Whitebark Energy acquires full ownership of Officer Basin permits, securing control of Alinya Project’s hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and helium potential.
Whitebark Energy Limited has confirmed a major step forward in its growth strategy with the decision to acquire full ownership of its Officer Basin permits. The company announced that it has exercised its option to purchase the remaining 30% interest in Officer Energy Pty Ltd, the entity that indirectly holds exploration permits PEL 81 and PEL 253, located in South Australia’s Officer Basin. With this move, Whitebark Energy now holds complete ownership of the permits and, by extension, full control of the Alinya Project.
The decision to exercise this option follows two recent independent assessments that provided strong validation of the project’s potential. On 12 August 2025, Sproule ERCE released its findings on hydrogen and helium prospects, while earlier on 7 August 2025, Fluid Energy Consultants presented its evaluation of oil and gas resources. Both studies highlighted the significant prospective resources available within the Alinya Project area, describing the scale of potential as “giant.” These independent confirmations provided Whitebark with confidence that the project holds world-class potential across multiple energy streams, including hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and helium.
By acquiring the remaining stake, Whitebark Energy gains several strategic advantages. First, full control over the project gives the company the flexibility to determine the timing and structure of future development activities. Second, with 100% ownership, Whitebark is in a stronger position to negotiate farm-in agreements with third-party partners in the future, offering them participation in the project under terms favorable to the company. This not only enhances operational control but also increases the project’s attractiveness to potential investors and collaborators.
As consideration for the additional 30% interest, Whitebark will issue 2.955 million new shares and an equivalent 2.955 million options to the selling parties. These terms were consistent with the company’s earlier announcement made on 20 December 2024, ensuring transparency and continuity in its corporate strategy.
Commenting on the milestone, Whitebark Energy Director Mark Lindh emphasized that the decision was straightforward, given the strength of the independent resource estimates. He noted that exercising the option ensures that the company maximizes its exposure to the Alinya Project’s full prospective resource base while maintaining operational control. Lindh described the acquisition as a validation of the company’s strong belief in the Officer Basin acreage, underlining that the permits have the potential to deliver world-class outcomes.
With complete ownership of the Officer Basin permits, Whitebark Energy is now well-positioned to unlock the long-term value of its diversified energy resources. The move highlights the company’s commitment to advancing projects that can contribute to Australia’s evolving energy landscape, spanning oil, gas, hydrogen, and helium opportunities.
