13 December 2024
South32
Limited
(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act
2001 (Cth))
(ACN 093
732 597)
ASX / LSE
/ JSE Share Code: S32; ADR: SOUHY
ISIN:
AU000000S320
south32.net
WORSLEY ALUMINA APPROVALS
UPDATE
South32 Limited (ASX / LSE / JSE: S32; ADR: SOUHY)
(South32) provides the following
update regarding approvals for the Worsley Mine Development Project
(Project), our mine life extension project at Worsley
Alumina.
As previously announced, the Western
Australian Environmental Protection Authority (WA EPA) recommended
the Project be approved, subject to conditions[1].
Worsley Alumina subsequently lodged
an appeal in relation to the WA EPA assessment report, as several
proposed conditions would create significant operating challenges,
and went beyond reasonable measures for managing environmental
risks based on scientific assessment and
decades of operating experience.
On 12 December 2024, the Western
Australian Minister for Environment determined the appeal outcome
for the Project.
We are pleased to advise that the
Minister has determined after considering available information,
that the EPA's assessment and overall conclusion that the Project
may be implemented, subject to conditions, is
reasonable.
Further, the Minister has agreed
with the Appeals Committee's recommendations to amend specific
conditions based on the arguments presented during the appeals
process, including by Worsley Alumina.
A copy of the Minister's
determination and the Appeals Committee report to the Minister is
available at:
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/office-of-the-appeals-convenor.
The Minister's determination is a
positive outcome for Worsley Alumina.
In particular, it is consistent with
the Western Australian Government's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for Major
Projects[2], with greenhouse gas emissions to be
regulated in accordance with the Commonwealth Government Safeguard
Mechanism and unnecessary duplication
between Commonwealth and State regulation removed.
A detailed assessment of other
conditions referred to in the Minister's determination is
underway.
State approval of the Project
through a Ministerial Statement from the Western Australian
Minister for Environment is expected later this month.
Federal approval is expected in
early calendar year 2025.
About us
South32 is a globally diversified
mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by
developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for
generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to
realise the potential of their resources. We produce commodities
including bauxite, alumina, aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, silver,
nickel and manganese from our operations in Australia, Southern
Africa and South America. We also have a portfolio of high-quality
development projects and options, and exploration prospects,
consistent with our strategy to reshape our portfolio toward
commodities that are critical for a low-carbon future.
Further information on South32 can
be found at www.south32.net.
Approved
for release to the market by Graham Kerr, Chief Executive
Officer
JSE Sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
13 December 2024