Industry News

Santos today announced the signing of a mid-term LNG supply contract with TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia Private Limited (TotalEnergies).

The contract is to supply 20 LNG cargoes, or up to approximately 0.5 million tonnes of LNG per annum over a period of 3 years plus one quarter. The contract will commence in Q4 2025 with LNG being supplied from Santos’ global portfolio of world-class LNG assets on a delivered ex-ship basis.

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the contract with TotalEnergies is a new LNG relationship for Santos and builds on our existing joint venture partnerships.

“This oil indexed contract, along with the recently executed long-term LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement with Hokkaido Gas in Japan, and the mid-term contract with Glencore, demonstrates Santos’ strong LNG portfolio position and customer relationships in the region. Our portfolio is nicely balanced over the short to medium term with around eighty percent of volumes indexed to oil price and around twenty percent exposed to spot pricing.”

“There continues to be extremely strong demand in Asia for high heating value LNG from projects such as Barossa and PNG LNG as countries focus on reducing their carbon emissions. Santos is committed to supporting the energy security of our valued customers across Asia, where gas will play an essential role in decarbonisation efforts across the region,” Mr Gallagher said.

To view the full announcement, click here. 

Source: Santos

CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) are undertaking a research project that aims to provide environmental baseline characterisation of the springs in Hot Springs Valley, which is located in an area northeast of the Beetaloo (geological) Sub-basin.

The springs in the area hold high environmental and cultural value. The baseline environmental data on the springs in and around the Hot Springs Valley will provide an important benchmark and evidence base for the protection and management of this significant area.

The project leader, Cindy Ong, invited staff from Water Resources Division of DLPE to assist with the field campaign in August. Ursula Zaar, who has had experience working in the area was delighted to accept the opportunity to work with the dedicated and highly experienced scientific team. The CSIRO field team came from Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, covering the fields of geology, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrogeology, hydrochemistry and environmental tracers. They were joined on site by two Northern Land Council managers and 6 Traditional Owners from communities as far afield as Ngukurr. Altogether, there were up to 21 people in the camp.

The spring and geological sites were accessed by foot and many kilometres were walked during the course of the campaign. The Traditional Owners led the way to a very culturally sensitive spring site.

The temperature of the hot springs varied from 42 to 65°C with the latter indicating a source of around 1 km deep. Most of the spring discharges were generally small, below 10 L/s. Where possible, water samples were collected in a variety of containers including bottles, copper tubes and gas bottles as required for the type of analysis.

Parameters to be analysed include ions, isotopes, hydrocarbon concentrations, headspace and dissolved gases, stable noble gases and radioactive noble gas isotopes, where the latter are the most reliable “age” tracers. Methane and ethane concentrations and emission rates were measured on site.

The field work and analysis will help explain the source and discharge pathways of groundwater and gases, which naturally discharge from some of the springs. The research will inform ongoing management, monitoring and preservation of the springs and provide a baseline prior to any potential development of gas resources in the nearby Beetaloo Sub-basin. This information is highly beneficial to thedepartment and protecting our unique natural assets.

https://gisera.csiro.au/research/surface-and-groundwater/environmental-baseline-characterisation-of-the-springs-in-hot-springs-valley-nt/

Source: Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security 

FY24 Highlights

• Achieved the highest normalized flow rates from the Beetaloo Basin to date from the Shenandoah South 1H (SS-1H) well

• Secured funding of US$82 million (pre costs) for Tamboran’s operated 2024 Beetaloo Basin drilling program via the successful IPO on the NYSE.

• Entered into a Strategic Agreement with 3 Liberty Energy (including US$20 million investment) to import modern US frac fleet into the Beetaloo Basin

• Signed a 15.5-year Binding Gas Sales Agreement with the Northern Territory Government for proposed SS Pilot Project (Phase 1)

• Signed LOIs with six East Coast gas buyers for up to 875 MMcf/d (>50% current East Coast gas demand) (Phase 2).

• Signed two MOUs with bp and Shell for 2.2 MTPA of LNG each and awarded Bechtel Pre-FEED activities on proposed NTLNG project at Middle Arm (Phase 3).

To view the full asx announcement, visit: Tamboran Resources ASX Announcements

Source: Tamboran Resources

Top End Energy Limited is pleased to provide an update on its recently acquired Exploration Permit (EP) 144 (the Permit), which is located in the South Nicholson Basin area of the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Source: Top End Energy ASX Announcement

The CLP Government will fix the economic mess Labor left behind and aim to capitalise on record mineral exploration expenditure in the NT.

Mineral exploration expenditure for 2023-24 was the highest financial year on record at $227.4 million, increasing from $200.1 million in 2022-23.

Kicking off NT Resources Week in Darwin, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the 14 per cent rise was nearly nine times higher than the Australia-wide increase of 1.6 per cent.

