Industry News

Today, the Territory Labor Government has released the 2023 NT Infrastructure Plan and Pipeline and Infrastructure Audit – a document which lays out how more jobs and projects will be created. 

The Plan and Pipeline identifies projects, programs and proposals across the Territory’s regions that will address challenges and capture opportunities to enable economic growth and improve quality of life for all Territorians.  

Informed significantly by the findings of the Infrastructure Audit 2023, the Plan and Pipeline provides a strong evidence base to guide future decision making on infrastructure investment, maximising the Territory’s potential. 

At $4.07 billion, the Northern Territory’s 2023-24 infrastructure program represents a record level of government investment in the Northern Territory.

Key enabling projects of priority include: 

• Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct common user infrastructure
• Darwin Region Water Supply Program, including Manton Dam return to service and Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage
• housing and land release
• strategic road corridors including Central Arnhem Road and Tanami Road
• creating a network of regional logistics hubs and intermodal facilities
• infrastructure in Central Australia to support local, national and international tourism
• investing in the Darwin Ship Lift and marine infrastructure.

This strategic plan underpins future economic growth, sustainable job creation, and increased productivity. To view the plan visit infrastructure.nt.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“The Northern Territory is on the cusp of an economic boom facilitated through infrastructure, with $36 billion worth of projects in the pipeline as final investment is secured.

“A diverse range of stakeholders were consulted to formulate the plan and pipeline, including all levels of government, land councils, private sector, not for profit organisations, industry representative bodies, peak bodies and the community.

“The Infrastructure Plan and Pipeline does not automatically mean building more and building bigger infrastructure. We have also assessed the infrastructure we have, see how it meets or does not meet the needs of the community and how it can be improved or repurposed.

Source: Northern Territory Government

The Territory Labor Government is focused on protecting our environment as we develop real solutions for the Territory and our nation to reach net-zero emissions.

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct has achieved another key milestone as part of the strategic environmental assessment process.

The final Terms of Reference for Middle Arm’s strategic environmental assessment have been approved by the Federal Minister for Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP.

The strategic environmental assessment’s Terms of Reference for Middle Arm specify what must be included in the Environmental Impact Study to ensure possible impacts of the development are correctly measured and assessed.

Here in the Territory, we have the most rigorous environmental protections in the southern hemisphere, because we know conserving our environmental values is critical.

The draft Terms of Reference were publicly available for community input last year, in which 30 submissions were received. The Commonwealth Government considered all submissions in detail received through both the NT and Commonwealth processes.

The strategic environmental assessment of the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct is an important commitment between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to deliver conservation outcomes and support appropriate development for the Middle Arm precinct over the next 50 years.

Quote attributable to Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“Our Territory Labor Government is focused on protecting the environment, creating green energy, boosting job numbers and growing our economy, all of which will be facilitated through the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

“The Terms of Reference for the strategic environmental assessment have been formulation through consultation between environmental experts, community members and government bodies to ensure no stone goes unturned throughout the environmental assessment process.

“This precinct is an economic enabler which leverages the Territory’s significant abundance of natural resources and critical minerals which are key in the fight against climate change.”

Source: Northern Territory Government

Registrations are now open for the NT Geological Survey’s Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES) 2024

Alice Springs Convention Centre - 16-17 April 2024

With high-levels of exploration and a strong pipeline of resources projects in the Territory, AGES 2024 will bring together industry, Government and researchers to discuss the latest insights into the Territory’s rich minerals and energy potential.

AGES is a technical exploration-focussed conference featuring presentations from the NT Geological Survey, its partners and exploration industry on new geoscience and latest exploration results from across the NT. 

The event provides a unique opportunity to access the latest in fresh exploration ideas and geoscientific data from the Territory, and to network with colleagues who share an interest in the discovery and development of the Territory's minerals and energy resources. 

AGES 2023 was attended by over 300 delegates, representing more than 73 exploration companies as well as service providers and Government and Indigenous organisations.

Conference Highlights

AGES 2024 will include major new releases of data and interpretations from the NTGS and its collaborative partners, as well as presentations from the exploration industry on latest exploration highlights in the Territory.

