South32 has revealed how it will responsibly develop its Worsley Alumina operations in the Jarrah Forest of Western Australia with the support of the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
The mining company secured Federal Government approval for an expansion at the Worsley integrated bauxite mining and alumina refining operation in February, ensuring works through to 2036. It has now laid out how it plans to put the preservation of the Jarrah Forest first in its development of the mine.
“The Worsley mine development project will be undertaken in accordance with strict approval conditions that seek to avoid or minimise impacts to habitats of species, including the black cockatoo, to support their ongoing viability,” a South32 spokesperson said.
“Since our original proposal, we have significantly reduced the amount of native vegetation that will be cleared as part of the project, to further avoid and minimise impacts to the environment.
“Within the areas that we have received approval to mine, protected areas and buffer zones will be implemented around known habitats of certain protected species and we will undertake [or have already undertaken] targeted flora and fauna surveys and monitoring as required by our approvals.”
South32 also said land cleared for its operations will be fully rehabilitated in accordance with approval conditions.
In addition, a 12,300-hectare offset package established by South32 will see up to 8000 hectares of land used to create habitats for native species.
The DCCEEW has also shown its support, emphasising that Worsley’s development was approved under a number of strict conditions, including:
- ensuring South32 progressively rehabilitates mined areas and protects active black cockatoo nest hollows, as well as ensuring the viability of the Woylie and Numbat populations in and around the mine site
- implementing a water management plan to minimise the risk of adverse impacts on protected matters, specifically the Quindanning spider orchid and Carter’s freshwater mussel
- contributing to a research program aimed at improving the management and protection of impacted species of national significance and enhancing habitat values to ultimately assist with maintenance of the ongoing ecological integrity of the Northern Jarrah Forest
- protecting and enhancing 12,345 hectares to compensate for the loss of 3855 hectares of native vegetation
- successfully establishing artificial nest hollows for three threatened species of black cockatoos.
The statements from South32 and the DCCEEW came after comments from Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, which South32 said contained “factual errors”.
