Industry News

Acting Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley will travel to Sydney today to represent the Northern Territory at the Energy Nation Forum on Wednesday, taking the Territory's message directly to national industry leaders and policymakers as momentum continues to build behind the Beetaloo Sub-basin.

Minister Maley said the Beetaloo was entering a new chapter, following the recent milestone of first gas production, and it was important to keep the Sub-basin firmly in the national conversation as Australia considers its future energy needs.

"The Beetaloo is no longer a future opportunity, it is a producing resource that is already delivering jobs, investment and economic benefits for Territorians," Minister Maley said.

"My message in Sydney is simple: the Beetaloo is not just a Territory opportunity, it's a national opportunity. By bringing more Australian gas into the market, we can strengthen energy security, support economic growth and help increase supply of reliable, affordable energy produced domestically.

"It is vital that we keep the Beetaloo on the national agenda, so all levels of government and industry fully appreciate the scale of this opportunity, and we continue to attract the investment needed to unlock its full potential."

The CLP Finocchiaro Government is already supporting this next phase through the proposed Territory Energy Link, a 670-kilometre multi-user infrastructure corridor designed to provide a coordinated pathway for future gas, water and telecommunications infrastructure between the Beetaloo Sub-basin and Darwin.

The project is expected to be pipeline-ready by 2028 and will support the Government's target of producing 1,000 terajoules of gas per day from the Beetaloo by 2030. Pipeline company AGIG has recently signalled its intent to build a 700km pipeline in the Territory Energy Link.

Recent major pipeline proposals have further strengthened confidence in the Basin's future.

APA Group is advancing the planning and approvals process for its proposed 1,600-kilometre North to East Australia Pipeline, which would connect the Beetaloo Sub-basin directly to APA's east coast gas network and open access to customers across eastern and southern Australia, while Jemena has announced its intention to apply for a 400km lateral pipeline permit as it furthers plans to connect Beetaloo production to the existing Northern Gas Pipeline network.

Minister Maley said these developments demonstrated growing industry confidence in both the resource and the Northern Territory as a place to invest.

"Projects of this scale happen when governments provide stable policy settings, clear regulation and certainty for investors," he said.

"The Territory is doing its part by creating the conditions for investment and infrastructure development. What we need now is continued support for new supply and the infrastructure that gets that gas to Australian homes, businesses and manufacturers."

Minister Maley said the Territory would continue advocating strongly for the Beetaloo as a nation-building project capable of delivering reliable energy for decades to come.

"By connecting Beetaloo gas to Australian markets, we can help secure the energy Australia needs while creating jobs, attracting investment and growing the Northern Territory economy."

Source: NT Government Newsroom

• Finocchiaro CLP Government leads business delegation to Texas to assist Territory’s service and supply sector in capturing maximum economic benefit from Beetaloo gas.

• Beetaloo Sub-basin positioned to drive new industries, expand local supply chain value, and secure long-term economic growth across the Territory.

• Delegation offers local enterprises a vital opportunity to gain direct operational insights from mature US energy projects and establish international connections.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill will lead a delegation of 24 Territory businesses and industry bodies, with the NT Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to Texas to strengthen commercial connections and position local businesses to participate in the expanding Beetaloo Sub-basin onshore gas industry.

The delegation brings together businesses from across the Territory’s service and supply sectors, creating a strong platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and commercial engagement.

Recognised as one of the world’s significant onshore gas resources, the Beetaloo Sub-basin is creating opportunities across construction, engineering, logistics, maintenance, manufacturing, professional services and other specialist industries.

This expanding activity is supporting sustainable economic growth and creating opportunities for generational employment across the Territory.

“The Territory is entering a critical phase of onshore gas development. The decisions and investments made over the coming years will help shape the extent to which the economic benefits of this development are secured for the Territory over the long term,” Minister Cahill said.

“Our goal is to build a competitive Territory onshore gas service and supply chain, with local businesses and workers central to its delivery, ensuring that investment and economic value are retained within the Territory.”

Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce CEO Glen Hingley said, “Seeing is more than believing. It is about understanding, building knowledge and creating connections that deliver long-term value.”

