Latest Appraisal Drilling News

Elixir Energy has secured a specialized rig imported by Shell to drill the pivotal Lorelle-3 appraisal well in Queensland’s Taroom Trough, with operations set to begin in January 2026. This move aims to validate Elixir’s substantial gas resources adjacent to Shell’s acreage.

State Gas Limited has independently certified a maiden 2P gas reserve of 30.2 petajoules at its Rolleston West Project, establishing a solid foundation for a pipeline-connected gas development aimed at the east coast market.

Central Petroleum has agreed to sell its Northern Territory sub-salt exploration permits to Georgina Energy, gaining a 25% equity stake in the helium-focused explorer. The deal refocuses Central on conventional oil and gas while offering shareholders exposure to emerging helium and hydrogen prospects.

Omega Oil and Gas has inked a binding Letter of Intent with Helmerich & Payne for a cutting-edge drilling rig to spearhead its expansive 2026/27 Taroom Trough appraisal program, aiming to unlock significant unconventional gas and liquids resources.

Elixir Energy has received a $3.861 million R&D tax refund, providing crucial funding for its upcoming Taroom Trough appraisal drilling and production testing programs.

Finder Energy has signed a farmout agreement assigning 40% of its North Sea P2530 licence to Serica Energy, retaining operatorship and a 20% stake. This move aims to accelerate appraisal and development of the Wagtail oil discovery through strategic partnership and regulatory approvals.

Noble Helium advances its North Rukwa helium project with a confirmed five-hole drilling campaign and a significant resource upgrade, backed by leadership changes and shareholder funding.

Bounty Oil & Gas reported a modest $272,000 in oil revenue for Q3 2025, boosted reserves in Queensland, and plans to restart Surat Basin production in 2026 while navigating ongoing legal challenges offshore Sydney.

Pancontinental Energy has identified significant new oil prospects within its PEL 87 permit, boosting total high-case prospective resources to 6.1 billion barrels. The company advances its farmout process and seeks a 12-month exploration extension amid strong regional activity.

Vintage Energy reported a 24% drop in quarterly sales revenue to $0.9 million alongside a 20% production decline, while initiating a Production Uplift Program targeting its Southern Flank gas fields and maintaining steady 2P reserves at 12.5 MMboe.

Finder Energy has locked in a significant funding agreement with TIMOR GAP, securing half of the KTJ Project’s development capex and upgrading its resource base, setting the stage for a Final Investment Decision by mid-2026.

Triangle Energy (Global) Limited has secured three new permits in the Philippines, advancing its gas exploration portfolio while navigating joint venture withdrawals in Australia and finalising the sale of its Cliff Head onshore assets.