The Northern Territory Supreme Court has dismissed Rallen Australia’s appeal regarding the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (NTCAT) decision to grant Tamboran Resources a land access agreement on Exploration Permit 136 in the Beetaloo Basin.

The decision validates the Land Access and Compensation Agreement approved by the NTCAT in May 2022, allowing Tamboran to conduct exploration activities on the permit under its corresponding environmental management plans.

Tamboran completed drilling its first operated well in the permit area, Maverick 1V, during the second half of 2022, which was the fastest drilled vertical section of more than 2,500 metres in the Beetaloo Basin to date.

Tamboran Managing Director and CEO Joel Riddle said the company was pleased with the NT Supreme Court’s ruling and looked forward to progressing the development of the Beetaloo Basin in a safe and responsible manner.

Riddle said: “As the first challenge of the Northern Territory Government’s changes to the legislation and regulations permitting access for exploration purposes, the decision sets an important precedent for future operations across the Beetaloo Basin.

“We are pleased to lead the way by securing this important precedent and ensure that the benefits of the decision will extend to many stakeholders.

“We remain committed to our development options in the EP 136 permit, where we hold a 100 per cent operated interest.

“We are currently evaluating the opportunity to re-enter the M1V well and drill a 3,000-metre horizontal section once H&P’s super-spec FlexRig is operational in Australia.

“The rig has arrived in Darwin ahead of the commencement of operations in the Beetaloo Basin in mid-calendar year 2023.”