NT Government progresses Territory Sands project
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has issued a Notice of Intent to Grant for two extractive mineral leases (EML 33034 and EML 33036) for Territory Sands Pty Ltd, marking a key step toward the proposed development of a frac sand mine and quarry in the Beetaloo Sub-basin region.
The leases relate to Territory Sands’ Forest Hill South Project, located approximately 470km south of Darwin. Once granted, the project would support the supply of locally sourced, high-quality quartz sand for use as frac sand (proppant) in hydraulic fracturing operations associated with Beetaloo gas exploration and production.
This development is supported by a planned $10.4 million investment from Beetaloo Energy Australia, which is progressing exploration activities in the basin. First gas production in the region is currently anticipated from Q3 2026.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the project demonstrates how gas exploration can create opportunities for local businesses.
“The NT Government is backing the local extractives industry, and it’s great to see Territory businesses benefiting from gas exploration in the highly prospective Beetaloo Sub-basin,” Mr Maley said.
“This is a great example of how a major player in the Beetaloo Sub-basin is creating real opportunities for Territory businesses, with the flow-on benefits for jobs and economic activity to be felt for years to come.
“This is a significant investment by Beetaloo Energy that will see Territory sand used to support the production of Territory gas which also lowers the cost of activities for gas companies.”
Territory Sands discovered sand suitable for fracking in 2020 after exploration tenements were pegged in the Larrimah area in 2019.
The company’s founder and geologist, Nigel Doyle, had previously drilled in the area in 2012 while exploring for diamonds, during which high-quality sand was encountered near the surface in drill holes.
The company has been progressing approvals with the NT Government and Land Councils to support the Beetaloo development, and the Notice of Intent to Grant is a significant milestone for both Territory Sands and Beetaloo Energy.
Territory Sands founder Nigel Doyle said:
“This was a local idea from a local company and has been financially backed by private investors, some from Darwin who are friends, family, mates from sporting groups and the business community who all believe in a better future for the Northern Territory,” Mr Doyle said.
“Our Traditional Owner families and communities from the regional Beetaloo areas of Beswick, Minyerri, Elliot and Tennant Creek will also benefit.”
The investment by Beetaloo Energy will enable the construction of a sand processing plant and quarry on the EML to extract and process the sand, as well as ancillary infrastructure to support the development.
Beetaloo Energy Australia Managing Director Alex Underwood said:
"The partnership between Beetaloo Energy and Territory Sands represents a mutually beneficial outcome for both Beetaloo stakeholders and Northern Territory businesses.
“By leveraging local expertise and supply chains, the collaboration is expected to reduce development costs across the Beetaloo Basin while simultaneously strengthening the regional economy and supporting the creation of local jobs."
Source: Northern Territory Governement Newsroom
