AWE Limited updates on Senecio-3 drilling progress

AWE Limited, operator of permits L1/L2 in the Perth Basin, Western Australia, said that the Senecio-3 appraisal well was drilling ahead at a measured depth of 1,720 metres in an 8 ½ inch hole following the installation of the 9 5/8 inch surface casing at 1,171 metres.

The 8 ½ inch hole will be drilled to a planned section depth of 2,630 metres prior to cutting up to 108 metres of core in the Dongara and Wagina tight sandstone.

The Senecio-3 well will be drilled vertically to a planned total depth of 2,783 metres and is designed to test the unconventional gas potential in the western side of the Senecio reservoir. Core samples and log data will be collected and sent for analysis and AWE will not conduct hydraulic fracture stimulation on Senecio-3 at this stage.

If the results are positive, AWE anticipates commencing the approvals process for the first phase of the Senecio unconventional gas field development. The Senecio-3 well could potentially be re-completed as a production well in a future field development.

The Senecio-3 appraisal well is located on agricultural land approximately 14.5 kilometres east of Dongara, Western Australia, and 7 kilometres from the operating Dongara gas plant.

AWE Limited is the operator and holds a 50% share in the L1/L2 permits while the remaining 50% is held by Origin Energy.

Press Release, August 12, 2014; Image: AWE Limited