Alcoa told the State Government it was “not economically viable” to stop mining areas of higher-risk to drinking water as it chased approval for a controversial mine plan in December.
The big alumina exporter wrote to Premier Roger Cook when a decision on the crucial 2023-27 plan was hanging in the balance following environmental scrutiny of the company’s South West operations.
The State’s key regulator refused to endorse the plan, a report this week revealed. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation argued there were still concerns about drinking water and impact on flora and fauna.
Alcoa’s pitch to Mr Cook on December 8 said significant amendments had been made to the mine plan to protect drinking water — with a significant portion of Perth’s supply stored at a nearby dam.
But the company stopped short of promising to pull out entirely from higher-risk areas, which included those close to reservoirs and with steep slopes.
“It is not economically viable for Alcoa to completely retreat from these areas . . .” the letter obtained by The West Australian through Freedom of Information rules said.
The company — owned in a 60:40 joint venture between New York-listed Alcoa and locally listed Alumina Limited — went on to outline commitments to minimise risks to water in its correspondence to Mr Cook.
That included stopping all mining within 1km of water reservoirs at the Myara Central operation after June 30, 2024, better monitoring and drainage, and re-establishing a scientific panel to develop a long-term water plan.
Alcoa also pledged to reduce pit opening times to help forest rehabilitation.
The Government announced the plan’s approval in mid-December.
A spokesman told The West Australian the Government was moving the company to a contemporary approvals regime, and cabinet’s sign-off came with strict additional conditions.
“That decision took into account a range of factors, including the need to protect WA’s environment and Perth’s drinking water sources, while also safeguarding the jobs of the thousands of workers employed by Alcoa — including those at Wagerup and Pinjarra,” the spokesman said.
He said the Government will monitor compliance, including through $10.5 million in the upcoming Budget.
An Alcoa spokeswoman said the business was confident the approvals framework would ensure protection of Perth’s water supply and responsible forest management.
She said the Government’s decision allowed the company to keep operating, pending an assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority. That balanced “protecting local jobs and businesses while enhancing environmental protections”, the spokeswoman said.
“Alcoa is committed to operating in compliance with the new requirements associated with our mine plans which include enhanced protections for drinking water, including increased distances from reservoirs, and biodiversity along with accelerated forest rehabilitation,” she said.
WA Forest Alliance acting director Jess Boyce hit out at the Government’s approval, arguing it favoured business over protecting drinking water.
She said the conditions had been a “small step in the right direction” — but while rehabilitation was to be sped up, clearing was not slowing.