AQW 11458/17-22

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Foyle

Tabled Date: 02/12/2020
Answered On Date: 10/12/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 10258/17-22, whether the Tamboran Resources (UK) Limited proposed revised work programme rules out high volume hydraulic fracturing for a limited period, or permanently.

Answer:

(i) Tamboran Resources (UK) Limited has indicated that the purpose of the proposed revised Work Programme is to remove the need to use high volume hydraulic fracturing from the Work Programme. This Work Programme, or Term One of a Petroleum Licence, covers a period of five years.

(ii) After Term One, a Licensee would have to inform the Department in writing whether they wish to proceed to the Second Term or relinquish the Licence, in accordance with the legislation.

If the Licensee wishes to proceed to the Second Term, they must -

a. Prepare and submit an outline Work Programme for the Second Term.

b. Produce a report summarising the results of the Work Programme for the Initial Term.

(iii) This new Work Programme for Term Two would have to be approved by the Department.