The tests, which commenced in March of this year, were carried out in order to determine the potential for increasing oil production from the northern wells after they had not achieved their anticipated potential.

The operator of the field, Pacific Tiger Energy, tested WB-N2 because it recorded a big decrease in production but appeared to hold the potential for much higher rates. The results showed 'skin damage' and according to Carnarvon, this could be attributed to the migration of fine particles to the near wellbore region.

Nevertheless, Carnarvon said the skin damage could be removed by remedial well stimulation using hydraulic fracturing techniques such as skin bypass frac. "This is a tried and proven technology capable of substantially improving production rates. This technology has the potential to increase production by 300% or more," Carnarvon said.

Carnarvon said the JV is in the process of mobilising the required equipment at the earliest opportunity to perform the well stimulation, which is scheduled for later this month or early June.

Testing also included static pressure measurements of a number of other wells that supports the continuity and the reserves estimates for the field as well as potential for higher oil production rates, Carnarvon added.