By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 3 -- Max Petroleum PLC, London, has completed and begun production from the ZMA-2X well, the second of five wells planned on the Zhana Makat A structure on the E Block in the Pre-Caspian basin of Kazakhstan.
ZMA-2X, drilled downdip from the ZMA-1X discovery well to further delineate the field, encountered an oil column about 18 m thick, exceeding the company's initial expectations for the well.
As with the discovery well, the ZMA-2X production will be increased gradually to ensure minimal reservoir damage.
Max plans to announce the production volumes when the initial well testing is complete.
The operator also has begun drilling its ZMA-4X well, to be followed shortly by the ZMA-3X and ZMA-5X. These three additional wells are further updip on the Zhana Makat A structure, where the company believes the oil column thickness may exceed that seen in the flank areas drilled by the first two wells.
The discovery well is producing about 225 b/d of oil, an increase of 45 b/d from its initial rate in mid-September. Max is continuing to evaluate the well and optimize its production.
The initial drilling program on Zhana Makat A is scheduled for completion in mid-November, and Max will then have the structure's reserves independently certified before yearend.
Max said it intends to drill up to 30 shallow wells, 6 intermediates, and 3 deep wells by the end of 2007.
