RE: Empire resource update29 May 2023 00:22
Comments from Managing Director Alex Underwood:
"The Empire team is delighted to share these outstanding results with shareholders. The volumes delineated in EP187 represent a nationally significant resource of low CO2 gas. Warnings abound from multiple sources that Australia faces material gas shortfalls in years ahead, a view that I share given the enduring role of gas. The Beetaloo and more particularly Empire’s resource has the potential to service domestic demand gaps and international sales via LNG. At an assumed gas contract price of $10 / GJ, each development well in EP187 could produce between $62 million and $95 million of revenue over its life, compared to a development cost of ~$20 million in the pilot phase and or ~$15 million in larger development scenarios. NSAI has identified over 200 2C drilling locations, representing LNG scale development potential.
Following the recent green light from the NT Government to move into production, the Empire team is progressing towards development drilling and cash flow. Our current capital resources allow us to proceed to a final investment decision on the pilot project this year without raising any further capital in the near term. This will allow the team to focus on further value accretive work including field development planning, indigenous consultation, regulatory approvals and gas sales negotiations.”