Empire Energy Group Ltd. intersected a thick interval of liquids-rich gas in its ongoing Carpentaria-1 well in Beetaloo basin permit EP187 in the Northern Territory.
The find was made in Velkerri shale at a depth shallower than expected.
Information about the liquids content in the gas and possible flow rates is unknown. Completion of a fracturing and testing program is set for second-quarter 2021.
The well targeted a potential 2.4 tcf of gas in two target shale zones – the Velkerri and the Kyalla. The Kyalla shale was not present at Carpentaria-1, but the company is pleased with the result as the presence of liquids will enhance the economics of any future production and the shallower depths to the Velkerri will reduce future development costs.
Empire, with 100% interest, will move to further appraise the Velkerri sequences with an extensive formation evaluation program.
Velkerri was intersected at 833-1,831m. Peak mudlog gas readings were encountered at 1,105-1,160 m, again at 1,320-1,372 m, and at 1,490-1,544 m.
Carpentaria-1 is now drilling ahead and is expected to reach a revised total depth of 2,200 m, some 700 m shallower than the pre-drill target TD.
Once reached, the program will revert to detailed logging, large diameter rotary sidewall coring and DFITs.
The well will then be cased, cemented, and suspended in preparation for re-entry and fracturing and testing programs following the 2021 wet season.