QGC said an additional appraisal well, Berwyndale South-6, has been spudded to expand the test pattern and speed up gas reserve certification. It will also use a modified completion design with the aim of optimising production from the field.

QGC has also commenced drilling another core hole, Berwyndale South-10, to secure additional gas content and gas saturation data required for the gas reserve certification process.

QGC managing director Richard Cottee said the decision to expand was made after encouraging flow rates from the five pilot wells that were fitted with new high-capacity water pumps.

"As yet, the flow rates have not stabilised but the gas flow can be expected to progressively increase as the water level in the wells is drawn down," Mr Cottee said.