Origin Energy is back in action in the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory after confirming the Kyalla well will be fracture stimulated with a period of production testing over the coming months.
The company temporarily paused work at the site in March due to COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of communities across the Northern Territory after first drilling the well in January.
Its initial results after the fracture stimulation are expected by the end of the year, with full results due in the first quarter of 2021.
Origin general manager for Beetaloo and growth assets Tracey Boyes said the company was pleased to be resuming exploration activity in line with the Northern Territory’s strict regulations.
“We have a robust COVID-19 management plan and additional controls in place so we can continue to safely carry out our work,” Boyes said.
“Our Beetaloo project is already creating local jobs and opportunities and if successful, has the potential to deliver long term economic benefits for the Northern Territory and Australia.”
Origin’s aim at the site is to learn more about the area’s gas resource and if it’s found to be viable, whether it can be safely extracted.
The exploration project has the potential to deliver long-term economic, social and environmental benefits for the Northern Territory, Australia and the region.