PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government will open a further 1 500 km2 of land in the south-west for gas exploration.
Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said five parcels were to be released for tender on June 18 around Moonie and Injune in the resource-rich Surat and Bowen basins.
“It’s essential that we keep exploration underway to identify the resources projects and jobs of the future as we emerge from Covid-19,” Lynham said.
“Gas explorers have already expressed interest on these parcels of land previously, so it makes sense to open them for tender. Queensland has a plan for our economy to Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.
“Part of that plan is building on our traditional strengths like the resources industry and maintaining a pipeline of projects is essential.”
The new release comes just weeks before exploration tenders close for 12 areas across more than 6 700 km2 of other land in the south and central west.
The 12 areas, open to tender until July 9, lie between Blackwater and Goondiwindi. They include 872 km2 that can only supply gas to the Australian market.
“Gas is critical to our manufacturers as a feedstock as well as an energy source to fuel jobs,” Lynham said.