Linc Energy fined A$4.5m for environmental damage

Singapore

SINGAPORE-listed oil and gas company Linc Energy was on May 11 slapped with a A$4.5 million (S$4.54 million) fine by the Brisbane District court for serious environmental damage at its underground coal gasification (UGC) plant in Darling Downs, west of Queensland.

Linc Energy was found guilty on five counts of wilfully and unlawfully causing environmental harm. The company did not defend itself during the 10-week trial, which concluded that the firm was responsible for damage from toxic gas leaking from its operations between 2007 and 2013 in the Chinchilla area. Five former Linc Energy executives also face charges related to the UCG trial, and will face a committal hearing in Brisbane later this year.