7 August 2026
A second world-class Helmerich & Payne (H&P) drilling rig has been secured for the Beetaloo Sub-basin, reflecting international confidence in the Northern Territory.
Additional drilling capacity will drive the next phase of Beetaloo development beyond first gas in September, supporting jobs, investment and long-term economic growth across the Territory.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to support the development of the Beetaloo to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy for Territorians.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley has welcomed today's announcement by Formentera Partners, its Australian operating company, Daly Waters Energy, and INPEX that a second world-class Helmerich & Payne (H&P) 'super-spec' drilling rig has been contracted for its operations in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, describing it as another strong vote of confidence in the Territory.
The additional FlexRig, expected to arrive in the Territory in 2027, will support the next phase of appraisal and development in the Beetaloo and provide drilling capacity through to the end of the decade.
The world-class drilling rig is an advanced, high-performance piece of equipment designed to deliver greater efficiency, flexibility and capability compared with conventional drilling rigs.
It will be the second H&P FlexRig operating in the Beetaloo, and the third in Australia.
Minister Maley said the investment demonstrated growing international confidence in the Territory's abundant gas resources and the certainty being delivered by the Finocchiaro CLP Government.
"This is another significant milestone for the Beetaloo and another clear sign that development is accelerating as we move closer to first gas," Mr Maley said.
"This H&P drilling rig will be used by Daly Waters Energy and Inpex to undertake their drilling programs in the Beetaloo and deliver the 'checker boarding' development strategies.
"Having two H&P drilling rigs dedicated to development of the Beetaloo that can drill shale gas wells in around 25 days is a strong sign of industry confidence in the Territory.
"The rigs will also fast-track the Territory's ability to supply much-needed gas to the east coast markets that are facing severe supply shortages.
"Global companies are making long-term investments in the Northern Territory because they recognise the enormous potential of the Beetaloo and have confidence in the stable, investment-friendly environment we are creating.
"By bringing world-leading expertise and advanced drilling technology to the Beetaloo, we are improving efficiency and helping position the Territory as a globally competitive gas province."
Minister Maley said the announcement reinforced the enormous potential of the Beetaloo and the Government's commitment to unlocking this nationally significant resource for the benefit of Territorians and Australia's energy security.
"The Beetaloo Sub-basin can provide reliable gas for Australian households and manufacturers for decades, while creating jobs for Territorians and attracting billions of dollars in private investment.
"We will provide the policy certainty, streamlined approvals and infrastructure planning needed to unlock this nationally significant resource."
