INPEX President, Mr Naoki Kuroda, said Darwin provides INPEX with the certainty required for the project’s tight schedule to enable the first LNG shipment to be made in late 2014 or early 2015.

“We are pleased with the support we have received from the Northern Territory people, the Government and key stakeholders and we are impressed by the business and infrastructure capabilities in the area.”

“Environmental, economic and engineering studies have demonstrated the viability of locating an LNG plant at Blaydin Point and have lent weight to this decision.”

“Now that a location has been selected, front-end engineering design will follow shortly and a final investment decision is expected near the end of 2009 or early in 2010”

More than US$20billion in capital expenditure will be required to construct the offshore and onshore facilities required to produce gas and condensate offshore and deliver gas from the Ichthys Field to the Blaydin Point LNG processing facility via an 850 kilometre pipeline.

The reserve volume of the Ichthys Field is estimated to be 12.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 527 million barrels of condensate. Initially the project is expected to produce more than 8 million tonnes of LNG, 1.6 million tonnes of LPG per annum and 100,000 barrels of condensate per day. These forecasted production volumes represent about 50% of current Australian annual LNG production, about 60% of current Australian LPG production and about 20% of current Australian crude oil production respectively. Clearly, the Ichthys Project is poised to make a major contribution to the Australian economy.

Middle Arm Peninsula has the capacity to support the two initial LNG trains, and there is an opportunity for additional LNG trains to accommodate future expansion.

More than 2000 people will be required in Darwin during the peak of the four-year construction phase of the project, and a full-time workforce of approximately 300 will be needed in Darwin to maintain and operate the onshore facilities. INPEX looks forward to being an active member of the Darwin community by sourcing goods and services from local businesses and providing employment opportunities during both the construction and operations phases.

It is anticipated that the Project will be in operation for at least 40 years.

“We believe that our Project will make a significant contribution to the development of the Australian economy and will serve to reinforce the strong business ties that already exist between Australia and Japan,” Mr Kuroda said.

Final Ichthys Proposal Fact Sheet - 26 Sept 08

Media enquiries should be directed to:

Sean Kildare
General Manager External Affairs, INPEX Browse Ltd
+ 61 8 9223 8483

Potential suppliers should register with the NTICN (08) 8922 9422, www.nticn.com.au

The nearshore drilling work will investigate geological and foundation conditions for nearshore infrastructure (such as jetties), an offshore gas pipeline route, and subsequent dredging areas for the company’s proposed LNG processing facility.

This work follows the recent onshore drilling campaign, which was completed on 20 June 2008.

INPEX has worked closely with the government and appropriate authorities throughout the planning phases of this project to ensure that all the required safety and environmental protection measures are in place.

A 50-metre safety zone will apply around the drilling vessel.

INPEX looks forward to working with the Darwin community and welcomes any questions you may have about the drilling activity.

Please find further information relating to the nearshore drilling program attached below.

Link to nearshore drilling Fact Sheet
Link to nearshore drilling Q&A

Information, is also available at:
http://www.darwinport.nt.gov.au/
http://www.afant.com.au/

INPEX (60% interest) and Total E&P Australia (40% interest) acquired the WA-344-P exploration acreage in November 2007 and completed the Mimia-1 well in July 2008. A 72-metre gas column was found and a production test completed recently confirmed the discovery of gas and condensate.

The Mimia-1 well was drilled in a water depth of 254 metres and is located approximately 20 kilometres north-east of the INPEX operated WA-285-P permit area (INPEX 76%, Total 24%) which contains the giant Ichthys gas–condensate field.

INPEX and Total are preparing the development of the Ichthys gas-condensate field and will consider how the Mimia discovery could be developed, taking into account potential synergy with the Ichthys development.

INPEX is also operating in WA-341-P (60%) and WA-343-P (60%) and is participating in exploration in WA-274-P (20%), WA-281-P (20%), WA-410-P (20%) and WA-411-P (26.6%).

