Australian Government gives final approval to extend North West Shelf project

The massive North West Shelf gas project in Western Australian's Pilbara region has been granted final approval by the government, extending its potential operating life to 2070.

Environment Minister Murray Watt has placed 48 additional conditions on the project, aimed at protecting nearby ancient indigenous rock art. The Environment Minister stated the conditions would ensure that the project would be operated in a way that does not cause unacceptable impacts to the Murujuga rock art, including by restricting air emissions.

Specifically, he had imposed conditions that would require a reduction in certain gas emissions below their current levels. In some cases by 60% below their current levels by 2030, with ongoing reductions beyond that.