JARRAH FOREST BAUXITE MINING

Jarrah forests are eucalyptus forests within the water catchment around Perth in Western Australia. They are recognized as hotspots for global biodiversity due to the flora species. Bauxite mining occurs within jarrah forests, at depths of less than one meter beneath the soil surface. Alcoa World Alumina Australia operates the world's largest bauxite mines, which are processed into alumina in refineries far from the sites of extraction within jarrah forests, and shipped worldwide. The Jarrahdale mine was operational from 1963 to 2001, at which point the mine was rehabilitated following global standards for surface mining rehabilitation, which includes leaving the mining site in a condition that is safe, self sustaining and suitable for future land uses. During the mine's operational period, the soil was remediated in sections after bauxite was extracted over a period of five years. Alcoa submitted plans on mining operations that allowed for the integration of other forest uses, including silviculture, logging and prescribed burns.These plans are part of a conservation reserve system that is practices across southwestern Australia. The rehabilitation of the Jarrahdale mine included the removal of all buildings and mining operation infrastructure across 630 hectares, as well as dam and stream crossings, and contaminated materials. The primary contamination across the Jarrahdale mining site was due to fuel and oil spills, which were assessed and removed. Soil was returned from the mine pit, and the site was forested with seeds, as well as nursery-grown plants. The rehabilitation process included consultation with the community, with the knowledge that the former mine would be leased after the rehabilitation process.
1963 - ongoing
27428 acres
847 feet above sea level