Origin Energy Resources (Kupe) Limited (Origin), on behalf of the Kupe Joint Venture, advises that the ENSCO 107 has commenced drilling the Momoho 1 exploration well at a location six kilometres south east of the Kupe field .

Kupe Project Director Peter Ashford said that since the Kupe project was approved in June 2006 Origin, as operator of the Kupe JV, has been looking for other exploration opportunities close to the Kupe facilities.

Extensive geological and geophysical investigations identified the Momoho prospect as the most exciting drilling candidate in the Kupe area.

It is believed that the Momoho prospect could contain either oil or gas, possibly both. The Momoho 1 well is located between previously drilled exploration well Kupe South-4 (see map), which found subcommercial volumes of gas and Kupe South-5, which found subcommercial volumes of oil.

Mr Ashford said, “The well will take about 40 days drilling to reach its target depth. If the results are encouraging, further appraisal may be required.”

Tags: Origin Energy