Origin Energy Limited announces that the exploration well Drakea 1, operated by ARC Energy and located in the onshore Perth Basin Production Licence L1, commenced drilling at 06:00 hours WST on 11 May 2007 using the Century 18 drilling rig.

Drakea 1 is located approximately 19 kilometres south-southeast of the township of Dongara. The primary target is the Early to Late Permian section.

Drakea 1 is designed to intersect the High Cliff Sandstone near the structural crest of the prospect. The well is being drilled directionally and is prognosed to intersect the top of the High Cliff Sandstone at 2,589 metres measured depth, approximately 495 metres north-northeast of the surface location.

Surface co-ordinates for the Drakea 1 drilling location are as follows:

Latitude: 29o 24’ 17.79” S
Longitude: 115o 03’ 40.47” E

The well has a planned total depth of approximately 2,839 metres measured depth and is expected to take 16 days to drill and complete.