AWE reported that at 0600 hours today (WST) the Arrowsmith-2 exploration well was drilling ahead at a measured depth of 2,291 meters after running and cementing 9-5/8" casing at a measured depth of 2,284 meters, as planned. Progress for the week was 1,691 meters.

The Arrowsmith-2 well is designed to test the unconventional gas potential of the Carynginia Formation, Irwin River Coal Measures and Kockatea Shale and will be drilled to a proposed total depth of approximately 3,420 meters.

The well is located approximately 25 kilometers from the Woodada Deep-1 well (deepened by AWE in April 2010 to acquire cores over the Carynginia Shale interval), and approximately 500 meters south east of the Arrowsmith-1 well, which tested gas from the Carynginia Formation.

During drilling, the joint venture is planning to cut conventional cores from the middle Carynginia Shale and Irwin River Coal Measures. On completion of drilling, the well will be suspended for future fracture stimulation and testing which is planned for later in the year.

Tags: AWE Limited