Internal government advice shows that government agencies had frequently raised concerns about Serpentine Dam with Alcoa over the past two years.
Water quality experts have shed light on the health risks posed by drinking water contaminants and the changing terrain amid fears mining operations could shut down Perth’s biggest dam.
Mining practices by Alcoa near Perth’s biggest dam could shut it down for years,causing water restrictions and potentially billions in water treatment costs.
Alcoa will only use bauxite mined in WA’s jarrah forests in its local refineries in a decision that will slightly reduce its impact on a threatened ecosystem.
The US aluminium giant is confident it can mine the WA jarrah forests critical to its business for decades despite a short-term environmental approval delay.