The National Offshore Petroleum Safety & Environmental Management Agency (NOPSEMA) has reopened an investigation into alleged mercury exposure incidents on Inpex's Ichthys offshore platform facilities. This follows new information from the Offshore Alliance union, which initially raised concerns after workers were informed they had been exposed to mercury sulphate while erecting scaffolding inside dehydration scrubbers during a maintenance campaign in late August.

Incident Details and Union Concerns

According to union communications, work inside the scrubbers was cancelled due to excessive black soot. The crews were later told of their exposure to mercury sulphate. A significant point of contention raised by the union involves conflicting health test results. A worker reported dangerously high blood mercury levels, a finding allegedly contradicted by urine tests arranged by Inpex's contractor, Monadelphous, which indicated normal levels. These discrepancies have led to serious questions about the adequacy and reliability of the testing methods employed.

Regulatory and Company Response

NOPSEMA confirmed it commenced an investigation in October into the September incident and has now reopened that original investigation following the receipt of new union information. The regulator emphasized it takes all reports of hazardous substance exposure extremely seriously and is committed to ensuring workforce safety. Inpex confirmed that a substance observed on a vessel wall during the August shutdown was identified as mercury sulphide. The company stated work was immediately suspended, a risk assessment indicated a low health risk, and enhanced protective equipment was introduced before work safely resumed. Inpex notified NOPSEMA and conducted health screenings for affected personnel, with all results reportedly indicating normal mercury levels.

Broader Context of Environmental and Safety Concerns

This incident occurs amidst broader allegations regarding Inpex's operations. A worker at the onshore Ichthys LNG plant in Darwin expressed concerns about air quality and toxic chemical emissions, claiming management prioritizes production over safety and the environment. Separately, Inpex is under a federal investigation for underreporting emissions of toxic chemicals at the Ichthys project in 2023 and 2024. There have also been reported oil spills at the Darwin facility in recent years, with some volumes leaking into local mangroves.