Industry News

Highlights

• Over 300 delegates from across Australia and overseas will visit Alice Springs on 14-15 April for the Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES) 2026.

• AGES is one of Australia’s leading technical resource exploration conferences.

• The event offers the latest geoscience data, trusted research and exploration highlights from across the NT to increase exploration activity and unlock new areas for development.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is reaffirming its commitment to growing the exploration sector at the Annual Geoscience Exploration Conference (AGES) in Alice Springs.

As the sector’s key technical and networking forum, AGES remains central to the Government’s strategy to support exploration, attract investment and drive growth in the Territory’s resources sector.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said in our year of growth, certainty and security, the Northern Territory is uniquely positioned to unlock its vast mineral and resources potential, including the opportunity presented by the Beetaloo Sub-basin.

“Events like AGES showcase the Territory’s significant mineral and energy potential and highlight why the NT remains one of the most exciting exploration destinations in the world,” Mr Maley said.

“Our CLP government is focused on creating the right environment for investment and development so we can deliver jobs for Territorians, support regional communities and keep our economy strong into the future.

“This is why we are committed to supporting a strong exploration sector through high-quality geoscience data, targeted incentives and the boosting of our long-standing exploration grants program."

Significantly, this year’s AGES comes at a time of real opportunity and expansion for the Territory’s gas and minerals sector – including first gas from the Beetaloo expected to flow into our domestic market this year.

AGES 2026 presents a dynamic program, including:

• Rapid copper and gold resource growth and new mining developments around Tennant Creek
• Insights on the resource potential of the greater McArthur Basin
• Geological updates on the Beetaloo Sub-basin as it moves into pilot production
• A focus on Pine Creek and its gold and uranium endowment
• Details on new and upcoming geoscience programs by the NT Geological Survey and how to access exploration grants.

The AGES event is accompanied by the Mining Services Expo, which showcases Territory businesses and their capabilities in supporting exploration and mining projects.

For more information and to view the program, visit AGES.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Central Petroleum Limited (ASX: CTP) (“Central”) advises that it has executed a binding multi-year Gas Sales Agreement (“GSA”) with the Northern Territory Government (“theNTG”) that will underwrite investment in two new wells at Palm Valley.

Highlights

• Multi-year GSA to supply up to 21 PJ of gas (10.5 PJ Central share) through to the end of 2034.
• Two new wells to be drilled at Palm Valley with drilling anticipated to commence inmid-2026.
• The new wells are expected to initially increase Central’s gas production capacity by circa 40%.
• Increased loan facility available.
• Replaces gas sales arrangements outlined in the previously-announced letter of intent with Power and Water Corporation.

The GSA will support the Palm Valley Joint Venture in drilling two new wells to supply up to 21 PJ of gas (10.5 PJ Central share) on a firm basis from 2H 2026, through to the end of 2034. The GSA has a fixed market price with CPI escalation and take-or-pay provisions.

The Palm Valley JV has made a Final Investment Decision to drill the two wells on an accelerated basis. Preparations are already well-advanced, with key approvals in place or underway, orders placed for long lead items, a drilling rig contracted and civil works substantially complete. Drilling for the first well is scheduled to commence in the middle of this year, with production from the new wells anticipated to be brought online progressively over the second half of 2026.

Palm Valley’s potential to quickly supply a material volume of new gas to the market makes it particularly attractive. If the wells deliver at their target production rate, they would initially increase Central’s gas production capacity by circa 40%.

PWC LOI

This GSA replaces the proposed gas supply arrangements previously outlined in a Letter of Intent announced in December 2025 with the Northern Territory’s Power and Water Corporation (“PWC LOI”). Whilst the gas supply arrangement contemplated under the PWC LOI also included new gas supply from the Mereenie Gas Field, these volumes are not included in the GSA. Central will market these volumes to customers seeking reliable long term gas supplies backed by proven reserves.

