MEO Australia: Eni Takes Over ENSCO 109 Rig

MEO Australia announced that Eni Australia  as operator of the NT/P68 exploration permit has confirmed that it will take over the ENSCO 109 drilling rig on 15th August and after an anticipated 4 day tow the rig expects to arrive at the Heron South-1 location on or around the 19th August.

Eni is undertaking the drilling of the Heron South-1 well in accordance with the farm-in agreement details of which were disclosed in the ASX release dated 18th May. Heron South-1 is part of the work program Eni has agreed to complete in order to earn a 50% participating interest in the permit. Eni has sixty days after the well has been drilled to elect to either drill a second Heron well or withdraw from participation in the Heron area.

Under a separate provision of the farm-in agreement, Eni has the option to elect to earn 50% in the Blackwood gas discovery by carrying MEO’s costs through the acquisition of a minimum of 500km2 of 3D seismic and drilling one well in the Blackwood area. Eni completed the 766km2 Bathurst 3D seismic survey on the 5th January 2012 and has 365 days from this date to elect to drill a well on the Blackwood discovery or withdraw from participation in the Blackwood area of the permit.

MEO intends to provide the next status report once Heron South-1 commences drilling, expected to be several days after the Ensco 109 arrives on location

MEO’s CEO and MD Jürgen Hendrich commented on the announcement:

“We are delighted that Heron South-1 will soon commence drilling. Since the Heron-2 well discovered gas in early 2008, MEO has been working towards appraisal of the discovery. We are very pleased to be partnering with Eni and look forward to a safe and successful drilling program “

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LNG World News Staff, August 06, 2012; Image: ENSCO