We respect the privilege of operating in an area of Western Australia characterised by jarrah forest, native flora and fauna, and waterways.

We know that our activities can affect biodiversity values in this important ecosystem. Our Biodiversity Policy outlines our approach to avoiding, minimising and mitigating this impact – as well as our approach to restoration.

We are working toward the goal of no net loss of biodiversity for new sites and major expansion projects. View this commitment in our Biodiversity Policy here.

Over decades, we have acquired considerable expertise in operating sustainably and successfully in this unique ecosystem. Since 1975, we have supported the publication of more than 260 refereed journal papers and book chapters, 80 technical studies, and about 60 higher-degree research theses.

A selection of environmental publications we have contributed to can be viewed here.

Our long-standing commitment to environmental excellence drives our efforts to continuously enhance our environmental performance, as well as that of the resources industry.

This dedication is acknowledged widely. In 1990, we were the first mining company to receive recognition from the United Nations for rehabilitation excellence and placed on the Global 500 Roll of Honour.

Additionally, we were the recipient of the prestigious Society for Ecological Restoration International Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Ecological Restoration (2003).

This recognised commitment to, and track record of, rehabilitation excellence continues to earn us the trust to mine in the world’s only jarrah forest in the South West of Western Australia.

The jarrah forest is a biodiversity hotspot containing unique flora and fauna. We feel a great sense of responsibility to protect and restore a self-sustaining forest after mining and this passion guides our rehabilitation efforts.

Mine site rehabilitation is integral to how we operate. Committing to, and leading, industry best practice in mine site rehabilitation means self-sustaining forest eco-systems can flourish where bauxite was once mined.

After mine activities are complete in an Alcoa mine area, the land is contoured and topsoil is returned. Seeding and hand planting then occurs. This is followed by extensive assessment and monitoring to oversee the return of plant species richness to mined areas.

In 2001, Alcoa’s mining rehabilitation achieved a significant milestone – the re-establishment of young jarrah forests with plant species richness equal to the surrounding native forest. This means, every plant species that existed before mining was returned to rehabilitated mine sites. To read more about our planting activities, view this factsheet.

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