Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd (LON:FOG) (CVE:FO) told investors that drilling operations have now started for the new, replacement, horizontal section in the Kyalla well.
The sidetrack well, referred to as ‘Kyalla 117 N2-1H ST2’, will now be drilled horizontally within the Lower Kyalla shale over a lateral length between 1,000 and 2,000 metres. This new section is positioned at a depth of around 1,800 metres.
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“Drilling results to date have been encouraging, and Falcon remains very optimistic about the potential of the Lower Kyalla shale play,” said Philip O’Quigley, Falcon chief executive.
“We look forward to updating the market as further results become available.”
Earlier this month, Falcon revealed that the well’s original horizontal section experienced operational challenges.
The Australian shale well’s vertical section was completed in November, and, horizontal drilling subsequently began in early December. After 700 metres - of a section intended to span at least 1,000 metres - drilling challenges were encountered affecting the maintenance of clean hole conditions and stability in certain sections.