The US energy giant said yesterday the well, in Carnarvon Basin permit WA-356-P, encountered 121 feet of net pay in the prolific Triassic Mungaroo formation.
Apache’s president and chief executive Steven Farris said the result had extended the “prolific productive trend” established by the Julimar-1 discovery 17km south-west, and extended by the follow-up Julimar East-1 well.
“Brunello and Julimar are among a number of high-potential exploration plays and prospects Apache has matured in our core growth areas of Australia, Canada and Egypt,” he said.
Estimated to contain 300 billion cubic feet of recoverable resources, Brunello-1 will be suspended as a future production well.
The well was drilled in 508ft (154m) of water to a vertical depth of 12,027ft (3666m). Apache said the test was limited by the capacity of the downhole and surface facilities.
Apache owns a 65% interest in the 239,440-acre WA-356-P permit and operates the block. Kufpec holds the remaining working interest.
In addition to its three WA-356-P discoveries, Apache is planning to drill three further high-potential gas prospects on its 5.4 million acres in the Carnarvon Basin before year-end.
