Here is an important update on Alcoa’s mining damage to our northern Jarrah forests, from Jess Beckerling, former Director CCWA and former Convenor WA Forest Alliance.

Kind regards,
Steve Gates

Secretary, NRPG Bushcarers

Note: NRPG is not politically aligned but will share environmental information that we believe is of significant environmental interest to our members.

Is Alcoa’s free pass about to end?

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Hi Steve, We have unearthed compelling evidence that Alcoa may have breached its special Exemption Order by conducting restricted mining activities within 10 metres of an ancient jarrah tree in the Huntly Mining Area. If this breach is confirmed, the Exemption Order will need to be cancelled and Alcoa will lose its free pass to clear and mine while the EPA is assessing its Mining Management Plan. It could also result in Alcoa being prosecuted.

ABC News reported on this evidence this morning, confirming that the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is now investigating the potential breach. The story will also air on ABC television this evening. I wanted to write to you directly to explain what we found, why it matters, and what must happen next.

READ THE ABC NEWS ARTICLE

ALCOA SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN GRANTED A SPECIAL EXEMPTION FROM OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.In 2023, I asked the EPA to assess Alcoa’s Mining Management Plan. Until then, these plans were rubber stamped behind closed doors. The EPA agreed the assessment should be carried out. However, the Cook Government intervened by granting Alcoa a special Exemption Order – allowing the company to keep clearing forest even while the EPA assessment was being conducted.This decision gave Alcoa an extraordinary free pass.Both the Government and DWER were explicit at the time: any breach of the exemption conditions would result in the order being immediately cancelled.

THE EXEMPTION ORDER CONDITIONSOne of the exemption conditions restricts mining activities within 10 metres of particularly significant trees – including jarrah trees with diameters of 2 metres or more. We estimate the beautiful old jarrah tree at the centre of this investigation is approximately 400 years old and exceeds the 2 metre diameter limit.On-ground measurements and satellite imagery show significant disturbance has occurred within the 10 metre buffer zone, and appears to have taken place between December 2023 and September 2024.

It is also clear from the satellite imagery that the tree has died in the past 12 months, almost certainly because of Alcoa’s mining. No ancient tree is going to survive this level of clearing, blasting and extracting around its base. A 10m buffer is wholly inadequate and a death sentence for trees like this and should be increased to 50m now, not in 2027 as planned.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXTThis evidence is now with DWER for investigation. This investigation must be rigorous, transparent and based on the evidence. If a breach is confirmed, the consequences are clear:The Exemption Order must be cancelled, No new exemption order should be issued, andAlcoa’s clearing must cease at least until the EPA assessment is complete.Alcoa has already cleared more than 28,000 hectares of the Northern Jarrah Forests and is seeking approval to clear a further 11,500 hectares over the next 20 years – putting black cockatoos and our drinking water catchments at serious risk. This reckless disregard for our forests, wildlife and water cannot be allowed to continue. The South West forests are worth more standing and it is time we end forest mining in WA. In solidarity,

Jess Beckerling MLC WA Greens MP

P.S. If you’d like to stay up to date as this investigation continues, you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

The Greens acknowledge Traditional Custodians of Country and recognise First Nations peoples ongoing connection to lands, waters, skies and spirit. We pay our deep respects to Elders past and present. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land.