❓ Hon Jess Beckerling questions the Minister for the Environment regarding suspected breaches of Alcoa's mining exemption order and DWER's investigation. The Minister confirms an investigation is underway and that Alcoa will be notified if a breach is confirmed, but declines further comment.

Alcoa—Mining activities13.Hon Jess Beckerlingto theMinister for the Environment:I refer to my submission made to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on 22 December 2025 and 16 February 2026 regarding the suspected breaches of Alcoa'sEnvironmental Protection (Darling Range Bauxite Mining Proposals) Exemption Order 2023.(1) Has DWER conducted on-ground inspections of the three suspected breaches?(2) If yes to (1), on what dates?(3) Has Alcoa's mining activities been suspended while the investigations are carried out?(4) If a breach is confirmed, will the department follow the steps set out in DWER'sAssurance Program: Environmental Protection (Darling Range Bauxite Mining Proposals) Exemption Order 2023,specifically to notify Alcoa that the exemption order ceases to have an effect, meaning that miningactivities within the mining management plan assessment zones must cease?

Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:I thank the member for some notice of the question.(1)–(4) The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is investigating several alleged breaches of theEnvironmental Protection (Darling Range Bauxite Mining Proposals) Exemption Order 2023. If a condition of the order is determined to have been breached, the declaration ceases to have effect pursuant to section 6 of theEnvironmental Protection Act 1986and Alcoa will be notified accordingly. It is not appropriate to comment further while an investigation is ongoing . Alcoa—Mining activities