Tamboran Resources Ltd (ASX:TBN) has completed the vertical well and build section of the Tanumbirini 2H (T2H) well at about 3,800 metres after encountering the target Mid-Velkerri ‘B’ shale.
The company will begin drilling a ~1,000-metre horizontal section imminently with the well anticipated to reach total depth (TD) by the end of July.
On completion of the T2H horizontal section, the Tanumbirini 3H (T3H) horizontal well will be drilled, prior to fracture stimulating and flow testing both wells.
Background
The 2021 Tanumbirini appraisal campaign comprises the drilling of two wells, T2H and T3H, located in the EP 161 permit within the ‘Core’ area of the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory.
Santos QNT Pty Limited is the operator of EP 161 with 75% working interest and Tamboran holds a 25% working interest.
A ‘Declaration of Discovery’ of the Tanumbirini Field was revealed in 2020, following a fracture stimulation operation on the Tanumbirini 1 (T1) vertical well, which flowed gas at a peak initial rate of 1.6 million cubic feet (MMcf) per day and a settled rate of 400 Mcf (400,000 cubic feet) per day during a 130-day flow test period.
The T1 well was shut-in for over 160 days and subsequently re-opened resulting in an initial rate of 10 MMcf per day and an average rate of 2.3 MMcf per day during the first 90 hours of testing.
The T2H and T3H wells will appraise the commercial potential of the Mid-Velkerri ‘B’ shale in EP 161 and also provide critical data for Tamboran’s EP 136 operated permit (100% working interest), located adjacent to EP 161 in the Core Beetaloo.
EP 161 Tanumbirini 2H/3H Location Map
Santos and Tamboran spud the T2H well on 11 May 2021 and have now completed drilling the vertical hole and build section at about 3,800 metres target depth after encountering the Mid-Velkerri ‘B’ shale.
The mud gas response logged in the Mid-Velkerri ‘B’ shale in T2H was consistent with data collected in T1, as expected.
Drilling of the ~1,000-metre horizontal section will commence once the 7” casing has been run and cemented.
Forward plan
T2H is anticipated to reach TD at about 4,800 metres depth by the end of July.
After the completion of T2H, the rig will then commence drilling T3H to a similar TD, prior to fracture stimulating both wells.
Preliminary flow test results from T2H and T3H are anticipated to be available in the fourth quarter of 2021.