Worsley Alumina mine expansion project receives approval from WA government

South32 concluded 2024 on a strong note, securing State Government approval for its Worsley Alumina mine development project in Western Australia. On December 20, WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby granted approval for the project following his decision to amend specific conditions previously recommended by the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

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Worsley Alumina recently earned certifications from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, affirming its alumina production aligns with global standards for responsible practices. The project extension is anticipated to receive Federal Government approval in early 2025. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) WA applauded the WA Government’s decision on Worsley Alumina, with CMEWA Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson highlighting the critical role of alumina refining.

“We welcome this approval after an extensive environmental assessment, consultation and review process, which commenced in 2019. The project will enable access to bauxite to sustain production at Worsley Alumina, maintain its competitive position in the global alumina sector, and continue its significant contribution to the southwest. Overall, the conditions are a positive outcome for Worsley Alumina and represent an improved position compared to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority’s assessment report published in July 2024,” said South32.

Ranked among the world’s largest alumina refineries, the Worsley Alumina operation includes a bauxite mine near Boddington and an alumina refinery near Collie. Bauxite extracted from the mine is transported to the refinery via an overland conveyor, which is processed into alumina.

The refined material is then transported by rail to the Bunbury port, from where it is shipped to smelters across the globe. South32 holds an 86 per cent ownership stake in the operation, with Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) owning 10 per cent and Sojitz Alumina holding the remaining 4 per cent.

“The global energy transition would not be possible without the aluminium used in solar panels, wind turbines and transmission lines. Worsley has a long history in the southwest and has supported multiple generations of well-paid workers producing a product that the world cannot go without,” Tomkinson said.