Australian energy major Santos has begun drilling its first appraisal well in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo Basin, representing a move towards potential future gas development in northern Australia.
The process began earlier this month, following receipt of approval for the company's environmental management plan (EMP) from the Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment in May 2026.
The aim is to verify whether the area's shale gas reservoir is commercially viable.
The contractor, Exact Contracting, based in the Northern Territory, was chosen to carry out major on-site preparation. The works included construction of the well pad and access infrastructure, prior to the start of drilling.
The appraisal well is located on exploration permit (EP)161, approximately 160km east of the town of Daly Waters.