THE PETROLEUM TENEMENT MAP OF AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Changes in the petroleum tenement map of Australia over the past twenty years reflect a number of trends in the petroleum exploration industry over that period. Variations in the total area under permit, the number of permits and average size can be correlated with such factors as changes in the level of exploration activity and the development of a fuller understanding of Australian regional geology. Changes in the net Australian equity in exploration tenements also show distinct trends, which can be related to some of the above factors.

The legislative framework under which exploration takes place in Australia is very different from that of many other countries, particularly with respect to ownership of mineral rights and methods of awarding exploration rights. Petroleum legislation varies widely between the states and this has affected the pattern of exploration within Australia.