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Two activists from Extinction Rebellion were arrested on Monday morning after causing a disruption at the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library, where Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) delegates converged for a tour during day one of their conference.

The two protestors refused to comply with police directions, conducting a sit in, and were taken into custody. One of the protesters gave ‘Gina Rinehart’ as their name to police.

Around 30 others also participated in the action, preventing a bus load of APPEA delegates from entering the facility.

Extinction Rebellion South Australia, teaming up with a number of interstate activists, have planned a series of protest actions to coincide with the APPEA conference, taking place in Tarntanya (Adelaide) from 14-18 May. APPEA describes itself as “the voice of oil and gas”.

Protesters greet APPEA delegates at the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library. Photo: Matt Hrkac

Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Brad Homewood said the action sends a “loud and clear message” and that “we won’t stand by while these people commit to more fossil fuel projects.”

“We know that delegates from the APPEAA conference were here to tour [the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library]. We’re here to blockade their conference this week because they’ve lost their social license.”

“Every project they engage in is a death sentence for people and the natural world; and we’re here to let them know that we won’t stand by it.”

Extinction Rebellion protesters occupy the foyer of the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library. Photo: Matt Hrkac