Alcoa of Australia’s Pinjarra Alumina Refinery expansion faces environmental review

Alcoa of Australia’s plans to lift mining and processing rates as part of its Pinjarra Alumina Refinery expansion will be subject to a Public Environmental Review. The company is proposing to increase production at the refinery and increase the rate of bauxite mining at its existing Huntly mine by moving into the Myara North and Holyoake areas. The increased rate of mining will allow it to produce an additional 2.5 million tonnes per annum of bauxite for export to third-party customers. Alcoa also plans to lift production at the refinery 5 per cent from 5Mtpa to 5.25Mtpa. The mining proposal involves the clearing of 6710ha native vegetation and fauna habitat, while an additional 10ha of native vegetation would be cleared for the refinery expansion. The Environmental Protection Authority noted the proposed mining areas lay over the catchment areas of developed reservoirs that are used for drinking water, which might lead to impacts on inland waters. It also cited the possibility for soil contamination, increased noise, increased dust and greenhouse gas emissions with potential impacts for recreation and tourism.