Formerly known as El Aaiun-4, the well was drilled using Entrepose Drilling’s Cabot 750 rig to a total depth of around 2000m below rotary table (mBRT).
The company identified gas within the reservoir section with gross thickness of 23m of sandstone and conglomerate at the well, which targeted Tertiary channel sandstones.
The reservoir, which was identified about 100m more shallow to prognosis, determined the geological concept of a thick sand channel system.
San Leon executive chairman Oisin Fanning said: "Confirming the presence of gas shows and good reservoir quality is encouraging for the potential of the block and leads naturally to applying for a new eight year license in the area, which would allow for seismic acquisition to be performed over the full channel complex.
"It would also enable additional data to be acquired over the deeper Jurassic and Triassic prospects."
The well has now been suspended for possible further drilling in future.
San Leon and its partner Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) are now planning to seek eight-year exploration license.
During the first period of the new license, the firm plans to acquire a 3D seismic survey across the multiple channels of the Tertiary play. The Laayoune-4 well was drilled on one channel of the Tertiary play.
The seismic results will be used by the company to decide on re-entering the Laayoune-4 well, drilling an additional well, or both.
