Empire said it hopes to be drilling the main well bore by late September. Initial surface drilling has been ongoing for some weeks, which will reduce the amount of time the more expensive Rig 24 will need to spend on site. Surface casing has been set and cemented to 250 metres.
Rig 24 is currently drilling the Hovea-3 well, the second of its three committed Origin wells.
Contrary to local reports, Empire have yet to secure a farm in partner. Unlisted Perth minnow Ausoil NL, run by former WA Mines Minister Gordon Hill, has had talks with Empire, Hill said, but there has been no agreement struck.
Empire is seeking to farm out 19% of the permit, leaving it with 40%.
