AUSTRALIA — The Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has released Black Mountain Energy’s ‘Valhalla’ project for an eight-week public comment period.
This development comes shortly after the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water received nearly 3,000 submissions opposing the proposal to frack in the Kimberley region.
The Valhalla project, proposed by Bennett Resources, a subsidiary of Black Mountain Energy, involves an unconventional exploration drilling and hydraulic fracture stimulation program within Petroleum Exploration Permit EP 371 in the Shire of Derby, West Kimberley.
The proposal area is located approximately 123 kilometres southeast of Derby.
Key aspects of the project include:
- Construction of up to 20 wells
- Targeting hydrocarbons in the Laurel Formation at depths between 2,000 and 4,000 metres
- A total disturbance footprint of 112 hectares
Black Mountain Energy aims to develop the Valhalla project to provide energy security and employment opportunities for Western Australia.
The company cites the project’s proximity to three key natural gas markets: WA domestic supply, eastern Australia, and potential export to Asia.
Environmental and community groups, including the Conservation Council of WA, Environs Kimberley, Seed, and Lock the Gate, have expressed concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the project.
These groups are calling on the WA government to extend the fracking ban currently in place in other parts of Western Australia, including the Kimberley region.
The public comment period for the Valhalla Gas Exploration and Appraisal Program is open until October 7, 2024.
This process allows interested parties to provide feedback on the Environmental Review Document prepared by the proponent.
As the project moves through the assessment process, it continues to generate debate about the balance between energy development and environmental conservation in the Kimberley region.
