South32 ended 2024 on a high, with its Worsley Alumina mine development project in Western Australia receiving State Government approval.
WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby approved the project on December 20, days after he agreed to amend certain conditions proposed by the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in relation to the Worsley Alumina mine development project.
“We welcome this approval after an extensive environmental assessment, consultation and review process, which commenced in 2019,” South32 said.
“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.”
Worsley Alumina recently achieved certifications against the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, demonstrating that the alumina produced at the operation meets relevant global standards of responsible production. The project extension is expected to receive Federal Government approval in early 2025.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) WA welcomed the WA Government’s decision on Worsley Alumina, with CMEWA chief executive officer Rebecca Tomkinson emphasising the importance of alumina refining.
“The global energy transition would not be possible without the aluminium used in solar panels, wind turbines and transmission lines,” Tomkinson said.
“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.”
Known as one of the biggest alumina refineries globally, the Worsley Alumina operation comprises a bauxite mine located near Boddington and an alumina refinery located near Collie.
Once bauxite is mined from the operation, it is transported to the alumina refinery by an overland conveyor. The material is then transported to the Bunbury port by rail. As the material arrives in Bunbury, it is shipped to various smelters around the world.
South32 owns 86 per cent of the operation. Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) owns 10 per cent and the remaining four per cent is held by Sojitz Alumina.
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