the state.

Alcoa currently operates under an exemption order issued as part of the state government's transitional approvals framework. The order allows the company to continue operating while the Environmental Protection Authority assesses its proposed bauxite mining activities.

The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification is finalising an updated Mining Management Program (MMP) in consultation with relevant government agencies.

As part of the process, the existing exemption order must be revised to align with the updated MMP. The first step involves issuing a notice of intention to revoke the current order.

The revised MMP and updated exemption order are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, after which a new exemption order will be tabled in Parliament.

Until the new order comes into effect, the existing exemption order will remain in place.

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Alcoa operates one of the world's largest integrated bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting systems.

In 2024, the company's bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in Western Australia accounted for 45 per cent of Australia's alumina production. In Victoria, Alcoa's Portland Aluminium Smelter produced 19 per cent of the country's aluminium output.