The well had been drilled to 2,750 metres, but wireline logging had been unsuccessful because of hole conditions, managing director Eric Streitberg said.

A preliminary review of Jingemia-7 data indicated the well had intersected the Dongara Sandstone at about 2,520m measured depth.

This was about 41m below the assumed oil water contact of the Jingemia Oil Field oil water contact, and in a separate fault block to the field.

The Dongara Sandstone appeared to be water bearing at Jingemia-7, Streitberg said.

Further work at the well depended on the logging program being completed.

It may include the well being sidetracked to the south-east to a bottom hole location which has been interpreted to be on the upthrown side of the fault.

Participants: Arc Energy Limited, 50% (operator) and Origin Energy Developments Pty Ltd, 50% (a wholly owned subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited)