Palmer calls for 'breather' in coal seam gas expansion
Now also a political aspirant, Mr Palmer issued a statement on Thursday urging the coal seam gas industry to slow down until more was known about its impact on people and the environment. "Let's take a breather," he said. "Lives are a lot more important than the extraction of coal seam gas."
NSW Chief Scientist Mary O'Kane released a report this week that found coal seam gas drilling could pose health and environmental challenges and required more research.
Mr Palmer is running for Federal Parliament under the banner of the Palmer United Party, and his comments are likely to be a pitch to rural voters in NSW who are concerned Queensland's coal seam gas boom could repeated in their regions.
"This report raises serious questions about human health, the effects on the environment and water in particular, landholders' legal rights and industry regulation and compliance," Mr Palmer said.
"All governments and companies involved should put their personal interests on hold and support a thorough investigation into these concerns."
But Mr Palmer's comments appear to be at odds with some of his businesses , most notably at his nickel refinery near Townsville.
The refinery has used coal seam gas for power since BHP Billiton owned it about 2006, and its reliance on the gas has increased under Mr Palmer's ownership.
In a statement last September, Mr Palmer's company announced a roaster at the refinery would be converted from fuel oil to coal seam gas to reduce the refinery's carbon footprint, reduce energy costs and improve its nickel recoveries.
When asked how his call for the industry to "take a breather" sat with his company's use of coal seam gas, Mr Palmer said the comparisons were irrelevant.
"It's to do with coal seam gas development, that's an already developed area," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Clive Palmer called for a pause on new coal seam gas developments, urging the industry to "take a breather" until there is more known about the impacts on people and the environment.
Palmer cited a recent NSW Chief Scientist report that found coal seam gas drilling could pose health and environmental challenges and said all governments and companies should support a thorough investigation into these concerns.
The report found coal seam gas drilling could present health and environmental challenges and raised questions about impacts on human health, water, landholders' legal rights, and industry regulation and compliance, calling for more research.
Yes. The article says Palmer’s nickel refinery near Townsville has used coal seam gas for power since about 2006 and has increased its reliance on the gas under his ownership; the refinery also converted a roaster from fuel oil to coal seam gas to cut its carbon footprint, reduce energy costs and improve nickel recoveries.
The article notes Palmer’s public call for a pause appears at odds with his businesses’ reliance on coal seam gas, but Palmer responded that the comparison was irrelevant and framed his call as applying to new coal seam gas development rather than already developed areas.
Palmer is running for Federal Parliament under the Palmer United Party, and the article says his comments are likely aimed at rural NSW voters who worry a Queensland-style coal seam gas boom could repeat in their regions.
Based on the article, companies that rely on coal seam gas could face increased scrutiny, calls for investigations, and potential regulatory or community pushback — factors investors may want to monitor closely.
Investors should watch for follow-up actions such as additional government or scientific investigations, regulatory responses, company statements about fuel use (like refinery conversions), and any political developments tied to the Palmer United Party that could affect energy and regional policy.
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