Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) successful gas exploration program powers on with the support of Australia’s biggest super single onshore rig, MinRes Explorer.
Having commenced onshore conventional gas exploration in 2015, MinRes spent the following years accumulating the largest onshore exploration acreage in the highly prospective Perth and Carnarvon basins in Western Australia.
Targeted exploration activities in the northern Perth Basin culminated in the company’s inaugural natural gas discovery at Lockyer-1, in the Mid West region, in 2021. This was followed by a second significant discovery at nearby North Erregulla in 2023.
Following a successful drilling program, in September 2024 MinRes’ released its maiden resources for the Lockyer Gas Project and the Erregulla Oil Project, which revealed significant onshore gas and oil discoveries considered among the largest onshore finds in Western Australia.
Later the same year, the company announced a $1.1 billion agreement with Hancock Prospecting (Hancock) on its gas and oil assets in the onshore Perth and Carnarvon basins – a deal which maximised the value of MinRes’ exploration success for shareholders and highlighted the company’s ability to unlock significant capital from its asset portfolio.
The binding agreement involved Hancock acquiring 100% ownership of Exploration Permits 368 and 426 in the Perth Basin – home to MinRes’ significant gas and oil discoveries – and two joint venture agreements established for the remaining onshore Perth Basin and Carnarvon Basin exploration acreage.
Having demonstrated an ability to identify and unlock energy resources in Western Australia, MinRes continues to work closely with government, partners, industry and community stakeholders to ensure new opportunities are explored responsibly and safely.
A driving force in gas exploration
Key to MinRes’ ongoing gas exploration program is its ownership and operation of Australia’s biggest super single onshore rig, MinRes Explorer.
Acquired in October 2023, this highly advanced rig stands 27m tall, can lift more than 317 tonnes and drill wells to a measured depth of up to 5,000 metres.
It also boasts full automation capability – reducing the number of people required in high-risk areas during drilling – and is now supporting further targeted drilling in the onshore Perth Basin.
Now forming part of the company’s energy partnership with Hancock, MinRes Explorer offers improved flexibility and control over the company’s drilling schedule and performance, and will support further growth of exploration portfolios without relying on third parties.
The rig is supported by a crew of highly-skilleddrillers, assistant drillers, derrickhands, floor hands, leasehands, electricians, mechanics and health and safety advisors.
MinRes Manager Rig Operations Jay Jacobsen said MinRes Explorer is helping the Energy team continue to execute targeted and efficient gas exploration activities.
“This is one of the most exciting rigs to work on as its different to other rigs, it is a highly advanced system and can operate in manual, semi and fully auto modes,” Jay said.
“MinRes Explorer improves our drilling campaign significantly as it’s a super single, compact design rig package.”
“This means it can be moved from well to well more efficiently than conventional triple rigs of similar operating capacity, as it doesn’t require cranes to be mobilised,” he added.
“MinRes’ gas exploration program incorporates the same philosophy I've seen throughout my whole career: think about better and more efficient ways to do the things.”
MinRes’ Energy business is committed to pursuing low-cost, reliable and cleaner fuel sources including natural gas and renewable energy, supporting the company’s efforts to unlock cleaner and more sustainable energy and support its future growth.
Learn more at the Energy page of the MinRes website.
