• Worsley Mine Development Project approved by Western Australian Minister for Environment
• Project to enable access to bauxite and sustain production at Worsley Alumina
• Worsley Alumina is a major employer in the South West region of Western Australia

South32 Limited has announced that the Western Australian Minister for Environment has approved the Worsley Mine Development Project (the Project). The approval follows an extensive environmental assessment, consultation, and review process that commenced in 2019. The Project will enable access to bauxite to sustain production at Worsley Alumina, maintain its competitive position in the global alumina sector, and continue its significant contribution to the South West region of Western Australia. Worsley Alumina is one of the largest employers in the region, supporting jobs for thousands of workers and contractors. The supply of alumina from Worsley Alumina is a vital component in the production of aluminium, a commodity critical for the global energy transition. Worsley Alumina recently achieved certifications against the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, reinforcing that the alumina produced meets relevant global standards of responsible production. The conditions of the approval reflect the Minister's determination on the appeal outcome for the Project, and represent an improved position compared to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority's assessment report published in July 2024. Receipt of this State approval triggers the Federal approval process, which South32 expects to receive in early calendar year 2025.

South32 expects to receive Federal approval for the Worsley Mine Development Project in early calendar year 2025.