Alcoa Signs Strategic Agreement to Streamline Mining Regulations
Aluminum | 2026-02-19 06:47:19
Under the updated framework, Alcoa will undertake a comprehensive Strategic Assessment covering existing and potential mining areas through 2045.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA, ASX: AAI) announced that its subsidiary, Alcoa of Australia, has reached an agreement with the Australian Federal Government to modernize the environmental approvals framework governing its Western Australian mining operations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
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Under the updated framework, Alcoa will undertake a comprehensive Strategic Assessment covering existing and potential mining areas through 2045. The review aims to evaluate cumulative environmental impacts on protected flora and fauna across a broad region, offering greater long-term regulatory clarity for stakeholders.
Mining at the Huntly and Willowdale sites will continue during the assessment under a National Interest Exemption, with annual land clearing capped at 800 hectares and rehabilitation rates targeted to reach 1,000 hectares per year by 2027.
Alcoa of Australia has also agreed to provide A$55 million in environmental funding tied to historical clearing, supporting conservation initiatives in the Northern Jarrah Forest. The company reaffirmed commitments to water protection, expanded buffer zones near communities, and A$15 million in forest research funding through 2029.
The agreement does not affect ongoing approvals for future mine regions, with production there expected no earlier than 2029.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the new EPBC framework agreement?
It modernizes environmental approvals and introduces a comprehensive Strategic Assessment evaluating cumulative ecological impacts across current and future mining areas through 2045.
- Will mining operations continue during the assessment?
Yes. Huntly and Willowdale operations will continue under a National Interest Exemption with strict land-clearing and rehabilitation limits.
- How much funding has been committed to environmental initiatives?
A total of A$70 million, including A$55 million for conservation and A$15 million for forest research.
