Three areas are being offered for the issue of geothermal exploration licences (GELs) in the Nappamerri Trough region, northeastern South Australia, on the basis of competitive work program bids. The stratigraphic sequence here comprises thick Permian and Mesozoic sediments overlying granodiorite basement (Big Lake Suite of Late Carboniferous age), which latter target formation exhibits logged matrix temperatures in excess of 200° Celsius. These areas of offer are also covered by pre-existing petroleum production licences, with Santos Ltd as operator. It will be a condition of any GEL issued that the licensee must enter into arrangements, made to the Minister's satisfaction, which ensure that the existing petroleum production licensee's resources are protected from any consequential damage that may arise from the GEL licensee's activities. Similar such conditions will also be attached to any subsequent licences that may in future be issued under the Petroleum Act over existing licences, including GELs. Although GEL applicants may bid for more than one area, in the event that the applicant is successful in more than one area, the applicant may only accept one of the offers. Comments, inquiries and applications for GELs may be addressed to: Director, Petroleum Group Primary Industries and Resources South Australia Level 7, 101 Grenfell Street Adelaide SA 5000 AUSTRALIA Phone: National (08) 8463 3204; International 61 8 8463 3204 Fax: National (08) 8463 3229; International 61 8 8463 3229 Web site: www.petroleum.pir.sa.gov.au For general inquiries email: pirsa.petroleum@saugov.sa.gov.au * The closing date for HDR2000-A to C applications is 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 1 February 2001. * It is anticipated that successful bids for areas HDR2000-A to C will be announced in February 2000.