The government stunned the industry in May when it announced it would impose a levy from July 1 on all offshore oil and gas producers to cover the cost
However Chief Executive Peter Coleman said on Thursday there was no concern with Lukoil becoming a partner through a takeover of FAR, as FAR's stake in the Senegal project was below the 33% equity threshold for US sanctions.
Meanwhile, shares of Lynas Rare Earths leapt 10% after it signed an agreement to build a commercial light rare earths separation plant in the United States.
The number of issues on the ASX that advanced were 673 while 575 declined as a 1.2-to-1 ratio favoured advancers. There were 106 new highs and 43 new lows.
Energy stocks rose 0.4%, tracking an uptick in oil prices on expectations of rising fuel demand. Sector heavyweight Woodside Petroleum added almost 1%.
New South Wales maintained a steady downward trend in COVID-19 cases as it attempts to contain an outbreak in capital Sydney, reporting nine fresh local infections versus eight on Wednesday.