A joint venture led by Total SA at the proposed Elk-Antelope gas development in the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea has decided to bring in a second rig to speed the fields appraisal program.
The second rig was to have appraised InterOil Corp.’s Raptor gas discovery, but now has been diverted and signed up for Antelope-6.
InterOil, which is part of the Total group, said the Elk-Antelope appraisal in retention licence PRL15 took priority over its discretionary drilling program, including the Raptor appraisal.
Antelope-6, due to spud before yearend, will test what is thought to be the eastern flank of Antelope field. Site preparation is advanced.
Another well, Antelope South-1, also is planned as a step-out to Antelope South about 1.9 km southeast. This will evaluate a large equivalent structure that partially underlies—but is separate from—Antelope field.
Total, as operator, is currently drilling Antelope-4 ST-1 sidetrack where the top of the reservoir has been encountered 36 m higher than in the original Antelope-4.
Elk-Antelope is estimated to hold 7-9 tcf of gas, which is sufficient enough to supply two LNG trains. There also is a significant liquids component.
The field will underpin the proposed Total-operated Papua New Guinea LNG project.
The Total JV includes InterOil and Oil Search Ltd.