• Latest results from the Territory Government’s expanded $9.5 million Resourcing the Territory program
• Presentations on the Territory’s potential for critical minerals including recent new discoveries
• Highlights in the search for sediment-hosted copper and iron-oxide copper-gold potential across the Territory
• Updates on recent GA-NTGS seismic acquisition in the Birrindudu Basin
• The latest on shale gas exploration and appraisal in the Beetaloo Sub-basin
• Multiple networking events over two days including the AGES Official Dinner

Workshops

Geoscience Australia - The Northwest Northern Territory Seismic Survey - an introduction and preliminary interpretation workshop
Monday 15 April | 1:30pm - 4:30pm

As part of the Exploring for the Future (EFTF) program, Geoscience Australia (GA) in collaboration with the Northern Territory Geological Survey (NTGS) completed the L214 Northwest Northern Territory Seismic Survey in September 2023. The survey acquired 2D deep crustal reflection seismic data across an underexplored part of the Northern Territory, between Timber Creek and the Tanami region.

The region contains the Proterozoic Birrindudu Basin and Tanami gold province and is highly prospective for both energy and mineral resources. This new geophysical dataset will provide a foundation for an improved understanding of the geology and resource potential of the region.

Hosted by GA, in collaboration with the NTGS, as part of AGES 2024, this workshop will give participants the opportunity to view this new data from the Northwest Northern Territory Seismic Survey and discuss potential implications for the resource prospective of the region.

The workshop will:

• provide context of the seismic survey within a regional geological and resource potential framework
• give participants the opportunity to view and discuss the new seismic data with the workshop facilitators.
• provide an overview of new complementary geochemical, petrophysical and geomechanical datasets obtained from drill holes in the region. 

For further information on this workshop please contact Chris Carson on chris.carson@ga.gov.au or Jade Anderson on jade.anderson@ga.gov.au

Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade - Mines Branch 

Monday 15 April | 3:00pm - 5:00pm  

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT) Mines Branch plays a key part in promoting and facilitating the development of the mining industry by supporting growth through consistent and sustainable practices. 

The Mines Branch regulates mineral development activities from the first grant of tenure, to the approval and regulations of operations, through site rehabilitation to closure. 

The Mines Branch will host a workshop to provide updates on current issues including the Mineral Development Taskforce, Environment Reforms and the review of the Mineral Titles Act. The workshop provides an opportunity for industry stakeholders and representatives from the Mines Branch to discuss current issues and areas for further improvement.  

For further information on the Mines Branch Workshop please contact Andrew Hurwood on

08 8999 5368 or andrew.hurwood@nt.gov.au

Mining Services Expo

AGES also incorporates the Mining Services Expo which showcases Territory businesses and their capabilities to support exploration and mining ventures.

For further information on exhibiting at this event, please contact Maddison Bolton, from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade on 08 8951 8553 or by email business.ditt@nt.gov.au

Accommodation

Accommodation is Alice Springs is limited. We suggest you call Crowne Plaza on (08) 8950 7765 and request your accommodation directly, stating you are an AGES delegate

Research as a Service (RaaS) has published an update report on EEG: "A gas plant with intrinsic growth opportunity".  

Raas continues to believe "EEG is still the best exposure to the emerging Beetaloo gas play". 

Please click here to read the report. 

Source: Empire Energy Group 

Bore work is a regulated activity in the Northern Territory (NT). Regulating bore work helps to protect aquifers, and enables improved understanding of some of the Northern Territory’s most important water resources.

Property owners, licensed drillers and drilling companies all hold responsibilities to make sure bore work is compliant.

Incorrect bore construction can pose environmental risks to aquifers, including through cross contamination between aquifers.

While Water Regulation is responsible for assessing licence and permit applications and monitoring compliance with legislation, including for bore work permits and driller licence conditions, property owners, licensed drillers and employers also have a responsibility to play in aquifer protection and bore work. Moreover, the information that is provided to the department through these activities improves the understanding of the groundwater systems across the NT.

This includes information such as aquifer connectivity (or not), geographical distribution, geological and hydrological characteristics, and local and regional variations of these.  A fact sheet  PDF (462.3 KB) has been completed summarising the different stakeholder responsibilities.

Due to the NT’s vast area and the remote localities of most water bores construction, Water Regulation is reliant on all stakeholders playing their part to protect the groundwater systems of the NT.

