Buru clears another regulatory gate for Rafael gas project
Buru Energy has applied for a Production Licence covering its wholly owned Rafael gas and condensate field in Western Australia, moving the project into another key regulatory phase. The application follows the booking of 15.25 MMboe of 2P Reserves and keeps planned 2027 drilling and early 2029 first gas in view, subject to approvals and funding.
- Production Licence application submitted for Rafael in EP 428
- 15.25 MMboe of independently assessed 2P Reserves supports the two-well foundation development
- Project has been referred to the EPA WA
- Rafael 1H and 1H production wells targeted for 2027
- First gas remains targeted for early 2029, subject to approvals and funding
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Rafael Licence Application Moves Development Forward
Buru Energy Limited (ASX:BRU) has applied for the Production Licence needed to develop and produce gas and condensate from its Rafael field in Western Australia’s Canning Basin. The application covers the company’s 100%-owned project within Exploration Permit EP 428 and represents a significant step beyond exploration and appraisal.
The filing arrives after Buru secured an independent assessment of 15.25 MMboe of Proved and Probable Reserves for Rafael’s two-well foundation development. It also follows the project’s referral to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority, a regulatory step covered in the
2027 Wells Remain the Next Development Test
Buru’s current plan calls for Rafael 1H and Rafael 2H production wells to be drilled in 2027, followed by first gas in early calendar 2029. Those dates are targets rather than committed production milestones: the company says they remain subject to regulatory approvals and project funding.
The proposed development is built around a small-footprint, modular concept that Buru says is intended to generate long-term cashflow and supply a local source of energy to the Kimberley region. The company describes Rafael as the only proven conventional gas and liquids resource in the greater Kimberley, although commercial delivery still depends on the licence process and the work required to move from reserves to production.
Regulatory and Funding Conditions Remain
A licence application is not a licence grant, and the announcement does not confirm a final investment decision, project financing or approval to drill. The EPA process is also still progressing. In practical terms, Rafael now has a more defined reserve base and development timetable, but several gates remain between the application and first gas.
Executive Chair David Maxwell said the company was concentrating on project simplicity, capital efficiency and early cashflow as it advances toward next year’s drilling program. The next material signals are likely to come from the Production Licence process, environmental approvals, funding arrangements and whether the 2027 drilling schedule holds.
Bottom Line?
Rafael has moved closer to development, but the value of the milestone will depend on licence approval, project funding and a successful transition into the 2027 drilling program.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the Production Licence application be determined, and what conditions could accompany any approval?
- How will Buru fund the planned 2027 production wells and wider development program?
- Can the EPA process and drilling schedule remain aligned with the early 2029 first gas target?
Sources
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Rafael Production Licence Application Submitted (opens in a new tab)Verified company source. Buru Energy Limited · 19 Oct 2026 · buruenergy.com
