Industry News

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is injecting $3.9 million into NT resource exploration, awarding 38 grants to 30 companies through the latest Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations (GDC) program.

Round 18 of the program is supporting 38 projects through the $9.5 million Resourcing the Territory initiative, which accelerates exploration, discovery and local jobs.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the grants demonstrate the Territory Government’s strong commitment to rebuilding the economy through responsible resource development.

The Territory’s value of mineral production in 2023/24 was $4.32 billion.

The mining sector forms the greatest contributor to the Territory’s own-sourced revenue from eight operating mines, and millions of dollars spent annually on mineral exploration.

“This flagship program gives companies a clear incentive to invest in exploration here in the Territory, rather than interstate,” said Mr Maley.

“It also rewards those willing to innovate and test new techniques to unlock the Territory’s vast mineral potential and bring forward the next wave of discoveries.”

The successful applicants include 14 greenfields drilling programs, 6 brownfields diamond drilling programs, 10 regional geophysical surveys, 7 innovative targeting projects, and one project under the advancing critical minerals category.

Eleven of the successful companies have never received co-funding before.

More than half of the co-funded projects are targeting critical minerals, including copper, rare earth elements, lithium, and fluorite, which places the Territory in a strong position to support the global transition to low-emissions economy through green technology.

“It’s encouraging to see the majority of these co-funded programs focusing on the critical minerals that are essential to the global energy transition,” said Mr Maley.

“These projects will help build the Territory’s critical minerals pipeline, support local jobs, and drive long-term economic growth.”

Nine of the co-funded projects will provide work for locally based contractors providing services such as earthworks, drilling, and laboratory analysis, with approximately $88,900 awarded for the Territory Supplier Incentive (TSI) funding.

The Territory Suppler Incentive provides up to $10,000 per project in additional funding to support service and supply by Territory-based companies.

Copper was the most commonly targeted commodity, featuring in nearly one-third of successful applications.

Other projects are targeting gold, uranium, diamonds and hydrocarbons, highlighting the diverse resource potential of the Territory.

The Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies consistently ranks the Northern Territory among the world’s top jurisdictions for mineral potential, something the Finocchiaro CLP Government is actively working to leverage for the benefit of all Territorians.

“We are committed to making the Northern Territory the best place in Australia for exploration, private investment, and job creation,” said Mr Maley.

More information and the full list of successful grant recipients is available at: https://resourcingtheterritory.nt.gov.au/exploration-grants.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Empire Energy Group Limited (“Empire” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexander Hunter as Chief Financial Officer effective 3 June 2025.

Mr Hunter has 20 years’ experience in the energy and resources sector with a focus on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and corporate financial management. He has worked for the past six years providing corporate finance and M&A consulting services to listed and unlisted energy and mining companies. He has held senior executive roles in ASX listed companies including Chief Financial Officer of Elk Petroleum and General Manager of Business Development for Drillsearch Energy.

In these roles he was instrumental in rationalising and growing the businesses through successful asset sales and acquisitions, equity and debt capital raisings, public market mergers and takeovers, post-merger integration and growth of the business finance teams & financial management capabilities.

Mr Hunter was previously a senior executive at RFC Ambrian where he specialised in resources, energy and industrial company mergers and acquisitions and capital raising. Prior to his career in finance, he held engineering and project management roles in civil construction and infrastructure development projects in Australia.

He has a Bachelor of Engineering, an MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and holds postgraduate qualifications in applied finance business law.

The deep experience and skills that Mr Hunter brings to the company will be critical as Empire transitions to Beetaloo Basin gas producer. Robin Polson has retired from the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr Polson joined Empire as a commercial advisor to the Company in September 2021 and was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in July 2022.

During his tenure, Mr Polson played a critical role in the negotiation of Empire’s gas sales agreement with the Northern Territory Government, under which Empire will supply up to 25 TJ / day to the local NT market for up to 10 years. Mr Polson played an important role in negotiating and executing the $65 million credit facility with Macquarie Bank Limited which is supporting the development of the Carpentaria Pilot Project, and in the successful completion of our US asset divestiture program, as a result of which Empire is now a Beetaloo / McArthur Basin pure play.

