Energy & Resources » Oil & Gas

Burgeoning global demand for energy, particularly in Asia, is driving development of coal seam gas in Queensland and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Western Australia.

The 2011 Fukushima disaster simultaneously reopened the nuclear debate and further highlighted LNG as a stable and viable energy alternative.

Despite rising capital costs, global super-majors like Chevron and Shell continue to invest in world class assets. Increasing investment in domestic projects by major regional corporates such as Inpex, CNOOC and PetroChina has also been a feature.

The past two years have seen users entering into very large, longer term sales contracts in a bid to secure supply in this highly competitive market. Corrs’ highly experienced team is providing companies like Woodside, with multi-layered strategic and structuring advice to maximise commercial outcomes while managing potential financial, community and environmental risks.

Our Experience

Ichthys Gas Field Development Project

Corrs is advising the majority shareholder, INPEX Browse Ltd, on the $24 billion Ichthys Gas Field Development project, representing the largest ever initial investment in an Australian resources project. A final investment decision on the project is expected by the end of 2011.

Corrs has worked with Inpex on various aspects of the project including the Onshore Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract.  Throughout, Corrs’ role has involved clearly assessing potential legal, regulatory, construction and procurement issues and devising effective structures and contracts to mitigate potential risks.

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Pluto LNG Project

Corrs has advised Woodside on the structure, planning and subsequent $3 billion proposed expansion of Woodside’s flagship Pluto LNG project. The project has involved developing innovative structures designed to facilitate financiability whilst preserving operator control over the hub.

Throughout the project, Corrs has worked closely with Woodside to advise on and prepare complex commercial agreements, negotiate with third parties and minimise complex commercial and tax problems, often within tight timeframes.

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Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) Project

Corrs is advising QGC on all aspects of the contract documentation required to procure pipeline infrastructure and water treatment, storage and disposal facilities and all aspects of land access, environmental and other approvals in relation to the project.

QCLNG is one of the world's largest coal seam gas to liquefied natural projects involving a $15 billion investment by BG Group, QGC’s parent.

Challenges included the large land area (requiring construction of a 400-kilometre pipeline), managing government and environmental concerns, traversing complex regulations and drafting and implementing major international supply and construction contracts.

Corrs’ cross-disciplinary team worked closely with BG Group’s business units to address multi-jurisdictional issues, co-ordinate documentation, develop a common approach to project risk management and deliver the landmark project.

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Our Thinking

Investing in mining related infrastructure – what investors and contractors should know

Australia’s vast mining and resources sector has an unquenchable thirst for infrastructure. Billions of dollars needs to be invested in roads, railways and port facilities to support the sector’s export chain.

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Recent environmental decisions concerning energy & resources projects

This In Brief addresses three recent cases of relevance to Energy & Resources Projects.

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Corrs in Brief: From East to West - Implications for the mining and energy and resources industries arising from recent developments in security of payment cases.

In planning for mining and energy and resources development and any ancillary services, industry participants should consider the operation of the SOP Acts in determining how to structure related contracts.

Download

Investing in the Australian mining industry: A focus on coal and iron ore

Australia is a country with vast mineral wealth; a stable political, legal and economic environment; a highly skilled and productive workforce; and a welcoming attitude to foreign investment - making it a favourite destination for foreign investors.

Download

Our Experts

Bev Kennedy.jpg

Beverly Kennedy

Partner Location Melbourne Profile
Bruce Adkins.jpg

Bruce Adkins

Partner Location Brisbane Profile
DeFLAMINGJackWEB

Jack de Flamingh

Partner Location Sydney Profile
John Kelly.jpg

John Kelly

Partner Location Brisbane Profile
Matthew Knox.jpg

Matthew Knox

Partner Location Perth Profile
HARRISONMichaelWEB

Michael Harrison

Partner Location Sydney Profile
ICKERINGILLPeterWEB

Peter Ickeringill

Partner Location Melbourne Profile
Peter Jarosek.jpg

Peter Jarosek

Partner Location Perth Profile
HARDING FARRENBERGRommelWEB

Rommel Harding-Farrenberg

Partner Location Sydney Profile
ShaunMcGushin.jpg

Shaun McGushin

Partner Location Sydney Profile

Our Experience

Ichthys Gas Field Development Project

Corrs is advising the majority shareholder, INPEX Browse Ltd, on the $24 billion Ichthys Gas Field Development project, representing the largest ever initial investment in an Australian resources project. A final investment decision on the project is expected by the end of 2011.

Corrs has worked with Inpex on various aspects of the project including the Onshore Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract.  Throughout, Corrs’ role has involved clearly assessing potential legal, regulatory, construction and procurement issues and devising effective structures and contracts to mitigate potential risks.

Pluto LNG Project

Corrs has advised Woodside on the structure, planning and subsequent $3 billion proposed expansion of Woodside’s flagship Pluto LNG project. The project has involved developing innovative structures designed to facilitate financiability whilst preserving operator control over the hub.

Throughout the project, Corrs has worked closely with Woodside to advise on and prepare complex commercial agreements, negotiate with third parties and minimise complex commercial and tax problems, often within tight timeframes.

Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) Project

Corrs is advising QGC on all aspects of the contract documentation required to procure pipeline infrastructure and water treatment, storage and disposal facilities and all aspects of land access, environmental and other approvals in relation to the project.

QCLNG is one of the world's largest coal seam gas to liquefied natural projects involving a $15 billion investment by BG Group, QGC’s parent.

Challenges included the large land area (requiring construction of a 400-kilometre pipeline), managing government and environmental concerns, traversing complex regulations and drafting and implementing major international supply and construction contracts.

Corrs’ cross-disciplinary team worked closely with BG Group’s business units to address multi-jurisdictional issues, co-ordinate documentation, develop a common approach to project risk management and deliver the landmark project.

Our Thinking

Investing in the Australian mining industry: A focus on coal and iron ore

Australia is a country with vast mineral wealth; a stable political, legal and economic environment; a highly skilled and productive workforce; and a welcoming attitude to foreign investment - making it a favourite destination for foreign investors.

Investing in mining related infrastructure – what investors and contractors should know

Australia’s vast mining and resources sector has an unquenchable thirst for infrastructure. Billions of dollars needs to be invested in roads, railways and port facilities to support the sector’s export chain.

Corrs in Brief: From East to West - Implications for the mining and energy and resources industries arising from recent developments in security of payment cases.

In planning for mining and energy and resources development and any ancillary services, industry participants should consider the operation of the SOP Acts in determining how to structure related contracts.

Recent environmental decisions concerning energy & resources projects

This In Brief addresses three recent cases of relevance to Energy & Resources Projects.

Our Experts

Bev Kennedy.jpg

Beverly Kennedy

Partner Melbourne +61 3 9672 3404
Bruce Adkins.jpg

Bruce Adkins

Partner Brisbane + 61 7 3228 9431
DeFLAMINGJackWEB

Jack de Flamingh

Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6192
John Kelly.jpg

John Kelly

Partner Brisbane +61 7 3228 9368
Matthew Knox.jpg

Matthew Knox

Partner Perth +61 8 9460 1602
HARRISONMichaelWEB

Michael Harrison

Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6429
ICKERINGILLPeterWEB

Peter Ickeringill

Partner Melbourne +61 3 9672 3495
Peter Jarosek.jpg

Peter Jarosek

Partner Perth +61 8 9460 1804
HARDING FARRENBERGRommelWEB

Rommel Harding-Farrenberg

Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6366
ShaunMcGushin.jpg

Shaun McGushin

Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6915