Yesterday Norwest said gas shows were detected and logs run in in both wells with the rig now having been released and was moving onto drill the next well.

“The first well designated Koppers-6A drilled a shale thickness of 876 feet (267 metres) compared to an expected 500 to 550 feet (152 to 168 metres), and ended within the shale,” the company said.

The wells are programmed to reach a total depth either at the base of the prospective Devonian Shale or 3,200 feet (975 metres) (whichever is the deeper).

“As a result the total thickness of shale at this location remains unknown. The second well, Koppers-7A, which was located approximately 1600 feet (500 metres) away from well 6A, drilled a shale thickness of 489 feet (149 metres). The thickness of the additional shale section below the total depth is not known at this stage.”

But managing director Joe Salomon said gas flow rates will not be known until the wells are fractured and tested which may take several weeks to implement due to the high demand for fraccing units.

He said the well results were very encouraging and have confirmed and exceeded the partners’ technical belief regarding the thickness of the shale in the area.

Norwest is earning a 37.5% (29% net revenue interest).