Comments from Managing Director Alex Underwood:

“We are delighted that Alex Hunter is joining Empire Energy at such a crucial time for the company. As we transition to gas production the company operations will continue to grow in both scale and complexity, and Alex brings the right mix of corporate and commercial experience to help the Empire team deliver that growth and create value for Empire shareholders. We thank Robin Polson for his dedicated service to the Company over the last 4 years, a period during which Empire has materially progressed from explorer towards the commencement of production. The entire Empire team wishes Robin well.”

Source: ASX ANNOUNCEMENT

The Finocchiaro CLP Government welcomes the growing petroleum investment and exploration activity in the Northern Territory’s gas sector, as a vote of confidence in the Territory’s attractive regulatory environment and world-class natural resources.

This week, Echelon Resources announced it had completed the acquisition of 100% interest and ownership of petroleum Exploration Permit (EP) 145, located in the Amadeus Basin in Central Australia.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the CLP Government’s year of action, certainty, and security is being realised, with strong momentum in the energy sector.

“Acquisitions like this show that industry has real confidence in the Northern Territory and the clear, consistent approach the CLP Government is delivering,” said Mr Maley.

“We’re providing the certainty investors and proponents need to back projects that create jobs, grow the economy, and bring real benefits to communities across the Territory.”

Echelon Resources, an agile Australasian-focused energy exploration and production company based in Wellington, New Zealand, acquired EP145 from London Stock Exchange-listed Mosman Oil & Gas.

Echelon is already a key partner in the Territory’s gas-producing Mereenie, Palm Valley, and Dingo fields, which underpin the local gas industry.

Situated near the Mereenie gas field, EP145 presents significant potential for new resource exploration and development, benefiting from proximity to existing infrastructure.

Echelon Resources has also announced that in 2026 it will acquire a geophysical survey over part of EP145, in the form of a 3-dimensional or 3D seismic survey.

 These surveys allow explorers to visualise the subsurface in three dimensions, making it easier to target and model potential accumulations of gas compared to conventional 2D seismic surveys.

Echelon’s intent is to tie any such gas resources into nearby existing infrastructure and supply it to the Northern Territory gas market as soon as possible.

This 3D survey will be the largest acquired to date in the Amadeus Basin, which has been producing gas consistently since the 1980’s.

“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of Echelon’s exploration efforts and wish them success as they continue to build on the Territory’s status as a leading energy hub in Central Australia,” said Minister Maley.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

The floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit to be put to work by Santos is on its way from Singapore to the Barossa field. 

Fully commissioned and ready for offshore deployment, the BW Opal left Seatrium's Tuas Boulevard Yard on May 28 to be tugged to the waters off Australia's Northern Territory.

According to BW Offshore, hook-up operations are set to start as soon as the vessel arrives at the destination and will be followed by the start-up phase, which includes offshore commissioning, well clean-up, and preparation for gas export, targeted for Q3 2025.  

The BW Opal is set to have a 25-year offshore lifespan. 

The vessel is 358m long and 64m wide and has 230 MW of installed power, gas processing facilities of 850 million standard cubic feet per day, as well as the capacity to process 11,000 barrels per day of stabilised condensate. 

According to Seatrium, efficiencies and modern tech on the FPSO will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15% compared to traditional systems, translating to a reduction of up to 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over the asset's life. 

In April this year, Santos finally secured a critical element of regulatory approval for its $5.8 billion Barossa gas project, as NOPSEMA signed off on a key pipeline production plan. The approval allowed Santos to begin final commissioning activities, bringing the long-delayed project a step closer to first gas.  

At the time a Santos spokesperson confirmed to Energy News Bulletin "Barossa remains on track for first gas in the third quarter of 2025 and within cost guidance."  

The environment plan for production operations accepted by NOPSEMA covers six subsea wells connected to the soon to arrive BW Opal vessel. 