Expanded loan facility

Central expects its share of Palm Valley drilling and completion costs to be approximately $26 million, inclusive of an allowance for possible elevated diesel prices. The acceleration of drilling at Palm Valley allows this transaction to take advantage of current NT market dynamics and generate sales revenue months earlier than would otherwise have been the case. To maintain prudent working capital reserves while drilling at Palm Valley, along with exploration wells planned for the Cooper and Otway Basins, Central has increased its existing Macquarie Bank loan facility. The increased facility provides access of up to $15million, available for drawdown through to 31 December 2026. Any funds drawn under the increased facility will be repayable in equal quarterly instalments from March 2027 to December 2029. Interest charges and other terms are as per Central’s existing loan facility, and the loan drawdowns can be repaid early without penalty. Central expects to require only $8 to $10 million of this increased facility, with the remaining balance available as a contingency.

CEO Comments

Central’s CEO and Managing Director, Leon Devaney, said “It has taken time to get the settings right, but we now have a significant GSA for the Palm Valley Joint Venture. Importantly, it underwrites an investment in two Palm Valley appraisal wells on an accelerated basis. The new wells will replicate the extended lateral designs that were successful in the last Palm Valley drilling program. If the two wells are successfully delivered as planned, sales under the GSA will generate strong returns and increase free cash flows from later this year. Combined with our exploration activity in both the Cooper Basin (targeting oil and gas) and the Otway Basin (targeting gas), also planned in FY2027, we are positioned with several exciting near-term growth opportunities.”

News Source:ASX Announcement

• $15.4 million R&D Tax Offset refund received in cash including interest
• Strengthens funding position as Beetaloo Energy works towards pilot gas production
• Supports execution of the Carpentaria Pilot Project
• Positions the Company to commence pilot gas sales into the Northern Territory market in 2026
• Carpentaria Pilot Project civil works complete. Gas plant refurbishment in Roma complete.Transport of gas plant to site to commence in the coming weeks once weather conditions allow for heavy vehicle access
• C-5H flow testing to recommence this Quarter.

“The receipt of the R&D tax refund of $15.4 million materially strengthens Beetaloo Energy’s balance sheet at a pivotal stage in the company’s development.

This funding comes following Final Investment Decision for the Carpentaria Pilot Project, strong operational results from Carpentaria-5H (“C-5H”) and the commencement of construction of the Carpentaria Gas Plant. Together, these are key milestones as we work towards pilot production.

The refund provides additional financial flexibility to progress clean-up and flow testing at C-5H, progress Carpentaria Gas Plant construction and prepare for pilot gas production. Importantly, it allows the company to maintain momentum while preserving shareholder value.

With all key regulatory and Traditional Owner approvals secured and three wells ready to be tied into pilot production, Beetaloo Energy is well positioned to commence pilot production and supply gas into the Northern Territory domestic market in 2026.

Ongoing hostilities in the Middle East demonstrate the critical importance of hydrocarbons in all facets of our lives and the necessity for Australia to drill for its own oil and gas. Pilot production from the Beetaloo into the NT local market is imminent, and following Inpex’s entry into the basin, drilling activity is expected to continue increasing, providing enhanced energy security for Australia. We are proud to play our role in the emergence of this world class gas resource.”

⎯ Alex Underwood, Managing Director

CARPENTARIA PILOT PROJECT UPDATE

All civil works for the Carpentaria Gas Plant were completed in January with no recordable safety or environmental incidents. Drilling and piling the structural supports for the plant was well underway before one of the heaviest wet seasons experienced in the Top End for several decades temporarily halted activities. Piling crews are scheduled to complete their activities in the coming weeks.

All crew were demobilized safely in anticipation of the heavy rainfall which has now ceased. Access to site has been limited to light vehicles. Work will resume when heavy vehicle access is considered safe.

In Roma, all planned refurbishment and modifications are now complete, and the plant is ready for transport to site starting in April. Refurbishment works were completed under budget.

Beetaloo Energy has been securing its supply chains since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, taking early physical delivery of diesel for the transportation and installation of the gas plant.

Beetaloo Energy anticipates commissioning activities in Q3 2026, immediately followed by gas sales.

R&D TAX INCENTIVE

Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (“Beetaloo Energy”) advises that it has received a cash refund of $15,404,502 including interest under the Australian Government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive (R&D Tax Incentive) for the year ending 31 December 2024.

The Australian Government’s R&D Tax Incentive is designed to encourage innovation and new knowledge generation by providing eligible companies with a refundable tax offset for qualifying research and development activities.

