The Queensland Government has officially rejected a CCS proposal. 

Swiss mining giant Glencore had sought to store carbon dioxide (CO2) from a coal-fired power station within the Great Artesian Basin. 

Following an environmental assessment that identified significant risks to groundwater quality, the plans have been knocked back.

Glencore’s pilot scheme intended to inject 330,000 tonnes of liquified CO2 into an aquifer situated 2.3 kilometres underground in southern Queensland. 

However, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation found the project could result in “irreversible or long-term change to groundwater quality”, according to a spokesperson from the department.

The Great Artesian Basin, one of the world’s largest underground water sources, is vital for agriculture, irrigation, and stock watering. 

The department highlighted that the Precipice Sandstone aquifer targeted for the CO2 injection is not confined, meaning the injected CO2 could migrate to other aquifers, potentially increasing concentrations of contaminants such as lead and arsenic.

The project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) underwent a rigorous three-year review under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019. 

The findings indicated that the proposal did not meet regulatory requirements, as CO2 migration posed a significant threat to groundwater quality and environmental values.

Submissions on the EIS showed that groundwater in the Precipice Sandstone holds environmental values as it is used for agriculture, irrigation, and stock watering.

The EIS assessment also noted the risk of increased concentrations of chloride, sulphate, salinity, various metals, and metalloids, including lead and arsenic, if the project proceeded.

The decision has been praised by various stakeholders, including the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), local government associations, and conservation groups. 

“We know that there are currently two companies with exploration permits for CCS in the GAB, and other companies globally are considering the GAB for CCS on an industrial scale,” said QFF CEO Jo Sheppard.

“The Queensland Government must take a leadership role and put regulations in place to protect the Queensland component of the GAB from further CCS bids.”

Following the rejection, several mayors called for a moratorium on CCS projects in the Great Artesian Basin. 

Murweh Shire Mayor Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge urged the state government to “show common sense and protect the Great Artesian Basin for all communities that rely on it”. 

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said; “Legislation should be put in place to prevent this ever occurring, for the benefit of all communities that thrive off the Great Artesian Basin”.

The final assessment report for the EIS is accessible here.