Industry News

Santos notes the Federal Court of Australia has today granted an interim injunction to prevent Santos from commencing to lay the Barossa Gas Export Pipeline (GEP) until 13 November 2023.

This decision is in connection with an application by Mr Simon Munkara seeking an order that Santos revise and resubmit the Environment Plan (EP) that was accepted by the regulator, NOPSEMA, in March 2020.

Mr Munkara alleges laying the GEP will impact submerged Tiwi cultural heritage, creating a new environmental risk.

Santos has complied with a General Direction issued by the regulator NOPSEMA in January 2023 in relation to impacts on underwater cultural heritage places to which Indigenous people have spiritual and cultural connections.

An independent expert anthropologist concluded there were no such underwater cultural heritage places, following interviews with around 170 Tiwi people and extensive archaeological and anthropological literature and studies. These studies included consideration of independent expert archaeological, geological and sedimentological assessment of the pipeline route.

Santos updated the EP to reflect the recommendations of the independent expert anthropologist, through its approved Management of Change process which is part of the GEP EP.

The Court will sit again on 13 November 2023 to determine whether to extend the injunction until that final hearing, which will be held on an expedited basis.

As announced to the ASX earlier this week, Santos respects the cultural heritage of the Tiwi people and while we appreciate there are a range of views, Santos has complied in full with the requirements of the General Direction as stipulated by the regulator, NOPSEMA. The regulator has monitored this compliance throughout.

The pipelay vessel will hold in Darwin and no pipelay activity linked to the GEP will be undertaken during the interim injunction.

Guidance on Barossa cost and schedule remains unchanged. Santos will assess any impact on the schedule and cost of the Barossa Gas Project if the injunction is extended beyond 13 November 2023 and will update the market accordingly.

Santos will continue to defend the proceedings at the next court date.

To view the full media release, click here.

Source: Santos

The Albanese Government is working to address acute skills shortages in the Northern Territory, today announcing an extension to the existing migration agreement with the NT Government, benefitting over 280 employers across the Territory.

The one year extension to the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) will cover up to 625 temporary skilled visas for new workers, delivering higher wages for new workers and more expansive pathways for permanent residency for existing workers, ensuring all levels of government are working together to get skilled workers into areas that need them most.   

This agreement will see deliver more care workers, nurses, dental assistants, cooks and chefs for local NT communities, and ensure Territory employers are able to hire and retain workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers, benefitting the Territory economy.  

The Albanese Government will increase the types of jobs offered under the agreement and streamline a number of requirements to make it easier for employers to use, while expanding pathways to permanent residency for workers and their families.  

The agreement will now also include much-needed occupations like primary and secondary school teachers, and software engineers, relaxing eligibility restrictions to appropriately address workforce shortages.   

The Albanese and Fyles Governments understand the importance of ensuring migrant workers are safe at work, and are afforded proper pay and conditions.

The Albanese Government is also removing the former Liberal Government’s non-monetary compensation meaning workers will have more pay in their pockets.

In order to meet salary thresholds from 2024 onward, minimum wages under the agreement’s extension will also rise from around $48,000 to $55,000.

Both governments look forward to working in a tripartite manner with business and unions as the third NT DAMA is negotiated in 2024, to begin in 2025.   

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MINISTER FOR RESOURCES AND MINISTER FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA, MADELEINE KING:

“The Northern Territory is a place of enormous opportunity but it also faces challenges. Attracting and retaining skilled workers can be difficult.

“This Government is acting to ensure the Northern Territory has the workers and services it needs to keep its economy strong.

“This extension of the Designated Area Migration Agreement is another example of how the Albanese Government is working with the Northern Territory Government to ensure the Top End continues to power ahead.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS, ANDREW GILES:  

“The Albanese Labor Government inherited a system with backlog after backlog, delays and waitlists.    

“We haven’t wasted a day in cleaning up immigration the mess left by the Liberals over a decade of neglect, including under former Minister Dutton.    

“Peter Dutton himself oversaw a complicated, slow and unplanned mess when it came to people coming into this country.    

“The Albanese Government is bringing governments, businesses and unions together to build a migration system that works in the interests of all Territorians.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHIEF MINISTER NATASHA FYLES: 

“The Northern Territory is bursting with opportunity. The economy is going in the right direction, we just need to make sure we have the working population to make sure we stay competitive.

