The Eclipse structure was interpreted as a four way dip closed anticline with the well intersecting mostly water wet sands beneath the sealing coal unit of the Cattamarra Coal Measures.
The shales and coals in the Cattamarra Coal Measures are proven source rocks with oil and gas generating potential. It has now been interpreted that a later pulse of gas generation has filled the Eclipse structure with gas and displaced the oil updip and to the west.
This interpretation now has significant implications for the Yeal Prospect to the west of Eclipse-1. If the oil was displaced to the west then the Yeal Prospect could be full of oil.
This interpretation is supported by oil recoveries from Cataby-1 in the company's application 4/02-3 to the north.
An additional seismic survey is planned over the Yeal structure prior to drilling.
Empire has a 100% equity in all of its northern and central Perth Basin permits and will be seeking to farm out interests to assist in exploring the potential oil trend.