Under its EP, gas will be piped 262 kilometres to the Darwin LNG facility, replacing supply from the aging Bayu-Undan field. At the same time, condensate will be offloaded by tanker. 

Source: Energy New Bulletin

The 2025 Australian Energy Producers Conference and Exhibition has been an important opportunity to showcase the Northern Territory’s critical role in Australia’s energy future. 

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro used the opportunity to reinforce the reform which has been delivered by her new government to deliver confidence and certainty.

“The feedback we received is that the economic and regulatory reform we have delivered in just nine months is restoring investor confidence," said Mrs Finocchiaro.

Speaking at the conference as part of a panel on gas exploration and the economy, Mrs Finocchiaro reinforced that the Territory is open for business.

“It is clear that momentum is building, and all eyes are looking north to the Territory," she said.

Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley hosted an industry breakfast showcasing the Beetaloo to a packed room of people who were eager to learn more about the strategic advantages and benefits of Territory gas. 

“The strong turnout at the NT Minister’s Breakfast with Beetaloo, which is the first NT-focused event to be held at the AEP conference in several years, shows just how much interest there is in Territory gas and the enormous potential of the Beetaloo Sub-basin,” said Mr Maley.

"We heard directly from Beetaloo gas industry leaders Empire Energy, Santos, Tamboran Resources and Daly Waters Energy who all backed in our government’s pro-gas, pro-business approach and the reforms we’ve made to help them attract capital investment and bring the Beetaloo into production. 

"This conference also gave us the chance to engage with major players from the US shale gas industry such as Liberty Energy and Halliburton who are bringing decades of experience to the Territory to help unlock the Beetaloo’s full potential. 

"Having a strong NT delegation including myself, the Chief Minister, Department executives, and the Territory Coordinator sent a clear message to the energy sector: we’re serious about making the NT a key player in powering the nation, with the most cost-effective, timely, and emissions friendly potential solution to the emerging East Coast gas crisis.”

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said: "It was a pleasure to host the Northern Territory Government at the Australian Energy Producers Conference and Exhibition in Brisbane this week."

"The Chief Minister has made it clear that the Territory is open for business and is leading by example in removing regulatory barriers and providing certainty for investment," she said.

"The NT Government recognises natural gas is essential to the Territory’s economic growth and energy security; powering homes, industry, and supporting thousands of local jobs. 

"Projects like the Barossa development and the Beetaloo Basin are key to accelerating economic growth and delivering reliable and affordable energy for Territorians." 

Mrs Finocchiaro added: "Our message was clear, as part of our year of action, certainty and security we are restoring confidence and certainty in the future of the Territory."

"Territorians know that we have everything this country needs to deliver affordable, reliable and cleaner energy; this conference gave us the opportunity to showcase that on the national and international stage," she said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today reaffirmed its commitment to the Territory Energy Link – a proposed multi-user, multi-asset infrastructure corridor stretching from Elliott to Darwin.

A tender has been awarded to provide on-demand specialist technical advice to the project team.

This expert support will drive corridor planning and pipeline development, ensuring the 670km priority section is development-ready by 2028.

Formerly known as the Tennant Creek to Darwin Infrastructure Corridor, the Territory Energy Link project will deliver a buried services corridor designed to carry gas, water, optical fibre, hydrogen and other utilities critical to the Territory’s future.

Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the project was a flagship initiative in the CLP Government’s year of action, certainty and security.

"The Territory Energy Link is the kind of enabling infrastructure that delivers real outcomes – not just talk,” said Mr Yan.

“It will connect the Beetaloo to Darwin and the world, laying the foundations for billions in investment and thousands of local jobs.”

The Territory Energy Link is key to unlocking private investment and accelerating projects that will rebuild the Northern Territory economy, especially in and around the Beetaloo Sub-Basin.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said: "The Territory Energy Link project reflects our government’s strategic and proactive approach to attracting and facilitating major, generational investments in the Northern Territory, through energy, infrastructure and logistics programs.

