The well, located about 240km west of Alice Springs, flowed gas at the rate of 15.3 million cubic feet per day with a stable flowing pressure of 183 psi through a 2 1/16-inch choke.

This reservoir has the potential to continue to deliver gas at a substantial rate to meet existing gas contracts, according to Magellan.

“The East Mereenie-43 well highlights the potential of the field for continued deliverability into the Darwin gas market,” the company said in a statement.

Interests in East Mereenie-43 are Santos (operator) 65% and Magellan 35%.

Magellan is also involved in a New Zealand wildcat – Hihi-1 – now being drilled in the offshore Taranaki Basin.

Hihi-1 will drill to a total depth of 1936 metres, targeting oil plays in the Mt Messenger formation and Moki formation sandstones. This well marks the start of a five-well drilling program in the PEP 38748 lease.

Participants in PEP 38748 are Tap 50%, Magellan (NZ) 25% and Austral Pacific Energy 25%.