Water Security Concerns Over Proposed Mine Extension in Western Australia
A mining company’s plan to extend its operations by 15 years has sparked urgent calls from local councils for a halt to environmental assessments, amid fears over the depletion of a critical drinking water source.
The Core Issue
Karara Mining Limited, operating in the Shire of Perenjori, Western Australia, holds a licence to draw 5 gigalitres of the 5.4 gigalitres available in the Mingenew subsection of the Parmelia aquifer. This potable water source is vital for local communities.
"I understand it's one of, if not the only, drinkable groundwater supplies within the area."
— Hellene McTaggart, Mingenew Shire president
A Call for a Pause
The neighbouring Mingenew Shire has formally requested the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) pause its assessment of Karara’s proposed 15-year mine extension (to 2048). The goal is to better evaluate the long-term consequences for water security before any approval is granted.
McTaggart argued that water licensing cannot be "divorced" from overall environmental impacts, and requested a pause to ensure the resource is considered in the EPA assessment.
Despite its existing licence expiring in 2027, Karara gained approval in 2023 to draw an additional gigalitre from the Yandanooka bore field until 2035.
Broader Community Anxiety
The concerns extend well beyond Mingenew. Morawa Shire president Karen Chappel highlighted a long-standing pattern of vulnerability for regional towns.
"The supply of water to our regional towns has been a concern for all of the local governments ... in the last 20 years."
— Karen Chappel, Morawa Shire president
She noted that mining licences make small towns "very vulnerable" and reduce the "wriggle room" for communities, towns, and farms.
The Regulatory Framework
A Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) spokesperson offered a clarifying statement on the regulatory process. They said water licences are assessed against a range of factors and are administered under a separate legislative framework to the EPA, but both processes must consider water impacts.
Company Response
Karara Mining Limited did not respond to questions about water licensing agreements or community concerns.