This Referral represents an initial statement of advice to the Commonwealth Government on the Ichthys Field Development Project as required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth).

It follows similar advice (in the form of a “notice of intent”) submitted to the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts (NRETA) under the Environmental Assessment Act (NT) on 27 March 2008.

Together, these submissions initiate the environmental assessment process for the Project by both the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments under their respective environmental acts and signal the start of more detailed social, economic and environment studies for the site.

The Joint Venture is considering its development options for its Ichthys Field, which is located in the Browse Basin off the northern Western Australian coast. The favoured option remains the Maret Islands off the Kimberley coast but Middle Arm Peninsula, near Darwin is being considered as a viable alternative, among other options.

Both documents are available for download here:

Ichthys Gas Field Development 
Referral of Proposed Action - Browse Basin and Blaydin Point, Darwin
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth)

Notice of Intent (In Terms of the Environmental Assessment Act 1982- NT)

INPEX was one of two exploration companies judged worthy of the top environmental honour, awarded as part of the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association's (APPEA's) annual conference being held in Perth from April 6-9.

APPEA Director, Industry Operations, Mark McCallum congratulated INPEX on its "truly innovative and dedicated approach to ensuring as small an environmental footprint as possible" during its recent geotechnical and environmental drilling operations on the Maret Islands.

INPEX used a BK117 helicopter and modified drilling rig to ensure its footprint disturbed less than 0.1 per cent of the area. A traditional onshore drilling operation would have impacted on more than 10 per cent of the islands.

"Clearly the INPEX culture places a strong emphasis on innovation that is protective of the environment and cultural heritage and are deserved winners of the exploration environment award," Mr McCallum said.

Sean Kildare, INPEX General Manager External Affairs said the award recognised the company's absolute committment to exceeding the prescribed environmental standard wherever possible.

"If it's possible to reduce our impact on the environment at any level - be it via technology, expertise or just plain hard work - we will do it," Mr Kildare said.

"We are pleased to receive this award as acknowledgement of our genuine efforts towards sustainable and respectful development."

Mr McCallum said this year's nominees had produced an outstanding field of entries, with projects from:

• BHP Billiton Petroleum;
• Chevron Australia;
• ConocoPhillips;
• ExxonMobil;
• INPEX Browse;
• Nexus Energy;
• Origin Energy; and
• Woodside Energy.

More than 2600 delegates will attend the APPEA conference.

As part of its cultural and social contribution activities, INPEX CORPORATION is supporting the “Utopia: the Genius of Emily Kame Kngwarreye” art exhibition, sponsored by the National Museum of Art, Osaka, the National Art Center, Tokyo, and the Yomiuri Shimbun (newspaper).

Emily Kame Kngwarreye (c.1910–1996) was an Australian Aboriginal painter from a small community in central Australia.  She painted for about 8 years, commencing at approximately 80 years of age, during which time she produced between 3000 and 4000 works.  Using history and her local community environment as a source of inspiration, her paintings present a uniquely Aboriginal view of the world. 

This is the first retrospective exhibition of Emily Kngwarreye’s artwork outside Australia, with approximately 120 works presented according to theme and period for the benefit and enjoyment of viewers who are unfamiliar with the artist.  This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the world of the highly acclaimed modern abstract artist Emily Kngwarreye.

INPEX CORPORATION is not only committed to the smooth management of our various oil and natural gas projects and developmental preparation of our major LNG project in Australia, but would also like to emphasize our concern for environmental issues and promotion of a harmonious world society, while actively supporting the cultural activities of Australia.

Exhibition dates and location
February 26 (Tuesday) to April 13 (Sunday), 2008 National Museum of Art in Osaka
May 28 (Wednesday) to July 28 (Monday), 2008 National Art Center, Tokyo

Through the PFA the Northern Territory Government is demonstrating support for a potential LNG development at Middle Arm Peninsula in Darwin and INPEX is undertaking a range of studies to assess the viability of this option in comparison to other options also being assessed.

