Gas company Tamboran Resources has unveiled plans to construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Middle Arm near Darwin.

The site is expected to have a capacity rivalling Inpex's Ichthys facility, and will export fracked gas from the Beetaloo Basin. Its proponents say it will initially produce 6.6 million tonnes of LNG annually, with the potential for expansion. 

Tamboran is among five companies that have received commitments for land at Middle Arm, a development focused on renewable energy and manufacturing. 

If approved, the LNG plant could commence operations by 2030, offering significant economic benefits such as royalties to the Northern Territory Government and job creation.

Critics have voiced concerns about the project. 

Anti-fracking group Frack Free NT argues that taxpayer funds should not support gas developments. The Environment Centre NT questions the project's sustainability, stating that it could increase the NT's emissions by 75 per cent. 

Nevertheless, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles is defending the Middle Arm development, saying the Territory needs to diversify its economy and boost on-source revenue.

Other companies, including Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), Tivan Limited, Total Eren's subsidiary TEH2, and Avenira, have also secured land at Middle Arm for projects such as green hydrogen production, critical minerals processing, and battery manufacturing. 

The NT Government reports that an additional 20 companies have expressed interest in investing in the area.

In a separate case, the owners of Beetaloo Station have lost a Supreme Court appeal seeking compensation for future damages related to gas exploration. 

The court ruled that compensation could only be considered after exploration activities had taken place, with rehabilitation and remediation measures to address any temporary damage.