“That is why the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to partner with the Northern Territory Government, Energy Club NT, the NT Cattlemen’s Association and ICN NT on this important delegation to Texas.”

The delegation will enable Territory businesses to engage directly with leading global energy companies and gain first-hand insights from one of the world’s most established onshore gas industries.

Delegates will engage with Baker Hughes, Helmerich & Payne, Halliburton, Liberty Energy, Ensign Energy Services and SLB, showcasing their local expertise while gaining practical insights into the standards, capabilities and practices underpinning Texas’s world-leading energy sector.

The mission will strengthen international connections, enhance local capability and position Territory businesses to participate confidently in current and future opportunities arising from the Beetaloo’s development.

The estimated costs for the Minister are $27,000 with final costs to be reported after the trip in line with standard reporting processes.

Source: NT Government Newsroom

Central Petroleum Limited has released its financial results for the year ending 30 June 2026 (FY2026).

Highlights

• Sales revenue increased 3% to $44.7 million;
• Operating margin, excluding depreciation, increased 5% to $4.96/GJe, supported by a 14% increase in the average realised gas price;
• Underlying EBITDAX was $17.0 million;
• Net cashflow from operations was $15.6 million after net interest payments; and
• Cash balance at 30 June 2026 of $20.41 million, after investing $11.2 million in new exploration acreage.

Central has reported a full year statutory net loss after tax of $4.9 million after recording a $5.9 million impairment charge resulting from the rationalisation of the group’s exploration portfolio, and $5.7 million of other exploration and appraisal costs, including preparations for Palm Valley drilling.

Palm Valley Drilling
Drilling at Palm Valley is progressing, with gas observed and flared during air drilling of the target reservoir in PV14, the first of two new wells in this program. First gas sales from PV14 are targeted for October 2026.

To read the announcement, click here.

To view the full Annual Report, click here.

Source: Central Petroleum

Cue Energy Resources Limited (ASX:CUE) provides the following update on drilling activities at the Mahato PSC and Palm Valley.

Mahato PSC, Indonesia

The PB-42 development well in the PB field has recently been successfully drilled into the Bekasap reservoir and connected to the PB production system. The well is producing at a rate of 520 barrels of oil per day (bopd, 100%), exceeding pre-drill expectations.

Also in the PB field, the PB-41 development well and two well workovers have recently been completed and are adding to field production. One workover remains to be completed under the programme.

Further development of the PB field is expected to commence in Q4 2026, subject to approval of the Phase 3 Development Plan (OPL-3) by the Indonesian Government. OPL-3 is expected to include further development of the Bekasap reservoir, which is the producing reservoir in the PB field, and development of the Telisa reservoir, which is currently undeveloped.

Cue holds an 11.25% interest in the Mahato PSC. Other participants in the permit are Texcal Energy Mahato Inc. (Operator, 72.25%), Central Sumatra Energy (11.5%) and Riau Petroleum (5%).

Palm Valley, Australia

Drilling of PV14, the first well in the two-well Palm Valley drilling campaign, commenced in late July and the rig remains on site. Gas has been observed and flared while air-drilling through the target reservoir.

First gas sales remain targeted for October 2026, subject to successful completion, tie-in, commissioning and satisfactory well performance of PV14. The well’s sustainable production capability will be assessed following commissioning and an initial period of production.

PV15 will commence after the completion of PV14. If successfully completed and commissioned, the two wells are expected to increase Palm Valley’s available production capacity and support utilisation of the field’s existing processing infrastructure, which has gross joint venture sales capacity of approximately 14 TJ/day and current utilisation of 5.5 TJ/day. Actual future production rates will depend on well performance and field decline.

Cue holds a 15% participating interest in the Palm Valley permit OL3. Other participants in the permit are Central Petroleum (NT) Pty Ltd (Operator, 50%) and Echelon Palm Valley Pty Ltd (35%).

To view the full ASX announcement and media release, click here.

Source: Cue Energy Resources Limited

Safety Direct Solutions (SDS) is continuing to expand its training services in the Northern Territory, with a new public training calendar now available from our Berrimah Training Centre.

