Glencore responds to Queensland Government decision on CTSCo Project

Media statement
Brisbane, Australia

Glencore was notified today that the Queensland Government has rejected its CTSCo carbon capture and storage project in the Surat Basin.

This decision is disappointing and comes after a damaging misinformation campaign and political opportunism by multiple players.

The CTSCo Project was a test case for carbon capture and storage in Queensland and today's decision highlights the Queensland Government’s failure to reconcile conflicting legislative provisions to enable CCS projects in Queensland.

With this decision the Queensland Government has now effectively banned carbon capture and storage projects in Queensland.

It’s a missed opportunity for Queensland and sends mixed messages on emissions reduction to industry who are looking to invest in low emission technologies, including CCS. It is also in direct opposition to the Albanese Labor Government’s ongoing support for CCS.

If CCS is not available as an abatement option for industry it will have far-reaching ramifications for the resources sector which provides jobs for thousands of Queenslanders and is the cornerstone of the State economy.

It’s now up to the Queensland Government to explain how it's going to meet its ambitious emissions reduction targets in the absence of CCS technology for heavy industry – and ultimately, how much more that is going to cost every Queenslander.

CCS uses proven technology and is in operation elsewhere in Australia and around the world today.

Glencore will continue to consider opportunities for investing in CCS as a low emission technology which both the UNFCCC and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have indicated will be critical if the world is to achieve its climate change goals.

For further information, please contact:

Francis De Rosa
m: +61 417 074 751
e: Francis De Rosa

Nikki Accornero
m: +61 417 779 631
e: Nikki Accornero

Notes for editors

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 22 active mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters and refineries.

We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.

We employ 17,460 people in Australia and in 2023 contributed almost $23.5 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $12.9 billion with 7,000 businesses across the country, as well as $8.2 billion in government tax and royalty payments.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.

We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. Against a restated 2019 baseline, we are targeting to reduce our Scope 1, 2 and 3 industrial emissions by 15% by the end of 2026, 25% by the end of 2030, 50% by the end of 2035 and we have an ambition to achieve net zero industrial emissions by the end of 2050, subject to a supportive policy environment.

Learn more about Glencore Australia.