The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA welcomes today’s confirmation of State Government approval for South32’s Worsley Alumina project extension.
The approval comes after Environment Minister Reece Whitby supported amendments to a range of conditions, enabling Worsley to continue to deliver its significant economic benefits while meeting the State’s strict environmental standards.
CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said Mr Whitby’s decision reflected the WA Government’s recently updated emissions policy for major projects.
“The WA resources sector supports strong environmental protections but unnecessary duplication introduces delays and harms investment confidence without providing any additional benefit to the environment,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“For projects already regulated under the Commonwealth’s Safeguard Mechanism, there is simply no need for additional State-based conditions related to emissions reduction.”
Ms Tomkinson said alumina refining was a key step in the production of aluminium, one of the world’s most important and versatile metals.
“The global energy transition would not be possible without the aluminium used in solar panels, wind turbines and transmission lines,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“Aluminium is also found in everything from cars to electronics and fully recyclable cans.”
South32’s Worsley Alumina began operations 40 years ago and is one of the world’s biggest alumina refineries, fed by bauxite mined near the town of Boddington and employing 2000 employees and contractors.
“Worsley has a long history in the South West and has supported multiple generations of well-paid workers producing a product that the world cannot go without,” Ms Tomkinson said.
Ms Tomkinson said efficient completion of the Commonwealth environmental assessment process was now vital.
“Drawn out approval processes do nothing to improve environmental outcomes but act as a handbrake on development and harm investor sentiment,” Ms Tomkinson said.
