KEYFACT Energy
Falcon Oil & Gas provides the following operational update on the Beetaloo project in the Northern Territory, Australia in light of COVID-19.
Following the successful completion of drilling operations, including cementing and casing of the horizontal well section of the Kyalla 117 N2-1H ST2 well (the “Kyalla Well”), the JV has completed the installation of water monitoring bores and preparatory work has continued towards the next phase of operations, which will include the fracture stimulation of the Kyalla Well.
Given the unprecedented circumstances brought about by COVID-19 in recent weeks, the JV has made changes to its operations to protect the health and well-being of Origin Energy Limited employees, contractors and communities across the Northern Territory. Adhering to the latest guidelines and advice from the Northern Territory and Federal Government on health and safety and social distancing are of the utmost importance to the JV and all present on site are observing health authority requirements.
Following the implementation of the necessary control procedures, the JV has now elected to temporarily pause activities at the Kyalla Well site, reducing those on site to essential personnel only, whilst ensuring the required regulatory and environmental management conditions to monitor and maintain the site can be met. The JV plans to resume activities in the latter half of 2020 and during this interim period the JV will use Northern Territory based employees and contractors to undertake civil and other works in preparation for the resumption of activities.
The JV remains committed to the Beetaloo project which, if successful, has the potential to deliver long-term economic and social benefits for the Northern Territory, Australia and is encouraged by the positive results to date. However, the circumstances presented by COVID-19 have led the JV to conclude that the focus at this time must be to protect the people and communities of the Northern Territory.