The Arckaringa Basin: A Treasure Worth Protecting from Carbon Capture Storage Risks
Posted on: 2025-01-22 16:13:31
The Arckaringa Basin, nestled beneath the iconic outback town of Coober Pedy, is much more than an expanse of land. It is a vital resource that sustains the fragile desert ecosystem and provides lifeblood to its human and wildlife inhabitants. Yet, its stability and future are under threat once again, this time not from oil fracking but from the controversial practice of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
A Troubled History with SAPEX
Years ago, the town of Coober Pedy faced a battle with SAPEX, a company owned by the multinational Tristar Oil and Gas. Armed with exploration permits, including PEL 122 and PEL 123, SAPEX sought to exploit what they touted as trillions of dollars worth of oil beneath the basin. However, local residents stood firm, raising concerns about the stability of the region’s water supply and geological structure. Their resistance was unwavering, emphasising that the well-being of their community and environment far outweighed corporate profits.
After intense public opposition and objections voiced at meetings involving SAPEX, locals, and the South Australian Government’s Department of Energy and Mining, the government placed a moratorium on SAPEX’s licenses. The suspension lasted for years. Eventually SAPEX was delisted from the Australian Stock Exchange and relisted in Singapore. At the time, it seemed like a victory for the people and the environment.
A New Threat Emerges
However, recent developments have reignited concerns. According to a memorandum released by the Department of Energy and Mining (Source) SAPEX has handed over 100% of its license holding, PEL 121, PEL 122, and PEL 123, to CCS Arckaringa Pty Ltd, a company specialising in Carbon Capture and Storage. This handover signals a significant shift in the basin’s future, as CCS Arckaringa appears to be exploring the feasibility of using the Arckaringa Basin for carbon storage. Their intentions are further supported by a website, acvault.com.au, which boasts about leveraging the basin for this purpose.
The Dangers of Carbon Capture and Storage
While CCS is often touted as a solution to combat climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions underground, the risks associated with this technology are well-documented and deeply troubling. These include:
1. Groundwater Contamination: The injection of carbon dioxide into deep geological formations poses a significant risk to aquifers. CO2 can react with minerals, creating acidic conditions that may leach harmful substances into the water supply. For a region as arid as Coober Pedy, where water is a precious and scarce resource, this risk cannot be understated.
2. Seismic Activity: The pressurization of underground formations during CO2 injection can induce seismic activity. Even minor earthquakes can destabilise storage sites, causing leaks and jeopardising the safety of surrounding areas.
3. Health Risks to Humans and Wildlife: Leaks from CCS sites can release concentrated CO2, which is heavier than air. Such leaks can lead to oxygen displacement, causing heart malfunctions, respiratory issues, and, in severe cases, death. Wildlife, already vulnerable in the harsh outback environment, faces an increased threat from such incidents.
4. Long-Term Liability: The permanence of CO2 storage cannot be guaranteed. Over time, geological shifts and the degradation of storage materials can result in leaks, undoing any climate benefits and creating environmental disasters for future generations.
5. Economic Costs vs. Environmental Risks: The immense costs of CCS projects often divert resources from more sustainable and proven solutions like renewable energy development. Moreover, these projects’ financial feasibility is often prioritised over rigorous environmental and community safeguards.
The Call to Protect the Arckaringa Basin
The people of Coober Pedy have already demonstrated their commitment to protecting the Arckaringa Basin from exploitation. Allowing CCS exploration—let alone implementation—threatens to undermine these efforts and place the region at immense risk.
Instead of pursuing high-risk technological experiments, the government and industry should focus on fostering sustainable initiatives that respect the basin’s ecological and cultural significance. Groundwater stability, community safety, and the preservation of the unique geological structure must take precedence over corporate interests.
A United Stand
The people of Coober Pedy, environmentalists, and all who cherish the Arckaringa Basin must once again unite to protect it. The lessons learned from the SAPEX debacle are clear: corporate interests will not hesitate to sacrifice long-term environmental health for short-term gains. By raising awareness, demanding transparency, and holding decision-makers accountable, we can ensure that the Arckaringa Basin remains a treasure for generations to come.
Take Action
Together, let’s make our voices heard and protect what matters most—our land, water, and future.
Author: Jason Wright