Strategic Planning to Avoid Biodiversity Impacts in Huntly, Western Australia

In 2023, site development planning for a 9,997ha mining region in the south-west Western Australia implemented the first step of the mitigation hierarchy to identify and avoid impacts on biodiversity in this ecologically rich area.

Comprehensive vegetation surveys were conducted to identify and assess key biodiversity features within the mine region, highlighting the presence of important fauna habitats and vegetation complexes.

Informed by these findings, approximately 41% of the mine region was designated as a mining avoidance zone, ensuring these important fauna habitats and sensitive vegetation types (e.g. riparian habitat), and cultural heritage sites will be protected from mining disturbance.

By applying the concept of 'avoid' through the strategic planning process, Alcoa has been able to position mine pits, haul roads and other infrastructure in such a way as to minimize impacting key biodiversity features. Pre-clearance surveys will identify additional ecological sensitivities within the disturbance areas, enabling the implementation of micro-level avoidance measures such as buffer zones and exclusion areas around nesting trees and threatened flora.

Through a focus on avoidance, applied during the mine planning phase at both broad and micro scales, Alcoa will significantly reduce its disturbance footprint while protecting important biodiversity features. This study highlights how strategic planning and a commitment to impact mitigation can align mining activities with biodiversity conservation, balancing operational requirements with environmental stewardship.