The sands identified closely match the prognosis obtained from interpretation and mapping of new 3D seismic over the property. OM-1 has now been cased and a testing program will be initiated in the immediate future, commencing with the perforation of an interval at 9,320ft MD. Following the test results, it is anticipated that the well will initially be placed on commercial production from one or more zones.
Further drilling is planned at Shoats Creek this year with the possibility of drilling a well to test the deeper Wilcox sands identified by 3D seismic. The Wilcox sand is an oil producer in the Gulf of Mexico region but has never been produced in this field.
Brian Hall, chairman of Aminex, said: “OM-1 is the first new well to have been drilled by our US subsidiary as operator for several years, encountering the Cockfield sands exactly as anticipated. Full credit is due to our in-house exploration team which successfully undertook a very complex 3D interpretation and to our operations team which drilled the well on time and under budget.
“Shoats Creek has been a dormant asset of the company for many years with only limited production but the new 3D seismic is now allowing us to begin exploiting its full potential which should transform our US producing operation.”
