Origin Energy to test Laos wildcat

Origin Energy Ltd., Sydney, and its partner Salamander Energy PLC plans to test secondary objective sands in the Bang Nouan-1 wildcat in Laos after log data indicated up to 25 m of potential net gas pay.

May 11, 2010

Rick Wilkinson
OGJ Correspondent

MELBOURNE, May 11 -- Origin Energy Ltd., Sydney, and its partner Salamander Energy PLC plans to test secondary objective sands in the Bang Nouan-1 wildcat in Laos after log data indicated up to 25 m of potential net gas pay.

Bang Nouan-1 was drilled to 3,400 m. The gas shows were encountered in the secondary target Triassic age Kunchinarai Sandstones at 2,020 m.

The primary objective Pha Nok Khao formation was encountered below 3,300 m but found to be water-bearing.

The wildcat is a high-risk prospect with the nearest well some 100 km away.

Origin has a 30% interest in the Savannakhet production-sharing contract that contains the discovery. It farmed into the area as part of an agreement to take interests in five exploration blocks operated by Salamander in Laos, northeast Thailand, and Vietnam by funding the next $50 million of joint venture exploration and appraisal across the permits.