BHPB said today the Sedco 703 drill rig encountered the find in the Lower Barrow Group sandstones, in 209 metres of water. The well was drilled to a final depth of 1432m, finding a gross oil column of 37m and a gross gas column of seven metres.

The discovery is located only 10 kilometres from the Vincent oil discovery which is in the planning stages and if Ravensworth proves commercial, can be tied into the development plans for that field.

BHPB team leader Mike Ollis said the find would translate into a small to medium oil accumulation.

Interests are BHPB (39.999%), Apache Energy (31.501%) and Inpex (28.5%)

EnergyReview.net will look more closely at developments in the Exmouth Sub-Basin, including the Stybarrow discovery, in tomorrow's bulletin.