2026 Sustainability Report
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
The Gold Standard in
Green Energy
Sustainability Report
2026
2
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 A Message from the Chair and the Managing Director
1.2 About the Company and its Projects
1.3 2025 / 2026 Activities at a Glance
1.4 Our Core Values
1.5 Our Approach to Governance, Sustainability and Transparency
1.6 Our Alignment with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals
2. Business Conduct Overview
2.1 Code of Conduct
2.2 Sustainability
2.3 Responsible Sourcing and Modern Slavery
2.4 Anti Bribery and Corruption
2.5 Whistleblowing
3. Stakeholder and Community Engagement
3.1 Local Communities
3.2 Native Title and Cultural Heritage
3.3 Landholders and Other Stakeholders
4. Environmental Overview
4.1 Pollution, Waste Management and Hazardous Materials
4.2 Permitting and Consents
4.3 Land Disturbance
4.4 Biodiversity
5. Land Protection Measures
5.1 Cultural Heritage
5.2 National and State Forests
5.3 Protected Flora and Fauna
6. Water Protection Measures
6.1 Protected Wetland Areas
6.2 Sub Surface Water
6.3 Creeks and Rivers
6.4 Potable Water
7. Our People
7.1 Diversity and Inclusion
7.2 Workplace Health and Safety
7.3 Workplace Protection Mechanisms
7.4 Equitable Pay and Working Conditions
8. Climate Change Initiatives and Reporting
8.1 Emissions Reduction Strategy
8.2 Pollution Reduction and Recycling
8.3 Climate Change Reporting
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Introduction
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1. Introduction
1.1 A Message from the Chair and the Managing Director
To our Shareholders and Stakeholders
The Company’s Board and management team continue to be conscious of the role of sustainability, its
governance, and its daily management in the conduct of our operations. Sustainability continues to be
integrated into our business strategy, and will continue to be a critical driver of the Company’s overall social
and economic performance. We are also cognisant of the fact that sustainability is a key issue which is
embraced by each of our Japanese strategic investment partners.
The past year has seen further advancement in our project related activities on the Yorke Peninsula in South
Australia, where exploration well testing and seismic surveyactivities, including drilling and well testing, were
successfully conducted without any OH&S, environmental or regulatory breaches. A full operational
overview is set out in our 2026 Annual Report.
The Company continues its primary focus on the ultimate development of natural ‘gold’ Hydrogen as a
naturally generated, low-carbon energy source. However, with Helium also encountered during the drilling
of the Company’s first two exploration wells, the opportunity exists to capitalise on an emerging ‘green
Helium’ market (ie. Helium not generated in conjunction with a fossil fuel development) as part of the
Company’s development and production goals.
We appreciate the importance of pursuing sustainable development and support the increasing international
standardisation of sustainability reporting. The Company is not presently bound by the mandatory
sustainability reporting standards introduced by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
However, it will continue to report its Climate Change risks and opportunities as part of its compliance and
annual reporting obligations under the TCFD (Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure)
requirements.
This 2026 Sustainability Report is a companion to Gold Hydrogen’s 2026 Annual Report and its 2026
Corporate Governance Statement, and has been approved by the Gold Hydrogen Board. The Sustainability
Report has been prepared for our shareholders, and for our stakeholders including our employees,
contractors, suppliers, local communities, native title holders, potential customers, and providers of capital.
We would like to thank all the members of the wider Gold Hydrogen team for their focus on creating long-
term value, and we acknowledge and thank our various stakeholders for their ongoing support of our
corporate and project-related activities to date.
We continue to pledge our ongoing respectful engagement with our stakeholders into the future as part of
our ongoing commitment to integrity and excellence.
Hon Alexander Downer Neil McDonald
Chairman Managing Director
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1.2 About the Company and its Projects
Gold Hydrogen is focused on the discovery and development of world class Natural Hydrogen and Helium
gases in a potentially extensive province in South Australia. This region has had its Natural Hydrogen and
Helium potential confirmed by the Company’s drilling and well testing campaigns as conducted over the past
3 years. The domestic and global demand for Hydrogen and Helium, combined with new exploration
techniques and experienced personnel, provides Gold Hydrogen with an extraordinary opportunity to define
and ultimately develop a new Natural Hydrogen and Helium gas province.
