These flows were achieved from the uppermost Namur Sandstone interval at a depth of 1354-1358.3m at a stabilised flowing pressure of 125psi through a ¼-inch surface choke.

Yesterday morning, the rig was preparing to drill ahead to evaluate the Hutton Sandstone and the Poolowanna Formation.

The well, which has a planned total depth of 1920m, is expected to take 14 days to drill and test, according to Cooper.

Located 80km west of Moomba, Silver Sands-1 is primarily targeting reservoirs in the Namur and Hutton sandstones in a small structural closure about 1.5km south-east of the Christies oil field, which has so far produced 800,000 bbls of oil.

Beach is the well operator and holds a 75% stake, while Cooper owns 25%.