The Melbourne-based company yesterday said progress had been slower than expected, as the well was originally forecast to reach total depth last Sunday.

Due to operational constraints, the logging while drilling (LWD) tools have not been run, Nexus said. Wireline logs will be run after the well reaches total depth, before the pilot hole is plugged back and the main horizontal well bore drilled through the Longtom gas sands.

Nexus said several sands have been encountered over the target interval, intersected slightly deeper than expected, and there are indications of gas.

“While this is encouraging, wireline logs will be required to evaluate rock properties and gas saturations,” the company told the Australian Stock Exchange this afternoon.

A further announcement will be made upon completion of wireline logging.