Offshore petroleum mining samples

You can submit or request access to offshore petroleum mining samples. Physical samples including cores, cuttings and slides are stored in the National Offshore Petroleum Data and Core Repository (NOPDCR).

Samples and access to samples are regulated by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2011 (RMA Regulations).

Viewing or sampling during the regulated periods of confidentiality

Viewing or sampling is restricted to the titleholder(s) who obtained the samples (or other persons nominated by them). Access must be approved by the Titles Administrator.

You can email requests for approval to data@nopta.gov.au. Please include these details:

• name, address and country of the company or person seeking access
• title number
• well name(s)
• description and details of the samples (including depths where appropriate)
• details of level of access required (i.e. viewing, borrowing or sampling)
• evidence in the form of a letter that access is approved by the titleholder(s) responsible for drilling the well. (If persons other than the operator are seeking access to confidential samples.)

Viewing or sampling after public release

Viewing or sampling publicly released offshore samples is not regulated. You can contact the NOPDCR to ask about access and borrowing conditions:

• For offshore slides and thin sections, email the Perth repository at corelibrary.requests@dmirs.wa.gov.au.
• For all other samples, email the Canberra repository at ausgeosamples@ga.gov.au.

Exporting samples from Australia

Titleholders who have conducted drilling operations must gain approval from the Titles Administrator before exporting confidential samples from Australia. (Regulation 7.06–7.10 and 9.06-9.10).

Approval is for a 12–month period, unless otherwise authorised by the Titles Administrator.

You must return all sample materials, including any residue or thin sections you created, to the repository they came from. This is unless they were destroyed as part of the analysis.

You must seek approval from the NOPDCR to export publicly released samples. Titles Administrator approval is not required for exporting public samples.

How to request approval

Email requests for approval to export confidential samples to data@nopta.gov.au. Please include these details:

• title number
• well name(s)
• rig release date(s)
• confirmation that the titleholder/operator requesting the export approval was responsible for drilling of the well
• the current location of the samples
• description and details of the samples (including depths where appropriate)
• the name, address and country of the company that will be undertaking the analysis
• details of analysis
• whether the analysis is destructive
• whether the analysis will result in the creation of thin sections/slides
• anticipated timeframe for returning samples and reporting. For retained samples, confirm that the titleholder will be able to submit the required sample amount(s).

You must quote the export approval number on all related correspondence and the relevant data submission transmittal(s).

Report progress

The titleholder must provide a report on the progress of the sampling analysis within 12 months of the approval to export (Regulation 7.08 and 9.08). The titleholder should also provide a final report outlining the results of the analysis.

Vary sample submission requirements

The Titles Administrator may approve requests to vary submission requirements for an offshore activity (Regulation 7.20 and 9.23).

Variations include:

• extended submission timing
• non–standard submissions
• non–standard sample quantity
• requests to retain, preserve or cover cores in resin.

Variations must be approved before the submission due date.

Request a variation

To request to vary submission requirements, email data@nopta.gov.au. Please include these details:

• title number(s)
• activity details, such as well name
• the relevant regulation in which the request is being made (which submission requirement)
• the relevant submission type, such as 1/3 core or drill cuttings
• the reason for this request
• requested alternative, for example new submission date or quantity
• any foreseeable impact the request may have on the availability of the sample for public release.

The submission variation approval number should be quoted on all related correspondence and the relevant data submission transmittal(s).

About the NOPDCR

We established the NOPDCR in collaboration with Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA). Samples from state or territory repositories have been relocated to Canberra and Perth.

Contact us

Email: data@nopta.gov.au