Rockhopper Encouraged by Sea Lion Appraisal Results

Rockhopper Exploration announced its appraisal well 14/10-5, drilled about 1,969 feet (600 meters) north of the discovery well, reached a total depth of 8,944 feet (2,726 meters).

The well was successful, proving a very thick, high-quality reservoir package and a substantial oil column. The company says the geological prognosis once again came in very close to prediction. The appraisal well was designed to appraise the Sea Lion main fan reservoir and investigate hydrocarbon column and reservoir distribution. The Sea Lion reservoir sands were encountered 72 feet (22 meters) up-dip from the 14/10-2 discovery well at a depth of 7,802 feet (2,378 meters).

A total reservoir package of 361 feet (110 meters), compromising one main sand and three thinner sands, was encountered with a net to gross of 91% in the main sand and 25 to 80% in the lower sands. The main gross oil column in the main Sea Lion fan is now 410 feet (125 meters), said Rockhopper.

The company now intends to test the well. Testing will consist of a mini DST and a fully engineered drill stem test, and it should take about one month to complete.

The Sea Lion discovery is located on Block 14/10 in Production Licenses 032 and 033 on the eastern basin margin of the Falkland Islands. Rockhopper wholly owns and operates the field.  

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