Leigh Creek – Urea Production Plant

The proposal

The proposal can generally be described as an industrial plant for the production of urea (a nitrogen based fertiliser for local and export agricultural markets). The proposal is located within the Leigh Creek Coal Fields (which are currently being rehabilitated) and would use synthesis gas (syngas) produced from a nearby in-situ gasification well-field as a feed stock and as fuel to generate electricity for on-site use.

A demonstration syngas plant has been the subject of approval processes under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 administered by the Department for Energy and Mining.

The plant would have an initial production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of urea, with a potential to increase to 2Mtpa.

The proposal includes the following components:

• ammonia synthesis plant
• urea synthesis plant
• urea granulation warehouse, conveyor and load out facility
• ancillary infrastructure, including permanent site offices / amenities, telecommunications and parking; construction camp (including temporary and permanent accommodation); water and power supply; effluent treatment and disposal; and surface water management
• temporary facilities, including: laydown and pre-assembly areas; construction compound; water storage dam; and concrete batching plant.

The proposal has been declared an ‘impact assessed’ development by the Minister for Planning.  The next step is for the proponent to lodge a detailed application to determine the assessment requirements for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.