Top End Energy sees "significant" gas play in Northern Territory permit
Sydney-listed Top End Energy announced on July 15 that preliminary outcomes from the geophysical and geological evaluation of its Exploration Permit (EP) 144, located in the South Nicholson basin in Australia's Northern Territory (NT), indicate “significant" gas play.
“A significant gas play fairway, covering up to about 3,500 km², has been identified on EP 144 based on offset drilling and seismic interpretation,” the company stated. Top End holds a 100% interest in EP 144, which is the only granted permit in the South Nicholson Basin.
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The NDI Carrara-1 deep stratigraphic well intercepted multiple source rock intervals with total organic carbon samples up to 5.5%. The well also suggests the localised presence of hydrogen and helium, with high hydrogen concentration samples of up to 27%.
EP 144 was acquired by Top End as part of its recently completed transaction with Minerals Australia and Jacaranda Minerals, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hancock Prospecting. This transaction also included the acquisition of EP 153 and EP 154. EP 144 is located in proximity to the Northern Gas Pipeline, providing access to Mount Isa and the East Coast gas market.
“When overlaid with the results from the Carrara-1 stratigraphic well, the potential for a highly prospective unconventional gas play fairway on EP 144 is readily evident. This is complemented further by helium and hydrogen potential also indicated across the basin,” said Top End managing director Oliver Oxenbridge.
Oxenbridge added that the company now plans to refine its near-term work programme for EP 144, which is expected to include further geophysical analysis, soil gas sampling, and targeted stratigraphic drilling.