Ungani oilfield officially opened

Buru Energy’s Ungani oilfield was today officially opened by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion.

The onshore oilfield in the Kimberley region’s Canning Basin is a joint venture between Buru and Mitsubishi Corporation.

Buru executive chair Eric Streitberg said that it was the first oil development in the basin in more than 30 years.

“There was no modern precedent for the development and it took perseverance and cooperation between all the parties to make the transition from a greenfields oil discovery to the current production system,” he said.

Mr Marmion praised the future benefits of the project.

“The project will generate opportunities and benefits for local people, including traditional owners, local businesses, and for the state in general,” Mr Marmion said.

“The small environmental footprint and significant economic benefits make Ungani an excellent example of how the oil and gas industry can generate positive returns for all sectors of the community.”

As previously reported by Business News, Buru began commercial oil production at Ungani earlier this month after receiving formal production licences on July 6.

Production began at a rate of 1,250 barrels of oil a day (bopd), and is ramping up to a targeted full-scale production level of 3,000bopd.