Water inspectors shut out of Alcoa mine sites in Perth drinking water catchment, documents show

Alcoa’s bauxite mining operations in WA’s northern jarrah forests span 12 public drinking water catchments that require regular monitoring. Photograph: Miles Tweedie Photography/WA Forest Alliance

Conservation groups have accused the US mining company Alcoa of blocking scrutiny of the effects of its mining operations on Perth’s drinking water after new documents revealed catchment inspectors were shut out of its sites.

Briefing documents for the Water Corporation board also show the utility was frustrated that the Western Australian government had stopped giving it information about Alcoa’s mining plans, making it harder to manage potential threats.