Cairn to further appraise block in India

June 15, 2005
Cairn Energy PLC will further appraise more than 2,884 sq km in the north and west of the Rajasthan Block under an 18-month extension of the exploration license approved by the Indian government.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, June 15 -- Cairn Energy PLC will further appraise more than 2,884 sq km in the north and west of the Rajasthan Block under an 18-month extension of the exploration license approved by the Indian government.

The appraisal area includes Bhagyam oil field, where a 125-sq-km 3D seismic survey was due for completion in early June. Other areas include Shakti oil field, several structures awaiting appraisal, and intervening tracts of untested acreage.

A 320-sq-km seismic survey is planned between Bhagyam and Mangala oil fields. The N-I-2 well was drilled in the survey area to test the N-I structure.

The N-1-2 well encountered 21 m of net pay in high-quality Fatehgarh reservoirs.

The well flowed during a cased-hole test at a stabilized rate of 2,300 b/d of 24° gravity oil through a 48/64-in. choke.

Cairn and the Indian government are discussing extension of the southern area of the Rajasthan Block.