“Under my new CLP Government’s economic policies, we will vigorously pursue mining, gas, defence, tourism and agriculture,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“This is unlike the previous Labor Government which left the Territory as a place which was too hard to do business. We saw no new major mines open in eight years and approval times have blown out to ridiculous levels.

“The development of new mines, as well as the Beetaloo Basin, is now an urgent priority for us to rebuild the Territory’s economy.

“Labor failed to have the right framework to deliver, which is why we have changed up government departments, and we are making it easier to do business through reducing payroll tax and establishing a new Territory Coordinator to slash red tape and fast-track approvals.”

Mr Maley said: “The mining and resource sector will continue to play a vital role keeping Territorians employed, and hundreds of businesses across our regions engaged.”

“We have recently established the Department of Mining and Energy to support our key resources industry. We have also established the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment to ensure timely environmental approvals are achieved and create a better system for economic development,” he said.

Mrs Finocchiaro said: “Our CLP Government is full of hope and optimism about the future of the Northern Territory.”

The Territory has 17 of the world’s most in demand critical minerals, including cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, rare earths, and zinc.

The total value of mineral production in the Northern Territory was $4.32 billion in 2023-24.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Empire is now entering an exciting phase, targeting commencement of sales from the Beetaloo.

Following the recent successful capital raising, the team has been progressing design and execution planning for the C-5H pilot development well and engineering works for the installation of surface facilities to allow for the sale of test gas into the McArthur River Pipeline.

We remain on track to drill and stimulate C-5H this year, with initial flow test results due in Q1 2025.

Engineering work on the surface facilities continues with installation on track for Q2 2025, with pilot production sales anticipated to commence in mid-2025 (subject to regulatory approvals for sale of test gas which are well advanced)

To view the fill announcement, visit: Beetaloo Services Contracts Executed

Source: Empire Energy Group  

Changes to Northern Territory public sector agencies will create a strong, effective government focused on our key priorities of reducing crime, rebuilding the economy and restoring our lifestyle.

In line with the official swearing-in of the new Cabinet today, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the machinery of government changes enable Ministers to deliver on the Northern Territory Government’s commitments to Territorians. 

“We are determined to lead a government which is effective, coordinated and focused on the priorities of Territorians,” she said.

"A strong public service is vital in delivering the changes the Northern Territory and its people need. Public sector jobs are safe.

"Together, we will rebuild the Territory for all Territorians.”

Under the changes, the number of key agencies will increase from 12 to 18.

The Chief Minister said the new arrangements have been designed with clear objectives in mind.

“We are aligning our public sector structures with our Government’s top priorities, building a stronger, more specialised public service with technical expertise within smaller departments, empowering quicker and informed decisions that are made closer to the ground” the Chief Minister said.

“The new structures will also enable services to be more agile and responsive.

“Mr Ken Davies PSM, CEO of the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet is experienced and knowledgeable and will provide sure footing to implement the machinery of government changes and our reform agenda.

"I take this opportunity to thank Ms Karen Weston for her service to education in the Northern Territory, as well as Dr Marco Briceno for his service to Health, who will continue to bring his professional expertise to the frontline in health.  I also thank Mr Craig Graham for his long service as Under Treasurer and I am pleased that he will take on a strategic advisory role to support the development of the Middle Arm Sustainability Development precinct as a major driver of the Territory’s economy.”

Full changes can be viewed through the Administrative Arrangement Order at https://legislation.nt.gov.au/en/Legislation/ADMINISTRATIVE-ARRANGEMENTS-ORDER

Agencies under the new structure with CEO (in Administrative Arrangements Order)

Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (CM&C) - Ken Davies PSM
     including the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE) – Nicole Hurwood

Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) - Under-Treasurer Tim McManus

Attorney-General’s Department (AGD)- Gemma Lake

Department of Corporate and Digital Development (DCDD) - Catherine Weber 

NT Police (NTPOL) - Commissioner Michael Murphy APM

NT Fire and Emergency Service (NTFES) - Commissioner Andrew Warton

Department of Education and Training (DET) - Susan Bowden 

Department of Health (DOH) - Chris Hosking

Department of Children and Families (DCF)- Emma White

Department of Corrections (DoC) - Commissioner Matthew Varley

Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR) - Hayley Richards

Department of Mining and Energy (DME) - Alister Trier

Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) - Louise McCormick

Department of Lands, Planning and Environment (DLPE) - Joanne Townsend

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) - Andrew Kirkman

Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development (DHLGCD) - Luccio Cercarelli PSM

Department of Tourism and Hospitality (DTH) - Suzana Bishop

Department of People, Sport and Culture (DPSC) - Samantha Livesley

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom 

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has announced the new CLP Government’s full ministry.
 
