Tamboran Resources Ltd has started drilling operations at Tanumbirini #2H horizontal gas well on EP 161 in the core of the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory.
The well targets around 4,800 metres total depth (TD) and will be hydraulically fracture-stimulated with 10- 20 stages across the Mid-Velkerri B shale horizontal sections, with an extended flow test to follow.
Drilling is anticipated to complete in the third quarter of 2021.
Drilling of two more wells on EP 161
Tamboran Resources managing director and chief executive officer Joel Riddle said: “The program at Tanumbirini #2H follows the successful Tanumbirini #1 vertical well results that were drilled on EP 161 and received Declaration of Discovery acceptance by the NT Government in April 2020.
“The wells are intended to establish commercial flow rates from the Beetaloo.
“On completion of Tanumbirini #2H and #3H, Tamboran and Santos anticipate the drilling of two additional horizontal wells on EP 161 in 2022, further delineating additional resources, capturing key data and informing future development activity.
Net-zero carbon producer by 2025
“Development efforts on EP 161 are complementary to Tamboran’s planned work program on the adjacent EP 136 licence in which Tamboran will hold a 100% operating interest.
“Subject to final approvals, we intend to acquire seismic on EP 136 in the second half of 2021 and, based on information gained from this and the EP 161 drilling program, will be in an excellent position to drill our first operated well in 2022.
“Our assets are in the core of the Beetaloo Sub-basin and contain material prospective, low CO2 unconventional natural gas resources.
Tamboran is aiming to become a net-zero carbon producer when the company initiates sales of natural gas targeting local Northern Territory markets and gas supply to the east coast of Australia by 2025.”
EP 161
Once drilling at Tanumbirini #2H is completed in the third quarter, the rig will then drill Tanumbirini 3H to a similar TD, prior to hydraulically fracture-stimulating both wells.
The frac will comprise 10-20 stages in the horizontal sections of each well, followed by completion and flow tests.
Results from the two-well drilling and testing program are anticipated to be announced in the third quarter of 2021.
Santos QNT Pty Ltd is the operator of EP 161 with a 75% working interest and Tamboran holds a 25% working interest.
Sustainability plan
Separately, Tamboran Resources has released its inaugural sustainability plan, outlining the company’s wide-ranging set of commitments and actions to achieve its vision of playing a part in the global energy transition to a lower-carbon future through the development of a large-scale, clean, low carbon dioxide natural gas resource in the Beetaloo Sub-basin.
Pursuant to its vision, Tamboran aims to become a producer of gas with net-zero emissions for its equity share of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions when the company initiates the sale of natural gas.
Riddle said: “We aspire to play a part in the global transition to a lower-carbon, more sustainable future and look forward to building on this report over time, based on stakeholder feedback.
“Operating sustainably is very relevant to how we impact the environment, local communities and is vital to generating long-term value for all our stakeholders.
Tamboran will select appropriate sustainability practices, set measurable performance targets and report progress against those targets.
Tamboran believes this strategy will enable it to achieve both the Company’s vision and its sustainability objectives.
Key assets
Tamboran is a natural gas company focused on supporting the net-zero energy transition by developing clean, low-carbon dioxide, unconventional gas resources in the Northern Territory.
Its key assets are a 25% working interest in EP 161 and a 100% working interest in EP 136, both in the Beetaloo Sub-basin.
Headquartered in Sydney, it has a global management team leveraging a significant depth of experience in the successful commercialisation of unconventional hydrocarbons throughout North America.