Source: Department of Environment Parks and Water Security 

Applications for a new grant program to grow the circular economy are now open!

Circular Economy NT (CENT) is a $1.5 million grant program that will support Northern Territory (NT) businesses to turn waste into a valuable commodity.

Businesses can apply to fund projects that will improve recycling outcomes and address critical gaps around waste management and resource recovery in the NT.

These grants are focused on waste streams in construction and demolition, food and garden organics, commercial and industrial and e-waste including PV solar panels.

Grants are available for a minimum of $50,000 and applicants must co-contribute on a 50:50 basis. Once the project is completed, the program must remain operational for 5 years.

Applications close Friday 5 January 2024 and will be assessed on a competitive basis. For further information and to apply visit nt.gov.au/CENT.

Turning waste into a valuable commodity keeps it within the economy and out of landfill, two goals that are a priority of the Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy 2022 – 2027.

The NT Government has a key role to play in incentivising material recovery, reprocessing and remanufacture.

Work continues on two other key priorities in the strategy, which are to improve the Container Deposit Scheme and to phase out and ban problematic single use plastics by 2025.

Container Deposit Scheme improvements

Another piece of work that is underway to incentivise material recovery and reprocessing is a raft of changes to the Container Deposit Scheme.

Earlier this year, public consultation was held to seek feedback about changes to simplify and expand the scope of eligible containers, improve scheme data and reporting and incentivise container returns by setting targets.

While the Container Deposit Scheme is a successful and well-known recycling initiative in the Northern Territory (NT), changes will aim to make it easier for Territorians to keep valuable resources out of landfill.

A list of current Container Deposit Scheme collection depots across the Territory is available on the NTEPA website.

Single Use Plastics ban – it’s time to move to reuse

Work is also continuing on phasing out single use plastics across the NT. Public consultation was held earlier this year, and 99.3% of community survey respondents supported reducing single-use plastics.

Feedback also strongly supported improvements to waste and recycling infrastructure, to increase the number of resource recovery systems across the NT, and investment to support food organics and garden organics (FOGO).

The consultation summary is available on Have Your Say website.

How you can support the circular economy

Move to reuse

Make sure you have a reusable kit ready to go. This can include commonly used single-use plastic items like a reusable coffee cup, straw and food container. Keep them in a reusable bag in a handy spot like the car boot or near the front door.

Container Deposit Scheme

If you don’t already, start collecting eligible containers and return them to receive a 10 cent refund for each item. Did you know you can collect and donate your refunds to community organisations and charities? If you’re part of a community group, sports club or school you can also set up a collection point to raise money.

Source: Department of Environment Parks and Water Security

EP 117 Operational Update: Successful completion of SS-1H stimulation program, preparing to commence flow back and IP30 testing

Highlights

• Tamboran, on behalf of the Beetaloo Joint Venture (BJV), has successfully completed the 10- stage stimulation program over a 500-metre (1,640-foot) horizontal section of Mid-Velkerri B Shale within the Shenandoah South 1H (SS-1H) well in Beetaloo Basin permit EP 117.

• The stimulation program at SS-1H delivered a proppant intensity of 2,212 pounds per foot (lb/ft) and achieved rates of 100 barrels per minute (bpm) using slickwater, a first in the Mid Velkerri B Shale and in-line with current US shale basin stimulation designs.

• Tamboran plans to install production tubing ahead of the commencement of flow back of stimulation fluid and 30-day initial production (IP30) testing in mid-December 2023, subject to timing of gas breakthrough. 

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources

The Territory Labor Government’s support of the mining industry is boosting the economy and creating jobs, with the latest quarterly mineral exploration expenditure the highest ever recorded in the Territory

Mineral exploration expenditure for the September quarter has shot up by 30% to $74.4 million compared to the same quarter last year and smashes the previous record of $71.6 million set in the September 2011 quarter.

The 30% year-on-year rise in expenditure in the Northern Territory for the September quarter was much higher than the Australia-wide increase of 5%.

Mineral exploration expenditure in the NT in 2023 is currently on track to be the highest calendar year expenditure on record.

