Alcoa withdraws Perth Hills exploration plans

Alcoa Australia has responded to local stakeholder and community feedback about potential low-impact exploration drilling in northern parts of its mineral lease by removing areas in the Perth Hills from proposed exploration plans.

Several areas for potential future exploration drilling within the Armadale, Kalamunda, Mundaring, Beverley and York local government areas were identified in the company’s 2023-2027 Mining and Management Plan (MMP) and carried forward into the most recent 2025-2029 MMP.

These MMPs outline potential mining and exploration activities for a five-year period and are updated annually on a rolling basis for consideration and endorsement by the State Government. The 2025-2029 MMP will soon be presented to the Minister for State Development for endorsement, while the previously approved 2023-2027 MMP is currently before the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as part of its assessments of current and proposed mining activities.

Changes will now be progressed through a requested amendment to the 2023-27 MMP proposal with the EPA, and by amending the 2025-29 MMP.

Alcoa Director of Regulatory Approvals Kane Moyle said the decision reflected stakeholder and local community input during the EPA’s recent public comment period on the environmental assessments.

“Community and stakeholder consultation is an important part of Alcoa’s planning for the future,” Mr Moyle said.

“While exploration drilling is a low-impact activity and does not indicate an intention to mine an area but rather to broaden geological knowledge of the region, we understand the strong environmental and social values of the Perth Hills to local communities and the broader public.

“We listened to feedback and are making changes that will be reflected in both MMPs.”