Beach Energy Spuds Callawonga-12 Well in South Australia's Cooper Basin

Australia's oil and gas exploration and production company Cooper Energy Ltd. reported that the PEL 92 Joint Venture has spud Thursday the Callawonga-12 oil development and appraisal well in PPL 220 on the western flank of the Cooper Basin, South Australia.

Drilling of the Callawonga-12 well, located 1,083 feet (330 meters) northeast of the Callawonga-1 production well, commenced at 05:00 hours, with the rig drilling ahead at 105 feet (32 meters) in 12.25 inch surface hole at 06:00 hours. The well is expected to drill to a depth of approximately 4,751 feet (1,448 meters), to accelerate production, and potentially add reserves, from the McKinlay Member and Namur Sandstone reservoirs in the northeastern area of the field.

Cooper Energy said the rig will depart PPL 220 after completing work at Callawonga-12, before returning in October to drill 1-2 exploration wells in the PRL 85-104 permits.

The firm holds a 25 percent interest in PPL 220, with the balance held by operator Beach Energy Ltd.