“The CLP has been given a mandate to deliver change for all Territorians and our new Cabinet will ensure a better Northern Territory for everyone,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
 
“Community safety is my government’s first priority, and we are on track to deliver our promised reforms on bail and increased police powers in the first week of Parliament.
 
“Rebuilding the economy and restoring the Territory’s reputation as a competitive destination to live, work, visit and invest is a key focus of our new Cabinet.
 
“Territorians voted for change for the better and our Cabinet will lead the Territory forward.”
 
Here is the full list of the Finocchiaro Government’s Cabinet:

Lia Finocchiaro

Chief Minister

Minister for Police

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services

Minister for Defence NT

Minister for Territory Coordinator

Gerard Maley

Deputy Chief Minister

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries

Minister for Mining and Energy 

Minister for Corrections

Minister for Renewables

Minister for Recreational Fishing 

William (Bill) Yan

Treasurer

Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure

Minister for Housing Construction

Marie-Clare Boothby

Attorney-General

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

Minister for Major Events

Minister for Parks and Wildlife

Minister for Racing 

Steven (Steve) Edgington

Minister for Health

Minister for Mental Health

Minister for Alcohol Policy

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development 

Minister for Essential Services

Joshua (Josh) Burgoyne

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment

Minister for Corporate and Digital Development

Minister for Water Resources

Jo-Anne (Jo) Hersey

Minister for Education and Training

Minister for Early Education

Minister for Public Service 

Robyn Cahill

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations

Minister for International Education, Migration and Population

Minister for Workforce Development

Minister for Advanced Manufacturing

Minister for Children and Families

Minister Child Protection

Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence 

Jinson Charls

Minister for People, Sport and Culture

Minister for Disability

Minister for Arts

Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality

Minister for Multicultural Affairs 

Minister for Veterans

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Highlights

• Tamboran Resources Corporation has commenced its Shenandoah South (SS) Pilot Project drilling program with the spudding of the Shenandoah South 2 (SS-2H) well in EP 98. The SS-2H well is being drilled off a new pad located approximately 3 miles north of the Shenandoah South 1H (SS-1H) well and within the Tamboran-operated SS Pilot Project area (47.5% working interest).

• Following the drilling of the SS-2H well, Tamboran will immediately drill the Shenandoah South 3H (SS-3H) well off the same pad ahead of the stimulation program.

• The SS-2H and SS-3H wells will be drilled with the Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP) super-spec FlexRig® Flex 3 rig and will target the Middle Velkerri B Shale at a depth of approximately 9,910 feet (3,020 metres). Each well is expected to be drilled in 30 days.

• Both the SS-2H and SS-3H wells are designed to include a 10,000-foot (3,000-metre) horizontal section and will each be stimulated with up to 60 stages utilizing the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) modern frac fleet which has recently been mobilized from the US to Australia. The increased efficiency and performance of the Liberty frac fleet is expected to result in a material increase in the number of completed stages per day and optimized gas flows.

• Initial flow test results from each well are expected in Q1 2025. Once flow testing is complete, both wells will be suspended as future producers to supply Tamboran’s proposed 40 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) SS Pilot Project. Production from the SS Pilot Project is expected to commence in H1 2026, subject to final stakeholder and regulatory approvals.

• The two well program will be the largest single campaign in the Beetaloo Basin to date.

To view the full ASX Announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2024 drilling programme with the spudding of the Shenandoah South 2H (“SS2H”) horizontal well in exploration permit 98 in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B2”).

Following the drilling of the SS2H well, Tamboran B2 will immediately move to the Shenandoah South 3H (“SS3H”) well off the same well pad location ahead of the stimulation program.

Both wells will be drilled with a H&P super-spec FlexRig® Flex 3 Rig and will include a horizontal section of approximately 3,000 metres and will target the Amungee Member B-shale at an estimated target depth of 3,020 metres. Each well is expected to be drilled in 30 days.

The wells will be stimulated with up to 60 stages utilising the Liberty Energy modern frac fleet currently being mobilised from the US to Australia. The increased efficiency and performance of the Liberty fleet is expected to result in a material increase in the completed stages per day and optimised gas flows.

Initial flow test results from each well are expected in Q1 2025. Once flow testing is complete, both wells will be suspended as future producers to supply the proposed 40 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) Shenandoah South Pilot Project, which is expected to commence production in H1 2026, subject to final stakeholder and regulatory approvals.

The two well program will be the largest single campaign in the Beetaloo Sub-basin to date. An additional four well program is planned for 2025 which will complete the drilling for the proposed Shenandoah South Pilot Project that will supply 40 MMcf/d to the Northern Territory government.

Falcon Australia will participate in both wells in the Shenandoah South Pilot Project at its elected participating interest of 5%.

Source: Falcon Oil and Gas