South32 Secures State Approval for Worsley Alumina Mine Expansion

South32

Australian mining giant South32 has received state government approval to expand its Worsley Alumina mine in Western Australia, the company announced on December 20, 2024. The project, endorsed by Western Australia's environment minister, involves expanding bauxite mining operations and constructing new transport corridors to enhance connectivity between existing and future mining areas.

While the project has cleared state-level environmental approval, it still requires federal approval, which is expected in early 2025.

Strengthening Global Alumina Supply

South32 is a key player in the global alumina market, operating at two major sites:

• The Worsley Alumina mine in Western Australia, which produced 3.77 million tonnes (t) of alumina in the 2024 financial year.

• The Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) mine in Brazil, which contributed 1.29 million tonnes in the same period.

The expansion of Worsley Alumina is expected to bolster South32’s production capacity, reinforcing its position in the global aluminum supply chain amid rising demand for low-carbon alumina.