The companies will continue testing of the basal sandstone over the next several days so that a stabilized flow rate and additional reservoir parameters can be established. Following that a second (shallower) sandstone reservoir is planned to be tested after the current zone is fully evaluated.

“The directors consider this result to be very significant for shareholders. In addition to flowing a large volume of gas, it is believed that this opens up a new hydrocarbon play fairway in this portion of the Surat/Bowen Basin in which Sunshine and Samson jointly hold the major interest via ATP 645P,” said Sunshine Gas.

Potential of the resource had been independently estimated to be in excess of 100 BCF along with significant volumes of condensate.

Interests in the well are Sunshine Gas Limited (SHG) 50% and Samson International (operator) 50%.