South32 wishes to expand existing alumina refinery in Worsley focusing on more bauxite mining

The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has allotted two weeks for the stakeholders and community groups to take a decisive step in ensuring South32’s proposed expansion at its Worsley alumina unit.

South32 has extensive plans, including the creation of a bauxite transport corridor at the Boddington bauxite mine along with developing an alternative mining area. The company also plans on increasing the residue storage capacity and the maintenance activities in the refinery near Collie.

This expansion of the existing mining areas might result in the deforestation of 4,399 hectares of native flora and fauna-filled landscape.

South32, in the past, has claimed that developing the mine could give birth to sustainable bauxite mining, which is beneficial to the future generation. With this expansion, South32 might employ 1500 direct heads and another 500 contractors.

Professor Mathew Tonts, the EPA chairperson, seconded the decision of extending the existing mine with the need to comprehend the unique biodiversity and complex cumulative impacts of the premises in Northern Jarrah Forest; the decision was justified during consultation.

“The complexity of the environmental impact assessment means there are nearly 4,700 pages of documents to review,” he sighed.

‘Taking the unusual step to grant additional time for feedback will ensure fair and constructive input to the EPA process,’ explained Prof Mathew Tonts.

The auxiliary two-week consultation will be made available from August 16 to 29.