According to the data supplied by Carpathian, a drill stem test of sandstone from 1,007 metres to 1,013 metres had dry gas flow rates of 7,000 sq metres per day (3mm choke), 12,000 sq metres per day (4mm choke) and 17,000 sq metres per day (5mm choke).

While no pressure data was made available, according to the company’s numbers, the drill stem test encountered gas sandstone at depths of between 988 metres to 1026 metres, with wet sandstone encountered after.

Carpathian director, Douglas Jendry was optimistic about Ja3a. “These results are particularly encouraging as the sandstone tested was approximately 30 metres above the main objective zones,” said Jendry.

“The forward plan is to run a drill stem test of the lower gas zone from 1019 metres to 1026 metres. The commercial significance of the gas zones and potential reserves will be determined following the second drill stem test and analysis of all the data,” he added.

At press time, Ja3a has been drilled to a total depth of 1,107 metres and Carpathian is preparing to run a second drill stem test.