During the last week, the production hole was drilled to a total measured depth of 2,404 metres.

Progress for the week was 406 metres. About 370 metres of near-horizontal hole was drilled through the Waarre Sandstone reservoir.

“Log data indicated the presence of good quality reservoir,” AWE said.

Casino-4 is the first of a two-well drilling program for the development of the Casino gas field. Upon suspension of Casino-4, the rig will move to drill the Casino-5 production well in the eastern part of the field, near the Casino-2 exploration well.

Meanwhile, the partners have brought forward work at the nearby Henry prospect to take advantage of increased efficiencies in drilling logistics.

Henry-1 is now expected to be drilled in early-to-mid July, after the current development drilling program at Casino.

The Henry prospect is located about eight kilometres north-west of Casino.

Henry-1 will target the gas potential of the Waarre Sandstone which is productive in the Casino field.

AWE spokesman Bruce Phillips said the Henry prospect could contain reserves in excess of 100 petajoules of gas.

If successful, Henry would provide incremental production to the existing Casino gas contract, Phillips said.

VIC/L24 & VIC/P44 participants are: Santos Limited (operator) 50%, Peedamullah Petroleum Pty Ltd (a wholly owned AWE subsidary) 25% and Mittwell Energy Resources Pty Ltd 25%.