Beetaloo Energy’s eligible R&D activities for the year ended 31 December 2024 relate primarily to:

• Horizontal drilling and hydraulic stimulation processes;
• New testing and analytical processes for ancient shales; and
• Technical work supporting the Carpentaria Pilot Project.

Deloitte Tax Services advised Beetaloo Energy in relation to the preparation of the Research & Development Tax Incentive application.

USE OF FUNDS

The R&D refund is intended to be applied to:

• Repaying part of Facility A (R&D Credit Facility) with Macquarie Bank;
• Progressing Carpentaria Gas Plant construction and associated infrastructure;
• Advancing the Carpentaria Pilot Project toward first gas production and sales; and
• Providing additional working capital flexibility as the Company moves into operations.

Source: Receipt of R&D Tax Offset and Operational Update

Highlights:

• The Shenandoah South 6H (SS‑6H) well delivered a record average 20‑day initial production (IP20) flow rate of 10.3 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) from an 8,635‑foot (2,632‑metre) horizontal section within the Mid Velkerri B Shale.
• On a normalized basis, SS‑6H achieved a flow rate of 11.9 MMcf/d per 10,000 feet, which compares favorably to the average performance of more than 11,000 producing wells in the Marcellus Shale dry gas fairway with over 12 months of production history.
• The flow test has now been concluded, with the well delivering a stable rate of 8.8 MMcf/d (normalized to 10.2 MMcf/d per 10,000 feet) at a flowing wellhead pressure of approximately 580 psi.
• At the conclusion of the flow test, water was continuing to unload at a rate of ~270 barrels per day (bbl/d), indicating the well was still in the process of cleaning up.
• All key technical objectives of the flow test have been achieved, with the well demonstrating sustained, stable rates over the last five days of testing, similar to that observed at the SS-2H ST1 well.
• Testing has been intentionally curtailed to avoid unnecessary flaring and carbon emissions, and preserve reservoir energy ahead of tie‑into the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility (SPCF) and the commencement of gas sales in 3Q 2026.
• The 2026 stimulation campaign for the Shenandoah South 3H, 4H and 5H wells is planned to commence in the second quarter, with all three wells expected to be tied into the SPCF and brought into production during 3Q 2026.

Tamboran Resources Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Todd Abbott, said:

“The SS‑6H flow test has safely and successfully delivered the technical information we were seeking, with the well demonstrating strong, stable performance and low decline characteristics.

“Over the last five days of the test, we noted behavior of the gas rate similar to the performance of the SS2H ST1 well. This aligns with our view that these wells will continue to clean up with extended production testing and deliver shallower decline profiles in early production. 

"Having met these key objectives and given the well will be used to sell gas to the Northern Territory gas network later this year, we have concluded testing in order to preserve reservoir pressure and reduce flaring and unnecessary carbon emissions. At the conclusion of testing, the well was continuing to unload water at ~270 bbl/d.

We are now preparing to commence the 2026 stimulation program, which includes completing the three remaining 10,000-foot wells required to deliver the ~40 MMcf/d under the Gas Sales Agreement to the Northern Territory.” 

Source: Tamboran Resources ASX Announcement

• The NT Future Workforce Pilot Program will support businesses to create employment pathways for young Territorians to grow the Territory workforce.

• 20 young Territorians aged 15 – 18 who are disengaged from school will be given the opportunity to transition to structured employment including opportunities for traineeships and apprenticeships.

• The program will reduce the risks and costs associated with hiring young workers for businesses, building confidence to invest in the Territory’s future workforce.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is providing young Territorians with a pathway to long-term employment with the launch of the NT Future Workforce Pilot Program. The program provides extensive wrap around support, reducing the risks and costs associated with hiring young workers, giving businesses the confidence to invest in the Territory’s future workforce.

Delivered by the GTNT Group, the pilot will help local businesses grow their workforce through its support of 20 young people aged 15–18 from the Darwin, Palmerston, and rural region, who are disengaged from school, to transition into structured employment leading to apprenticeships, traineeships, or ongoing jobs. , while creating employment pathways for young Territorians.

Established in 1989, GTNT Group is the Northern Territory’s largest and longest-standing Group Training Organisation, having supported more than 6,500 apprentices and trainees and partnered with over 1,500 local businesses across industries including mining, energy, construction, trades, business, health and community services.

