Mining Rehabilitation

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 and forest restoration are integral to our operations. Our leading expertise and commitment mean healthy and resilient jarrah forest ecosystems are being returned to where bauxite was once mined.

Before clearing for mining begins, we carry out extensive studies to identify environmental, cultural, and social values and plan how potential impacts can be avoided or minimised.

When mining concludes, the land is contoured, seed-rich topsoil returned, and further seeding and planting occurs.

Monitoring, assessment and any required remedial work follow with the aim of returning the same plant and animal species richness to our rehabilitated areas as exists in the surrounding forest.

Research and development are core to our success and inform continuous improvement.

To read more about our forest-to-forest rehabilitation, view this factsheet.

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Western Australia Bauxite Mining Operations
(Huntly and Willowdale mines)


Land disturbed / land rehabilitated (ha)

Year Disturbed Rehabilitated
2020 822 675
2021 472 614
2022 379 509