Introduction
Bauxite mining in Western Australia (WA) has become a battleground for competing interests. As the state approaches the March 2025 state election, a heated debate rages between the Greens, who push for a ban on bauxite mining in native forests, and WA Labor, which defends the industry as essential to economic growth and the clean energy transition. The future of WA’s bauxite mining industry will shape both the state’s economy and its environmental legacy.
The Greens’ Bold Proposal
The Greens have introduced a comprehensive plan to end bauxite mining in WA’s native forests. They propose banning all new mining activities and gradually phasing out existing operations over the next decade. The party aims to protect the state’s rich biodiversity and water resources, especially in the precious South West forests.
Greens WA Forest Spokesperson Jess Beckerling emphasised the urgency of protecting the forests from further destruction. She argued that mining in these biodiverse forests could never be reversed. According to Beckerling, the economic value of these forests far outweighs the benefits of continued mining.
“We can find areas where we’re able to mine for bauxite, and we can find places and ways that we can better manage this industry without clearing these incredibly precious and important forests,” she said.
WA Labor’s Response
In contrast, Premier Roger Cook and WA Labor strongly oppose the Greens’ plan. Cook described the proposal as a “thought bubble,” stating that it would risk thousands of local jobs. He argued that bauxite mining plays a critical role in WA’s economy and the global transition to clean energy.
“My government has achieved more for the environment than any other in history,” Cook stated. “We’ve banned native forest logging and added millions of hectares to conservation estates, while still supporting local jobs in industries like bauxite mining.”
WA Labor stresses the importance of a balanced approach. Cook argues that bauxite is essential for clean energy, with aluminium playing a key role in renewable energy technologies. The government has worked to modernise environmental approvals for mining operations while protecting local jobs and the environment.
Industry’s Economic Role
Bauxite mining is a major contributor to WA’s economy. Companies like Alcoa and South32 provide over 7,000 jobs in the state. These jobs span from mining operations to refining, as well as the broader supply chain. The industry spent approximately $1.9 billion with local suppliers in 2023, demonstrating its significant economic impact.
Industry leaders, including Adrienne LaBombard from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, argue that bauxite mining is an essential part of WA’s future. LaBombard describes bauxite as a “green metal” vital for the global transition to renewable energy.
“Bauxite is integral to aluminium production, which powers renewable energy technologies,” she said. “Without it, we cannot meet the world’s clean energy needs.”
Environmental Concerns
Despite the economic benefits, the environmental impact of bauxite mining cannot be ignored. Alcoa’s mining operations in the Darling Ranges have raised concerns over the destruction of native forests and their impact on WA’s water supplies. Over the past 60 years, Alcoa has cleared more than 30,000 hectares of forest. While Alcoa claims to have rehabilitated a portion of this land, environmentalists argue that rehabilitation efforts are not enough to restore the ecosystems lost to mining.
In 2023, WA’s environmental watchdog began a major assessment of Alcoa’s mining plans up to 2027. Meanwhile, Water Corporation raised concerns about the risks posed by mining near reservoirs in the Darling Range. Contamination from strip mining is seen as a serious threat to Perth’s water supply.
Greens Spokesperson Beckerling took aim at the state government’s continued support for Alcoa, accusing it of ignoring the risks to water quality. She said, “The Water Corporation has warned that contamination from mining is inevitable, yet the government has allowed it to continue.”
A Path Forward
As the March 2025 state election approaches, finding a sustainable path forward for bauxite mining in WA will be a crucial issue. Both sides agree that the industry must be modernised to reduce its environmental impact. The Greens advocate for a rapid transition away from forest mining, while WA Labor calls for a balanced approach that protects jobs while minimising harm to the environment.
The challenge lies in finding solutions that support workers, the local economy, and the environment. As the Greens suggest, a transition to mining on cleared land could be part of the answer. However, this transition must be carefully managed to ensure it does not undermine the state’s economic stability or employment levels.
Conclusion
The debate over bauxite mining in WA’s forests represents a broader conflict between economic growth and environmental conservation. Both sides recognise the importance of aluminium for the clean energy transition, but they differ on how to balance this with the protection of WA’s natural resources. As the state prepares for the upcoming election, the fate of WA’s bauxite mining industry hangs in the balance, with long-term implications for both the economy and the environment. The need for a sustainable solution is clear, but finding that solution will require careful consideration of both economic and ecological factors.