Comet said the drilling program, due to start this month, has now been delayed until late August or September.

“The delay results from complex negotiations with a number of land owners, who control access to our well locations, taking longer than expected,” the company said in an announcement to the ASX.

“Comet Ridge intends to be operating and producing oil and gas in the Tow Creek area for many years. Establishing strong relationships with, and demonstrating our respect for our local community, is important to our long-term success.”

Comet, which is the well operator, is planning a four well program, three on Tow Creek and the fourth on Bear River.

The wells will target oil in fractures developed in the Niobrara Formation and gas in the overlying Mancos Shale. The wells, which are planned to be drilled to depths of between 4000 and 6000 feet (1219-1828m), are each seeking 200 to 400 thousand barrels of recoverable oil.

Comet Ridge’s wholly owned subsidiary Comet Ridge USA will operate the wells with working interests at 33.7% (Bear River) to 37.5% (Tow Creek). Strik Oil also has a 37.5% working interest in Tow Creek and 25% in Bear River