PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has called on the resources sector to nominate areas to be considered as part of Western Australia's 2023 petroleum exploration acreage release.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety will assess and consider submissions for this year's release. While the nomination of an area does not guarantee its inclusion, it may be considered for potential future release.
If a nominated area is released, there will be an expectation for the nominee to submit a bid.
The nomination period for the 2023 acreage release is now open and will close at the end of March.
The government said in a statement on Wednesday that the annual acreage release is an important part of the government's strategy for promoting petroleum exploration, and industry is encouraged to provide input.
“The petroleum sector remains a major contributor to Western Australia's economic success, achieving record production of oil and gas valued at A$52-billion in 2021/22,” Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said.
“The government will continue to support opportunities to invest in the petroleum exploration sector to help find the next big discovery. We are calling for industry to get involved and help shape the future of Western Australia's petroleum sector.”