"Securing of tenure is commonly cited as one of the largest material risks to project viability by proponents, and our government has pledged to provide certainty and security to industry and investors, to unlock decades of prosperity for Territorians,” said Mr Maley.

The project will support the coordinated development of gas, hydrogen and critical minerals industries, while also future-proofing infrastructure for services like water and fibre optics.

“This isn’t just pipes in the ground. It’s about building confidence, securing jobs, and ensuring the Territory leads the nation in next-generation energy and infrastructure,” said Mr Yan.

As part of the CLP Government’s plan to rebuilding the economy, the Territory Energy Link delivers long-term economic and strategic benefits for the Territory, and Australia.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, has appointed Stuart Knowles as the Territory Coordinator.

Mr Knowles has been acting in the role since November last year.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Knowles' appointment as Territory Coordinator for four years meant the government could focus on delivering its promise to rebuild the economy.

“Stuart has extensive experience across both private and public sectors and brings a wealth of local knowledge through his deep connections and understanding of the Northern Territory’s unique challenges and opportunities," she said.

"In our year of action, certainty and security we are charging ahead with rebuilding the economy and the Territory Coordinator has a crucial role to play."

In March, the CLP Government passed the Territory Coordinator Bill in Parliament, delivering on its commitment to streamline decision-making and ensure a more coordinated response to supporting significant and complex developments in the Territory.

“The Territory Coordinator strengthens our ability to deliver economic growth, attract investment, and streamline processes," said Mrs Finocchiaro.

The Territory Coordinator will work closely with government agencies, industry, and key stakeholders to prioritise projects, facilitate approvals, and ensure the Territory remains competitive on a national and global stage.

The Territory Coordinator legislation underwent rigorous consultation with industry, community groups, and key stakeholders to ensure it delivers real benefits for Territorians.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom 

Highlights

• Tamboran and Daly Waters Energy, LP (DWE) have signed a binding agreement to finalize the checkerboard of the joint acreage position across EPs 76, 98 and 117.
• In conjunction with the checkerboard, Tamboran and DWE have entered into a binding agreement whereby DWE will acquire a non-operating and noncontrolling interest in 100,000 acres within two areas for a consideration of US$15 million. The transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent and regulatory approvals.
• On completion, Tamboran will have retained approximately 1.9 million net prospective, development-ready acres across the Beetaloo Basin.
• Tamboran has reserved 406,693 gross acres as its Phase 2 Development Area, located immediately north of the Pilot Area, where Tamboran plans to focus development on supplying gas into Australia’s East Coast domestic gas market.
• On completion of the sale to DWE, Tamboran is expected to hold 236,370 net acres (58.12% operated interest) over the Phase 2 Development Area, with DWE (19.38%) and Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon) (22.5%) holding the remaining interest.
• Tamboran has engaged RBC Capital Markets to commence a formal farm-down of the Phase 2 Development Area. The formal process will commence on release of the IP30 flow test from the Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack (SS-2H ST1) well, planned for June 2025. DWE will have participation rights to any transaction on the same terms.
• Ownership of the proposed northern Pilot Area, which will provide initial gas production to the Northern Territory, remains unchanged (Tamboran 47.5% operator) with expansion into the proposed southern Pilot Area (Tamboran 38.75%) anticipated in accordance with the terms of the acreage sale. Future working interests are subject to participation of parties in the Joint Venture.
• Tamboran will hold 77.5% operating interest in the remaining half of the ex-EP 76, 98 and 117 acreage positions following the completion of the checkboard process, with Falcon holding the remaining 22.5% interest.

Source: Tamboran Resources Press Realease 

Stage 3 tender award

The Australian Government and Northern Territory Government are progressing major upgrades to the Carpentaria Highway.

A tender has been awarded to Exact Contracting Pty Ltd for the design and construction of Stage 3 of the works. The Stage 3 upgrades will deliver a dual lane seal from chainage 140km to 175km of the Highway. The upgrades include the construction of a new two-lane sealed October Creek Bridge.

