What major milestones did Emperor Energy (ASX:EMP) recently announce for the Judith Gas Field?

Emperor Energy has progressed its Judith-2 Appraisal Well project by submitting a revised Environmental Plan to the regulator, NOPSEMA, following extensive consultations.

What are the independent resource estimates for Emperor Energy’s (ASX:EMP) Judith Gas Field?

The asset has been independently assessed to hold 166 billion cubic feet (BCF) of 2C contingent recoverable gas resources. Additionally, the field contains a substantial 1,859 BCF of P50 prospective recoverable gas resources.

What regulatory hurdles does Emperor Energy (ASX:EMP) need to clear before drilling?

Emperor Energy must secure final approval for its Environmental Plan (EP) from the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

When is the planned drilling window for the Emperor Energy (ASX:EMP) Judith-2 well?

Commercial and engineering arrangements are currently targeting a drilling window in late Q1 of calendar year 2027 (CY27). This timeline gives the company roughly a year to finalise regulatory approvals, lock in engineering equipment, and close out rig contracts. Any delays in approvals or procurement could push this target further out.

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Emperor Energy hits milestones for Judith-2 Appraisal Well

Q: Why is the Judith-2 Appraisal Well significant for Emperor Energy (ASX:EMP)?

The Judith-2 well is a crucial step in unlocking the Judith Gas Field, which is currently the largest undeveloped conventional gas field on the East Coast of Australia. Emperor Energy owns a 100% interest in the underlying Vic/P47 permit.

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished Jun. 5 2026

Emperor Energy (ASX:EMP) has achieved critical operational milestones ahead of its planned drilling campaign at the Judith-2 Appraisal Well, located within the offshore Gippsland Basin in Victoria.

The Judith Gas Field represents the largest undeveloped conventional gas field on the East Coast of Australia, with Emperor holding a 100% interest in the Vic/P47 permit.

The asset has been independently assessed to hold 166 billion cubic feet of 2C contingent recoverable gas alongside a substantial 1,859 BCF of P50 prospective recoverable gas resource.

In a major regulatory advancement, the company has submitted its revised environmental plan to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority.

Following extensive dialogue and variations to address previous information requests, management expresses strong confidence in securing final regulatory approval in the short term.

Commercial and engineering arrangements are rapidly progressing for the late Q1, CY27 drilling window.

Emperor has secured all key long-lead infrastructure, including the surface wellhead, conductor casing, and multiple casing strings.

The company is currently finalising a contract for the Valaris-107 drill rig and has selected specialist contractors to execute the essential site geophysical survey and well flow testing.

Key commercial tenders have been released across vital support sectors, encompassing drilling consumables, mudlogging, directional drilling, wireline logging, and logging while drilling services.

At the time of reporting, Emperor Energy’s share price was $0.096.