The 11-well campaign, of which Thungo-9 is the second well, comprises two near-field exploration wells, five appraisal wells and four development wells to be drilled back-to-back by Santos as operator using the PDI rig 721.

Thungo-9 spudded on January 8 and was drilled to a total depth of 1390m. Trace fluorescence with slow bleeding cut was observed in the Coorikiana Sandstone over the interval 610-651m. The Murta Member, the primary target, had fluorescence up to 80% and associated gas shows.

Magellan said wireline logs were run and, following evaluation, a drill stem test was run over the interval 609-630m in the Coorikiana Formation. Electric logs indicated about 8m of net pay in the Murta Member.

The PDI-721 was released on January 14 and moved to Thungo-10, which spudded the next day. Magellan said as of yesterday, surface casing had been set at a depth of 187m and the well was drilling ahead at 436m.

Interests in the Nockatunga program are operator Santos with 61.006% and Magellan with 38.994%.