Brisbane’s Armour Energy is the latest player to join Queensland’s potential domestic market gas suppliers
Armour has an authority to prospect for gas for the domestic market only in the world-class Surat Basin.
Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the ATP meant Armour Energy could now seek out gas on 318 square kilometres of the Roma Shelf north of Miles and Surat.
"This will add to the renaissance of this highly prospective area, started when Armour recommissioned the mothballed Kincora Project in September," Dr Lynham said.
"The Roma Shelf is a long-standing petroleum-producing area and it’s very exciting to see the Kincora plant ramping up production.
"This new ATP is close to Kincora and its infrastructure, which will allow Armour to deliver more domestic gas, and sooner.
"With existing production and pipeline infrastructure nearby, any future gas produced can be quickly tapped into the east coast transmission network.
"That means more gas to Australia’s east coast industry, particularly manufacturers, and to households.’
"I thank Armour Energy for its continued commitment to securing the nation’s gas supply and potentially bringing jobs to regional Queensland while making a valuable contribution to the economy."
Armour is one of a trio of domestic-only gas tenure holders in Queensland.
Senex is progressing its Project Atlas in the Surat Basin on the first land the Queensland Government granted for domestic-only gas production
Armour and Central Petroleum won tenders in March to explore almost 400ha earlier this year, and the ATP is the next stage for Armour. Central Petroleum gained its ATP last month.
"In Queensland, we continue to do the heavy lifting on gas, with innovative policy delivering effective incentives for producers," Dr Lynham said.
"I echo the call from the Queensland Resources Council for the Commonwealth to reward Queensland for its commitment to gas development.
"Canberra could start by funding more gas infrastructure to support our gas explorers and producers in getting gas to market.’
