While not strictly Australian news, the following was reported in The Australian newspaper on Monday 11th November and is relevant to all groups developing hot-dry-rock-type projects in Australia:

“Swiss engineers halted an experiment to extract geothermal heat...after it set off a

small earthquake in the nearby city of Basel. The tremor...measured 3.4 on the Richter

scale and caused widespread fear...Managers apologised for...the mishap, which

occurred after water was injected at high pressure into a 5 km-deep borehole...The

Basel public prosecutor launched an investigation into the government-subsidised

project."

This may become a local issue for any development close to population centres or major infrastructure. Note the involvement of lawyers! Any German speakers amongst you can find more information at www.geopower-basel.ch, www.geothermal.ch/e.html and www.seismo.ethz.ch/basel/.