Natural Hydrogen (known as Gold or White Hydrogen) is Hydrogen gas that occurs naturally, generated by
geological processes, and offers significant cost and emissions advantages relative to other means of
Hydrogen production. Helium is a relatively rare gas and cannot be man-made. Hence it is considered to be
extremely valuable.
Figure 1 - Gold Hydrogen group gas-related tenement and areas under application located in South Australia.
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The combined permit area of the Gold Hydrogen group is approximately 75,000km2. Gold Hydrogen holds
one granted exploration license (the Ramsay Project - PEL 687) and one application area, whilst its two 100%
owned subsidiary companies (White Hydrogen Australia and Byrock Resources) hold an additional seven (7)
applications for Natural Hydrogen and Helium exploration within South Australia. Gold Hydrogen is also the
preferred applicant for four (4) gas storage exploration licenses applications (GSELA) covering an area
approximating 8,000km2 within the Yorke Peninsula portion of PEL 687 in South Australia. These storage
licence applications are in addition to the granted exploration licence and the exclusive application areas.
Whilst the broad industry drivers of the forecast demand for Hydrogen remain in place, the supply-side of
the Hydrogen industry has undergone a series of changes over the past 24 months. A number of proponents
and projects focussed on the production of man-made “green” Hydrogen have found the forecast costs of
production uneconomic, and a number of planned initiatives have subsequently been shelved or cancelled.
This has re-focussed industry attention on the potential for Natural Hydrogen, due to its emerging economic
advantages, and with significantly less reliance on the need for power and infrastructure.
The Company’s strategy is to progress the Ramsay Project from exploration and appraisal through technical
and commercial evaluation, with the objective of establishing whether Natural Hydrogen and Helium can be
produced in commercial quantities. The identified development pathways (refer below) remain subject to
geological success, sustained flow rates, resource maturation, regulatory approvals, land access, engineering
studies, funding and final investment decisions.
With regard to its flagship Ramsay Project, the Company’s ongoing commercial and technical objectives are
to:
1. continue exploration and appraisal activities to delineate the Natural Hydrogen and Helium systems
encountered at Ramsay;
2. demonstrate sustained movement of Natural Hydrogen and/or Helium to surface and obtain the reservoir
data required to assess commercial production potential;
3. progress the maturation of Prospective Resources through to Contingent Resources in the first instance;
4. assess and progress pilot and larger-scale commercialisation pathways for Natural Hydrogen and Helium,
including domestic Helium supply, onsite power generation, compressed Natural Hydrogen, transport
applications and green methanol; and
5. apply technical learnings from Ramsay to the Company’s broader South Australian portfolio.
As specifically disclosed during the period, the Company continues to assess a range of preliminary
commercialisation pathways. Each pathway remains contingent on successful flow testing, resource
definition, engineering and feasibility studies, regulatory approvals, land access, offtake arrangements,
funding and Board approval. The pathways identified to date include:
1. Natural Hydrogen to power: an onsite fuel-cell concept under which Natural Hydrogen could generate
electricity for a modular Helium purification plant and demonstrate an off-grid power application;
2. purified compressed Natural Hydrogen: a modular purification concept producing fuel-cell-grade gas for
transport in high-pressure tube trailers, with potential longer-term scaling to liquid Natural Hydrogen and
as a feedstock for green methanol production;
3. modular Helium pilot: a smaller-scale skid-mounted purification plant potentially matched to one or two
wells, aimed at generating operating data and potentially re-establishing domestic Helium supply; and
4. scaled Helium development: gaseous and/or liquid Helium production, with plant size, product form and
phasing to be optimised against flow-test results and future resource definition.
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1.3 2025 / 2026 Activities at a Glance
A comprehensive Review of Operations is available in the Company’s 2026 Annual Report.
