This time around, the JV had hoped to spud the permit’s second and third wells, Sarahlyn-1 and Vanessa-1, almost a month ago, on February 25, using the Century-3 rig.

But junior partner AuDAX said flooding of a creek crossing at Innamincka had prevented the rig from accessing the two wellsites.

“Localised flooding has also closed roads in the area and access is severely restricted,” the company said.

“Century rig 3 has completed its recent drilling contract and is currently stacked at Moomba.”

AuDAX said the wellsites had been prepared by Eagle Bay for drilling.

Last year, the JV had originally planned to drill the wells using White Sands’ automated WSP Rig-1. In return for use of its rig, White Sands received a farm-in stake and a $1 million cash advance to buy the unit.

But the farm-in and drilling contract were cancelled in December after it became apparent the rig was in trouble at its flagship well and White Sands was subsequently forced into administration.

Eagle Bay drilled the first well in PEL 182 in January last year. At the last report, the Emily-1 well had been cased and suspended, awaiting a workover rig.