Australia-US minerals deal underpinned decision to allow Alcoa to keep clearing WA forest, document reveals
The Guardian World
by Lisa CoxFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Australian government allowed US mining giant Alcoa to continue clearing portions of Western Australia's jarrah forest despite past illegal practices, partly due to a critical minerals deal with the US. A new document reveals Alcoa had been unlawfully clearing land for 15 years, ignoring warnings from federal authorities. Conservationists are angered by a $55 million penalty, which only applies to six years of alleged violations and allows Alcoa to continue clearing while its mining operations' expansion is evaluated.
The decision highlights the government's prioritization of strategic minerals over environmental protection, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and corporate accountability. The penalty, known as an enforceable undertaking, targets illegal clearing from 2019-2025 in habitats for protected species without proper approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
This situation underscores the broader tension between economic interests and environmental conservation, particularly with critical minerals becoming a key component of global energy transitions. The leniency shown to Alcoa, despite its long-standing violations, sparks questions about the enforceability of environmental laws and the influence of international agreements on domestic policies.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026