For the twelve-month period leading up to the publication of this Sustainability Report, the Company’s
material project-related developments have included:
1. the drilling of the Ramsay 3 and 4 exploration wells, designed with a larger bore diameter to facilitate
more comprehensive well testing than was possible with the original Ramsay 1 and 2 wells due to
borehole sizing and completion design;
2. on the back of the drilling campaign analysis, petrophysical interpretation and reservoir definition
studies;
3. a geochemical sampling pilot program involving 39 soil gas samples collected across the Ramsay Project
area to demonstrate regional prospectivity;
4. continuation of desktop analysis of various application areas under the Company’s control, including
seismic interpretation and fluid inclusion studies conducted on historical mineral hole cores sampled
from the state drill core library;
5. commencement of studies into a range of potential commercialisation pathways for both Natural
Hydrogen and Helium (as summarised in section 1.2 above);
6. planning, tendering, contracting and seeking governmental approvals for, and ultimately the conduct of,
the Company’s 2026 well testing campaign.
1.4 Our Core Values
Being a values-led organisation allows the Gold Hydrogen team to deliver on its purpose and strategy. The
Company, via its Board, senior management and employees, hold the following core values central to their
actions:
EXCELLENCE
➢ We strive for one quality standard in everything we do: Excellence.
➢ We use any mistakes, failures or set-backs as a learning opportunities to improve our planning and
performance.
➢ We encourage all of our stakeholders to contact us openly or via our Whistleblower mechanism to let us
know where there is opportunity for improvement, or have failed to demonstrate the Core Values
outlined in this document.
INTEGRITY
➢ We will always act with honesty and fairness, and do what we have committed to do. We have a Code
of Conduct & Business Ethics which enshrines how we aim to conduct ourselves.
➢ We will always report with integrity, including financial results, technical and field-related results,
environmental and community issues, and workplace health and safety matters.
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RESPECT
➢ We will treat all of the Company’s stakeholders with respect.
➢ We will respect the communities and environments in which we operate.
➢ We will respect the laws and regulations governing the Company and its operations.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
➢ We will make a positive contribution to the decarbonisation of the economy and the green energy sector.
➢ We will conduct the activities of the Company in a responsible and sustainable manner, having regard to
the applicable United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
➢ We will remain mindful of the human, economic, social, and environmental impacts of the Company’s
activities.
PERFORMANCE
➢ We will strive to deliver a positive financial outcome for the Company’s shareholders.
➢ We will strive to make a positive contribution to the lives of our employees and broader stakeholders.
➢ We will strive to make a positive contribution to the decarbonisation of the economy and the green
energy sector.
1.5 Our Approach to Governance, Sustainability and Transparency
The Board of Gold Hydrogen recognises the importance of good corporate governance and sustainability
frameworks and practices, and their importance to the Company realising its potential and fulfilling its
obligations to its range of stakeholders. Whilst the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter provides the
framework for the establishment of an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee, this function
is currently undertaken by the full Board of Directors.
The Company has a comprehensive suite of governance related policies and materials, including:
Policy Documents
➢ Anti Bribery and Corruption Policy
➢ Assessing the Independence of Directors Policy
➢ Board Performance & Evaluation Policy
➢ Conflict of Interest Policy
➢ Continuous Disclosure Policy
➢ Diversity and Inclusion Policy
➢ Fraud Control Policy
➢ Privacy Policy
➢ Related Party Transactions Policy
➢ Responsible Sourcing and Modern Slavery Policy
➢ Risk Management Policy
➢ Securities Trading Policy
➢ Sustainability Policy
➢ Whistleblower Policy
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Additional Documents
➢ Board Charter
➢ Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
➢ Core Values Statement
➢ Corporate Governance Charter
➢ Delegation of Authority
➢ Employee Share Option Plan
➢ Audit and Risk Management Committee Charter
➢ People, Culture and Resources Committee Charter
A number of these documents are summarised in brief in this Report, and copies of the full documents are
available on the Company’s website (goldhydrogen.com.au) under Investor Centre / Corporate Governance.