“This agreement will be used by over 280 employers here in the Territory – covering up to 625 temporary skilled workers.

“This is why my Government will continue to work with the Federal Government to make sure we get more skilled workers to the Territory. We want to help more businesses find staff to make sure business keeps moving. This is not about just encouraging people to move to the Territory for the short term, we want to incentivise them to stay.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR JOBS AND TRAINING, JOEL BOWDEN:

“The Territory Labor Government is working on making the Territory an ideal and attractive destination for overseas skilled workers.

“This one year extension will make sure we continue to have a rolling number of skilled workers in the Territory.

“We will continue to work with the Federal Government and local businesses to address ongoing worker shortages, grow our population through international migration, while delivering a skilled and diverse workforce.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

A new solar cell technology being supported by the Australian Government could help rapidly scale up low-cost solar.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $11m in funding to Australian solar technology company SunDrive solar.

SunDrive has developed a solar cell metallisation technology that uses copper instead of silver in its manufacture. Copper is approximately 100x cheaper and 1000x more abundant than silver.

Australia has the highest uptake of solar in the world. But over the last ten years, only 1% of installed solar cells have been made in Australia.

Through this project, SunDrive will scale up its advanced production line. This will allow it to make enough copper metallised PV cells for around 15,000 household solar systems each year. SunDrive is aiming to employ more than 500 people as production increases in Australia.

The technology has environmental benefits too. Copper is easier to recycle and is less carbon intensive than silver in the manufacturing process.

Read more:

Scaling up SunDrive’s advanced solar PV manufacturing - Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)

Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Highlights

Tivan signs Letter of Intent with Larrakia Energy for the supply of up to 30 MW of renewable energy from 2026 at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

Tivan announces plans to develop a Vanadium Electrolyte Facility at MASDP to facilitate a renewable value chain for long duration energy storage across northern Australia.

Larrakia Development Corporation is an Aboriginal organisation representing the Larrakia people, the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters in and surrounding Darwin.

Larrakia Energy, majority owned by Larrakia Development Corporation, is planning the development of a 300 MW solar farm to provide renewable energy to MASDP in joint venture with Australian and international partners.

Tivan’s proposed VE Facility is based on planned production of high-purity vanadium at the Speewah Project in Western Australia, and is the largest planned facility outside of China.

Tivan’s mission is to contribute to the global energy transition via large-scale, full-cycle deployment of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries.

Agreement between Larrakia and Tivan based on a shared vision of harnessing the power of renewables to lessen impacts on country and to create sustainable economic opportunities

To view full ASX announcement, click here.

Source: Tivan 

The Territory Labor Government’s vision for Middle Arm as a vibrant hub of cleaner energy, investments, and job creation is one step closer.

Tivan Limited and Larrakia Energy have entered an agreement to supply up to 30 MW of renewable energy from 2026 to support Tivan’s planned Vanadium Electrolyte Facility, the largest of its kind in Australia.

The partnership between Tivan Limited and Larrakia Energy is a major step towards the Northern Territory's goal of becoming a leader in low-emissions energy and critical minerals processing.

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct is poised to become a catalyst for clean energy innovation and economic growth, with these initiatives representing a major leap towards a more sustainable future.

Tivan's planned large-scale Vanadium Electrolyte Facility at Middle Arm aligns with the vision of creating a renewable value chain for long-duration energy storage in Northern Australia.

Larrakia Development Corporation, an Aboriginal organisation representing the Larrakia people, and Larrakia Energy, majority-owned by Larrakia Development Corporation, are pivotal partners in advancing sustainable development in the region.

Larrakia Energy's joint venture, along with Australian and international partners, for a 300 MW solar farm near Middle Arm demonstrates their dedication to providing renewable energy to the precinct.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Nicole Manison:

“The Northern Territory Government congratulates Tivan Limited and Larrakia Energy for their commitment to building a cleaner, more prosperous, and sustainable future at Middle Arm.

“We look forward to the positive impact of this collaboration, as it drives economic growth, job opportunities, and sustainable energy solutions.

