The company said harsh weather conditions created major logistical challenges but it is on target to achieve a production level of 20 million cubic feet of gas per day from wells at Clear Creek and Helper.

Natural gas sales have reached a combined gross rate of 3-6MMcfd of gas and are increasing, the company added.

At Clear Creek, three of the six Ridge Runner wells (RR 13-17, 11-17 and 1-30) are producing at a combined rate of 1-4MMcfd.

Marion hopes to bring the RR 2-19 and 11-20 wells back into production once the muddy conditions have improved in order for a work-over rig to be moved to the area to complete minor remedial work on the pumps.

The company will also accelerate work for fracture stimulation of the shut-in RR 8-19 well.

Meanwhile, at Helper, the Kenilworth Rail Road (KRR 1-A) well is undergoing minor adjustments to fine tune production and is expected to be put back on production in the near future.

Initial production rates from the KRR 1-A well were established at a rate of up to 1.5MMcfd.

Also at Helper, Marion is continuing to dewater its coal seam methane wells.

The wells are producing 500-1000 cubic feet of natural gas per day.

Marion has a 100% working interest in Clear Creek and a 70% interest in the Helper project.