Matthew Tonts

Leichhardt remains confident it will be able to deliver its $280 million Pilbara salt mine by 2027, despite news today the plan would be subject to a public environmental review.

The state’s peak environmental body has thrown its support behind Perth-based Perdaman Industries’ $4.3 billion Burrup urea project, recommending the proposal be approved.

The state’s peak environmental body will review the impact of Alinta Energy’s $200 million plan to expand Port Hedland Power Station.

Strike Energy’s plan to extract gas in the Perth Basin will be subject to a review by the EPA, as the company's $2.3 billion Geraldton urea plant proposal passes another milestone.

Goldminer Pantoro is a step closer to restarting operations at Norseman in Western Australia, having received the all-clear from the state's environmental authority.

A $32 million plan to build Australia’s largest natural marine observatory in the South West is another step closer, receiving the endorsement of the City of Busselton.

Hancock Prospecting’s Atlas Iron is progressing plans to expand its Sanjiv Ridge iron ore project, with the EPA reviewing the development of a satellite mine to boost production.

Lynas Rare Earths is closer to building a processing facility in Kalgoorlie after the state’s environmental authority recommended it for approval.

The state’s environmental watchdog has recommended the approval of the southern section of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, subject to strict conditions.

Rio Tinto's Hope Downs 2 iron ore project is expected to be subject to the highest level of scrutiny by the state’s environmental watchdog.

Exmouth Gulf will be home to a new marine park and nature reserves, the state government announced today, while proponents of two projects believe they will be able to coexist.

The EPA has recommended approval of OZ Mineral’s proposal to mine nickel and copper in WA’s Musgrave Ranges in what could be a first for the region if fully approved.

Billions of dollars of developments have waited years for approvals as regulators become more conservative and appeals add to delays.

Gina Rinehart-led Hancock Prospecting’s Mulga Downs iron ore project will be subject to a major review by the environmental watchdog.

Theia Energy’s plan to drill two exploration wells in the Canning Basin, including through fracking, will be subject to the highest level of scrutiny by the environmental regulator.

The state’s environmental watchdog has given the green light to a multi-million redevelopment of Recycling Centre Balcatta.

A bid by one of Australia’s largest mineral sands producers to revive a mine proposal in the state’s South West will be subject to the highest level of scrutiny by the environmental watchdog.

The environmental watchdog will undertake a rigorous review of Adrian Fini’s $280 million Smiths Beach development after receiving 2,300 submissions in favour of the probe.

Alinta Energy's proposal to build a 90 megawatt solar farm in Port Hedland is one step closer to fruition after an assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority.

A $300 million proposal to expand barramundi farming sites across the Kimberley region will be assessed due to environmental factors.

The state’s environmental watchdog has given Wesfarmers's Australian Gold Reagents backing to proceed with a major capacity expansion at its Kwinana facility.

The state’s environmental watchdog has told energy giant Woodside it will only be allowed to extend its North West Shelf LNG project if it's capable of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Strike Energy will soon start testing at its Walyering-6 well as the Environmental Protection Authority gave the company the go-ahead for the project.

The state’s environmental watchdog will scrutinise silicon producer Simcoa’s plans to establish a new mine in the Wheatbelt as reserves at its current deposit dwindle.

Adrian Fini’s team is defending criticisms of the $280 million proposal’s bushfire management plan, amid the release of government documents that raised safety concerns.

The state’s peak environmental body has signed off on the addition of a solar farm as part of Wesfarmers’ $1.9 billion Mount Holland lithium mine plan.

The environmental watchdog has decided not to assess the $100 million Perth Surf Park project, which is proposed to be built on a 5.7-hectare lot in Jandakot.

The $85 million Andrew and Nicola Forrest-led project is one step closer to fruition after the environmental regulator recommended it for approval.

The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended approval for Perth waste boss Sam Mangione's proposed Great Southern Landfill in the Shire of York.

A leaked WA Environmental Protection Authority report assessing appeals against the Woodside-operated North West Shelf LNG expansion project has prompted anger from environmentalists.

The environmental watchdog has recommended approval for Woodside’s proposed solar farm and battery energy system near Karratha, subject to strict conditions.

Western Australia’s environmental watchdog has waved through a new irrigation project at one of billionaire Kerry Stokes’ Kimberley pastoral stations.

The environmental regulator has waved through Lynas Rare Earths’ proposal to significantly expand its Mt Weld mine and potentially switch the Laverton operation to hybrid renewable power.

Alcoa Australia’s bauxite mining operations in the Darling Range will be “comprehensively scrutinised” by the Environmental Protection Authority.

BP’s Kwinana biorefinery has been recommended for approval by the EPA, but the project will be watched closely to ensure it meets emissions reductions goals.

Environmental Protection Authority chair Matthew Tonts has resigned from the helm of the watchdog for a new role at Curtin University, marking a return to academia.

The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended a contentious limestone quarry in the South West be approved with conditions, after years of assessment.

The state’s environmental watchdog has recommended against a City of Gosnells plan to further box in one of the most biodiverse patches of remnant bushland in Perth.

Lisa Rodgers has resigned as director general of WA’s Department of Education after six years to take up a national research role.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Gary Nurick, Colleen Hayward, Jo Lanagan, Mark Webb, Matthew Tonts, Rod Clark, Angela Kelly, Craig Holland, Warren Hallam and John Ball.