ESG Enforcement Tracker

In October 2025, Ichthys LNG Pty Ltd informed the NT EPA that emissions from its Ichthys LNG facility had been significantly under-reported. The facility operates under Environment Protection Licence EPL 228, which requires annual reporting of total emissions to air.

Following that disclosure, the NT EPA undertook investigations into the reported emissions data and broader regulatory reviews concerning emissions monitoring and reporting at LNG facilities operating in the Darwin airshed. The regulator subsequently required independent reviews and audits of the facility’s emissions estimation methodology.

On 5 August 2026, the NT EPA announced that it had commenced prosecution proceedings against Ichthys LNG Pty Ltd. The charges relate to the alleged failure to comply with a condition of Environment Protection Licence EPL 228 with under-reporting of benzene and toluene emissions between 2019 and 2024.

The prosecution follows a wider review of LNG environmental licences prompted by the emissions reporting issues identified at the facility. In July 2026, the NT EPA endorsed 23 recommendations aimed at strengthening the regulation of LNG emissions, including enhanced monitoring, reporting and transparency requirements, and the installation of continuous emissions monitoring equipment at major emission sources.

The NT EPA has stated that it will not provide further comment while the matter is before the courts. No findings have yet been made in relation to the alleged licence breaches.