Production testing by Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas, a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc., on the Highlander discovery onshore South Louisiana indicated a flow rate of 75 MMcfd—37 MMcfd net to the company—on a 42/64th choke with 10,300 psi flowing tubing pressure.
The discovery lies in the Inboard Lower Tertiary-Cretaceous trend, and the test was performed in the Cretaceous-Tuscaloosa section.
“This additional test data confirms the highly favorable reservoir characteristics of this discovery,” the company said.
Freeport-McMoRan added that it expects to immediately start production using company facilities in the immediate area. The company also plans to install additional amine processing facilities to accommodate the higher rates.
The Highlander discovery well was drilled to a total depth of 29,400 ft in first-quarter 2014. Wireline log and core data from the Wilcox and Cretaceous sand packages indicated favorable reservoir characteristics with 150 ft of net pay.
In December Freeport-McMoRan tested the well at a rate of 43.5 MMcfd on a 22/64th choke with 11,880 psi flowing tubing pressure. A second well has been identified and future plans are being evaluated in the area.
The company has identified multiple prospects in the Highlander area, where it holds more than 50,000 gross acres (OGJ Online, Oct. 19, 2012).
Freeport-McMoRan is operator of the Highlander well with 72% working interest and 49% net revenue interest. Other interest owners are Energy XXI Ltd. 18% and WA Moncrief Jr. 10%. The Gulf Coast Ultra Deep Royalty Trust holds 3.6% overriding royalty interest in the area.
