Gamma-1 is the second well in a three-hole oil exploration drilling program in the block.

The well, to be drilled to a planned depth of 1504m, is currently at a depth of 1148m and will test a mapped four-way closed structure with primary oil targets in Jurassic-aged Namur and Hutton sandstones.

Bow said it is now preparing to carry out an off-bottom drill stem test.

“Good oil fluorescence in cuttings within the Murta sandstone with associated gas peaks of about 16 units were recorded between the interval 1124m and 1131m,” the company said.

The Murta sandstone is a secondary target in the well.

After Gamma-1, and subject to lease access, the rig will next move to Nora-1, which will test a four-way closed structure with up to 6.5 million barrels of recoverable oil potential in one zone.

Bow is fully-carried on the Cooper-Eromanga oil exploration drilling program, with Avery Resources (Australia) funding 100% of each Wompi block well’s cost to casing point or plugging and abandonment.

The interests in ATP 752P (following the completion of the Avery farm-in) will be operator Bow 25%, Victoria Petroleum 25% and Avery 50%.