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Alcoa speaks out on jarrah forests ollowing last month’s March for the Forest in Margaret River, where hundreds gathered to voice concerns about mining in the jarrah forest, Alcoa has responded to questions over its operations, environmental practices, and the role bauxite mining plays in the transition to renewable energy. A spokesperson acknowledged the diverse values many people hold for the jarrah forest and highlighted the company’s approach to environmental stewardship. “Alcoa Australia respects the multiple values associated with the jarrah forest. Many members of our workforce enjoy living in and participating in the broad range of recreational activities in and around the forest near our operations. “We are careful to identify and steer clear of clearing areas that hold significant environmental, social, and cultural importance.” The company has established mining avoidance zones around Dwellingup
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and Jarrahdale, totalling approximately 28,600 hectares - almost equivalent to the total areas cleared for mining over more than 60 years of operating in the Northern Jarrah Forest. “The areas we have cleared amount to about 3 percent of the Northern Jarrah Forest, and some 80 percent of those cleared for mining are now under different stages of rehabilitation today,” the spokesperson said. Rehabilitation practices have been a contentious topic in recent debates. Alcoa addressed concerns about whether jarrah forest can be effectively restored after bauxite extraction. “While some people claim we cannot restore jarrah forest after the bauxite has been removed, the evidence and an extensive body of scientific research over the past 50 years do not support that view. “Rehabilitation approaches have evolved over time to align with government forest-use objectives. “While the initial goal was to support future timber
A large crowd gathered in Margaret River on March 22 for the March for Forests, calling for protection of WA’s native forests. Image supplied.
industries and reintroduce non-native tree species believed resistant to jarrah dieback, Alcoa’s main rehabilitation aim now is to establish a self-sustaining jarrah forest ecosystem.” Water quality has also been a major concern in the community. The company reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding drinking water supplies. “We agree that protecting drinking water in the areas where we operate is of the highest importance. “That is why we continue to identify potential risks and implement robust protections that have ensured we have never negatively impacted the drinking water supply. We intend to maintain that record into the future.” Alcoa also addressed the tension between environmental concerns and the demand for minerals that support renewable energy infrastructure. “While some people are concerned about Alcoa’s potential impacts on the forest, many also want a faster path to renewable energy solutions and decarbonisation. “That’s a path that requires essential mineral resources, including the aluminium derived from mining bauxite.”
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Krissini Margaret River’s Kris and Elisa (left) with Damiano and Marco from South West Bottega at the new venue, which opens tomorrow, Thursday April 2. PHOTO: Wildflower Creative
Handmade Italian food, fresh-baked treats, and a friendly neighbourhood deli vibe under one roof : Margaret River Bottega arrives at Andrews Way tomorrow, bringing together two much-loved south west foodie favourites. Read all about this delizioso new collaboration on Page 5...