PESA QLD 2018 Symposium Exploration: Back in the game

September 6th saw the return of the PESA Queensland annual Symposium. The theme this year was Exploration: Back in the Game, a fitting theme as increasing oil price sees an increase in activity within the state.

The festivities kicked off on Wednesday evening at the Southbank Beer Garden with an Icebreaker where the presenters, organisers, attendees and sponsors mingled. This casual affair was enjoyed by all and has been a regular feature of the Annual PESA QLD Symposium.

As delegates arrived Thursday morning, they were greeted by the aroma from the Comet Ridge Limited sponsored coffee cart and a selection of Exhibition Booths presented by ALS, ERC, GeoConsult, GSQ, Synterra and Velseis.

Rachael Cronin, Deputy Director-General, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy opened proceedings with a discussion on the role the Department takes in supporting the domestic supply of gas. Stephen Kelemen of Queensland Exploration Council introduced many in attendance to the Queensland Resource and Exploration Gateway (QUREX). This fantastic online resource is a one-stop shop for industry to learn, explore, invest and connect with the Queensland resources exploration industry – www.qurex.com.au.

Closing out the first session, Justin Gorton (Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy) gave an overview of the evolving role of the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) in the resource life-cycle.

Session two, opened with Paul Balfe from ACIL Allen Consulting providing an insight into Eastern Australia gas and possible supply sources for a predicted shortfall. James Plumb (Carter Newell) followed with a 101 on The Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism and Anna Koscianski ended the session with an overview of the challenges that came with the fast-tracked development of Senex’s Project Atlas. Session two was proudly sponsored by Senex Energy Limited.

Lunch provided delegates the opportunity to browse the selection of posters provided by local University students along with some much needed sustenance after the busy morning.

The afternoon presentations were kicked off by Paul Henson from Geoscience Australia who provided a wonderful overview of the work GA have been doing in the South Nicholson Basin Region. Bronwyn Camac, (Santos) won best presentation for her talk on the deepest producing coals in Australia from the Cooper Basin. Session three finished with a study of the Toolebuc Formation, an unconventional potential resource, presented by Alex Bruce from Bridgeport Energy. Session three was generously supported by Stantec.

Peter Crosdale, (ERC) headed the fourth and final session for the day with a demonstration of how programmed Pyrolysis Techniques (Rock Eval) can be used to assess the hydrocarbon potential of old (Precambrian) rocks. Mohinudeen Fiaz of Source to Reservoir Solution presented an in-depth study of the Walloon Coals to demonstrate how detailed basin modelling can reveal “sweet-spots”. The day’s presentations were finished by Melanie Fitzell telling the exploration success story of Comet Ridge Limited. Session four was kindly sponsored by InGauge. Thanks also to Bridgeport Energy for their kind sponsorship of the events AV for the day.

Thank you to all presenters for contributing to an excellent event and congratulations again to Bronwyn Camac for winning best presentation. Thank you also to the session chairs; Rachel Kieft (Senex Energy Limited and PESA QLD President), Duncan Lockhart (Senex Energy Limited), Barry Smith (Bridgeport Energy and PESA Fellow) and Nathan Parker (Shell QGC and Federal PESA Vice- President). A special thanks also to the organising committee, ably led by Sam Ware, who volunteered their time to deliver another great event for PESA Queensland.

A big thank you to all sponsors for making this wonderful event possible;

Platinum Sponsor: Shell QGC

Gold Sponsors: Origin Energy, Santos and Velseis.

Silver (session) Sponsors: Senex Energy Limited, Stantec and Bridgeport Energy.

Booth Exhibitors: ALS, ERC, GeoConsult, GSQ, Synterra and Velseis

Coffee Cart by: Comet Ridge Limited

AV proudly supported by: Bridgeport Energy