Dukas exploration program update
Brisbane, June 30, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Central Petroleum Limited (
ASX:CTP) (C9J:FRA) (CPTLF:OTCMKTS) provides the following update about the ongoing JV negotiations with Santos in relation to a forward plan for the prospective multi-tcf (trillion cubic feet) Dukas prospect in EP112 in the Northern Territory's Amadeus Basin.
While drilling the Dukas-1 well in August 2019, mud gas samples indicated a combination of hydrocarbons and inert gases. The well was suspended at a depth of 3,704m, after encountering an exceptionally over-pressured zone above the target reservoir formation. These are positive indications for a working petroleum system at the Dukas location and Central remains very keen to progress.
During the quarter, Central and Santos have continued to collaborate closely on a forward plan to complete Dukas exploration. This has been particularly time consuming given the significant farm-out and Joint Venture complexities that have arisen due to the unanticipated suspension of Dukas-1, the specialised high-pressure equipment required to move forward and the impact of COVID-19. Whilst this has taken longer than hoped, Central intends to provide further updates until a forward plan for Dukas has been finalised and announced to the market.
"As I said during my quarterly webinar in May, I was optimistic a forward plan for Dukas could be agreed by the end of June. Unfortunately, it is taking longer than expected due to the complexities of the various agreements, the need to import specialised high-pressure equipment and the impact of COVID-19 on all operations. Despite the progress to date, I do not believe that a target spudding date for Dukas will be achievable in 2021. Whilst I fully appreciate that such a delay may be frustrating for investors, we will continue to push hard for an outcome that is in the best interests of Central shareholders and does not expose the Company to unacceptable risks or unnecessary delays. Negotiations are well advanced at this time, and I believe an agreed Dukas forward plan is possible in the near-term. We appreciate the support and continued patience of our shareholders through this negotiation process," said Mr Devaney.
About Central Petroleum Limited
Central Petroleum Limited (
ASX:CTP) is an established ASX-listed Australian oil and gas producer (ASX:CTP) with exploration and appraisal permits in the Northern Territory (NT). Central has grown to become the largest onshore gas operator in the NT, supplying residential and industrial customers in the NT and wider Australian east coast market.
Central is seeking to become a major domestic energy supplier, in addition to helium and naturally occurring hydrogen, with exploration, appraisal and development plans across 169,112 km2 of tenements the NT, including some of Australia's largest known onshore conventional gas prospects in the Amadeus Basin.
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