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In the Beetaloo Sub-Basin, the Velkerri and Kyalla Shales are currently being drilled, appraised, and production flow tested to the west and north west of Empire's EP187 by
Tanumbirini-1 is currently being production tested by Santos after a 4-stage fracture stimulation and according to
Empire notes this result in the context of US shale development across multiple basins that has demonstrated that horizontal fracture stimulated wells typically produce at substantially higher flow rates than vertical fracture stimulated wells because they expose significantly greater volumes of hydrocarbon-rich rock surface area to the well bore.
Tanumbirini-1 well was drilled in one of the deepest parts of the Beetaloo Sub-Basin, reaching 3,945 metres in depth.
Empire's proposed exploration well location (SL-4) has equivalent thickness of Velkerri and Kyalla shales at depths approximately 1,000 metres shallower (Figure 1*) and is expected to reach total depth of approximately 2,500 metres.
SL-4 has a shallower target interval than Tanumbirini-1 to appraise resulting in lower drilling costs, and in a success case, lower field development costs. Being less deeply buried and therefore potentially less thermally mature, there is the potential that these target shales in EP187 may contain hydrocarbon liquids as well as natural gas.
2020 EP187 EXPLORATION DRILLING PLANNING
The new seismic has identified two areas that are relatively undisturbed by large faults (Figure 2*). One is the Phase 1 Work Program Area on the western boundary and the other is a southern area, though the latter may require additional future seismic acquisition to be further delineated.
New mapping demonstrates that the Phase 1 Work Program Area extends across approximately 160km2 (approximately 40,000 acres) (Figure 2*) on the western flank of EP187 that is a continuance of the play being tested by Santos at Tanumbirini-1.
The 2D seismic has been successful in determining the prospective areas for initial focus and the proposed Empire SL- 4 location for Empire's first exploration well as a de-risked location for exploration drilling.
Empire's proposed exploration well location has equivalent combined thicknesses of Middle Velkerri A, B, & C shales of approximately 500 gross metres (approximately 270 metres net), based on Tanumbirini-1 petrophysical cut-offs, and a Kyalla shale thickness of approximately 100 metres, all at depths approximately 1,000 metres shallower than encountered at Tanumbirini-1 (Figure 1*).
The Empire SL-4 well is expected to reach a total depth of approximately 2,500 metres. The net thickness of the Middle Velkerri shale interval of approximately 270 metres is significant compared to the most prolific North American shale plays. The analogous
Concurrent with the seismic acquisition, Empire has sought regulatory approvals for four well pads as potential drilling locations with the
Empire's initial exploration well will focus on evaluating the Velkerri and Kyalla formations to allow Empire to better understand hydrocarbon content and composition and rock mechanics. The well is being designed to allow for further appraisal work to be carried out in the future from the same well bore, thereby reducing future appraisal costs and operational footprint.
The well design will allow for a future vertical fracture stimulated flow test (subject to regulatory approvals) and ultimately the drilling and completion of a horizontal section (also subject to regulatory approvals) that would seek to achieve commercial flow rates.
SUMMARY
The thickness of the
Concurrent with our ongoing exploration activities throughout 2020, Santos' upcoming two well fracture stimulated horizontal appraisal drilling program targeting the
With planning and approvals for our 2020 exploration drilling program targeting the Velkerri and Kyalla Shales well advanced and fully funded, and our priority drilling location de-risked, we are well placed to execute our 2020 exploration drilling program."
*To view tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/R5VBNR20
About
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