The Lauren-2 well in ATP 620P produced at an average 368,000 cubic feet per day (cf/d) over the last week, after just three weeks of testing, with recent daily readings topping 417,000 cf/d, QGC said.

The recently completed Argyle-12 well in ATP 620P produced at 328,000 cubic feet per day (cf/d) last week, after just three weeks of testing, and subsequently daily production as high as 401,000 cf/d has been recorded this week.

The Berwyndale South-14 well in PL201 averaged 260,000 cf/d in only its second week of testing, with daily flows as high as 500,000 cf/d recorded.

“Berwyndale South-14 is accessing only the Upper Juandah seams, and its twin the Berwyndale South-9 well is accessing only the Lower Juandah seams,” said QGC managing director Richard Cottee.

“Between the two, they are demonstrating that production rates in excess of one million cf/d are possible from single all-seam Juandah wells at Berwyndale South.”

Meanwhile the Argyle East pilot, located 4km north of the Argyle-12 well, last week produced at an average 2.63 million cf/d.

The pilot’s five wells are configured in such a way that they are the equivalent of four wells accessing all of the Juandah coal seams, according to QGC. On this basis, the pilot is demonstrating average flow rates of 658,000 cf/d per well.

“Since November 2004, QGC has drilled nine wells using its current well completion technique,” Cottee said.

“These wells can be equated to seven wells accessing all of the Juandah seams and on this basis the wells are producing an average weekly flow rate of 622,000 cf/d per well – and still increasing.

“These results are making it increasingly clear that our current well design can deliver very attractive commercial flow rates right across the “Undulla Nose” structure, from Berwyndale South in the west to Argyle in the east and Lauren to the south. This confirms our expectation that this part of the Surat Basin is set to become a major source of gas for Queensland for many years to come.”

Cottee said QGC already had sufficient gas reserves to meet the requirements of its gas supply contracts with CS Energy Limited and Incitec Pivot Limited.

“Independent certifiers Netherland Sewell & Associates Inc have already ascribed proved and probable (2P) reserves of 213 petajoules to the two tenements from which we will supply our existing gas contracts,” he said.

“The early flow rates at Lauren, Berwyndale South-14 and Argyle-12 are expected to make additional 2P reserves available for the proposed power stations at Chinchilla and Gibson Island [Port of Brisbane] and enable QGC to supply additional customers.”

QGC holds 100% ownership in ATP 632P / PL 201 and a 59.375% interest in ATP 620P with joint venturer Pangaea Oil & Gas Pty Ltd (40.625%).