Buru eyes Kimberley fraccing
Buru Energy has submitted an environmental plan to the State Government seeking permission to begin its pilot gas fraccing program in the Kimberley.
Subject to approvals, testing in the Canning Basin will be carried out using hydraulic fracturing - or fraccing - to stimulate the flow of gas.
The work will be undertaken in four existing wells - two at Yulleroo, about 80km east of Broome, and two at Valhalla-Asgard, about 320km east of Broome.
The document lodged with the Department of Mines and Petroleum details Buru's plans to start testing for tight gas flows in the Laurel Formation, at depths of about 2000m to 4000m.
The proposed activities have also been referred to the Environmental Protection Authority, which will determine whether it will be assessed.
Buru managing director Keiran Wulff said exploration next year would help determine the commercial potential of tight gas in Laurel, which may contain the biggest onshore natural gas resource in Australia.
Dr Wulff said it would be the first of a multi-stage exploration and development program.
"Importantly, our entire program will be completely transparent and will be conducted only after extensive community consultation and engagement." Dr Wulff said.
He said Buru was in discussion with traditional owners, pastoralists and the community."This is a very important opportunity for the people of the Kimberley and for the State overall," Dr Wulff said.