Kathryn Stenson, CEO GTNT Group CEO said, ‘local businesses participating in the Program will be contributing to building the NT workforce and show our young people the great opportunities we have here in the NT”.

“Paired with GTNT Group’s tailored mentoring and support program, participating businesses will benefit from supported work-experience placements, allowing them to trial participants before committing to ongoing employment.”

Minster for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, said the pilot program was about creating real opportunities for young Territorians who may have disengaged from school but are ready to step into the workforce and build a future.

“Strengthening workforce participation and supporting businesses to grow is central to delivering security, certainty and growth for the Territory economy and initiatives like the NT Future Workforce Pilot Program ensure young Territorians are well positioned to take up the jobs of the future,” she said.

“These measures reduce recruitment risk, ease administrative burden, and improve retention outcomes for small and medium-sized businesses in the Darwin region.”

Employers interested in participating can contact GTNT on 08 8980 0600 or submit an expression of interest on GTNTs website - NT Future Workforce Pilot Program | GTNT

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

• Tamboran Resources Corporation and Formentera Partners (Formentera), the owner of Daly Waters Energy, LP (DWE), have executed a Farm-in Agreement (Farm-in Agreement) to advance development of the Beetaloo Basin in Australia’s Northern Territory.

• Under the Farm-in Agreement, Tamboran will farm down approximately 10,000 acres of its working interest across the Shenandoah North Pilot Area and the Shenandoah South Pilot Area (collectively the Pilot Area) and the Beetaloo Central Development Area (BCDA) to DWE.

• The Farm-in Agreement provides for a staged earn-in, up to ~US$28.5 million, subject to structured off-ramp provisions.

• The agreement follows DWE announcing a strategic joint venture with INPEX Corporation (JPX: 1605, market capitalization of US$35 billion) (INPEX), Japan’s largest E&P and operator of the 8.9 MTPA (~1.2 Bcf/d) Ichthys LNG project in Darwin.

• The transaction recognizes the value premium that can be realised on Beetaloo acreage as it is defined and matured, like the Pilot Area, as well as the value that can be realised for adjacent appraisal areas, like the BCDA. It is an important step towards commercialization.

• Completion of the transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent in the farm-in between DWE and INPEX along with closure of Tamboran’s Falcon acquisition.

#TBN Chief Executive Officer, Todd Abbott, said:

“This transaction represents a significant validation of the underlying value of our Beetaloo acreage with an implied valuation well above our recent traded metrics. Importantly, it allows us to accelerate activity while preserving balance sheet strength and maintaining operatorship of our core assets.

“The INPEX investment in the Beetaloo Basin via its farm-in to the DWE interest in the North and South Pilot Area and BCDA position is a strong sign of confidence and has the potential to provide Tamboran with an additional pathway to gas commercialization.

“Our Phase 2 Development Area farm-out process is continuing, and we look forward to providing additional updates in due course. Our process will benefit from this and the other recent positive developments in the Basin.

“The additional investment supports local jobs, infrastructure development and long‑term energy security for the Northern Territory, while keeping us firmly on track for first gas in the third quarter of 2026. We are pleased to be progressing the project alongside DWE and remain excited about the scale of the opportunity ahead.”

Read the announcement: https://loom.ly/8749rgg

#TamboranResources #ASX #BeetalooBasin

TOKYO, JAPAN - INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX) announced today that through its Australian subsidiary it has entered into a farm-in agreement with Daly Waters Energy LP (DWE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Formentera Partners, to acquire an 11.25 percent participating interest in the First Strategic Development Area (FSDA) North and FSDA South, and a 20 percent participating interest in the Beetaloo Central Development (BCD) acreage in the onshore Beetaloo Sub-basin, located in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Location of FSDA (North and South) and BCD acreage in the Beetaloo Sub-basin

Together, this represents the acquisition of approximately 68,000 net acres across some of the most prospective acreage in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. The farm-in agreement also includes an option for INPEX to increase its interest in the BCD to 43.75 percent, representing an additional approximately 75,000 net acres.

Completion of this farm-in agreement is conditional on a number of matters including regulatory approvals.

