“This well [1-12] has provided an important indicator as it appears to have crossed a trapping fault for the gas so far discovered and we are still seeing gas indicators to the north of that fault,” Nuenco said.

It said it has not had time to analyse the gas samples yet.

“1-12 may well have drilled through the fault trap we are targeting here and has given us a different set of gas indicators again which we look forward to examining,” said managing director Anthony Kain.

“This along with the gas discovered while drilling 1-1 lends itself to the theory that there could be a further gas trap to the north of the existing one although, as we have said before, this will be effected by the faulting through this area and 3D at the right time will help with this.”

Nuenco also said it was extending the closing date of the shareholder purchase plan.

“After some consideration the board thought this necessary in light of the limited time many shareholders had to respond to this plan (which included the Easter break) and in view of recent developments in California,” the company said.

Interests are Nuenco LLC 37.5%, Orchard Petroleum Inc 37.5% and Nahabedian Exploration Group LLC 25% (operator).