SDS has been delivering training across the Northern Territory for a number of years, with much of this traditionally delivered through private and client-specific bookings. The addition of scheduled public courses provides another option, allowing individuals and organisations to book directly onto selected training dates without needing to arrange a full private course.

Our public calendar includes nationally recognised training across key workplace safety, first response, emergency response and rescue areas, including:

• First Aid and CPR

• Advanced First Aid

• Working at Heights

• Confined Space Entry and Gas Testing

• Breathing Apparatus

• Participate in a Rescue Operation

• Confined Space Rescue

• Vertical Rescue

• First Attack Fire Fighting

The public calendar provides greater flexibility for Northern Territory businesses, particularly where only one or two employees require training at a time, while still providing access to practical, industry-focused training delivered by experienced trainers and assessors.

Alongside our public calendar, SDS will continue to provide private and onsite training for organisations requiring dedicated courses, larger group bookings or training structured around their specific operational requirements and rosters.

We will continue to review and expand the public course calendar based on local industry demand, with the aim of making quality workplace safety, emergency response and rescue training more accessible to businesses and individuals across the Northern Territory.

This expansion forms part of SDS's continued investment in building local training capability and supporting safer workplaces across the Territory.

View upcoming Darwin courses and book online through the SDS website or call 1300 955 097

To book online: https://sdsaus.com.au/ or call 1300 955 097

Image source: SDS - Safety Direct Solutions RTO 51632

• The Finocchiaro CLP Government is showcasing career opportunities and lifestyle benefits with the launch of a 19-episode YouTube series as part of its Global Worker Attraction Program.

• Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill OAM highlights the initiative as a key tool to help local employers connect with skilled workers and grow the workforce.

• Timed to align with workforce attraction events in New Zealand, the series builds on international campaigns that have already reached thousands of jobseekers across global markets.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, today launched a 19-episode YouTube video series as part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s Global Worker Attraction Program.

Minister Cahill said: "The series showcases the incredible career opportunities offered here in the Territory, along with practical, trusted information providing prospective workers and their families the confidence to consider the opportunities available in the Territory.

“We have been working hard to put the Northern Territory front and centre in the minds of jobseeker’s with in person and online worker attraction sessions, targeted marketing campaigns and this new video series provides a 24/7 on-demand source of information.”

The video series builds momentum gained from recent activity of the Global Worker Attraction Program with worker attraction sessions delivered to around 4,000 jobseekers in person in the UK, Ireland and Melbourne and online in Seattle, Toronto, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Six of the episodes focus on key themes including employment opportunities, housing, cost of living, skilled migration pathways and transitioning from temporary to permanent residency.

The remaining thirteen episodes focus on industry, featuring peak Northern Territory industry bodies and government agencies. Together, these organisations represent thousands of job opportunities across many of the Territory’s priority sectors.

Released to coincide with workforce attraction sessions in New Zealand this September, the videos complement the digital WorkerConnect platform, which enables Territory businesses to promote current employment opportunities.

The YouTube video series is now available on YouTube visit: https://www.youtube.com/@AustraliasNorthernTerritory

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

• Global Resource Recovery (NT) Pty Ltd (GRR) has successfully concluded a $55 million finance raise with the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) to construct new liquid storage tanks on neighbouring Darwin Port land.
   
• Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill OAM has commended GRR on the strategic expansion, which will deliver lasting economic opportunities across regional communities.
   
• Australia’s only commercial-scale facility of its kind will expand capacity to recycle waste oil and gas liquids, supporting energy security, local employment, and sustainable resource management.

The Northern Territory Government has welcomed a landmark $55 million strategic expansion announcement from Global Resource Recovery (NT) Pty Ltd (GRR) to scale up environmental services and chemical recycling activities at its Darwin facility.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill OAM commended GRR on reaching the milestone.

"This is a strategic and essential expansion opportunity delivering lasting economic opportunities for Territorians and regional communities,” Minister Cahill said.

“GRR's major investment reflects growing market momentum in the region and demonstrates both commitment to and confidence in the Territory economy.

