The Minster for Environment (Minister) has 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).
This initial assurance program (IAP) sets out the approach to be taken by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the department) to support the Minister in assessing whether the conditions of the Exemption Order are 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 will operate for a six-month period from the commencement of the Exemption Order. At the completion of the six-month period, a review of the operation and effectiveness of this IAP will be conducted to assist with the determination of future assurance activities and planning.
The IAP will operate in addition to third-party independent compliance verification which is required under the Exemption Order.
