Buru Energy has confirmed that Rafael-1 will be the second well drilled as part of its 2021 Western Australian exploration drilling program, followed by the Ungani-8 well.
Last week the company and its joint venture partner, Origin Energy, announced that the first rig loads were on track to commence in mid-June, with site works close to completion at the first well – Currajong-1.
The first well, formerly Kurrajong, has been renamed Currajong due to a recently notified conflict with an offshore well name.
Buru reported that the topsoil has be stripped and stacked ready for rehabilitation of the site with the ground works being supervised by senior Yawuru traditional owners.
The site has been levelled and compacted, the cuttings sump formed up ready for installation of the impervious liner, and the 20 inch surface conductor and cellar has been installed.
It is expected that the Currajong-1 well will spud in mid-June and the Rafael-1 well will spud in late July or early August.
Executive chairman Eric Streitberg said the company is excited to be drilling two conventional oil exploration wells back to back.
“These prospects are two of the largest conventional onshore oil targets to be drilled in Australia for many years and success would have the potential to provide a considerable boost to Australia’s liquid fuels production,” he said.