apache and w.a.

From today's AFR

Compared to 'billions' - it wouldn't cost Apache very much to take TAP out !

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Apache plans multi-billion WA gas and oil spend

US energy giant Apache will spend billions of dollars in Western Australia over the next two years as part of its three-year plan for expansion in the state, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The company will spend a record $US1.9 billion this year and between $US1.8 billion and $US2.1 billion next year, managing director for Australia Faron Thibodeaux told the publication.

Apache is one of several minority partners in Chevron’s $US29 billion Wheatstone gas project in WA. In June, the company reported finding more gas at the Bianchi-1 appraisal well off the state’s coast. It is also a partner in BHP Billiton’s Macedon gas project and two new oil projects: Balnaves and Coniston.

Wheatstone is one development option being considered for Bianchi and the nearby Zola field, Mr Thibodeaux told The Wall Street Journal.

“We have the luxury of having options,” he said, adding, “where it ends up will purely be what makes the most commercial sense.”