1.6 Our Alignment with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals
Gold Hydrogen’s primary focus on ultimately producing Natural Hydrogen aligns with the United Nations'
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) by actively contributing to the development of sustainable energy
solutions. Through our pioneering exploration efforts in South Australia, we are striving to advance a clean
and efficient energy source, foster environmental responsibility, and promote technical innovations in the
pursuit of a more sustainable future.
Furthermore, with Helium also encountered during the drilling of the Company’s first two exploration wells,
the opportunity exists to capitalise on an emerging ‘Green Helium’ market (ie. Helium not generated in
conjunction with a fossil fuel development) as part of the Company’s development and commercialisation
pathways.
United Nations Goal Gold Hydrogen commentary
Gold Hydrogen aims to contribute to good health and well-
being via the discovery and supply of Natural Hydrogen as a
sustainable and clean energy source on an economic basis. The
expected transition to cleaner energy sources will promote a
healthier environment, which is expected to positively impact
planetary well-being and reduce the burden of health-related
issues caused by fossil fuel related emissions, pollution and
associated Climate Change factors.
Furthermore, with Helium also encountered during the drilling
of the Company’s first two exploration wells, the opportunity
exists to capitalise on an emerging ‘green Helium’ market (ie.
Helium not generated in conjunction with a fossil fuel
development) as part of the Company’s future plans.
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Gold Hydrogen respects and values the potential competitive
advantages associated with the adoption of gender equality
and diversity in its employment processes and environment.
As the size and scale of our operations increases, we intend to
continue to foster and promote an inclusive work environment
where all employees, regardless of their gender or diversity,
have equal opportunities to excel and contribute. By promoting
diversity and inclusivity, we aim to empower people within our
workforce and the communities in which we operate on an
equitable basis.
Gold Hydrogen is focussed on the exploration and development
of ‘gold’ Hydrogen as a naturally generated, low-carbon energy
source. Accordingly, it is not aiming to ‘make’ Hydrogen via
electrolysis, which involves both power and water usage, as
well as the construction of significant infrastructure and land
usage (eg. for solar panels used in green Hydrogen production).
We are dedicated to minimising water usage, and adhering to
sustainable water management practices in all aspects of our
operations.
Gold Hydrogen’s business aligns perfectly with the goal of
affordable and clean energy. By harnessing naturally occurring
Hydrogen generated through geological processes, we are
aiming to provide a potentially renewable and low-emission
energy source that can contribute to reducing the world's
carbon footprint on an economical basis.
Our efforts are aimed at not only promoting the transition to
clean energy, but also driving innovations in downstream
Hydrogen distribution technologies, making clean energy
solutions more accessible and affordable.
Gold Hydrogen will continue its efforts to contribute to decent
work and economic growth by creating meaningful
employment opportunities and fostering economic
development. Through our continuing exploration, appraisal
and development activities, we expect to generate jobs across
various skill levels, and to support local communities and
economies.
Additionally, our commitment to employee well-being, fair
labour practices, and skill development programs are aimed at
enhancing job satisfaction, professional growth, and overall
economic prosperity.
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Gold Hydrogen is aiming to foster industry, innovation, and
infrastructure advancements, particularly related to the
downstream handling and distribution of Hydrogen. Our
pioneering exploration for Natural Hydrogen will also doubtless
drive innovation across the energy exploration sector.
Additionally, by collaborating with research institutions,
technology partners, and local stakeholders we will aim to assist
with the creation of robust transportation and infrastructure
options which support the integration of Hydrogen into various
industries, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Our operations are aiming to contribute to building sustainable
cities and communities by providing an environmentally
friendly energy solution that reduces urban pollution and
carbon emissions. As we promote the adoption of Hydrogen as
an economically viable clean energy source, we will be aiming
to support the development of cleaner transportation systems,
heating solutions, and power generation methods that align
with the sustainability goals of cities and communities.
This transition is expected to create liveable and resilient urban
environments for current and future generations.
