The Perth-based company yesterday said repairs to the rig had taken longer than scheduled because of delays in procuring spare parts.

The contractor, DHS Drilling, had indicated the rig would be ready to recommence normal operations on Thursday, July 27.

There had already been indications of gas shows and further were anticipated over the next 1700 feet (520m) from secondary targeted pay zones overlying the first major oil and gas target, the Upper Ismay formation that was expected to be encountered at a depth of about 9500ft.

The well, which spudded in late May and has a planned total depth of 14,500ft, is targeting 11 potential pay zones within the Golden Eagle structure that has the potential to hold 3 trillion cubic feet of gas in Pennsylvanian and Mississippian reservoirs. The primary target is the Mississippian Leadville limestone formation, with the Pennsylvanian Paradox formation a secondary target.

Golden State holds an initial 100% interest in the well, which it operates through US subsidiary Golden Eagle Exploration, though Denver-based partner Eclipse Exploration has the right to farm-in with a 16.67% working interest after the drilling of two wells.