The pressure data also show that there is a separate eight metre gas column in the upper part of the Barrow Group, beneath the Mardie Formation. This shows that the lower part of the Mardie does provide an effective seal, and opens the possibility of further downdip extension of the Taunton Field within the intra-Mardie sand, both within TL2 and TP7.

The rig has now moved on to spud Blackthorn-1, three kilometres to the east to evaluate a southeasterly extension of the Taunton Oil Field.

The intersection of oil pay without an oil/water contact within the Taunton Sandstone in the Taunton-4 well and gas pay in the underlying Barrow Group confirms that the two reservoirs are not pressure connected, which the partners feel is encouraging for downdip stratigraphic potential to the Taunton oil reservoir.

TP/7 Joint Venture participants are Tap Oil 12.474%, Santos (BOL) (Operator) 43.711%, Apache Oil Australia 39.658% and Pan Pacific Petroleum (South Australia) 4.157%.

Participants in the Blackthorn-1 well are Tap Oil 22.933%, Apache Oil Australia 72.910% and Pan Pacific Petroleum (South Australia) 4.157%.