“Our preferred option for an LNG plant is on the Maret Islands in the Kimberley, closer to the Ichthys Field,” he said, INPEX has undertaken a significant range of environmental and engineering studies since 2004 that have demonstrated the strong technical viability of the Maret Islands option.

“We continue to have a good working relationship with the West–Australian Government,” Mr Okada said “and continue to progress the option of developing an LNG plant in WA.”

“However, the Joint Venture must explore all realistic options,” he said.

“The Northern Territory Government has clearly demonstrated that Darwin offers an alternative site that could be developed within a reliable time frame. We are also impressed with the business capabilities and infrastructure available in the Territory.”

“We are pleased to be discussing this opportunity with the Northern Territory Government,” he said and the signing of this Project Facilitation Agreement means we are taking a serious look at Darwin.

Mr Okada said INPEX had been considering Darwin as an option for an LNG plant since 2004.

The construction of a two train, more than 8 mtpa LNG plant in Darwin would be a significant project undertaking and would deliver considerable economic benefit and jobs for the Territory and Northern Australia.

“We will work closely with Territory business to maximise opportunities for local industry and labour to participate the project,” he said.

Mr Okada said INPEX had commissioned environmental, economic and engineering studies to examine all aspects of locating LNG facilities on Middle Arm, in Darwin.

“We will consult widely with government, business and key stakeholders before the Joint Venture makes a decision later this year on the best location for the onshore LNG plant,” he said.

INPEX was not consulted prior to the media release, nor was it formally advised of the Commonwealth and State governments' position at this time.

INPEX General Manager External Affairs Sean Kildare said INPEX is seeking further clarification of the Commonwealth and State government position before commenting further.

Black Swan Theatre Company and INPEX today announced a major new business arts partnership agreement for Black Swan’s 2008 season. INPEX will be the production sponsor of Jandamarra, written by Steve Hawke and directed by Tom Gutteridge. Black Swan will present the play’s world premiere in February, with Jandamarra being one of the centrepieces of the 2008 Perth International Arts Festival.

Jandamarra is the story of one of Australia’s great tragic heroes. Jandamarra, a Bunuba man from the Fitzroy Crossing area of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, grew up just as the first pastoralists were settling his native lands. His tumultuous life, lived on the jagged edge of change and uncertainty, saw him transform from station child, to police tracker of his own people and finally to inspirational leader of the most successful Indigenous resistance against white settlement.

This epic and passionate production by Black Swan Theatre Company, with Bunuba Films and the Perth International Arts Festival, brings this important and moving story to Perth audiences in three languages. Playwright and long-term Kimberley identity Steve Hawke has worked with Bunuba and Kriol translators on a story that belongs to the Bunuba people of the Kimberley, but speaks to everyone.

International oil and gas company, INPEX, is currently proposing to develop a gas and condensate reserve located in the Browse Basin (approx. 450km north of Broome) for the production of liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and condensate.

Community partnerships are considered an essential part of the development and INPEX works with a range of Kimberley organisations to assist in the delivery of improved social, economic and environmental outcomes for communities. INPEX aims to support events and organisations which are valued by the Kimberley community and which share INPEX’s core values, particularly in the area of youth arts, environment and community.

Sean Kildare, INPEX Group Manager External Affairs commented, “INPEX is very pleased to be able to support this production and be involved in this significant work of Indigenous theatre”.

“The Jandamarra story will also showcase the Kimberley region, a community that we are strongly committed to as our plans to build an LNG plant progress.”

The financial support provided by INPEX for Jandamarra will assist Black Swan in staging this complex world premiere production. The development of the play Jandamarra commenced in 2004, with the Bunuba community being involved throughout: in the translation process, consulting on cultural questions, leading language and cultural immersion workshops for non-Bunuba Indigenous actors and providing the artistic input for the animation component of the play. With a brilliant cast, vast set, animated projections and inventive sound design, Jandamarra promises to be a truly memorable world premiere of a uniquely West Australian story.

