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This section sets out the criteria followed in assessing applications lodged under the OPGGSA for the award of exploration permits.

In their applications for the award of exploration permits, companies will be expected to take into account all relevant information and any special conditions (such as environment protection, defence and fisheries matters) applying in permit areas. Relevant information, access restrictions and details of special conditions known to government at the time of release are included in Section 5 of this publication. It is recommended that companies register to receive the Australian Petroleum News (by e-mailing contact details to petroleum.exploration@ret.gov.au) as this publication is used to update this information.

An applicant must first satisfy the Joint Authority of its capacity to undertake its proposed work program, in particular:

• the adequacy of financial resources and technical expertise available to the applicant;
• the likelihood that the applicant will continue to have access to sufficient resources to meet the requirements of the proposed work program as well as other commitments previously entered into in other permit areas;
• the future viability of any consortium lodging an application, including evidence that a satisfactory Joint Operating Agreement has been or can be reached; and
• the applicant's past performance in other petroleum exploration areas in Australia or, if relevant, elsewhere.

Other content in this section

• Assessment Criteria
• Process for Assessing Applications
• Consideration of Past Performance
• Refusal to Grant a Permit
• Minimum Acceptable Work Program Bids
• Re-Release of Acreage