McMoRan scores at two S. Louisiana wells

May 9, 2006
McMoRan Exploration Co., New Orleans, reported exploration success at wells in Vermilion Parish, La.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 9 -- McMoRan Exploration Co., New Orleans, reported exploration success at wells in Vermilion Parish, La.

The Liberty Canal well logged two intervals totaling 199 gross ft with 125 net ft of hydrocarbon bearing sands. TD is 15,742 ft. The wireline log "indicated excellent porosity with the potential for high flow rates," McMoRan said.

The well is on a large north-south ridge where the company controls 13,000 acres and has several other prospects. McMoRan and its private partner each have 37.5% working interest in Liberty Canal.

Meanwhile, the two companies directionally drilled the Pecos prospect, acquired from ExxonMobil Corp. in late 2005, from an offshore location in less than 10 ft of water to an onshore bottomhole location. TD is 19,625 ft measured depth, 18,795 ft true vertical depth.

LWD tools and wireline logs indicated hydrocarbons in two uphole pay sands. The deeper zone had 31 net ft of hydrocarbon bearing sands in a 172-ft gross interval. The shallower zone had 12 net ft of hydrocarbons in 14 ft of gross pay.

The deeper zone drillstem tested 15.5 MMcfd of gas and 600 b/d of condensate, no water, at 2,700 psi flowing tubing pressure on a 31/64-in. choke in early May.

McMoRan and its private partner each owns a 50% working interest and 36% net revenue interest in the discovery. McMoRan has rights to 3,500 acres comprising the Pecos and Platte deep gas exploration prospects at West Pecan Island.

The Liberty Canal and Pecos wells are near infrastructure for timely connection.