INPEX and Total acquired 100% of three additional exploration permits, WA-341-P, WA-343-P and WA-344-P from ConocoPhillips WA Exploration Pty Ltd.

The three blocks are located in the Eastern Browse Basin, approximately 200 kilometres offshore Western Australia and have an area of approximately 3,500km², with water depths varying from 50 to 250 metres. The new permits are adjacent to the Ichthys Field, which INPEX discovered in 2000.

INPEX, as the operator, will hold a 60% participating interest in joint venture with Total, which holds a 40% interest.

INPEX is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with many interests in Australia, including the Ichthys Field. Its joint venture partner, Total has significant world wide experience in the oil and gas industry.

These are the first open consultation meetings INPEX will hold for the general public. They follow information campaigns throughout the Kimberley, with displays at shopping centres and the North West Expo, as well as extensive meetings with key stakeholders.

This latest opportunity is designed to provide general information about the proposal, a project update, and to address individual questions and concerns.

The Ichthys Project involves a plan to pipe gas from the Browse Basin, 400 kilometres north of Broome, to a processing plant on the Maret Islands off the Kimberley coast.

The Project is a joint venture operated by INPEX (76%) with participation from Total E&P Australia (24%) and is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the Kimberley, Western Australia and Australia.

With the Environmental Impact Assessment Process nearing completion for presentation to government, there will soon be an opportunity for the public to have its say on the document.

The community forums, to be held in Broome, Derby and Kununurra, will provide details on how to become involved in that process. Those interested in a more technical briefing will be invited to targeted forums planned for November.

Dates for this month's forums are as follows:

Monday October 15: Derby Recreation Centre 6-8pm

Tuesday October 16: Lotteries House, Broome 6-8pm

Wednesday October 24: Lotteries House, Broome 6-8pm

Thursday October 25: Kununurra District High School Performing Arts Centre 6-8pm

Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information on the forums, please contact Melinda Hayes at mhayes@inpex.com.au

Kimberley Land Council and INPEX Browse, Ltd.

The Kimberley Land Council has signed an agreement allowing INPEX Browse, Ltd. to move forward in proposing a world-class LNG development on the Maret Islands off Western Australia's Kimberley coast.

The agreement was signed on the Maret Islands today, following a smoking ceremony by the traditional owners, the Uunguu people.

KLC Executive Director Mr Wayne Bergmann said the deal provided a basis for further negotiations, with major benefits for Indigenous communities.

"This is a significant step for Aboriginal people," he said.

"It enables us to work together in developing the Maret Islands in a way that provides a framework for addressing Indigenous disadvantage in the region, while keeping the environmental footprint to a minimum."

Mr Bergmann said the KLC would now seek to negotiate employment training, business and joint venture opportunities, land management programs and compensation for traditional owners.

"We are moving foward in good faith and developing a relationship based on trust and understanding," he said.

Managing Director of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Mr Jiro Okada, welcomed the significant step foward in INPEX's relationship with the Uunguu people.

"Our discussions have not always been easy and the relationship has been tested, but today we celebrate moving towards a new beginning," he said. "We are committed to working with both the Uunguu people and the wider Kimberley community to develop and deliver sustainable economic outcomes."

"Together we have finalised a Heritage Protection Agreement that will provide the basis for identifying and managing sites of cultural significance whilst we continue our environmental studies on the islands."

Mr Okada said the project would be one of the largest undertakings in Western Australia's history, with a proposal to build an LNG processing facility to treat gas and condensate from the Browse Basin 200 kilometres away in the Indian Ocean.

"We estimate the life of the project to be 40 plus years," he said.

INPEX staff look forward to meeting the public at information stands in Broome, Derby and Kununurra shopping centres from June 20.

The display will provide information about the project, and how it will affect the local environment, people and economy.

