Indigenous Land Owner Wins Case to Halt Seismic Blasting Activity for Major Project

“More obstacles are being put in the way of critical energy developments,” said Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch.

An undated handout photo shows Woodside's Cossack Pioneer oil production facility off the northwest coast of Australia. AFP via Getty Images

Industry groups say a legal decision not to approve seismic blasting for a major energy project will have a chilling effect on future developments.

On Sept. 28, Indigenous Mardudhunera woman Raelene Cooper successfully challenged Woodside Energy’s plan to conduct the activity off the coast of northern Western Australia as part of the company’s Scarborough Gas Project.