Queensland Energy Resources
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Oil shale extraction |
| Founded | February 2004 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
| Products | Oil shale, shale oil, ultra-low sulphur diesel, aviation fuel |
| Website | www |
Queensland Energy Resources Limited (QERL) is an Australian enterprise specializing in oil shale extraction and shale oil extraction, with its headquarters located in Brisbane. The company is engaged in the development of the Stuart (Yarwun) and McFarlane oil shale ventures.
History
Formed in February 2004, Queensland Energy Resources Limited acquired the assets of the Stuart Oil Shale Project following the receivership of Southern Pacific Petroleum N.L. On 21 July 2004, QER announced the cessation of operations at its plant, citing economic viability and environmental issues. From 2005 through 2007, samples from its oil shale deposits underwent testing at a pilot facility in Rifle, Colorado, managed by Shale Technologies. On 14 August 2008, QER transitioned from utilizing the Alberta Taciuk Processor (ATP) to adopting the Paraho II technology, leading to the dismantling of the ATP-based plant and disposal of outdated equipment. Shortly thereafter, on 24 August 2008, the Queensland Government enacted a 20-year prohibition on oil shale mining at QER’s McFarlane deposit.
On 10 May 2010, QER revealed intentions to construct a small-scale shale oil demonstration facility at Yarwun, within the Stuart project area. The plant achieved its initial oil production on 6 October 2011 and by September 2012 was manufacturing premium ultra-low sulphur diesel alongside aviation fuel.
Following a comprehensive four-year industry review and environmental evaluation of QER’s activities, the Queensland Government granted approval in February 2013 for commercial oil shale development under stringent environmental safeguards. This decision permits QER to expand its demonstration facility at Gladstone into a commercial operation. Having concluded the demonstration phase successfully, QER is currently pursuing investment opportunities to establish a commercial-scale plant aimed at producing approximately 8,000 barrels per day of refined fuels.
Operations
Queensland Energy Resources possesses mining tenements covering multiple oil shale deposits across Queensland, Australia. Key assets include the extensive Stuart resource at Yarwun and the McFarlane deposit situated near Proserpine. The McFarlane site, recognized as one of Australia’s largest oil shale reserves, remains under a twenty-year mining ban. At Yarwun, QER operates a visitor center and has completed a successful technology demonstration utilizing Paraho II technology.