Santos could drill for new gas in Beetaloo basin within weeks as Murray Watt urged to ‘do his job’
Summary
Santos has received government approval to drill up to 12 new wells for gas in the Beetaloo basin in Australia's Northern Territory and may start drilling within weeks. Environmental groups have called on federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to review the project’s potential effects on water and endangered species using national environmental laws.Key Facts
- Santos plans to drill up to 12 appraisal wells at Tanumbirini Station in the Beetaloo basin.
- Appraisal wells test the quality and value of gas resources before full production.
- The Northern Territory government approved the project last month.
- Environmental groups want a federal review of the project’s impact on water and wildlife.
- The project could lead to large-scale fracking, which raises climate and environmental concerns.
- Santos aims to prioritize Beetaloo operations and sees the area as a long-term gas supply for Australia’s east coast.
- Independent reports suggest gas from Beetaloo might be more expensive than other Australian gas sources.
- Minister Murray Watt and Santos have not yet publicly responded to calls for further environmental assessment.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.