Beach Energy Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary Beach (USA) Inc. (Beach), has increased its exposure to the South Antelope oil prospect located in the Bakken Shale, North Dakota, USA.

Beach has entered into a further agreement with Sundance Energy Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Sundance Energy Australia Limited (Sundance) to acquire an approximate 15% net revenue interest in lease areas Section 26 and 35.

The Henderson 4-26/35H horizontal well, targeting the Three Forks formation in Sections 26 and 35, is scheduled to begin in early August 2010. The gross potential reserve for the well is approximately 600,000 barrels of oil.

Earlier this year, Beach acquired approximately 18.5% net revenue interest in the adjacent lease area, Section 25, from Sundance. The Henderson 4-25H horizontal well, targeting the Three Forks formation was drilled in June this year. Surface facilities are currently being installed prior to fracture stimulation towards the end of July.

These strategically focused investments are providing Beach first hand experience with the rapidly evolving technology associated with oil and gas production from shale formations.

Beach's Managing Director, Reg Nelson said "we are focussed on appraising our extensive unconventional petroleum portfolio in Australia and our alliance with Sundance provides first hand exposure to current shale oil exploration and development techniques."

Tags: Beach Petroleum Limited