“The expansion will contribute to fuel and energy security, improved supply-chain resilience and support the responsible development of the Territory’s natural resources.”

The capital injection will allow GRR to construct specialised liquid storage tanks, enabling the business to meet rapidly increasing demand for waste oil and gas liquids recycling.

Notably, the recycling of glycol provides a critical resource for modern data centre cooling systems, helping reduce water consumption and environmental footprints.

The construction and operational phases will support local jobs and build Territory capability across engineering, maintenance, transport, construction, and resource-sector services.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Santos today announced the spudding of its first appraisal well in the Beetaloo Basin, marking a major milestone towards unlocking a new source of long-term gas supply for Australian households, businesses and industry as well as supporting national and regional energy security.

The commencement of drilling follows approval of Santos’ Environmental Management Plan (EMP) by the Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment in May 2026, authorising the appraisal drilling program.

Spudding the well is a critical first step in the drilling process with the drill bit breaking ground on Friday morning. Territory-based contractor Exact Contracting completed construction of the well pad, access tracks and key road intersection upgrades, paving the way for drilling operations to commence.

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said spudding the first appraisal well was a significant achievement for Santos and the Northern Territory – and for Australia.

“The Beetaloo Basin is a phenomenal resource of national importance. Santos is excited to be investing in a Territory that understands what responsible gas development delivers – more jobs and local business opportunities, stronger communities and a resilient economy for Territorians,” Mr Gallagher said.

“The first appraisal well is a critical milestone as we work to prove the commerciality of this world class gas resource, with our acreage alone having the potential to supply up to 10 Mtpa[1] LNG and serve the northern and east coast domestic gas markets for 50 years or more.

“We have moved methodically and responsibly to secure regulatory approvals, engaged with the community including pastoralists and Traditional Owners, and established the infrastructure to drill safely and effectively.

“Santos is one of few companies with the capability to discover, develop, process, transport and market gas through a fully integrated supply chain, including the potential for decarbonisation through carbon capture and storage,” Mr Gallagher said.

The Beetaloo Sub-basin, part of the greater McArthur Basin, is estimated to contain more than 430 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of undiscovered gas-in-place on a basin-wide P50 basis, making it one of the most significant onshore gas opportunities in the world.

The resource, developed at scale, could be a game changer for the Northern Territory and Australia, creating more than 6,500 full-time jobs and delivering economic benefits of up to A$2.8 billion for the Northern Territory and over A$9 billion for Australia over 25 years.[2]

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the return of Santos to onshore activity in the NT was another strong signal of the continued confidence in the Beetaloo.

“The Beetaloo Basin is now delivering first gas to the Territory, and we are seeing the next wave of investment and development activity gathering momentum,” the Chief Minister said.

“Santos is a global leader in gas development and it has already demonstrated the quality of the resource in EP161 through its previous drilling and flow testing program.

“Santos’ return to drilling in the Beetaloo Basin is warmly welcomed and is an important next step in unlocking the basin.”

Santos was originally an acronym for South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search.

“The ‘NT’ is more than just a part of SANTOS’ name and its history – the NT is very much a big part of their future as well,” the Chief Minister said.

Santos has a long history in the Top End with more than 40 years of active operations from Mereenie in the Amadeus Basin to Darwin LNG and the Barossa gas project.

The Beetaloo appraisal campaign follows Santos’ success commissioning the Barossa gas project, which feeds the revitalised Darwin LNG plant and is now averaging one LNG cargo every 8 days to provide energy security for Australia’s regional trading partners for decades to come.

The Barossa gas project has also secured approximately 300 permanent positions in the Northern Territory for the next 20 years, with an estimated A$2.5 billion worth of wages and contracts expected to flow for Territorians over that time.

Darwin LNG provides a natural launch pad for the next phase of Northern Territory energy development, including carbon management, a potential pipeline connection to the Beetaloo and a second LNG train fed by Beetaloo gas.

To view and download the full media release, click here. 

Source: Santos

• Tamboran Resources and Daly Waters Energy, LP (DWE) have commenced initial gas sales from the company’s Shenandoah South Pilot Project in the Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory.

