On this page
Project summary
NeuRizer (previously named Leigh Creek Energy) plans to produce fertiliser from coal using a process known as underground coal gasification (UCG), also known as In-situ Gasification (ISG). The UCG process converts coal from its solid state into a gaseous form, resulting in the generation of synthesis gas (syngas) containing methane, hydrogen and other components. The syngas is proposed to be further refined into a variety of products such as ammonia and Urea.
In 2018-19, NeuRizer constructed and operated a UCG pre-commercial demonstration plant (PCD) at Leigh Creek, within the old mine site. This demonstration plant involved the establishment of a single gasifier chamber and associated above-ground infrastructure to produce syngas for a short period of time, to test the syngas composition and process performance to enable consideration of potential commerciality.
Any future exploration or UCG activities will be subject to relevant approvals under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 (PGE Act) as outlined below. For further information on UCG the Department has published a brochure that gives answers to frequently asked questions.
Approvals
All prospective operators, prior to any on-ground activities, must adhere to the three stage approvals process under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000, which is outlined in the Guide to the licensing and approvals process for exploration, retention and production activities flowchart.
| Stage 1 - Licensing - APPROVAL GRANTED |
|
Stage 2 - SEO Approval - APPROVAL GRANTED For: ISG Demonstration Plant; Exploration Drilling Operations; Geophysical Operations |
| No approval for NeuRizer’s Stage 1 Commercial Development SEO has been granted |
| Stage 3 - Activity Approval - NO SUBMISSIONS AT PRESENT |
The Licence Approval process (Stage 1) grants exclusive rights to an area to explore for or produce resources but does not grant rights to undertake on-ground activities.
NeuRizer was granted its exploration licence, Petroleum Exploration Licence 650, in November 2014.
On 10 June 2020, NeuRizer applied for the grant of a petroleum production licence (PPL 269) for the purposes of carrying out commercial scale in-situ-gasification (also known as UCG) of the coal resources at Leigh Creek.
The Department for Energy and Mining (the Department) has assessed the application and subject to independent expert advice has determined that NeuRizer has satisfied the criteria under the PGE Act for the grant of a production licence.
Further information can be found in the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) document, prepared by the Department.
| Grant of Petroleum Production Licence and Associated Activities Licence - FAQs |
|---|
 |
| Download the Grant of Petroleum Production Licence and Associated Activities Licence Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 514KB) |
Further information on the Licensing process is available on the license applications page.
All regulated activities conducted under the PGE Act must have an approved Statement of Environmental Objectives (SEO) in place with which they comply, prepared on the basis of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). NeuRizer has approved SEOs for their completed In-situ Gasification (also known as UCG) Demonstration Plant, Geophysical Operations and Drilling Operations in PEL 650.
| Leigh Creek Energy, ISG Demonstration Plant, April 2018 | Leigh Creek Energy, Exploration Drilling Operations - PEL 650, March 2020 | Leigh Creek Energy, Geophysical Operations - PEL 650, September 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of Environmental Objectives | ||
 |  |  |
| Download the Statement of Environmental Objectives | Download the Statement of Environmental Objectives | Download the Statement of Environmental Objectives |
| Environmental Impact Reports | ||
 |  |  |
| Download the Environmental Impact Report | Download the Environmental Impact Report | Download the Environmental Impact Report |
For any future UCG proposals, NeuRizer will be required to develop and submit a new EIR and SEO for the proposed gasification operations under the PGE Act. This process will include public consultation including engagement with the local community, and potential referral under the Commonwealth Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
On 6 May 2021 NeuRizer submitted a new EIR and SEO for their proposed Stage 1 Commercial Development which involves UCG of coal at the Leigh Creek coalfield and construction of a small scale (<5MW) power generation plant. Through this project NeuRizer intend to demonstrate the technical and financial capability of producing syngas at a commercial scale.
DEM, with co-regulators, have commenced assessment of the EIR and SEO in accordance with Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000.
For further information on the approvals process, including relevant stages and consultation requirements, please see the activity approval process.
Whilst approval of an SEO is a significant step within the approvals process, this still does not provide rights to NeuRizer to begin on-ground works. To do this, NeuRizer are required to proceed to the third and final approval stage to obtain approval to commence on ground activities. This entails submission to the Department for evaluation and approval of all technical and engineering designs relating to the proposed activity to ensure the design and intended construction and monitoring of all surface facilities, pipelines, and wells are in accordance with recognised industry standards and fit for the purpose for achieving the requirements of the final approved SEO and conditions.
The stage 3 approval process includes, evaluation and approval of the licensee’s Environmental, Health and Safety Management Systems, monitoring plans, shut down and decommissioning plans, environmental assessments, environmental management plans, rehabilitation plans, cultural heritage assessments and emergency response procedures that are critical to the demonstrable achievement of the relevant SEO.
Under Stage 3, the licensee is also required to notify all relevant landowners about its intentions to undertake any regulated activity and to clearly describe pursuant to the requirements under Part 10 of the PGE Act, the nature of its activities to be undertaken, the potential impacts those activities may have on the landowner and the right of the landowner to dispute such entry including any compensation that may arise from such activities.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Assessment
NeuRizer in May 2021, referred its proposal to the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for decision under section 75 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act). In response, DCCEEW determined this proposal to be a controlled action with relevant controlling provisions pertaining to listed threatened species and ecological communities and water resources (that relate to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development). This EPBC referral was withdrawn by NeuRizer in December 2021.
Subsequently in April 2023 NeuRizer re-referred the project to DCCEEW. On 16 November 2023 DCCEEW determined the proposal to be a controlled action with relevant controlling provisions pertaining to listed threatened species and communities and listed migratory species. For further information on the DCCEEW decision visit the DCCEEW website.
Frequently asked questions
The following frequently asked questions aims to provide the public with easily accessible and comprehensive responses to a range of questions asked by the public in relation to underground coal gasification. If you have a relevant questions not answered in the document, please contact us at DEM.Petroleum@sa.gov.au.
| Underground coal gasification in South Australia (PDF 351 KB) |
|---|
|
