Cooper-1 was drilled to a total depth of 2,103 metres to allow a comprehensive well logging program over the well stratigraphy, including the target Birdrong Sandstone. Wire line logs confirmed the absence of hydrocarbons in the target.
The Cooper prospect is located in exploration permit EP 325 between the Rough Range oil field and the Rivoli gas field.
“The drilling results are disappointing given the known presence of hydrocarbons in EP 325 in the Rivoli Gas Field, 12 kilometres to the north of Cooper-1,” said Victoria Petroleum managing director John Kopcheff.
Managing director of junior partner Sun Resources, Brad Farrell, said the absence of hydrocarbons was probably attributable to the unexpected lack of shale seal over the structure.
“The Muderong Shale which is a thick regional seal to many oil and gas fields in the Exmouth Sub-Basin, including the nearby Rivoli gasfield, was found to be thinner at the Cooper location and instead of being shale-dominant was found to be mainly composed of siltstones with interbedded sandstones,” Farrell said.
The Ensco 56 rig moved yesterday to a new drill location in the Carnarvon Basin.
Interests in Permit EP 325 are Strike Oil Limited (drilling operator) 40%, Victoria Petroleum NL (operator of record) 32.5%, Sun Resources NL 10%, Bow Energy Limited 10% and Black Rock Oil & Gas PLC 7.5%.
