Echelon Resources secures first stand-alone Territory gas asset

A Kiwi resources company has secured its first stand-alone Territory gas asset. Read which one.

A potential new solo player has emerged in the Territory’s gas market, with the purchase by Echelon Resources of a 100 per cent stake in onshore Exploration Permit EP145 in Central Australia’s Amadeus Basin.

Echelon announced last week it had paid London stock exchange-listed energy company Mosman Oil & Gas $400,000 for the transfer of title.

Formerly the New Zealand Oil and Gas Group, Wellington-headquartered Echelon is an emerging gas player with assets in New Zealand, Indonesia and Australia including stakes in Central Petroleum’s Mereenie field as well as Palm Valley and Dingo.

Echelon chief executive Andrew Jefferies said EP145 represented a “robust infrastructure led exploration opportunity”.

New Zealand company Echelon has upped its stake in Central Australia.

He said it began when two exploration wells were drilled in the permit area in the early 1980s including the West Walker-1 well in the Pacoota Sandstone. Gas flow-on testing showed WW1 produced three million cubic feet per day gas.

Mr Jeffries said this is the primary producing reservoir at the nearby Mereenie gas field and the company plans to apply high resolution 3D seismic tests followed by drilling to define the discovery.

He said Echelon is aiming to tie this gas resource into the Northern Territory gas market as quickly as possible.

Mining Minister Gerard Maley welcomed Echelon’s NT investment. Picture: Zizi Averill

“This is very exciting acreage, with a discovery on it, in a corner of the world we

know well in a market that has great ambitions that all need gas,” Mr Jefferies said.

“We’ve already engaged Fleet Space Technologies to conduct a landmark active seismic

survey over the prospective area in 2026 using its ExoSphere platform.

“This will be the largest 3D acquisition in the prolific Amadeus Basin. Given the proximity to infrastructure, the supportive NT regulatory environment, and our connections to both the burgeoning east coast and NT markets, it’s my hope that we can be cooking with EP145 gas in the coming years.”

Mining and Energy Minister Gerard Maley welcomed the increased investment and exploration activity in the Territory

“Acquisitions like this show that industry has real confidence in the Northern Territory and the clear, consistent approach the CLP Government is delivering,” Mr Maley.

“We’re providing the certainty investors and proponents need to back projects that create jobs, grow the economy, and bring real benefits to communities across the Territory.

“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of Echelon’s exploration efforts and wish them success as they continue to build on the Territory’s status as a leading energy hub in Central Australia.”