¶ SOUTH32 is set to press ahead with its Worsley Alumina expansion after receiving Federal Government approval.
The miner received State Government approval in December and had been waiting on the federal go ahead required to proceed with the project.
It advised the federal approval is subject to conditions “substantively consistent” with the state environmental approval.
South32 chief executive officer Graham Kerr said Worsley is “one of the largest employers in the region, supporting jobs for thousands of workers and contractors”.
“The Federal Government’s approval of the Worsley Mine Development Project is a positive outcome for Worsley Alumina and its workforce, the Peel and South West communities, and the local economy,” Mr Kerr said.
Under the expansion, South32 will build on its Boddington bauxite mining operation and develop new mining areas, paving the way for a 15-year extension of the Worsley refinery’s operating life and the creation of 150 jobs.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) last year gave the expansion the go ahead, however imposed a range of conditions following a five-year public environmental review, prompting South32 to appeal.
WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby found the EPA’s conclusion the project could proceed subject to conditions was reasonable.
However, Mr Whitby allowed the miner’s appeal in part, agreeing that certain conditions should be altered based on arguments put forward.
The WA Forest Alliance said the conditions do not go far enough, claiming the expansion will destroy up to 3855 hectares of the Northern Jarrah Forest and further threaten black cockatoos.
It had called on the Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, to use her final say to reject the expansion plans.
“We look forward to executing the project in accordance with the approvals granted by the Federal and Western Australian governments,” Mr Kerr said.