AWE Limited, the Operator of Permits L1/L2 in the Perth Basin, Western Australia, has advised that the Waitsia-1 appraisal well commenced drilling operations at 11:00 hours (11:00 am) AWST on Thursday, 14 May 2015. As at 06:00 hours (6.00am) AWST today, the well was at 423m Measured Depth below Rotary Table (MDRT) in a 17 ½ inch hole. The well will be drilled to a planned section depth of 570m MDRT before installation of the 13 3/8 inch surface casing. The Waitsia-1 well will be drilled vertically to a planned total depth of 4,050m MDRT and is forecast to take approx. six weeks to complete. The well is designed to further test the gas potential of the Waitsia Field, comprising primary targets in the deep conventional formations in the Kingia and High Cliff Sandstones.

The well will be logged and core samples will be collected and sent for analysis. Secondary targets in the shallower Dongara and Wagina tight sandstone formations, the Carynginia Shale and Irwin River Coal Measures will be intersected prior to reaching the primary targets. If the results are positive, AWE may undertake a flow test of the Waitsia-1 well and the well may be completed as a production well for a potential future field development. The approved work program for the Waitsia-1 appraisal well does not include hydraulic fracture stimulation.

Tags: AWE Limited