Australian Gov’t Gives Nod for Ichthys Project

The Australian Government’s decision to grant environmental approval to the Ichthys Project is a welcome step forward and helps pave the way for a final investment decision in the fourth quarter of 2011 INPEX said on its website today.

INPEX President Director Australia Seiya Ito said Federal environmental approval represents a significant milestone for the project following a rigorous three year assessment process, comprehensive environmental studies and extensive  engagement with the community and other stakeholders.

“We are committed to developing and operating the Ichthys Project in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and will continue to work closely with the government and community as we progress the project,” Mr Ito said. The decision today by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Hon. Tony Burke, follows the Northern Territory Government’s announcement in May that the environmental impacts of the planned Ichthys development in Darwin can be managed within acceptable limits.

“I would like to acknowledge both the Australian and Northern Territory governments for their thorough environmental assessment process,” Mr Ito said. “The input we received from government and the community during the process  resulted in improved outcomes for all stakeholders.”

The proposed Ichthys Project includes a subsea production system, semi-submersible central processing facility, a floating production, storage and offtake vessel located at the Ichthys Field in the Browse Basin, approximately 200  kilometres off the northwest coast of Western Australia, and onshore gas processing facilities at Blaydin Point, Darwin, Northern Territory. An 885km subsea gas pipeline will link the offshore and onshore facilities. On 24 June, INPEX and the Northern Territory Government announced a $91million voluntary offsets program including environmental research to protect Territory marine life, savannah fire management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs, and  support for the establishment of the North Australian Hydrocarbon Centre of Excellence at Charles Darwin University.

About INPEX

INPEX CORPORATION is a worldwide oil and gas exploration and production company currently involved in more than 70 projects across 26 countries. INPEX is ranked in the top global upstream companies and is listed on the Tokyo  Stock Exchange. INPEX has been a part of the Australian business community since 1986 and is involved in a number of projects in Australia and the Timor Sea, including the large-scale Ichthys Project, Van Gogh Project, Ravensworth  Project, Bayu- Undan Development and Darwin LNG.

About the Ichthys Project

The Ichthys Project is a Joint Venture between INPEX group companies (76%, the Operator) and Total group companies (24%). Gas from the Ichthys Field, in the Browse Basin offshore Western Australia, will undergo preliminary  processing offshore to remove water and raw liquids, including condensate. The gas will then be exported to the onshore processing facilities in Darwin via an 885km subsea pipeline. The Ichthys Project is expected to produce 8.4 million tonnes of LNG  and 1.6 million tonnes of LPG per annum, along with 100,000 barrels of condensate per day at peak.

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Source:INPEX , June 28, 2011;