The 50km 2D seismic survey over the Wellesley gas prospect in EP 416 is aimed at confirming the structural integrity of the Wellesley anticlinal structure, where the reservoir objective Permian Sue Coal Measures holds potential recoverable reserves of up to 150 billion cubic feet of gas.

Once the Wellesley survey is completed, Empire expects to start the acquisition of 50 square kilometres of 3D seismic on April 13 over the Mullering Anticline in EP 432 to resolve and delineate several prospects to drilling status.

Interpretation of existing seismic data has defined 10 leads in the area each with potential recoverable oil reserves of between 5-10 million barrels.

The Cataby-1 well in the permit recovered about 25-30 barrels of oil during drill stem testing of a thin sand in the Cattamarra Coal Measures.

This will be followed by the Gingin West 3D seismic survey in EP 389 that is expected to start on April 25.

The 50sq.km survey will be carried out over the Gingin West structure which is located up-dip from the Bootine-1 well that flows 2.25 million cubic feet of gas per day from one sand in the Cattamarra Coal Measures.

Potential recoverable gas reserves for Gingin West are estimated at 212Bcf.

Empire added the 3D seismic would help assess the gas potential of the area to the south of the Gingin-2 discovery well.