Katter takes on Glencore over carbon capture project

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is continuing to take it up to Swiss minerals trader Glencore, this time over a carbon capture project. Glencore was given approval by the former Federal LNP Government to inject carbon dioxide from a coal-fired power station into one of the Great Artesian Basin’s aquifers. Related: Carbon capture key path to emissions goals – Glencore The plan threatened the quality of water, and had also been attacked by major agricultural groups National Farmers Federation and AgForce, Mr Katter said. It had not been met by the same level of scrutiny by the major political parties, he said. Glencore has recently said CTSCo carbon capture and storage project is based on robust scientific fieldwork, data and analysis and critics have not cited any data or evidence to support their concerns. “Our project has been reviewed by expert third-party institutions, including the Australian Government Independent Expert Scientific Committee (IESC), the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment (OGIA) and CSIRO,” the company said. “The robust scientific data we’ve compiled provides us with very high confidence that the food grade CO2 injected deep underground will not impact the regional agricultural sector. “The injected CO2 would form a plume that will stay in proximity to the injection point and water quality outside this plume is unlikely to change in any way. “Within the plume, the pH levels are expected to reduce to a minimum of 4 – which is equivalent to the pH levels of black coffee or tomato juice." Related: Farmers raise fears on CTSCo project’s water impact Mr Katter said the trial would create a precedent for carbon polluters. Influencing all sides He would be holding discussions with the Federal Environment Minister to overturn the decision, Mr Katter said. “We want assurances from this government that it will not act in criminal irresponsibility. If there is anything sacred in this country – it is our underground waters supply – the Great Artesian Basin – when a significant portion the surface area of Australia is desert." Further, Mr Katter said he wasn’t surprised by Glencore’s 'self-minded' proposal, labelling the mining giant as a “foreign-trading company.” “Now this contemptable government in Queensland - there is an unpleasant odour coming off the relationship between the government, the Australian Workers Union and Glencore. “Their coal-mining rights have been excessive, why have they been given a dream run in coal mining, when the governments are supposed to be closing down coal mining.” Inferior quality water The aquifer Glencore had identified contained brackish water with high fluoride levels and was not used by any agricultural producer within a 50km radius, the company said. “Glencore understands and respects the importance of the Great Artesian Basin to the Australian agricultural community. We also understand there can be resistance to new projects or technologies in agricultural areas," a spokesman said. “We encourage people to read our Environmental Impact Statement, which is publicly available and outlines the scientific data in detail. “Just as the agricultural community has embraced technology to increase yields and crop qualities, the world will be reliant on technologies – like CCS – to meet its global climate goals. “Both the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the International Energy Agency have noted that carbon capture and storage, which is a proven technology, will be an important tool to materially reduce emissions. “We will continue to engage with all stakeholders but would urge everyone to focus on facts and the science, rather than rely on misinformation and scaremongering to oppose the project.” Image at top of page: 'The Bubbler’ spring in South Australia.

Katter takes on Glencore over carbon capture project

Industry Queensland

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