Area Drilling

Oct. 4, 1999
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co., Houston, plans to acquire new 2D seismic surveys west and south of existing surveyed areas on the continental shelf.

Portugal

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co., Houston, plans to acquire new 2D seismic surveys west and south of existing surveyed areas on the continental shelf.

The company obtained from the government the right to acquire and sell multiclient and proprientary data over the entire shelf for 5 years. A 5 year extension is possible.

The agreement with the Institute of Geology and Mining, a department of the Ministry of Economy, covers all geophysical methods from gravity-magnetic and oil-seep data to 2D and 3D seismic acquisition and processing.

Evaluation of older seismic data in light of recent hydrocarbon discoveries on both sides of the North Atlantic margin indicated that the most prospective geological targets lie in the untested deeper waters of the continental shelf and slope, the company said.

Wyoming

Wyoming Infinity Inc., Chanute, Kan., acquired a working interest in a coalbed methane property covering 15,820 gross acres in the Green River basin.

The property contains 40-90 ft of high volatile coal at 1,500-3,200 ft and lies along a low pressure gas gathering system.

Infinity plans to start a 5 well pilot project to spud during fourth quarter 1999. It said the acreage could support as many as 100 wells.

Phillips Petroleum Co. acquired a 50% working interest in Powder River basin coalbed methane properties held by Yates Petroleum Co., Artesia, N.M.

The agreement establishes a joint development partnership on 340,000 gross acres with 90 existing coalbed methane wells. Production is to start next year. Yates is operator. The companies could drill as many as 2,000 wells during the next 10-20 years, depending on success.