By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 7 -- Apache Corp. reported Tuesday that it has doubled to 800 bcf its total gross natural gas reserves in the John Brookes field area in the Carnarvon basin off Western Australia. The Houston independent said the revision was the result of a second appraisal well drilled in early December.
The field's discovery well, John Brookes-1, was drilled in late 1998 and found a 311 gross ft gas column at 9,115-9,426 ft in the Cretaceous-age Barrow sandstone group. Flow tests performed on two zones yielded a combined 54 MMcfd of gas and 274 b/d of condensate.
The appraisal wells, Thomas Bright-1 and Thomas Bright-2, are in the same reservoir with consistent gas-water contacts.
Over the last 2 years, Apache has increased its ownership in the field to 55% from 20% and has taken over operatorship. Santos (BOL) Pty. Ltd. holds the remaining interest.
In addition, Apache noted part of the reserves from John Brookes field will be committed to supply Melbourne-based Newcrest Mining Ltd. with 20 MMcfd of gas over the next 15 years, based on a contract recently signed by the firms. First sales under the contract are expected by fourth quarter, Apache said.