Demand for critical minerals – such as lithium and rare earths - is driving this growth in exploration, accounting for $37.8 million in exploration expenditure

The Territory has 15 internationally recognised critical minerals and has geological potential for a further 13 emerging critical minerals.

And the Territory’s potential is increasingly being recognised, with our highest ever ranking in the global Fraser Institute survey earlier this year –ranked 1st globally for Best Practice Mineral Potential as the most geologically prospective jurisdiction.

As part of the Territory Government’s support for critical minerals exploration, this year $3.7 million in grants were awarded to a record 38 projects from 30 companies as part of round 16 of the Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations grants program.

This is part of the $9.5 million Resourcing the Territory initiative, which is the largest and longest-term investment ever made by a Territory Government to support resource exploration and development. 

The Territory Government also established the Mineral Development Taskforce to investigate and identify opportunities to accelerate private investment in the resources sector.

Earlier this year the MDT delivered its report and 28 recommendations to drive sustainable development of the Territory’s resources sector, which the Government accepted and is now implementing.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mining, Nicole Manison:

“These latest figures show the world is quickly transitioning to renewable energy – and the Territory’s critical minerals are in high demand.

“The Territory’s resources sector, both in exploration and production, is a significant driver of the Territory’s economy - currently contributing close to a quarter of the Territory’s gross state product.

“The sector creates jobs, helps build our regions, and grows wealth for all Territorians, which is why the Territory Labor Government will always back it in through Resourcing the Territory grants and making the NT the most attractive place to do business.”

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Solar Nerds, Australia’s premier solar industry research group, recently unveiled its 2023 Q3 quarterly report, providing a comprehensive overview for each state, detailing the volume of installed systems, and showcasing industry leaders.

Nationwide, the solar landscape witnessed substantial growth, boasting a total installation of 793,066 kW across 83,981 systems.

Sunboost emerged as the standout leader nationally, contributing 26,261 kW, 2849 systems, and a market share of 3.31 per cent. In the STC trading sector, FORMBAY TRADING dominated with 182,414 kW and a substantial market share of 23 per cent.

In New South Wales, solar installations reached 260,926 kW across 26,882 systems, with Sunboost leading with 13,551 kW, 1410 systems, and a market share of 5.19 per cent. FORMBAY TRADING continued its dominance in STC trading, securing a significant market share of 20.04 per cent with 52,297 kW.

Queensland witnessed installations of 202,188 kW across 20,705 systems. Sunboost led with 5169 kW, 533 systems, and a market share of 2.56 per cent. FORMBAY TRADING still enjoyed the biggest share in STC trading, commanding a market share of 26.62 per cent with 53,820 kW.

Victoria embraced solar with the installation of 160,934 kW and 16,925 systems. INVINCIBLE ENERGY emerged as the top retailer in the state, showcasing 3075 kW, 390 systems, and a market share of 1.91 per cent. FORMBAY TRADING, again, is the champion in STC trading sector, with an impressive market share of 24.78 per cent and 39,883 kW.

Western Australia contributed 63,407 kW across 8145 systems. Solargain led in retail with 2281 kW, 299 systems, and a market share of 3.6 per cent. ONE STOP WAREHOUSE FINANCE excelled in STC trading, securing a substantial market share of 25.99 per cent.

The collective solar installations in South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and Northern Territory amounted to 105,612 kW across 11,324 systems.

Read Solaris Finance‘s full report here.

Source: EcoGeneration 

Empire Energy acquires fit for purpose gas processing facility to support the Carpentaria project.

• Empire has acquired AGL Limited’s Rosalind Park Gas Plant (“RPGP”) for $2.5 million in cash

• This significantly accelerates the path to Carpentaria Pilot Project (“Pilot Project”) production and reduces capital expenditure required to commence gas sales

• RPGP has a design capacity of 42 TJ / day and supported AGL’s Camden Gas Project until it ceased production in August 2023

• RPGP is a fit for purpose facility that has passed Empire’s stringent technical due diligence process

• Empire estimates that the acquisition of the RPGP may result in >$30 million in cost savings and reduce lead time by ~12 months compared to new build alternatives

• Empire is focused on reaching a final investment decision for the Pilot Project in the coming months 

To view the full announcement, click here.

Source: Empire Energy Group