Maintaining petroleum titles
Renew a petroleum title
You can apply to renew a petroleum title before the original title expires.
You must apply between three and six months before the expiry date, although applications up to but no later than the expiry date may be accepted in some circumstances.
The title will lapse if you don't submit a renewal application before the end of its term.
The type of title determines the amount of times a title can be renewed and also the length of time that it can be renewed. Refer to the table below.
Once you have applied to renew a title, the existing title remains valid until the department makes a decision about the renewal.
Summary of title renewal terms
| Petroleum Act 1984 | Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1981 | |
|---|---|---|
| Title type | Exploration permit | Exploration permit |
| Reference | EP | NTC/P |
| Term | 5 years - 50% relinquishment at end | 6 years - 50% relinquishment at end |
| Renewal term | 5 years - maximum of 2 renewals | 5 years - maximum of 2 renewals |
| Maximum blocks | 200 (5' block/s) | 400 (5' block/s) |
| Title type | Retention licence | Retention lease |
| Reference | RL | NTC/RL |
| Term | 5 years | 5 years |
| Maximum blocks | 12 (5' block/s) | Extent of petroleum pool/location (5' block/s) |
| Renewal term | Subsequent 5 year periods if discovery remains uncommercial | Subsequent 5 year periods if discovery remains uncommercial |
| Title type | Production licence | Production licence |
| Reference | L | NTC/L |
| Term | 21 or 25 years | 21 or 25 years |
| Renewal term | Up to 25 years | 21 years |
| Maximum blocks | 12 (5' Block/s) | Extent of petroleum pool/location |
Reduction of title area on exploration permit
You must surrender half the blocks in an exploration permit at the end of the initial term, or apply for an exemption to surrender. Read the Petroleum Act 1984 for further information.
How to apply for a renewal
To apply to renew a petroleum title you must apply in writing.
You must include all of the following information:
- work done during the previous title period
- proposed work and expenditure program for the following term - exploration and retention titles
- reasons for wanting a renewal
- a technical evaluation of the petroleum potential of the area.
You must pay a fee when you renew a petroleum title. Read more about fees and rents.
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Last updated: 04 March 2020
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