The works will include reconstructing, widening, lifting and other flood immunity improvements. The upgrades will improve safety and travel times, reduce vehicle operating costs and improve flood immunity to increase year round access.

The Stage 3 construction is planned to commence in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2025.

During construction, detours and traffic management will be in place to reduce any impact to nearby businesses, properties and all road users.

About the project

The Carpentaria Highway is a key access road to Borroloola and the Beetaloo Sub-basin, and an important service route for the growing mining, pastoral, tourism and agricultural industries.

To enable the developing industries to benefit from the opportunities that are present in the region, there is a reliance on the surrounding road infrastructure to provide efficient transport connections.

The Carpentaria Highway upgrades are being delivered in five stages:

• Stage 1 CH2km to 50km – completed September 2024.
• Stage 2 CH50km to 140km – construction is underway, expected completion in June 2025.
• Stage 3 CH140km to 175km – contract awarded for design and construction.
• Stage 4 Carpentaria and Stuart Highway intersection upgrade - design underway.
• Stage 5 CH175km to 270km - planning and investigation in progress.

Source: Carpentaria Highway major upgrade website

MEREENIE OIL AND GAS FIELD (OL4 AND OL5) – NORTHERN TERRITORY CTP - 25% interest (and Operator), Echelon Mereenie Pty Ltd - 42.5%, Horizon Australia Energy Pty Ltd - 25%, Cue Mereenie Pty Ltd - 7.5%

Average gross gas sales from the Mereenie field were 9% higher than the previous quarter, averaging 27.2 TJ/d (100% JV). Production rates (net of system use gas) reached as high as 32 TJ/d during the quarter, following the successful drilling and commissioning of two new production wells, WM29 and WM30, in January and February, adding approximately 9 TJ/d of production capacity.

The sales capacity of the Mereenie field was approximately 31.5 TJ/d (100% JV) at the end of the quarter. There were minor impacts on sales volumes during the quarter due to a wireline programme which required the temporary shut-in of wells.

Oil sales averaged 355 bbls/d (100% JV) during the quarter.

Successful Mereenie drilling program

Two new production wells were successfully drilled and commissioned at Mereenie during the quarter. Similar to our last drilling program at Mereenie, the wells were designed to maximise production rate potential by applying air drilling techniques in a highly deviated well bore at crestal locations.

The first well, WM29, was brought online on 20 January. The second well, WM30, which spud on 16 January was brought online on 26 February. Both of these commencement dates were ahead of schedule. Combined, the two new wells initially increased Mereenie sales gas capacity (total wellhead production capacity less system use gas) by circa 9 TJ/d, significantly exceeding pre-drill expectations.

The project was delivered safely to an accelerated schedule with a total delivered cost under the budgeted $8 million (CTP 25% share).

PALM VALLEY (OL3) – NORTHERN TERRITORY

CTP - 50% interest (and Operator), Echelon Palm Valley Pty Ltd - 35%, Cue Palm Valley Pty Ltd - 15%

Production from the Palm Valley field averaged 7.1 TJ/d over the quarter (Central share: 3.55 TJ/d), 6% lower than the previous quarter due to an interruption for planned maintenance and natural field decline. S

ales capacity was approximately 7.3 TJ/d (100% JV) at the end of the quarter.

The Palm Valley JV has been progressing permitting and approvals for two new Palm Valley appraisal wells to increase field production capacity, subject to market conditions and a joint venture final investment decision.

DINGO GAS FIELD (L7) – NORTHERN TERRITORY

CTP - 50% interest (and Operator), Echelon Dingo Pty Ltd - 35%, Cue Dingo Pty Ltd - 15%

The Dingo gas field supplies gas directly to the Owen Springs Power Station in Alice Springs. Sales volumes were 5% lower than the seasonal-high previous quarter, averaging 4.3 TJ/d (Central share: 2.13 TJ/d). Central is considering opportunities to expand the Dingo plant, however this will be entirely subject to market conditions and successful gas contracting, and a joint venture final investment decision. 

Source: Central Petroleum Announcements