Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX:EXR, OTC:ELXPF)' s Lorelle-3 pilot well in Queensland’s Taroom Trough has intersected multiple Permian hydrocarbon reservoir targets, with drilling now complete to total depth.
The well has been drilled to a final depth of 3,580 metres MDRT (measured depth below rotary table) in ATP2056.
While drilling, Elixir observed its primary, secondary and tertiary Permian reservoir objectives on logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools, alongside elevated mud gas readings.
The Tinowon ‘Dunk’ Sandstone, the well’s primary target, was encountered at 3,167 m MDRT, where Elixir also noted fluorescence in cuttings and higher mud gas readings. After reaching the interval, the company pulled the drilling assembly and began coring.
Elixir said it successfully cut and recovered 18 metres of whole core from the upper Tinowon ‘Dunk’ Sandstone. Initial observations indicate sections of the recovered material comprise high-quality sandstone, although the company noted these are preliminary field assessments.
Drilling then resumed through the remainder of the upper and lower Tinowon ‘Dunk’ Sandstone before reaching total depth in basement lithology. Based on LWD interpretation, the Tinowon ‘Dunk’ Sandstone has a preliminary thickness of about 60 m, subject to confirmation by wireline logging.
Secondary and tertiary intervals also show hydrocarbons
Beyond the primary target, Elixir said the Overston and Lorelle Sandstones (secondary targets) and the Kianga Group (tertiary target) were also identified on LWD, each associated with elevated mud gas readings.
The company also reported multiple mud gas shows in the lower Rewan Formation, which overlies the main Permian targets.
Next steps will focus on further evaluation. Elixir will now acquire wireline logs to confirm interpreted thicknesses, assess rock quality and determine hydrocarbon phase and saturation across the various reservoir intervals identified during drilling.
Wireline data is expected to provide a clearer picture of reservoir properties and help refine the company’s interpretation of the Permian targets intersected in Lorelle-3.