Apache's Gibson, South Plato fields began production

Apache Corp., Houston, reported its Gibson and South Plato fields in the Carnarvon basin off Northwest Australia are on production, flowing at a combined rate of 22,265 b/d of oil from two wells.

June 19, 2002

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, June 19 -- Apache Corp., Houston, reported its Gibson and South Plato fields in the Carnarvon basin off Northwest Australia are on production, flowing at a combined rate of 22,265 b/d of oil from two wells.

The fields were discovered last year. Both are owned by the Apache-operated Harriet Joint Venture, in which Apache owns a 68.5% working interest. Partners are Kufpec Australia Pty. Ltd. with 19.3% and Tap Oil Ltd. with 12.2%.

"These Flag sandstone wells are notable for their high flow rates and their proximity to existing production infrastructure on Varanus Island. We can bring them on stream at a very low cost," said G. Steven Farris, Apache's president and CEO. He said the company drilled 10 successful Flag sandstone wells—Apache's "string of pearls"—in the last 18 months.