Bibblewindi-3 is about 780m northwest of Bibblewindi-8, which was cased after reaching a depth of 997m and is awaiting fracture stimulation, which is planned for next month.
The nine-well program aims to establish a confined Bibblewindi Production Pilot by drilling eight closely spaced new production wells in proximity to the existing Bibblewindi-1 production well.
Eastern Star said the confined pilot was designed to accelerate dewatering of the Bohena coal seam in PEL 238 at Bibblewindi and therefore achieve commercial gas production rates in a shorter period than would be possible for isolated (unconfined) wells or for wells drilled on larger spacing.
The Gunnedah Basin project is between Narrabri and Gunnedah in New South Wales. The company said the target date for establishing commercial rates was the fourth quarter of 2006. As part of the nine-well program, Bibblewindi-10 – a pressure observation/monitor well 2.2km north of Bibblewindi-1 – was the first to be completed.
The function of this well is to monitor the formation pressure in the Bohena coal seam to determine whether water and gas production from the nine wells in the Bibblewindi Production Pilot, located some distance to the south, is reflected in the pressure response in the Bohena seam in Bibblewindi-10.
This will assist with maximising gas reserves certification.
The Gunnedah Basin Coal Seam Gas Joint Venture comprises Eastern Star, which holds a 32.5% stake, Hillgrove Resources (32.5%) and Gastar Exploration (35%).