Climate action is a central focus of our mission. By harnessing
the potential of Natural Hydrogen, we are aiming to directly
address the challenge of Climate Change. Our business
objectives aim to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions, providing a viable pathway to progress emissions
reduction goals. The discovery of non-fossil fuel Helium within
our project area provides further opportunities in this regard.
The adoption of Natural Hydrogen as an energy source would
contribute to lowering carbon footprints, accelerating the
transition to renewable and non-fossil fuel energy sources, and
represent a meaningful step towards a more sustainable and
resilient planet.
Gold Hydrogen recognises the importance of partnerships for
achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
We actively collaborate with governments, research
institutions, local communities, and industry stakeholders to
foster knowledge exchange, share best practices, and
collectively work towards a sustainable future. By fostering
these partnerships, we aim to leverage diverse expertise and
resources to accelerate the adoption of Natural Hydrogen and
advance sustainable development on an international basis.
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Business Conduct Overview
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2. Business Conduct Overview
2.1 Code of Conduct
Gold Hydrogen prides itself on its ethical approach to business via the conduct of its Directors, management,
employees and contractors. It requires that these parties maintain high standards of integrity by ensuring
that all business activities are conducted legally and ethically in compliance with the letter and spirit of the
law, and in compliance with the Company’s range of policies and published values.
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, which is available on the Company’s website
under Investor Centre / Corporate Governance. The Code deals with a range of topics including, but not
limited to:
➢ Responsibilities to shareholders
➢ Responsibilities to other stakeholders
➢ Employment practices
➢ Environmental responsibilities
➢ Commitment to fair dealings
➢ Conflict of interest management
2.2 Sustainability
The Company’s Board and management team are conscious of the role of sustainability, its governance, and
its daily management in the conduct of our operations. Accordingly, sustainability is integrated into our
business strategy, and will be a critical driver of the Company’s overall social and economic performance.
Gold Hydrogen, as an exploration company, faces inherent risks in its activities, including economic,
environmental and social sustainability risks which may have a material impact on its ability to create value
for its shareholders and its other stakeholders. The Board monitors the ongoing operational and financial
performance of the Company’s activities on a regular basis. Furthermore, the Board receives advice from
management and consultants on areas of operational and financial risk, and considers strategies for
appropriate risk management, including sustainability. All operational and financial strategies are aimed at
improving the value of the Company’s assets, and its potential impact on the environment, the community
and its range of stakeholders.
The Company’s Corporate Governance framework includes a Charter for an Environment, Social and
Governance (ESG) Committee to review and monitor the Company’s assessment and management of its
ongoing social and environmental risks. However, given the current size and scale of the Company’s
operations, the Board currently performs the functions of this Committee, and where necessary seeks the
advice of external advisors in relation to this role.
In line with its Core Values, the Company intends to continue to conduct all of its activities in a responsible,
sustainable and safe manner, mindful of the potential human, economic, social and environmental impacts
of its actions. The Company, via its ambitions to explore, develop and ultimately produce Natural Hydrogen,
plans to make a positive contribution to decarbonisation and the green energy sector.
Furthermore, with Helium also encountered during the drilling of the Company’s first two exploration wells,
the opportunity exists to capitalise on an emerging ‘green Helium’ market (ie. Helium not generated in
conjunction with a fossil fuel development) as part of the Company’s future plans.
The Board has adopted a Sustainability Policy, which is available on the Company’s website under Investor
Centre / Corporate Governance.
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2.3 Responsible Sourcing and Modern Slavery
Gold Hydrogen is committed to ensuring that its operations continue to be conducted in a responsible, fair
and sustainable manner, in line with its Core Values, and its Code of Conduct and Business Ethics. This
extends to the responsible sourcing of goods and services and supply-chain relationships. The over-arching
principle of responsible sourcing is to reduce the risk of illegal and human rights violations in the Company’s
supply chain and procurement processes.
The Company aims to work with suppliers who demonstrate their own commitment to sustainability, and
ensure that their business operations and networks are free from modern slavery, and are driving to realise
positive social and environmental outcomes.
The Board has adopted a Responsible Sourcing and Modern Slavery Policy, which is available on the
Company’s website under Investor Centre / Corporate Governance.
