Located south of Broome in EPA 2/96-7 the prospective structure is a large four-way dip closed anticline, which is clearly defined by seismic and has an estimated total oil in place (mean value) at 164 million barrels.
In 1984, BHP drilled a vertical well, Pictor 1, which encountered a gas-bearing zone between 905-944m below surface, underlain by an oil-bearing zone between 944-1019m in fractured, low matrix permeability, dolomite and limestone of the Ordovician Nita Formation.
A production test produced 2.2 million cubic feet of gas per day and 200 barrels per day liquid, mostly spent acid, diesel, light crude oil and possibly formation water from a cased and perforated interval extending between 940-965m.
In 1990, Bridge Oil drilled Pictor 2 and encountered a similar hydrocarbon column to that encountered in Pictor 1.
In the past 15 years advances in horizontal drilling technologies have seen substantial economic successes in the drilling of fractured, low matrix permeability, carbonate reservoirs and Kimberley is now hoping these advances will open the fractured structure.
A recent appraisal recommended the drilling of a horizontal well near Pictor 1, followed by an extended test from the oil-bearing zone and then carry out a 3D seismic survey over the structure.
Following encouraging signs a further five to six appraisal wells will be considered followed by field development drilling.
