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Sole drilling progresses

The progress of Sole-3 has been affected by interruptions brought by heavy weather, With Cooper deciding to batch drill the top-holes of Sole-3 and Sole-4 to optimise workflow.

This decision is expected to reduce the duration of operations for Sole-4.

Sole-3 has been drilled to a total depth (TD) of 1,215 m measured depth below rotary table (MDRT) and the current operation is completion of the reservoir section.

The well was successfully drilled on its planned trajectory and the Top Latrobe Group sandstone reservoir was intersected at the same depth as Sole-2 at 1,113 m MDRT (745.8 m true vertical depth subsea).

A near horizontal section of 97 m has been drilled in the reservoir section, with samples collected containing 100 per cent high quality Latrobe Group reservoir sandstone.

Gas indications recorded throughout the reservoir section are consistent with pre-drill expectations and that recorded in Sole-2.

Forward operations include installation of the gravel pack completion and the 7 inch (177.8 mm) production string prior to performance of well clean-up and flow back.

Current expectations are that the well should be ready for clean-up and flow back in eight to ten days.

Productivity data will be acquired during flow-back operations prior to suspension of the well and kedging of the rig to Sole-4, which has already had top-hole drilled.

Sole-4 has been drilled to a depth of 532 m MDRT in the Gippsland Limestone, with 13 ⅜ inch (399.7 mm) casing installed and cemented in place.

The Sole-4 wellhead has been installed and tested in preparation for drilling ahead towards target depth in 12 ¼ inch (311.15 mm) hole.

When Sole-3 operations are complete the rig will move to Sole-4 to continue drilling to the target section.

The wells are located approximately 35 km offshore Victoria and 65 km from the Orbost Gas Processing Plant, to which it will be connected as the Sole Gas Project progresses.

The field is being developed to supply approximately 24 PJ/a from mid-2019, with approximately 75 per cent of the field’s reserves contracted to a range of utility and industrial customers including AGL Energy, EnergyAustralia, Alinta Energy and O-I.

Cooper Energy, which holds 100 per cent equity in the Sole gas field, is undertaking the $355 million offshore development, while APA Group is conducting a $250 million upgrade to the onshore Orbost Gas Processing Plant to enable processing of gas from Sole.

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