Senex Energy (ASX: SXY) has spudded an unconventional gas exploration well in the Cooper Basin that targets the Roseneath Epsilon Murteree shale and tight sands as well as the Patchawarra Formation.
Skipton-1 in PEL 516 will be drilled to a total depth of about 3000 metres using the Weatherford Rig 826 and will be extensively cored.
Drilling and casing is expected to take about 60 days.
The rig will then move to drill the Orca Energy (ASX: OGY) operated Kingston Rule-1 well in PEL 115.
Kingston Rule-1 will also be drilled to about 3000 metres with the same targets as Skipton -1.
The coring will improve understanding of the petrophysical nature of these tight sand reservoirs.
Once both wells are completed, Senex plans to fracture stimulate and test gas deliverability and gas composition across the Permian section of each well.
Both wells are part of Senex’s 12 well unconventional gas exploration and appraisal program in southern South Australian Cooper Basin permits.
Orca Energy is free carried through drilling of the well as part of its farm-out deal with Senex.
Orca had in January handed a 22% stake in PEL 115 to Senex in return for a dedicated unconventional gas exploration well to be drilled this year. Senex had also taken up a 19.9% shareholding in Orca.
Senex has a 100% interest in PEL 516.
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