The LNG project is expected to provide a multi-billion dollar boost to the Kimberley, Western Australia and the nation.

INPEX is planning to develop its permit area in the Browse Basin, 400 kilometres north of Broome, with a 200 kilometre sub-sea pipeline to a proposed LNG facility on the Maret Islands, 35 kilometres off the Kimberley coast.

The Project is subject to an extensive environmental approvals process, and the Company will make its final investment decision next year.

Display dates

Kununurra Shopping Centre, Konkerberry Drive, June 20

Derby Central Arcade, Clarendon Street, July 13-14

Paspaley Plaza, Broome August 9-10

For more information contact Kellie Tannock, Gryphon Management Australia (Broome representative) on 0401 878 261 or 919 22983.

The event is a field trip for 40 Year 10 students and teachers involved in the WA Petroleum Club's Schools Information Program (SIP).  For 16 years the program has been introducing WA students to the fascinating, fun and unique aspects of a career in the oil and gas industry.

The six-seater INPEX helicopter will operate seven flights from Broome Airport to accommodate the school visitors.

Each student will enjoy a ten minute flight above their home town in a Bristow BK 117 helicopter, which is used to ferry INPEX's workers to its offshore operations.

INPEX is in the pre-feasibility stage of developing the Ichthys Gas Field in a multi-billion dollar project off the Kimberley coast.

As well as site visits, the Petroleum Club's schools information program involves teacher-assessed team projects and presentations to students from experts in the field.

For more information on the program visit http://www.petroleumclub.org.au/

For more information contact: Sean Kildare, Group Manager External Affairs (08) 9223 8455 or by mobile 0419 243 936.

Download PDF

INPEX, with the assistance of its on-ground logistics coordinators TUCF, sent its Bristow BK117, based in Broome, to Cape Bougainville to bring the soldier home quickly and safely to be with his wife in Derby Hospital.

The helicopter considerably reduced the time it would normally take to extract people from the area and without INPEX's assistance, the journey by road or sea could have taken days.

"When we heard the young soldier needed to get home quickly, we didn't hesitate to provide our help", said Group Manager External Affairs Sean Kildare.

"We are priveleged to be able to help this local hero get to his family at a time when they need him most."

"We did what all the people here do - help each other out when they need it", he said.

The helicopter is expected to arrive in Broome on February 9 and will be used to transport INPEX's drilling contractors and staff to the Songa Venus offshore drilling rig. INPEX's drilling program will commence in late February.

The helicopter is capable of carrying up to 15 people per flight and will do up to four flights per week. It will be based in Broome and is supported by a nine person crew which includes a pilot and an engineer.

INPEX Drilling Manager Doug Hodson said "Our drilling team will be located approximately 260 nautical miles from Broome and the Sikorsky helicopter is equipped to travel long distances offshore with a large passenger load."

"This helicopter is purpose-built for the offshore oil and gas industry and is one of the safest in the world."

"This, coupled with the establishment of a portable refuelling station at the Lombadina Airstrip, will significantly reduce current flying times," he said.

The new portable refuelling facility will allow a helicopter to refuel at Lombadina rather than travel the extra 85 nautical miles to Broome. This is expected to signifcantly reduce evacuation times for offshore drilling personnel in the event of an incident or cyclone.

"However, this refuelling facility could not have been installed without the strong support of the Djarindjin Aboriginal Community", said Indigenous Affairs Coordinator David Meehan.

"Their assistance was essential and we are very pleased that we were able to work with the local Aboriginal Community to develop this project for our mutual benefit", said Djarindjin Community.

"We see this as a win-win situation for all parties", said Mr Meehan.

"Firstly, the refuelling facility will considerably reduce the time it takes to evacuate our employees off the drilling rig and secondly, benefit the local indigenous community through employment."

In addition, INPEX has made arrangements for the Royal Flying Doctor Service to use the refuelling station when required.