Nowhere in that notice does it say that it is for the NOPTA...

Nowhere in that notice does it say that it is for the NOPTA approval.... That's an assumption you a making and deriving outcomes based on that.

It's quite reasonable to think DB was just outlining they are engaging the next steps (EIA) to ensure they can hit their tight time frames to execute the drill. Thus giving confidence they can meet the NOPTA approval, not the impending NOPSEMA approval. (as they have to complete the drill by late Feb 2022 on the current extension time frame

By your logic, every application requires a full EIA, which the legislation clearly states is the next steps....

So in turn, they would assess this proposal under different metrics to every other application...

I would refer you to the legislation to have a read. The process is outlined there, Clear as mud but still there.