NOPSEMA Issues General Direction to Inpex Over Mercury Management Failures

Australia's offshore regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety & Environmental Management Agency (NOPSEMA), has issued a general direction notice to Japanese operator Inpex following an investigation into alleged mercury poisoning and potential worker exposure on the Ichthys central processing facility (CPF). The investigation, reopened in December 2025, was prompted by the Offshore Alliance alerting the watchdog after Ichthys platform workers were informed in late August 2025 that they had been exposed to mercury sulphate.

Key Findings of the Investigation

NOPSEMA's acting deputy chief executive, Wouter Pattynama, reported that Inpex is undertaking activities inconsistent with the assumptions, controls, and implementation arrangements described in its accepted Environment Plan (EP). Critical systems and processes for managing hazardous substances and associated emissions are not being implemented or are operating outside the conditions assessed in the EP. The regulator's inspection found that ongoing bypasses and altered operation of mercury management system components had materially changed the facility's emissions and discharge profile from what was originally approved.

Requirements of the General Direction Notice

The notice requires Inpex to engage an independent specialist to assess mercury management and submit a report on the environmental consequences of released mercury and contributing factors. Inpex has 45 days to select the specialist, with the assessment to be completed within 120 days of NOPSEMA's written acceptance of the proposed specialist. Additionally, Inpex must submit and implement a mercury management plan, including measures to eliminate or minimize emissions to reduce impacts and risks to as low as reasonably practicable. The regulator emphasized that key EP implementation processes, such as the liquid effluent management plan, are not being appropriately implemented, leading to insufficient assurance that the activity is being effectively managed.

Inpex's Response

Bill Townsend, Inpex senior vice president corporate, acknowledged the general direction and stated the company is working constructively with NOPSEMA to address the matters raised and strengthen systems and controls. He noted that worker health screening, conducted in accordance with Safe Work Australia guidance, found mercury levels within the range typically observed in the general population. Townsend reiterated that workforce safety and environmental protection remain the company's highest priorities.

Related Incident: Worker Suicide

Separately, ABC News reported that a widow is calling for a coronial inquest after her husband, Laurence Harbeck, a process control engineer on the Ichthys offshore facilities, died by suicide in November 2024. Townsend expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating Inpex's immediate priority was to support his family and colleagues. He confirmed that Inpex worked with Western Australia Police and NOPSEMA on an independent investigation, which recently concluded, and respected the family's request to liaise directly with their lawyer. Townsend added that Inpex would like to privately meet with the family if they wish to speak.