- Eight WA petroleum acreages has been released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for exploration
- The areas are in the Northern Carnarvon Basin and Amadeus Basin
- Potential applicants are encouraged to apply through a competitive bidding system and if successful, apply for a petroleum exploration permit
- The application period closes on June 16
The WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has released acreage for petroleum exploration and calls on companies to apply through a competitive bidding system.
There are eight areas allocated for petroleum exploration in the Northern Carnarvon Basin off the Pilbara coast and the Amadeus Basin near the Northern Territory border.
Seven areas are onshore blocks and one offshore block in WA waters and vary in size from 390 to 10,282 square kilometres.
Successful applicants may apply for a petroleum exploration permit that allows the company to conduct exploration activities within the specified title for six years.
“The McGowan Government will continue to create opportunities within the State’s natural resources industry, and exploration is the bedrock of ongoing success,” said Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston.
“The petroleum sector continues to be a key contributor to WA’s economic success with sales of more than $23 billion in the 2020-21 financial year.”
The Minister has also said that any acreage awarded will be subject to the State Government’s policy on hydraulic fracturing.
All petroleum activities are said to be rigorously assessed and approved by the Department of Mines before work can begin.
Other approvals related to environmental and native title considerations may also be required.
The application period will close on June 16.