Origin Suspends Drilling Operations at 12 Rig Sites

Origin Energy, operator of the Australia Pacific LNG Project, said it has suspended its drilling operations across 12 rig sites in south west central Queensland after asbestos was found in drilling fluids.

“This measure follows notification from one of our drilling fluid suppliers, Australian Mud Company Pty Ltd, that an imported product (NUTPLUG) sometimes used in drilling fluids has been found to contain asbestos,” the company said in a statement.

“All stocks of affected material have been quarantined and accounted for throughout the supply chain from storage warehouse to site, and specialist waste removal experts are in the process of removing that material from each location for safe disposal. In the interim, an alternative product has been sourced,” Origin added.

Australian Mud Company has instigated a withdrawal of the product from the market and is conducting tests into the source and introduction into the supply chain. AMC has also formally notified relevant authorities.

“In parallel, Origin has instigated its own independent investigation and has also informed the relevant authorities and regulatory bodies,” the company concluded.

[mappress]

LNG World News Staff, March 13, 2014; Image: Origin