Beetaloo Energy Gains Consent for Appraisal Gas Sale Under Petroleum Act
Beetaloo Energy secures crucial consent from Traditional Owners for the sale of appraisal gas at its EP187 project, marking a key step forward in its Northern Territory operations.
- Traditional Owners consent to appraisal gas sale under Petroleum Act
- Meeting facilitated by Northern Land Council on 24-25 June 2025
- Benefits package being finalised with Traditional Owners committee
- Formal agreement execution pending under Aboriginal Land Rights Act
- Beetaloo Energy commits to sharing economic and social benefits
Consent Secured for Appraisal Gas Sale
Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited has announced a significant milestone in its exploration efforts with the Traditional Owners of the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust granting consent for the sale of appraisal gas from exploration permit EP187. This approval, obtained during an On Country Meeting held on 24 and 25 June 2025, was arranged by the Northern Land Council in accordance with relevant Northern Territory legislation.
Navigating Legal and Cultural Protocols
The meeting was conducted under the framework of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the Exploration Deed between Beetaloo Energy’s subsidiary, Imperial Oil & Gas Pty Limited, and the Northern Land Council. The Traditional Owners’ consent aligns with Section 57AAA (5)(d) of the Petroleum Act 1984 (NT), a critical regulatory step that enables Beetaloo Energy to proceed with commercial activities related to appraisal gas.
Finalising Benefits and Agreements
While the consent marks a pivotal development, the company is still finalising a benefits package with a committee representing the Traditional Owners, supported by the Northern Land Council. This package aims to ensure that the local Aboriginal community shares in the economic and social advantages stemming from the project. The formal execution of the agreement will follow, adhering to the statutory requirements of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.
Commitment to Community Partnership
Beetaloo Energy’s Managing Director, Alex Underwood, expressed gratitude to the Traditional Owners and the Northern Land Council for their cooperation and commitment. He emphasised the company’s dedication to fostering strong relationships with landowners and local communities, highlighting the ongoing benefits that exploration and appraisal activities are expected to deliver.
This development not only advances Beetaloo Energy’s operational roadmap but also reinforces the importance of respectful engagement with Indigenous stakeholders in resource projects across Australia’s Northern Territory.
Bottom Line?
With Traditional Owners’ consent secured, Beetaloo Energy is poised to advance its appraisal gas sales, but the final benefits agreement will be closely watched.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the specific terms and financial details of the benefits package being negotiated?
- How will this consent impact the timeline and scale of Beetaloo Energy’s appraisal and production activities?
- Could this agreement set a precedent for future engagements with Traditional Owners in the Northern Territory?
