❓ A parliamentary question seeks information from the Premier regarding Alcoa's planned gallium production, including resource use, mine locations, government funding, and related documentation. The government denies financial contribution and suggests a Freedom of Information request for documents.
AnsweredQoN 1078Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Alcoa—Gallium production1078.Hon Jess Beckerlingto theLeader of the House
representing the Premier:I refer to Alcoa's
planned gallium development.(1) Does Alcoa propose to use existing mine waste
as well as new bauxite streams?(2) If no to (1), what does Alcoa propose to use?(3) Given the proposed
processing site is at Alcoa's Wagerup refinery, which current mine sites or newgeographical locations would new bauxite streams be mined from if the
development goes ahead?(4) Has the WA Government offered any financial
contribution to Alcoa for this development?(5) If yes to (4), what financial contribution has
been offered?(6) Can the minister please table any briefing
notes, explanatory documents and proposals that Alcoa has provided on this
proposal?
representing the Premier:I refer to Alcoa's
planned gallium development.(1) Does Alcoa propose to use existing mine waste
as well as new bauxite streams?(2) If no to (1), what does Alcoa propose to use?(3) Given the proposed
processing site is at Alcoa's Wagerup refinery, which current mine sites or newgeographical locations would new bauxite streams be mined from if the
development goes ahead?(4) Has the WA Government offered any financial
contribution to Alcoa for this development?(5) If yes to (4), what financial contribution has
been offered?(6) Can the minister please table any briefing
notes, explanatory documents and proposals that Alcoa has provided on this
proposal?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2025
Response time
0 days
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided on behalf of the Premier.(1) Alcoa has not advised whether it will
contemplate the use of existing mine waste.(2) That is not applicable.(3) The bauxite that feeds the Alcoa Wagerup
refinery is sourced from approved mine sites within the mineral lease held,
pursuant to the Alcoa state agreements.(4) No.(5) That is not applicable.(6) The member may make a formal request through
theFreedom of Information Act 1992to view
relevant documents to ensure the right of third parties to be consulted is
upheld.I am not very happy
with that last answer, so I might be able to provide a further update in
relation to (6) tomorrow.
Alcoa—Gallium production
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided on behalf of the Premier.(1) Alcoa has not advised whether it will
contemplate the use of existing mine waste.(2) That is not applicable.(3) The bauxite that feeds the Alcoa Wagerup
refinery is sourced from approved mine sites within the mineral lease held,
pursuant to the Alcoa state agreements.(4) No.(5) That is not applicable.(6) The member may make a formal request through
theFreedom of Information Act 1992to view
relevant documents to ensure the right of third parties to be consulted is
upheld.I am not very happy
with that last answer, so I might be able to provide a further update in
relation to (6) tomorrow.
Alcoa—Gallium production
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