Australia: QGC, Drillsearch Start Shale Gas Exploration Program

Drillsearch Energy announced the commencement of the 1,050km2 Winnie 3D seismic survey acquisition at its shale gas acreage in ATP 940P. Located in the Central Cooper Basin Nappamerri Trough Shale Gas Fairway in Southwest Queensland, Drillsearch as operator holds a 40% interest in ATP 940P with QGC holding 60%.

The Winnie 3D seismic survey is scheduled to commence today with completion expected in November 2012. Covering an area in south western Queensland of approximately 1,050km2, the Winnie 3D seismic will be the largest onshore 3D seismic program undertaken in Australia and is located immediately adjacent to Beach Energy’s shale gas drilling program currently underway.

The primary objective of the Winnie 3D seismic survey is to delineate the Nappamerri Trough REM Shale and deeper tight gas play fairway. The survey is also targeting early identification of shale and tight gas sweet spots within the Nappamerri Trough play fairway.

Drillsearch Managing Director, Brad Lingo said, “This activity on the ground marks the start of our FY 2013 work program as part of our shale gas joint venture with QGC.

“Targeting shale and tight gas plays across our 1,050km2 permit, the Winnie 3D seismic is the largest ever onshore 3D seismic program in Australia.

“The commencement of this landmark 3D seismic survey marks a milestone for the Company in its shale gas exploration efforts.”

WesternGeco, a business unit of Schlumberger Limited, was awarded the survey following a competitive tendering process involving the world’s leading seismic acquisition companies. Utilising the proprietary ‘Uniq’ 3D seismic acquisition system, the survey will incorporate some of the most advanced technology currently available in the onshore seismic industry.

“This innovative technology enables us to acquire a high resolution survey to generate an inventory of leads. The program also happens to cover one of the largest single onshore seismic survey areas on the continent,” Mr Lingo said.

WesternGeco is using new state-of-the-art seismic vibroseis vehicles which utilise a tracked tyre vehicle base which exert very small downward pressure on the ground, a technology developed in Australia.

“These remarkable vehicles have helped Drillsearch minimise the environmental impact on our operating areas, while the technology they incorporate has enabled high levels of productivity in tough terrain environments,” Mr Lingo said.

Drillsearch worked closely with WesternGeco to design a survey that utilises these innovative technologies to deliver an exploration work program that will have an extremely low environmental footprint and minimal impact on the cultural heritage of the Wongkumara people.

Combining innovative vibroseis equipment with the proprietary WesternGeco acquisition system, will deliver enhanced 3D seismic data necessary for shale and tight gas exploration and development, as well as superior environmental performance over other seismic acquisition methods.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, August 14, 2012