Cash-poor Kimberley fracker Black Mountain expects WA decision soon
The US-owned company is seeking funds from investors to stay a going concern while it awaits state and Federal approval.
The northern jarrah forest stretches from inland of Perth, south to Collie. It is threatened by climate change and bauxite mining by Alcoa and South32.
Bill Oplinger reassured investors that a 15-month delay would not affect operating rates at its Pinjarra alumina refinery but misled them about Alcoa's record of rehabilitating the jarrah forest.
WA's environmental watchdog will consider the risk to Perth's water supply and whether the US miner can rehabilitate the forest it strip-mines.
Destroyed forest. Threatened water supply. Toxic towns. Mountains of residue. Will the WA Government demand better?
Two journalists from Alcoa's hometown flew to Perth to look at its mining of WA's jarrah. A brilliant look at a slow-moving tragedy.
The battle of jobs and Alcoa profits versus the jarrah forest and Perth's water supply will ramp up within weeks when the miner's plans are released.
The US miner expects WA government approval within 12 months to destroy 75 square kilometres of jarrah forest to enable its "number one" lever to boost profits.
Roger Cook granting Alcoa greater access to mine near Perth's dams risks could cost taxpayers billions of dollars and result in water restrictions
Within weeks, the US miner will reveal for public comment plans to strip mine 75 square kilometres of jarrah forest.
Alcoa has made last minute changes to its planned expansion of mining in WA's jarrah forest and wants to reenter a previously mined area, potentially triggering a new major federal environmental assessment.
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