Australian shale gathers steam
The sector may still be in its infancy, but the industry’s prospects have improved rapidly over the last six months
Sydney-based Empire Energy is the latest developer to announce positive news from the Northern Territory’s (NT’s) Beetaloo sub-basin, revealing in mid-February a significantly increased resource estimate at its wholly owned exploration permit (EP) 187, following fresh analysis of data from the Carpentaria-1 well. The three drilling programmes in the Beetaloo, the focus of Australia’s shale oil and gas development efforts, have each yielded promising results so far, potentially justifying the federal government’s faith in the region. Empire says a review of the well data by consultancy Netherland, Sewell & Associates found that reservoir properties and shale pay thickness exceeded pre-dr
Also in this section
29 April 2026
The UAE’s exit from the alliance marks a decisive step towards a world in which oil markets are shaped less by collective management and more by national strategy
29 April 2026
Trafigura’s $1b prepayment agreement confirms African resource holders’ renewed interest in oil-backed financing deals as they look to capitalise on high oil prices
29 April 2026
The UAE’s departure from the oil producers’ group was a surprise to many, but the move can be traced back to a single point five years ago
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
