Buru Energy Limited (Buru) provides the following update in relation to the impact of exTropical Cyclone Ellie on its Ungani oil transport operations.
As advised on 5 January 2023, oil production at the Ungani Production Facility (UPF) was
suspended due to the impact of the weather system on sections of the Great Northern
Highway and the Fitzroy River bridge at Fitzroy Crossing which resulted in the oil
transportation road route to the export facility at Wyndham Port being cut off.
Buru has been in regular contact with Main Roads WA to understand the various repair or
reinstatement options under investigation or implementation by the Government, and
respective timeframes to inform production restart timeframes for the UPF.
The impacted section of the Great Northern Highway (Fitzroy River Floodplains) re-opened
to all vehicles on 24 February 2023, with a temporary gravel road constructed until
permanent repairs can be undertaken during the 2023 dry season.
However, the river crossing at Fitzroy Crossing remains closed for heavy traffic, with current
near-term plans by Main Roads WA for a light vehicle ferry service that would not be capable
of transporting oil tankers. In parallel, Main Roads WA are also investigating the
implementation of a barge service capable of transporting semi-trailer freight vehicles which
may be suitable for Buru’s operational needs, however the timing of this remains uncertain.
Main Roads WA are progressing the option for a low-level floodway crossing to restore
connectivity for all vehicles when river conditions permit which is planned to be operational
by May 2023, subject to future rainfall events and river conditions.
This option remains the medium-term planning basis for a restart of production at the UPF
and oil transportation from the UPF to Wyndham.
To provide a long-term solution for the river crossing, a consortium has been formed by the
WA government to fast track the design and construction of a new bridge at Fitzroy Crossing,
to be completed by the end of 2024, in time for the next wet season.
Buru will continue to provide updates on its plans to restart Ungani production, as progress
is achieved in reinstating the river crossing at Fitzroy Crossing.
Authorisation
This ASX announcement has been authorised for release by the Chair of Buru Energy.