Further to emergency gas supplied to the Northern Territory from INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG, INPEX’s investment as a non-operator in the FSDA acreage will immediately support the delivery of domestic natural gas to the Northern Territory through its participation in the Shenandoah South Pilot Project. The Pilot Project is currently on track to commence first domestic natural gas sales to the Northern Territory Government, under a binding 40-terajoule per-day Gas Sales Agreement, in Q3 2026.

INPEX also expects to supply natural gas for processing at Ichthys LNG in Darwin providing future backfill of the onshore natural gas liquefaction plant and potential expansion to a third liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing train.

INPEX has been a proud participant in the Australian business community since 1986. The company’s Australian energy portfolio includes Ichthys LNG as operator, and participating interests in Prelude FLNG, Darwin LNG, Van Gogh and Ravensworth.

Statement from the Northern Territory Government, to be attributed to the Chief Minister, the Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA

“The Finocchiaro CLP Government welcomes today’s announcement, which supports continued economic growth in the Territory’s energy sector. The Northern Territory is uniquely positioned to power the nation’s future. Unlocking and delivering Beetaloo gas to domestic and international markets is not just an opportunity, it is a national imperative. In our year of growth, certainty and security, we will continue to back reliable, affordable energy for Territorians, and strengthen energy security for the nation, allies and region.”

Statement from the Northern Territory Government, to be attributed to Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Energy the Hon Gerard Maley MLA

“This announcement is a major show of confidence by a Tier one operator that the Beetaloo will be a valuable supplier of critical quantities of gas. It also shows confidence in the Northern Territory as a reliable investment destination and underpins the Beetaloo as a supplier of reliable gas that underwrites energy security for the Territory, Australia, and our strategic partners.”

Source: INPEX News

• 2026 Global Worker Attraction Program to attract more skilled workers to the NT supporting Business and Industry, launched.
• The Program will target the UK, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and Victoria.
• Territory businesses encouraged to list their vacancies on WorkerConnect to reach skilled workers attending these international and domestic information sessions

As part of our year of Growth, Action and Certainty, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is stepping up efforts to grow the Territory’s skilled workforce with the launch of the 2026 Global Worker Attraction Program.

Minister for Workforce Development Robyn Cahill said, “to grow the Territory’s economy, access to a skilled, adaptable and diverse workforce for business and industry is critical.”

“The 2026 Global Worker Attraction Program will connect skilled workers with prospective employers and demonstrate that a decision to relocate to the Territory will not only provide fantastic employment opportunities but also the opportunity to put down roots and enjoy everything the unique Territory lifestyle has to offer.”

The international and domestic program includes in‑person worker attraction events in the UK,  Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, and Victoria, supported by targeted marketing across radio, print and digital channels and the WorkerConnect jobs board.

Industry representatives say the Territory’s presence in key labour markets is already making an impact. Damien Charles from the ICT Industry Association of the NT said “having participated in previous international worker attraction events, I’ve seen first‑hand how important it is for the Northern Territory to promote itself in our key labour source markets. Often, it’s not about convincing people to move to Australia; it’s about ensuring they understand the fantastic opportunities we have here.”

“As a starting point, I encourage all Territory businesses to sign up to the free of charge WorkerConnect platform, upload their vacancies and connect with jobseekers attending the upcoming sessions” Ms Cahill said

For more information or to post a job for free, visit WorkerConnect.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

• The provisional program for the 2026 Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES) held in Alice Springs,  has been released, showcasing leading industry expertise.
   
• AGES brings together high-quality geoscience data, research and technical insights to unlock the Northern territory's resource potential.
   
• Gold production in the Territory reached a record $1.7B in gold production value.

In our year of growth, certainty and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing industries that power jobs, investment and long-term economic strength — with the release of the provisional program for the 2026 Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES) to be held in Alice Springs from 14 - 15 April. 

Each year, experts convene at AGES to share high-quality advice and mineral and energy geoscience data — the wheelhouse to mineral and energy discovery and investment that fuels the Territory’s economy.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said AGES plays a critical role in supporting ongoing exploration and delivering real economic benefits for Territorians.

“Exploration remains fundamental to sustaining a strong pipeline of future mining projects — and if you want a strong economy, you need a strong pipeline,” Mr Maley said.

