Tamboran Resources has spudded the Tanumbrini #2H horizontal gas well in the core of the Beetaloo sub-Basin in the Northern Territory.
The horizontal well is set to be drilled to 4800m total measured depth (TD) and target the mid-Velkerri B shale.
Tamboran expects drilling to be completed by the third quarter of their year. 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.
In addition, Santos is the operator of EP 161 with a 75 per cent working interest and Tamboran holding a 25 per cent working interest.
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,” he said.
Riddle further highlighted that the development efforts on EP 161 are complementary to its planned work program on the adjacent EP 136 licence.
Subject to final approvals, the company intends 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 position to drill its 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,” Riddle said.