Norwest Energy NL has reported that Fugro Airborne Surveys Pty Ltd (Fugro) has now delivered the Gravity Gradient and magnetic data over the Northern Perth Basin, Special Prospecting Authority- STP-SPA -0013 (SPA).

The airborne survey was flown during August and Fugro acquired 2140 kms of data covering the entire SPA area. Norwest will now conduct a comprehensive interpretation of the survey. These data will assist Norwest to establish the SPA's prospectivity by identifying more accurately potential basement related fault blocks and adjacent deep troughs. In the event that the results are positive Norwest has a six month option period until 4 April 2012 in which it may submit an application for a petroleum exploration permit.

Norwest secured the SPA to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential over 21 onshore blocks in the Northern Perth Basin in April 2011 and holds a 100% interest. The SPA covers an elongated onshore area of 860km² (212,522 acres) running along the Western Australian coast, located between Cervantes and Eneabba (Figure -1). The SPA lies to the south of Norwest's TP15 (offshore) and EP413 (onshore) acreage, and lies geologically between the north-south striking Urella Fault and Beagle Fault systems.

Norwest considers that the area may have good potential for shale gas. The sedimentary section on the block is known to contain thick shale formations, principle amongst which is the prolifically developed Kockatea Shale, which is mature for gas, with significantly high total organic carbon (TOC) content in the area of the SPA.

Tags: Norwest Energy NL