Inpex prosecuted for underreporting 557 tonnes of emissions

• The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority has launched prosecution against INPEX over toxic emissions.
• Shares in INPEX fell following news of the regulatory enforcement action in Darwin.
• Environmental authorities are moving to tighten licensing and reporting rules for liquefied natural gas processors.

The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority has begun prosecuting INPEX for under-reporting 556.9 tonnes of benzene emissions.

The company had originally reported emitting 4.12 tonnes of benzene before an internal review uncovered calculation errors.

"INPEX continues to work cooperatively with the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority," said INPEX Senior Vice President Corporate Bill Townsend.

Inpex stated that atmospheric monitoring in Darwin shows local air quality remains within safe government health guidelines.

The prosecution follows broader environmental group concerns over gas facility emissions operating near Darwin Harbour.

Territory regulators announced plans to strengthen ongoing emissions rules for regional liquefied natural gas processing plants.