The Palm Valley 12 (PV12) well in OL3, southwest of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, was at a depth of 2,335m in the P4 unit of the Pacoota Formation as of 0600 hours ACST on July 4, 2022, according to Central Petroleum Limited ("Central") (CTP).
Drilling progressed 57m during the week and a series of flow and pressure tests were undertaken to provide an estimate of the formation pressure within the P2 and P3 units of the Pacoota Formation. These tests were performed prior to setting a cement plug in the lower P2 section to cure the loss zone. This work has now been completed and mud drilling through the P4 unit commenced. Improved rates of penetration are expected once the remaining 95m of the P4 unit have been drilled.
The PV12 well has two alternate objectives. The primary deep gas exploration target is the Arumbera Sandstone at an anticipated depth of 3,560m. Alternatively, if the deep exploration target is not successful, a shallower gas appraisal lateral will be drilled in the currently producing P1 formation with the potential to become a production well.
The PV12 well is the first of a 2-well drilling program that also includes the Dingo-5 exploration / production well. Both wells are being drilled under joint ventures between Central (50% interest), New Zealand Oil & Gas Limited (“NZOG”) (ASX: NZO) (35% interest) and Cue Energy Resources Limited (“Cue”) (CUE) (15% interest) and are scheduled to be completed this year.