The residents of several communities in south-west Western Australia have joined forces to oppose South32's future mining projects, citing growing concerns about Worsley Alumina.
Residents of the Shires of Boddington, Wandering, and Williams, located approximately 130 kilometres southeast of Perth, are represented by Locals for Environmental Action and Protection (LEAP). LEAP emerged last year in response to intensified mining activities at Worsley Alumina, including the installation of a haul road over Pinjarra-Williams Road.
Worsley Alumina is an integrated bauxite mining and alumina refining operation in the Southwest of Western Australia. Founded in 1984, it is today recognised as one of the largest alumina refineries in the world.
Since its formation, LEAP has been actively engaging the community, organising multiple community information sessions in Boddington and Quindanning. These sessions aimed to disseminate information and gauge public opinion regarding the bauxite mine, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.
The group's concerns are mirrored in the recent wave of appeals against the approval of Worsley's expansion. Over 130 appeals were lodged, including those from South32, which argued that imposed restrictions jeopardize the mine's viability. Conversely, LEAP and the WA Forest Alliance contended that the conditions imposed were insufficient.
LEAP spokesperson Josie Sherlock highlighted that the group and residents' primary concern is the alteration of regional hydrology resulting from land clearing. Additionally, there are worries about the mine's substantial water usage for dust control and complaints about inadequate community consultation.
Sherlock mentioned that in February of the previous year, many locals in Boddington and Quindanning were only aware of Worsley's Community Liaison Committee (CLC).
"Nobody told us it existed, and the Community Liaison Committee did not contact anybody or even tell us of future plans," she said.
A spokesperson from South32 stated that the CLC has been running since 2004 and has served as an open forum for community members.
"We have previously invited LEAP to join the mine CLC, but our invitation has not been accepted," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson noted that the consultation process involved face-to-face meetings, community sessions, and the launch of an online virtual consultation room where people could express their opinions about the project.
