Albanese Responds to DiCaprio’s Criticism of Australian Mining Project

South32 rejects DiCaprio’s claims, stating the project won’t disturb old-growth forest and will include strict environmental safeguards.

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at Home restaurant during his first visit in Edinburgh, Scotland on Nov. 17, 2016. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio after he criticised a mining expansion in Western Australia.

DiCaprio, known for his environmental activism through social media and his organisation, Re:wild, took to Instagram to condemn the Australian government’s approval of South32’s Worsley Alumina bauxite mine in the Peel region.

He accused the government of enabling “deforestation within the Jarrah Forest” and argued that the project would devastate critical habitats for endangered species.

In a press conference on March 13, Albanese responded with sarcasm when asked about the star’s remarks.

Asked if he was a fan of DiCaprio, the Prime Minister quipped, “Depends on the movie, mate.”

Albanese then dismissed the actor’s crticism, adding, “If Leonardo DiCaprio knows where a bauxite mine is in Western Australia, I’d be very surprised.”

In his Instagram post, DiCaprio claimed that South32’s expansion would involve clearing 9,600 acres of old-growth forest, which he said is home to endangered species like the critically endangered Woylie.

He also shared a video of the Black Cockatoo, one of the species threatened by the project, highlighting the loss of habitat for over 8,000 species, “80 percent of which are found nowhere else on Earth.”

Senator Matt Canavan Weighs In

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan also questioned the actor’s expertise on the matter.

“Do you reckon Leonardo DiCaprio has spent much time thinking about the gas fields of Western Australia?” Canavan asked.

He further suggested that celebrity activism could be counterproductive.

“Sometimes I actually think it’s the oil and gas industry that pays these Hollywood stars to do this because it undermines their case massively,” he added.

“People just see this stuff and shake their heads. As if they’re going to listen to lectures from people living in Hollywood about what should happen in Western Australia. It’s absurd. Australians should make this decision, not people from California.”

South32 Responds to Allegations

South32 issued a statement defending its position, rejecting DiCaprio’s claims.

The company clarified that the proposal does not involve the clearing old-growth forest, as the WA Environment Minister’s Ministerial Statement explicitly prohibits disturbing such areas.

The mining company also emphasised that strict environmental conditions would apply to minimise the impact on local habitats, including those of the Black Cockatoo.

“Nearly 8,000 hectares of land will be set aside and restored to create additional habitat for species as part of our total 12,300-hectare offsets package,” the company told Sky News.

South32 outlined that the project is authorised to clear “no more than 3,855 hectares of native vegetation,” and that land cleared during the operation would be progressively rehabilitated.

Government Ensures Strict Compliance

A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water affirmed that South32 would need to comply with strict conditions.

These include progressively rehabilitating mined areas, protecting Black Cockatoo nests, and maintaining the viability of local species such as the Woylie and Numbat.

The Department also noted that the company’s revised proposal to clear less land reflects its commitment to sustainability.

“The approved project would sustain bauxite production at Worsley Alumina, ensuring the ongoing economic contribution to the South West and Peel regions while meeting stringent environmental requirements,” the spokesperson said