Community power
Together, we are strong.
Community pressure has seen Alcoa withdraw exploration plans in the Mundaring Weir catchment, and expand exclusion zones around Dwellingup. South32’s expansion area has been reduced, and its mining is bound by strict conditions. Rio Tinto abandoned plans to explore for minerals in 2023, and companies Iron Bull and Access Mining withdrew similar applications in 2025.
Alcoa’s greenwashing efforts have been slammed by Ad Standards, Australia’s independent advertising complaint body, with the company found to be misleading the public with its rehabilitation claims.
In 2025, the community stepped up like never before for a public environmental assessment. 59,000 submissions were made to the WA Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) review of Alcoa’s expansion plans, more submissions than any other project ever before the EPA.
The End Forest Mining movement is building, and the social license of the mining companies to operate in the Northern Jarrah Forest is fast eroding.
A just transition to end forest mining
No workers should be left behind in the transition to end forest mining.
Alcoa and South32 have already laid off hundreds of workers to reduce operating costs.
It is vital that when forest mining ends that there is significant investment in re-skilling, retraining and redeploying workers, and in diversifying the economies of impacted communities to ensure that workers don’t find themselves without work.
Existing mining approvals create an obvious timeline for the transition to end forest mining.
Creating new protected areas
With the end of native forest logging, the WA Government promised the protection of more than 600,000 ha of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests by 2033.
It’s time for the WA government to come good on its forest protection promise: Before there is none left to protect. In the Northern Jarrah Forest, this is especially urgent as bauxite mining interests have long blocked comprehensive, adequate and representative protection.
Land should be excised from Alcoa and South32’s enormous lease areas to create a network of new protected forest areas. This must be enabled by:
- Substantive, properly funded engagement and joint management with Noongar people;
- The urgent exclusion of high cultural and conservation values areas from existing and future mining tenements;
- The provision of independent strategic advice on future forest management in the region.
Creation of secure protected areas is the necessary foundation for the future of WA’s forests.
End Forest Mining supporters at Kalamunda town hall
Attendees at the Big Jarrah Rally (Image: Sampson McCrackan)
Objectors to Alcoa’s expansion attend a submission writing workshop.
Time to decide
We are at a crucial tipping point, where the WA and Federal Governments have the opportunity to draw a line in the sand: halt clearing and create a just transition to end forest mining. It is vital they make the right choice, for the future of these forests.
What you can do: Take action
Join us in protecting the Northern Jarrah Forest!
There are many ways you can be a part of the movement, from contacting decision makers, attending events, putting up signs, donating, and so much more.
Take the extra step and volunteer with us to help build our campaign, reach huge audiences and protect the Northern Jarrah Forest from mining, forever. Be part of the movement: Your support makes a big difference.
