Alcoa transitional approvals framework and assurance program

Background

The Alcoa transitional approvals framework includes:

the Environmental Protection (Darling Range Bauxite Mining Proposals) Exemption Order 2023 (Exemption Order) issued under s.6 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, which allows Alcoa to implement proposals while the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assesses them, subject to conditions
an assurance program to monitor Alcoa’s compliance with the Exemption Order
an endorsed mining and management program (MMP) 2023–2027, subject to conditions and Alcoa’s commitments
the commitment from Alcoa to transition to a contemporary approvals regime for its future mining operations.
$100 Million Deed of Security to be paid in the event that Alcoa’s operations impact Perth’s drinking water supply.

Exemption order

On 14 December 2023, the Minister for Environment declared a statutory Exemption Order under section 6 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to enable decision-making authorities to undertake assessments and decision-making processes, and to enable Alcoa to implement its 2023–2027 MMP while these assessments and decision-making processes are underway.

The Exemption Order only applies to the geographical portion of Alcoa’s 2022–2026 and 2023–2027 MMPs that the EPA has chosen to assess following two third-party referrals. Alcoa must comply with conditions to ensure the Exemption Order remains in force.

View the gazetted Exemption Order.

Assurance program

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the department) implements an assurance program, to support the Minister for Environment in assessing whether Alcoa is complying with the conditions set out in the Exemption Order and is minimising environmental risk to water resources, biodiversity and human health.

The assurance program includes an intensive high-frequency compliance inspection program implemented by a team of experienced compliance officers. The scope and scale of compliance activities that are undertaken have been designed to provide confidence that the proposals are being implemented and environmental impacts managed in line with the Exemption Order. The program activities are described in the Assurance program Environmental Protection (Darling Range Bauxite Mining Proposals) Exemption Order 2023.

Ongoing review of the operation and effectiveness of the program will be conducted to assist with the determination of future assurance activities and planning.

The department’s compliance outcomes will be published on this page on a periodic basis.

Monthly compliance reports are published by Alcoa on its website to comply with the conditions of the Exemption Order.

Independent Compliance Monitor

Ramboll Australia Pty Ltd have been appointed as the independent compliance monitor with the appropriate expertise and experience to monitor and report on —

(i) the implementation of the Darling Range bauxite mining proposals; and

(ii) compliance.

Monitoring activities include desktop data reviews, satellite imagery analysis interviews with site personnel, and daily on-site inspections.

Bauxite State Agreement – Administrative Framework

The Bauxite Strategic Executive Committee (BSEC) was established following a cross-Government review of the bauxite State Agreements – administrative framework. The BSEC is comprised of representation from the relevant Government agencies and is the chief source of advice to inform Ministerial decision making on matters relating to all bauxite State Agreement operations. DWER is represented on the BSEC along with the Department of Energy and Economic Diversity, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Department of Health and Department of Mines Petroleum and Exploration.

Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is currently assessing Alcoa’s current and future operations in the Northern Jarrah Forest, under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).

For the latest updates on the EPA assessment process please visit:

Bauxite mining on the Darling Range in the southwest of WA for the years 2023 to 2027 | EPA Western Australia

Assurance activity reports

How to find information and provide information

A range of information relating to Alcoa’s environmental approvals and operations can be found electronically via the following sources:

Information source	Information description and link
Alcoa of Australia	Under the Exemption Order, Alcoa is required to publish information relating to the Exemption Order and its MMPs. View Alcoa Australia reports and publications.
Environmental Protection Authority	You can search for information on EPA proposals (both approved and under assessment) relating to Alcoa’s operations.
Environmental Protection Authority	If you want to participate in the EPA’s public consultation on proposals that it is assessing, visit the EPA consultation hub.
Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation	View information on State Agreements.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation	You can search for information on existing works approvals and licences relating to Alcoa’s operations. Information on water licences relating to Alcoa’s operations can be found via the Water Register.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation	You can report possible unlawful activities to Pollution Watch online or through the Pollution Watch hotline on 1300 784 782.