How Finder Energy’s KTJ Approval Sets Stage for Timor-Leste Oil Hub
Finder Energy has achieved a pivotal regulatory milestone with approval of the Development Area for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil fields, setting the stage for project sanction and a scalable production hub in Timor-Leste.
- ANP approval grants long-term tenure over KTJ Development Area
- KTJ Project holds 25 million barrels 2C Contingent Resources with significant upside
- Field Development Plan submission scheduled for Q2 2026
- Strategy to establish Petrojarl I FPSO as central production hub
- Potential for multiple tie-back opportunities within PSC 19-11
Regulatory Breakthrough for KTJ Project
Finder Energy Holdings Limited (ASX:FDR) has announced a significant regulatory advance with the Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo (ANP) granting approval for the Development Area encompassing the Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil fields. This approval secures long-term tenure, providing the company with the necessary regulatory certainty to progress towards project sanction and final investment decision.
The Development Area covers approximately 88 square kilometres and includes the proposed site for production infrastructure. With tenure secured for up to 25 years or until production ceases, Finder Energy can now focus on finalising the Field Development Plan (FDP), which is slated for submission to ANP in the second quarter of 2026.
Resource Base and Upside Potential
The KTJ Project currently holds 25 million barrels of gross 2C Contingent Resources, with an identified upside comprising an additional 23 million barrels of 2C Contingent Resources and 116 million barrels of 2U Prospective Resources. These figures highlight a material growth pathway beyond the initial development, underpinning the project’s long-term value proposition.
Finder’s technical team is actively evaluating appraisal and exploration opportunities within PSC 19-11 to prioritise drilling targets. This ongoing work aims to unlock further value by expanding recoverable resources and enhancing project economics.
Strategic Production Hub Vision
Central to Finder’s strategy is the establishment of a scalable production hub centred on the Petrojarl I Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. This hub is designed to commercialise multiple oil fields through tie-back opportunities, potentially extending the life and scale of production operations within PSC 19-11.
Such a hub not only promises capital efficiency but also broader economic benefits, including increased state revenues, job creation, and local supply chain participation. The company is also exploring the possibility of a secondary stand-alone development to accommodate tie-backs over longer distances, further enhancing operational flexibility.
Looking Ahead
CEO Damon Neaves emphasised the importance of the milestone, stating that securing long-term tenure allows Finder to advance confidently towards project sanction while maintaining strong collaboration with Timor-Leste’s regulatory authorities and TIMOR GAP. The upcoming FDP submission will be a critical step in translating regulatory approvals into tangible development progress.
While the announcement marks a major step forward, the company remains mindful of the inherent uncertainties in resource estimation and the need for further appraisal and evaluation. Financing arrangements and final investment decisions will be closely watched by investors as the project moves closer to production.
Bottom Line?
With regulatory certainty now in hand, Finder Energy is poised to unlock significant value from KTJ’s resources, but the path to production still hinges on upcoming approvals and financing.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the Field Development Plan receive final approval from ANP?
- How will financing be structured to support the KTJ Project’s development?
- What is the timeline and likelihood for converting prospective resources into reserves?
