Gas shows were recorded during drilling over a section of sandstones equivalent in age to those intersected in the Echuca Shoals-1 well.

Fossetmaker-1 is about 7km east-northeast of the earlier well and was drilled to evaluate the possible eastern extension of the Echuca Shoals field.

“Wireline logs indicate a 10m gas interval with a low net to gross at a depth just below the 70m main gas column seen in the Echuca shoals gas well,” Nexus said.

“Wireline run formation pressure measurement logs indicate that the formation is tight at this location. It is unclear whether the gas encountered in Fossetmaker-1 is in pressure communication with the gas observed in the Echuca Shoals-1 well.

“Further study will be required to assess the commercial implications of this result for the Echuca Shoals gas accumulation.”

The well, which was drilled at no cost to Nexus under a farm-in agreement with Shell, is currently being plugged prior to releasing the rig.

Nexus said it would provide a reassessment of the Echuca Shoals resource potential following a complete technical evaluation incorporating the results of the Fossetmaker-1.

Interests in Fossetmaker and WA-377-P are Nexus Energy (66%) and

Shell Development (Australia) (34%).