The most recent addition, the South Simpson-2 appraisal well spudded on the weekend and has intersected a hydrocarbon column within the Flag Sandstone reservoir objective. The well is now being prepared to run completion for production.

Located in TL/1, 2.2km south of Varanus Island The well was drilled from the Simpson Bravo platform, as a sidetrack from South Simpson-1, to intersect a mapped southeasterly extension of the Simpson Oil Field.

South Simpson-1 intersected an 8m gross, 6m net (vertical thickness) oil column in the Flag Sandstone. The oil water contact is similar to that seen in Simpson-1 which has led operator Apache Energy to believe the find is an extension of the original discovery.

The well will be immediately brought onto production after completion of drilling operations at the Simpson Bravo Platform. Simpson-8 is the next well to be drilled in the sequence, which is an additional interpreted drainage point to the north of Simpson-1.

So far during its recent drilling program the JV has managed to increase production to over 28,000 bopd.

The Hoover-2 development well started producing on 7 September and is producing around 3,000 bopd, while the North Pedirka-1 well came online on 14 September 2003 around 2,700 bopd.

The drilling program completed a number of successful wells with North Pedirka-1, Gipsy-3, Hoover-2 and Ginger -1 all with oil and gas shows.

Harriet Joint Venture Participants include Tap Oil 12.2229%, Apache Energy (operator) 68.5% and Kufpec Australia 19.2771%.