Middleton-1 is about 5km northwest of the Raven Gas Field, 9km southwest of the Smegsy Gasfield, and 6km southeast of the recent Udacha-1 gas discovery.

The well will test the hydrocarbon potential of a faulted anticlinal closure at the

Patchawarra level, which is estimated to contain up to 3 million barrels of recoverable oil or 15 billion cubic feet of gas. Secondary potential also exists in the Toolachee and Epsilon formations and Tirrawarra Sandstone.

Each of these reservoir intervals is commercially productive in the Cooper Basin, Great Artesian said.

It is expected to take 20 days to drill and evaluate Middleton-1 to a planned total depth of 2895m.

Beach is the operator and is fully funding the drilling costs. If a commercial discovery is made at Middleton-1, Great Artesian and Beach Petroleum will each hold a 50% stake in any subsequent petroleum production license.