“AGES is worth its weight in gold because it brings together the data, the science and the industry expertise that unlocks the Territory’s prospectivity and resource potential.

“We are rebuilding the Territory’s economy by backing our strengths. That means creating the right conditions for investment, driving jobs in the bush and in our towns, and giving industry the certainty it needs to get on with the job.”

The 2026 AGES provisional program features confirmed industry speakers from Deep Yellow, Emmerson Resources, Encounter Resources, Geognostics, KGL Resources, Patronus Resources, Prodigy Gold, PC Gold, and Tennant Mines, with more still to come.

AGES delegates will be among the first to access insights from the Northern Territory Geological Survey, Geoscience Australia, industry proponents and academics. Highlights include:

• rapid copper and gold resource growth and new mining developments around Tennant Creek;
• insights on the resource potential of the greater McArthur Basin;
• geological updates on the Beetaloo Sub-basin as it moves into pilot production;
• a focus on Pine Creek and its gold, copper endowment, as well as the latest gold news from the Tanami.

The Northern Territory remains one of Australia’s most prospective, but underdeveloped, regions for gold. Gold production in the Territory reached a record $1.7 billion in gold production value in 2024–25.

Copper remains central to global decarbonisation and electrification, with demand rapidly expected to outgrow supply. Alongside established commodities such as bauxite, manganese, zinc, uranium and iron ore, the Territory is building a broad and diverse minerals sector to underpin long-term economic growth.

“Territorians know that mining and resources are not abstract concepts — they are local jobs, stronger regional communities and opportunities for the next generation,” Mr Maley said.

“By investing in exploration and backing events like AGES, we are securing the pipeline that keeps our economy moving and our communities strong.”

AGES is held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on 14 and 15 April.

View the 2026 AGES Program: AGES2026 conference program

For more event details and to register, go to AGES 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

• The Finocchiaro CLP Government is driving investment in the Territory with a new onshore petroleum acreage release in the Beetaloo Sub-basin five times the size of Singapore.

• The release is being promoted this week at the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston, one of the world’s largest upstream energy investment events.

• Applications are now open across 50 full and part blocks, supporting domestic energy security, regional economic development and Territory jobs.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is further boosting economic growth in the Territory through a new acreage release for onshore petroleum exploration.

The acreage is approximately 4,000 sqkm, more than five times the size of Singapore, and is strategically located near the Amadeus Gas Pipeline and the Stuart Highway within the highly prospective Beetaloo Sub-basin, one of Australia’s most significant onshore shale gas plays.

The announcement is being made this week to industry representatives at the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston, Texas, held on 18–20 February 2026.

NAPE is the premier marketplace for the upstream energy sector, where companies buy, sell and trade tenure and producing assets.

The event attracts more than 8,000 senior decision-makers, investors, service providers and technology leaders from across the international energy industry.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said a high-level delegation from the Department of Mining and Energy would attend NAPE to promote the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the new acreage release, and engage directly with major oil and gas companies identified as potential future investors and operators.

“The Beetaloo has been recognised as the next big global shale play, and it is critical the Territory is seen and heard in an increasingly competitive international investment environment,” Mr Maley said.

“Texas is the leader of global shale gas development and home to the world’s most mature shale gas operations, advanced expertise and investor networks, so it is critical we are there promoting the release of this new acreage.”

The new acreage, EPNT26-1, will allow for a competitive bidding process under the Petroleum Act 1984.

The release area is surrounded by high quality shale gas acreage held by Tamboran Resources, Daly Waters Energy, Beetaloo Energy Australia and Santos, with the adjacent acreage EP98 expected to produce the first Beetaloo Gas for NT use from mid 2026.

“This release will unlock a strategically important gas resource, supporting domestic energy security, creating local jobs, and driving economic growth across the Barkly region,” Mr Maley said.

“This is about backing investment, backing industry and backing Territory jobs as part of our year of growth, certainty and security.”

Applications and submissions are now invited over the 50 full and part blocks, with the application period closing at 4pm ACST on Friday, 31 July 2026.

More information, including the full geoscience data package, application form and guideline, is available on the Department of Mining and Energy’s website.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom