To date, the Perth-based midcap has already drilled 10 wells in Kansas.

Due to begin next week, the new program will comprise 16 wells – located across 16 leases in five counties – and is planned for completion by mid-year.

Five of the wells are in southern Kansas and 11 in northern Kansas counties.

Amadeus will target the Arbuckle, Viola, Mississippi and Lansing-Kansas City formations at an average depth of 3700 feet (1127m).

Fourteen of the 16 prospects were generated from 3D seismic, with the average well cost estimated to be about $US340,000 or $US290,000 net to Amadeus.

“Due to the low drilling cost and high oil prices, these wells should have an undiscounted return on investment of over 10:1 and a finding cost of only $US4 per barrel,” Amadeus said.