2026-06-03
Alcoa’s Exemption Order – which allows the company to continue mining without EPA approval – will be revoked this month to update the conditions they can operate under. The change follows multiple suspected breaches and a record federal ‘fine’ for illegal clearing.
Despite this, Alcoa will not be forced to stop work. The Cook Labor Government has indicated it will issue a new Exemption Order as soon as the existing one is revoked, ensuring there is no interruption to Alcoa’s clearing operations.
The Cook Labor Government has not clarified what the trigger was for reviewing the Mining Management Plan and revoking the Exemption Order, but it comes on the back of increasing scrutiny and community pressure.
Since December 2025, Jess Beckerling MLC has submitted three reports of suspected breaches to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
The DWER response to these reports has been wholly inadequate and deeply concerning, with Ms Beckerling now waiting for documents related to the investigations to be released under FOI.
It is clear the government is under unprecedented and increasing pressure over the American mining company’s actions.
The Greens (WA) Environment spokesperson Jess Beckerling MLC said the announcement was proof that exposing Alcoa’s bad behaviour was having the desired effect on the Cook Labor Government.
“Of course Alcoa’s Exemption Order must be revoked, but the Cook Labor Government should not be even considering issuing a new one.
“Alcoa is continuing to clear ancient jarrah forests, push black cockatoos to the brink of extinction and threaten our drinking water all while under EPA assessment, making an absolute mockery of our nature laws.
“While the EPA assesses Alcoa’s impacts on our Jarrah forests, there should be zero clearing yet the Cook Labor Government continues to bend over backwards to exempt their mining and clearing operations while they wait for approval.
“I have been appalled by the investigations into the suspected breaches I reported. In every case there remain serious questions to be answered, and I am awaiting documents under FOI laws concerning the first suspected breach.
“In the case of the Hollowbutt Jarrah tree, the investigation shows DWER engaged a consultant who had found there had in fact been a breach. Yet, DWER decided to engage a second consultant who used a different methodology to conveniently conclude there had been no breach.
“This whole process has confirmed what we already knew: that the Cook Labor Government prioritises Alcoa’s interests over the community’s. This must change and I have no doubt that Alcoa’s social licence is nearing its expiry date.
“A fourteen day feedback period has just been opened, providing for anyone to contact the Environment Minister to have their say about Alcoa’s exemption order being revoked.
“I expect thousands of people will make it very clear that Alcoa must stop clearing while their exemption order is revoked.
“The Cook Government needs to take this opportunity to actually listen to the public who want Alcoa to be reined in and the forests and our water to be protected.”