“This puts Darwin on the map when it comes to the critical minerals and renewable technologies needed for the energy transition.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“We welcome this partnership between Tivan Limited and Larrakia Energy as it solidifies the renewable energy value chain in the Northern Territory.

“This creates jobs for Territorians, in an inclusive way, that will see benefits across the entire Territory.

“The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct will be a global leader in the energy transition and is strategically important not just to Australia but our whole region.”

Source: NT Government newsroom

Santos respects the cultural heritage of the Tiwi people and while we understand and respect there are a range of views about the Barossa gas project, we will vigorously defend Federal Court proceedings commenced by the Environmental Defenders Office on behalf of Mr Simon Munkara.

The Environment Plan (EP) for the gas export pipeline installation was accepted by the regulator NOPSEMA in March 2020.  Santos has, at all times, complied with the applicable regulations and requirements stipulated by NOPSEMA, and the regulator has monitored that compliance.

Santos rejects the allegations in the application that there are significant environmental impacts or risks in relation to submerged Tiwi cultural heritage.

Provided the GEP pipelay is completed in 2023, and drilling activities commence before the end of the year, guidance to the market on Barossa cost and schedule remains unchanged.

In the event any injunction is granted, Santos will need to assess any impact on the schedule and cost of the Barossa Gas Project and will update the market accordingly.

Background

The Barossa GEP will run from the Barossa gas field 262 km offshore along a narrow underwater corridor. The pipe has a maximum diameter of 86 cm and will lay directly on top of the seafloor in water depths ranging from 33 to 254 metres. There will be no excavation of the seabed. At its closest point to land, the pipeline will be more than seven kilometres offshore from Bathurst Island in Commonwealth waters where the water depth will be around 70 metres.

In fully meeting its obligations, and as required by the General Direction issued by NOPSEMA on 13 January 2023, Santos engaged an independent expert to undertake and complete an assessment to identify any underwater cultural heritage places along the Barossa pipeline route to which people, in accordance with Indigenous tradition, may have spiritual and cultural connections that may be affected by the activities covered by the Barossa GEP EP. The independent expert was accepted as a suitably qualified independent expert by the regulator NOPSEMA, and was informed by Tiwi people and international experts in underwater cultural heritage, Wessex Archaeology, and in the geology and sedimentology of the Arafura Sea, Dr Posamentier.

The independent expert obtained information from about 170 Tiwi Island people with cultural connections to the sea country where the GEP is located and considered extensive, relevant archaeological and anthropological literature and studies.

The independent expert concluded there are no specific underwater cultural heritage places along the Barossa GEP route to which people in accordance with Indigenous tradition, may have spiritual and cultural connections that may be affected by the future activities covered by the EP.

There is no significant new environmental impact or risk that is not already provided for in the approved environment plan for pipeline installation. Santos has complied with the General Direction and the GEP EP is valid.

Santos will continue to engage with communities, land councils and First Nations people as we conduct our activities in accordance with the Environment Plans accepted by the regulator NOPSEMA.

To view full media release, click here.

Source: Santos

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to provide an operational update on  the Shenandoah South 1H (“SS1H”) well in EP117 which is operated by Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited.

Details are as follows:

• A diagnostic fracture injection test (“DFIT”) of the Amungee Member B-shale on the SS1H well was conducted to analyse geo-mechanical and reservoir properties, with results verified by third-party subsurface experts, Subsurface Dynamics, Inc.

• Formation pressures at SS1H were monitored for over 20 days and analysed to provide a pore pressure prediction for the area.

• DFIT results have demonstrated an over pressured regime, with a pore pressure gradient of at least 0.54 pounds per square inch (psi) per foot, which is consistent with an over pressured regime observed in the core area of the Marcellus shale. In addition, this result provides confidence that the upcoming flow test of the SS-1H well can replicate or exceed commercial flow tests achieved at the Santos-operated Tanumbirini 2H and Tanumbirini 3H wells (0.51 – 0.56 psi per foot) in the EP 161 acreage.

• Condor Energy Services have commenced the mobilisation of stimulation equipment to the SS1H well pad ahead of the planned 10 stage stimulation program in November 2023. IP30 flow rate results are anticipated to be released in early Q1 2024, subject to the timing of stimulation fluid flow back.

