The well is part of Predator’s targeting of shallow (Tertiary) and deep (Triassic) gas. It is being drilled by the Star Valley rig 101 which is currently setting 9 ⅝-in. casing.
The Guercif license comprises four exploration permits. It covers an area of 7,269 sq km and lies about 250 km due east of and on trend with Rharb basin where shallow gas production has been established by SDX Energy PLC for several years.
Guercif has been very lightly explored with only four deep exploration wells drilled by Elf in 1972 (GRF-1), Phillips in 1979 (TAF-1X), ONAREP (the forerunner of ONHYM) in 1985 and 1986 (MSD-1 and KDH-1) and 2 shallow stratigraphic wells drilled by BRPM for coal exploration in the 1950’s.
Historical exploration focus was entirely on the Jurassic and was completed before the shift in focus took place that resulted in shallow (Tertiary) gas production in Rharb basin and successful deep (Triassic) gas appraisal drilling at Tendrara. Guercif has never been explored for these more recent targets and these are now Predator’s focus in the license.
The license is for 8 years and is split into an initial period of 30 months; a first extension period of 36 months duration; and a second extension period also of 30 months.
Predator is operator at Guercif (75%) with state oil company ONHYM holding the remaining 25%.