Carnarvon makes “transformational” oil discovery off WA coast

Jul 21, 2018 Energy

CARNARVON Petroleum Limited and its JV partner Quadrant Energy have made a “significant” oil discovery with the Dorado-1 well off the north-west coast of Western Australia.

While the Dorado exploration well was testing what was largely expected to be a gas prospect, light oil has been recovered from excellent reservoir containing a gross hydrocarbon package of 96.1 metres and a net pay thickness of 79.6 metres in highly porous and permeable Caley Member sands.

The results were confirmed after wireline testing was undertaken after the at the Dorado-1 well was drilled down to around 4,044 m Measured Depth MD in 8-1/2” hole. Currently the well is still in a hydrocarbon bearing column.

Carnarvon managing director Adrian Cook said the result is transformational for the company.

“This is a significant discovery given the quantum of the net pay thickness, the quality of the oil and the extremely good reservoir characteristics,” Mr Cook said.

“Currently, we estimate the net oil pay is around 80 metres, with more drilling still to come this is very exciting for Carnarvon Petroleum.
“With multiple targets still left, the focus now is to complete the drilling program through the Baxter, Crespin and Milne Members.

“In April we highlighted the possibility that the Dorado structure could contain a substantial oil accumulation. Given this outcome has now occurred, Carnarvon will make an assessment of and issue a revised volume estimate as soon as we possibly can once drilling operations have finished.”

Excitingly, an additional hydrocarbon accumulation has been observed in the Baxter Member, with drilling and evaluation still to be completed in that section of the well.

Dorado is one of a number of discoveries Carnarvon and Quadrant have made in recent years to reinvigorate the offshore exploration scene in WA, while providing a number of new development opportunities.

Written by Colin Hay 

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