• The milestone marks the first volumes delivered from the Beetaloo Basin to the Northern Territory gas market, bringing affordable and secure energy to the region.

• Volumes from the field are expected to ramp up to the full 40 terajoules per day (TJ/d) contracted to the Northern Territory Government under a long-term take-or-pay agreement by early 2027.

• During this commissioning period, Tamboran and DWE will receive a discounted price for the gas, reflecting the interruptible nature of supply during the commissioning period.

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

“Over the weekend, Tamboran and our joint venture partner DWE delivered our first molecules of gas from the Beetaloo Basin into the Northern Territory gas network. This marks a major milestone for the Beetaloo Basin, the Northern Territory and our key stakeholders, who will start to see the economic benefit of locally supplied energy.

“This is an important first step towards establishing the Beetaloo Basin as a reliable, long-term source of natural gas for the Northern Territory and, over time, the broader Australian East Coast market.

“I would like to thank our joint venture partner DWE, the Northern Territory Government and the entire Tamboran team, whose dedication and hard work have made this milestone possible. We look forward to ramping up to full contracted volumes and completing commissioning by early 2027 as we continue to unlock the significant potential of the Beetaloo Basin.”

To the view the full announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources 

The Northern Territory has reached a significant milestone in its energy history, with first gas now flowing from the Beetaloo Basin into the Territory's gas network. The achievement represents the culmination of years of exploration, investment, regulatory reform and infrastructure development, transforming the Beetaloo from a resource with enormous potential into an active source of energy supply for Territorians.

Central to this achievement has been the successful commissioning of the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility (SPCF) and APA Group's newly constructed Sturt Plateau Pipeline (SPP), which together provide the critical infrastructure needed to transport Beetaloo gas to market.

The Sturt Plateau Compression Facility, a joint venture between Daly Waters Energy and Tamboran Resources, was delivered on schedule. The facility is capable of processing up to 50 terajoules of gas per day and serves as the final link required to commence gas deliveries from the Shenandoah South Pilot Project into the Northern Territory gas network. Five wells have already been drilled, completed and connected to the facility, enabling the start of commercial gas sales during the commissioning period.

Once processed through the SPCF, Beetaloo gas enters APA's new Sturt Plateau Pipeline, which connects the Beetaloo Basin to the existing Amadeus Gas Pipeline network. This important piece of infrastructure now allows locally produced gas to flow north and support homes, businesses and industry across the Territory, strengthening domestic energy security and creating a platform for future supply opportunities.

APA Group described the occasion as a major milestone not only for the Beetaloo Basin but also for the Northern Territory's future energy landscape. The construction of the pipeline involved more than 100,000 work hours, the installation of over 2,000 tonnes of pipe, extensive consultation with landholders, Traditional Owners and community stakeholders, and was completed with an exemplary safety record. The project demonstrates the scale of collaboration required to unlock new energy resources in regional Australia.

The Northern Territory Government has also welcomed first gas as a transformational moment for the Territory economy. Government projections estimate Beetaloo Basin development could generate more than $17 billion in economic value over the next two decades and support more than 13,000 jobs by 2040 through construction activity, business opportunities, royalties and long-term employment. The milestone reinforces the Territory's position as an emerging energy powerhouse and a key contributor to Australia's future energy security.

Industry leaders have highlighted that the successful delivery of the SPCF and Sturt Plateau Pipeline reflects the strength of collaboration between industry, government, Traditional Owners, landholders, contractors and local communities. This partnership-driven approach has enabled the rapid development of critical infrastructure while establishing a foundation for future investment across the Basin.

While first gas is a landmark achievement in itself, stakeholders agree it is only the beginning of the Beetaloo story. The newly commissioned infrastructure network creates opportunities for expanded production, future pipeline connections and broader domestic and export market access. As development continues, the Beetaloo Basin is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the Northern Territory's economic growth, energy reliability and long-term prosperity.

Sources: Northern Territory Government Newsroom, Tamboran Resources, APA Group, Daly Waters Energy/Formentera Partners