• On successful flow testing of SS1H, the Beetaloo Joint Venture (“BJV”) expect to be in a position to sanction a proposed pilot development in the Shenandoah South region.

View full operations update here.

Source: Falcon Oil & Gas

• Carpentaria-3H (“C-3H) has been shut-in following completion of extended production testing. The 90-day initial production rate (IP90) achieved for C-3H was 3.1 TJ per day

• Carpentaria-2H and C-3H are now available to form part of the Carpentaria Pilot Project well inventory with the intention to tie into facility infrastructure for production

• APA will spend up to $5 million on Engineering and Design Concepts and may provide funding support for midstream gas infrastructure facilities associated with Empire’s Carpentaria Pilot Project to transport up to 25 TJ per day to market

• Carpentaria Pilot Project is progressing towards a final investment decision (“FID”)

• Cash at the end of the Quarter was $15.1 million and $29.3 million at the date of this report following receipt of a total Research and Development Tax Offset of $15.6 million after Quarter-end

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

Source: Empire Energy Group

Today Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has announced a new Cabinet team as part of a renewed, refreshed and refocused Territory Government.

The Territory’s Cabinet team has the experience, energy and ideas to keep building the Territory’s future.

There are two new appointments to the Cabinet.

Member for Fannie Bay Brent Potter has been appointed Minister for Police, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

The second new appointment is Member for Johnston Joel Bowden. Mr Bowden will serve as Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Minister for Business and Jobs, Minister for Skills, Training and International Education, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, and Minister for Recreational Fishing.

The full Ministry list is detailed below.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“My Cabinet team is renewed, refreshed and ready to work even harder for the Territory.

“I’ve chosen people and portfolios that I think best reflect the priorities of Territorians, which are my priorities.

“My priorities are growing the economy and creating more jobs, easing cost of living pressures, and making the Territory a safer place for all.

“My team will focus on those priorities every day. As we keep building the Territory’s future.”

MINISTRY LIST

Natasha Fyles

Chief Minister

Minister for Health

Minister for Alcohol Policy

Minister for Major Projects

Minister for Defence Industries

Minister for Major Events

Nicole Manison

Deputy Chief Minister

Minister for Industry and Trade

Minister for Renewables and Energy

Minister for Mining

Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries

Minister for Essential Services

Eva Lawler

Treasurer

Minister for Education

Minister for Territory Development

Chansey Peach

Leader of Government Business

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty

Minister for Local Government

Minister for the Arts, Culture and Heritage

Selena Uibo

Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands

Minister for Parks and Rangers

Minister for Local Decision Making

Minister for Public Employment

Minister for Corporate and Digital Development

Kate Worden

Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water Security

Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Minister for Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

Minister for Sport                                                                                     

Ngaree Ah Kit

Minister for Territory Families

Minister for Urban Housing

Minister for Youth, Seniors, and Equality

Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Minister for Disabilities

Brent Potter

Minister for Police

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Joel Bowden

Minister of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Minister for Business and Jobs

Minister for Skills, Training and International Education

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

Minister for Recreational Fishing

Source: NT Government - Newsroom

EP 117 Operations Update: SS-1H DFIT results demonstrate over pressured regime, similar to the Tanumbirini wells

Highlights

• Results from the diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT) of the Mid Velkerri B Shale in the Shenandoah South 1H (SS-1H) well have demonstrated an over pressured regime, with a pore pressure gradient of at least 0.54 pounds per square inch (psi) per foot, in line with results demonstrated at Tanumbirini (0.51 – 0.56 psi per foot).

• Results have been verified by third-party subsurface experts, Subsurface Dynamics, Inc.

• The results provide confidence that the upcoming flow test of the SS-1H well can replicate or exceed commercial flow tests achieved at the Tanumbirini 2H (T2H) and Tanumbirini 3H (T3H) wells in the Santos-operated EP 161 acreage.

• Condor have commenced the mobilisation of stimulation equipment to the SS-1H well pad ahead of the planned 10 stage stimulation program in November 2023. IP30 flow rate results are on track to be released in early Q1 2024, subject to the timing of stimulation fluid flow back.

• On the successful flow testing of SS-1H, Tamboran and the Beetaloo Joint Venture (BJV) expect to be in a position to sanction the proposed Pilot Development in the Shenandoah South region.

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources