The Minster for Environment (Minister) determined to issue the Environmental Protection (Darling Range Bauxite Mining Proposals) Exemption Order 2023 (Exemption Order) under s.6 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (the EP Act) to exempt Alcoa of Australia Limited (Alcoa) from compliance with s.41A of the EP Act which would otherwise prohibit Alcoa from implementing a proposal under assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The initial assurance program (IAP) set out the approach taken by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the department) for the first six months to support the Minister in assessing whether the conditions of the Exemption Order were being complied with and to monitor Alcoa’s operations to ensure it:
- achieves the intended outcomes of the Exemption Order
- minimises risks to the environment, water resources, biodiversity and human health.
The IAP was in operation for a six-month period from the commencement of the Exemption Order. At the completion of the six-month period, an internal review of the operation and effectiveness of the IAP was conducted to assist with the determination of future assurance activities and planning. The outcomes of the review found that implementation of the IAP had been successful and it was determined that the IAP would transition to the Assurance Plan (AP) with no significant change.
The AP will continue monitoring Alcoa’s Mining operations in addition to third-party independent compliance verification which is required under the Exemption Order.
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