2.4 Anti Bribery and Corruption
The Board takes a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and is committed to acting
professionally, ethically and with integrity in all of its business dealings and relationships. This extends to
implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery and corruption, and the Board has
established a written policy in this respect, including mechanisms for the reporting of potential or actual
breaches.
The Board has adopted an Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, which is available on the Company’s website
under Investor Centre / Corporate Governance.
2.5 Whistleblowing
The Board has established and published a formal whistleblower procedure for making disclosures of
information that qualify for protection under the Corporations Act or the Whistleblower Policy. It applies
to Directors, management and employees of the Company (and their relatives), as well as suppliers of the
Company (and their employees, contractors, suppliers, consultants and service providers).
The Board has adopted a Whistleblower Policy, which is available on the Company’s website under Investor
Centre / Corporate Governance.
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Stakeholder and Community
Engagement
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3. Stakeholder and Community Engagement
3.1 Local Communities
Gold Hydrogen believes proactive and inclusive stakeholder engagement builds mutually respectful and
beneficial relationships. Open and respectful engagement and decision making about our current and
planned activities can have a beneficial impact on our business, as well as on local communities and other
key stakeholders.
Our engagement with local communities to date has been spearheaded by the Company’s Managing Director
Neil McDonald and our South Australian based Local Community Liaison Officer, and supported by
environmental consultancy JBS&G in South Australia.
We appreciate that our continued operational success will depend on our ability to maintain a strong social
licence to operate. In this respect the Company will continue to strive to work as a trusted partner with local
communities, respecting activities and seasons of local importance (eg. harvesting, summer tourism, etc),
and actively managing the range of risks and opportunities associated with our field-based activities.
Over the past five years we have engaged with directly with local residents and business owners and also
with local government in relation to our exploration activities to date, and the resultant opportunities for the
community and State, both direct and indirect. In addition, we have held open days for the local community,
been part of the indigenous Gynburra Festival in Port Victoria, supported local fundraising efforts for
numerous schools and community events, and have presented to an open session of the District Council of
the Yorke Peninsula.
Over that period have been very warmly received by the local community and wish to continue to work with
them in good faith and with respect. We have already engaged local businesses for the supply of products
and services for the work we have conducted to date around the Minlaton and Port Vincent areas on the
Yorke Peninsula.
We will continue our current practice of early engagement wherever possible with our stakeholders. We aim
to continue our positive working relationship, and a ‘no surprises’ approach to manage any concerns which
may arise.
Natural Hydrogen and Helium exploration and production both have the potential for positive economic,
social and environmental impacts. Access to land and the support of stakeholders is, and will always be,
fundamental to the continued and sustained success of our project-related activities. We believe that regular,
open and transparent engagement from early in the process builds positive relationships, leads to trust,
respect, and collaboration, and sets the foundation of trust and credibility for future operations.
As we continue to evolve and mature our projects, particularly our flagship Ramsay Project, our ongoing
operations may continue to create business opportunities for the local communities in which we will be
operating. To the extent possible, we will continue to seek and prioritise those suppliers who are local and
/ or those that use a locally sourced workforce, products, or services in their businesses.
3.2 Native Title and Cultural Heritage
Gold Hydrogen considers native titleholders and indigenous communities as one of its core stakeholder
groups. The Company will continue to engage from a position of respect for indigenous culture, traditions
and cultural sites, and endeavour to foster a spirit of cooperation, with the aim of continuing to create
goodwill, mutual awareness, understanding and respect.
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The Company’s current granted tenement PEL 687, which contains our flagship Ramsay Project, was granted
by the South Australian Government free of NativeTitle claims. Never-the-less, we are respectful of the rights
and local histories of indigenous peoples who hold a connection to certain Yorke Peninsula areas, particularly
associated with coastal areas. We have engaged with the relevant traditional owner group regularly, and
commissioned a Cultural Heritage survey which was undertaken as part of the comprehensive planning
process for the conduct of our maiden drilling program.
The Company holds a series of further application areas pr
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