The Northern Territory (NT) government in Australia has lifted a moratorium on fracking.
A independent scientific inquiry showed the onshore risks could be minimised or, in some instances, avoided altogether.
Falcon Oil and Gas welcomed the decision.
Falcon was exploring ways of exploiting the Beetaloo sub-basin before the moratorium was put in place.
It will now resume its work.
Its partner, Origin, plans to drill a further five wells to complete the exploration permit commitments.
Falcon chief executive Philip O’Quigley said: “We are very pleased with the fact-based decision made by the NT government to lift the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing.
“We look forward to the recommencement as soon as practical of our multi-well work programme in the Beetaloo basin with our joint venture partner, Origin Energy.”