NT government gives environmental green light to Tamboran Resources’ Beetaloo fracking project

Tamboran Resources has passed the final green tape needed to frack the Beetaloo Sub-basin, after winning environmental approvals to begin drilling.

Tamboran Resources has passed the final green tape needed to frack the Beetaloo Sub-basin, after being granted environmental approvals to begin drilling.

The Northern Territory government approved Tamboran’s environmental management plan to construct four exploration and appraisal sites, and undertake drilling and flow testing of up to 15 wells at the natural gas field 500km southeast of Darwin.

In April, Tamboran signed a 15-year deal with the government to supply almost two thirds of the NT’s current gas needs, should its Beetaloo project go ahead.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler has previously denied the deal posed any conflict of interest in relation to the Environment Department’s “robust and stringent” approvals process.

Thursday’s approval also involved the independent NT Environment Protection Authority determining the proposed activities did not meet the threshold for an environment impact assessment, in line with legislative and regulatory requirements.

Tamboran has received the green tick to frack the Beetaloo from NT’s environmental regulators.

Part of Tamboran’s environmental plan includes an emissions management regime it says is consistent with the NT government’s net zero by 2050 target.

It marks a significant milestone in the Shenandoah South pilot project, which is expected to reach final investment decision in the coming weeks.

Tamboran must still reach an agreement with traditional owners, with whom negotiations are currently underway, and secure a deal with gas transportation company APA Group for use of a proposed pipeline.

Governmental approvals are also required for a gas processing facility on site.

It is understood Tamboran hopes to have met these requirements by the first quarter of 2025.

Tamboran Resources Chief Executive Joel Riddle. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“We were delighted to have received approval for our environmental management plan following a comprehensive review undertaken by the Northern Territory government,” Tamboran Resources chief executive Joel Riddle said.

“Tamboran’s EMP secures approval for the drilling of our next 15 wells, which are required to deliver critical gas supply and energy security to Territorians.

“We look forward working closely with all stakeholders in delivering our Beetaloo Basin development plan under the NT Government’s robust assessment guidelines.”

Tamboran Resources Chief Executive Joel Riddle, Environment Minister Kate Worden, Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Mining Minister Mark Monaghan. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Environment Minister Kate Worden said a monitoring program, coupled with strong regulations, would help ensure gas was extracted from the Beetaloo in an environmentally safe way.

This year’s budget committed $2m annually for the regional monitoring program in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin, which will build on data already collected in baseline assessments.

“The Beetaloo Basin is a vital part of growing our economy to $40bn by 2030 and creating thousands of jobs for Territorians over the next 15 years,” Ms Worden said.

“There are stringent processes all projects must go through to ensure gas is extracted in an environmentally safe way. Tamboran’s environment management plan has met this criteria.”

The government estimates gas extracted from the Beetaloo Sub-Basin has the potential to support 13,000 jobs by 2040 and increase the NT’s economic activity by $17bn.