Elixir Energy appoints COO to drive Taroom Trough strategy

Elixir Energy Ltd has appointed Kingsley Rudeforth as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a newly established role aimed at enhancing operational and technical execution of its three-phase strategic plan in Queensland’s Taroom Trough.

The decision to create the COO position reflects the Board’s focus on strengthening project delivery capability as the company advances its exploration and development goals.

Rudeforth brings more than 15 years of industry experience, with a demonstrated record in high-performance well delivery. He most recently held the positions of Drilling Superintendent and Lead Drilling Engineer at Strike Energy Limited. His prior roles include technical and leadership appointments at BP, ConocoPhillips, Ophir Energy, Amplitude (Cooper) Energy and Energean Israel.

He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Petroleum Engineering from the University of New South Wales.

Elixir expects Rudeforth’s expertise in safe, compliant, and cost-efficient operations will support its ambition to become the lowest cost driller in the Taroom Trough.

His appointment is effective from June 5, 2025.

Elixir unveils three-phase strategy to unlock Taroom Trough potential

Elixir recently launched a refreshed three-phase development strategy for the Taroom Trough, aimed at unlocking value from its 2,000 square kilometre holding. The plan follows a strategic review by newly appointed chief executive officer Stuart Nicholls.

The first phase focuses on securing long-term tenure over 100% of the company's acreage, which surrounds Shell’s core investment area. Elixir holds 2.6 trillion cubic feet equivalent (TCFe) of 2C Contingent Resources, independently certified following the Daydream-2 well test.

Phase 1 activities, which are fully funded, include the drilling of Diona-1 and Lorelle-3. Diona-1, targeting conventional gas, is carried by Xstate Resources, while Lorelle-3 will assess Shell’s key Dunk Sands reservoir.

Subsequent phases aim to convert more than 150 billion cubic feet (BCF) of resources into 2P reserves by 2027. This includes the drilling and horizontal sidetrack of Daydream-3 and future early production via collaboration with neighbouring operators and infrastructure access.

Elixir is adopting a fast-follower strategy, leveraging third-party investment in the basin, while also undertaking an operational reset to reduce costs and improve capital efficiency.