AWE Limited reports that as at 06:00 hours (6.00am NZDT) today, the Pateke-4H development well was preparing to sidetrack a short section of lower wellbore. The mechanical drill string difficulties experienced in the original hole were unable to be fully resolved and the lower part of the hole has been abandoned.

It is now proposed to sidetrack with a 12 ¼ inch drilling assembly from a measured depth of 3,375m, drill into the F10 reservoir at a horizontal angle of approximately 90 degrees, and then set the 9 5/8 inch casing at approximately 4,110m as planned. The well will then be drilled horizontally through the F10 reservoir to a total measured depth of 5,361m.

Tags: AWE Limited