Alcoa's $8 billion purchase of South32 could be key to unlocking untouched areas of WA's northern jarrah forest for bauxite mining, raising the concern of environmentalists.

The Pittsburgh-based metals producer would become the world’s largest bauxite miner as part of the acquisition and establish an operational foothold in South Africa.

Alcoa's $8 billion purchase of South32 could be key to unlocking untouched areas of WA's northern jarrah forest for bauxite mining, raising the concern of environmentalists.