Coal veteran sparks new geology passion trailblazing ISG operations
Leigh Creek Energy
LCK PEOPLE PROFILE: John Centofanti
/ Wednesday, 27 March 2019
John Centofanti knows coal.
Several decades working in the mining industry makes him the most experienced geologist and among the most important members of the team at Leigh Creek Energy (LCK). / Categories:
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He’s the Principal Geologist, managing Geology, GIS and Geotechnical aspects of LCK’s operations, and comes from humble beginnings on a rural South Australian property.
A geology degree from the University of South Australia set forward a career of expanding knowledge and industry influence through 16 years in Western Australia working in Iron Ore (BHP) and Mineral Sands (RGC), before moving to Central Queensland for 14 years at BHP’s coal mines.Certification confirms Leigh Creek Energy gas reserve largest in South Australia
John continues working with coal but instead utilises his vast experience trailblazing a path towards commercial operation of less conventional In-Situ Gasification (ISG) technologies.Leigh Creek Energy’s (LCK) syngas resource at Leigh Creek has received reserve certification, unlocking South Australia’s largest gas reserve for commercial use.
“I had been following the Carbon Energy ISG trials from the beginning and the ISG field has always peaked my interest,” John said. LCK received a PRMS certificate of 1,153PJ (petajoule) 2P syngas reserves, making Leigh Creek’s commercial deposit in the far north of SA larger than reserves currently located within the Cooper Basin.
“Using this technology, it opens up the opportunity for most of the world’s deep coals to be utilised in a cost-effective way without damaging the landscape with open cut mines.”
Commercial phase and scope for more gas upgrades
John’s time in the industry has seen him contribute to large-scale projects through exploration, mine geology, structural geology, geotechnical and resource geology.
LCK’s 2P Reserve of 1,153PJ is contained entirely within one of the three coal seams located within the Telford Basin, meaning there is additional opportunity for Reserve and Resource upgrades in the future from the other seams.
But the move to LCK and ISG is increasing John’s love for all things geological, and he says to be taking part in the pioneering development of ISG for major gas production in his home state makes working at LCK very exciting.
The size of the reserve and scope for more certifications at the former Leigh Creek coal mine site means LCK has capacity to enter both the pipeline gas and fertiliser production markets.
In his time at the company, John has overseen important operational elements of LCK’s successful Pre-Commercial Demonstration and underpins geological aspects of plans and strategy commercial production.
LCK’s Managing Director Phil Staveley said the company’s gas reserve is large enough to support operating 20 or more chambers in commercial applications for over 20 years.
“The experienced team at LCK are great to work with and I am excited to have the opportunity to learn about and further develop this growing field of gas production,” John said.
“LCK has achieved all its milestones, many of which the market doubted,” Mr Staveley said.
“I hope to continue to my knowledge about ISG into practice and use some of my 14 years’ experience in coal to develop the field of ISG information even further.
“We now have gas at Leigh Creek that has been independently certified as suitable for a commercial project, and unequivocally represents one of East Coast Australia’s largest undeveloped, uncontracted and undervalued gas reserves.”
“With the experienced team at LCK, I believe that LCK will become the world leader in ISG technology and operation.”
The company is working through negotiations with potential gas buyers for use on the domestic market, while it progresses the scoping aspects of the lucrative fertiliser business case.
CAPTION: John Centofanti is Leigh Creek Energy’s Principal Geologist and most trusted coal expert.Proof of environmental and safety credentials CAPTION: John Centofanti is Leigh Creek Energy’s Principal Geologist and most trusted coal expert.The company’s successful Pre-Commercial Demonstration (PCD) used In-Situ Gasification (ISG) technology to produce all its targeted commercial gases and flow rates from its former Leigh Creek coal mine site.
Flows came from a single chamber and were achieved safely and in accordance with the state government’s strict environmental and regulatory guidelines.
Mr Staveley said while reserve certification justifies commercial suitability, it is also a hallmark moment allowing LCK to provide proof of how a commercial ISG project can operate safely in accordance with environmental and regulatory guidelines.
“The regulator looked at the science and backed our expert staff with an Environmental Approval in April 2018,” Mr Staveley.
“This reserve certification justifies their decision and shuts the door on any argument suggesting ISG can’t operate in a commercial application safely and within environmental standards.”
Further information
• More detail can be found in LCK corresponding ASX announcement:
“The regulator looked at the science and backed our expert staff with an Environmental Approval in April 2018,” Mr Staveley.
Further information
