Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) has issued an update on the Lockyer-2 conventional gas appraisal well drilling operations.
Lockyer-2 is a downdip, step-out appraisal well about 3.2 kilometres north-east of the Lockyer Deep-1 gas discovery. The Lockyer-2 well is located inside Exploration Permit EP368 in the North Perth Basin.
The permit is jointly held by Norwest Energy NL and Energy Resources Limited, a Minres subsidiary.
Drilling began on 15 March 2023. The Kingia Sandstone was Lockyer-2’s major target. At 4,347 metres (MDRT), the target was reached with minimal quantities of background gas visible. The drilling was finished at a total depth of 4,574 metres. (MDRT).
According to MinRes, the reservoir in Kingia Sandstone is of exceptional quality. However, analysis of wireline data and sampling results show that the reservoir is water saturated and the aquifer is at a significantly higher pressure than originally thought.
The Lockyer-2 well has been halted in anticipation of future use. The Ensign Rig 970 will be mobilised shortly to drill the North Erregulla Deep-1 exploration well.
