Alcoa Accused of Blocking Scrutiny Over Perth's Drinking Water Safety
Conservation groups have leveled serious accusations against the US mining giant Alcoa, alleging that the company has obstructed oversight of its bauxite mining operations in Western Australia's northern jarrah forests. According to newly released documents obtained under freedom of information laws, water inspectors were shut out of Alcoa's mine sites in 2025, preventing critical monitoring of Perth's public drinking water catchments.
Fencing Installed Around Mine Sites Hinders Inspections
Water Corporation briefing documents reveal that Alcoa installed fencing around its bauxite mine sites, which blocked rangers from conducting essential inspections. The utility expressed frustration, noting that staff had to undergo new work, health, and safety training and modify vehicles to regain access. This obstruction persisted for months, with Water Corporation raising ongoing concerns with Alcoa executives about the inability to monitor the catchment areas effectively.
The WA Forest Alliance, which secured the records, described the situation as alarming, emphasizing that these inspections are vital for ensuring the safety of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Western Australians. The alliance has called on the Cook government to guarantee full access for monitoring Alcoa's activities.
High-Risk Expansion Plans and Lack of Information Sharing
A study by the engineering consultancy GHD found that Alcoa's expansion plans pose a high risk to Perth's water supply, which serves approximately 2.3 million people. Compounding this threat, Water Corporation documents indicate that the utility no longer receives Alcoa's mining plans due to a government restructure. This change has constrained Water Corporation's ability to plan risk mitigation activities, as the energy and economic diversification department stopped providing this crucial information.
When Water Corporation did access the mining management plans through the state health department, it deemed them insufficient to assess potential impacts on the water supply adequately. However, both Water Corporation and the state government assert that advice can still be provided via the Independent Technical Advisory Group, though direct technical advice offers were declined by the water and environment regulation department.
Responses from Alcoa and Government Agencies
An Alcoa spokesperson defended the company's record, stating that in over 60 years of operation, it has never negatively impacted Perth's drinking water. The spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationship with Water Corporation, including data sharing, participation in advisory groups, and site visits. Meanwhile, government departments involved claimed they work closely with other agencies, including Water Corporation, to manage risks.
Jason Fowler, senior campaigner at the WA Forest Alliance, urged the WA government to heed Water Corporation's expert advice urgently. He stressed that if the utility cannot relay information directly to decision-makers, it poses a significant concern for preventing contamination of drinking water dams.
This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of Alcoa facing previous penalties for illegal clearing in WA's jarrah forests, underscoring ongoing environmental and regulatory challenges in the region.
