PERTH - South32 (OTC:SOUHY) Limited (ASX / LSE / JSE: S32; ADR: SOUHY), an Australian mining and metals company, has received state environmental approval for its Worsley Mine Development Project in Western Australia, the company announced on December 20, 2024. The approval from the Western Australian Minister for Environment is a key step in the company's plan to access additional bauxite to sustain production at its Worsley Alumina (OTC:AWCMY) operations.
This project, which has been under environmental assessment since 2019, is expected to bolster the company's competitive position in the global alumina market. Worsley Alumina is a significant employer in the South West region, supporting thousands of jobs. The company emphasizes that the alumina produced is critical for the production of aluminum, which in turn is vital for the global energy transition.
The conditions set by the state's environmental approval reportedly align with the Minister's determination on the project's appeal outcome announced on December 13, 2024, and are seen as an improvement over the assessment report by the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority from July 2024.
The state's endorsement initiates the federal approval process, with South32 anticipating federal consent in early 2025. The company has also highlighted Worsley Alumina's recent certifications against the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, underscoring its commitment to responsible production practices.
The approval is part of South32's broader strategy to develop natural resources responsibly and support the energy transition. The company operates across the Americas, Australia, and Southern Africa, focusing on minerals and metals essential for energy transformation.
Investors and stakeholders are advised that this announcement is based on a press release statement, and further details can be sought from the company's investor and media relations contacts.
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