Nexus Energy Limited says that at 06:00 am (ACST), the Crux-3 appraisal well in exploration permit AC/P23, in the Browse Basin, has reached a depth of 3,918 metres true vertical depth (“TVD”).

The Crux-3 well is interpreted to have intersected a 150 metre thick, gas charged reservoir section at the main ‘A’ sand level, which is significantly greater than the most likely pre-drill expectation. Based on well logs acquired during drilling, the reservoir is interpreted to be similar in quality to the high porosity and high nett to gross sands seen in other Crux wells. In addition, and as prognosed, the well intersected a 13 metre thick gas charged sand in a younger formation at the same level as the top gas sand seen in the Crux-2 ST1 well.

Since the last progress report a 72 metre core was successfully recovered over the upper part of the reservoir section. The well is currently shut down and personnel have been evacuated from the rig in response to possible cyclone activity.

The forward plan is to fully reman the rig and drill ahead to the planned total depth of 3,985 metres TVD, run wireline logs and then conduct the production test. The information gathered from the production test will be used in the detailed design of the production facilities for the Crux liquids project.

The Crux-3 well will be the first of three wells to be drilled in the greater Crux area over the next three months.

Two of the three wells including Crux-3 will be drilled in AC/P23 on the Crux field. A third well will be drilled in the adjoining AC/P41 exploration permit to test the Libra exploration prospect, in which Nexus holds a 50% interest.

Nexus’ managing director, Ian Tchacos said, “The results of this well continue to be very encouraging. This intersection of a significantly shallower and greater than anticipated thickness of ‘A’ sand at this location is an outstanding result with very positive implications for the Crux liquids project. I look forward to reporting on the outcome of the production test within the next fortnight.”

Tags: Nexus Energy