• Western Australian Minister approves Worsley Alumina mine life extension project
• Conditions amended to address operating challenges and manage environmental risks
• Project aligned with Western Australia's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy

South32 Limited has provided an update regarding approvals for the Worsley Mine Development Project, its mine life extension project at Worsley Alumina. The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (WA EPA) had previously recommended the project be approved, subject to conditions. Worsley Alumina subsequently lodged an appeal in relation to the WA EPA assessment report, as several proposed conditions would create significant operating challenges and went beyond reasonable measures for managing environmental risks based on scientific assessment and decades of operating experience. On 12 December 2024, the Western Australian Minister for Environment determined the appeal outcome for the project. The Minister has agreed with the Appeals Committee's recommendations to amend specific conditions based on the arguments presented during the appeals process, including by Worsley Alumina. This is a positive outcome for Worsley Alumina, as the Minister's determination is consistent with the Western Australian Government's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for Major Projects, with greenhouse gas emissions to be regulated in accordance with the Commonwealth Government Safeguard Mechanism and unnecessary duplication between Commonwealth and State regulation removed. State approval of the project through a Ministerial Statement from the Western Australian Minister for Environment is expected later this month, and federal approval is expected in early calendar year 2025.