Salamander Energy provides the following update on its Thai drilling operations in Block L15/50, onshore Northeast Thailand, and Block B8/38, Gulf of Thailand.

Dao Ruang-2 well, Block L15/50 Dao Ruang-2 ('DR-2') drilling operations at the Dao Ruang-2 location have been completed. Following an openhole drill stem test ('DST') the well failed to flow at a sustained commercial rate and is in the process of being temporarily suspended for potential re-entry at a later date. Drilling now moves to the second location of the two well programme, as originally planned, targeting an independent fault network in the structure.

The DR-2 well was drilled to a depth of 2,212 metres true vertical depth sub-sea ('m TVDSS') into the eastern flank of the Dao Ruang structure, targeting a swarm of faults and fractures identified from high resolution 3D seismic. The well intersected a number of fracture zones with associated gas shows and experienced gas influx associated with a fault system around 1,840 m TVDSS. Gas shows were seen all the way to TD, with no sign of water, demonstrating a significant gas column in the Dao Ruang structure.

An openhole DST was undertaken across an interval between 1,008 - 2,211 m TVDSS. The section was tested following an acid wash, however only sub-commercial flow rates were recorded, indicating very low permeability formation and a limited open, connected fracture network at the DR-2 location.

The MB Century 26 rig will now be mobilised to the Dao Ruang-3 ('DR-3') drilling location. The DR-3 well will target a separate fracture set on the northern flank of the Dao Ruang structure with a different orientation to those seen in DR-2, providing a greater chance of encountering an open fracture network and an opportunity to test at a commercial flow rate.

The DR-3 well will be drilled to a planned depth of 1,900 m TVDSS and is expected to spud within the next 8 days. The well is forecast to take 45 days to drill on a dry hole basis.

Salamander has a 50% interest in, and is operator of, Block L15/50.

James Menzies, Chief Executive Officer of Salamander Energy, said, 'While it is disappointing that we did not encounter commercial gas at our first Dao Ruang location, it is clear from drilling that there is a significant gas column in the structure. The two well programme was originally designed to target two independent fault networks in different orientations, and we expect to spud the second well in a matter of days.'

Tags: Salamander Energy